Mayo Clinic researchers find promise in new potential treatment for liver failure

A new drug has been shown to increase healing and regeneration of the liver after major surgery, according to a study published in the scientific journal Cell. Researchers hope that this could lead to more surgical options for patients diagnosed with advanced liver tumors and liver failure. “This research is significant because this is the first

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A micro-fragmented collagen gel as a stem cell-assembling platform for critical limb ischemia repair

Critical limb ischemia is a condition in which the main blood vessels supplying blood to the legs are blocked, causing blood flow to gradually decrease as atherosclerosis progresses in the peripheral arteries. It is a severe form of peripheral artery disease that causes progressive closure of arteries in the lower extremity, leading to the necrosis

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Preliminary Clinical Trial Results Show ‘Dramatic and Rapid’ Regression of Glioblastoma after Next Generation CAR-T Therapy

A collaborative project to bring the promise of cell therapy to patients with a deadly form of brain cancer has shown dramatic results among the first patients to receive the novel treatment. In a paper published today in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the Mass General Cancer Center, a member of the Mass

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Fibrinolytic Biomarkers for Identifying Patients at Risk of Severe COVID-19

Researchers identify associations between proteins involved in fibrinolysis and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare services experienced an overburdening surge in admissions. Recognizing the complexity of managing COVID-19 cases, researchers have identified proteins related to fibrinolysis as potential biomarkers for evaluating the risk of a patient

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Zilebesiran RNAi therapeutic lowers blood pressure for months

The results of a phase II study with the RNAi therapeutic zilebesiran have appeared in the specialist journal “JAMA”. Accordingly, injections of the drug every three or every six months lower blood pressure sustainably. Zilebesiran is a substance that exerts its pharmacological effect via RNA interference (RNAi) . The active ingredient is a short RNA section that, as small

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Simple Blood Protein Tests Predict Which Lymphoma Patients Are Most Likely to Have Poor CAR T Outcomes

International research team develops, validates approach for assessing and responding to elevated risk As new cancer treatments become available, some of the most important ongoing research must look at ways to optimize those new approaches so that more patients can benefit from groundbreaking therapies. In work newly published in Blood Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association

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New Anti-Blood Clotting Drug May Lower Risk of Recurrent Strokes

An experimental drug designed to block blood-clotting proteins may lower the risk of recurrent strokes, according to a dose-finding trial published in The Lancet Neurology. More than 795,000 people in the United States each year suffer a stroke, according to the American Heart Association, and nearly one in five will go on to experience another stroke. “When patients

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Positive Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial Data for an Investigational Gene Therapy for Genetic Hearing Loss to be Presented at the Association for Research in Otolaryngology 2024 MidWinter Meeting

Hearing restoration was observed within 30 days of a single administration of AK-OTOF in the initial AK-OTOF-101 study participant, the first to receive gene therapy in the United States for a genetic form of hearing loss AK-OTOF is a gene therapy being developed for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss due to mutations in the otoferlin gene (OTOF)

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New research finds half-cardio, half-strength training reduces cardiovascular disease risks

Approximately one in three deaths in the U.S. is caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A robust body of evidence shows aerobic exercise can reduce risks, especially for people who are overweight or obese. But few studies have compared results with resistance exercise — also known as strength

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First-in-human clinical trial of CAR T cell therapy with new binding mechanism shows promising early responses

Improving CART19 function by targeting a membrane-proximal CD19 epitope with fast on- and off-rates. Early results for the Penn Medicine-developed AT101 presented at ASH Early results from a Phase I clinical trial of AT101, a new CAR T cell therapy that uses a distinct binding mechanism to target CD19, show a 100 percent complete response

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FDA Approves First CRISPR-based Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two milestone treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, representing the first cell-based gene therapies for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients 12 years and older. Additionally, one of these therapies, Casgevy, is the first FDA-approved treatment to utilize a type of novel genome editing technology, signaling an

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Personalized cancer medicine: humans make better treatment decisions than AI

Charité study highlights limits of large language models in precision medicine Treating cancer is becoming increasingly complex, but also offers more and more possibilities. After all, the better a tumor’s biology and genetic features are understood, the more treatment approaches there are. To be able to offer patients personalized therapies tailored to their disease, laborious

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Vitamin B12: a key player in cellular reprogramming and tissue regeneration

Researchers at IRB Barcelona reveal that vitamin B12 significantly boosts the efficiency of cellular reprogramming, thus holding promise for regenerative medicine. Vitamin B12 supplementation shows potential in speeding up tissue repair in a model of ulcerative colitis—an observation that points to potential new treatments for inflammatory diseases. The discovery has been published in the journal Nature

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Cordio HearO® system an AI phone app detects worsening heart failure based on changes in patients’ voices

A smartphone app using artificial intelligence technology to detect changes in the voice of a person with heart failure predicted more than 75% of hospitalizations about three weeks before they happened, according to late-breaking science presented Nov. 13 at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023. The meeting, held Nov. 11–13, in Philadelphia, is a premier global exchange

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Patients with high levels of triglycerides and diglycerides in blood samples are more likely to develop glaucoma

Glaucoma remains one of the most common causes of vision loss and blindness in the U.S. and much of the world, disproportionately affecting older people, African Americans, and Hispanics and Latinos. Early signs of glaucoma can vary, from eye pressure to changes in the appearance of the optic nerve, and the disease can progress for

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Study Shows Stem Cell Transplant Significantly Improves Outcomes in Refractory Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis

New research at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology’s (ACR) annual meeting, shows that patients with refractory juvenile systemic sclerosis improved significantly on nearly all measures for two years following autologous stem cell transplant (Abstract #L06). Juvenile-onset systemic sclerosis (jSSc), also called scleroderma, is a disfiguring autoimmune disorder marked by hardening of the skin

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Ground-breaking discovery could pave the way for new therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke

Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered the mechanism by which cholesterol in our diet is absorbed into our cells. This discovery, which has just been published in the journal Science opens up new opportunities for therapeutic intervention to control cholesterol uptake that could complement other therapies and potentially save lives. The research, conducted with colleagues

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Bioactive, 3D-Printed Composite Material Supports Broken Bone Healing

A broken bone failing to heal represents an enormous burden for patients, which also often leads to further additional surgeries being required. Fraunhofer researchers have worked alongside partners to develop a composite material to be used in the treatment of such non-union cases. The resulting implant (termed scaffold) is designed to significantly improve treatment success

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VERVE-101: CRISPR-Based Gene Editing Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing LDL-C and PCSK9 Levels in Patients With HeFH

A single infusion of a CRISPR-based gene editing therapy significantly reduced LDL-C and PCSK9 levels in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), based on findings from the VERVE-101 trial presented Nov. 12 at AHA 2023. In presenting the findings, Andrew Bellinger, MD, PhD, said they provide the first proof-of-concept for in vivo DNA base editing in humans.

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Semaglutide 2.4 mg delivered a statistically significant 20% risk reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events

Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy®) cardiovascular outcomes data presented at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and simultaneously published in New England Journal of Medicine At the American Heart Asoociation annual Scientific Session were announced the primary results of SELECT, its landmark phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial investigating the effects of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy®) in

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COVID Moonshot Consortium Unveils Crowd-Sourced Covid Antiviral Lead Compound

The work of the COVID Moonshot Consortium is being published in the prestigious journal Science on 10 November, revealing their discovery of a potent SARS-CoV-2 antiviral lead compound. It also reflects on the success of its open science approach in launching a patent-free antiviral discovery program to rapidly develop a differentiated lead in response to

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FDA Approves First Treatment for Patients with Rare Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Adzynma, the first recombinant (genetically engineered) protein product indicated for prophylactic (preventive) or on demand enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in adult and pediatric patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP), a rare and life-threatening blood clotting disorder. “The FDA remains deeply committed in our efforts to help facilitate

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November the 10th Updated living WHO guideline on drugs for covid-19

November the 10th a panel of international experts representing the World Health Organization’s Guideline Development Group has updated its guidance on treatments for patients with COVID-19. The new recommendations published by The BMJ are part of a living guideline, developed by the World Health Organization with the methodological support of MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation, to provide up

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Leading cardiologists reveal new heart disease risk calculator

Cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health measures included in new PREVENT risk calculator, detailed in a new American Heart Association Scientific Statement Statement Highlights: A new calculator estimates a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) over the next 30 years by combining measures of cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health for the first time, according to a

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New Study: Gargling and Nasal Rinsing with Salt Water May Help Prevent Covid Hospitalization

Hospitalization rates in people with saline regimens significantly lower than in reference population  As Covid and its health effects move into a fourth year, those who become infected may be searching for remedies to improve their respiratory symptoms and keep them out of the hospital. A new study being presented at this year’s American College

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New study findings call into question the superiority of stem cell therapy for treating knee pain

Characterized by extensive damage to joints and debilitating pain, osteoarthritis (OA) impacts millions of people worldwide and has long posed a substantial clinical and economic burden. In spite of advances in diagnosis, medications, and short-term pain management solutions, the elusive goal of a disease-modifying OA drug has remained out of reach. In recent years though,

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Convalescent plasma reduces mortality by 10% in Covid-19 patients in acute respiratory distress and on artificial respiratory assistance

In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, clinicians and researchers from the CHU of Liège and the University of Liège show that the administration of plasma taken from convalescent donors after infection with Sars-CoV-2 to patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring artificial mechanical ventilation significantly reduced mortality (10%). he randomised

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UN agencies warn women and newborns bearing the brunt of the conflict in Gaza: WHO confirms

Women, children and newborns in Gaza are disproportionately bearing the burden of the escalation of hostilities in the occupied Palestinian territory, both as casualties and in reduced access to health services, warn the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations

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Businesses marketing unproven expensive stem cell treatments and exosome therapies for COVID-19 and Long Covid

Researchers have identified 38 businesses engaged in direct-to-consumer marketing of purported stem cell treatments and exosome therapies for preventing and treating COVID-19 even though these “interventions” have not been approved or authorized by national regulatory bodies and are not supported by convincing safety and efficacy data. The analysis, appearing in the journal Stem Cell Reports, also found

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Clinical benefit for metastatic prostate cancer of Novartis Pluvicto™

Novartis presented data from the Phase III PSMAfore trial at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Data presented at the Presidential Symposium showed that Pluvicto™ (lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan) met its primary endpoint with a clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefit in radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) in patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen

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Researchers Design Gene Therapy That Can Effectively Target Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive brain cancer, is notoriously resistant to treatment, with recurrent GBM associated with survival of less than 10 months. Immunotherapies, which mobilize the body’s immune defenses against a cancer, have not been effective for GBM, in part because the tumor’s surrounding environment is largely impenetrable to assaults from the body’s immune system.

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NIH Scientists Unveil Detailed Cell Maps of the Human Brain and the Nonhuman Primate Brain

Incredibly detailed cell maps help pave the way for new generation of treatments A group of international scientists have mapped the genetic, cellular, and structural makeup of the human brain and the nonhuman primate brain. This understanding of brain structure, achieved by funding through the National Institutes of Health’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative, or

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Severe Vibrio vulnificus Infections in the United States Associated with Warming Coastal Waters: CDC issues Health Alert

SummaryThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to: BackgroundVibrio are bacteria that cause an estimated 80,000 illnesses each year in the United States. About a dozen species of Vibrio are pathogenic to humans. V. parahaemolyticus causes the most infections in the United States, accounting for about 40% of reported cases

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The use of cell therapy to treat COVID-19 patients can reduce the risk of death from the disease by 60%, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, in partnership with colleagues in Germany and the United States.

Brazilian researchers and collaborators in Germany and the US compiled data from 195 clinical trials conducted in 30 countries between January 2020 and December 2021. The findings are promising, although the authors stress the need for enhanced controls in the making of the products used in cell therapy. Their findings are reported in an article

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American College of Phisicians issues updated Rapid, Living Practice Points on treating COVID-19 patients in outpatient settings

In an updated rapid, living practice points, the American College of Physicians (ACP) summarizes the latest evidence on the use of pharmacologic and biologic treatments of COVID-19 in the outpatient setting, specifically addressing the dominant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant. Outpatient Treatment of Confirmed COVID-19: Living, Rapid Practice Points from the American

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Repeated doses of covid-19 vaccine provide strong protection for seniors

More and more frequent vaccine doses than in other countries reduce mortality in covid-19 in nursing homes. This is shown by a Swedish study, led by Anders Johansson and Mattias Forsell, Umeå University, which was published in the highly ranked journal Lancet Infectious Diseases. In the fight against covid-19, researchers have carefully studied the effectiveness

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 SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of islet autoimmunity in early childhood

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease leading to an impaired glucose metabolism and requires life-long administration of insulin. While the cause of the autoimmunity reaction is still unclear, viral infections in young children are proposed to be critical environmental factors leading to type 1 diabetes. An international team of researchers from the Global Platform

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Exercise-Induced Hormone Irisin May Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease Plaque and Tangle Pathology in the Brain

Key Takeaways Researchers who previously developed the first 3D human cell culture models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that displays two major hallmarks of the condition—the generation of amyloid beta deposits followed by tau tangles—have now used their model to investigate whether the exercise-induced muscle hormone irisin affects amyloid beta pathology. As reported in the journal Neuron,

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JAMA published large study provides deeper insight into long COVID symptoms

NIH-funded research effort identifies most common symptoms, potential subgroups, and initial symptom-based scoring system – with aim of improving future diagnostics and treatment. Initial findings from a study of nearly 10,000 Americans, many of whom had COVID-19, have uncovered new details about long COVID, the post-infection set of conditions that can affect nearly every tissue

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Study reveals novel action mechanism of corticosteroids in combating inflammation caused by COVID-19

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a class of corticosteroids called glucocorticoids (GCs) have become established as one of the main treatment options, especially for severe cases, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant action. Brazilian researchers recently discovered new ways in which these drugs influence the organism’s inflammatory response during an infection: they raise

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NIH study identifies features of Long COVID neurological symptoms

Differences in Physiologic Variables in Patients With Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC, Red) Compared With Healthy Volunteers (HVs, Gray) Each dot represents 1 participant; bars represent standard errors of the mean (top edge of rectangle). p Values are for independent means t tests. (A) Heart rate (HR); (B) finger systolic blood pressure (BPs); (C) baroreflex-cardiovagal gain; (D) high-frequency

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New Build Better Bones online platform to support people with osteoporosis and their caregivers 

The new International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) platform provides easy-to-follow exercise guidance and nutritional tips to benefit bone health, alerts to falls safety hazards in the home, and provides helpful information for caregivers.  The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has launched the Build Better Bones platform, a new online resource that provides people with osteoporosis, and their caregivers, with

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Machine learning links unresolving secondary pneumonia to mortality in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia.

Secondary bacterial pneumonia that does not resolve was a key driver of death in patients with Covid, according to a study. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The scientists also found evidence that Covid does not cause a “cytokine storm”, so often believed to cause death. Secondary bacterial pneumonia that does

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FDA approves treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with a mutation in the SOD1 gene

Action FDA approved Qalsody (tofersen) to treat patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene (SOD1-ALS). Qalsody is an antisense oligonucleotide that targets SOD1 mRNA to reduce the synthesis of SOD1 protein. The approval was based on a reduction in plasma neurofilament light (NfL), a blood-based

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FDA Approves Cell Therapy for Patients with Blood Cancers to Reduce Risk of Infection Following Stem Cell Transplantation

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Omisirge (omidubicel-onlv), a substantially modified allogeneic (donor) cord blood-based cell therapy to quicken the recovery of neutrophils (a subset of white blood cells) in the body and reduce the risk of infection. The product is intended for use in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older

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More than 1 million lives saved in Europe by COVID-19 vaccines since the end of 2020: research presented at European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases

COVID-19 vaccination directly saved at least 1,004,927 lives across Europe between December 2020 and March 2023, according to new research being presented at this year’s European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Copenhagen, Denmark (15-18 April). The new estimates by WHO/Europe and presented at the conference by Dr Margaux Meslé,  Epidemiologist at

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Bempedoic Acid and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Statin-Intolerant Patients

A nonstatin therapy approved almost 3 years ago to treat low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol also cuts the risk of major cardiovascular events, especially heart attacks, according to data presented. Bempedoic acid, approved in February 2020 as Nexletol (Esperion), reduced by 13% the risk of a 4-part composite end point of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE),

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New therapy harnesses patients’ blood cells to fight tumors

Noninvasive approach is fast, cost-effective and could be used to treat a variety of cancers doptive cell therapy (ACT) has become a promising immunotherapy tool to help treat advanced melanoma. The therapy, which harnesses immune cells collected from the patient’s own tumors, could provide a new treatment option to cancer patients, potentially bypassing radiation therapies

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Severe Covid-19: new anti-C5a antibody approved by FDA

A new antibody drug by pharmaceutical company inflaRx received FDA emergency use authorization to treat critically ill Covid-19 patients. One of the greatest hurdles for monoclonal antibody development during the Covid-19 pandemic is the ongoing mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most antibodies introduced throughout the pandemic targeted the virus spike protein, which mutates significantly with every emerging

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Transcatheter Arterialization of Deep Veins in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia can avoid amputation

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that there may finally be an alternative to amputation for patients suffering from chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), the most severe form of peripheral artery disease. This study, co-led by University Hospitals (UH) Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, could lead to the first FDA approval of

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Attracting Stem Cells and Facilitating Bone Regeneration by Adhesive Protein

A joint research team of POSTECH, Kyungpook National University, and Korea University Anam Hospital developed an osteogenic barrier coating material that maximizes the effect of guided bone regeneration (GBR) for implant placements. One of the key factors of success in a dental implant is the condition of the periodontium around the implant. A higher long-term

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Researchers of MGH Bioengineer an Endocrine Pancreas for Type 1 Diabetes

Key Takeaways In people with type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing β cells that control blood glucose levels and are part of a group of cells in the pancreas called pancreatic islets. In research published in Cell Reports Medicine, a team led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a founding member

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Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation a non-surgical treatment significantly reduces knee pain for adults, especially those 50 and older

Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for knee pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee, and can significantly reduce pain, especially for adults who are 50 and older, according to new research to be presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix, March 4–9. This is the first time a

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Injectable disc allograft tissue provides significant, long-term relief for chronic back pain, finds research

A minimally invasive treatment that injects allograft disk tissue into the spine to relieve pain associated with degenerative disk disease provides significant improvement in pain and function over a sustained period, according to new research to be presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix, March 4–9. The treatment, known as viable disk

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Researchers of UEF unraveled new mechanisms behind articular cartilage healing after injury

Understanding how the knee joint environment affects cartilage cells is crucial for joint health. Knowledge of cell-driven cartilage degeneration mechanisms can support the development of effective pharmaceutical interventions for osteoarthritis. The burden of musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis, is increasingly affecting patients’ quality of life and bringing enormous costs to health care. In efforts to

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The Texas Heart Institute Delivers a New First in Heart Failure Treatment Using Cell Therapy

New Cell Therapy Offers Potential Treatment Option for Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Physician-scientists at The Texas Heart Institute announced today the results of the largest cell therapy trial to date in patients with chronic heart failure due to low ejection fraction. The therapy benefited patients by improving the heart’s pumping ability, as measured by

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How COVID-19 Can Impact the Heart

Hearts from mice infected with COVID-19 have an increased percentage of fibrosis and dilation of the fibers—a common indicator of early cardiomyopathy in mice. Image courtesy of Andrew Marks. Scientists find that COVID-19 infection can cause changes in calcium channels that can affect how the heart beats, it can also trigger inflammation and oxidative stress

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ChatGPT breakthrough in Healthcare

Over the past decade, I’ve kept a close eye on the emergence of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Throughout, one truth remained constant: Despite all the hype, AI-focused startups and established tech companies alike have failed to move the needle on the nation’s overall health and medical costs. Finally, after a decade of underperformance in AI-driven medicine, success is approaching faster

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NIH scientists discover a rare neurological disease involving cellular recycling

New disease could provide insights into how the cell’s recycling system contributes to a healthy brain. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a new neurological condition characterized by issues with motor coordination and speech. They report their findings in npj Genomic Medicine. Scientists from NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and Undiagnosed

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McMaster University-led trial reduces COVID-19 hospitalization risk with single injection of pegylated interferon lambda

A team led by McMaster University researchers Gilmar Reis and Edward Mills has discovered that a single injection of pegylated interferon lambda can successfully treat COVID-19 in people early in the disease. A team led by McMaster University researchers Gilmar Reis and Edward Mills has discovered that a single injection of pegylated interferon lambda (lambda)

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Host-Cell Factors Involved in COVID-19 Infections May Augur Improved Treatments

By addressing molecules governing how host cells respond to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, researchers hope they’ve found a new therapeutic target less vulnerable to potential drug resistance and emerging variants of concern Researchers at University of California San Diego and UC Riverside have further elucidated the molecular pathway used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to infect human

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Human spinal cord cell atlas provides foundation to study neurodegeneration, chronic pain, and other diseases

What New research offers clues about the biology of cells in the spinal cord that die off in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. A team of researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health found evidence linking motor neurons’ large cell size and supporting structure with the genes that underlie their vulnerability

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FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for Anemia Caused by Chronic Kidney Disease for Adults on Dialysis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Jesduvroq tablets (daprodustat) as the first oral treatment for anemia (decreased number of red blood cells) caused by chronic kidney disease for adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least four months. Jesduvroq is not approved for patients who are not on dialysis. Other FDA-approved treatments for

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Duke-NUS and NHCS scientists first in the world to regenerate diseased kidney

Blocking an immune-regulating protein reverses the damage caused by acute and chronic kidney disease, a preclinical study suggests. Led by scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Heart Centre Singapore, researchers in Singapore and Germany have found that renal tubular cells, which line the tiny tubes inside kidneys, release a scar-regulating protein called interleukin-11

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T lymphocytes engineering: advances in treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, scarring and beyond

In recent months there have been some major jumps—unprecedented success stories—that indicate our ability to engineer T cells may well have a substantial impact for multiple medical conditions that have not been responsive to conventional therapies or for which there is no available treatment. This can be regarded as the quintessential individualized medicine intervention—specifically modifying

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Once-weekly efanesoctocog alfa beneficial in severe hemophilia A

Once weekly efanesoctocog alfa provides superior bleeding prevention to prestudy prophylaxis for patients with severe hemophilia A, according to a study published in the Jan. 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Annette von Drygalski, M.D., Pharm.D., from the University of California in San Diego, and colleagues conducted a phase 3 study involving patients

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Report highlights cost of misinformation to healthcare services during COVID-19 pandemic

A new report has highlighted the consequences of misinformation, including loss of trust in public institutions, delayed action on pressing issues such as climate change, and the financial toll on healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘Fault Lines’ report involved a panel of international experts, including leading cognitive scientist Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, from the University of

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Myocardial Involvement After Hospitalization for COVID-19 Complicated by Troponin Elevation: A Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study

People hospitalized with COVID-19 may have an increased risk for heart damage, but not so much the type of inflammation previous research suggested, according to a new study. Early in the pandemic, several studies suggested many COVID-19 survivors experienced heart damage even if they didn’t have underlying heart disease and weren’t sick enough to be hospitalized. The

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90% reduction in COVID-19 deaths after booster dose: Hong Kong study

A booster (third) dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in death in people with multiple health conditions compared to 2 doses, according to a new study from Hong Kong published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.221068. “We found a substantially reduced risk of COVID-19–related death in adults with multimorbidity who received a

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Decreased serotonin transporter activity in the mitral valve contributes to progression of degenerative mitral regurgitation

Serotonin can impact the mitral valve of the heart and potentially accelerate a cardiac condition known as degenerative mitral regurgitation, according to a new study led by researchers at Columbia University’s Department of Surgery in collaboration with the Pediatric Heart Valve Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the University of Pennsylvania, and the Valley

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Could a viral illness increase chances of developing Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative disease?

NIH biobank study suggests vaccinations against viruses may also reduce risk of neurological disorders Some viral illnesses may increase a person’s chances of later developing Alzheimer’s disease or another neurodegenerative disorder. Though a causal link cannot be confirmed, an NIH study in which researchers mined the medical records of hundreds of thousands of people in

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Results on 5 gene therapy trials expected in the first 2023 semester

Can gene therapy trials for vision loss, hemophilia, and melanoma break through in 2023? fter another turbulent year in gene therapy development, all eyes are on five major trial readouts set for H1 2023. The clinical studies target rare blood disorders, inherited retinal diseases, and metastatic melanoma—each of which poses distinct trial design challenges. First, two small

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COVID-19 patients retain elevated risk of death for at least 18 months after infection

 COVID-19 is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death in the short- and long-term, according to a study in nearly 160,000 participants published today in Cardiovascular Research, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Compared to uninfected individuals, the likelihood of COVID-19 patients dying was up to 81 times higher in

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COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Immunocompromised Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis published in Jama Network

A review of 9 studies suggested that plasma therapy may work in a group of immunocompromised people During the first months of 2020, when the coronavirus was spreading around the world, it was not known what the routes of transmission were and what medications could be beneficial to treat COVID-19 . Among other options, it began to be postulated that the blood plasma

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Evidence of haemorrhages in fetal brain tissue associated with the presence of SARS-CoV-2

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London has found evidence of small haemorrhages in fetal brain tissue during the peak of COVID-19 cases in the UK. The research, published in Brain, found that the haemorrhages are linked to a reduction in blood vessel integrity. The cause of these

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Cornell University study identifies four major subtypes of long COVID

The post-COVID syndrome known as long COVID has four major subtypes defined by different clusters of symptoms, according to a study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine. The study, published Dec. 1 in Nature Medicine, was the largest of its kind to examine long COVID. The researchers, who represent clinicians and informaticists, used a machine-learning algorithm

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Transcriptional reprogramming from innate immune functions to a pro-thrombotic signature by monocytes in moderate-severe COVID-19

A study by Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom, shows an irregular activity of monocytes with a prothrombotic effect Among the complications most attributed to Covid-19 is thrombosis. The formation of blood clots in the veins or arteries in the weeks following the coronavirus infection , impairing blood circulation, was one of the symptoms seen frequently among patients around

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NIH clinical trial leads to atezolizumab approval for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma

A clinical trial led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, has resulted in the first approval of a treatment for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS). The immunotherapy drug atezolizumab (Tecentriq) was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)(link is external) for the treatment of adults and

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Coadministration of CD19- and CD22-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Childhood B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Single-Arm, Multicenter, Phase II Trial with a 99% response rate

An innovative immunotherapy combination has shown a stunning 99% response rate in children with relapsed leukemia. The phase 2 trial, run jointly between researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and Shanghai Children’s Hospital in China tested the therapy in 225 children who had relapsed after conventional treatment. The work published in the Journal

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China’s COVID-19 wave forecast to have two peaks where cases could reach 4.2 million a day: ew modelling by Airfinity examining data from China’s regional provinces

China is predicted to see two peaks in cases as COVID-19 spreads throughout the country, the first peak in mid-January and the second in early March.  New modelling by Airfinity has examined data from China’s regional provinces. The current outbreak is growing more rapidly in some regions than in others. Cases are currently rising much

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Researchers of Tel Aviv University use Smartwatches to Measure Safety of COVID Vaccine

Tel Aviv University researchers monitored the physiological data of close to 5,000 Israelis over two years In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at Tel Aviv University equipped close to 5,000 Israelis with smartwatches and monitored their physiological parameters over two years. Of those monitored, 2,038 received the booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine, allowing the researchers

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Strengthening the European translational research ecosystem for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) for rare diseases. An open Horizon Europe Framework Program for consortia.

Single stage with dead-line 15 march 2023 ExpectedOutcome: Research and innovation (R&I) actions to be supported under this topic must work towards results that contribute to all the following expected outcomes. Scope: There are over 7 000 rare diseases resulting in 30 million patients1 in Europe with a rare disease. Globally more than 300 million patients2 are

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Wafer-thin device has potential to transform the field of islet cell transplantation

Implantable platform provides prolonged treatment of Type 1 diabetes A quarter-sized device created at Houston Methodist could drastically alter the course of treatment for Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition that impacts millions of Americans and does not have a cure. In a study published in the Dec. 26 issue of Nature Communications, a research team led

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Global study presents first results on the longer-term effects of therapies for the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19

The world’s largest trial into the effect of multiple interventions for critically ill adults with COVID-19 on longer-term outcomes has released results from the 180-day (six month) follow-up of 4869 critically ill patients. Published today in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the study is part of the ongoing Randomized Embedded Multifactorial Adaptive Platform

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Liver cancer study encourages caution with certain gene therapies

A newly discovered link between protein misfolding and liver cancer could help improve gene therapy for hemophilia Research led by Randal J. Kaufman, Ph.D., has found that misfolded proteins in liver cells contribute to the development of liver cancer, shedding new light on the mysterious origins of one of the world’s deadliest diseases. The findings, published

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New treatments for blood cancers, new hope for patients: a new STAT e-book on CAR-T cells

Blood cancers like multiple myeloma have long been considered incurable, but in the last decade, the development of precision immunotherapy treatments has offered patients months or even years of extended life. One such treatment, known as CAR-T cell therapy, turns immune system T cells into killers of cancer cells. They have been so transformative that

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Efficacy and safety of COVID‐19 vaccines: a Cochrane Systematic Review

A comprehensive review of all the evidence available from randomized controlled trials of COVID 19 vaccines up to November 2021 has concluded that most protect against infection and severe or critical illness caused by the virus. The review, performed by a collaboration of independent, international experts, and published in Cochrane Library also found there was

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The FDA-approved drug Alectinib compromises SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid 2 phosphorylation and inhibits viral infection in vitro

A cross-institutional effort between researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Duke University has yielded exciting progress in the search for new therapeutics against Covid-19. Where much of our current anti-SARS-CoV-2 arsenal is built around the virus’ spike (S) protein, many other proteins contribute to the viral life cycle as well. This includes the nucleocapsid (N) protein, which

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Researchers discover dysregulation of the immune system mediated by ATP as a new mechanism associated with severe COVID-19.

Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil have found that severe COVID-19 is associated with an imbalance in an important immune system signaling pathway. The discovery helps explain at the molecular level why some people infected by SARS-CoV-2 develop a potentially fatal systemic inflammation. It also paves the way to the development

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New Omicron subvariant BQ.1.1 resistant to all therapeutic antibodies

Are the currently approved antibody therapies used to treat individuals at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease also effective against currently circulating viral variants? A recent study by researchers at the German Primate Center (DPZ) – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg shows that the Omicron sub-lineage BQ.1.1, currently on the rise

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Gene-delivering viruses reach the brain in a step toward gene therapy for neurological diseases

Researchers have engineered a family of adeno-associated viral vectors that cross the blood-brain barrier in primate models. Gene therapies can treat, even potentially cure, certain genetic diseases, but it is challenging to deliver the treatments to the parts of the body where they are needed. Researchers have engineered viruses called adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to deliver

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CRISPR Technology applied to CAR T cells for Cancer Therapy

Researchers find that combining novel gene-editing CRISPR technology with CAR T therapy could simplify and improve CAR T therapy in one fell swoop. Traditional CAR T Therapy A remarkable feat in cancer care, today people with difficult-to-treat blood cancers can receive CAR T therapy, a personalized “drug” made from their own immune cells. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR T)

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COVID-19 Virus Increases Risk for Other Infections by Disrupting Normal Mix of Gut Bacteria

Infection with the pandemic virus, SARS-CoV-2, can reduce the number of bacterial species in a patient’s gut, with the lesser diversity creating space for dangerous microbes to thrive, a new study finds. The study builds on the realization that widespread use of antibiotics to fight infections with disease-causing bacteria in recent decades, by killing off

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CAR T-Cell Therapies in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

The increasing integration of CAR T-cell therapies into the treatment paradigm for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma addresses several unmet needs and improves outcomes for this historically limited patient population. The increasing integration of CAR T-cell therapies into the treatment paradigm for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma addresses several

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Association of National Football League Fan Attendance With County-Level COVID-19 Incidence in the 2020-2021 Season

A study of National Football League (NFL) home games attended by 1.3 million fans suggests that those with high attendance were tied to subsequent county-level COVID-19 surges during the 2020-2021 season. A team led by a University of Southern Mississippi researcher analyzed data from all 32 NFL teams during the 2020-2021 season, when some games were open

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Comparative Risk of Thrombosis With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome or Thromboembolic Events Associated With Different COVID-19 Vaccines published in BMJ

OBJECTIVE To quantify the comparative risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome or thromboembolic events associated with use of adenovirus based covid-19 vaccines versus mRNA based covid-19 vaccines. DESIGN International network cohort study. SETTING Routinely collected health data from contributing datasets in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the US. PARTICIPANTS Adults (age ≥18

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Cleveland Researchers Discover New Oral Drug for Lowering Cholesterol

Study led by University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University team details a small-molecule drug that lowers cholesterol by 70% in animal models –After statins, the next leading class of medications for managing cholesterol are PCSK9 inhibitors. These highly effective agents help the body pull excess cholesterol from the blood, but unlike statins, which are

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Research brief by Minnesota University: Association between diabetes medication and less severe cases of COVID-19

Published in PLOS ONE, a study led by the University of Minnesota Medical School studied adults with type 2 diabetes who were taking metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication. Researchers found an association with less severe cases of COVID-19 for those prescribed metformin. These findings were part of an observational study that analyzed electronic medical

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Real-world evidence study of regenerative medicine and shoulder surgery

Applying regenerative medicine to a common shoulder surgery could have an impact on the need for follow-up revision surgery in some patients, according to a Mayo Clinic study of real-world evidence. Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed the largest set of data available to determine if adding bone marrow aspirate concentrate to repaired tissue after standard rotator cuff surgery would improve

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Anti-Vax Doctor Simone Gold Sued by America’s Frontline Doctors, the Group She Founded: misused the organization’s funds to buy a $3.6 million Florida mansion, purchase a Mercedes-Benz and other luxury vehicles, and take trips on private planes.

Source: Medscape America’s Frontline Doctors is suing one of its founders in a battle for control over the controversial group, which gained national notoriety for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 treatments and vaccines during the pandemic. The organization and its current board chairman have sued Simone Gold, MD, alleging that she misused the nonprofit organization’s funds

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Glucose metabolites, rather than glucose itself, have been discovered to be key to the progression of type 2 diabetes.

Oxford Research reveals high blood glucose reprograms the metabolism of pancreatic beta-cells in diabetes.  In diabetes, the pancreatic beta-cells do not release enough of the hormone insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels. This is because a glucose metabolite damages pancreatic beta-cell function. An estimated 415 million people globally are living with diabetes. With nearly 5

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Long-term efficacy of nusinersen and its evaluation in adolescent and adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1 and 2

Therapy up to 4.5 years led to gains in motor function: analysis published in Brain & Development Up to 4.5 years of Spinraza (nusinersen) treatment led to meaningful improvements in motor function in adolescents and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to a medical records analysis. “[Spinraza] was effective in long-term follow-up,” researchers wrote. Noting a dearth of

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Technion researchers have developed a technology to measure the long-term effect of antibiotic “combination therapies”

Researchers at the Technion have developed a technology to measure the long-term effect of antibiotic combinations (cocktails). These combinations are of concern to the scientific and medical community due to the fact that the use of single antibiotics often leads to the rapid development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The research published in Nature was led by Technion

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How Covid-19 leads to neuronal damage

Although the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus does not affect nerve cells, Covid-19 disease can cause damage to the nervous system. Researchers from the University of Basel and the University Hospital Basel have elucidated the mechanisms behind “Neuro-Covid” and identified starting points for preventing it. Quite a few have lost their sense of smell and taste with the coronavirus

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Acute and postacute sequelae associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: increased risk of fatal complications.

Many people worldwide are experiencing repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections, but the health risks associated with these reinfections have remained unclear. Now,  a team of researchers led by Washington University in St. Louis has found that repeated COVID-19 infections increase the risk of organ failure and death. “During the past few months, there’s been an air of invincibility among people who

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WHO releases first data on global vaccine market since COVID-19

WHO’s Global Vaccine Market Report 2022, published today, shows that inequitable distribution is not unique to COVID-19 vaccines, with poorer countries consistently struggling to access vaccines that are in-demand by wealthier countries. WHO’s Global Vaccine Market Report 2022, published today, shows that inequitable distribution is not unique to COVID-19 vaccines, with poorer countries consistently struggling to access

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Study lead by UMass Chan clinical scientists provides evidence of protective link between oral microbiome and COVID

Oral microbiome composition indicative of need for respiratory support among COVID-19 patients Using high-throughput genome sequencing and machine learning, scientists at UMass Chan Medical School have shown a strong correlation between the oral microbiome in patients with COVID-19 at the time of hospital admission and the need for later respiratory support. Published in Frontiers in Microbiology,

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New Exa-cel gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia global regulatory submission in 2022

A potential 1-time gene editing treatment for severe sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) is entering approval review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency, and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, according to a company statement. Both diseases involve variants in the gene encoding β globin. The variants

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US FDA grants Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to gene therapy OTOF-GT for the treatment of otoferlin gene-mediated hearing loss

OTOF-GT targets the restoration of hearing in people living with otoferlin deficiency Sensorion, a pioneering clinical-stage biotechnology company which specializes in the development of novel therapies to restore, treat and prevent hearing loss disorders, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to the Company’s lead therapy gene

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Which COVID Vaccine You Get Can Impact Myocarditis Risk: study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Study shows higher rates of heart inflammation with Moderna vs. Pfizer, but overall risk still very low Incidence of myocarditis, pericarditis or myopericarditis is two- to threefold higher after a second dose of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine when compared to the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; however, overall cases of heart inflammation with either vaccine

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COVID-19 deaths in children and young people in England, March 2020 to December 2021: an active prospective national surveillance study

A new study conducted in England shows that the risk of death due to COVID-19 remains very low for children and young people, and most deaths occur in those with underlying health conditions. A new study conducted in England shows that the risk of death due to COVID-19 remains very low for children and young

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New drug can successfully treat patients typically resistant to high blood pressure treatment

A new drug called Baxdrostat has been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who may not respond to current treatments for the condition, according to results from a phase II trial led jointly by a Queen Mary University of London researcher and colleagues at CinCor Pharma, USA. Published in the New England

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Intravenous iron improved long-term outcomes for people with heart failure and iron deficiency

Research Highlights: Repeated intravenous (IV) administration of iron reduced the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death in people with heart failure and iron deficiency, according to a clinical trial in the United Kingdom. Treatment with IV iron was safe and well-tolerated, and people who received it reported improved well-being based on quality-of-life

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Novel CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing therapy shows promise for patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy

A single IV infusion of NTLA-2001, a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing therapy, significantly reduced circulating transthyretin (TTR) protein levels in patients with ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy, a progressive and fatal cause of heart failure, according to late-breaking research presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022. The meeting, held in person in Chicago and

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Organoids Reveal How SARS-CoV-2 Damages Brain Cells — and a Potential Treatment

COVID-19 infections can result in long-lasting neurological symptoms; new research suggests an already approved anti-viral may inhibit viral replication and rescue impaiOrganoids Reveal How SARS-CoV-2 Damages Brain Cells — and a Potential Treatmentred neurons Using human brain organoids, an international team of researchers, led by scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine

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Over 350 Multidisciplinary Experts from More than 100 Countries Reach Consensus on How to End COVID-19 as a Public Health Threat

A new global COVID-19 study provides actionable recommendations to end the public health threat without exacerbating socio-economic burdens or putting the most vulnerable at greater risk SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate among us. Although some governments have moved on, a new study published today in the journal Nature says that specific efforts and resources are still required to save

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Study shows GABA, an inexpensive and readily available chemical, reduces disease severity, lung viral load and death in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice

Preclinical studies in mice that model human COVID-19 suggest that an inexpensive, readily available amino acid might limit the effects of the disease and provide a new off-the-shelf therapeutic option for infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants and perhaps future novel coronaviruses. A team led by researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA report that an

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CAR-T cells therapy for autoimmune diseases

A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine highlights the potential of CAR T therapy beyond this realm—specifically for lupus and other autoimmune diseases. What is Lupus? Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that affects women approximately ten more than men, and is characterized by the overproduction of antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. Lupus

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‘A silent killer’ – COVID-19 shown to trigger inflammation in the brain

Research led by The University of Queensland has found COVID-19 activates the same inflammatory response in the brain as Parkinson’s disease. The discovery identified a potential future risk for neurodegenerative conditions in people who’ve had COVID-19, but also a possible treatment. The UQ team was led by Professor Trent Woodruff and Dr Eduardo Albornoz Balmaceda from UQ’s School of Biomedical Sciences,

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Getting to the heart of COVID-19 vaccination and its cardiovascular risks

After mRNA vaccination, adults under 40 have a slightly greater chance of developing myocarditis or pericarditis, yet the vaccine’s benefits outweigh the risks, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine A comprehensive review and meta-analysis of published research confirm that young adults (40 years old and younger) have a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis

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Long COVID and pulmonary fibrosis better understood thanks to innovative techniques

An international team of researchers has revealed how scarring occurs in Long-COVID and pulmonary fibrosis using innovative blood biomarkers and X-ray technology. This study, published in The Lancet – eBioMedicine, contributes to the knowledge on the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 and thus its treatment. Long-COVID syndrome, or the origin of the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2

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Researchers find that different stem cells are responsible for the repair of different kinds of bone injuries

 New research from Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) found that different skeletal stem cell (SSC) populations contribute to repair of different kinds of bone injuries. In the study, published in Cell Stem Cell, researchers identified distinct cell markers that allowed them to track SSCs in the bone marrow inside of bones versus SSCs in the

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University of Michigan researchers engineer a drug derived from bananas showing promise in fighting deadly viruses and SARS-CoV-2

A banana a day may not keep the doctor away, but a substance originally found in bananas and carefully edited by scientists could someday fight off a wide range of viruses, new research suggests. And the process used to create the virus-fighting form may help scientists develop even more drugs, by harnessing the “sugar code”

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For American Society of Anesthesiologists statins lower COVID-19 severity and risk of death

Commonly used cholesterol-lowering statins may reduce the risk of death and severity of COVID-19 disease, suggests a study of more than 38,000 patients being presented at the Anesthesiology 2022 annual meeting. “While there is no ‘magic bullet’ to help patients who are very ill with COVID-19, statins decrease inflammation, which may help reduce the severity

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The Philippines Department of Health said first new cases of XBB and XBC Covid-19 Omicron variants were detected. 

In a media briefing, Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that based on the latest whole genomic sequencing run of the agency, a total of 81 XBB subvariant cases have been detected in two regions in the country.  Vergeire also said that there were 193 XBC subvariant cases found in 11 out of 17 regions

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In Singapore XBB seems to be more prevalent in the COVID-naive and those originally infected in the Delta and pre-Delta era

Singapore’s Health Minister, Ong Ye Kung, has said that he expects the current XBB SARS-CoV-2 wave to peak in mid-November 2022.  In an assured press conference, Singapore’s Health Minister said he expects the XBB to crest at about 15,000 daily cases on average. Covid case levels in Singapore are currently averaging around 8,500 a day.

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Intranasal COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine candidate’s Phase I trial clinical data highlights need for further development

Researchers from the University of Oxford have today reported new findings from a Phase 1 clinical trial studying the safety and immune response of an intranasally-administered vaccine against COVID-19.The study was performed at the University in collaboration with AstraZeneca and used the same vaccine based on the ChAdOx1 adenovirus vector, as is already licensed for

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3D-bioprinted human tissues and the path toward clinical translation

Three-dimensional bioprinting is an emerging technology that has the potential to build human tissue, on demand, to treat a wide range of human diseases. However, bridging the gap from research at the benchtop to clinical translation requires a host of resources, time, and energy. A new Science Translational Medicine perspective authored by researchers in Carnegie Mellon University’s

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Antibodies bite worse on new omicron BA.2.75.2 variant: a study from the Karolinska Institutet shows.

A study from the Karolinska Institutet shows that the coronavirus variant BA.2.75.2, a subvariant of omicron, more easily bypasses neutralizing antibodies in the blood and is resistant to several monoclonal antibody treatments. This means an increased risk of sars-cov-2 infection this winter, unless the new updated bivalent vaccines can strengthen the immunity of the population. The results

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First stem cell treatment for spina bifida delivered during fetal surgery performed at UC Davis Health

Groundbreaking trial aims to reverse the paralysis and other abnormal functions of spina bifida before birth Three babies have been born after receiving the world’s first spina bifida treatment combining surgery with stem cells. This was made possible by a landmark clinical trial at UC Davis Health.   The one-of-a-kind treatment, delivered while a fetus is

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SARS-CoV-2 Infects Neurons and Induces Inflammation in the Brains of Rhesus Macaques

SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, caused significant neuron damage and inflammation within a week of infection in rhesus macaque monkeys, according to a new study. The researchers from the California National Primate Research Center at the University of California, Davis, also discovered that aged monkeys with Type 2 diabetes experienced worse virus-induced neurological damage. The findings,

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CART cells for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (CARTITUDE-1): a phase 1b–2, open-label study on health-related quality of life published in The Lancet Haematology

CARTITUDE-1 is a phase 1b–2 study evaluating ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy with two B-cell maturation antigen–targeting single-domain antibodies, in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Primary efficacy outcomes have previously been reported. In this paper are reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) secondary outcomes evaluated using patient-reported outcomes.

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Results of a phase 1 UCART19 trial, a first-in-class allogeneic anti-CD19 CART-cell therapy for adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (CALM) published in The Lancet Haematology

The prognosis for adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia remains poor. UCART19, an allogeneic genome-edited anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell product derived from healthy donors and available for immediate clinical use, offers a potential therapeutic option for such patients. The CALM trial is a first-in-human study evaluating the safety and antileukaemic

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SARS-CoV-2 origin: the evidence towards zoonosis is overwhelming: experts panel conclusions in PNAS. One Health approach is necessary to diminish zoonosis threats.

“Smart surveillance” for viral spillover from animals to humans, targeted preparedness and drug and vaccine research, and worldwide cooperation on surveillance and stopping disease spread are required to reduce deaths and lessen the economic consequences of the next pandemic, according to an international team of scientists. In a perspective article published this week in Proceedings of

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XBB, SARS CoV-2 variant detected in Singapore and Hong Kong, is significantly more immune evasive than BA.2.75.2 and BQ.1.1 

A fantastic diagram by Daniele Focosi showing the convergent evolution that has led to the lineages we have been discussing recently, including BQ.1.1, CA.1, BR.2 and the new XBB variant. The speed with which SARS-CoV-2 is now evolving is quite breathtaking – ever-fitter variants are now being uncovered on an almost daily basis. Just over one week

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Colonoscopy unfortunately is not a miracle cure for colorectal cancer. According to study published inNEJM is not better than the fecal samples

On October 10 the world’s first randomized study on using colonoscopy-screening to prevent colorectal cancer was presented during the 2022 United European Gastroenterology Week in Vienna. The full study was also published in New England Journal of Medicine. “Colonoscopy unfortunately is not a miracle cure for colorectal cancer. According to our study, it probably is not better

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A comprehensive SARS-CoV-2–human protein–protein interactome reveals COVID-19 pathobiology and potential host therapeutic targets: a Cleveland Clinic study finds.

A Cleveland Clinic-led research team used artificial intelligence to map out hundreds of ways that the virus that causes COVID-19 interacts with infected cells. Through this analysis, they identified potential COVID-19 medicines within thousands of drugs already approved by the FDA for other treatments. The research focused on host-targeting therapies, which operate differently from other

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Gene Therapy Rapidly Improves Night Vision in Adults with Congenital Blindness, Penn Study Finds

Patients’ low-light sensitivity improved by factors of thousands in a clinical trial Adults with a genetic form of childhood-onset blindness experienced striking recoveries of night vision within days of receiving an experimental gene therapy, according to researchers at the Scheie Eye Institute in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The patients

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Estimated Global Proportions of Individuals With Persistent Fatigue, Cognitive and Respiratory Symptom Clusters Following Symptomatic COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021

Women and people who needed to be hospitalized with Covid are much more likely to develop long Covid, according to a new peer reviewed study published in JAMA on Monday, offering new insight into the persistent and sometimes disabling condition as researchers push to develop new treatments and cures. KEY FACTS An estimated 6% of people with symptomatic Covid infections develop

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Study Provides Further Evidence That Immune Cell Dysregulation is a Driver of COVID-19 Severity

Maintenance of reparative lung macrophages may be a viable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and other inflammatory lung diseases In one of the largest single-center COVID-19 cohort studies to date, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, using samples collected during the peak of the pandemic in New York City,

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 Short documentary video from the New England Journal of Medicine on Sickle Cell Disease and Gene Therapy from Patient and Physician Perspectives

In this short documentary video from the New England Journal of Medicine, patients and physicians partner both to highlight the experience of living with sickle cell disease and to discuss the pathophysiology of the disease and new treatment strategies, including gene therapy. Patients share their own stories of interactions with the health care system and explore

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Coffee drinking is associated with increased longevity: a study of European Society of Cardiology finds.

Drinking two to three cups of coffee a day is linked with a longer lifespan and lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared with avoiding coffee, according to research published today in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology. The findings applied to ground, instant and decaffeinated varieties. “In this large, observational

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Calibr, a Division of Scripps Research, reports promising results from first-in-human clinical trial of switchable CAR-T (CLBR001 + SWI019), a next-generation universal CAR-T platform designed to enhance the versatility and safety of cell therapies

In preliminary results from a Phase I study of CLBR001 + SWI019 for patients with B cell malignancies: 7 of 9 patients responded and 6 of 9 had a complete response (78% ORR, 67% CR) CLBR001 cells engrafted at higher levels than approved CAR-T cell products without causing an increase in the incidence of CRS

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Ecological niche modelling analyses highlight a risk of expansion of Lassa virus towards Central and East Africa potentially leading to a drastic increase in the number of people exposed.

In the study, which appeared on September 27 in Nature Communications, scientists analyzed decades of environmental data associated with Lassa virus outbreaks, revealing temperature, rainfall and the presence of pastureland areas as key factors contributing to viral transmission. The researchers projected that areas hospitable to Lassa virus spread may extend from West Africa into Central and

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New study of Case Western Reserve University: Risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease increases by 50-80% in older adults who caught COVID-19

Older people who were infected with COVID-19 show a substantially higher risk—as much as 50% to 80% higher than a control group—of developing Alzheimer’s disease within a year, according to a study of more than 6 million patients 65 and older. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers report that people 65

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New University of California Irvine-led report Illustrates potential of precision genome editing in treating inherited retinal diseases

Improvements in technology and delivery techniques could revolutionize treatment of genetic disorders of vision In a new paper, University of California, Irvine researchers explain how precision genome editing agents have enabled precise gene correction and disease rescue in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The study, titled, “Precision genome editing in the eye,” was published this week

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Disarming the neutrophils induced lethal lung response through PTP1B inhibitors which regulate CXCR4 signaling

The Takeaway Neutrophils are the body’s first line of defense against infection. But if too many attack for too long, they can damage the tissues they’re meant to protect. In the lungs, this damage can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, the leading cause of death due to COVID-19. CSHL researchers have found that using

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COVID-19 mutations accelerated by virus-fighting enzyme in human cells, according to new research

The findings by a team of USC researchers could help scientists predict new coronavirus variants and subvariants and give them a leg up on producing effective vaccines. Researchers have found the first experimental evidence explaining why the COVID-19 virus produces variants, such as delta and omicron, so quickly. The findings, published Sept. 13 in the journal Scientific Reports,

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At least 17 million people in the WHO European Region experienced long COVID in the first two years of the pandemic; millions may have to live with it for years to come

WHO/Europe urges countries to take post COVID-19 condition seriously by urgently investing in research, recovery, and rehabilitation New modelling conducted for WHO/Europe by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in the United States shows that in the first two years of the pandemic, at least

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NIH research : Bronchodilators don’t improve smoking-related respiratory symptoms in people without COPD

Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health have found that dual bronchodilators – long-lasting inhalers that relax the airways and make it easier to breathe – do little to help people who do not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but who do have respiratory symptoms and a history of smoking.    COPD, a lung disease

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How the gut may help to drive COVID-19

New findings from Flinders University have demonstrated a molecular link between COVID-19 and serotonin cells in the gut. The research could help provide further clues to what could be driving COVID-19 infection and disease severity and supports previous evidence that antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), could reduce the severity of COVID symptoms.

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FDA Approves First Cell-Based Gene Therapy to Treat Adult and Pediatric Patients with Beta-thalassemia Who Require Regular Blood Transfusions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zynteglo (betibeglogene autotemcel), the first cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia who require regular red blood cell transfusions.  “Today’s approval is an important advance in the treatment of beta-thalassemia, particularly in individuals who require ongoing red blood cell transfusions,” said Peter

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The enzyme ceramidase inhibition by Fluoxetine emerges as a new potential therapy of Covid-19

Fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in cell cultures and in preparations from human lung tissue. This was demonstrated by researchers at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg in the summer of 2020. However, the mechanism of this inhibition was utterly unclear, so the teams continued their research. To this end, they developed the molecule AKS466,

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Cedars-Sinai Study: Most People Infected With Omicron Didn’t Know It

Cedars-Sinai Researchers Find 56% Were Unaware They Were Infected With Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 The majority of people who were likely infected with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, didn’t know they had the virus, according to a new study from Cedars-Sinai investigators. The findings are published in JAMA Network Open. “More

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Targeting TYMP Gene with Tipiracil could help fight thrombosis in COVID-19 patients

Findings from a new study at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine show that a thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) inhibitor could help slow thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. Expression of TYMP, the gene that plays an important role in platelet activation, thrombosis and inflammation, is significantly increased in COVID-19 patients. The increase of TYMP

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Stem cell-based therapy for human diseases: a complete review

Recent advancements in stem cell technology open a new door for patients suffering from diseases and disorders that have yet to be treated. Stem cell-based therapy, including human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has recently emerged as a key player in regenerative medicine. hPSCs are defined as self-renewable cell types

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Higher risk of vein blood clots in COVID vs flu patients

Hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients before and after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine availability had significantly higher odds of venous—but not arterial—thromboembolism than those hospitalized for influenza before the pandemic, finds a study published today in JAMA. A team led by University of Pennsylvania researchers retrospectively studied rates of venous thromboembolism (blood clot in a vein) and arterial thromboembolism (blood clot in

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Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in COVID-19 survivors among non-vaccinated population

The results of a retrospective cohort study from the TriNetX US collaborative networks are published in eClinicalMedicine Background The long-term cardiovascular outcomes in COVID-19 survivors remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term cardiovascular outcomes in COVID-19 survivors. Methods This study used the data from the US Collaborative Network in

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UT Southwestern researchers identify mechanism crucial for COVID-19 virus replication

Findings could lead to new strategies to treat COVID-19 infections A team led by UT Southwestern researchers has identified how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, builds a structure called the RNA cap that’s critical for successful viral replication. The finding, published in Nature, could lead to new strategies to attack COVID-19, which has sickened nearly 600

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Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB): COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma

The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) in hospital and outpatient settings. Based on two living systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the guidelines provide five specific recommendations for treating patients with COVID-19 and suggest that CCP

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The US and UK Government Release Reports on Long COVID to Support Patients and Further Research

The US Government is committed to helping people across America affected by Long COVID. In April, President Joe Biden issued a Memorandum on Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19, which called for the creation of two reports. Within 120 days, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), leading a whole-of-government response, developed two reports that

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Two patients treated with Novartis Zolgensma gene therapy died due to acute liver injury.

Two children who received a Novartis gene therapy for their neuromuscular disease died following treatment, spotlighting its risks and renewing questions about the safety of genetic medicines like it. The patients developed acute liver failure between five and six weeks after infusion with the gene therapy, called Zolgensma and approved to treat spinal muscular atrophy,

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66,000 people in Southeast Asia may be infected with bats SARS-related coronaviruses every year: results of a study published in Nature Communications

New research offers risk assessment that estimates the risk of human infections from SARS-related coronaviruses originating in 23 bat host species across Southeast Asia In a new study led by EcoHealth Alliance and published in Nature Communications, researchers estimate that more than 66,000 people in Southeast Asia are directly infected each year with SARS-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoV) originating in

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COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in South Africa and epidemiological characteristics of three variants of concern (Beta, Delta, and Omicron)

A model of COVID-19 dynamics in South Africa reveals epidemiological characteristics of the main SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and highlights their potential to cause further outbreaks. Published in eLife, the researchers’ findings highlight the need for more proactive planning and preparedness for future variants of concern (VOCs), including the development of a universal vaccine that can

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Inhaled aprotinin reduces viral load in mild-to-moderate inpatients with Covid-19: paper published in European Journal of Clinical Investigation

New variants of the causative pathogen, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continue to emerge, and the ‘new normal’ appears to be a scenario where human beings coexist with the virus. However, many individuals are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 due to comorbidities like obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, advancing age,

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Acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children: an update by the European Reference Network ERN RARE-LIVER

Unexplained cases of acute liver inflammation in children, especially in the United Kingdom (UK) were reported earlier this year. In response, the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER) conducted a thorough investigation that did not confirm the alarming observation from the UK in other European countries. However, an infectious cause remains the main suspected

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Higher doses of CAR T cell therapy associate with improved outcomes in young patients with B-ALL : a report from the pediatric real-world CAR consortium

Young people who received doses of tisagenlecleucel, a chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, at the higher end of the FDA-approved dosing range had significantly better survival rates at one year compared with those who received lower doses within this range, according to research published today in Blood Advances.   Since its approval as the first

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Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Targeting Fast-Spreading Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/5 will be delivered as soon as October 2022

Pfizer and BioNTech will begin trials of their updated mRNA Covid-19 vaccine designed to protect against the newer BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of the coronavirus latest this month, BioNTech announced on Monday, joining other vaccine makers like Moderna who are trying to create updated shots targeting the faster spreading and immune evasive variants. The trial

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Dysregulation of the kallikrein-kinin system and neutrophils role in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with severe COVID-19

Results published by University of Leuven researchers in eBioMedicine Markers of inflammation and coagulation are predictors for clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Binding of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is involved in kinin breakdown, could interfere with the kallikrein-kinin pathway. SARS-CoV-2 induced dysregulation

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12,7% COVID-19 patients develop long COVID symptoms: results of a large Dutch study

One in eight adults (12.7%) who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience long term symptoms due to COVID-19, suggests a large Dutch study published in The Lancet. The study provides one of the first comparisons of long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection (often called ‘long COVID’) with symptoms in an uninfected population, as well as measuring symptoms in

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St. Jude Researchers improved CAR T-cell therapy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital developed a simple method to select for more effective cancer-destroying CAR T cells for patients with relapsed T-ALL. Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are improving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Their new simplified approach selected for an advantageous T-cell type and showed promise in the lab against relapsed T-cell

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Gene Therapy Approach Shows Promise in Treating ALS

In rodent models, introduced neuroprotective protein slowed disease progression and increased life span Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord responsible for voluntary movements and muscle control. In a new study, published July 11, 2022 in the journal Theranostics, researchers at

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Getting more exercise than guidelines suggest may lower death risk as much as 31%.

Doubling to quadrupling the minimum amount of weekly physical activity recommended for U.S. adults may substantially lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and other causes, new research finds. The study, published Monday in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, found people who followed the minimum guidelines for moderate or vigorous long-term, leisure physical activity

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Vitamin D supplements data on fractures prevention are inconsistent: results of the VITAL trial in NEJM.

More research suggests it’s time to abandon the craze over vitamin D. Taking high doses of “the sunshine vitamin” doesn’t reduce the risk of broken bones in generally healthy older Americans, researchers reported Wednesday on NEJM . It’s the latest in a string of disappointments about a nutrient once hoped to have wide-ranging protective effects. That same

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Prognosis and persistence of smell and taste dysfunction in 5% patients with Covid-19: meta-analysis results published in The BMJ

About 5% of adults may develop long-lasting changes to their sense of smell or taste after COVID-19 infection, suggests research published by The BMJ today. With more than 550 million confirmed COVID-19 cases to date, this means that at least 15 million and 12 million adult patients may experience long-term smell and taste deficiencies, respectively. Given the

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SARS-CoV-2 Variants Have Developed Resistance to Human Interferons

CU Anschutz researchers examined how five SARS-CoV-2 variants interact with diverse interferons and found the virus has adapted to evade this important front-line defense of the innate immune system Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have investigated how antiviral proteins called interferons interact with SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. The study, published in Proceedings

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The third COVID-19 booster was crucial to identifying and fighting new variants

Twenty different COVID-19 variants were effectively identified and neutralised after the third booster, according to the new study for which the University of Surrey provided the crucial antigenic map of variants of concern.  While the study’s results suggested that immunity decreases 20 weeks after vaccination, the third booster (of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, in the case

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Primary thromboprophylaxis in symptomatic outpatients with COVID-19: no benefit in two randomized trials 

Two trials show no differences between patients who received enoxaparin vs standard of care The routine use of antithrombotic therapies to prevent thromboembolic complications provided no benefit for symptomatic outpatients with COVID-19, according to the results of two randomized trials. In the OVID trial, the 30-day risk of hospitalization and death was similar among patients who

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Private clinics in Cyprus, Germany and Switzerland are offering expensive unproven “blood washing” procedures for abroad Long Covid patients

Thousands of people experiencing the debilitating symptoms of long covid are traveling abroad to seek costly but unproven treatments such as “blood washing”, according to an investigation carried out by The BMJ and ITV News released today. Patients are traveling to private clinics in Cyprus, Germany and Switzerland for apheresis – a blood-filtering treatment normally

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Acute and post-acute COVID-19 presentations in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis shows that 8% of athletes have persistent symptoms after contracting COVID-19

Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil analyzed data from 43 scientific articles describing the effects of COVID-19 on athletes and concluded that while the disease was asymptomatic or mild in the vast majority of cases (94%), about 8% of the subjects concerned had persistent symptoms affecting their performance and potentially preventing

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New paper from Cleveland University Hospitals examines transfusion utilization and appropriateness: thinking differently at a tertiary academic medical center

Researchers find decrease in transfusions, increase in appropriate use, and savings of $2.5 million In a new paper, researchers from University Hospitals (UH) detail how they used data via a dashboard to decrease the use of packed red-blood cell (pRBC) transfusions and platelets with an increase in appropriate transfusions.Their paper, “Transfusion Utilization and Appropriateness: Thinking Differently

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A new study confirms convalescent plasma doesn’t benefit severely ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Convalescent plasma, widely given to severely ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the pandemic, does not improve their ability to survive or recover, according to a national clinical trial led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and published in the journal CHEST. The multicenter blinded, randomized placebo-controlled, Passive Immunity Trial for our Nation (PassITON), looked at the

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COVID-19 virus spike protein flexibility improved by human cell’s own modifications

When the coronavirus causing COVID-19 infects human cells, the cell’s protein-processing machinery makes modifications to the spike protein that render it more flexible and mobile, which could increase its ability to infect other cells and to evade antibodies, a new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found. The researchers created an atomic-level computational model

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Small NIH study reveals how immune response triggered by COVID-19 may damage the brain

Findings could give insight into long-term neurological symptoms of COVID-19 A study from the National Institutes of Health describes the immune response triggered by COVID-19 infection that damages the brain’s blood vessels and may lead to short- and long-term neurological symptoms. In a study published in Brain, researchers from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and

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Charité researchers simulate coronavirus infection using human lungs and organoids

A team of Berlin-based researchers have simulated SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lungs, thereby generating key insights into the mechanisms involved. Using cultured lung tissue samples, the researchers showed that the virus responsible for COVID-19 has only limited capacity for directly infecting cells within human alveoli. The majority of viruses which reach the lungs are ingested by macrophages (cells of

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Efficacy and safety of CD19-specific CAR T cell–based therapy in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with CNSL

CNS relapse is still a common cause of treatment failure in R/R B-ALL, although chemotherapy, cranial irradiation, and allo-HSCT are all modalities that can be incorporated into the management of CNSL. In the present study, published on Blood by a team of Xuzhou Medical University, was reported the efficacy, toxicity, and clinical feasibility of CD19-specific

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First successful treatment of severe pulmonary hypertension using umbilical cord stem cells

Hannover Medical School doctors successfully treat three-year-old girl / Publication in “Nature Cardiovascular Research“ Clinical researchers at Hannover Medical School (MHH) have succeeded for the first time worldwide in stopping the usually fatal course of the disease in severe pulmonary hypertension thanks to a novel therapeutic approach. A three-year-old girl suffering from so-called pulmonary arterial

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Colorado University New Study Paves Way to Better Understanding and Treating Long COVID

Researchers are first to link COVID-specific T Cells to lung function, Long COVID A new study published in today’s issue of PLoS Pathogens is the first to link SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells to lung function and those who suffer from long-term COVID symptoms. Long COVID currently affects hundreds of millions of Americans. The study found that patients suffering

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Heart Failure Patients Unvaccinated Against COVID-19 Are Three Times More Likely to Die From It Than Boosted Heart Failure Patients

Mount Sinai study shows dramatic protective effects of vaccination in this high-risk population, which often demonstrates vaccine hesitancy Heart failure patients who are unvaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are three times more likely to die if infected with the virus compared to fully boosted heart failure patients, according to new research out

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People in US Republican Counties Were More Likely to Die From COVID-19, University of Maryland-led Analysis Shows

The partisan divide in the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched beyond differences in attitudes about masking, social distancing and vaccines. According to a new study led by a University of Maryland researcher, it also is tied to a clear difference in mortality rates from the virus. In the study, published today in Health

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Growing US ‘Mortality Gap’ Detected Between Republican and Democratic Counties

A new study highlights how closely connected politics and health outcomes have grown over time. Investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital examined mortality rates and federal and state election data for all counties in the U.S. from 2001 to 2019. The team found what they call a “mortality gap” — a widening difference between age-adjusted death rates

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Recent progress in cell therapy research: a review in Nature outlines engineering disciplines, genome and epigenome editing, synthetic biology and biomaterial-mediated immune modulation.

Given recent progress in cell therapy research, it is clear that the engineering disciplines outlined in this Review will play an increasing role in the creation of new product pipelines with improved safety, efficacy and accessibility for patients. Recent scientific advances have not only demonstrated the potential impact of technologiesdeveloped by each of these fields,

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Study: Patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with leukotriene inhibitors are more likely to survive, University of Buffalo researchers find

In a retrospective study based on big data, the researchers found that Leukotriene Inhibitors (LTI)s prevented death in COVID-19 patients with low oxygen saturation University at Buffalo biomedical informatics researchers have found that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia had a 13.5% survival advantage when treated with a combination of leukotriene inhibitors (LTIs) and the steroid

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‘Cell pores’ discovery and a new drug give hope to millions of brain and spinal cord injury patients

Scientists from the University of Birmingham have shown an existing drug may reduce damage after spinal cord injury, by blocking the inflammatory response in the spinal cord. Their research, published today in Clinical and Translational Medicine, demonstrates that AZD1236, a drug developed by AstraZeneca, can significantly reduce “secondary damage” caused by the body’s response to spinal

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Amyloid production induced by neutrophil elastase as possible mechanism behind enigmatic symptoms in Severe Covid-19

In severe covid-19 and long-term covid, disorders of blood coagulation often occur. Now, researchers at LiU have discovered that the body’s immune system can affect the nail protein on the surface of the sars-cov-2 virus so that it forms misfolded protein, so-called amyloid. The findings point to a possible link between harmful amyloid formation and covid-19 symptoms.

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BWH Scientists Develop ‘Off the Shelf’ Engineered Stem Cells to Treat Aggressive Glioblastoma

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are highly aggressive cancerous tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Brain cancers like GBM are challenging to treat because many cancer therapeutics cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier, and more than 90 percent of GBM tumors return after being surgically removed, despite surgery and subsequent chemo- and radiation therapy being the most

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University of Minnesota technology allows amputees to control a robotic arm with their mind

Research team makes mind-reading possible with electronics and AI University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers have developed a more accurate, less invasive technology that allows amputees to move a robotic arm using their brain signals instead of their muscles.  Many current commercial prosthetic limbs use a cable and harness system that is controlled by the

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90-Day Clinical Outcome of Critically Ill Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients Treated with Imatinib: lower mortality rate, shorter duration of invasive ventilation and more ventilator free days.

Patients with severe COVID-19 who were given imatinib had lower mortality rates at 90-day follow-up, according to research published at the ATS 2022 international conference. The study investigated the long-term efficacy of imatinib in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the Netherlands as part of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CounterCOVID study. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib is currently an oncology

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Identifying who has long COVID in the USA: a machine learning approach using N3C data

Using machine learning, researchers find patterns in electronic health record data to better identify those likely to have the condition. Long COVID is marked by wide-ranging symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, headaches, “brain fog” and other neurological problems. Such symptoms can last for many months or longer after an initial COVID-19 diagnosis. One

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SARS-CoV-2 superantigens could be involved in Severe acute pediatric hepatitis, following a letter on The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Recently, there have been reports of children with a severe acute form of hepatitis in the UK, Europe, the USA, Israel, and Japan.  Most patients present with gastrointestinal symptoms and then progress to jaundice and, in some cases, acute liver failure. So far, no common environmental exposures have been found, and an infectious agent remains

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New type of cell therapy can repair damaged heart tissue after infarction

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet, Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany and AstraZeneca, among others, have identified a new type of cell therapy with the potential to heal injuries to the heart after a heart attack. The preclinical study, published in the journal Nature Cell Biology, shows that so-called ventricular progenitor cells can stimulate the heart’s

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FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Launches New Accelerating Rare disease Cures (ARC) Program

FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) has announced the launch of the new Accelerating Rare disease Cures (ARC) Program. The goal of the CDER ARC Program is to speed and increase the development of effective and safe treatment options addressing the unmet needs of patients with rare diseases. Launched in May 2022, CDER’s Accelerating Rare disease

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Feces of people with mild COVID can harbor viral genetic material months after infection: can it be responsible for Long Covid ?

People with mild to moderate COVID-19 can shed viral RNA in their feces months after initial infection, Stanford researchers find. Those who do often have nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. If you’re relying on nasal or throat-based tests to give you a clean bill of health after a COVID-19 infection, you might be swabbing the

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Novel Supramolecular CRISPR–Cas9 Carrier Enables More Efficient Genome Editing

Fifth generation polyrotaxane (PRX) carriers can effectively deliver CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) The PRX carrier can cross the cell membrane, avoid endosomal action, and release Cas9 RNP for entry into the nucleusImage courtesy: Kumamoto University, The carriers, aminated polyrotaxanes, can flexibly and reversibly bind with Cas9 ribonucleoprotein and protect it from intracellular endosomal degradation CRISPR-Cas9 is

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A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests neuropsychiatric sequelae similar for severe COVID-19 and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection

The neuropsychiatric sequelae are similar for severe COVID-19 infection and for other severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), according to a study published online May 11 in JAMA Psychiatry. Ashley Kieran Clift, M.B.B.S., from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and colleagues quantified the risks of new-onset neuropsychiatric conditions and new neuropsychiatric medication prescriptions after discharge from

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A Lancet follow-up study shows half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection

Two years after infection with COVID-19, half of patients who were admitted to hospitals still have at least one symptom, according to the longest follow-up study to date, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. The study followed 1,192 participants in China infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first phase of the pandemic in 2020. While physical and

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Lloviu virus, a new possible zoonotic pandemic threat isolated for the first time in European bats

Researchers from the Medway School of Pharmacy (a partnership between the universities of Kent and Greenwich) have helped isolate the Lloviu virus (LLOV) – a close relative of Ebola virus – for the first time, highlighting the need for future research to ensure pandemic preparedness. LLOV is part of the filovirus family – which includes the Ebola

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The death of the patient transplanted with gene-edited pig heart could be due to a porcine Cytomegalovirus

The pig heart transplanted into an American patient earlier this year in a landmark operation carried a porcine virus that may have derailed the experiment and contributed to his death two months later, say transplant specialists. David Bennett Sr. was near death in January when he received a genetically edited pig heart in a pioneering between-species transplant

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Inspection at the IHU-Méditerranée Infection and the AP-HM: the French National Agency for Medicines Safety (ANSM) takes legal action again and initiates administrative proceedings

ANSM is publishing the final reports of the inspection conducted at the Institut hospitalo universitaire-Méditerranée Infection de Marseille (IHU) and at the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), following reports in the context of our whistleblower system. The inspection reveals serious shortcomings and non-compliances with the regulations for research involving the human person (RIPH) , in particular

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Nearly 13 Percent of COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients Had Serious Neurologic Symptoms

Overwhelming evidence shows that infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) causes dysfunction of multiple organ systems, including the nervous system. Neurologic symptoms are frequently reported even in patients with mild illness and for some, these neurologic symptoms may persist as part of long-haul COVID. To describe the prevalence, associated risk factors and outcomes of

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Pathophysiological pathway differences in children who present with COVID-19 ARDS compared to COVID -19 induced MIS-C

Researchers have discovered the blood clotting and immune protein pathways that are activated in severe cases of COVID-19 in children, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments. The study led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the University of Melbourne and published in Nature Communications, has identified disease mechanisms in children with COVID-19

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Acute Hepatitis and Adenovirus Infection Among Children No Covid link found by CDC in Alabama cases

During October–November 2021, clinicians at a children’s hospital in Alabama identified five pediatric patients with severe hepatitis and adenovirus viremia upon admission. In November 2021, hospital clinicians, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Jefferson County Department of Health, and CDC began an investigation. This activity was reviewed by CDC and conducted consistent with applicable

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Comparison of Home Antigen Testing With RT-PCR and Viral Culture During the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

If you have Covid-19 symptoms but test negative with a rapid antigen test, you should test again 1-2 days later, or on day four of feeling crook, new research suggests. A study out of the United States, conducted between January-May 2021 and published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Saturday, compared the PCR and RAT results of 225​ children

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Financial risks posed by unproven cell interventions in Japan

The research group led by Professor Misao Fujita conducted a study to estimate the total amount of refund the Japanese government would pay if a patient received unproven cell interventions and applied for a medical expense deduction. Some regenerative medicines whose safety and efficacy have not been fully confirmed in clinical trials and other studies are offered

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Combination Respiratory Vaccine Containing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Quadrivalent Seasonal Influenza Hemagglutinin Nanoparticles results effective in animals trials

On Wednesday, Maryland-based vaccine manufacturer Novavax released preliminary results from an early clinical phase study of its combination Covid/flu vaccine. The results found that the combination vaccine produced immune responses in patients that were comparable to those of its standalone flu and Covid vaccines. The company also found the vaccine formulation to be safe, with

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Covid-19: Antidepressant Fluvoxamine Found to Be Effective as a therapy by Mc Gill University researchers

Researchers say the drug fluvoxamine is effective as an outpatient treatment for COVID-19. Experts say fluvoxamine could widen access to COVID-19 treatments, although they expect it to be a somewhat minor tool in the medical community’s toolkit. They also note that more studies need to be done on fluvoxamine’s effectiveness against the Omicron variant. Fluvoxamine,

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Regenerative Potential of Solid Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Compared to Platelet-Rich Fibrin

A new study compares the regenerative potential of blood/bone marrow aspirate concentrates obtained from arterial blood, venous blood, and bone marrow aspirate. The study, conducted in rabbits, is reported in the peer-reviewed journal Tissue Engineering Part A. Blood concentrate material such as platelet-rick fibrin (PRF) is used in clinical practice to promote tissue regeneration in the

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Three in ten survivors with COVID-19 developed a subset of symptoms associated with “Long Covid”: study of UCLA shows

New UCLA research finds that 30% of people treated for COVID-19 developed Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), most commonly known as “Long COVID.” People with a history of hospitalization, diabetes, and higher body mass index were most likely to develop the condition, while those covered by Medicaid, as opposed to commercial health insurance, or

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What impacts has Covid-19 had on children: CDC study shows 87% Of Kids Hospitalized During Omicron Wave Were Unvaccinated.

About 87% of children hospitalized with Covid-19 when the omicron variant was dominant were unvaccinated, according to a study released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, offering a stark reminder of the risks of leaving children unvaccinated. KEY FACTS From mid-December to late February, unvaccinated children ages 5 to 11 had a hospitalization rate

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3% of adults with COVID pneumonia develop new-onset dementia

Three percent of 10,403 adults with COVID-19 pneumonia were diagnosed as having new-onset dementia after a median of 182 days, a significantly higher proportion than that observed with other types of pneumonia, finds a study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases. University of Missouri at Columbia researchers conducted a case series of COVID-19 pneumonia patients along

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COVID-19 therapy: better in combination than alone. Research published by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and Freie Universität (FU).

How a well-known drug can become a game changer There is a steadily growing arsenal of drugs for COVID-19. Researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and Freie Universität (FU) Berlin have studied the mechanisms of action of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. Their findings, which have been published in Molecular Therapy, show

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New York State Department of Health Announces Emergence of Recently Identified, Highly Contagious Omicron Subvariants in New York and Urges Continued Vigilance Against COVID-19

The New York State Department of Health today announced the emergence of two Omicron subvariants in New York State, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1. Both variants are sub-lineages of BA.2, which now accounts for 80.6% of COVID-19 infections in New York. The subvariants have been estimated to have a 23% – 27% growth advantage above the original BA.2 variant.

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Cell-Derived Exosome Therapy May Help Repair Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Cedars-Sinai Investigators Found It Also Reduced Scarred Heart Tissue in Animals Vesicles secreted from human heart cells may repair damaged tissue and prevent lethal heart rhythm disorders, according to a new study from investigators in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, could lead to a new way to

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Cell Treatment Slows Disease in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients

Cell Therapy Developed by Smidt Heart Institute Leader Delays Disease Progression in Patients Who Have Few Treatment Options A cell therapy developed by the executive director of the Smidt Heart Institute stabilizes weakened muscles–including the heart muscle–in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, a new study published in the international peer-reviewed journal The Lancet shows. If the HOPE-2 study’s

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University of Manitoba researchers develop new stem cell therapy for treating spinal cord injuries

A new study by University of Manitoba researchers has developed a stem cell-based therapy that may eventually lead to new regenerative treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Soheila Karimi, professor of physiology and pathophysiology at the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, and her colleagues have developed a treatment strategy that

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Aprotinin is effective in COVID-19 patients: Ciudad Real University researchers clinical trial confirms previous data of Goethe and Kent University

A clinical study from Spain recently confirmed laboratory experiments made by researchers of Goethe University Frankfurt and University of Kent who showed that the protease inhibitor aprotinin prevented cells to be infected by SARS-CoV2. The authors of the clinical study report that patients receiving an aprotinin aerosol could be discharged from hospital significantly earlier. SARS-CoV-2, the

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FDA approves axicabtagene ciloleucel CAR-T cells for second-line treatment of large B-cell lymphoma

On April 1, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration approved axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta, Kite Pharma, Inc.) for adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy. It is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. Approval was

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Natural Killer Cells Complexed With a Bispecific Antibody May Provide New Treatment Option for Patients With Advanced Lymphoma

Natural killer (NK) cells derived from cord blood that were activated and complexed with a CD30/CD16A bispecific antibody elicited an 89 percent overall response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory CD30+ lymphoma, according to results from a phase I/II clinical trial presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2022, held April 8-13. “We were favorably surprised by the

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Inappropriate Antibiotics Prescriptions Associated With COVID-19 Outpatient Visits Among Medicare Beneficiaries, April 2020 to April 2021: study published on JAMA

Antibiotics are ineffective treatment for viral syndromes, including COVID-19. Was characterized antibiotic prescribing in older adults with outpatient COVID-19 visits to identify opportunities to improve prescribing practices. Were used 100% Medicare carrier claims and Part D event files to identify beneficiaries with a COVID-19 outpatient visit and associated antibiotic prescriptions. We included beneficiaries aged 65

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Study found substantial use of systemic corticosteroids for non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19, contrary to NIH treatment guidelines advising against such intervention in mild to moderate cases.

In June 2020, preliminary results for the Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial conducted in the UK indicated benefit from dexamethasone in severely ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19 but potential harm in those not requiring oxygen. In October 2020, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued COVID-19 treatment guidelines advising against systemic corticosteroid use

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Impact of high-risk cytogenetics on outcomes for children and young adults receiving CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy

CD19 CAR T-cell therapy is effective at achieving durable remission for relapsed/refractory ALL across cytogenetic risk groups. CD19 CAR T-cell treatment results for patients with high-risk cytogenetics including Ph+, Ph-like, and KMT2A-rearranged ALL are encouraging. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy can induce durable remissions of relapsed/refractory B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, case reports suggested differential

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COVID-19: brain impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system

Emerging studies have increasingly recognized Covid-19 as an inflammatory disease. Brain shrinkage, brain-blood barrier disruptions and neurodegeneration seem to emerge as an inflammatory consequence of acute infection that for some progresses into Long Covid. Cognitive impairments are consistently reported as one of the most persistent and some of the more impairing symptoms of Long Covid.

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ALY101 molecule holds promise in potential therapies for cancer and rare diseases

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine and the Italian Institute of Technology have developed a new molecule, ALY101, that shows promising anti-cancer activity against a wide range of tumor cell types and in mouse models of a common type of melanoma. The findings, “Structure-based Design of CDC42 Effector Interaction Inhibitors for the Treatment of

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Penn Medicine Study: Pulse Oximeters Did Not Change Outcomes for Patients in COVID-19 Monitoring Program

Already monitored for worsening symptoms via automated text messages, patients with pulse oximeters in the COVID Watch program had similar recovery to those without them. Using a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels is no better than just regularly asking patients with COVID-19 if they are short of breath, according to new research at the

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Covid-19 increases the risk of blood clots up to six months after infection

The risk of pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis is multiplied by a corona infection. According to a new study of all those who tested positive in Sweden, this applies six months after the diagnosis. According to a study, people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have an increased risk of developing severe blood clots for up to six months after infection . According

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A Mount Sinai-led team developed a reproducible and scalable method to advance maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs)

A study reporting this new protocol was published in the April 7 print edition of the journal Cell Stem Cell. A Mount Sinai-led team has developed a reproducible and scalable method to advance maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs)—cells that support heart muscle contraction, generated in the lab from human stem cell lines—which researchers

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Valoctocogene Roxaparvovec Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A

BACKGROUND Valoctocogene roxaparvovec (AAV5-hFVIII-SQ) is an adeno-associated virus 5 (AAV5)–based gene-therapy vector containing a coagulation factor VIII complementary DNA driven by a liver-selective promoter. The efficacy and safety of the therapy were previously evaluated in men with severe hemophilia A in a phase 1–2 dose-escalation study. METHODS Was conducted an open-label, single-group, multicenter, phase 3

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CAR T cells expressing a pluripotent pro-inflammatory neutrophil-activating protein (NAP) from Helicobacter pylori to better fight cancer

Immunotherapy is increasingly becoming a successful way to treat cancer. Researchers at Uppsala University have now developed armed CAR-T cells that reinforce the immune defense against cancer and that could increase the possibilities to successfully treat solid tumors. The study has been published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. The use of immunotherapy to treat cancer

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SARS-CoV-2 triggers massive inflammation: result of a study published by Children’s Hospital in Nature

A study led by researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital explains for the first time why COVID-19 causes severe inflammation in some people, leading to acute respiratory distress and multi-organ damage. Surprisingly, the study also finds that antibodies that people develop when they contract COVID-19 can sometimes lead to more inflammation, while antibodies generated by mRNA

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Johns Hopkins-Led Study Finds Convalescent Plasma Can Be Effective Early COVID-19 Therapy

Peer-reviewed publication in New England Journal of Medicine validates findings first announced in December The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) today published final results of a nationwide multicenter study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that show plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and whose blood contains

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Specialized Liver Blood Vessel Identity Factor Required for Regeneration

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a key protein that induces the program to build specialized liver blood vessels. The discovery could lead to engineered replacement hepatic tissue to treat common liver diseases. There are many types of blood vessels in the human body that are functionally different from each other. In the liver,

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Johns Hopkins-Led Study Finds Convalescent Plasma Can Be Effective Early COVID-19 Therapy

Peer-reviewed publication in New England Journal of Medicine validates findings first announced in December The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)  published final results of a nationwide multicenter study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that show plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and whose blood

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For children aged under 5, the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection is higher with the omicron versus the delta variant

For children aged under 5, the incidence rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was higher with the omicron variant versus the delta variant, according to a research letter published online April 1 in JAMA Pediatrics. Lindsey Wang, from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, and colleagues examined incidence

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SARS-CoV-2 innate defense system: the role of neutrophil and epithelial defensins

One of the most important layers of our body’s defense against SARS-CoV-2 lies in our innate immune system. The innate immune system protects our body from microbes, viruses, bacteria, and parasites that we have not previously encountered. While much of public attention and awareness of human immunity is focused on adaptive or learned immunity, innate

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In animal study, implant churns out CAR-T cells to combat cancer

Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed an implantable biotechnology that produces and releases CAR-T cells for attacking cancerous tumors. In a proof-of-concept study involving lymphoma in mice, the researchers found that treatment with the implants was faster and more effective than conventional CAR-T cell

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Potent suppression of neuroendocrine tumors and gastrointestinal cancers by CDH17 CAR T cells without toxicity to normal tissues

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells can be remarkably effective in treating leukemias and lymphomas, but there are no successful immunotherapies for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) yet. Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered that CAR-T cells directed to a tumor antigen, CDH17, a cell surface marker expressed on both NETs and GICs but also

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Anti-nausea drugs may increase the risk of stroke, according to a new study from Inserm.

Taking drugs to fight nausea and vomiting can increase the risk of ischemic stroke, according to a new study from Inserm. Increased risks from the first days of treatment. Anti Dopaminergic Antiemetics are associated with an increased risk of developing a stroke . It was researchers from Inserm and the University of Bordeaux who highlighted this link. The results have been

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Most anti-PF4 antibodies in Covid-19 vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia are transient

Platelet-activating anti-PF4 antibodies in VITT are transient in >90% of patients. Likely VITT patients can safely receive a second vaccination shot with an mRNA vaccine, independent of their VITT-antibody status. Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is triggered by vaccination against COVID-19 with adenovirus vector vaccines (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19; Ad26.COV2-S). In this observational study, were followed VITT patients

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“Deltacron” a combination of the delta (AY.4) and BA.1 omicron variants named by the WHO as the BA.1 x AY.4 recombinant.

A combination of the delta (AY.4) and BA.1 omicron variants has been named by the World Health Organization as the BA.1 x AY.4 recombinant. First detected in France in January 2022, it has since picked up the nickname “deltacron”1 How does a recombinant emerge? Recombinants can emerge when multiple variants infect the same person at

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American College of Cardiology Issues Clinical Guidance on CardioVascular Consequences of COVID-19

A new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway released by the ACC addresses the evaluation and management of some of the more common cardiovascular sequelae in adults with COVID-19. The Pathway, published March 16 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, specifically addresses myocarditis and other types of myocardial involvement, patient-centered approaches for long COVID, and

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Huge step forward towards gene therapy and diagnosis for genetic eye disease

New opportunities towards gene therapy and diagnosis for the blinding eye disease, retinal dystrophy, may now become available following work done by the Eye Genetics Research Unit at Children’s Medical Research Institute. This work was published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine today. The team looked at the RPGR gene which is involved in maintaining

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Kids with rare autoimmune disease antiphospholipid syndrome show these symptoms before blood clots 

Antiphospholipid syndrome is rare in adults and even less common among children.  Each year, around two of every 100,000 American adults receive a new diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, or APS, an autoimmune disease known to cause inflammation and recurring, potentially fatal, blood clots. The number of children with APS is likely much smaller but unknown –

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Excess Neuropeptides Disrupt Lung Function in Infant Disease and COVID-19

UC San Diego study identifies lung neuroendocrine cells as drivers of developmental lung disease; similar mechanism may contribute to COVID-19 symptoms COVID-19 has put a spotlight on the pulmonary and nervous systems, but there is still much to learn about how they interact. Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine recently explored

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Cardiac damage as a side effect of CAR-T cell cancer therapy

CAR-T-cell cancer therapy uses special T-cells that are specifically directed towards tumor antigens, the so-called (CAR)-T-cells. These cells trigger a targeted immune response that helps the body recognize and fight cancer cells. But, like other cancer therapies, the treatment can cause unwanted side effects, such as affecting heart function. Scientists from the Medical Faculty of the University

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Global death toll of COVID-19 pandemic may be more than three times higher than official records, estimates published on Lancet indicate

More than three times as many people may have died worldwide as a result of the pandemic than official COVID-19 death records suggest, according to an analysis published in The Lancet. While the official COVID-19 death toll was 5.9 million between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, the new study estimates 18.2 million excess deaths

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Cellular therapy improves signs and symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Clinical trial results promising for people with the debilitating disorder A clinical trial at UC Davis Health and six other sites showed that a cellular therapy offers promise for patients with late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder causing muscle loss and physical impairments in young people. The therapy appears to be safe and effective

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Finding a treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients: alpha-1 antitryspin clinical trial

A clinical trial conducted by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Beaumont Hospital Dublin has indicated an effective treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients. The study, published today in Med, investigates the effects of using an anti-inflammatory protein, alpha-1 antitryspin (AAT), to treat COVID-19 patients who have progressed to acute respiratory distress

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Neuro Long-Covid explained

Two studies published this week have added to a growing body of evidence linking covid infection to subsequent cognitive impairment, even in cases of less severe disease. One study, a preprint published in Nature, examined 785 UK Biobank participants aged 51-81 who routinely receive brain scans and cognitive testing as part of the Biobank’s data gathering. About

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Coagulation proteases and Direct Oral Anticoagulants impact on cancer growth and metastasis

The hemostatic system in cancer The hemostatic system forms an integral part of the innate immune system and contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. Many malignancies are associated with a hyper-thrombotic state that derives foremost from tissue factor (TF), the initiator of the coagulation cascade, expressed by tumor cells and innate immune cells and stromal

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RECOVERY trial shows Baricitinib reduces deaths in patients hospitalised with COVID-19

The Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial has demonstrated that baricitinib, an anti-inflammatory treatment normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, reduces the risk of death when given to hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19. The benefit was in addition to those of dexamethasone and tocilizumab, two other anti-inflammatory treatments which have previously been shown to

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COVID-19 infections increase risk of heart conditions up to a year later

Cardiovascular care essential part of post-infection care An analysis of federal health data indicates that people who have had COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications within the first month to a year after infection, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis

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CAR-based therapies an opportunity for immuno-medicine beyond cancer: a review published on Nature Metabolism

CAR T therapy has had enormous impact in some areas of oncology, and notable efforts are underway to extend the success to additional forms of cancer. However, the use of engineered T cells may be evenmore attractive for disorders other than cancer for several reasons. This review analyses different opportunities and future directions. First, for

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Connecting science to medicine: tendon-like tissue created from human stem cells

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental (TMDU) develop artificial tendons in vitro from human stem cells that could fix common tendon injuries such as Achilles tendon rupture.  Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bones and are important for movement and locomotion. Injuries to tendons are quite common, with millions of people – particularly athletes

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Gene Therapy for Thalassemia Ends Need for Transfusions in Young Children

Phase 3 clinical trial included children younger than 12 years Over 90 percent of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder, no longer needed monthly blood transfusions years after receiving gene therapy, according to an international Phase 3 clinical trial that for the first time included children younger than 12 years of age. Twenty-two patients

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A new study shows MIS-C is rare among teens COVID-19 vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to trigger a rare inflammatory condition linked to coronavirus infection in children, according to an analysis of U.S. government data published Tuesday. The condition, formally known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, involves fever plus symptoms affecting at least two organs and often includes stomach pain, skin rash or bloodshot eyes. It’s

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Mesenchymal stem cell‑based treatments for COVID‑19: an updated review

This review describes the origins, pathogenesis, and clinical features of COVID-19 and the potential uses of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in therapeutic treatments for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients. MSCs have previously been shown to have positive effects in the treatment of lung diseases, such as acute lung injury, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,

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Vertebral body tethering: Another option for treating scoliosis in children

Fusion surgery has been the long-standing treatment for people with scoliosis – a side-to-side curve of the spine. But other options have become available — including vertebral body tethering for children with scoliosis. “Vertebral tethering is a new tool in the tool kit for the treatment of scoliosis,” says A. Noelle Larson, M.D., a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Mayo

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Foreseeing the future of European medicine

Experts say careful application of advanced tech could usher in a golden age of healthcare New technologies could enable medicine to progress in leaps and bounds, but only with the right regulatory and ethical frameworks. That was one of the messages from panelists discussing the future of medicine at the Science|Business conference Horizon Europe: The first assessment as

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Advances in CAR-T Cell Genetic Engineering Strategies to Overcome Hurdles in Solid Tumors Treatment: a review published on Frontiers

In this review, it’s provided an overview of the major mechanisms used by tumor cells to evade immune defenses and are critically exposed the most optimistic engineering strategies to make CAR-T cell therapy a solid option for solid tumors. CAR-T cell based cell therapy is a moving field, which showed impressive results in hematopoietic cancer

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Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine 2020 prescriptions for Covid-19 shown highest in GOP-Dominated Counties: a JAMA Research Letter shows.

New prescriptions of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and ivermectin increased in 2020, driven particularly by rates in counties with the highest proportion of Republican votes in the 2020 US presidential election, according to a cross-sectional study published today in JAMA Internal Medicine. “Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that US prescribing of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic may have

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Randomized trial published on JAMA Internal Medicine confirms Ivermectin is ineffective against progression to Severe COVID

Ivermectin treatment given to high-risk patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 during the first week of illness did not prevent progression to severe disease, according to results from a randomized clinical trial. “The study findings do not support the use of ivermectin for patients with COVID-19,” researchers conclude in the paper published online today in JAMA Internal Medicine. The open-label

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Vitamins do not lessen chance of dying from COVID-19: review published by University of Toledo researchers.

A new review of COVID-19 hospitalization data by researchers at The University of Toledo has found that taking immune-boosting supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc do not lessen your chance of dying from COVID- Early in the pandemic, healthcare providers tried a variety of micronutrients as potential therapies for the new illness. More recently,

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COVID-19 vaccination may protect against variants better than natural infection, Stanford University study finds

COVID-19 vaccines are better than infection at making antibodies to recognize new viral variants, according to a Stanford study. Antibodies generated by COVID-19 vaccines are more suited to recognizing viral variants than antibodies that arise from natural infection, according to a study by researchers at Stanford Medicine. A key finding of the study might explain why: Regions

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NIH researchers Pinpoint “Rogue Autoantibodies” Associated With Severe COVID-19 Blood Clotting

What After studying blood samples from 244 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, a group of researchers, including those who work at the National Institutes of Health, identified “rogue antibodies” that correlate with severe illness and may help explain mechanisms associated with severe blood clotting. The researchers found circulating antiphospholipid antibodies, which can be more common among people

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The effectiveness of vaccination against long COVID: a rapid evidence briefing by UK Health Security Agency

People who had been fully vaccinated against covid-19 were around half as likely to develop long covid symptoms as people who had received only one vaccine dose or were unvaccinated, the UK Health Security Agency has said. The agency conducted a rapid review of evidence, including 15 UK and international studies up to January 2022.

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Creating universal blood-type organs for transplant

A study published in Science Translational Medicine performed at the Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories and UHN’s Ajmera Transplant Centre has proved that it is possible to convert blood type safely in donor organs intended for transplantation. This finding is an important step towards creating universal type O organs, which would significantly improve fairness in organ allocation

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First gene therapy for Tay-Sachs disease successfully given to two children

Two babies have received the first-ever gene therapy for Tay-Sachs disease after over 14 years of development. Tay-Sachs is a severe neurological disease caused by a deficiency in an enzyme called HexA. This enzyme breaks down a fatlike substance that normally exists in very small, harmless amounts in the brain. Without HexA, however, this fatlike substance can accumulate

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Virome characterization of wild mammalian game animals, traded and consumed as exotic food in China, reveals a spectrum of emerging pathogens

This study has greatly expanded the understanding of the diversity of viruses carried by a variety of wild animals, and provided an important scientific basis for the early warning and prevention of human and livestock diseases.Vertebrate-associated viruses carried in wildlife The world’s top academic journal Cell published a research paper online: “Virome characterization of game

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U.S. peer-reviewed study on Omicron patient outcomes reveals significant differences in infection behavior

Within only three weeks after the Omicron variant was first identified among Houston Methodist patients, this variant rapidly took over and became the cause of a majority of new cases. By contrast, the delta variant took about three months to reach that same milestone after initial detection. Causing 98 percent of all new COVID-19 cases

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Using stem cells to regenerate the heart: identified key molecule for recognizing epicardial cells, the source of many cell types in a growing heart.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the world. One reason is that unlike other tissues, such as bone and skin, the heart has remarkably poor regenerative capability after an injury such as a heart attack. Scientists have therefore searched for heart cells that have regenerative properties. A new study by the Yoshinori

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Long-term safety and efficacy of lentiviral hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell gene therapy for Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome

Genethon, a unique non-profit gene therapy R&D organization founded by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM-Telethon), announced today that its lentiviral based gene therapy, developed in collaboration with French and British teams, has demonstrated long-term efficacy in eight patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare and severe immune deficiency. “These results confirm the stability and good

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COVID-19 infections increase risk of heart conditions up to a year later

Cardiovascular care essential part of post-infection care An in-depth analysis of federal health data indicates that people who have had COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications within the first month to a year after infection. Such complications include disruptive heart rhythms, inflammation of the heart, blood clots, stroke, coronary artery disease, heart

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Activity-dependent spinal cord neuromodulation rapidly restores trunk and leg motor functions after complete paralysis in three patients as published in Nature Medicine

A system developed by Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch now enables patients with a complete spinal cord injury to stand, walk and even perform recreational activities like swimming, cycling andcanoeing. The images made headlines around the world in late 2018. David Mzee, who had been left paralyzed by a partial spinal cord injury suffered in

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Gene therapy in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia

A novel gene therapy promoted transfusion independence in more than 90 percent of adult and pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, according to a recent clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The therapy represents a potentially curative treatment option for patients who must otherwise rely on life-long red blood cell transfusions. This approach provides

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Study of Penn Patients with Decade-Long Leukemia Remissions after CAR T Cell Therapy Reveals New Details About Persistence of Personalized “Living Drug” Cells

Two patients represent longest-known CAR T cell response to date, providing insight into treatment effects and outcomes In the summer of 2010, Bill Ludwig and Doug Olson were battling an insidious blood cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). They’d both received numerous treatments, and as remaining options became scarce, they volunteered to become the first

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FDA Takes Actions to Expand Use of Treatment for Outpatients with Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took two actions to expand the use of the antiviral drug Veklury (remdesivir) to certain non-hospitalized adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. This provides another treatment option to reduce the risk of hospitalization in high-risk patients. Previously, the use of Veklury was limited to

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Landing therapeutic genes safely in the human genome

Researchers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, and the ETH Zurich predict and validate genomic safe harbors for therapeutic genes, enabling safer, more efficient, and predictable gene and cell therapies. Many future gene and cell therapies to treat diseases like cancer, rare genetic and other conditions could be enhanced in their efficacy, persistence, and

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Current vaccines teach T and B cells to fight Omicron: results published in two new papers

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have found that four COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, J&J/Janssen, and Novavax) prompt the body to make effective, long-lasting T cells against SARS-CoV-2. These T cells can recognize SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern, including Delta and Omicron.  “The vast majority of T cell responses are still effective against Omicron,”

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Two new papers reveal through cryo-EM analysis the structural basis of antibody evasion and enhanced transmission of the Omicron variant

In a study recently published on Cell, researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis to capture the open and closed states of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant’s spike protein. The open and closed states of the Omicron spike appeared more compact compared to that of the SARS-CoV-2 G614 strain, which is likely due to

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Multiple Early Factors Anticipate Post-Acute COVID-19 Sequelae: a new paper published on Cell

A significant portion of people who contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus—some estimates suggest more than 40 percent—suffer chronic effects known as Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), commonly referred to as long COVID. PASC symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, the loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, and more. Now, researchers have identified several factors

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New gene therapy treatment resulted in sustained, clinically relevant benefits in children with Metachromatic Leucodystrophy: long term results published.

An investigational gene therapy showed benefit in pediatric patients with early-onset metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a small study showed. Treatment with atidarsagene autotemcel (arsa-cel) preserved motor development and cognitive function in MLD patients enrolled in a prospective phase I/II trial or treated through expanded access programs, reported Alessandro Aiuti, MD, of the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene

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50-64 age unvaccinated people were 44 more times to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than those who were fully vaccinated and had a booster shot, CDC shows

The risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 among older Americans is far higher for those who are unvaccinated than for those who are fully vaccinated and have had a booster shot, new government data shows. The differences were stark: In December, unvaccinated people 50 and older were 17 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than those

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New EMA report on International regulators’ recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines and the Omicron variant

International regulators have published a report today highlighting their discussions on the effectiveness of current vaccines against the COVID-19 Omicron variant, regulatory requirements for a variant vaccine and considerations on clinical study design. The workshop on the global response to the COVID-19 Omicron variant was organised under the umbrella of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) and

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Immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells in peripheral nerve injury: a review

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) refers to varying degrees of trauma to peripheral nerve stems or branches. PNIaccounts for 1.5–4.0% of global trauma cases annually and is one of the most challenging health issues at present. Nerve regeneration is a complicated cellular process involving infammation, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, adhesion, the formation of axons and growth cones,

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Placebo Effect Accounts for More Than Two-Thirds of COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events, Researchers Find

One-Third of Clinical Trial Participants Who Received No Vaccine Reported Systemic Adverse Advents Like Headache and Fatigue The placebo effect is the well-known phenomenon of a person’s physical or mental health improving after taking a treatment with no pharmacological therapeutic benefit – a sugar pill, or a syringe full of saline, for example. While the

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Epilepsy Research Boosts Case for New Gene Therapy

Research from the School of Medicine suggests how a newly developed gene therapy can treat Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy, and potentially prolong survival for people with the condition. The gene therapy, developed by Stoke Therapeutics, is now in clinical trials. Because most Dravet syndrome cases are caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene, resulting in

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SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England: technical briefing published by UK Health Security Agency

This report has been published to share the detailed variant surveillance analyses which contribute to the variant risk assessments and designation of new variants of concern (VOC) and variants under investigation (VUI). This specialist technical briefing contains early data and analysis on emerging variants and findings have a high level of uncertainty. SARS-CoV-2 Routine variant

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Association between vaccination status and reported incidence of post-acute long-COVID-19 symptoms in Israel: double dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination may have a protective effect.

An emerging and complex health problem that remains poorly characterized and understood is long coronavirus disease 2019 (Long COVID). The rapid outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Long COVID is a post-infection condition in which individuals do not recover completely for

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Viral dynamics and duration of PCR positivity of the SARSCoV-2 Omicron variant: a study of Harvard University researchers on NBA players

A significant proportion of people infected with the omicron variant of coronavirus were still contagious when they reach the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s recommended self-isolation exit date of five days, according to a  Harvard University study of a small number of cases from the National Basketball Association’s Covid-19 testing program. KEY FACTS Among omicron cases identified 

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COVID-19 nonhospitalized patients: therapeutic options review in Omicron era

Substantial progress has been made in therapeutics for nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19, but supply of and access to treatment remain limited. This Viewpoint summarizes currently available therapeutics for nonhospitalized patients in the setting of the Omicron variant including principles for equitable allocation. Patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 are those who have respiratory and systemic

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NIH researchers develop first stem cell model of albinism to study related eye conditions

A human induced pluripotent stem cell colony from OCA1A patient. The image was acquired using a confocal microscope and is stained for pluripotency marker proteins. The red color depicts transcription factor OCT4, green is SSEA4 protein and blue represents the nucleus of the cells.NEI “Animals used to study albinism are less than ideal because they

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CAR-T-cell therapy has the potential to replace chemoimmunotherapy for second-line treatment of patients with refractory or relapsed large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)

In the ZUMA-7 trial, at a median follow-up of 24.9 months, patients randomly assigned to receive CAR T-cell therapy with axicabtagene ciloleucel, or axi-cell (Yescarta) had a median event-free survival (EFS) of 8.3 months, compared with 2 months for patients randomly assigned to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy, reported Frederick L. Locke, MD, from the Moffitt Cancer Center

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Illinois College University researchers uncover new information about cellular death process, previously thought to be irreversible

A study published by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago describes a new method for analyzing pyroptosis — the process of cell death that is usually caused by infections and results in excess inflammation in the body — and shows that process, long thought to be irreversible once initiated, can in fact be halted

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A Japan National Institute of Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention Center study shows that Peak Infectiousness Of Omicron variant is 3-6 Days After Symptom Onset.

A new study conducted by Japanese researchers has shown that peak viral loads in people infected with omicron occur between 3 to 6 days after the onset of symptoms. The study raises further concerns about the CDC cutting the self-isolating time for people with Covid-19 to 5 days, not 10. The report was published online on January

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Naive T-cell depletion approach results in lower rates of chronic GVHD after transplant

Removing one type of T cell from donor blood used for stem cell grafts could greatly reduce a serious complication called graft-versus-host disease in patients with leukemia, according to a new study. Published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the study reports that only 7% of leukemia patients who received stem cell transplants depleted of

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Single injection of messenger RNA Can Be Used to Make CAR T cells in vivo and to attack fibrosis in heart failure .

Penn study reveals an easier, more scalable way to make a powerful immunotherapy An experimental immunotherapy can temporarily reprogram patients’ immune cells to attack a specific target via only a single injection of messenger RNA (mRNA), similar to the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, according to a new study from researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine

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National Strategy for the new normal life with Covid-19: three papers published on JAMA

Today, a group of eminent physicians and scientists with global standing have acted decisively and in unison presenting the world with what it badly needs, whether it knows it or not: a comprehensive, cohesive plan which lays out the steps to reverse the course of Covid-19. Presented today as three linked “Viewpoints” in one of the world’s

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Predicting the future of COVID: Boston College biologists develop a computational model to detect emerging Coronavirus strains

Efforts to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 may benefit from a new analytical tool developed by a team led by biologists at Boston College, who report their computer simulation of molecular interactions can predict mutations of the virus and help develop insights into future variants of concern before they emerge. “We computationally predict what mutations

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A study of Infectious Economics in New York identifies discordant SARS-CoV-2 PCR and Rapid Antigen Test Results When Infectious

Anew study raises significant doubts about whether at-home rapid antigen tests can detect the Omicron variant before infected people can transmit the virus to others. The study looks at 30 people from settings including Broadway theaters and offices in New York and San Francisco where some workers were not only being tested daily but were, because

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Need for long-term monitoring of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study shows differences in neurodevelopment at age 6 months.

A new paper published on JAMA Pediatrics by researchers of Columbia University Irving Medical Center analyses a ssociations between in utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurodevelopment which are speculated, but currently unknown. To examine the associations between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, being born during the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of maternal SARS-CoV-2 status,

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Study: COVID-19 Hospitalization Costs, Outcomes In 2020 Improved Over Time

The first comprehensive analysis of its kind examines hospital inpatient costs and length of stay. A new study published in Advances in Therapy provides the first comprehensive analysis of the hospitalization costs for COVID-19 patients, factors associated with costs and length of stay, and the monthly trends of costs and length of stay from April to December

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South-Africa Netcare sees ‘significantly fewer’ Omicron patients with existing illnesses at its hospitals

In South Africa, the pattern of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 early in the fourth wave showed fewer hospitalizations and reduced severity of illness compared with earlier waves, according to a research letter published online Dec. 30 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Caroline Maslo, M.D., Ph.D., from Netcare Ltd. South Africa in Johannesburg, and

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COVID-19 patients have severely increased levels of oxidative stress and oxidant damage, and glutathione deficiency

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have investigated the effect of infection with COVID-19 on the levels of oxidative stress, oxidant damage and glutathione, the most abundant physiological antioxidant. Compared to healthy age-matched individuals whose samples were taken before the pandemic started in 2019, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had significantly increased levels of oxidative stress and

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Lymphoma Cell Metabolism May Provide New Cancer Target

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Photograph by CoRus13, distributed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license Aggressive and relatively common lymphomas called diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) have a critical metabolic vulnerability that can be exploited to trick these cancers into starving themselves, according to a study from researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell’s Ithaca campus.

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Emergence in Southern France of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant named B.1.640.2 of probably Cameroonian origin harbouring both substitutions N501Y and E484K in the spike protein and present in 67 hospitalised patients

A new coronavirus variant has been discovered in southern France, spreading in a small outbreak, according to a new study.The variant, tentatively identified B.1.640.2 according to a recent study backed by the French government that has yet to be peer-reviewed, is believed to be Cameroonian in origin and have so far spread to 67 patients in southern France.

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A potential at-home COVID-19 test is just as good as laboratory PCR tests, according to preclinical data

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have designed a high-quality assay that can be used in at-home tests for rapid COVID-19 screening. Results from an early preclinical study suggest that tests with the new assay may be just as reliable as the laboratory-based molecular tests — called PCR tests — used by hospitals for clinical diagnostics.  “Having fast and

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Sloan Kettering Institute Scientists Retool CAR T Cells to Serve as ‘Micropharmacies’ for Cancer Drugs

Immunotherapies called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells use genetically engineered versions of a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer. These treatments have energized cancer care, especially for people with certain types of blood cancers. Now, scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) have developed new CAR T cells that can do something their

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Complement activation induces excessive T cell cytotoxicity in severe COVID-19, associated with fatal outcome.

A new paper published in Cell by Charitè group opens new perspectives to complement role in Covid-19 Highlights •Severe COVID-19 is marked by activated, highly cytotoxic CD16+ T cells •Immune complex-mediated degranulation of CD16+ T cells causes endothelial cell injury •C3a-rich environment in severe COVID-19 promotes differentiation of CD16+ T cells •Activated CD16+ T cells and complement proteins are

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Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccine Type and Adverse Effects Following Covid-19 Vaccination

This article was originally published here JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Dec 1;4(12):e2140364. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.40364. ABSTRACT IMPORTANCE: Little is known about the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine adverse effects in a real-world population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors potentially associated with participant-reported adverse effects after COVID-19 vaccination. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The COVID-19 Citizen Science Study, an online

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Targeting the fibrin-neutrophil interaction prevented bone loss from periodontal disease

Human and animal study offers insight into treating periodontal disease and other inflammatory disorders. Blocking function of a blood-clotting protein prevented bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease in mice, according to research led by scientists at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health. Drawing on animal

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When and how to use the existing tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus

“Test, test, test.” This is how Tedros Adhanom , director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), urged the countries  at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic. Testing, isolation and contact tracing should be – and have been in many cases – the “backbone of the global response” to the crisis, according to the head of the agency. According to experts,

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The Omicron variant is highly resistant against antibody-mediated neutralization: a new study on Cell shows

The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant suggests that the virus might become globally dominant. Further, the high number of mutations in the viral spike-protein raised concerns that the virus might evade antibodies induced by infection or vaccination. In thi paper on Cell are reported that the Omicron spike was resistant against most therapeutic

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A NIH researchers study shows SARS-CoV-2 can persist in the body as long as 230 days

In what they describe as the most comprehensive analysis to date of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s distribution and persistence in the body and brain, scientists at the U.S. National Institutes of Health said they found the pathogen is capable of replicating in human cells well beyond the respiratory tract. The results, released online Saturday in a

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Discovery Health, South Africa’s largest private health insurance administrator, releases at-scale, real-world analysis of Omicron outbreak based on 211 000 COVID-19 test results in South Africa.

Summary: Vaccine effectiveness: o The two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination provides 70% protection against severe complications of COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation, and 33% protection against COVID-19 infection, during the current Omicron wave. Reinfection risk: For individuals who have had COVID-19 previously, the risk of reinfection with Omicron is significantly higher, relative to prior variants. Severity: The risk of hospital admission

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CAR-HEMATOTOX score: a model for CAR T-cell–related hematologic toxicity in relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma

Immunotherapy with so-called CAR-T cells has established itself for the treatment of various leukemias (blood cancer) and lymphomas (lymph gland cancer). A team led by Dr. Kai Rejeski and Prof. Marion Subklewe from the Medical Clinic III of the LMU Klinikum found that many patients suffer from a side effect that initially fell under the radar: a

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HKUMed researchers find Omicron SARS-CoV-2 can infect faster and better than Delta in human bronchus but with less severe infection in lung

A study led by researchers from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) provides the first information on how the novel Variant of Concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2, the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infect human respiratory tract. The researchers found that Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infects and multiplies 70 times faster than the Delta variant

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Universal Coronavirus Vaccines: an Urgent Need. Global coronaviral approach requested by Fauci and NIH researchers

A growing body of scientific evidence, considered together with ecological reality, strongly suggest that novel coronaviruses will continue to infect bats and other animal reservoirs and potentially emerge to pose a pandemic threat to humans. To counter future coronavirus outbreaks, the global scientific and medical research community should focus a major effort now on three

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Blockade or deletion of IFN-gamma reduces macrophage activation without compromising CAR T function in hematologic malignancies

Blood Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, has published a research article demonstrating a novel approach that may reduce a serious adverse effect associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a form of immunotherapy. This research was presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia

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Fostering experimental and computational synergy to modulate hyperinflammation in severe Covid-19

An international collaboration between researchers from the Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE, Bilbao), the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) at the University of Luxembourgand and the Department of Immunology of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Kanneganti Lab, Memphis) highlights how fostering synergies between computational and experimental studies can lead to important

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Dual-vector gene therapy restores cochlear amplification and auditory sensitivity in a mouse model of DFNB16 hearing loss

Scientists at Boston Children’s Hospital have successfully used gene therapy to reverse a form of genetic hearing loss in mice. The team corrected a gene mutation that affects sensory hair cells in the inner ear, and the new jigsaw-like method could help improve gene therapy for other disorders. The target of the new treatment was

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Risks of myocarditis, pericarditis, and cardiac arrhythmias are more likely associated with Covid-19 infection than with vaccination

Led by the University of Oxford, a team of UK-based researchers have today reported results of the largest ever study to compare the risks of cardiovascular events, such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and cardiac arrhythmia, between different vaccines and COVID-19 infection, and the first to investigate the association between cardiac events and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. While

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NIH National Eye Institute researchers identify potential AMD drugs with stem-cell based research tool

Model replicates features of complex disease and provides platform for screening existing drugs Using a stem-cell-derived model, researchers have identified two drug candidates that may slow dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness for which no treatment exists. The scientists, from the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of

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FDA issued an EUA for New Long-Acting Monoclonal Antibodies for Pre-exposure Prevention of COVID-19 in patients with moderate to severely compromised immune systems or a history of severe adverse reactions to a COVID-19 vaccine

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab and administered together) for the pre-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19 in certain adults and pediatric individuals (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms [about 88 pounds]).  The product is only authorized

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A new brief of Health System Tracker examines how deaths from COVID-19 rank among other leading causes of death in the U.S. and vaccine saving of 163.000 deaths since June 2021.

This brief examines how deaths from COVID-19 rank among other leading causes of death in the U.S. We find that COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in November 2021. We also find that in October, COVID-19 was the number 1 cause of death for people age 45-54 and in the top 7 leading

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Potentially Serious Side Effect Seen in Patient after CAR-T cell treatment for multiple myeloma

Mount Sinai scientists have become the first to report a potentially serious side effect related to a new form of immunotherapy known as CAR-T cell therapy, which was recently approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Their findings were published as a case study in Nature Medicine in December. Multiple myeloma is a complex and incurable type

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Israel study shows that booster receivers at least 5 months after a second dose of BNT162b2 had 90% lower mortality due to Covid-19.

Booster doses of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine set recipients up to effectively withstand the ravages of both the Delta and Omicron variants, a group of new studies suggest. Boosted folks are 90% less likely to die from a Delta infection than people relying solely on the initial two-dose vaccination, Israeli data show. That protection will be critically important

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New Technology published by Caltech researchers is One Step Closer to Targeted Gene Therapy

Broad and robust transgene expression across brain regions of marmoset is shown after systemic delivery with engineered capsid. Gene therapy is a powerful developing technology that has the potential to address myriad diseases. For example, Huntington’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is caused by a mutation in a single gene, and if researchers could go into

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Scientists have discovered that gene therapy and the diabetes drug metformin may be potential treatments for late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD), a rare, blinding eye disease.

Clinical trial planning underway to test the widely used diabetes drug metformin as a preventive treatment for the blinding eye disease Scientists have discovered that gene therapy and the diabetes drug metformin may be potential treatments for late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD), a rare, blinding eye disease. Researchers from the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of

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3 Teens with COVID-19 Developed Sudden Severe Psychiatric Symptoms. Why?

UCSF-Led Study Shows Unruly Immune System May Trigger ‘Turncoat’ Antibodies Suicidal thoughts, “paranoia-like fears,” delusions and “foggy brain” have been identified in three adolescents who had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19. Now, a new study into their immune responses identifies a potential mechanism by which these symptoms emerged. The study, led by researchers at the UCSF Weill

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Early Features on South Africa Tshwane District Omicron Variant Patient Profile: absence of any significant increase in in-hospitals deaths in relation to the dramatic rise in the case rate.

There has been a significant rise in new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the Gauteng Province in the last four weeks which has been attributed to the new Omicron variant announced on 24 November 2021. The first cases of Omicron were detected in the Tshwane District and coincided with the sharp rise in new infections, heralding the

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The first six months of COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Italy averted 29350 deaths and 4256332 new infections: results published in a paper of Greenwich, Boston and Indiana Universities

In a paper published in MedRxiv are analyzed the effectiveness of the first six months of vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 in Italy by using a computational epidemic model which takes into account demographic, mobility, vaccines, as well as estimates of the introduction and spreading of the more transmissible Alpha variant. Are considered six sub-national regions

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Researchers reveal possible role for anti-idiotype antibodies in long-term effects of COVID-19 and some vaccines complications

With around 256 million cases and more than 5 million deaths worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged scientists and those in the medical field. Researchers are working to find effective vaccines and therapies, as well as understand the long-term effects of the infection. While the vaccines have been critical in pandemic control, researchers are still

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High-titre convalescent plasma therapy not effective against severe COVID-19 pneumonia: results of Italian TSUNAMI randomized clinical trial

1. Amongst patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality, ventilation or cure in patients receiving convalescent plasma (CP) plus standard therapy versus standard therapy alone. 2. CP treatment was associated with more adverse events, including 5 instances of respiratory failure requiring treatment interruption. Patients who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2

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New study of Karolinska Institute and Helsinki University shows how digital and molecular data can be integrated to prevent ill health

With the development of sensors, apps and other digital alternatives for health monitoring, the individual’s opportunities to work proactively for better health and well-being increase. At the same time, the measurement of many different biomolecular variables (so-called multiomics) enables a deep and comprehensive profiling of human biology. – Instead of focusing on the treatment of the

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A detailed study by Max Planck Institute shows the maximum risks of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 for different scenarios with and without masks

Three metres are not enough to ensure protection. Even at that distance, it takes less than five minutes for an unvaccinated person standing in the breath of a person with Covid-19 to become infected with almost 100 percent certainty. That’s the bad news. The good news is that if both are wearing well-fitting medical or,

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Scientists of Arizona State University discover potential mechanism behind rare blood clots linked to adenovirus COVID-19 vaccines (VITT)

A cloud of platelet factor 4 proteins interacts with the electrostatic surface of the Oxford vaccine, as seen through the computational microscope.  An international team of scientists believe they may have found a molecular mechanism behind the extremely rare blood clots linked to adenovirus COVID-19 vaccines. “The mechanism which results in this condition, termed vaccine-induced

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Safety and immunogenicity of booster COVID-19 vaccine following two previous doses of AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech in the UK

Six different COVID-19 boosters are safe and provoke strong immune responses in people who have previously received a two-dose course of ChAdOx1-nCov19 (Oxford–AstraZeneca [ChAd]) or BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech [BNT]), according to the first randomised trial of boosters given after two doses of either vaccine, published in The Lancet. ChAd has now been deployed in more than 180

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Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant: a new chapter in the COVID-19 pandemic. A comment on The Lancet by researchers of Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa

A new comment on Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant has been published on The Lancet by South African researchers of Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in Durban South Africa. The Authors highlight that the first sequenced omicron case was reported from Botswana on Nov 11, 2021, and a few days lateranother sequenced case was reported

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Robotic high-throughput biomanufacturing and functional differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells using the CompacT SelecT (CTST) platform

The CompacT SelecT (CTST) platform is a modular robotic system that integrates a full range of cell culture proceduresunder sterile conditions that mimic the manual cell culture process. These procedures include automated handling of different cell culture vessels, pipetting large and small volumes at adjustable speeds, cell counting, cell viability analysis, cell density assessment, microscopic

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Increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection associated with emergence of the Omicron variant in South Africa 2021-12-01: new paper published in medRxiv

Objective of the paper is to examine whether SARS-CoV-2 reinfection risk has changed through time in South Africa, in the context of the emergence of the Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants A retrospective analysis of routine epidemiological surveillance data Setting Line list data on SARS-CoV-2 with specimen receipt dates between 04 March 2020 and 27

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A new CRB Life Sciences Report Highlights rapid advances in the development of cell and gene therapies

Rapid advances in the development of cell and gene therapies over the past several years have heralded “an evolutionary time in medicine.” That’s the opinion of Peter Walters, Director of Advanced Therapies at CRB. That thought reflects data seen in CRB’s annual Horizon Life Sciences report that highlights the rapid expansion of the development of cell and

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Multiyear Factor VIII Expression after AAV Gene Transfer for Hemophilia A in 16 out of 18 volunteers

About 20,000 people in the U.S. live with hemophilia A. It’s a rare X-linked genetic disorder that affects predominantly males and causes their blood to clot poorly when healing wounds. For some, routine daily activities can turn into painful medical emergencies to stop internal bleeding, all because of changes in a single gene that disables

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No increased risk of Myocardial Infarction, Stroke and Pulmonary Embolism After BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in People Aged 75 Years or Older: French study published in JAMA

A French population-based study provides further evidence that the BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine does not increase the short-term risk for serious cardiovascular adverse events in older people. The study showed no increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or pulmonary embolism (PE) following vaccination in adults aged 75 years or older in the 14 days following vaccination. “These

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Moderna Announces Strategy to Address Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 Variant

Company testing three existing COVID-19 vaccine booster candidates against the Omicron variant Company announcing a new variant-specific vaccine candidate against Omicron (mRNA-1273.529) Moderna, a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, today announced updates to its strategy to address SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, given the emergence of the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant. The recently described Omicron

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A systematic review on Blockchain applications in health care for COVID-19 and beyond published on The Lancet Digital Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial and global impact on health care and has greatly accelerated the adoption of digital technology. One of these emerging digital technologies, blockchain, has unique characteristics (eg, immutability, decentralisation, and transparency) that can be useful in multiple domains (eg, management of electronic medical records and access rights, and mobile

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Scientific analysis of COVID death data incorrectly manipulated to demonstrate vaccines are ineffective or worse: that’s not the reality

Social media posts commenting on data from the UK, Israel and South Africa, among others, claim deaths from COVID (or all deaths) are now higher in vaccinated than unvaccinated citizens. Others make the more moderate claim vaccines do nothing to prevent death from COVID. These reports appear intimidating, because they usually utilise real data or statistics. Many of the raw numbers presented are

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Nearly half a million lives saved by COVID-19 vaccination only among people over 60 in less than a year in Europe following a WHO/ECDC study

A new study by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published in Eurosurveillance estimates that 470,000 lives have been saved among those aged 60 years and over since the start of COVID-19 vaccination roll-out in 33 countries across the WHO European Region. This estimate does not

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A small cluster of SARS_CoV-2 B.1.1.529 new variant with 32 spike protein mutations identified in Botswana and in Gauteng Province in South Africa

A new variant of COVID-19 identified in Botswana and Nigeria with dozens of mutations is being watched closely, amid fears it could be resistant to the effect of currently-used vaccines. The B.1.1.529 variant has more mutations affecting the spike protein targeted by vaccines than any other strain identified to date, although it’s not yet clear

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Review on Covid-19 Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia published in The Lancet Haematology

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 were developed, tested, and introduced at a remarkable speed. Although the vaccine introduction had a major impact on the evolution of COVID-19, some potential rare side-effects of the vaccines were observed. Within a short period, three scientific groups from Norway, Germany, and the UK reported cerebral

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Harms Linked to Unapproved Stem Cell Interventions Highlight Need for Greater FDA Enforcement

Unproven regenerative medical products have led to infections, disabilities, and deaths Stem cell products and other regenerative therapies have significant potential to treat traumatic injuries and serious diseases. Although some have earned approval from the Food and Drug Administration, most have not, and many of these unapproved interventions have led to life-threatening infections, chronic pain,

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UCalgary study shows how desamethasone, used to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients, modulates immature neutrophils and interferon programming and why drug may only benefit males

Research into the way our immune systems respond to COVID-19 reveals the sex of a patient may affect how well drugs work Anew study from the University of Calgary shows how dexamethasone, the main treatment for severe COVID-19 lung infections, alters how immune cells work, which may help male patients, but has little to no benefit for

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New analysis predicts how well vaccines will work against COVID-19 strains

Vaccines are less effective against some COVID-19 variants and boosting may be required within one year to maintain efficacy above 50 per cent, according to a new study. The researchers from the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases at the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney’s Kirby Institute and the University of Melbourne’s Doherty Institute have conducted an analysis

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Early Convalescent Plasma for High-Risk Outpatients with Covid-19: results of a new trial published in NEJM confirm failure

The object of the study was to verify if early administration of convalescent plasma obtained from blood donors who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) could prevent disease progression in acutely ill, high-risk patients with Covid-19. In this randomized, multicenter, single-blind trial, we assigned patients who were being treated in an emergency department for

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Gene therapy effective in children with severe Hurler’s syndrome: the treatment, developed by SR-Tiget in Milan published in NEJM

The first tests on eight children show favorable preliminary results, with an adjustment of motor and cognitive skills and improvements in some brain and joint parameters Gene therapy takes steps forward in the fight against rare diseases. Eight children with severe Hurler’s syndrome, a disease associated with reduced life expectancy, benefited from this therapy. The

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First Data show Pfizer PF-07321332 Protease Inhibitor pill is effective in Preventing Severe COVID-19

Over the course of this pandemic, significant progress has been made in treating COVID-19 and helping to save lives. That progress includes the development of life-preserving monoclonal antibody infusions and repurposing existing drugs, to which NIH’s Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership has made a major contribution. But for many months we’ve had hopes that a

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Incidence and risk factors associated with bleeding and thrombosis following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy has revolutionized the field of malignant hematology. CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy has resulted in effective, often durable, responses for chemotherapy-refractory B-cell lymphoma and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in prospective clinical trials. CAR T cells against B-cell maturation antigen have also shown overall response rates in the range of

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Monash University study uncovers a new understanding of how mesenchymal stromal cells benefit patients in cell therapy

The therapeutic benefit to patients receiving mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy is not because the injected cells remain viable, but because of cell death, researchers at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) have found. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop stem cell-based therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases. MSC therapy is regenerative cell-based

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Low-molecular-weight heparin use in Covid-19 is associated with curtailed viral persistence: a retrospective multicentre observational study

Clotting problems and resulting complications are common in COVID-19 patients. Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna have now shown that a member of the anticoagulant group of drugs not only has a beneficial effect on survival of COVID-19 patients, but also influences the duration of active infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The results were

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New research by Boston Children’s Hospital on ricolinostat repurposing to curb neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and to fight severe inflammation in Covid-19

As we’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, serious infections sometimes trigger an excessive inflammatory reaction that does as much harm — or more — than the infection itself. New research at Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital suggests a potential way to block this hyperinflammation response by repurposing or modifying an existing drug.

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Direct Comparison of Antibody Responses to Pfizer, Astrazeneca, Sputnik V and Sinopharm SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Mongolia: study published in Cell Host & Microbe by Stanford University

Different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are approved in various countries, but few direct comparisons of the antibody responses they stimulate have been reported. In thi paper the authors collected plasma specimens in July 2021 from 196 Mongolian participants fully vaccinated with one of four COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V and Sinopharm. Functional antibody testing with a

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Study reveals tactics used by US stem cell clinics to market their treatments

Stem cell clinics continue to thrive in the US and worldwide, building their business on misleading advertising and offering unapproved and unproven stem-cell-based interventions (SCBI). A research recently published in Stem Cell Reports by Emma Frow, David Brafman, and colleagues from Arizona State University, asked what kinds of claims and evidence these clinics use to market their

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Covid-19 vaccines protection against hospitalization and ICU effectiveness dropping over time: results in different studies

As millions of eligible people consider getting a booster shot, many are wondering what the data tells us about the effectiveness of the vaccines, and how much their protection might be waning. The good news is that a growing body of research shows that the vaccines authorized remain highly protective against severe disease and hospitalization

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SARS-CoV-2 uses sugars to invade human cells, new study by University of Alberta shows

Understanding the process could help scientists look out for new, more infectious variants. Sugars found on the surface of human cells influence COVID-19 infection, according to a University of Alberta-led study that is one of the first to observe this relationship and suggests that cells in the brain might be particularly susceptible. “The idea here is that

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Novel mesenchymal stem cell therapy approach proves effective in treating COVID-19

An international team of researchers has advanced a new therapeutic approach using stem cells to treat COVID-19. Despite many advances in treating the COVID-19 virus there remains no specific cure for patients with infection. This is especially the case with hospitalised patients who end up in the ICU requiring mechanical ventilation support. Key members of

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Cell therapies, Gene therapy and CAR-T cells highlighted in EFPIA Pipeline Review 2021 Update

The new EFPIA Pipeline Review reveals that infectious, inflammatory, cancer, Alzheimer’s and rare disesases areas are among the top priorities of researchers running clinical trials today to investigate new medicines and vaccines. The comprehensive report found that in 2020 alone, around 5,000 clinical trials were launched – despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the volume of trials has

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BNT162b2 Covid-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to 11 Years of Age evaluation paper published in NEJM

Safe, effective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are urgently needed in children younger than 12 years of age. A phase 1, dose-finding study and an ongoing phase 2–3 randomized trial are being conducted to investigate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine administered 21 days apart in children 6

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Ernst & Young white paper details how the Cell Gene Therapy industry can collaborate to advance the field

Harnessing the power of cell and gene therapies will require a next-generation level of collaboration not seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. In brief Before cell and gene therapies can meet increasing demand at the necessary speed and scale, the industry must address key challenges. A fractured supply chain, complicated manufacturing and unprecedented pricing are among

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Pfizer’s novel COVID-19 oral antiviral protease inhibitor reduced risk of hospitalization or death by 89% in interm analysis of Phase 2/3 EPIC-HR study

PAXLOVID™ (PF-07321332; ritonavir) was found to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% compared to placebo in non-hospitalized high-risk adults with COVID-19 In the overall study population through Day 28, no deaths were reported in patients who received PAXLOVID™ as compared to 10 deaths in patients who received placebo Pfizer plans to submit the data as

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The cost-effectiveness of gene therapy for severe hemophilia B: a microsimulation study published in Blood

In the last issue of Blood, Boulos et al analyze the cost-effectiveness of factor IX gene therapy in patients with severe hemophilia B, in a microsimulation Markov model. Hemophilia is an X-linked disease that affects 400000 people worldwide, of whom 15% have hemophilia B caused by deficiency of factor IX (FIX), which affected the offspring of Queen Victoria,

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Oxford University researchers uncover gene that doubles risk of death from COVID-19

Scientists at Oxford University have identified the gene responsible for doubling the risk of respiratory failure from COVID-19. Sixty percent of people with South Asian ancestry carry the high-risk genetic signal, partly explaining the excess deaths seen in some UK communities, and the impact of COVID-19 in the Indian subcontinent. Previous work has already identified

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SP-101, an investigational inhaled gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, shows potential in animal study

Treatment with SP-101, an investigational gene therapy that Spirovant Sciences is developing for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are unable to benefit from current treatments, effectively increased CFTR gene activity in a ferret model of the disease, the company reported. Katherine Excoffon, PhD, Spirovant’s vice president of research, presented the data at the 2021 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC). Her

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Breakthrough Infection Study Compares Decline in Covid-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Consequences for Mortality

A new study in the leading journal Science reviewed COVID-19 breakthrough infections among 780,225 Veterans, finding that vaccine protection declined from 87.9% to 48.1% during the 2021 Delta surge in the U.S. The researchers from PHI, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Texas Health Science Center found a dramatic decline in effectiveness

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The American stem cell sell in 2021: U.S. businesses selling unlicensed and unproven stem cell interventions. Ethical issues and misinformation linked to overhyped science.

In March 2021, 1,480 U.S. businesses operating 2,754 clinics were found selling purported stem cell treatments for various indications. More than four times as many businesses than were identified 5 years ago are selling stem cell products that are not FDA-approved and lack convincing evidence of safety and efficacy following a new paper published in Cell

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Children Hospital of Philadelphia Researchers Develop a New Class of CAR-T Cells that Target Previously Untargetable Cancer Drivers

In a breakthrough for the treatment of aggressive solid cancers, researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have developed a novel cancer therapy that targets proteins inside cancer cells that are essential for tumor growth and survival but have been historically impossible to reach. Using the power of large data sets and advanced computational approaches,

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A review on Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes for drug delivery

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-functional stem cells that are present in multiple human tissues and can be found in the spinal cord, umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, placenta tissue, adipose tissue, etc.. With low immunogenicity, multi-directional diferentiation ability, in particular homing ability, MSCs have signifcant research potential in cardiovascular diseases, nervous diseases, and

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Stem cell treatment failed to reduce inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis

Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has failed to significantly reduce inflammation in the brain of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a phase 2 clinical trial. The into-the-vein treatment also failed to improve other clinical aspects of the condition. The results were shared in a study titled “Safety, tolerability, and activity of mesenchymal stem cells versus placebo

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Serine protease inhibitor Nafamostat may be beneficial in the treatment of high-risk COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen treatment: results of a randomised Phase II clinical trial published in EClinical Medicine.

Nafamostat, a serine protease inhibitor, has been used for the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation and pancreatitis. In vitro studies and clinical reports suggest its beneficial effect in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia. This phase 2 open-label, randomised, multicentre, controlled trial evaluated nafamostat (4.8 mg/kg/day) plus standard-of-care (SOC) in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (i.e.,

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Long-term persistence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody responses after Covid-19 infection: levels conferring 50% protection are maintained for around 990 days post-symptom onset.

In a paper published on The lancet researchers of University of Hong Kong used 50% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) antibody titre data from 115 sera collected longitudinally from 90 to 386 days after onset of symptoms or first RT-PCR confirmation from 62 RT–PCR confirmed SARS-CoV infected individuals, to estimate that PRNT antibody will remain

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Lifelong calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D use may shorten life expectancy and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease: a Karolinska Institute study shows.

Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, alone or together, leads to increases in serum calcium (S-Ca) concentration with a peak 4 h after each ingestion and a more long-lasting elevation in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D), the marker metabolite for vitamin D status. Whether regular calcium supplementation elevates S-Ca after several months of use is debatable

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Gene Therapies against Rare diseases Boosted by NIH, FDA and Industry Alliance

The National Institutes of Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10 pharmaceutical companies and five non-profit organizations have partnered to accelerate development of gene therapies for the 30 million Americans who suffer from a rare disease. While there are approximately 7,000 rare diseases, only two heritable diseases currently have FDA-approved gene therapies. The newly launched Bespoke

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Gene Therapy Shows Early Promise as Angelman Syndrome Treatment

The new therapy was generally well-tolerated and prevented key signs of the condition in animal models. Scientists at the UNC School of Medicine have reported in the journal JCI Insight encouraging early tests of a gene therapy strategy against Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that features poor muscle control and balance, hard-to-treat epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities. Angelman

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Alberta University researchers team uncovers new proteases inhibitors to slow SARS-CoV-2 replication mechanism

Novel protease inhibitors show promise for developing safer, more effective COVID-19 treatments. A team of researchers at the University of Alberta has uncovered new antiviral agents that could lead to safer and more effective COVID-19 treatments than other current drugs under development. In a recently published paper in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, the researchers identified novel protease

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Patients with severe COVID-19 could benefit from higher doses of corticosteroids

A large international study in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19 has shown that while a higher dose of steroids did not significantly reduce mortality, there was a trend towards benefit without increased side effects. Published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study compared the standard 6mg dose of the steroid dexamethasone

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Previously SARS-CoV-2 infected, if unvaccinated: reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 is likely, study finds

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been much uncertainty about how long immunity lasts after an unvaccinated person is infected with SARS-CoV-2. Now a team of scientists led by faculty at Yale School of Public Health and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte have an answer: Strong protection following natural infection is short-lived. “Reinfection

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COVID-19 Vaccines guarantee protection to non immune family members too

Risk of COVID-19 in families with two to five members. An interesting new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine examines the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to a susceptible individual who is part of a family with COVID-19 immunity. Study: Association Between Risk of COVID-19 Infection in Nonimmune Individuals and COVID-19 Immunity in Their Family

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How many people get ‘long COVID?’ More than half, researchers find.

Half of COVID survivors experience lingering symptoms six months after recovery More than half of the 236 million people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide since December 2019 will experience post-COVID symptoms — more commonly known as “long COVID” — up to six months after recovering, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers. The research

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Cell-based therapies for retinal diseases: review of clinical trials and direct to consumer “cell therapy” clinics

This review aims to outline the particular approaches in the different published clinical trials for cell-based therapies for retinal diseases. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is implicated in the pathophysiology of many retinal degenerative diseases. This cell layer is also an ideal target for cell-based therapies. Several early phase clinical trials evaluatingcell therapy approaches for

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CRISPR CAR-T cells can Revolutionize Cancer Treatment

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, taking half a million lives each year. CAR T technology has successfully harnessed the human immune system to produce awe-inspiring cancer remission rates. CRISPR-mediated genome engineering has enabled new developments in CAR T cells to bypass logistical, technical, and immunological roadblocks, making the

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Anti-Platelet Factor 4 Antibodies Causing VITT do not Cross-React with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

In Blood, Greinacher and colleagues examine humoral responses in vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) and COVID-19 to determine whether these illnesses are immunologically distinct or represent a disease continuum. At a surface level, vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a recently described complication of adenoviral-based COVID-19 vaccines, and COVID-19 have much in common. Both illnesses owe their origins to severe

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Convalescent plasma is “futile” as COVID-19 treatment for critically ill patients, trial published on JAMA shows

In the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical community turned to a century-old treatment: Take blood from recovered patients and give it to the sick. The hypothesis was that components in the so-called “convalescent plasma” that fought off the disease once could do it again, something that has worked in other diseases, such

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New study published in Pediatrics: more than 140,000 U.S. Children Lost Primary or Secondary Caregiver Due to Covid Pandemic

One U.S. child loses a parent or caregiver for every four COVID-19 deaths, a new modeling study published today in Pediatrics reveals.  The findings illustrate orphanhood as a hidden and ongoing secondary tragedy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes that identifying and caring for these children throughout their development is a necessary and urgent part of

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Internet hawkers of stem cell therapies for ocular diseases

Patients have been blinded or have experienced retinal detachments after treatment with so-called stem cell therapies such as intravitreal injections of autologous stem cells that are not FDA approved for many ocular conditions across the US and that were marketed directly to patients. Currently, the FDA has regulatory authority over such companies and since June

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Unapproved Stem Cell Therapies Harms Highlight Need for Greater Regulatory Enforcement

Unproven regenerative medical products have led to infections, disabilities and deaths Overview Stem cell products and other regenerative therapies have significant potential to treat traumatic injuries and serious diseases. Although some have earned approval from the Food and Drug Administration, most have not, and many of these unapproved interventions have led to life-threatening infections, chronic

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COVID-19 Booster Shots

More than 180 million Americans, including more than 80 percent of people over age 65, are fully vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. There’s no question that full vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against this devastating virus and reduce your chances of developing severe or long-lasting illness if you do

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Covid-19: 80% of young and >90% of adults in UK have antibodies: Office for National Statistics data suggest.

Around eight in ten young adults in the UK are now likely to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies either from past infection or because they have been vaccinated, the latest survey from the Office for National Statistics has shown. The fortnightly bulletin on antibody and vaccination levels in the UK community population includes data to 13 August

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Two Alarms for Poor Prognosis After Rare VITT With AstraZeneca Jab

British doctors have identified two factors — very low platelet counts and brain bleeds — which they say dramatically increase the likelihood of a patient dying following the very rare but devastating side effect of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccine. However, they believe that the surge in the VITT side

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NICE issues new COVID-19 rapid guideline on vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT)

Patients who are acutely unwell with suspected vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) should be referred immediately to the emergency department, says new rapid guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Covid-19 rapid guideline: vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) NICE guideline [NG200].

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SARS-CoV-2 activates lung epithelial cell proinflammatory signaling and leads to immune dysregulation in COVID-19 patients

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), becomes a global threat to humanity. In severe COVID-19 patients, excessive proinflammatory responses and impaired host immune system are observed which could result in the progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and even death. In-depth investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infected

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A new study analyses the rate of thrombosis in children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with thrombotic complications in adults, but the incidence of COVID-19-related thrombosis in children and adolescents is unclear. Most children with acute COVID-19 have mild disease, but coagulopathy has been associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a postinfectious complication.

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EMA PRAC Concludes There is No Link Between Zynteglo and AML

EMA’s safety committee, PRAC, has concluded that there is no evidence linking the viral vector in Zynteglo to a blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has concluded that there is no evidence linking the viral vector in Zynteglo to a blood cancer known

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Delayed second dose and third doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine lead to heightened immune response

Research on the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, also known as the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, indicates that a long interval between first and second doses does not compromise the immune response after a late second dose. Additionally, a third dose of the vaccine continues to boost antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The results were released in a preprint today. Delayed second dose The researchers

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The European Commission has identified the first five drug candidates as part of a new strategy to select the preferred treatments for COVID-19 in the EU.

Among the five therapeutic candidates identified are Eli Lilly’s repurposed arthritis medicine Olumiant (baricitinib) and investigational antibody drugs for early-stage COVID-19. This includes Lilly’s bamlanivimab and etesevimab combination, Roche and Regeneron’s REGEN-COV (casirivimab and imdevimab), Celltrion’s regdanivimab and GlaxoSmithKline/Vir Biotech’s sotrovimab. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is currently assessing an application for the extension of

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Are COVID-19 vaccines effective against hospital admission with the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant ?

Vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates against symptomatic disease with the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant have been recently reported. After a full course, VE reached 88% with the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine and 67% with the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 AZD1222 vaccine. This provided important evidence that despite modest reductions in protection, vaccines remain effective against Delta. However, the very recent

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Tokyo University of Science Scientists Find Drug Duo That May Cure COVID-19 Together

Preclinical experiments show that the drugs cepharanthine and nelfinavir may be effective treatments for COVID-19 While preventative care for COVID-19 has made much noise (with vaccines having rolled out in most countries), the soaring infection rates indicate the need for effective treatments. Using cultured cells to study SARS-CoV-2 infections, researchers at the Tokyo University of

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Gene therapy appears more cost effective than current treatments for severe hemophilia B

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides the first gene therapy manufacturing and distribution cost report for hemophilia B. A St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital analysis found a major gap between the cost to manufacture and distribute hemophilia B gene therapy and the $2 million-plus price reportedly under consideration for hemophilia gene therapy now in development. The study appeared

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A new report on Pediatrics details 7 cases of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination

A new report takes a close look at seven teen boys who developed myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination, each of whom had similar symptoms, timing and outcomes. While health officials investigate whether vaccination caused this condition, Judith A. Guzman-Cottrill, D.O., a corresponding author of the report, said she hoped the report would raise clinicians’ awareness to suspect

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Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients have lower antibody levels targeting the Delta variant first discovered in India

Levels of antibodies in the blood of vaccinated people that are able to recognise and fight the new SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant first discovered in India (B.1.617.2) are on average lower than those against previously circulating variants in the UK, according to new laboratory data from the Francis Crick Institute and the National Institute for Health Research

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A Novel Form of Macrophage-based Immunotherapy Developed by Georgia State University Has the Potential to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment

A novel form of macrophage-based immunotherapy is effective at treating a broad spectrum of cancers, including those at advanced stages, according to a groundbreaking study led by Georgia State immunology professor Yuan Liu.  Liu’s treatment works by leveraging macrophages, specialized white blood cells involved in the detection and elimination of cancer cells and other pathogens. Macrophages also activate

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Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants

All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Most changes have little to no impact on the virus’ properties. However, some changes may affect the virus’s properties, such as how easily it spreads, the associated disease severity, or the performance of vaccines, therapeutic medicines, diagnostic tools, or other public health and social measures.  WHO, in collaboration with partners, expert networks, national authorities,

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Deep Pharma Intelligence Releases Analytical Report “Cell Therapies In Healthcare Landscape Overview 2021”

Deep Pharma Intelligence released a special 115-page analytical report Cell Therapies In Healthcare Landscape Overview 2021 (Stem Cells and CAR-Ts), which is the first comprehensive and systematic overview of cell therapies landscape by the company. This report is specifically focused on Stem Cell therapies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, and it is the first

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Scientific evidence that informed UK Government’s response to COVID-19 including first lockdown is published in Royal Society Special Theme issue

Scientific evidence that was used to inform the UK government’s key policies impacting millions of people during the first wave of COVID-19 including the rule of six and the first national stay-at-home order is published today [31 May] in the journal of the Royal Society. The Special Theme issue is compiled and guest edited by

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German researchers say Vaccine induced Thrombosis is caused by adenovirus vector and can be fixed

AstraZeneca continues to discuss the cause of rare blood clots with regulators and scientists after German researchers said they discovered the link to its Covid-19 vaccines. The U.K. pharma company said the theory put forward by the Goethe University laboratory in Frankfurt on Wednesday is one of many that AstraZeneca scientists are investigating. “We are continuing to

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Smart CAR-T Cell Therapies for Solid Cancers Ready to Move Toward Clinical Trials

Immunotherapies that fight cancer have been a life-saving advancement for many patients, but the approach only works on a few types of malignancies, leaving few treatment options for most cancer patients with solid tumors. Now, in two related papers published April 28, 2021, in Science Translational Medicine, researchers at UCSF have demonstrated how to engineer smart immune cells

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EU CE marked Google’s Dermatology tool could find skin problems using just the smartphone camera and AI. Results published in Nature Medicine.

Google also announced plans to release a new “AI-powered dermatology assist tool” that helps users understand what’s going on with their skin. Results have been published in Nature Medicine. Google has made a number of announcements at I/O 2021 to showcase the company’s technological advancements. It also announced plans to release a new “AI-powered dermatology assist

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Mask Use and Ventilation Improvements to Reduce COVID-19 Incidence in Elementary Schools

What is already known about this topic? Kindergarten through grade 5 schools educate and address the students’ physical, social, and emotional needs. Preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools is imperative for safe in-person learning. What is added by this report? COVID-19 incidence was 37% lower in schools that required teachers and staff members to use masks

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Gene therapy offers potential cure to children born with immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency.

Study shows treatment developed by international team restored immune function in more than 95% of patients in three clinical trials An experimental form of gene therapy developed by a team of researchers from UCLA and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London has successfully treated 48 of 50 children born with a rare and deadly inherited

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A novel defense mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 discovered by researchers of Hokkaido University

Scientists from Hokkaido University have discovered a novel defensive response to SARS-CoV-2 that involves the viral pattern recognition receptor RIG-I. Upregulating expression of this protein could strengthen the immune response in COPD patients. In the 18 months since the first report of COVID-19 and the spread of the pandemic, there has been a large amount

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Researchers identify protein “signature” of severe COVID-19: interactions among myeloid, epithelial and T cells drive tissue damage

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have identified the protein “signature” of severe COVID-19, which they describe in a new study published in Cell Reports Medicine. “We were interested in asking whether we could identify mechanisms that might be contributing to death in COVID-19,” says MGH infectious disease expert Marcia Goldberg, MD, who studies interactions between

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Mucormycosis, a new Covid complication, is worsening India’s pandemia

Mucormycosis: hyphae of the fungus Mucor, from the paranasal sinus of a patient with diabetes mellitus. Public health officials report a rare black fungus infection, called mucormycosis, which is increasingly seen in vulnerable patients, including those with COVID-19 disease. India faces a global health crisis as the number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

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New research reveals why some patients may test positive for COVID-19 long after recovery

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers analyzing test results began noticing something strange: patients who had already recovered from COVID-19 would sometimes inexplicably test positive on a PCR test weeks or even months later.  Although people can catch COVID-19 for a second time, this did not appear to be the case

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Fully vaccinated healthcare workers in Israel were up to 30 times less likely to be infected

Pfizer and BioNTech’s coronavirus reduces the risk of getting sick from COVID-19 by five- to 30-fold for fully immunized people, two new studies show.  In one report, just 0.4 percent of healthcare workers in Israel who received both shots of the COVID-19 immunization later tested positive compared to 7.2 percent of unvaccinated employees. This means healthcare workers who

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Norwegian-Danish registry study with findings on venous thrombosis after AstraZeneca vaccination

Norwegian and Danish researchers published a register study in BMJ of over 281,000 people who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine. – The study confirms previous findings from OUS and internationally. The registry study finds 11 additional cases of venous thrombosis among 100,000 vaccinated.   The article that follows people who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine in

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New Cell Atlas of COVID Lungs Reveals Why SARS-CoV-2 Is Deadly and Different

A new study is drawing the most detailed picture yet of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung, revealing mechanisms that result in lethal COVID-19, and may explain long-term complications and show how COVID-19 differs from other infectious diseases. Led by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, the study found

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SARS-CoV-2 spike protein dictates syncytium-mediated lymphocyte elimination and following lymphopenia

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is highly contagious and causes lymphocytopenia, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this paper published on Nature fresearchers of Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China demonstrate that heterotypic cell-in-cell structures with lymphocytes inside multinucleate syncytia are prevalent in the lung tissues

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Three peptides could be causing severe COVID-19 complications: proteolytic storm induces bradykinin disregulation

A study published in July 2020 hypothesized a link between the presence of bradykinin, a well-known peptide, and severe cases of COVID-19. Vardan Karamyan, Ph.D., an associate professor and vice chair for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, had not previously conducted or

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A comprehensive guide to understand how SARS-CoV-2 enters the body and drugs that could mitigate infection

In the search for treatments for COVID-19, many researchers are focusing their attention on a specific protein that allows the virus to infect human cells. This protein, which cells carry on their surface, is called angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and provides the entry point for the coronavirus to enter cells. ACE2 is present in

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COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and antithrombotic agents—lessons after 1 year

COVID-19 is associated with a high incidence of thrombotic complications, which can be explained by the complex and unique interplay between coronaviruses and endothelial cells, the local and systemic inflammatory response, and the coagulation system. Empirically, an intensified dose of thrombosis prophylaxis is being used in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and several guidelines

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A Real-World Look at COVID-19 Vaccines Versus New Variants: NIH Director evaluation

Clinical trials have shown the COVID-19 vaccines now being administered around the country are highly effective in protecting fully vaccinated individuals from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. But will they continue to offer sufficient protection as the frequency of more transmissible and, in some cases, deadly emerging variants rise? More study and time is needed to fully

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Using 4D Printing To Enable Vascularization, Bone Tissue Regeneration, Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is frequently performed to restore spinal stability in patients with spinal diseases, such as spinal stenosis, vertebral fractures, progressive deformities, and instability. In the past two decades, there has been marked increase in the number of people over 65 years in age who have needed spinal fusion surgery. While autogenous bone grafts have

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In JAMA US Case Reports of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis With Thrombocytopenia After Ad26.COV2.S J&J Vaccination, March 2 to April 21, 2021

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) with thrombocytopenia, a rare and serious condition, has been described in Europe following receipt of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (Oxford/AstraZeneca), which uses a chimpanzee adenoviral vector. A mechanism similar to autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) has been proposed. In the US, the Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson), which uses a

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Extracellular Vesicles from Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Review of Common Cargos published in Stem Cell Reviews and Reports

In recent years, the interest in adipose tissue mesenchymal cell–derived extracellular vesicles (AT-MSC-EVs) has increasingly grown. Numerous articles support the potential of human AT-MSC-EVs as a new therapeutic option for treatment of diverse diseases in the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, kidney, skin, and immune system, among others. This approach makes use of the molecules transported

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Francis Crick Institute @The Crick researchers uncover a naturally occurring molecule that can help coronavirus escape antibodies

Researchers have found that a natural molecule can effectively block the binding of a subset of human antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The discovery may help explain why some COVID-19 patients can become severely ill despite having high levels of antibodies against the virus. In their research, published in Science Advances today (22 April 2021), teams from the Francis

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Outcomes in patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy who were admitted to intensive care (CARTTAS): an international, multicentre, observational cohort study published on The Lancet Haematology

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy can induce side-effects such as cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), which often require intensive care unit admission. The aim of the study, published in The Lancet Haematology was to describe management of critically ill CAR T-cell recipients in intensive care. An international, multicentre, observational

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Successful treatment of vaccine‐induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) with early steroids and IVIG.

Cases of unusual thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) have been reported. The term vaccine‐induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) was coined to reflect this new phenomenon.  In vitro experiments with VIPIT patient sera indicated that high dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) competitively inhibit the platelet activating properties of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine induced

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Transmission, infectivity, and neutralization of a spike L452R SARS-CoV-2 variant identified in California

In a paper recently published on Cell, an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant was identified by viral whole-genome sequencing of 2,172 nasal/nasopharyngeal swab samples from 44 counties in California, a state in the Western United States. Named B.1.427/B.1.429 to denote its 2 lineages, the variant emerged in May 2020 and increased from 0% to >50% of sequenced

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COVID-19 Vaccine J&J: EMA finds possible link to very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets but confirms overall benefit-risk remains positive.

At its meeting of 20 April 2021, EMA’s safety committee (PRAC) concluded that a warning about unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be added to the product information for COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen. PRAC also concluded that these events should be listed as very rare side effects of the vaccine. In reaching its conclusion, the Committee took into

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3D-Bioprinting in precision medicine: regenerative cell therapy and drug testing

Precision medicine is, broadly speaking, a sweeping aspiration that will be achieved, or not, depending on the convergence of many different disciplines. The most important of these disciplines are molecular genetics and cell biology. Besides contributing to precision medicine directly, they also contribute through 3D bioprinting. In 3D bioprinting, molecular genetics and cell biology are

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In a new paper on NEJM Pathologic Antibodies to Platelet Factor 4 were found after AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine

The mainstay of control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Within a year, several vaccines have been developed and millions of doses delivered. Reporting of adverse events is a critical postmarketing activity. In this paper are reported findings in 23 patients who presented with

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Modeling vaccination rollouts, SARS-CoV-2 variants and the requirement for non-pharmaceutical interventions in Italy. Non pharmaceutical interventions have a higher effect on the epidemic evolution than vaccination alone.

Despite progress in clinical care for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), population-wide interventions are still crucial to manage the pandemic, which has been aggravated by the emergence of new, highly transmissible variants. In this study, we combined the SIDARTHE model, which predicts the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a newdata-based model that projects new

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For a report published by University of Oxford risk of rare blood clotting is 10 times higher for COVID-19 than for vaccines. CVST incidence is 4 for Pfizer and 5 cases per milion doses for AstraZeneca.

Researchers at the University of Oxford have today reported that the risk of the rare blood clotting known as cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) following COVID-19 infection is around 100 times greater than normal, several times higher than it is post-vaccination or following influenza. The study authors, led by Professor Paul Harrison and Dr Maxime Taquet

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Risdiplam improves motor function and survival in infants with SMA

PTC Therapeutics has reported results from Part 2 of the pivotal FIREFISH trial of Evrysdi (risdiplam), which demonstrated that infants with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) continued to show improvements in survival and key motor milestones after two years of treatment. PTC Therapeutics has reported results from Part 2 of the pivotal FIREFISH trial

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South Africa SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351 easily evades Sputnik vaccine

The use of this vaccine in several countries in South America and eastern Europe, besides Russia, mandates that its efficacy against the new resistant variants be tested, as they are being found more commonly in these regions.Generation of replication-competent VSV bearing SARS-CoV-2 spike (rcVSV-CoV2-S). (A) Schematic of the rcVSV-CoV2-S genomic coding construct and the virus

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New Technique Provides Detailed Map of Lung Pathology in COVID-19. Disease progression may not depend on the persistence of the virus, but on an overreaction of the immune system.

A team led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian has used advanced technology and analytics to map, at single-cell resolution, the cellular landscape of diseased lung tissue in severe COVID-19 and other infectious lung diseases. In the study, published online March 29 in Nature, the researchers imaged autopsied lung tissue in a way that

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What is Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST), the post adenovirus Covid-19 vaccine rare clotting complication: Vaccine Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia represents a small percent of cases. Need to define other cases diagnosis and treatment.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) occurs when a blood clot forms in the brain’s venous sinuses. This  prevents blood from draining out of the brain. As a result, blood cells may break and leak blood into the brain tissues, forming a hemorrhage. This chain of events is part of a stroke that can occur in adults

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SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of antibody-positive compared with antibody-negative health-care workers in England: a large, multicentre, prospective cohort study (SIREN) shows that previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 induces effective immunity to future infections in most individuals.

Increased understanding of whether individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are protected from future SARS-CoV-2 infection is an urgent requirement. In a paper published on The Lancet it was investigated whether antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic reinfection. A large, multicentre, prospective cohort study was done, with participants

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Letter from the Expert Haematology Panel and endorsed by Thrombosis UK, to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

We wish to raise our concern with the MHRA regarding wording included in recent changes in MHRA guidance on the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The MHRA Guidance issued 7th April 2021 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-advice-concluding-a-possible-link-between-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-and-extremely-rare-unlikely-to-occur-blood-clots ) Indicates: The MHRA is not recommending age restrictions in COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca use. As a precaution, administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

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World Federation of Hemophilia and European Hemophilia Consortium release joint statement on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

EMA, ISTH, WHO and many countries recommend benefit of COVID-19 vaccination outweighs the risks. Risks of adverse events no higher in people with bleeding disorders The European Medicines Agency (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC), following investigation of isolated cases of unusual blood clotting with low blood platelets that have occurred in a small number

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University of Cambridge: Communicating the potential benefits and harms of the Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine

All medical treatments have potential harms as well as potential benefits, and it’s important to be able to weigh these against each other. With vaccines, the benefits are particularly complex as they can involve benefits to others as well as to ourselves – and the harms can feel particularly acute because we take vaccines when

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In two papers on NEJM researchers find VITT as responsible of AstraZeneca’s vaccine causing clots in 16 of 222 thrombosis EMA reported cases over 30 milion doses. Even US four J&J vaccine thrombosis cases under EMA evaluation scrutiny.

Doctors might have figured out why AstraZeneca Vaccine Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) may cause life-threatening blood clots in a group of 16 patients with very rare cases of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. The discovery, made in a pair of reports published online Friday in the New England Journal of Medicine, could be key to the global

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New international consortium to promote stem cell-based therapy to treat Huntington’s disease

The Stem Cells for Huntington’s Disease ( SC4HD ) is a new international consortium created to drive advanced therapy drugs (ATMP), through stem cell transplantation, to treat Huntington’s disease. The entity, made up of twenty-eight renowned researchers from ten countries, has been officially featured in the Journal of Huntington’s Disease . The main objectives of the SC4HD consortium are to

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Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine under EMA PRAC evaluation after 4 ‘serious cases’ of unusual blood clots

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has dominated headlines as reports of rare blood clots mounted, but, now, European drug safety regulators are investigating potential clotting risks from Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. So far in the J&J vaccine’s U.S. rollout, EU officials have tracked three cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets following vaccination, the European

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AstraZeneca COVID vaccine 70% effective vs B117 variant

Data from a UK phase 2/3 clinical trial suggest the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-vaccine is 70.4% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 caused by the B117 variant, which was identified in the United Kingdom in late 2020. The data, published in The Lancet yesterday, also showed it was 28.9% effective at preventing asymptomatic infections or cases with unknown symptoms. Overall efficacy was

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An international working group (IWG) consensus report redefines outcomes in immune TTP

Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a potentially fatal thrombotic microangiopathy caused by autoantibody-mediated severe deficiency of ADAMTS13. Standardized definitions of response, exacerbation, remission, and relapse were initially proposed in 2003 and modified by the International Working Group for TTP in 2017. These definitions, which have been widely used in clinical practice and research, are

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AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine: EMA finds possible link to very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets

EMA confirms overall benefit-risk remains positive EMA’s safety committee (PRAC) has concluded today that unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects of Vaxzevria (formerly COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca). In reaching its conclusion, the committee took into consideration all currently available evidence, including the advice from an ad hoc

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Guidance produced from the Expert Haematology Panel of British Society for Haematology focussed on syndrome of Thrombosis and Thrombocytopenia occurring after coronavirus Vaccination

An expert team of British Society for Haematology have recently been involved in diagnosing and managing a rare syndrome of thrombosis associated with low platelets which have been reported in a few cases. At the moment, any causal association with coronavirus vaccination has not been established. However, are identified patients with this syndrome in proximity

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Ranking Virus Spillover Risk: New Web App Ranks Spillover Risk for Newly Detected Viruses

SARS-CoV-2 showed the world with devastating clarity the threat undetected viruses can pose to global public health. SpillOver, a new web application developed by scientists at the University of California, Davis, and contributed to by experts from all over the world, ranks the risk of wildlife-to-human spillover for newly discovered viruses. SpillOver is the first open-source risk

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Recovered and vaccinated patients T cells recognize recent SARS-CoV-2 variants

NIH research suggests protective effects of vaccination remain intact When variants of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) emerged in late 2020, concern arose that they might elude protective immune responses generated by prior infection or vaccination, potentially making re-infection more likely or vaccination less effective. To investigate this possibility, researchers from the National Institute

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First FDA approval of CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma marks milestone for patients

Approval of ide-cel for adults who have relapsed after four or more prior lines of therapy follows clinical trials led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute investigators The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted its first approval of a CAR T-cell therapy for adults with multiple myeloma, bringing welcome hope for patients eligible for the treatment, according to researchers

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Study underscores need for multidisciplinary care for COVID-19 long-haulers

Long COVID can affect multiple organ systems and the most common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Based on the limited data available, at least one-third of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 studied to date have experienced such long-term effects Physicians across the country have analyzed the

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Globally Accessible Therapy Is Found to Protect Against Lethal Inflammation from COVID-19 in Animal Models

Mount Sinai researchers have found that a widely available and inexpensive drug targeting inflammatory genes has reduced morbidity and mortality in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In a study published today in the journal Cell, the team reported that the drug, Topotecan (TPT), inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes in the lungs

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Individual SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibody immunity lasts from days to decades. Patients were categorized in 5 groups: negative, rapid waining, slow waining, persistent and delayed response.

Study shows that antibody longevity varies widely from 40 days to as long as several decades and not everyone who has recovered from COVID-19 is immune from reinfection  Individuals with low levels of neutralising antibodies may still be protected if they have robust T-cell immunity Blood tests and a computer algorithm suggest annual vaccinations might

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Gene therapy using “zinc fingers” may help treat Alzheimer’s disease, animal study shows

Key Takeaways A single injection of a gene therapy involving what are called zinc fingers dramatically reduced levels of tau, a protein implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, in mice with the condition. The treatment was long lasting, caused no side effects, and reduced Alzheimer’s-related damage in the brain. The technology worked just the way we had

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Retroviral gene therapy with a view on previous experience and future perspectives

Gene therapy can be used to restore cell function in monogenic disorders or to endow cells with new capabilities, such as improved killing of cancer cells, expression of suicide genes for controlled elimination of cell populations, or protection against chemotherapy or viral infection. While gene therapies were originally most often used to treat monogenic diseases

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Current status and perspective of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapy trials in Germany

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies are on the verge of becoming powerful immunotherapeutic tools forcombating hematological diseases confronted with pressing medical needs. Lately, CAR-NK cell therapies have also come into focus as novel therapeutic options to address hurdles related to CAR-T cell therapies, such as therapy-induced side effects. Currently, more than 500 CAR-T and

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U.S. NIAID discuss results released by AstraZeneca on Covid vaccine trial: AZ might have included outdated informations.

Late Monday, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) notified NIAID, BARDA, and AstraZeneca that it was concerned by information released by AstraZeneca on initial data from its COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. The DSMB expressed concern that AstraZeneca may have included outdated information from that trial, which may have provided an incomplete view of the

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Aspirin use may decrease ventilation, ICU admission and death in COVID-19 patients

Researchers from the George Washington University found that aspirin may have lung-protective effects and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, ICU admission and in-hospital mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. George Washington University researchers found low dose aspirin may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, ICU admission and in-hospital mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Final results

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Astrazeneca Covid vaccine US Phase III trial met primary efficacy endpoint in preventing COVID-19 at interim analysis. No increased risk of thrombosis or events characterised by thrombosis among the 21,583 participants.

79% vaccine efficacy at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 100% efficacy against severe or critical disease and hospitalisation Comparable efficacy result across ethnicity and age,with 80% efficacy in participants aged 65 years and over Favourable reactogenicity and overall safety profile The AstraZeneca US Phase III trial of AZD1222 demonstrated statistically significant vaccine efficacy of 79% at preventing

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AstraZeneca Covid vaccine and rare thrombosis: Greifswald team suggests an autoimmune trigger in 4 of 13 German reported cases. The incidence of thrombosis in Germany is 1:123.000 doses, while in the rest of Europe 1:1.350.000.

13 cases of a venous cerebral sinus or cerebral vein thrombosis following >1,6 million doses were reported in Germany. The thrombosis occurred 4-16 days after the vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in twelve women and one man aged 20–63 years. The patients had one at the same time thrombosis and thrombocytopenia due to autoantibodies.

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New special warning introduced by EMA in the summary of COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) product characteristics

EMA has just published the new product information leaflet for Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccine after investigations of thrombosis rare cases reported. In the section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use has been added the following: Thrombocytopenia and coagulation disordersA combination of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, in some cases accompanied by bleeding, hasbeen observed very rarely following

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A leap for­ward in research on CAR T cell ther­apy – Cel­lu­lar en­gin­eer­ing makes it pos­sible to tar­get the ther­apy also against solid tu­mours

A study recently published in the journal Science looked into how CAR T immunotherapy could be used to treat solid tumours in addition to leukaemias. The programming of CAR T cells opens avenues for applying cell therapies to, for example, breast cancer or ovarian cancer in the future. In cancer immunotherapy, cells in the patient’s

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Optimal Thromboprophylaxis protocol in Patients With COVID-19

From the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a distinct coagulation disturbance of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been recognized. This thrombo-inflammatory phenotype, characterized by endotheliopathy, hypercoagulability, and coagulation activation, results in an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Initial observational cohort studies described high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill patients with COVID-19, despite consistent use

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Sustained neutralising antibodies in the Wuhan population suggest durable protection against SARS-CoV-2

In The Lancet, Zhenyu He and colleagues report their cross-sectional study of serological responses of morethan 9500 individuals from 3600 households in Wuhan, the early epicentre for the COVID-19 outbreak. The study was initiated shortly after lockdown in Wuhan ceased in April, 2020, with follow-up over two timepoints (June and October–December, 2020). In this cross-sectional,

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CDC US COVID-19 update on new SARS-CoV-2 Variants

CDC’s national genomic surveillance program identifies new and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants to determine implications for COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments, or vaccines authorized for use in the United States. Monitoring the spread of emerging variants in the United States relies on widespread, rapid sequencing.  To accelerate sequencing in the United States, CDC has contracted with commercial diagnostic laboratories, and,

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EMA Safety Committee confirms that COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca benefits still outweigh the risks despite possible link to rare blood clots with low blood platelets.

EMA’s safety committee, PRAC, concluded its preliminary review of a signal of blood clots in people vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca at its extraordinary meeting of 18 March 2021. The Committee confirmed that: the benefits of the vaccine in combating the still widespread threat of COVID-19 (which itself results in clotting problems and may be fatal)

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A new study shows recombinant ADAMTS13 reduces abnormally up-regulated von Willebrand factor in plasma from patients with severe COVID-19. A new potential role for human plasma transfusion.

Thrombosis affecting the pulmonary and systemic vasculature is common during severe COVID-19 and causes adverse outcomes. Although thrombosis likely results from inflammatory activation of vascular cells, the mediators of thrombosis remain unconfirmed. In a cross-sectional cohort of 36 severe COVID-19 patients, it was shown that markedly increased plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels were accompanied

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Low ADAMTS13 Activity Correlates with Increased Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

The main hypothesis of this retrospective study is that VWF biomarkers are associated with coagulation in COVID-19. It was performed a balanced retrospective study of COVID-19 hospitalized patients with similar demographics and comorbidities and a wide range of D-dimer levels to study how VWF biomarkers correlate with coagulation, intravascular hemolysis, and outcome. Indeed, we show

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New Study from Cleveland Clinic Florida Researchers Points to Novel Drug Target for Treating COVID-19

Researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Research and Innovation Center (FRIC) have identified a potential new target for anti-COVID-19 therapies. Their findings were published in Nature Microbiology. Led by FRIC scientific director Michaela Gack, Ph.D., the team discovered that a coronavirus enzyme called PLpro (papain-like protease) blocks the body’s immune response to the infection.  More research is necessary, but the

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A two-dose regimen of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine did not show protection against mild-to-moderate Covid-19 due to the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant.

The SARS-CoV-2 spike gene has accumulated mutations within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the N-terminal domain (NTD). These domains are major targets of the antibody response elicited by the vaccines. The RBD mutations include the N501Y mutation, which is associated with increased affinity of SARS-CoV-2 to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. In contrast, the E484K

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Astrazeneca Covid vaccine and blood clots: a storm in a teacup

A number of European nations, including Germany, France, Italy and Sweden, have suspended use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca covid‑19 vaccine over blood clot concerns. The World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have both emphasised that there is currently no evidence linking the vaccine to blood clots and recommend that countries continue using it. Emer Cooke, director of

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How the pandemic has impacted teen mental health. Result of a Mott Poll Report

Restrictions put in place to contain COVID-19 may be particularly difficult for teens, who rely heavily on their peer and social connections for emotional support. In 2021, the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health asked a national sample of parents about the emotional impact pandemic restrictions have had on their teens age

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Association of Acute Symptoms of COVID-19 and Symptoms of Depression in Adults

52,4% patients have symptoms of major depressive disorder after COVID-19, as published in a study of Massachusetts General Hospital More than half of individuals with prior COVID-19 illness have met the criteria for symptoms of major depressive disorder, according to a research letter published online March 12 in JAMA Network Open. Roy H. Perlis, M.D., from

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Neutrophil activation tracks most closely with severe COVID-19 progression: a study on temporal and resolution dynamics of the host molecular responses confirms the main role of neutrophil proteolytic storm

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has cost lives and economic hardships globally. Various studies have found a number of different factors, such as hyperinflammation and exhausted/suppressed T cell responses to the etiological SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), being associated with severe COVID-19. However, sieving the causative from associative factors of respiratory dysfunction has remained rudimentary. In this

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Vaccine-induced antibodies may be less effective against several new SARS-CoV-2 variants

Key Takeaways Neutralizing antibodies induced by the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were significantly less effective against the variants first described in Brazil/Japan and South Africa. While the ability of these variants to resist neutralizing antibodies is concerning, it doesn’t mean the vaccines won’t be effective. Understanding which mutations are most likely to allow the

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Obesity linked to higher risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes

The risk for invasive mechanical ventilation, hospitalization and death in those with COVID-19 increased with BMI, according to research published in MMWR. “The findings in this report highlight a dose-response relationship between higher BMI and severe COVID-19–associated illness and underscore the need for progressively intensive illness management as obesity severity increases,” LyudmylaKompaniyets, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at the CDC,

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Protease inhibitors drugs Camostat and Nafamostat inhibit new SARS-CoV-2 activators identified in the upper respiratory tract, blocking virus cell entry.

There are no therapeutics available that have been developed for COVID-19 treatment. Repurposing of already available medication for COVID-19 therapy is an attractive option to shorten the road to treatment development. The drug Camostat could be suitable. Camostat exerts antiviral activity by blocking the protease TMPRSS2, which is used by SARS-CoV-2 for entry into cells.

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UK Royal College of Physicians calls for urgent measures to protect and safeguard medical workforce involved in fight against Covid-19

In an article published in The Lancet, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard and RCP Global vice president Dr Mumtaz Patel call for system-wide support to protect clinicians from harm. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed huge demands on global health systems which are testing doctors and health-care workers to the limits of their professional competence and taking

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A new study on BMJ shows an increase in deaths from 2.5 to 4.1 per 1000 detected cases in SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant

A highly infectious variant of COVID-19 that has spread around the world since it was first discovered in Britain late last year is between 30% and 100% more deadly than previous dominant variants, researchers said on Wednesday. In a study that compared death rates among people in Britain infected with the new SARS-CoV-2 variant known

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The challenges of CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric B-ALL. RESTORE launched Fragments of Life: A success in the frontier of medicine becomes a video game.

Sara Ghorashian, PhD, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, outlines the challenges associated with CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Discovering the best treatment phasing with other immunotherapies, such as blinatumomab and inotuzumab, improving the toxicity profile, and CAR T-cell persistence are some of the remaining

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Neurologic Involvement in Children and Adolescents Hospitalized in the US for COVID-19 or MISC

Most are transient, but some develop into life-threatening disorders Neurologic symptoms occurred frequently in children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19, a large case series of pediatric patients in the U.S. showed. Of 1,695 people 21 or younger hospitalized for acute COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), more than one in five (22%) had

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New Google-Backed Database Tracks Details on SARS-CoV-2 and Variants Cases Worldwide

A group of US and European epidemiologists on Tuesday launched an open international database that presents granular information on 5 million anonymized COVID-19 cases from more than 100 countries. Each case record in the database, which is housed at Global.health, contains up to 40 variables, including information such as the patient’s demographics and location, the date

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Can it work a single-dose Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine followed by a 12-week booster in a wide vaccination strategy ?

Vaccines to prevent COVID-19 infection are crucial for an effective global pandemic response. In The Lancet, Merryn Voysey and colleagues report the updated primary efficacy results for the Oxford–AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine from three single-blind, randomised controlled trials in the UK and Brazil and one double-blind study in South Africa. A subsequent report of

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SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (UK) variant is more transmissible with a 43%-90% higher reproduction number and could induce cases resurgences.

A variant of SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in southeast England in November 2020 is more transmissible than pre-existing variants, a new modeling study of Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, published on Science, finds. Further analyses suggest the variant B.1.1.7 will lead to large resurgences of COVID-19 cases.

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SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 (so called UK) is susceptible to neutralizing antibodies elicited by wild type Spike vaccines

All current vaccines for COVID-19 utilize ancestral wild type SARS-CoV-2 Spike with the goal of generating protective neutralizing antibodies. The recent emergence and rapid spread of several SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying multiple Spike mutations raise concerns about possible immune escape. One variant, first identified in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7, also called 501Y.V1 or 20I), contains eight

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NIH Fauci and BARDA Disbrow: Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine proved 77% effective in preventing severe/critical COVID-19 occurring at least 14 days after vaccination and 85% effective in preventing severe/critical COVID-19 occurring at least 28 days after vaccination.

“The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a very welcome addition to the arsenal of COVID-19 vaccines and other prevention strategies. When tested among 45,000 volunteers, the single-injection vaccine proved 77 percent effective in preventing severe/critical COVID-19 occurring at least 14 days after vaccination and 85 percent effective in preventing severe/critical COVID-19 occurring at least 28 days

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Carolina clinical trial tests effectiveness of mouthwash to kill oral SARS-CoV-2

Laboratory experiments have shown mouthwash can quickly kill coronaviruses, but there’s no evidence mouthwash can prevent the virus from infecting people. The Adams School of Dentistry is investigating how well mouthwash works to reduce the amount of SARS-CoV-2. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry have launched a clinical trial to test

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A paper published in NEJM shows that in Israel BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine reduced cases by 94%

The Pfizer BioNTech coronavirus vaccine produces as good results in the “real world” as have been previously documented in randomised trials. A case control study, which has been peer reviewed and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared 596 618 people who were newly vaccinated in Israel and matched them to unvaccinated controls. Two doses

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Causes of death and comorbidities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: the majority of patients had died of COVID-19 with only contributory implications of preexisting health conditions to the mechanism of death.

Infection by the new corona virus strain SARS-CoV-2 and its related syndrome COVID-19 has been associated with more than two million deaths worldwide. Patients of higher age and with preexisting chronic health conditions are at an increased risk of fatal disease outcome. However, detailed information on causes of death and the contribution of pre-existing health

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NCI study finds that people with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may have a low risk of future infection

People who have had evidence of a prior infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, appear to be well protected against being reinfected with the virus, at least for a few months, according to a newly published study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This finding may explain why reinfection appears to be relatively rare,

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FDA analysis:Janssen COVID vaccine is safe and effective also against Brazil and South Africa variant

The Food and Drug Administration’s staff released a briefing document on Wednesday endorsing Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot coronavirus vaccine as safe and effective. An FDA advisory panel will meet Friday to review the briefing document and vote on whether to recommend an emergency use authorization (EUA). The FDA could then issue the (EUA) as soon as this

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B.1.351 South Africa SARS-CoV-2 Variant is immune escaping but no increase in infectivity is shown in a paper on Cell

The 501Y.V2 variants of SARS-CoV-2 containing multiple mutations in Spike are now dominant in South Africa and are rapidly spreading to other countries. In this paper, experiments with 18 pseudotyped viruses showed that the 501Y.V2 variants do not confer increased infectivity in multiple cell types except for murine ACE2-overexpressing cells, where a substantial increase in

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Evidence of escape of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351 (South Africa) from natural and vaccine induced sera. An analysis of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Novavax and Janssen vaccine efficacy.

The race to produce vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 began when the first sequence was published, and this forms the basis for vaccines currently deployed globally. Independent lineages of SARS-CoV-2 have recently been reported: UK–B.1.1.7, South Africa–B.1.351 and Brazil–P.1. These variants have multiple changes in the immunodominant spike protein which facilitates viral cell entry via the Angiotensin

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Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 950 patients

Despite dramatic improvements in survival, multiple myeloma (MM) remains largely incurable, and most patients develop disease that is refractory to available treatment options. A paper just published on Blood Advances by researchers of Department of Hematological Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, Kansas University Medical Center, Westwood, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Toledo, Division of Hematology and

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Extremely potent human monoclonal antibodies from COVID-19 convalescent patients

Human monoclonal antibodies are safe, preventive and therapeutic tools, that can be rapidly developed to help restore the massive health and economic disruption caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this just published paper on Cell researchers of Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, Imperial College London and

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European Society Blood and Marrow Transplantation Annual Report shows the rise of CAR-T Cells in Europe during year 2019 and changes in medical practices in the field of hematopoietic cell transplantation over 30 years.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established procedure for many acquired or inherited disorders of the hematopoietic system, benign or neoplastic, including those of the immune system, and as enzyme replacement in metabolic disorders. The activity survey of the EBMT, describing the status of HCT, has become an instrument with which to observe trends and

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Immune system protects children from severe COVID-19

Children are protected from severe COVID-19 because their innate immune system is quick to attack the virus, a new study has found.     The research led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in Nature Communications, found that specialised cells in a child’s immune system rapidly target the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).  MCRI’s Dr Melanie Neeland said the

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Report of Anaphylaxis After Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in the US—December 14, 2020-January 18, 2021 shows 4,5 cases and 2,5 cases per million doses with Pfizer and Moderna respectively.

The cases of rash on mRNA vaccines are almost non-existent and no deaths have occurred. A research published in the medical journal JAMA, points out that the probability of developing anaphylaxis is only 0.000377%, as out of the approximately 17.5 million vaccinations, no deaths occurred, while only 66 people developed anaphylaxis to mRNA vaccines. A

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Four potential COVID-19 therapeutics enter Phase 2/3 testing in NIH ACTIV-2 trial: between them Camostat mesilate, an orally administered serine protease inhibitor.

Enrollment has begun to test additional investigational drugs in the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) program. ACTIV is a public-private partnership program to create a coordinated research strategy that prioritizes and speeds development of promising COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. The new agents entering the randomized, placebo-controlled study are part of ACTIV-2, an adaptive trial designed to

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NIH experts discuss SARS-CoV-2 viral variants: a Dr. Fauci’s paper on JAMA

Editorial emphasizes need for global response. The rise of several significant variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has attracted the attention of health and science experts worldwide. In an editorial published today in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, experts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the

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IgM have a major role in the neutralizing activity of convalescent plasma against SARSCoV-2

Characterization of the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is essential to help control the infection. The neutralization activity of plasma from COVID-19 patients decreases rapidly during the first weeks after recovery. However, the specific role of each immunoglobulin isotype in the overall neutralizing capacity is still not well understood. In this

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Artificial intelligence yields new ways to combat the coronavirus

Countering COVID-19 mutations and designing updated vaccines could occur at lightning speeds thanks to a new, USC-developed AI framework. USC researchers have developed a new method to counter emergent mutations of the coronavirus and hasten vaccine development to stop the pathogen responsible for killing thousands of people and ruining the economy. Using artificial intelligence (AI),

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A new study on Nature shows that BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine should neutralize SARS-CoV-2 spike 69/70 deletion, E484K and N501Y variants.

The Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine is effective against covid-19 variants originating in the UK and South Africa. This is the result of a study published this Monday in Nature Medicine , which showed better results in the first case, the British variant (called B.1.1.7), than in the second, the South African, or B.1.351. The differences, however, are small.

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University Health Network-led study shows Peginterferon lambda speeds up clearance of COVID-19 in outpatients

A clinical study led by Dr. Jordan Feld, a liver specialist at UHN’s Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, showed an experimental antiviral drug can significantly speed up recovery for COVID-19 outpatients – patients who do not need to be hospitalized. This could become an important intervention to treat infected patients and help curb community spread,

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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): FDA Grants Approval of 4th CAR-T Cell Therapy for Adults with Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL.

Breyanzi demonstrated a 73% overall response rate and 54% complete response (CR) rate in the largest pivotal trial in 3L+ LBCL, TRANSCEND NHL 001 trial Breyanzi demonstrated sustained responses in patients who achieved a CR with median duration of response not reached Grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome and Grade ≥3 neurologic toxicities following Breyanzi treatment occurred in 4% and

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Study highlights risk of new SARS-CoV-2 mutations emerging during chronic infection and after treatment with convalescent plasma

SARS-CoV-2 mutations similar to those in the B1.1.7 UK variant could arise in cases of chronic infection, where treatment over an extended period can provide the virus multiple opportunities to evolve, say scientists. Writing in Nature, a team led by Cambridge researchers report how they were able to observe SARS-CoV-2 mutating in the case of an

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The mutation E484K, first identified in the South African SARS-CoV-2 variant, has now been identified in the UK fast-spreading variant

What do we know about the E484K mutation? The E484K mutation is not a new variant in itself, it’s a mutation which occurs in different variants and has already been found in the South African (B.1.351) and Brazilian (B.1.1.28) variants. The mutation is in the spike protein and appears to have an impact on the

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ORF9b from SARS-CoV-2, upon viral infection, antagonizes IFN-β and pro-inflammatory cytokines production mediating its interaction with NEMO and interrupting the K63-linked polyubiquitination of NEMO.

COVID-19 is a current global health threat caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Emerging evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 elicits a dysregulated immune response and a delayed interferons (IFNs) expression in patients, which contribute largely to the viral pathogenesis and development of COVID-19. However, underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this paper, it’s reported the

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A two-dose regimen of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccine provides minimal protection against mild-moderate COVID-19 infection from the B.1.351 coronavirus variant.

The Johannesburg Witwatersrand University Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, which runs the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine trial in South Africa, has announced results. In an analysis, submitted as a pre-print prior to peer-review publication, a two-dose regimen of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine provides minimal protection against mild-moderate COVID-19 infection from the B.1.351 coronavirus

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CAR-T Therapy Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (Cilta-cel) Accepted for Accelerated Assessment in Europe for the Treatment of Patients with Heavily Pretreated Multiple Myeloma

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will perform an accelerated assessment of the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel). Accelerated assessment is

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A new study confirms the CDC prediction that B.1.1.7 UK variant will dominate US Covid-19 cases by March.

A more contagious variant of the coronavirus first found in Britain is spreading rapidly in the United States, doubling roughly every 10 days, according to a new study. Analyzing half a million coronavirus tests and hundreds of genomes, a team of researchers predicted that in a month this variant could become predominant in the United States,

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Open letter: Support data sharing for COVID-19 in European COVID-19 Data Portal

We need open data, especially open SARS-CoV-2 sequence data, and open science to beat COVID-19 and to prepare for future outbreaks. Why open data is so important When responding to a health crisis, data play a critical role in understanding transmission, infection and symptoms, and in identifying drug targets, developing vaccines and designing public health

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A not peer reviewed paper by London School of Hygiene finds a 35% increase of dying risk linked to the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 UK variant.

Since B.1.1.7 was first identified in September in southern England, it has become the dominant variant in the United Kingdom and has spread to more than 30 countries. To investigate whether the lineage causes an increased risk of dying, Nicholas Davies, an epidemiologist at the LSHTM, and colleagues analysed data from more than 850,000 people

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SARS-CoV-2 directly infects human erythroid progenitors: implications for emerging erythropoiesis in severe COVID19 patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to constitute a huge threat to public health worldwide and despite the efforts and advances to untangle the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission among humans, we are still blind to the overall COVID-19 pathology and its consequences. The results presented in this paper might help understand the emergent erythropoiesis and

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Heterologous recombinant adenovirus (rAd)-based vaccine, Gam-COVID-Vac “Sputnik V” Found 91,6% Effective Against COVID-19: a study published on The Lancet shows

A Russian vaccine against COVID-19 — Gam-COVID-Vac (dubbed “Sputnik V”) — shows 92% efficacy in interim results from a phase 3 trial reported in The Lancet. The two-dose vaccine uses replication-deficient adenoviruses to deliver a SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein as the antigenic stimulus. Doses are administered at 21-day intervals, and the vaccine may be stored in normal freezers.

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The timing of the booster dose is determinant for improval of immunogenicity and efficacy of ChAdOx1 (Oxford Astra Zeneca ) nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine

The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine has been approved for emergency use by the UK regulatory authority, MHRA, with a regimen of two standard doses given with an interval of between 4 and 12 weeks. The planned rollout in the UK will involve vaccinating people in high risk categories with their first dose immediately, and delivering

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Covid-19: B.1.1.7 new UK variant patients present more commonly sore throat, fatigue, and myalgia for Office for National Statistics

People infected with the new variant of covid-19 discovered in the South East of England (known as B.1.1.7 or VUI 202012/01) are more likely to have a cough, sore throat, fatigue, or myalgia than those infected with other variants, the Office for National Statistics has reported. The data, published 27 January, also show that people

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Arizona University Researchers Develop Smartphone-Based COVID-19 test that uses a smartphone microscope and could deliver results in about 10 minutes.

Researchers at the University of Arizona are developing a COVID-19 testing method that uses a smartphone microscope to analyze saliva samples and deliver results in about 10 minutes. The UArizona research team, led by biomedical engineering professor Jeong-Yeol Yoon, aims to combine the speed of existing nasal swab antigen tests with the high accuracy of nasal swab PCR,

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33% can be the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 Infections That Are Asymptomatic for a Systematic Review

In the 14 studies with longitudinal data that reported information on the evolution of symptomatic status, nearly three quarters of persons who tested positive but had no symptoms at the time of testing remainedasymptomatic. Current data suggest that infected persons without symptoms—including both presymptomatic and asymptomatic persons—account for more than 40% of all SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

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Ferric carboxymaltose for iron deficiency at discharge after acute heart failure: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial shows reduction risk of heart failure hospitalizations.

1. Treatment with IV ferric carboxymaltose reduced the risk of heart failure hospitalizations in patients with iron deficiency and acute heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%. 2. IV ferric carboxymaltose was generally safe but had no significant effect on the risk of cardiovascular death compared to placebo. Evidence Rating Level: 1

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For CDC, in-Person Schools May Reopen with Precautions as Data Shows Scant Virus Spread

U.S. schools operating in-person have experienced low transmission of the Chinese coronavirus, particularly when mitigation strategies such as masking and social distancing are in place, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky stressed on Friday, citing new findings by the health agency. Under President Joe Biden, the CDC has expressed support

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Who does and who doesn’t benefit from steroids for Covid-19. Results from a meta-analyses of RCTs.

Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection still are debated. Because large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and a well-conducted meta-analysis on the use of corticosteroids, focused on patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in intensive care units, recently were published, a meta-analysis of RCTs on corticosteroids therapy in patients with different disease severity

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Circulating SARS-CoV-2 spike N439K variants maintain fitness while evading antibody-mediated immunity

An international team of researchers has characterized the effect and molecular mechanisms of an amino acid change in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein N439K. Viruses with this mutation are both common and rapidly spreading around the globe. The peer reviewed version of the study appears January 25 in the journal Cell. Investigators found that viruses carrying this

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The Future of Organ Transplants: Bioprinting, Stem Cells and More. A paper of Polylactide.com

In the United States alone, over 100,000 people are on the organ transplant list. Around 17 of these people will die per day without having received the transplant. It’s clear that organs from human donors will never be adequate for everyone looking for a transplant. Thus, scientists have been researching alternatives, such as using organs made from repurposed stem

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The effects of armed conflict on the health of women and children. More than 10 million deaths in children <5 years can be attributed to conflict between 1995 and 2015 globally.

Women and children bear substantial morbidity and mortality as a result of armed conflicts. This paper published in The Lancet focuses on the direct (due to violence) and indirect health effects of armed conflict on women and children (including adolescents) worldwide. It was estimate that nearly 36 million children and 16 million women were displaced

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A Clalit study shows decreased infection in SARS-CoV-2 due to the Pfizer vaccine

The Clalit Research Institute is currently examining the effect of the vaccine against the coronavirus  developed by Pfizer.  Preliminary data show that 14 days after the injection of the first vaccine, there is a real decrease in the rate of infection in the corona . The study compared the infection data of about 200,000 people aged 60 and over who

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CDC reports 2,5 Anaphylaxis Cases per million Moderna Covid-19 vaccine doses in USA.

As of January 20, 2021, a total of 24,135,690 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 400,306 associated deaths had been reported in the United States (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_casesper100klast7days). On December 18, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine administered as 2 doses, 1 month apart to

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Creating a Safe CAR T-Cell Therapy to Fight Solid Tumors in Children

Scientists at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles develop newer CAR T therapy that promises to be more effective and less toxic for children with neuroblastoma. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy—CAR T—has revolutionized leukemia treatment. Unfortunately, the therapy has not been effective for treating solid tumors including childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma. Preclinical studies using certain CAR

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11,1 cases per million doses Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Following implementation of vaccination, reports of anaphylaxis after the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emerged.Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rarelyafter vaccination, with onset typically within minutes to hours.Notifications and reports of suspected severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis following vaccination were captured in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), the

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Emergence of a novel SARS-CoV-2 strain in Southern California, USA

Researchers in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles found that the variant, originated in California, was present in more than half of samples tested last week by researchers in Los Angeles. In late December, scientists in California began searching coronavirus samples for a fast-spreading new variant that had just been identified in Britain. They found it, though in

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Review of the epidemiology, susceptibility to infection, pathophysiology, immunology, complications, potential therapeutic options and response to vaccinations in people with diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders showing mortality excess due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 illness has engendered considerable interest in the metabolic aspects of SARS-CoV-2-induced pathophysiology. In this paper published in Cell Metabolism are updated concepts informing how metabolic disorders and their comorbidities modify the susceptibility to, natural history and potential treatment of

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A study shows early induction of functional SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells associates with rapid viral clearance and mild disease in COVID-19 patients

Virus-specific humoral and cellular immunity act synergistically to protect the host from viral infection. In this paper published on Cell Reports are interrogated the dynamic changes of virological and immunological parameters in 12 patients with symptomatic acute SARS-CoV-2 infection from disease onset to convalescence or death. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the respiratory tract in parallel

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New study shows that BioNTech-Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 vaccine protects against highly infectious UK variant

A new study found that antibodies in patients vaccinated against COVID-19 were able to neutralize a version of the new variant. Researchers tested 10 mutations of the B117 variant, which was first identified in the UK. The COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer is likely to protect against the highly infectious variant of the virus, originally found

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Hypothesis: Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a promising treatment option for COVID-19, due to its inhibition of neutrophil serine proteases “unfriendly fire”.

No definitive treatment for COVID-19 exists although promising results have been reported with remdesivir and glucocorticoids. Short of a truly effective preventive or curative vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, it is becoming increasingly clear that multiple pathophysiologic processes seen with COVID-19 as well as SARS-CoV-2 itself should be targeted. Because alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) embraces a panoply of biologic

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SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma

SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2, a novel lineage of the coronavirus causing COVID-19, contains multiple mutations within two immunodominant domains of the spike protein. In a paper recently published on https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.18.427166v1.full.pdf it’s shown that this lineage exhibits complete escape from three classes of therapeutically relevant monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore 501Y.V2 shows substantial or complete escape from neutralizing antibodies in

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Systematic Search for SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors for Drug Repurposing: Ethacrynic Acid as a Potential Drug

Research conducted by the University of Bari in collaboration with the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome The studies carried out by the research team of the University of Bari in collaboration with the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, formed by Luigi Leonardo Palese, Anna Maria Sardanelli, and Camilla Isgrò of the Department of Basic Medical

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Could Gene Therapy Cure Sickle Cell Disease? Two New Studies Raise Hopes

A pair of new gene therapies promise a potentially lasting cure for sickle cell disease by subtly altering the genetic information in patients’ bone marrow cells, researchers report. Both therapies work by switching on a gene that promotes production of fetal hemoglobin, said Dr. Lewis Hsu, chief medical officer of the Sickle Cell Disease Association

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Saliva tests may be just as good as nasopharingeal swabs for COVID-19

 COVID-19 tests that use patients’ saliva to screen for the virus are just as effective as those that use swabs collected from the nose and throat, an analysis published by JAMA Internal Medicine found. Saliva-based tests correctly identified those infected with the new coronavirus 83% of the time, while nose-throat swab tests were 85% accurate, the review of

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For CDC the more contagious SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant may soon be the U.S.’s dominant strain

On December 14, 2020, the United Kingdom reported a SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC), lineage B.1.1.7, also referred to as VOC 202012/01 or 20I/501Y.V1.* The B.1.1.7 variant is estimated to have emerged in September 2020 and has quickly become the dominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant in England (1). B.1.1.7 has been detected in over 30 countries,

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RECOVERY trial closes recruitment to convalescent plasma treatment for patients hospitalised with COVID-19, due to no convincing evidence of the effect on clinical outcomes.

The RECOVERY trial was established as a randomised clinical trial to test a range of potential treatments for COVID-19. Since May 2020, the RECOVERY trial has included a randomised comparison of convalescent plasma vs. usual care alone. Convalescent plasma has been widely used as a treatment for COVID-19 but to date there has been no

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The Future of CAR T cells in multiple myeloma

Despite the significant improvement in survival outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) over the past decade, it remains an incurable disease. Patients with triple-class refractory MM have limited treatment options and a dismal prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen has transformed the treatment armamentarium of relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM), with unprecedented overall

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Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with COVID-19: observational study published in Gut BMJ.

Imbalances in type and volume of bacteria may also be implicated in ‘long COVID’ The variety and volume of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, may influence the severity of COVID-19 as well as the magnitude of the immune system response to the infection, suggests research published online in the journal Gut. Imbalances in

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EMA receives application for conditional marketing authorisation of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. Marketing authorisation could be issued by 29 January

EMA has received an application for conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. The assessment of the vaccine, known as COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, will proceed under an accelerated timeline. An opinion on the marketing authorisation could be issued by 29 January during the meeting of EMA’s scientific committee for human medicines (CHMP), provided

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A CDC study published on JAMA shows that People without symptoms spread SARS-CoV-2 in more than half of cases.

A model developed by CDC researchers estimates that 59% of coronavirus cases in the United States are spread by asymptomatic carriers. Transmissions from individuals who have not yet begun to exhibit signs of infection account for 35% of that total, while transmissions from people who never develop symptoms make up the other 24%. A model

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Regulatory perspectives of Exosomes as therapeutics and drug delivery vehicles

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by all cells. Extensive research over recent years has now shown these vesicles to be important players in intercellular signalling and to have a role in tissue regeneration, immunomodulation and other biological functions. A lipid bilayer protects the exosome cargo of nucleic acids and proteins from degradation and permits

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Study finds higher burden of acute brain dysfunction for COVID-19 ICU patients

COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care in the early months of the pandemic were subject to a significantly higher burden of delirium and coma than is typically found in patients with acute respiratory failure. Choice of sedative medications and curbs on family visitation played a role in increasing acute brain dysfunction for these patients. That’s

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For U.K. health officials, Interleukin-6 inhibitors (Tocilizumab or Sarilumab) should be prescribed to adult patients admitted to ICU with Covid-19 pneumonia.

Clinicians should consider prescribing intravenous tocilizumab following the criteria defined below for patients in intensive care. Intravenous sarilumab could be considered as an alternative (if available).Any provider organisation treating patients with this intervention will be required to assure itself that the internal governance arrangements have been completed before either medicine is prescribed. These arrangements may

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An In Vitro Study Shows Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 Vaccine Elicits Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-COV-2 with N501Y Mutation

 Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE  announced results from an in vitro study conducted by Pfizer and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) that shows the antibodies from people who have received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2 with a key mutation that is also found in two highly transmissible strains. The results were published

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FDA Issues Alert Regarding SARS-CoV-2 Viral Mutation to Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratory Staff

Impact on molecular tests remains low The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting clinical laboratory staff and health care providers that the FDA is monitoring the potential impact of viral mutations, including an emerging variant from the United Kingdom known as the B.1.1.7 variant, on authorized SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests, and that false negative results

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Orchard Therapeutics with research alliance partners Fondazione Telethon and Ospedale San Raffaele Milan Receives EC Approval for Libmeldy™ for the Treatment of Early-Onset Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)

First gene therapy to receive full EU marketing authorization for eligible MLD patients. One-time treatment with Libmeldy has been shown to preserve motor and cognitive function. Orchard Therapeutics, a global gene therapy leader, and its research alliance partners Fondazione Telethon and Ospedale San Raffaele, today announced that the European Commission (EC) granted full (standard) market authorization

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DNA-editing method shows promise to treat mouse model of progeria

Using a recently developed DNA base-editing technique, researchers correct accelerating aging disorder. Researchers have successfully used a DNA-editing technique to extend the lifespan of mice with the genetic variation associated with progeria,  a rare genetic disease that causes extreme premature aging in children and can significantly shorten their life expectancy. The study was published in the journal Nature, and was

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Stem cell treatment corrects skull shape and restores brain function in mouse model of childhood disorder

Scientists regenerate parts of the skull affected by craniosynostosis, a common birth defect. Using stem cells to regenerate parts of the skull, scientists corrected skull shape and reversed learning and memory deficits in young mice with craniosynostosis, a condition estimated to affect 1 in every 2,500 infants born in the United States, according to the

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Early IgG titer greater than 1:1000 against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein Plasma Therapy to Prevent Severe Covid-19 in Older Adults

Therapies to interrupt the progression of early coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remain elusive. Among them, convalescent plasma administered to hospitalized patients has been unsuccessful, perhaps because antibodies should be administered earlier in the course of illness. In this paper, published on NEJM, the Authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of convalescent plasma with high

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The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio determines clinical efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in patients with COVID-19

Corticosteroid therapy is now recommended as a treatment in patients with severe COVID-19. But one key question is how to objectively identify severely ill patients who may benefit from such therapy. In a paper just published on Cell Metabolism, 12,862 COVID-19 cases from 21 hospitals in Hubei Province were equally assigned to a training and

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Mutations arising in SARS-CoV-2 spike on sustained human-to-human transmission and human-to-animal passage

The proximal origins of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV from civets and camels, respectively, are well documented. Few genetic changes in these viruses are required for the interspecies transfers to humans. While precise details and timing of the evolutionary pathways remain to be elucidated, it is also apparent that SARS-CoV-2 emerged from the Sarbecovirus subgenus of the

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SARS-CoV-2 Variants

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has had a major impact on human health globally; infecting a large number of people; causing severe disease and associated long-term health sequelae; resulting in death and excess mortality, especially among older and vulnerable populations; interrupting routine healthcare services; disruptions to travel, trade, education and many other societal functions;

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New SARS-CoV-2 variants described by researchers of University College of London and Cambridge University

Does it spread more easily? Make people sicker? Mean that treatments and vaccines won’t work? Questions are multiplying as fast as new variants of the coronavirus, especially the one moving through England and now popping up in the U.S. and other countries. Scientists say there is reason for concern and more to learn but that

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Microvascular Injury in the Brains of Patients with Covid-19. The damage was not caused by a direct viral attack on the brain.

In an in-depth study of how COVID-19 affects a patient’s brain, National Institutes of Health researchers consistently spotted hallmarks of damage caused by thinning and leaky brain blood vessels in tissue samples from patients who died shortly after contracting the disease. In addition, they saw no signs of SARS-CoV-2 in the tissue samples, suggesting the

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Oxford University/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine approved by UK MHRA

The new vaccine has been approved today after meeting the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards. The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University/AstraZeneca has today been given regulatory approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) after meeting required safety, quality and effectiveness standards. Following a rigorous, detailed scientific review by the MHRA’s

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Assessment of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Coronary Thrombus of a Case Series of Patients With COVID-19 and Myocardial Infarction

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by the intense formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), leading to the occlusion of microvessels, as shown in pulmonary samples. The occurrence of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a serious cardiac manifestation of COVID-19; the intrinsic mechanism of coronary thrombosis appears to still be unknown. Objective of the

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SARS-CoV-2 vaccine update

Vaccines typically require years of research and testing before reaching the clinic, but in 2020, scientists embarked on a race to produce safe and effective coronavirus vaccines in record time. Researchers are currently testing 64 vaccines in clinical trials on humans, and 19 have reached the final stages of testing. At least 85 preclinical vaccines are under active

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D614G mutation alters SARS-CoV-2 spike conformation and enhances protease cleavage at the S1/S2 junction

The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein is the target of vaccine design efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a low mutation rate, isolates with the D614G substitution in the S protein appeared early during the pandemic, and are now the dominant form worldwide. In this paper are explored spike conformational changes and the effects of

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Induction of alarmin S100A8/A9 mediates activation of aberrant neutrophils in the pathogenesis of COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses an unprecedented public health crisis. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes dysregulation of the immune system. However, the unique signature of early immune responses remains elusive. In this paper the transcriptome of rhesus macaques and mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 was characterized. Alarmin S100A8 was robustly induced in SARS-CoV-2 infected animal models

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Preliminary genomic characterisation of an emergent SARS-CoV-2 lineage in the UK defined by a novel set of spike mutations

Recently a distinct phylogenetic cluster (named lineage B.1.1.7) was detected within the COG-UK surveillance dataset. This cluster has been growing rapidly over the past 4 weeks and since been observed in other UK locations, indicating further spread. Several aspects of this cluster are noteworthy for epidemiological and biological reasons and we report preliminary findings below.

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Which appropriate SARS-CoV-2 test to select.

There’s a growing variety and availability of tests related to SARS-CoV-2. All types of tests can help healthcare providers make more accurate diagnosis, support better management of individual patients and provide better guidance to manage population risk. Active infection is detected with RT-PCR tests detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 based on its genetic make up (RNA). These tests

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By October 2020 COVID-19 had become the third leading cause of death in US for persons aged 45 through 84 years and the second for those aged 85 years or older.

Adults 45 years or older were more likely to die from COVID-19 during those months than from chronic lower respiratory disease, transport accidents (eg, motor vehicle fatalities), drug overdoses, suicide, or homicide. In contrast, for individuals younger than age 45 years, other causes of death, such as drug overdoses, suicide, transport accidents, cancer, and homicide

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Teaching youngsters about the magnificent world of Advanced Therapies. RESTORE Consortium experiences a new formation/information tool for disseminating CAR-T Cells Therapy in Haematologic diseases.

“Thanks to this technology and to the specific fighting capabilities of these cells, extraordinary results have been obtained: The therapy is a new hope for patients who no longer responded to other treatments. The therapy seems to have a long-lasting effect after a single application Unlike many other therapies, which benefit only a small portion

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Research Could Offer Novel Way to Restore Lung Function to COVID-19 Patients

Targeting endothelial cells –cells that comprise the blood vessel wall which regulate oxygen exchange between airways and the bloodstream– may be a novel approach restoring normal lung function to Covid-19 patients with serious lung disease. This hypothesis stems from a study by researchers in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the Renaissance School of

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Data Monitoring Committee of Pluristem Phase III Critical Limb Ischemia says primary endpoint has not been reached

The CLI study is unlikely to meet its primary endpoint by the time of the final analysis Substantial low number of events in the placebo group in the CLI study decreased the statistical power of the study to meet its primary endpoint PLX-PAD was well tolerated, and no safety concerns were raised Company to terminate the CLI study to focus on different therapeutic areas in its pipeline and expects three clinical readouts within the coming calendar year

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New Online COVID-19 Mortality Risk Calculator Could Help Determine Who Should Get Vaccines First

CALCULATOR GENERATES MORTALITY RISK ESTIMATES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES BASED ON SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC INFO AND MEDICAL HISTORY A new online calculator for estimating individual and community-level risk of dying from COVID-19 has been developed by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The researchers who developed the calculator expect it to be useful to

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Evaluation of Cloth Masks and Modified Procedure Masks as Personal Protective Equipment for the Public During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the general public has been advised to wear masks or improvised face coverings to limit transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, there has been considerable confusion and disagreement regarding the degree to which masks protect thewearer from airborne particles. To evaluate the fitted filtration

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Repurposed Antiviral Drugs for Covid-19 —Interim WHO Solidarity Trial Results confirmed none of tested drugs reduced mortality

World Health Organization expert groups recommended mortality trials of four repurposed antiviral drugs (remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir and interferon beta-1a) in patients hospitalized with Covid-19. Inpatients with Covid-19 were randomly assigned equally between one of the trial drug regimens that was locally available and open control (up to five options, four active and the local standard

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FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use

In a 17-4 vote, with one abstention, a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration recommended Thursday that the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech be authorized for emergency use during the coronavirus pandemic. The vote in favor of the vaccine was taken to answer the agency’s question: Do the benefits

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Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Are Resistant to SARS-CoV-2 Infection under Steady-State, Inflammatory Conditions and in the Presence of SARSCoV-2-Infected Cells

Previous studies reported on the safety and applicability of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) to ameliorate pulmonary inflammation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thus, multiple clinical trials assessing the potential of MSCs for COVID-19 treatment are underway. Yet, as SARS-inducing coronaviruses infect stem/progenitor cells, it is unclear whether MSCs could be infected by SARS-CoV-2 upon

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COVID-19’s sex bias based on a large-scale global statistical analysis: men more at risk of requiring critical care

Sex should be considered an important biological factor when designing therapies and vaccination strategies for COVID-19. Global-scale collaboration between scientists has taken on new forms in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with connection underpinning the work. A paper investigating the role of sex in patients infected with COVID-19 is the result of a partnership between researchers

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Researchers at Gladstone Institutes Identify Critical Molecules that Coronaviruses Hijack to Infect Human Cells

When a coronavirus—including SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19—infects someone, it hijacks the person’s cells, co-opting their molecular machinery for its own survival and spread. Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, in collaboration with scientists at UC San Francisco (UCSF) and Synthego Corporation, have identified critical molecular processes in human cells that coronaviruses use

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3D VR video on CAR-T therapy to learn more about how this innovative technology is being used to tackle MultipleMyeloma.

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson  unveils longer-term results from the combined Phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 study evaluating ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) for the treatment of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Cilta-cel is an experimental BCMA-directed (B cell maturation antigen) chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. Data presented at the ongoing Annual Meeting

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Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine efficacy: an interim analysis of four randomised controlled trials in Brazil, South Africa and the UK published on The Lancet

2020 has been a difficult year for all, but has seen 58 vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) be developed and in clinical trials, with some vaccines reportedly having more than 90% efficacy against COVID-19 in clinical trials. This remarkable achievement is much-needed good news as COVID-19 cases are currently at their

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Presented CAR T ZUMA-5 phase 2 study data for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Earlier this year, Caron Jacobson, MD, presented the interim analysis of ZUMA-5: A phase 2 study of axicabtagene ciloleucel in patients with relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Results from that interim analysis showed that the vast majority of patients with follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma – two slow-growing forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma – responded to and

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Moderna mRNA-1273 Vaccination produced serum neutralizing antibodies detected in all the participants at day 119

Vaccine “has the potential to provide durable humoral immunity” against virus, NIAID authors argue Antibody responses to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273, remained strong for almost 4 months following vaccination, data from a phase I trial indicated. Serum neutralizing antibodies were detected in 34 healthy adult volunteers at day 119 following the first dose, and

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Penn Medicine Researchers Unlock the Door to Tumor Microenvironment for CAR T Cells

PAK4 inhibitor improved T cell infiltration and shrank solid tumors in mice The labyrinth of jumbled blood vessels in the tumor microenvironment remains one of the toughest blockades for cellular therapies to penetrate and treat solid tumors. Now, in a new study published online today in Nature Cancer, Penn Medicine researchers found that combining chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)

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PEDSnet Report Details How COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected Children

Analysis of 135,000+ medical records shows the novel coronavirus hits hardest among teens, children with diabetes or cancer, lower-income families, and Black, Latin and Asian groups. In the most comprehensive analysis to date of U.S. children tested and treated for COVID-19, an organization representing seven of the nation’s largest pediatric medical centers reports that some

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Big Data Powers Design of ‘Smart’ Cell Therapies for Cancer

Combining Machine Learning with Cell Engineering, Scientists Can Design ‘Living Medicines’ that Precisely Target Tumors Finding medicines that can kill cancer cells while leaving normal tissue unscathed is a Holy Grail of oncology research. In two new papers, scientists at UC San Francisco and Princeton University present complementary strategies to crack this problem with “smart”

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CAR T-Cell Research is surging accompanied by a diversification of development and manufacturing pathways.

Hundreds of trials are under way, 3 CAR T-cell therapies for hematologic malignancies are on the market, and 2 new products may receive FDA approval in the next several months, including a BCMA–directed therapy that is poised to help transform treatment of multiple myeloma Research on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies has exploded since

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A Randomized Trial of Convalescent Plasma in Covid-19 Severe Pneumonia fails to shows significant clinical benefit as compared with placebo.

Convalescent plasma is frequently administered to patients with Covid-19 and has been reported, largely on the basis of observational data, to improve clinical outcomes. Minimal data are available from adequately powered randomized, controlled trials. In this paper researchers of the Clinical Pharmacology Section, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón, Buenos Aires, Argentina as

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Drug guides stem cells to desired location, improving their ability to heal

Discovery represents a major milestone for regenerative medicine that could help more people benefit from stem cell therapy. Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have created a drug that can lure stem cells to damaged tissue and improve treatment efficacy—a scientific first and a major advance for the field of regenerative medicine. The

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Most Americans are still vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 virus. Seroprevalence over 4 collection periods ranged from less than 1% to 23%

As of September, the vast majority of Americans did not have coronavirus antibodies, according to a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. These data matter as the coronavirus spreads rapidly throughout most of the country, most people remain vulnerable to it. Across the U.S., the portion of states’ populations with detectable antibodies ranged from less

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Insulin treatment is associated with increased mortality in patients with COVID-19

COVID-19 caused by SARS-COV2 infection can lead to multi-organ injuries and significant mortality in severe and critical patients, especially among those individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a comorbidity. While attenuated mortality was observed with aggressive glucose control, it was unclear whether therapeutic regiments including insulin treatment was beneficial for patients with COVID-19 and

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Antibodies capable of neutralising SARS-CoV-2 persist for at least 3 months in most Covid-19 patients, even those who had mild disease.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is causing a global pandemic and cases continue to rise. Most infected individuals experience mildly symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but it is unknown whether this can induce persistent immune memory that could contribute to immunity. In this paper, published on Cell, it’s performed a longitudinal assessment of individuals recovered from mild

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Thromboembolism risk of COVID-19 is high and associated with a higher risk of mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis published on EClinicalMedicine.

Early reports indicated that in COVID-19 may be associated with coagulation dysfunction. Studies have reported varying rates of thromboembolism. In this paper, the Authors searched PubMed, Cochrane and Embase for systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating thromboembolism rates in COVID-19 published until June 12, 2020. The search terms were “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2” or “novel coronavirus” and “venous

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Oxford coronavirus vaccine produces strong immune response in older adults as published in The Lancet

The ChAdOx1 nCov-2019 coronavirus vaccine, developed by teams at the University of Oxford, has been shown to trigger a robust immune response in healthy adults aged 56-69 and those over 70 years of age. The data, published in The Lancet, suggest that one of the groups most vulnerable to serious illness, and death from COVID-19, could build

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The Most Logical Approach to Improve CAR T Cell Therapy: a preview on Cell Systems

Combinational antigen recognition is the most logical way to improve the safety of cancer therapy. CAR T cells therapy, combined with synthetic biology, protein engineering, and bioinformatics, can perform advanced computations to enhance tumor targeting specificity. Immunotherapy, including biologic and cellular approaches, is a critical area of focus for cancer therapeutics. Of the methodologies used

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Baricitinib treatment linked to reduced mortality in COVID-19 patients

The rheumatoid arthritis drug baricitinib can block viral entry and reduce mortality in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19, according to translational research by an international team coordinated by researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, support the continuation of ongoing randomized clinical trials. “We are pleased to

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Macrophage expression and prognostic significance of the long pentraxin PTX3 in COVID-19

As of 20 November 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases was reported to be more than 57 million, leading to more than 1.361,000 deaths worldwide . Elevated levels of CRP, cytokine and chemokines, together with low lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, characterize patients with severe disease. However, a reliable biomarker of poor outcome in COVID-19 is

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In the lab, St. Jude scientists redefine cytokine storm and identify possible COVID-19 treatment

Immunologists have determined the process driving life-threatening inflammation, lung damage and organ failure in patients with COVID-19, sepsis and other inflammatory disorders suggesting possible treatment using existing drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause significant illness and death while treatment options remain limited.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists have discovered a potential strategy to prevent life-threatening

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Pfizer and BioNTech conclude Phase 3 study of Covid-19 Vaccine candidate, meeting all primary efficacy endpoints

Primary efficacy analysis demonstrates BNT162b2 to be 95% effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose;170 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were evaluated, with 162 observed in the placebo group versus 8 in the vaccine group Efficacy was consistent across age, gender, race and ethnicity demographics; observed efficacy in adults over 65 years of

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Data released by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association find that more than 1 million kids have now been diagnosed with Covid-19.

State-level reports are the best publicly available data on child COVID-19 cases in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association are collaborating to collect and share all publicly available data from states on child COVID-19 cases (definition of “child” case is based on varying age ranges reported across states;

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For an Oxford University research, videogaming is positively correlated with well-being. RESTORE consortium videogame “Fragments of Life” helps to enter into CAR-T Cells breakthrough therapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Conventional wisdom has it that too many cooks spoil the broth. But such judiciousness is not usually considered the basis for scientific pronouncements or international rulings on the need to limit the number of people in kitchens. But, when it comes to video games, conventional wisdom, not science, forms the basis for our thinking and

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CAR-T cell therapy as a “game changer” therapy in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: past, present and future. A review of the British Society for Haematology.

Over the last decade, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality for relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies in both children and adults. As an adoptive immune therapy, CAR-T cells have the potential to overcome disease that is resistant to chemoand radiotherapy as well as represent a viable option for those who

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Dissecting the immune characteristics of severe COVID-19 responses: Increased IL-10-producing regulatory T cells are characteristic of severe cases of COVID-19

Key points: Researchers have analysed immune cell types and numbers from the blood of healthy volunteers, COVID-19 patients experiencing mild-to-moderate effects and patients classified as severe to understand whether particular characteristics of their immune system response can identify treatment targets or indicate disease severity. After comparing the T cell immune response, the researchers noted the

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Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Entry Factors in the Pancreas of Normal Organ Donors and Individuals with COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection of pancreatic endocrine cells, via ACE2, is an unlikely central pathogenic feature.

Diabetes is associated with increased mortality from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Given literature suggesting a potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and diabetes induction, it was examined pancreatic expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), the key entry factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specifically, in this paper published on Cell Metabolism, were analyzed five public scRNA-seq pancreas

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A clade of SARS-CoV-2 viruses associated with lower viral loads in patient upper airways: an investigation on the phylogenetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Chicago.

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been accompanied by the emergence of distinct viral clades, though their clinical significance remains unclear. In this paper it’s investigated the phylogenetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Chicago, Illinois, and assessed their relationship to clinical parameters. Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates

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A Series of Disappointing Results of Immune-Based Therapies for COVID-19

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for immune-based therapies for COVID-19. We know that immune modulation in this disease, especially in its most severe manifestations, can improve outcomes. Favorable results from the RECOVERY study of dexamethasone have made it the standard of care for most hospitalized patients who require oxygen. And we also know that our own immune

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Treatments for People with Early COVID-19 Infection is an Urgent Research Focus, according to a JAMA Viewpoint article by NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., and colleagues.

Effective, Early Interventions would Benefit Individual Patients and Healthcare System COVID-19 treatments for people with early infection are needed urgently, according to a JAMA Viewpoint article by NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., and colleagues. Treating people early in the course of infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, would speed their recovery, reduce

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Real-time Conformational Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Spikes on Virus Particles with four distinct FRET efficiency states, enhanced by proteolysis. Convalescent plasma antibodies exert a double action.

SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) mediates viral entry into cells and is critical for vaccine development against COVID-19. Structural studies have revealed distinct conformations of S, but real-time information that connects these structures, is lacking. In this paper it’s applied single-molecule Fluorescence (Förster) Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) imaging to observe conformational dynamics of S on virus particles.

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Inhaled nebulised Interferon beta-1a may help Covid-19 patients, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase two trial.

An inhaled form of interferon — a drug commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis by injection — may help protect hospitalized Covid-19 patients from getting worse, according to a British drugmaker. Results were first released in July, but were published Thursday as a peer-reviewed study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. The body naturally releases interferon when

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Fluvoxamine vs Placebo and Clinical Deterioration in Outpatients With Symptomatic COVID-19. A Randomized Clinical Trial

An obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) drug may help improve the conditions of coronavirus patients, a new study suggests. Fluvoxamine, sold under the brand name Luvox, is a medication that scientists believe has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help control the immune system’s overreaction to the virus.  No patient who was given the drug suffered from shortness of breath

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Speed, Evidence, and Safety Characteristics of Vaccine Approvals by the US FDA

To understand the usual approval process followed by the FDA, researchers of the Yale University School of Medicine have systematically evaluated all novel vaccines approved by the FDA over the last decade, characterizing the premarket development and regulatory review times, the clinical evidenceon which approval was based, and the size and follow-up duration of the

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FDA issues EUA for Bamlanivimab Monoclonal Antibody for Treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy bamlanivimab for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adult and pediatric patients. Bamlanivimab is authorized for patients with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing who are 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms (about

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Baricitinib treatment resolves lower airway macrophage inflammation and neutrophil recruitment in SARS-CoV-2-infected rhesus macaques. Running NIH clinical trial in association with remdesivir.

SARS-CoV-2 induced hypercytokinemia and inflammation are critically associated with COVID19 disease severity. Baricitinib, a clinically approved JAK1/2 inhibitor, is currently being investigated in COVID-19 clinical trials. In this paper published on Cell, are investigated the immunologic and virologic efficacy of baricitinib in a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral shedding measured from nasal and

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Hydroxychloroquine does not benefit adults hospitalized with COVID-19

A National Institutes of Health clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has formally concluded that the drug provides no clinical benefit to hospitalized patients. Though found not to cause harm, early findings in June when the trial was stopped indicated that the

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Final report of the NIAID Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT-1) confirms remdesivir benefits for COVID-19

Remdesivir is an antiviral medication that targets a range of viruses. It was originally developed over a decade ago to treat hepatitis C and a cold-like virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Remdesivir wasn’t an effective treatment for either disease. But it showed promise against other viruses. Researchers tested remdesivir in clinical trials during the

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Gene therapy technique to regenerate the optic nerve offers hope for future glaucoma treatment

Scientists at University of Cambridge have used gene therapy to regenerate damaged nerve fibres in the eye, in a discovery that could aid the development of new treatments for glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Axons – nerve fibres – in the adult central nervous system (CNS) do not normally regenerate after

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COVID-19 lung damage caused by persistence of ‘abnormal cells’

Investigations of deceased COVID-19 patients have shed light on possible lung damage caused by the virus. The study, published today in The Lancet’s eBioMedicine, by King’s in collaboration with University of Trieste and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biology in Italy, shows the unique characteristics to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and may explain why

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New Cause of COVID-19 Blood Clots Identified. Half of the patients with severe COVID-19 exhibits a combination of high levels of antiphospholipids antibodies and NET’s: dipyridamole potential therapy.

A new study reveals the virus triggers production of antibodies circulating through the blood, causing clots in people hospitalized with the disease. Blood clots continue to wreak havoc for patients with severe COVID-19 infection, and a new study explains what may spark them in up to half of patients. The culprit: an autoimmune antibody that’s

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Coagulopathy as a Prodrome of Cytokine Storm in COVID-19-Infected Patients

Integrated analysis revealed a positive correlation of coagulopathy withcytokine storm in COVID-19-infected patients; the D-dimer rises early, which indicates that coagulopathy acts as a prodrome of cytokine storm. Coagulopathy can be used to monitor early cytokine storm in COVID-19-infected patients. Coagulopathy appeared around a few days in advance of a cytokine storm. It was also

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New Landmark Study at UM School of Medicine Finds Aspirin Use Reduces Risk of Death in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Hospitalized Patients Who Were Taking Daily Aspirin Had Lower Risk of ICU Admission, Ventilation, and Dying from the Virus Hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were taking a daily low-dose aspirin to protect against cardiovascular disease had a significantly lower risk of complications and death compared to those who were not taking aspirin, according to a new

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NIH researchers discover that β-Coronaviruses use lysosomes for egress instead of the biosynthetic secretory pathway

Targeting cells’ ‘trash compactor’ could lead to new antiviral strategy to fight COVID-19. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a biological pathway that the novel coronavirus appears to use to hijack and exit cells as it spreads through the body. A better understanding of this important pathway may provide vital insight in

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What to make of “re-positive” SARS-CoV-2 molecular test results

In a Commentary on EBioMedicine researchers of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York try to solve the enigma between dead viral particles testing or real clinical reinfection. Nine months after the first reports describing a novel corona virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) causing severe disease in humans (coronavirus Disease

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New York University researchers using leukemia-on-a-chip dissect the chemoresistance mechanisms in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia bone marrow niche. A new opportunity for CAR-T cells therapy improving.

B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) blasts hijack the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment to form chemoprotective leukemic BM “niches,” facilitating chemoresistance and, ultimately, disease relapse. However, the ability to dissect these evolving, heterogeneous interactions among distinct B-ALL subtypes and their varying BM niches is limited with current in vivo methods. In this paper , New

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Aprotinin Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and is identified as a potential drug candidate for Covid-19 treatment. Can human plasma have the same effect?

Researchers from the University of Kent, the Goethe-University in Frankfurt am Main (Germany), and the Hannover Medical School (Germany) have identified a drug with the potential to provide a treatment for COVID-19. The international team led by Professor Martin Michaelis, Dr. Mark Wass (both School of Biosciences, University of Kent), and Professor Jindrich Cinatl (Institute

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A new report of London Imperial College shows COVID-19 fatality ratio estimated from seroprevalence is about 1%

The COVID infection fatality ratio is around 1% in high-income countries, but substantially lower in low-income countries with younger populations. These are the findings of a new report from the Imperial College London COVID-19 Response Team. The report reveals that: In high income countries, the estimated overall infection fatality ratio (IFR) is 1.15% (95% prediction interval

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A direct drive parallel plane piezoelectric needle positioning robot for MRI guided intraspinal injection

Lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disorder affects approximately 40% of the population over 40 and though many of us may never experience adverse effects from the disorder, it is the cause of chronic back pain for numerous Americans. Recent imaging diagnostics and cellular based direct-injection therapeutics for degenerative disc and spinal cord injuries

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Early results from DETECT study suggest fitness trackers and smartwatches can predict COVID-19 infection

Sensor data from wearable devices can complement virus testing and conventional screening to signal new infections. Examining data from the first six weeks of their landmark DETECT study, a team of scientists from the Scripps Research Translational Institute sees encouraging signs that wearable fitness devices can improve public health efforts to control COVID-19. The DETECT study, launched

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COVID-19 Immune Response Study of the ISB-Swedish COVID-19 Immune Response Study Could Lead to More Effective Treatments

The ISB-Swedish COVID-19 Immune Response Study has revealed new findings that suggest that treatments aimed at arresting the infection at the stage of moderate severity may be most effective. The symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely, from very mild to severe conditions requiring ICU care. Researchers comprehensively studied a large number of patients during the week

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New inflammatory disorder called vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory and somatic syndrome (VEXAS) discovered by NIH researchers

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a new inflammatory disorder called vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory and somatic syndrome (VEXAS), which is caused by mutations in the UBA1 gene. VEXAS causes symptoms that included blood clots in veins, recurrent fevers, pulmonary abnormalities and vacuoles (unusual cavity-like structures) in myeloid cells. The scientists reported

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Use of mesenchymal stem cells in COVID-19 mediated acute respiratory failure: a review published on npj regenerative medicine.

In patients with critical manifestations of COVID-19, life-threatening complications such as ARDS and multiple organ dysfunction are mediated by extensive inflammation, neutrophils recruitment, cytokine storm syndrome and dysregulated immune innate responses. MSCs because of their immunomodulatory, regenerative, and antimicrobial properties could render several therapeutic effects in the setting of COVID-19. While data from countless clinical

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FDA Clearance of IND Application for First-in-Class Allogeneic CAR Gamma-Delta T Cell Therapy in non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Phase 1 Clinical Study will Evaluate ADI-001 Safety and Efficacy in Patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Adicet Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company discovering and developing allogeneic gamma delta T cell therapies for cancer and other diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ADI-001,

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COVID-19 and Lombardy: TESTing the impact of the first wave of the pandemic. Seroprevalence in the Bergamo area is 38.5%.

The emergence of a novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a major disease outbreak that posed a threat to public health worldwide. Among the western countries, Italy was the first to experience a vast Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and the province of Bergamo experienced the deadliest COVID-19 outbreak in theworld. Due

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Researchers of NEI use gene therapy and a novel light-sensing protein to restore vision in mice

NIH-funded therapy will now be tested in humans A newly developed light-sensing protein called the MCO1 opsin restores vision in blind mice when attached to retina bipolar cells using gene therapy. The National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, provided a Small Business Innovation Research grant to Nanoscope, LLC for development of

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Masks could cut COVID-19 deaths in the US by 130,000: IHME COVID-19 Forecasting Team study shows

Even if state-level governments in the United States reimpose limited social distancing measures to halt the spread of COVID-19, the death toll could more than double by the end of February 2021 to 511,000, according to projections released Friday. Near-universal mask wearing over the coming months could reduce that grim tally by nearly 130,000, researchers

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Neutrophils express non-canonical functions, including vascular repair and hematopoietic homeostasis.

Scientists at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) have discovered that neutrophils, the most abundant cells of the innate immune system, have many more functions in the body than previously thought. This finding suggests possible new treatments for many diseases, including cancer. In a study published in the journal Cell, the research team demonstrates that

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Neuropilin-1 facilitates SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and infectivity

Researchers have identified a second receptor that might be important in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, according to a new report published in Science on October 20. This cofactor helps facilitate virus-host cell interactions in cells with low levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the primary receptor on host cells, and might explain the increased pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. Why is

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In an open label phase II multicentre randomised controlled trial (PLACID Trial) convalescent plasma isn’t associated with a reduction in disease progression or all cause mortality in moderate Covid-19.

Convalescent plasma may not prevent progression to severe disease or reduce mortality risk in hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19, based on a phase 2 trial involving more than 400 patients in India. The PLACID trial offers real-world data with “high generalizability,” according to lead author Anup Agarwal, MD, of the Indian Council of Medical Research,

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SARS-CoV-2 infects the brain choroid plexus and disrupts the blood-CSF-barrier in human brain organoids.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leads to respiratory symptoms that can be fatal. However, neurological symptoms have also been observed in some patients. The cause of these complications is currently unknown. In this paper, were use human pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids to examine SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism. Was found expression of viral receptor

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NIH launched the ACTIV-5/BET study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial testing risankizumab or lenzilumab +remdesivir in Covid-19 treatment.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, today launched a study designed to determine whether certain approved therapies or investigational drugs in late-stage clinical development show promise against COVID-19 and merit advancement into larger clinical trials. The ACTIV-5 Big Effect Trial, which will enroll adult volunteers hospitalized

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Therapeutic Management of Patients with COVID-19. Updated Treatment Guidelines released by NIH.

A number of investigational agents and drugs that are approved for other indications are currently being studied in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 and associated complications. Data from randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective observational cohorts, and case series studies are rapidly emerging. The COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel (the Panel) continues to review

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For NIH updated treatment guidelines, insufficient data from well-controlled, adequately powered, randomized clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19.

Last Updated: October 9, 2020 Plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 may contain antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that may help suppress the virus and modify the inflammatory response.1 Recommendation There are insufficient data for the COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel (the Panel) to recommend either for or against the

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Antiviral monotherapy for hospitalised patients with COVID-19 is not enough. Lopinavir-Ritonavir no benefit in patients admitted.

No reductions seen in 28-day mortality or duration of hospital stay in COVID-19 with lopinavir-ritonavir. Lopinavir-ritonavir is not associated with reductions in 28-day mortality or duration of hospital stay among patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, according to a study published online Oct. 5 in The Lancet. Peter W. Horby, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues on

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COVID-19 and Excess All-Cause Mortality in the US and 18 Comparison Countries. Research letter on JAMA.

Was compared the US to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries with populations exceeding 5million and greater than $25 000 per capita gross domestic product. For each country, was calculated the COVID-19 per capita mortality rate and grouped countries by mortality: (1) low (COVID-19 deaths, <5/100 000), (2) moderate (5-25/ 100 000), and (3)

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Clinical Development of Gene Therapies: The First Three Decades and Counting.

In the past three decades the field of gene therapy has made remarkable progress surging from mere laboratory experiments to FDA-approved products which bring significant reduction in disease burden to patients who previously had no therapeutic options for their serious conditions. In this paper it’s reviewed the evolution of the gene therapy clinical research landscape

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Thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin is associated with a lower death rate in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A cohort study published on EClinicalMedicine

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with hypercoagulability caused by direct invasion of endothelial cells and\or proinflammatory cytokine release. Thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin is recommended by current guidelines, but evidence is still weak. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin on hospital mortality in patients

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RESTORE community has released new position paper on advanced therapies.

The RESTORE position paper represents the cumulative efforts of the RESTORE community, and the steering committee since the start of the RESTORE initiative in 2019. It outlines, in depth, the RESTORE view on why Europe should invest in Advanced Therapies, the roadblocks in Advanced Therapy development and implementation into patient care, and makes recommendations about

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The role for the metagenome and the influence of microbiota on immune processes in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection.

A new paper published on EBioMedicine analyzes metagenome contribution to Covid-19 response variability. A key question concerning COVID-19 is why most infected persons do not develop severe disease, while others become critically ill. This dichotomy is related to age, gender, immunosuppression and comorbidities, but many persons who are young succumb to the virus. A significant

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Neutrophil proteolytic enzymes storm triggers vascular disease and thrombosis in SARS-CoV-2 infected Rhesus Macaques

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to extensive morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Clinical features that drive SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in humans include inflammation and thrombosis, but the mechanistic details underlying these processes remain to be determined. In this study, was demonstrated endothelial disruption and vascular thrombosis in histopathologic sections of lungs from both humans and

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SARS-CoV-2 disrupts splicing, translation, and protein trafficking to suppress host interferons

SARS-CoV-2 is a recently identified coronavirus that causes the respiratory disease known as COVID-19. Despite the urgent need, it’s not fully understood the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. In this paper, are comprehensively defined the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human RNAs. NSP16 binds to the mRNA recognition domains of the U1 and U2 splicing

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A large-scale Multi-omic Analysis shows neutrophil degranulation, vessel damage, platelet activation and degranulation, blood coagulation and complement activation are responsible for COVID-19 Severity

RNA-Seq and high-resolution mass spectrometry on 128 blood samples from COVID-19 positive and negative patients with diverse disease severities and outcomes were performed and published on Cell Systems Quantified transcripts, proteins, metabolites, and lipids were associated with clinical outcomes in a curated relational database, uniquely enabling systems analysis and cross-ome correlations to molecules and patient

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Sarilumab use in severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. IL-6 blockade inhibits neutrophil recruitment and innate immune response harm.

Interleukin-6 signal blockade showed preliminary beneficial effects in treating inflammatory response against SARS-CoV-2 leading to severe respiratory distress. In this paper, published on EClinicalMedicine are described the outcomes of off-label intravenous use of Sarilumab in severe SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia. 53 patients with SARS-CoV-2 severe pneumonia received intravenous Sarilumab; pulmonary function improvement or Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

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Imbalance of regulatory and cytotoxic SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T cells in COVID-19

The contribution of CD4 + T cells to protective or pathogenic immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unknown. In this paper it’s presented single-cell transcriptomic analysis of >100,000 viral antigen-reactive CD4 + T cells from 40 COVID-19 patients. In hospitalized patients compared to non-hospitalized patients, were found increased proportions of cytotoxic follicular helper (T FH

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COVID-19 and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

The more common manifestation in the COVID-19 era may be HFpEF related primarily to the unmasking of subclinical HFpEF and secondarily to the development of new HFpEF following infection with SARS-CoV-2. Patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) who develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have worse outcomes than patients without CVD.Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome

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Fewer than 10% of the US adult population formed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and fewer than 10% of those with antibodies were diagnosed.

Fewer than 10 percent of the U.S. adult population formed antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the first wave of the pandemic, according to a study published online Sept. 25 in The Lancet. Shuchi Anand, M.D., from the Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional

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New randomized clinical trial suggests Hydroxychloroquine failure even as a COVID19 preventative in healthcare workers

In this randomized clinical trial, although limited by early termination, there was no clinical benefit of hydroxychloroquine administered daily for 8 weeks as pre-exposure prophylaxis in hospital-based HCWs exposed to patients with COVID-19. Despite promising early reports and strong in vitro performance, Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has become the major therapeutic disappointment of the COVID pandemic. Research

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This week’s Offline column by The Lancet Editor-in-Chief defines Covid-19 Syndemic not Pandemic.

Two categories of disease are interacting within specific populations—infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and an array of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These conditions are clustering within social groups according to patterns of inequality deeply embedded in our societies. The aggregation of these diseases on a background of social and economic disparity exacerbates

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A multicenter cardiovascular pathology study shows various features of COVID-19-associated myocardial injury

Early in the pandemic, other clinicians noted that even some patients who didn’t have preexisting heart conditions experienced cardiovascular damage while fighting COVID-19 infections, pointing to a possible causative link. Researchers had found, for example, that 8–12 percent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had elevated levels of muscle contraction–regulating proteins called troponins—a sign of heart damage—and that these

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Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of COVID-19: Perspectives of the National Institutes of Health COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel

Currently, no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapeutics exist for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this context, the pandemic has put considerable pressure on health care providers to prescribe treatments despite limited information about their safety and efficacy. This pressure has exacerbated the tension between the importance of practicing evidence-based medicine and the urgency of

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Scientists discover 13,5% cases of severe Covid-19 present genetic and immunologic underpinnings inducing type I Interferon lacking

New findings by scientists at the National Institutes of Health and their collaborators help explain why some people with COVID-19 develop severe disease. The findings also may provide the first molecular explanation for why more men than women die from COVID-19. The researchers found that more than 10% of people who develop severe COVID-19 have

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Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Children and Adolescents Compared With Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Children were less likely than adults to acquire a COVID-19 infection from an index case, a meta-analysis found. Across 32 contact tracing or population testing studies comparing SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in children and adults, children younger than 14 were less likely to be infected from an index case overall (odds ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.37-0.85), and

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Gastrointestinal Complications in Critically Ill Patients With and Without COVID-19

COVID-19 appears to have significant extrapulmonary complications affecting multiple organ systems. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 oftendevelop gastrointestinal complications during their hospital stay, including bowel ischemia, transaminitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, Ogilvie syndrome, and severe ileus. Whether the high incidence of gastrointestinal complications is a manifestation of critical illness in general or is specific to COVID-19

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Toward an Optimized Process for Clinical Manufacturing of CAR-Treg Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology and its application to regulatory T cells (Tregs) has garnered interest among researchers in the field of cell and gene therapy. Merging the benefits of CAR technology with Tregs offers a novel and promising therapeutic option for durable reshaping of undesired immune responses following solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell

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People with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection have an upper respiratory viral load as those with mild symptoms

They are relatively common so may act as important driver of viral spread, warn researchers People with ‘silent’ COVID-19 infection have as much coronavirus in their noses and throats as those with symptoms, reveals research published online in the journal Thorax. Given how many of these people there are—a fifth of those infected, the study findings show–they may

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Modulating endothelial adhesion and migration impacts stem cell therapies efficacy

Despite the first clinical studies reporting on a correlation betweenthe migration potential of transplanted stem cells and their therapeutic efficacy, it is unclear if effective stem cell therapies requirereliable and sufficient delivery of the cells to the desired anatomiclocations, as well as survival of the cellular graft. Moreover, the many complex processes involved in stem

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FDA Approves Study to Investigate the Use of Cell Therapy to Treat COVID-19 Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

First-of-its kind study to be supported by the Cura Foundation, The Marcus Foundation, Sanford Health and Alliance for Cell Therapy Now The Cura Foundation in collaboration with The Marcus Foundation, Sanford Health and Alliance for Cell Therapy Now, is supporting a clinical trial of human cord tissue mesenchymal stromal cells (hCT-MSC) to treat children with

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Frequency of Children vs Adults Carrying Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Asymptomatically

The frequency of children carrying asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been suggested to be higher than among adults. It is also suggested that asymptomatic children enhance viral spread. A research letter by published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics in September 2020 explores the truth of this common belief. Earlier Research Earlier studies

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Efficacy of convalescent plasma against COVID19 requires early therapy with high titer plasma. RCTs need to be designed on this basis.

In a paper published on EClinicalMedicine, has been assessed outcome of patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 following treatment with convalescent plasma (CP) and the association with IgG levels in transfused CP. A prospective cohort study. Primary outcome was improvement at day 14 defined as alive, not on mechanical ventilation, and moderate, mild, or recovered

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Assessment of the immune response in kids with MIS-C, identifying candidate autoantibodies resembling antibody response to convalescent Covid.

Initially, children were thought to be spared from disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, a month into the epidemic, a novel multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) emerged. In thi paper on Cell, are reported the immune profiles of nine MIS-C cases. All MIS-C patients had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2

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Racial/Ethnic Variation in Nasal Gene Expression of Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2)

In a study published in JAMA today, Mount Sinai researchers report findings that shed some light on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Blacks, who have experienced rates of infection and death that are much greater, in some areas twice and three times more, than their proportion of the population. Our study suggests one factor that may

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COVID-19 and the Path to Immunity

The emergence of adaptive immunity in response to the new Betacoronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), occurs within the first 7 to 10 days of infection. Understanding the key features and the B-cell evolution – and T-cell-mediated adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is essential to predict the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and

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Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells are resistant to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are not infected by SARS-CoV-2 and retain their immunomodulatory potential as published by Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology, German Red Cross Blood Donor Service in Frankfurt am Main on Stem Cells Report. Previous studies reported safety and applicability of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSC) to ameliorate pulmonary inflammation in ARDS. Thus, multiple

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Rare hyperinflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19 described

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Science for Life Laboratory in Sweden and Tor Vergata University of Rome in Italy have mapped the immune response in children affected by a rare but life-threatening inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19. The study, which is published in the scientific journal Cell, reveals that the inflammatory response differs from that

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Post-COVID syndrome severely damages children’s hearts — systematic review

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), believed to be linked to COVID-19, damages the heart to such an extent that some children will need lifelong monitoring and interventions, said the senior author of a medical literature review. Case studies also show MIS-C can strike seemingly healthy children without warning three or four weeks after asymptomatic

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Obesity, diabetes and hypertension greatest risk factors for young adults with COVID-19

Young adults with underlying conditions such as morbid obesity, diabetes and hypertension are at the highest risk of being placed on a ventilator or dying from COVID-19, according to a study of 3,000 hospitalized patients aged 18 to 34. The analysis, published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, focused on patients hospitalized between April and

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Facial Masking for Covid-19 could expose wearers to just enough of the virus that it helps trigger immunity.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is entirely new to infectious disease researchers and other public health scientists. To combat it, scientists have sifted through centuries of literature about how the world coped with past pandemics. A new opinion paper assesses one way in which we might be able to learn from our encounters with

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Convalescent plasma fails to improve outcome of COVID-19 in PLACID trial. Limits of the study.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging in India, with over 4.5 million cases, 75.000 deaths and more than 90,000 new cases a day. At present there are few effective therapeutic options, which means that healthcare providers are faced with ongoing challenges in managing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A new study based

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SARS-CoV-2 ORF3b is a potent interferon antagonist and its activity is increased by a naturally occurring elongation variant

One of the features distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 from its more pathogenic counterpart SARS-CoV is the presence of premature stop codons in its ORF3b gene. In this paper it’s shown that SARS-CoV-2 ORF3b is a potent interferon antagonist, suppressing the induction of type I interferon more efficiently than its SARS-CoV ortholog. Phylogenetic analyses and functional assays reveal

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Association Between Administration of Systemic Corticosteroids and Mortality Among Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19. Results of a WHO Meta-analysis

Treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with corticosteroid drugs reduces the risk of death by 20 percent, an analysis of seven international trials found on Wednesday, prompting the World Health Organization to update its advice on treatment. The analysis — which pooled data from separate trials of low dose hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone — found that steroids improve survival

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Patients with COVID-19 having a reduction in respiratory system compliance together with increased D-dimer concentrations have high mortality rates.

The study has been done in seven Italian Hospitals and published on The Lancet Respiratory Medicine The study confirms the role of microthrombosis in severe Covid-19, but do not explain which is the pathophysiology of the proteolytic cascades activation. For Dr. Fornasari, REGENHEALTHSOLUTIONS Director, “This study very important study shows that unhinibited proteolytic cascades activation

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Children with no COVID-19 symptoms may shed virus for weeks: a new study confirms.

New research suggests that children can shed SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they never develop symptoms or for long after symptoms have cleared.  But many questions remain about the significance of the pediatric population as vectors for this sometimes deadly disease, according to an invited commentary by Children’s National Hospital doctors that accompanies this

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UK-wide study shows children with gastrointestinal symptoms should be included in COVID-19 testing

Over 1,000 children from Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, known as ‘COVID Warriors’ have had their antibodies measured in the UK-wide trial called ‘Seroprevalence of SARS-Cov-2 infection in healthy children’. The findings have been published yesterday (Friday 28 August) as a pre-print on the server medRxiv. The study is led by Queen’s University Belfast, in

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Mount Sinai Team Offers Additional Data on Efficacy of Blood Anticoagulation for COVID-19 and Insight on Best Potential Regimens

Study is the basis of a new international clinical trial Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Sinai researchers were among the first to show that anticoagulation therapy was associated with improved survival among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. But many questions remained—about the size of the potential benefit, and about what dosage of this therapy might be

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A study confirms: with 95% masking, 57% of Covid-19 deaths could be prevented by fall.

A new Covid-19 prediction model makes another compelling case for wearing masks and cloth face coverings. If practically everyone in America wears masks while out in public, it could prevent tens of thousands of Covid-19 infections and deaths by the fall, according to researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). “It is hard

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Mayo Clinic Driven Expanded Access Program for Convalescent Plasma discontinues enrollment as FDA authorizes its emergency use

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of convalescent plasma and the national Expanded Access Program (EAP) for convalescent plasma led by Mayo Clinic announced its intention to discontinue enrollment. The five-month program served 2,780 hospital and acute care facilities, with nearly 14,000 physicians enrolling 101,000 patients and reports of 71,000 infused so far. Eligible patients who

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Kidney involvement by SARS-CoV-2 increases the risk of mortality and acute kidney failure.

The research presented early in the course of Corona pandemic found that Covid-19 not as initially suspected a classic viral lung disease. Rather, the whole body is affected . A team from the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has now proven that the new coronavirus  SARS-CoV-2 can also multiply in the kidneys .  The novel corona virus can also multiply outside of the lungs, for example in the kidneys. Researchers at the University Medical Center

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Not only antibodies: the role of B cells and T cells in mediating immunity to COVID-19

Recent reports that antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are not maintained in the serum following recovery from the virus have caused alarm. However, the absence of specific antibodies in the serum does not necessarily mean an absence of immune memory. University of Bergen researchers have just published a paper on Nature Reviews Immunology. Immunity after infection with

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FDA Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Emergency Use Authorisation: Truth beyond Fictions

Source FDA Yesterday 08/23/2020 FDA has issued guidance to provide recommendations to health care providers and investigators on the administration and study of investigational convalescent plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 (COVID-19 convalescent plasma) during the public health emergency. The guidance provides recommendations on the following: pathways for use of investigational COVID-19 convalescent plasma

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Risk of stroke in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Results of a multinational study

There is an increased attention to stroke following SARS-CoV-2. The goal of this study was to better depict the short-term risk of stroke and its associated factors among SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized patients. This multicentre, multinational observational study includes hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients from North and South America (United States, Canada, and Brazil), Europe (Greece, Italy, Finland, and

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An uncontrolled and placebo group lacking study on 35.000 patients suggests convalescent plasma shows a 3% reduced mortality in Covid-19 patients.

Infusing hospitalized Covid-19 patients with blood plasma from people who recovered from the disease appeared to show a benefit in a nationwide study, but the study’s lack of a placebo group left several experts struggling to interpret the data. The study, which enrolled more than 35,000 patients, found that quickly administering so-called convalescent plasma had

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Triad of molecules could predict severity of COVID-19

In a new study, published in Nature Medicine, researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, have found a common immune signature in the blood of patients with COVID-19, which could be used to predict how severely ill a patient will become, thereby aiding patient management.  The team analysed blood samples

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Effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system: a review published on Cell

Neurological complications have emerged as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Beside respiratory insufficiency, many hospitalized patients exhibit neurological manifestations, ranging from headache and loss of smell, to confusion and disabling strokes. COVID-19 is also anticipated to take a toll on the nervous system in the long term. In

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Two existing drugs point to a potential new target against COVID-19

New lab-based studies show that two existing drugs, including one developed by a researcher at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, inhibit SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — from infecting human cells in a dish. Both drugs, vacuolin-1 and apilimod, originally developed years ago, target a large enzyme called PIKfyve kinase. Before

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The six strains of SARS-CoV-2

The virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, presents at least six strains. Despite its mutations, the virus shows little variability, and this is good news for the researchers working on a viable vaccine. These are the results of the most extensive study ever carried out on SARS-CoV-2 sequencing. Researchers at the University of Bologna drew

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Quick and affordable saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by Yale scientists receives FDA Emergency Use Authorization

A saliva-based laboratory diagnostic test developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health to determine whether someone is infected with the novel coronavirus has been granted an emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The method, called SalivaDirect, is being further validated as a test for asymptomatic individuals through

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Regenerative Medicine & Advanced Therapies Sector Thriving Despite COVID-19 following a new report by ARM

In the early days of COVID-19, the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) was unsure how the pandemic and its accompanying economic downturn would affect the cell and gene therapy space. “It was a really specific time when the world and the markets were clearly reeling from the first appreciation for the seriousness of COVID-19,” Janet

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Pharmacological activation of NRF2 could be a way to combat Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by SARSCoV2.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is largely the result of a dysregulated host response, followed by damage to alveolar cells and lung fibrosis. Exacerbated proinflammatory cytokines release (cytokine storm) and loss of T lymphocytes (lymphopenia) characterize the most aggressive presentation. A multifaceted anti-inflammatory strategy, based on pharmacological activation of nuclear factor erythroid

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Important paper published on Cell by Morens and Fauci on Emerging Pandemic Diseases: How We Got To COVID-19

Infectious diseases prevalent in humans and animals are caused by pathogens that once emerged from other animal hosts. In addition to these established infections, new infectious diseases periodically emerge. In extreme cases they may cause pandemics such as COVID-19; in other cases, dead end infections or smaller epidemics result. Established diseases may also re-emerge, for

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Defined the role of neutrophil extracellular traps in COVID-19 vascular occlusion. Efficacy of desamethasone, heparin and convalescent plasma.

Two papers recently published on EBioMedicine confirm that the excessive NET formation drives immunopathology in severe COVID-19 associated disseminated pulmonary intravascular coagulopathy. Coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be complicated by severe organ damage leading to dysfunction of the lungs and other organs. The processes that trigger organ damage in COVID-19 are incompletely understood. Samples

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Robust T cell immunity in convalescent individuals with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19

Important study on T cells in SARSCoV2 published in Cell from Marcus Buggert et al. CIM Sweden Karolinska Institute. SARS-CoV-2-specific memory T cells will likely prove critical for long-term immune protection against COVID-19. In this paper are systematically mapped the functional and phenotypic landscape of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in unexposed individuals, exposed family members,

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NIH will test synthetic monoclonal antibodies and other experimental therapeutics for mild and moderate COVID-19

Initial clinical trial to determine if monoclonal antibodies can shorten severity of COVID-19 in outpatients. Source NIH A Phase 2 clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential new therapeutics for COVID-19, including an investigational therapeutic based on synthetic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to treat the disease. Researchers sponsored by the National Institute of

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Singapore scientists uncover SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immunity in recovered COVID-19 & SARS patients, and in uninfected individuals

Singapore study shows that SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are present in all recovered COVID-19 patients. These T cells were also found in all subjects who recovered from SARS 17 years ago, and in over 50% of both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 uninfected individuals tested, suggesting that a level of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity is present in the general

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Ineffectiveness of Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin in Mild-to-Moderate Covid-19

Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been used to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). However, evidence on the safety and efficacy ofthese therapies is limited. A multicenter, randomized, open-label, three-group, controlled trial was conducted involving hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 who were receiving either no supplemental oxygen or a maximum of 4 liters

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High-dose glucocorticoids and IL-6 receptor inhibition reduce COVID-19-associated cytokine storm mortality

The Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the journal of the European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, has published findings of an observational study on the treatment of patients with COVID-19-associated Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). The study demonstrates that a treatment strategy combining intensive immunosuppression (using glucocorticoids and an IL-6 inhibitor) as well as close monitoring dramatically improves

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International Society Thrombosis and Hemostasis Experts Explain New Blood Clotting Phenomenon in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

As the world continues to learn more about COVID-19, emerging data reveals that hospitalized patients with COVID-19 have an increased risk for blood clots. In a new Illustrated Review  published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis (RPTH) , leading thrombosis experts Prof. Beverley Hunt, OBE, and Prof. Marcel Levi, explain a clotting phenomenon found in most hospitalized

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Korean study shows teenagers may transmit COVID-19 as much as adults do

Since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, scientists and health authorities have often observed that children do not appear to contract and transmit the virus to the same extent as adults. While the mechanisms behind this reduced vulnerability have remained somewhat mysterious and speculative, new evidence from South Korea shows that the age of children is also a vital factor to

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Covid-19 and convalescent plasma treatment potential: the NIH position

Recommendation There are insufficient data for the COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel (the Panel) to recommend either for or against the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19. Rationale for Recommendation Thousands of patients in the United States have received COVID-19 convalescent plasma through clinical trials, expanded access treatment trials, and single-patient Emergency Investigational New

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A synergistic role of convalescent plasma and mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients: a clinical case report

Acute respiratory distress syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, which causes global public health emergencies, has sped widely for more than 5 months and has the risk of long-term transmission. No effective treatment has been discovered to date. In the cases reported, the patient continued to deteriorate even after administration of

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Haematological characteristics and risk factors in the classification and prognosis evaluation of COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic. Changes in haematological characteristics in patients with COVID-19 are emerging as important features of the disease. The authors aimed to explore the haematological characteristics and related risk factors in patients with COVID-19. This retrospective cohort study included patients with COVID-19 admitted to three designated sites of Wuhan Union Hospital

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Risk Factors Associated With Mortality Among Patients With COVID-19 in Intensive Care Units in Lombardy, Italy

This study, published on JAMA, evaluates the independent risk factors associated with mortality of patients with COVID-19 requiring treatment in ICUs in the Lombardy region of Italy. This retrospective, observational cohort study includes 3988 consecutive critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 referred forICU admission to the coordinating center of the COVID-19 Lombardy ICU Network from

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Prognostic factors associated with mortality risk and disease progression in 639 critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Europe: Initial report of the international RISC-19-ICU prospective observational cohort

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a high disease burden with 10% of confirmed cases progressing towards critical illness. Nevertheless, the disease course and predictors of mortality in critically ill patients are poorly understood. Following the critical developments in ICUs in regions experiencing early inception of the pandemic, the European-based, international RIsk Stratification in

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Covid-19:RECOVERY trial publishes preprint on dexamethasone use in ventilated patients

University of Oxford’s RECOVERY trial published its much anticipated preprint paper on the drug’s effect on Covid-19. The paper states that the drug cuts deaths in ventilated patients by one third and deaths in other admitted patients receiving oxygen by only one fifth. The headline findings of the trial were reported by the investigators on 16

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Mayo Clinic finds convalescent plasma safe for diverse patients with COVID-19

Mayo Clinic researchers and collaborators have found investigational convalescent plasma to be safe following transfusion in a diverse group of 20,000 patients. The findings — from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Expanded Access Program for COVID-19 — are reported in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The safety report assessed the seven days following transfusion for hospitalized patients between April

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In JAMA Patient Page an information on Convalescent Plasma and Covid-19

Donated convalescent plasma may be beneficial to patients with severecoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to boost their ability to fight the virus. What Is Convalescent Plasma?Most people who recover from COVID-19 develop antibodies (proteins that the immune system produces in response to infection) to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). Antibodies are found in plasma,

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MSC Therapy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome; It’s Time to Accelerate Clinical Trials for COVID-19 Patients in Need

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) led by a team at the Mayo Clinic, and including researchers from Emory, Duke, Case-Western, and the University of Miami, shows a trend toward improved outcomes and reduced mortality for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)—a major complication for patients with COVID-19.

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TEG test can identify undetected blood clots in COVID-19 ICU patients

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are recommending that all COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU undergo a thromboelastography (TEG) to test for the risk of forming blood clots. This recommendation comes after they found that more than half of the patients tested under these same conditions developed clinically significant blood clots that went undetected using routine

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Study identifies inhibition of Bruton tyrosine kinase as potential approach to treat severe respiratory distress in patients with COVID-19

Early data from a clinical study suggest that blocking the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) protein provided clinical benefit to a small group of patients with severe COVID-19. Researchers observed that the off-label use of the cancer drug acalabrutinib, a BTK inhibitor that is approved to treat several blood cancers, was associated with reduced respiratory distress

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A published trial on Convalescent Plasma in Covid-19 doesn’t show conclusive results but severely ill patients recovered five days faster

Infusions of antibody-rich blood plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus, so-called convalescent plasma, failed to make a difference in a study of hospitalized patients in China, researchers reported on Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In a randomized trial involving 103 COVID-19 patients, convalescent plasma made no difference in

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APPA: New effective treatment for harmful effects of neutrophils in inflammatory diseases found at the Liverpool University

New research conducted by the University of Liverpool and AKL Research and Development Ltd (AKLRD), published in Inflammopharmacology, highlights the potential benefits of a new drug treatment on the human body’s immune response in inflammation. In a number of inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and, more recently, COVID-19, major complications and extensive tissue damage can occur

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Lymphopenia, neutrophilia and cytokines in severe Covid-19 patients

The dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets, neutrophils and cytokines profiles of patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and their correlation with the disease severity has been studied in a paper recently published on EBioMedicine https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102763. Of the 40 COVID-19 patients enrolled, 13 severe cases showed significant and sustained decreases in lymphocyte counts, but increases in

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Early Indicators: Investigational convalescent plasma is safe for patients with COVID-19

The first safety study communications overview, Early Safety Indicators of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma in 5,000 Patients, for the national expanded access program for convalescent plasma has been published https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.12.20099879v1 The report tells us: Mayo Clinic and collaborators reported safety data on the first 5,000 hospitalized patients transfused with investigational convalescent plasma as part of the

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Face masks essential in combating spread of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols and droplets

SARS-CoV-2 spread occurs through the transmission of droplets and aerosols from infected people through speaking, breathing, coughing, and sneezing. Wearing masks can reduce the airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus, a new study finds. The research is published in the journal Science. The team of researchers at the University of California San Diego and the National Sun Yat-sen

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Neutrophil Extracellular Traps are involved in Severe COVID-19 proteolytic storm

Neutrophil released NETs to control microbial/viral infections, could serve as a therapeutic target in coronavirus infections. In March this year, Dr. Knight and Kanthy of Michigan University observed a striking similarity between an autoimmune disease known as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and COVID-19. Both conditions appeared to involve blood clots in arteries, veins, and the microvasculature.

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Type I and Type III Interferons – Induction, Signaling, Evasion, and Application to Combat COVID-19

In this review, published in Cell Host & Microbe, it’s described the recent progress in understanding of both type I and type III IFN-mediated innate antiviral responses against human coronaviruses and discussed the potential use of IFNs as a treatment strategy for COVID-19. Type I and type III IFNs establish the cellular state of viral

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In Covid-19 neutrophils induce an imbalanced “proteolytic storm”, fighted by human plasma transfusion proteolytic cascades balancing.

In a recent Comment published on EBioMedicine entitled “COVID-19 as a STING disorder with delayed oversecretion of Interferon-beta”, Berthelot and Lioté suggests that SARS-CoV-2 firstly inhibits interferon release but the NETs self-DNA induces delayed activation of STING with“cytokine storm”, causing the combination of interstitial lung disease and inflammatory vasculopathy. The assumption that SARS-CoV-2 had no

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Covid-19 critical conditions are due to neutrophils unfriendly fire inducing “proteolytic storm” and human plasma can be a fire hose.

In a paper just published on Preprints, REGENHEALTHSOLUTIONS Research Team shows that, in Covid-19 critically ill patients, serine proteases released by recruited neutrophils are responsible for endothelitis, NETosis, platelet activation, ULVWF multimers release, thrombi formation and MOF for viral sepsis. Based on Chinese CDCP report on COVID-19, 14% of patients presented severe disease and 5%

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Newly discovered cell type plays crucial role in immune response to respiratory infections and explains how Covid-19 convalescent plasma helps to boost immune responses in virus-infected patients.

With a discovery that could rewrite the immunology textbooks, an international group of scientists, including the teams of Bart Lambrecht, Martin Guilliams, Hamida Hammad, and Charlotte Scott (all from the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research) identified a new type of antigen-presenting immune cell. These cells, that are part of an expanding family of dendritic cells,

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Convalescent antibodies are getting first-choice for Covid-19 treatment

Antibodies from blood donated by people who recovered from the illness and hyper-immunoglobulins are becoming treatments of choice for COVID-19, with recombinant polyclonal antibody approaches to follow. A group of US academic researchers has sparked a nationwide effort to encourage people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma, which will be used to treat patients across

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Observational Study of Hydroxychloroquine in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19

In a paper recently published by a team of New York researchers Hydroxychloroquine administration was not associated with either a greatly lowered or an increased risk of the composite end point of intubation or death. Hydroxychloroquine has been widely administered to patients with Covid-19 without robust evidence supporting its use. The association between hydroxychloroquine use

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Covid-19 Treatment with a Triple combination of interferon beta-1b, lopinavir–ritonavir, and ribavirin

Effective antiviral therapy is important for tackling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this paper published on The Lancet the efficacy and safety of combined interferon beta-1b, lopinavir–ritonavir, and ribavirin for treating patients with COVID-19 was assessed. Methods This was a multicentre, prospective, open-label, randomised, phase 2 trial in adults with COVID-19 who were

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Can COVID-19 Cause Sepsis? Explaining the Relationship Between the Coronavirus Disease and Sepsis

The rapid global spread of the novel coronavirus SARS–CoV–2 has caused societal, economic, and medical upheaval not seen since the 1918 influenza pandemic. As of May 9th, cases were confirmed in 203 countries, areas or territories, with over 3.9 million confirmed cases and over 275,000 deaths.  Further, many experts believe these numbers to be a

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FDA Recommendations for Investigational COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma

FDA has issued guidance to provide recommendations to health care providers and investigators on the administration and study of investigational convalescent plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 (COVID-19 convalescent plasma) during the public health emergency. The guidance provides recommendations on the following: pathways for use of investigational COVID-19 convalescent plasma patient eligibility collection of

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COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Transfusion: European Commission support a study

EU CCP Database – Covid-19 convalescent plasma collection and transfusion in the EU The European Commission is working together with Member States, the European Blood Alliance (EBA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and other health professionals to support a study of convalescent plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 patients. The study complements the guidance issued

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Confirmation of the high cumulative incidence of thrombotic complications in critically ill ICU patients with COVID-19: An updated analysis

A high cumulative incidence of thrombotic complications was reported in critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of three Dutch hospitals. The incidence was re-evaluated of the composite outcome of symptomatic acute pulmonary embolism (PE), deep-vein thrombosis, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction and/or systemic arterial embolism in all COVID-19 patients admitted

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Convalescent plasma can become first-choice treatment for Covid-19

Antibodies from blood donated by people who recovered from the illness and hyper-immunoglobulins are becoming treatments of choice for COVID-19, with recombinant polyclonal antibody approaches to follow. A group of US academic researchers has sparked a nationwide effort to encourage people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma, which will be used to treat patients across

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Interactions between neutrophil extracellular traps and activated platelets enhance procoagulant activity. Possible role in Covid-19 complications

NETs played a pivotal role in the hypercoagulability of stroke patients. Strategies that prevent NET formation may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for thromboembolism interventions in Covid-19 patients. Sivelestat, anti-MMP9 antibody, and APC inhibit the cytotoxic effects of NET to protect ECs and decrease PCA, suggesting their critical role in preventing thrombotic complications in atherosclerosis

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EMA warns against using unproven cell-based therapies

EMA’s Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) is advising patients and the general public against using unregulated cell-based therapies which may not be safe or effective. The CAT’s advice is in response to individuals, companies and hospitals promoting unproven cell-based therapies as cures for a broad range of conditions including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, autism,cerebral palsy, muscular

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Overview of convalescent plasma therapeutic use in Covid-19

An extensive overview of convalescent plasma therapeutic use in Covid-19 has just been published on JAMA 30 April. The analysed points are the following: need of randomised controlled trials: Without randomized controlled trials, researchers can’t be sure whether patients recovered because of an experimental therapy or in spite of it. Yet virtually everything that’s known

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A SARS-CoV-2 protein interaction map reveals targets for drug repurposing

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 respiratorydisease, has infected over 2.3 million people, killed over 160,000, and causedworldwide social and economic disruption.There are currently no antiviral drugs with proven clinical efficacy, nor are there vaccines for its prevention, and these efforts are hampered by limited knowledge of the molecular details of SARS-CoV-2

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In Covid-19 recovered patients, South Korean KCDC experts found false positives, not reinfections

South Korea’s infectious disease experts said Thursday that dead virus fragments were the likely cause of over 260 people here testing positive again for the novel coronavirus days and even weeks after marking full recoveries. Oh Myoung-don, who leads the central clinical committee for emerging disease control, said the committee members found little reason to

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Convalescent plasma for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Why to use and When ?

Data from rigorously controlled clinical trials of convalescent plasma are few, underscoring the need to evaluate its use objectively for a range of indications (e.g., prevention vs treatment) and patient populations (e.g., age, comorbid disease). An overview of convalescent plasma, from evidence of benefit, regulatory considerations, logistical work flow and proposed clinical trials have been

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DARPA-funded microchip technology optimizes convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients

A consortium of California scientists from government, academia and business today published an initial manuscript describing a novel approach to prepare convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients in BioRxiv. In the paper, senior author Saahir Khan, MD, PhD, from the University of California, Irvine Department of Medicine, reports the use of a new and more accurate way

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What is required to prevent a second major outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 upon lifting the quarantine of Wuhan city, China

This paper aims to determine to what level of the two commonly used control measures, social distancing and facial mask usage, are necessary to prevent a resurgence of the epidemic due to eitherresidual active cases in Wuhan or imported cases after lifting the quarantine, examining in a model six proposed dates for quarantine lifting. The

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New clinical trial launches to test efficacy of cell therapy for severe COVID-19 cases

After a lightening round of proposals and reviews, an international team of scientists led by Dr. Camillo Ricordi was granted immediate FDA authorization for a 24-patient clinical trial to test the safety and exploratory efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) to block the life-threatening lung inflammation that accompanies severe cases of COVID-19. We are very

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Chinese scientists seeking potential COVID-19 treatment find ‘effective’ antibodies in convalescent plasma

A team of Chinese scientists has isolated several antibodies that it says are “extremely effective” at blocking the ability of the new coronavirus to enter cells, which eventually could be helpful in treating or preventing COVID-19. There is currently no proven effective treatment for the disease, which originated in China and is spreading across the

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Controlling Covid-19 using a mobile app to trace close proximity contacts

A team of medical researchers and bioethicists at Oxford University has published results in Science that furthers  understanding of Covid-19 transmission. The evidence is enabling several international partners, including the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) and NHSX, a joint unit comprised of teams from NHS England and the UK’s Department of Health & Social Care, to assess the

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Can convalescent plasma help saving severe Covid-19 patients life ?

Wuhan researchers have published a non peer-reviewed anedoctical clinical paper on a pilot study using convalescent plasma in 10 critical Covid-19 patients In this study, ten severe patients confirmed by real-time viral RNA test were enrolled prospectively. One dose of 200 mL convalescent plasma (CP) derived from recently recovered donors with the neutralizing antibody titers

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A validated composite model to predict risk of curve progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

A newly published study on @EClinicalMed by @CUHKofficial aims to formulate a composite model composed of clinical parameters and circulating markers in the prediction of curve progression. In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the continuous search for effective prognostication of significant curve progression at the initial clinical consultation to inform decision for timely treatment and to

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Hematopoietic stem cell marker: A key player in the ontogeny of hematopoiesis

A group of researchers at Osaka University revealed that endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule (ESAM), a surface marker for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and vascular endothelial cells (ECs), played an important role in the ontogeny of hematopoiesis in mice, particularly in the development of adult-type erythropoiesis. Their research results were published in Stem Cell Reports. In hematopoiesis,

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Current Immunotherapy: Progress With Adoptive Cellular Therapies and Combinations

Source Targeted Oncology The clinical development and application of cancer immunotherapy over the past decade has translated the long-standing knowledge of the close relationship between cancerous tissues and lymphoid immune cells, dating back to the late 19th century.1,2 Today, cancer immunotherapies, all of which recruit the body’s own immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells,

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Engineered 3D Polymer and Hydrogel Microenvironments for Cell Culture Applications

In the recently published ‘Engineered 3D Polymer and Hydrogel Microenvironments for Cell Culture Applications,’ authors Daniel Fan, Urs Staufer, and Angelo Accardo explore the world of bioengineering and microenvironments, reviewing the best types of methods, materials, and challenges that must be met. Material properties are one of the most highly discussed topics today in 3D

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Production and Quality Requirements of Human Platelet Lysate: A Position Statement from the Working Party on Cellular Therapies of the International Society of Blood Transfusion

Human platelet lysate (HPL), rich in growth factors, is an efficient alternative supplement to fetal bovine serum (FBS) for ex vivo propagation of stromal cell-based medicinal products. Since 2014, HPL has been a focus of the Working Party for Cellular Therapies of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). Currently, as several Good Manufacturing Practice

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The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine Outlines Recommendations for Increasing the Number of European-Based ATMP Clinical Trials

Europe has become less competitive than other regions in attracting new ATMP clinical trials. Faster and more streamlined review processes for clinical trials by regulatory authorities are fundamental to increase clinical research and development in Europe. There is considerable country-to-country variability within Europe: the UK has the highest absolute number of new ATMP clinical trials,

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NIH launches new collaboration with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop gene-based cures for sickle cell disease and HIV on global scale

Source NIH Initial investment aims to advance accessible and scalable candidate interventions into clinical trials within 10 years. The National Institutes of Health plans to invest at least $100 million over the next four years toward an audacious goal: develop affordable, gene-based cures for sickle cell disease (SCD) and HIV. The Bill & Melinda Gates

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NIH researchers create new viral vector for improved gene therapy in sickle cell disease

Source NIH ‘Forward-oriented’ design might boost treatment effectiveness and broaden use. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have developed a new and improved viral vector—a virus-based vehicle that delivers therapeutic genes—for use in gene therapy for sickle cell disease. In advanced lab tests using animal models, the new vector was up to 10 times

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RESTORE Large Scale Research Initiative community presents 1st Advanced Therapies Science Meeting (1st ATSM) in Berlin, 25-26 November 2019

What are the research challenges slowing development of curative treatments and what are the roadblocks for the wider adoption of Advanced Therapies in clinical routine? Join the conversation at the1st Advanced Therapies Science Meeting (1st ATSM)in Berlin, 25-26 November 2019 to explore the latest trends in the field and to discuss the Advanced Therapies Roadmap 2030 that

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Future and Emerging Technologies Flagships and Large Research Initiatives

European Commission, Digital Single Market has published a new Factsheet/Infographic on FET Flagships and Large Research Initiative. These visionary, long-term, large-scale research initiatives address major science and technology challenges in Europe. They involve hundreds of research teams with the aim of boosting the EU’s scientific and industrial landscape.


A 3D printer to produce human organs in space? Discover the experiments taking place in zero-gravity

Source Euronews Euronews space correspondent and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Luca Parmitano has been in space for a month now. His first mission was to “catch a Dragon” – a cargo vehicle which brings payloads for astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Once the dragon was “captured”, Luca and his team received new scientific equipment to start working on

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Health Technology Assessment of Gene Therapies in Europe and the USA: Analysis and Future Considerations

Gene therapies constitute a new concept of transformative therapies, administered once in a lifetime. The value assessment of these innovative therapies constitutes a challenge for health technology assessment (HTA) bodies. The HTA reports for all seven gene therapies that have to date been granted a market authorization in the European Union (EU) and/or the United

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Heart regeneration: Scientists uncloak one of nature’s deepest secrets

Scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern have uncloaked the molecular mechanisms underlying heart regeneration in the only mammals currently known to regrow a significant portion of their hearts after injury: neonatal mice. These newborns have long held the secret to regenerating approximately 15 percent of their ventricular tissue, a capability that occurs within a fleeting window of about

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Gene Therapy Shows Promise for AADC Deficiency But Requires Early Diagnosis, Study Says

Early clinical trials of a gene therapy for aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency have yielded encouraging results for its safety and efficacy, a study highlights. But researchers call attention to the importance of a timely diagnosis for treatment success, as only early interventions could fully prevent long-term brain damage and other outcomes. Their study, “Aromatic amino

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Immunotherapy for Pediatric Solid Tumors: What’s the Latest?

Immunotherapy can be effective in treating certain types of pediatric blood cancers, but researchers are still exploring how this type of treatment could work for pediatric solid tumors. In clinical trials, scientists are combining immunotherapy agents in an effort to jump-start the immune system against pediatric solid tumors. Source DANA-FARBER Cancer Institute New treatments that

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3D printed salt template for bioresorbable bone implants

With the help of a 3D printed salt template, ETH researchers have succeeded in producing magnesium scaffolds with structured porosity that are suitable for bioresorbable bone implants. For the treatment of complex bone fractures or even missing bone parts, surgeons typically deploy metal implants. In this context, an attractive alternative to the traditional materials like

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Using Electroporation and continuous-flow electrotransfection to Streamline Manufacturing of Next-Generation Cellular Therapies

A promising new treatment for cancer patients has received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, paving the way for more patients to get the treatment known as CAR T-cell therapy. While this decision will likely expand access, particularly for some lymphoma and leukemia patients, treatment remains prohibitively expensive, prompting some patients to opt for experimental rather

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Deep learning enables scientists to identify cancer cells in blood in milliseconds

Technique could allow cells to be extracted in real time, help prevent cancer from spreading Researchers at UCLA and NantWorks have developed an artificial intelligence-powered device that detects cancer cells in a few milliseconds — hundreds of times faster than previous methods. With that speed, the invention could make it possible to extract cancer cells from blood immediately after

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$9 million grant funds trial of CAR T-cell therapy for metastatic breast cancer

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded a $9.28 million grant will support a clinical trial at City of Hope to evaluate chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer that spread to the brain. About 20% of breast cancers are HER2-positive, and nearly half of women with this type of breast cancer develop brain

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Now Available: ARM’s Searchable, Downloadable Database of Near-Term Anticipated RM/AT Data Readouts and Other Clinical Events

This new resource provides clear, simplified information on indication-, technology-, or company-specific upcoming data readouts and other clinical events. ARM has carefully curated all entries to ensure they fall within our narrowly defined criteria for regenerative medicines, and includes many milestones which are not reported in other clinical trial datasets, including anticipated product approvals. Currently, the database includes 188 anticipated events and includes a search-and-download function, and

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Superstar Athletes Popularize Unproven Stem Cell Procedures

Treatments for baseball pitcher Max Scherzer and other pros may mislead fans about costly, controversial, unapproved stem cell shots. Source KHN Baseball superstar Max Scherzer — whose back injury has prevented him from pitching for the Washington Nationals since he last played  on July 25 — is the latest in a long list of professional athletes to embrace unproven stem cell

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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Make CAR T-Cell Cancer Therapy Available to Medicare Beneficiaries Nationwide

Decision ensures consistency in access to the innovative new cancer therapy, and CMS is working closely with sister agencies to monitor outcomes for patients receiving the therapy Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Azar, finalized the decision to cover FDA-approved Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell, or “CAR

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Masters of Science (MSc) degree in ATMPs has opened to enrolment at the University of Manchester

Under the guidance of the iMATCH team,  a new Masters of Science (MSc) degree in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) has opened to enrolment at the University of Manchester. This course is believed to be a world first focussing on this rapidly evolving area of medicine which is increasingly being used to treat a broad

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RESTORE Large Scale Research Initiative presents 1st Advanced Therapies Science Meeting

Shifting from treating symptoms to curing chronic diseases by making the transformative promise of Advanced Therapies a reality for the benefit of patients, that is the vision of the international project RESTORE Health by Advanced Therapies. For genetic diseases, immune diseases, cancer and tissue injury potential cures through Advanced Therapies exist – they are reality,

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bluebird bio Announces EU Conditional Marketing Authorization for ZYNTEGLO™ (autologous CD34+ cells encoding βA-T87Q-globin gene) Gene Therapy for Patients 12 Years and Older with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia Who Do Not Have β0/β0 Genotype

ZYNTEGLO is the first gene therapy approved for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) European marketing authorization for ZYNTEGLO follows the fastest assessment of an advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) as part of the European Medicines Agency’s Priority Medicines (PRIME) program ZYNTEGLO is bluebird bio’s first gene therapy to gain regulatory approval bluebird bio, Inc. announced today that the European Commission (EC)

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Are industry-funded charities promoting “advocacy-led studies” or “evidence-based science”?: a case study of the International Life Sciences Institute

Source The Guardian International Life Sciences Institute used by corporate backers to counter public health policies, says study An institute whose experts have occupied key positions on EU and UN regulatory panels is, in reality, an industry lobby group that masquerades as a scientific health charity, according to a peer-reviewed study. The Washington-based International Life Sciences

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Advanced Therapies News

Source ARM Organovo Collaborates With MCRI and Leiden University Medical Center to Develop Stem Cell-Based Bioprinted Tissue Treatments for Kidney DiseaseMay 30, 2019 – (Organovo) – This multi-organizational effort integrates Organovo’s leading bioprinting platform with MCRI’s advanced stem cell differentiation technology and LUMC’s cell lines and clinical expertise.  The collaboration has been made possible through generous

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Advanced therapies and carT cells in the next IMI2 calls

Future topics To give potential applicants as much time as possible to form consortia and prepare their proposals, IMI regularly publishes information on possible future topics well in advance of the official Call launch. To ensure you get the latest information on forthcoming Calls, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or join our LinkedIn group.

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ICER Comments on the FDA Approval of Zolgensma for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

In light of additional data from ongoing trials of onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma®, Novartis/AveXis), as well as the treatment’s final FDA label and just-announced launch price, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) today published an addendum to its Final Evidence Report on treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Since the publication of ICER’s Final Evidence Report on

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Vascularized Kidney Tissue Engineered by WFIRM Scientists

Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) researchers have shown the feasibility of bioengineering vascularized functional renal tissues for kidney regeneration, developing a partial augmentation strategy that may be a more feasible and practical approach than creating whole organs. In the proof-of-concept study published online this month in Acta Biomaterialia journal, the scientists created a novel

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5G In Healthcare

Source: TMF The next telecommunication revolution is just around the corner: the promises of high bandwidth, low latency and low-power-low-cost of 5G will open the gate to a flood of new inventions and the implementation of ideas, which have already been for long in the public consciousness – such as stable augmented reality or truly

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Most Healthcare, Fitness Tracker, And Wellness Apps Are Not Covered By HIPAA And HHS’s New Faqs Makes That Clear

Individuals who use healthcare apps such as fitness trackers, weight loss, wellness, exercise, etc., BEWARE!A couple of recent developments have highlighted the fact that most apps are not subject to HIPAA, which means that with broadly-worded privacy policy these healthcare apps can and do readily share healthcare and other data collected by the apps with third

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Artificial intelligence could select heart failure patients for expensive treatment

Machine learning algorithm predicts sudden death in heart failure patients for the first time Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise to select heart failure patients for expensive treatments to prevent lethal arrhythmias, reports a study presented today at ICNC 2019. (1) The study is the first to use a machine learning algorithm to predict sudden

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German Ethics Council: germline interventions currently too risky, but not ethically out of the question

Last year, the birth of the first genetically modified babies shook the world. The German Ethics Council now presents a comprehensive ethical investigation into possible interventions in the genome of human embryos or germ cells. The Council does not deem the human germline to be inviolable. It does, however, consider germline interventions to be ethically

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JAMA Counteracting Health Misinformation A Role for Medical Journals?

A recent editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) addresses the growing problem of medical misinformation, such as anti-vaccine views, fake treatments, unproven alternative products and services, and others. The authors, Armstrong and Naylor, make some good recommendations, but unfortunately are about 20 years behind the times when it comes to confronting scientific misinformation.

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USC-led advance in groundbreaking cancer treatment eliminates severe side effects

An advance in the groundbreaking cancer treatment known as CAR T-cell therapy appears to eliminate its severe side effects, making the treatment safer and potentially available in outpatient settings, a new USC study shows. “This is a major improvement,” said Si-Yi Chen of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology

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Synthetic Speech Generated from Brain Recordings

A state-of-the-art brain-machine interface created by UC San Francisco neuroscientists can generate natural-sounding synthetic speech by using brain activity to control a virtual vocal tract – an anatomically detailed computer simulation including the lips, jaw, tongue and larynx. The study was conducted in research participants with intact speech, but the technology could one day restore the

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Augmented Reality: The Future of Medicine

Augmented Reality can change brain surgery thanks to powerful diagnostic platforms, revolutionize radiology, and open new doors to reconstructive surgery. Augmented Reality (AR), also known as spatial computing –a merging of digital and physical spaces,– is one of the current technology trends that, together with Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR), is changing all industries, includinghealthcare and medical education. 

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Pig brains kept alive outside body for hours after death

Researchers have developed a high-tech support system that can keep a large mammalian brain from rapidly decomposing in the hours after death, enabling study of certain molecular and cellular functions. With funding through the National Institutes of Health BRAIN Initiative, researchers developed a way to deliver an artificial blood supply to the isolated postmortem brain of

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Gene therapy restores immunity in infants with rare immunodeficiency disease

NIH scientists and funding contributed to development of experimental treatment A small clinical trial has shown that gene therapy can safely correct the immune systems of infants newly diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening inherited disorder in which infection-fighting immune cells do not develop or function normally. Eight infants with the disorder, called X-linked severe combined

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Two Patients Treated with CRISPRed Cells in Immunotherapy Trial

Researchers have infused cells edited using CRISPR-Cas9 into two patients in a trial conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, NPR reports today (April 16). A university spokesperson confirmed in an emailed statement to The Scientist that the trial is underway and that two patients, one with multiple myeloma and one with sarcoma, have been treated so far. The study is

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Study: Half of people on statins don’t hit healthy cholesterol levels

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the in the United States. And one of the most effective preventive measures to lower the risk of a CVD event are statins — a class of cholesterol-lowering medications. It’s well established that statins save lives, but a recent study finds that even after two years, half of all people prescribed statins don’t achieve healthy cholesterol levels.

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RESTORE Consortium – CURING CHRONIC DISEASES BY “LIVING DRUGS”

OVERVIEW Shifting from treating symptoms to curing chronic diseases by making the transformative promise of Advanced Therapies a reality for the benefit of patients and society and by making Europe a spearhead of Advanced Therapies in Science,Clinics and Biomedical Industry, that is the vision of the international project RESTORE Health by Advanced Therapies, coordinated by

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Researchers conduct largest study of childhood cancer after conception by IVF

In the past three decades, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has gone from an experimental procedure to being more common. Pregnancies enabled by IVF frequently have more difficulties, with children born earlier and smaller even among singleton births. University of Minnesota researchers conducted the largest study of childhood cancer after conception by IVF to date. This

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First gene therapy to treat rare blood disease nears European approval

The first gene therapy to treat a rare blood disorder is one step closer to approval Friday following a recommendation by European officials. Lentiglobin, the gene therapy for beta-thalassemia developed by Cambridge, Mass.-based Bluebird Bio, was recommended for approval by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), the drug-reviewing arm of the European Medicines Agency.

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Launch of six European initiatives with potential for transformational impact on society and the economy

The European Commission is announcing the winners of a pan-European competition open to researchers addressing grand scientific and technological challenges that could change our future. The six preparatory actions now launched will have one year to prepare science and technology agendas in areas of strategic importance for Europe. These may contribute to defining and launching

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Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Failure

With modern, guideline-directed therapy,1 which includes angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), β-receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, and angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, up to 40% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) may experience a return of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ventricular geometry to normal.2 This encouraging result

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Google AI research group shows that AI can improve physicians’ diagnostic accuracy.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, diagnosing disease faster and potentially with greater accuracy than physicians, some have suggested that technology may soon replace tasks that physicians currently perform. But a new study from the Google AI research group shows that physicians and algorithms working together are more effective than either alone. It’s one of

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Study finds old brains still make neurons

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-019-0375-9 Reports of old brains’ decrepitude have been greatly exaggerated, scientists reported on Monday, unveiling results that contradict a much-discussed 2018 study and instead support the idea that human gray matter is capable of generating new neurons up to the ninth decade of life. The research, published in Nature Medicine, also found that old brains from

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A special edition of The American Statistician presents over 40 papers on “Statistical inference in the 21st century: a world beyond P < 0.05”

Statistical significance has become an infallible doctrine of scientific research. However, many scientists and statisticians argue that long-held beliefs about statistical significance have, in fact, harmed the scientific community. In hypothesis testing, the p-value gives the probability or likelihood that the null hypothesis is true and is frequently used as a measure of “statistical significance.”

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Giant study shows Apple Watch can spot heart rhythm changes — but it’s far from ‘medical-grade technology’

New results of a gigantic study testing how well the Apple Watch detects important heart-rhythm changes offer a tantalizing glimpse of how consumer devices might change medicine and lead to new ways to conduct science — but little more. Unfortunately, the data don’t tell us much about whether anyone should buy an Apple Watch, or

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Large Scale Research Initiative RESTORE New presentation

SUPPORT RESTORE AND DIFFUSE INFORMATION USING DOWNLOAD MATERIAL AT https://www.restore-h2020.eu/documents/download/restore_pr_slides_short_update_14_03_2019.pdf Large Scale Research Initiative RESTORE is a “place” where medicine, basic research, technology development and engineering meet, communicate and work together. Advanced Therapies (Advanced Therapies Medicinal Products and Biologised Medical Devices – ATMP/bio-MD) are a potential game changer in health care: They aim to transform

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The human reference genome falls short in ways that have become embarrassing, misleading, and emblematic of the white European dominance of science.

Here’s why that’s undermining personalized medicine In a paper published last week, scientists led by Dr. Pui-Yan Kwok of the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed 154 genomes from 26 ethnic populations, from Han Chinese and Tuscans to Yoruba, Esan, Puerto Ricans, and Peruvians. They found 60 million bases in one or more of these populations

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Scientists find method to boost CRISPR efficiency

Discovery made while editing genetic defect behind Duchenne muscular dystrophy Scientists have developed a method to boost the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), according to a study that could have implications for optimizing gene therapies for other diseases. The finding stemmed from research at UT Southwestern in which a single-cut gene-editing

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Scaffold-free cell patches possible with simple protocol for engineered adipose-derived stem cells

Cell sheets have previously shown greater efficacy for tissue repair than injections of single stem cells. New research conducted by scientists at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. (both CA, USA) has demonstrated the possibility of producing scaffold-free engineered cell sheets. These cell ‘patches’ could enable better organ repair follow

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Today marks the official start of RESTORE – Health by Advanced Therapies, entering the preparatory phase to become a Large-Scale Research Initiative.

Advanced Therapies are new treatment modalities (e.g. cell and gene therapy, tissue engineering) that aim to consign the never-ending treatment of chronic ailments to the past and instead offer sustained improvement and even cures. To enable Europe to become a competitive leader in this field, RESTORE is defining an Advanced Therapies roadmap 2021-2030 for Europe.

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Unique augmented reality concept for image-guided minimally invasive therapies

February 27 2019 P.M.Fornasari At the MWC Barcelona, one of the largest mobile events in the world, Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology today unveiled a unique mixed reality concept developed together with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) for the operating room of the future. Based on the state-of-the-art technologies

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How gut bacteria controls gene expression through “interspecies communication”

Highlights •Microbiome-derived NO promotes widespread S-nitrosylation of the host proteome •Interspecies S-nitrosylation regulates miRNAs, gene expression and host development •Microbiota control host function by shaping the post-translational landscape Summary Bioactive molecules can pass between microbiota and host to influence host cellular functions. However, general principles of interspecies communication have not been discovered. We show here

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RESTORE encourages your contribution to promote the project. Support RESTORE consortium

Advanced Therapies (Advanced Therapies Medicinal Products and Biologised Medical Devices – ATMP/bio-MD) are a potential game changer in health care: They aim to transform the current focus on “treatment of disease” into one that concentrates on “regeneration of health”. The unifying goal of RESTORE is the implementation of newly developed Advanced Therapies in clinical routine

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‘Off-the-shelf’ CAR-Ts have an important role to play – but are they ready for prime time?

Allogeneic CAR-Ts could serve an important niche – particularly for patients who can’t receive autologous CAR-Ts – but the earliness of the data makes conclusions tough to draw. Since their transition from small, academic clinical trials to commercial production, CAR-T cell therapies have won recognition as a novel and highly effective therapeutic modality, particularly in

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AI applications in healthcare grow, opening channel prospects

The hype around AI applications in healthcare spans decades, but the latest wave of AI tech suggests real-world traction. Artificial intelligence is already promising big things at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where researchers have been building machine learning models over the past couple of years. Those models now help

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RHS is supporting RESTORE large scale research initiative

REGENHEALTHSOLUTIONS is a strong supporter of RESTORE, one of the six large scale research initiatives selected by European Commission in areas from health and energy to artificial intelligence and cultural heritage—to compete to become one of its next billion-euro ‘flagship’ science initiatives. On 1 March, each team will receive €1 million (US$1.1 million) to develop a

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