Monthly Archives: February 2022

Promoting health equity during the COVID-19 pandemic, United States

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Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Volume 100(2);  2022 Feb 1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/issues/399608/

 

Promoting health equity during the COVID-19 pandemic, United States
Jazmyn T Moore, Carolina Luna-Pinto, Heidi Cox, Sima Razi, Michael E St. Louis, Jessica N Ricaldi, Leandris Liburd
Bull World Health Organ. 2022 Feb 1; 100(2): 171–173. Published online 2021 Dec 29. doi: 10.2471/BLT.21.286074
PMCID: PMC8795842

Building resilient health-care supply chains to manage pandemics in low- and middle-income countries

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Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Volume 100(2);  2022 Feb 1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/issues/399608/

 

Building resilient health-care supply chains to manage pandemics in low- and middle-income countries
Genevie Fernandes, Ines Hassan, Devi Sridhar
Bull World Health Organ. 2022 Feb 1; 100(2): 174–176. Published online 2022 Jan 10. doi: 10.2471/BLT.21.287177
PMCID: PMC8795856

Francis Collins: Reflections on being the NIH Director

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Cell
Feb 03, 2022 Volume 185 Issue 3 p401-578
https://www.cell.com/cell/current

 

Conversations
Francis Collins: Reflections on being the NIH Director
Francis Collins
For over 12 years, spanning three administrations, Dr. Francis Collins has served as the director of the National Institutes of Health. During that time, he and the NIH launched ambitious programs to spur research in diverse topic areas, with important successes. He has also confronted issues facing science and scientists. Dr. Collins recently stepped down as director. Before his departure, he had a conversation with John Pham, reflecting on his time leading the NIH and sharing his perspectives and his hopes for the NIH and the scientific community moving forward.

Omicron’s message on vaccines: Boosting begets breadth

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Cell
Feb 03, 2022 Volume 185 Issue 3 p401-578
https://www.cell.com/cell/current

 

Previews
Omicron’s message on vaccines: Boosting begets breadth
Duane R. Wesemann
In this issue of Cell, three studies confirm that SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strongly evades a key immune defense—neutralizing antibodies. However, while one- or two-dose vaccine regimens fail to induce anti-Omicron neutralizing antibodies, a homologous third-dose booster rescues neutralization function in a way that highlights the adaptability of immune memory, where recalled immunity extends antibody reach across SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Transmission from vaccinated individuals in a large SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant outbreak

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Cell
Feb 03, 2022 Volume 185 Issue 3 p401-578
https://www.cell.com/cell/current

 

Articles
Transmission from vaccinated individuals in a large SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant outbreak
Katherine J. Siddle, et al.
Open Access
Rapid integration of epidemiological and genomic data was used to support the public health response during a large outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The outbreak stemmed primarily from a single source spreading the virus at multiple locations, and while numerous likely transmissions from and between vaccinated individuals were observed, the downstream impact of the outbreak was minimized with robust intervention and community engagement.

Genomic characterization of metastatic patterns from prospective clinical sequencing of 25,000 patients

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Cell
Feb 03, 2022 Volume 185 Issue 3 p401-578
https://www.cell.com/cell/current

 

Featured Article
Genomic characterization of metastatic patterns from prospective clinical sequencing of 25,000 patients
Bastien Nguyen, et al.
Clinico-genomic analysis of MSK-MET, a cohort of over 25,000 patients with metastasis across 50 cancer types, identifies somatic alterations associated with organ-specific metastasis and highlights that chromosomal instability correlates with metastatic burden in a cancer type-dependent manner.

Perspectives on Virtual (Remote) Clinical Trials as the “New Normal” to Accelerate Drug Development

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Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Volume 111, Issue 2 Pages: 333-518 February 2022
https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15326535/current

 

Perspectives on Virtual (Remote) Clinical Trials as the “New Normal” to Accelerate Drug Development
Demissie Alemayehu, Robert Hemmings, Kannan Natarajan, Satrajit Roychoudhury

 

Pages: 373-381
First Published:01 April 2021

Preprint servers and patent prior art: Preprints can jeopardize the patentability of an invention

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EMBO Reports
Volume 23 Issue 2 3 February 2022
https://www.embopress.org/toc/14693178/current

 

Science & Society 16 December 2021
Preprint servers and patent prior art: Preprints can jeopardize the patentability of an invention
Jacob S Sherkow
Posting papers on preprint servers creates patent ‘prior art’ and is likely to affect the patentability of any underlying invention.

A need for recalibrating access and benefit sharing: How best to improve conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, and equitable benefit sharing in a mutually reinforcing manner?

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EMBO Reports
Volume 23 Issue 2 3 February 2022
https://www.embopress.org/toc/14693178/current

 

Science & Society 20 December 2021 Open Access
A need for recalibrating access and benefit sharing: How best to improve conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, and equitable benefit sharing in a mutually reinforcing manner?
Rodrigo Sara, Markus Wyss, René Custers, Anouk in ‘t Veld, Dominic Muyldermans
The upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference should address shortfalls of Access and Benefit Sharing systems inspired by the Nagoya Protocol to help improve sustainable use of biodiversity and equitable benefit sharing.

Viral Interference between Respiratory Viruses [PDF – 1.85 MB – 9 pages]

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Emerging Infectious Diseases
Volume 28, Number 2—February 2022
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/

 

Perspective
Viral Interference between Respiratory Viruses [PDF – 1.85 MB – 9 pages]
J. Piret and G. Boivin
Multiple respiratory viruses can concurrently or sequentially infect the respiratory tract and lead to virus‒virus interactions. Infection by a first virus could enhance or reduce infection and replication of a second virus, resulting in positive (additive or synergistic) or negative (antagonistic) interaction. The concept of viral interference has been demonstrated at the cellular, host, and population levels. The mechanisms involved in viral interference have been evaluated in differentiated airway epithelial cells and in animal models susceptible to the respiratory viruses of interest. A likely mechanism is the interferon response that could confer a temporary nonspecific immunity to the host. During the coronavirus disease pandemic, nonpharmacologic interventions have prevented the circulation of most respiratory viruses. Once the sanitary restrictions are lifted, circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses is expected to resume and will offer the opportunity to study their interactions, notably with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Comparative Effectiveness of Coronavirus Vaccine in Preventing Breakthrough Infections among Vaccinated Persons Infected with Delta and Alpha Variants [PDF – 930 KB – 7 pages]

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Emerging Infectious Diseases
Volume 28, Number 2—February 2022
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/

 

Research
Comparative Effectiveness of Coronavirus Vaccine in Preventing Breakthrough Infections among Vaccinated Persons Infected with Delta and Alpha Variants [PDF – 930 KB – 7 pages]
I. Kislaya et al.

Delays in routine childhood vaccinations and their relationship with parental vaccine hesitancy: a cross-sectional study in Wuxi, China

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Expert Review of Vaccines
Vol 21 (1) 2022
https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ierv20/current

 

Article
Delays in routine childhood vaccinations and their relationship with parental vaccine hesitancy: a cross-sectional study in Wuxi, China
Qiang Wang, Shixin Xiu, Liuqing Yang, Ying Han, Jinxin Huang, Tingting Cui, Naiyang Shi, Minqi Liu, Xuwen Wang, Bing Lu, Hui Jin & Leesa Lin
Pages: 135-143
Published online: 26 Nov 2021

Effect of Subcutaneous Casirivimab and Imdevimab Antibody Combination vs Placebo on Development of Symptomatic COVID-19 in Early Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 InfectionA Randomized Clinical Trial

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JAMA
February 1, 2022, Vol 327, No. 5, Pages 409-497
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/currentissue

 

Original Investigation
Effect of Subcutaneous Casirivimab and Imdevimab Antibody Combination vs Placebo on Development of Symptomatic COVID-19 in Early Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 InfectionA Randomized Clinical Trial
Meagan P. O’Brien, MD; Eduardo Forleo-Neto, MD; Neena Sarkar, PhD; et al.
free access has active quiz
JAMA. 2022;327(5):432-441. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.24939
This randomized trial assesses the effect of a single dose of subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab antibody combination vs placebo on 28-day progression to symptomatic COVID-19 among asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction–positive individuals living with an infected household contact.

False-Positive Results in Rapid Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2

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JAMA
February 1, 2022, Vol 327, No. 5, Pages 409-497
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/currentissue

 

Research Letter
False-Positive Results in Rapid Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2
Joshua S. Gans, PhD; Avi Goldfarb, PhD; Ajay K. Agrawal, PhD; et al.
free access has active quiz
JAMA. 2022;327(5):485-486. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.24355
This study examines the incidence of false-positive results in a sample of rapid antigen tests used to serially screen asymptomatic workers throughout Canada.

Editorial
Realizing the Potential of Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19 Management
Jonathan Z. Li, MD; Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD

Latinx Immigrants’ Legal Concerns About SARS-CoV-2 Testing and COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment

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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 24, issue 1, February 2022
https://link.springer.com/journal/10903/volumes-and-issues/24-1

 

Latinx Immigrants’ Legal Concerns About SARS-CoV-2 Testing and COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors (first, second and last of 5)
Julia Lechuga, Carol L. Galletly, Timothy L. McAuliffe
Content type: Original Paper
Published: 11 January 2022
Pages: 1 – 9

COVID-19 Vaccination Dynamics in the US: Coverage Velocity and Carrying Capacity Based on Socio-demographic Vulnerability Indices in California

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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 24, issue 1, February 2022
https://link.springer.com/journal/10903/volumes-and-issues/24-1

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Dynamics in the US: Coverage Velocity and Carrying Capacity Based on Socio-demographic Vulnerability Indices in California
Authors (first, second and last of 9)
Alexander Aram Bruckhaus, Aidin Abedi, Dominique Duncan
Content type: Original Paper
Published: 19 November 2021
Pages: 18 – 30

Standardized Vaccine-Hesitant Patients in the Assessment of the Effectiveness of Vaccine Communication Training

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Journal of Pediatrics
February 2022 Volume 241 p1-266
http://www.jpeds.com/current

 

Original Articles
Standardized Vaccine-Hesitant Patients in the Assessment of the Effectiveness of Vaccine Communication Training
Shanna M. Barton, Aaron W. Calhoun, Carrie A. Bohnert,…Matthew D. Kinney, John M. Parrish-Sprowl, Gary S. Marshall
Published online: October 23, 2021
p203-211.e1

Heterologous versus homologous COVID-19 booster vaccination in previous recipients of two doses of CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil (RHH-001): a phase 4, non-inferiority, single blind, randomised study

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The Lancet
Feb 05, 2022 Volume 399 Number 10324 p495-604, e3-e5
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

 

Articles
Heterologous versus homologous COVID-19 booster vaccination in previous recipients of two doses of CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil (RHH-001): a phase 4, non-inferiority, single blind, randomised study
Sue Ann Costa Clemens,et al and the RHH-001 study team
Open Access

Tafenoquine exposure assessment, safety, and relapse prevention efficacy in children with Plasmodium vivax malaria: open-label, single-arm, non-comparative, multicentre, pharmacokinetic bridging, phase 2 trial

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The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
Feb 2022 Volume 6 Number 2 p71-136, e5
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/issue/current

 

Articles
Tafenoquine exposure assessment, safety, and relapse prevention efficacy in children with Plasmodium vivax malaria: open-label, single-arm, non-comparative, multicentre, pharmacokinetic bridging, phase 2 trial
Iván D Vélez, et al.

Impact of an adolescent meningococcal ACWY immunisation programme to control a national outbreak of group W meningococcal disease in England: a national surveillance and modelling study

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The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
Feb 2022 Volume 6 Number 2 p71-136, e5
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/issue/current

 

Impact of an adolescent meningococcal ACWY immunisation programme to control a national outbreak of group W meningococcal disease in England: a national surveillance and modelling study
Helen Campbell, et al.

Global, regional, and national causes of under-5 mortality in 2000–19: an updated systematic analysis with implications for the Sustainable Development Goals

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The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
Feb 2022 Volume 6 Number 2 p71-136, e5
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/issue/current

 

Global, regional, and national causes of under-5 mortality in 2000–19: an updated systematic analysis with implications for the Sustainable Development Goals
Jamie Perin, et al.
Open Access

Key use cases for artificial intelligence to reduce the frequency of adverse drug events: a scoping review

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Lancet Digital Health
Feb 2022 Volume 4 Number 2 e75-e148
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/issue/current

 

Review
Key use cases for artificial intelligence to reduce the frequency of adverse drug events: a scoping review
Ania Syrowatka,et al.
Summary
Adverse drug events (ADEs) represent one of the most prevalent types of health-care-related harm, and there is substantial room for improvement in the way that they are currently predicted and detected. We conducted a scoping review to identify key use cases in which artificial intelligence (AI) could be leveraged to reduce the frequency of ADEs. We focused on modern machine learning techniques and natural language processing. 78 articles were included in the scoping review. Studies were heterogeneous and applied various AI techniques covering a wide range of medications and ADEs. We identified several key use cases in which AI could contribute to reducing the frequency and consequences of ADEs, through prediction to prevent ADEs and early detection to mitigate the effects. Most studies (73 [94%] of 78) assessed technical algorithm performance, and few studies evaluated the use of AI in clinical settings. Most articles (58 [74%] of 78) were published within the past 5 years, highlighting an emerging area of study. Availability of new types of data, such as genetic information, and access to unstructured clinical notes might further advance the field.

Withholding liberty, not the right to health

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Lancet Global Health
Feb 2022 Volume 10 Number 2 e154-e297
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/issue/current

 

Editorial
Withholding liberty, not the right to health
The Lancet Global Health
… The challenges are clear to see. A greater focus and investment in research on the health of prisoners in LMICs will help guide the development of evidence-based solutions for this vulnerable and often forgotten population with complex health needs. A supportive architecture for prison health research and disease surveillance will not only benefit detainees and staff within prison walls but also public health of populations at large. As “the Arch” said, let’s not forget the health and human rights of prisoners.

Global, regional, and national trends in under-5 mortality between 1990 and 2019 with scenario-based projections until 2030: a systematic analysis by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation

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Lancet Global Health
Feb 2022 Volume 10 Number 2 e154-e297
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/issue/current

 

Global, regional, and national trends in under-5 mortality between 1990 and 2019 with scenario-based projections until 2030: a systematic analysis by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation
David Sharrow, et al. as members of the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation and its Technical Advisory Group

Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, BBIBP-CorV, in people younger than 18 years: a randomised, double-blind, controlled, phase 1/2 trial

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Feb 2022 Volume 22 Number 2 p151-296, e41-e65
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

 

Articles
Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, BBIBP-CorV, in people younger than 18 years: a randomised, double-blind, controlled, phase 1/2 trial
ShengLi Xia, et al.

Global, regional, and national sex differences in the global burden of tuberculosis by HIV status, 1990–2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Feb 2022 Volume 22 Number 2 p151-296, e41-e65
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

 

Global, regional, and national sex differences in the global burden of tuberculosis by HIV status, 1990–2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
GBD 2019 Tuberculosis Collaborators

Risk factors for the spread of vaccine-derived type 2 polioviruses after global withdrawal of trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine and the effects of outbreak responses with monovalent vaccine: a retrospective analysis of surveillance data for 51 countries in Africa

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Feb 2022 Volume 22 Number 2 p151-296, e41-e65
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

 

Risk factors for the spread of vaccine-derived type 2 polioviruses after global withdrawal of trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine and the effects of outbreak responses with monovalent vaccine: a retrospective analysis of surveillance data for 51 countries in Africa
Laura V Cooper, et al.