Journal of travel medicine
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Heterologous prime-boost doses of COVID-19 vaccines ('mix-and-match' approach) are being studied to test for the effectiveness of Oxford (AZD1222), Pfizer (BNT162b2), Moderna (mRNA-1273) and Novavax (NVX-CoV2373) vaccines for COVID in 'Com-Cov2 trial' in UK, and that of Oxford and Pfizer vaccines in 'CombivacS trial' in Spain. Later, other heterologous combinations of CoronaVac (DB15806), Janssen (JNJ-78436735), CanSino (AD5-nCOV) and other were also being trialled to explore their effectiveness. Previously, such a strategy was deployed for HIV, Ebola virus, malaria, tuberculosis, influenza and hepatitis B to develop the artificial acquired active immunity. The present review explores the science behind such an approach for candidate COVID-19 vaccines developed using 11 different platforms approved by the World Health Organization. ⋯ Still, large controlled trials are warranted to address challenging variants of concerns including Omicron and other, and to generalize the effectiveness of the approach in regular as well as emergency use during vaccine scarcity.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Observational Study
Using trained dogs and organic semi-conducting sensors to identify asymptomatic and mild SARS-CoV-2 infections: an observational study.
A rapid, accurate, non-invasive diagnostic screen is needed to identify people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated whether organic semi-conducting (OSC) sensors and trained dogs could distinguish between people infected with asymptomatic or mild symptoms, and uninfected individuals, and the impact of screening at ports-of-entry. ⋯ People infected with SARS-CoV-2, with asymptomatic or mild symptoms, have a distinct odour that can be identified by sensors and trained dogs with a high degree of accuracy. Odour-based diagnostics using sensors and/or dogs may prove a rapid and effective tool for screening large numbers of people.Trial Registration NCT04509713 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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Our review found the effective reproduction number and basic reproduction number of the Omicron variant elicited 3.8 and 2.5 times higher transmissibility than the Delta variant, respectively. The Omicron variant has an average basic and effective reproduction number of 8.2 and 3.6.
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Monitoring the characteristics and associated factors for death among pregnant and postpartum women with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is necessary. We investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with maternal deaths in a nationwide cohort of Brazil. ⋯ In Brazil, the in-hospital maternal mortality rate due to COVID-19 is high and the risk of death increases with the length of hospitalisation. Socio-demographic and biological factors are associated with an increased risk of maternal death. The presence of respiratory signs and symptoms should be considered early markers of disease severity and an adequate management is necessary. Our findings reinforce the need for vaccination of pregnant and postpartum women against COVID-19.
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An updated analysis of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) from a global perspective is missing from the literature. We aimed to assess the global burden and trends of NTDs from 1990 to 2019. ⋯ NTDs still represent a serious problem for public health, and the increasing ASIR and incident cases globally may require more targeted strategies for prevention, control and surveillance, especially among specific populations and endemic areas.