Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19

COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, Nature (2021) Abstract The genetic makeup of an individual contributes to susceptibility and response to viral infection. While environmental, clinical and social factors play a role in exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 disease severity1,2, host genetics may also be important. Identifying host-specific genetic factors may reveal biological mechanisms of therapeutic relevance and […]

COVID-19 false dichotomies and a comprehensive review of the evidence regarding public health, COVID-19 symptomatology, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, mask wearing, and reinfection

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on COVID-19 false dichotomies and a comprehensive review of the evidence regarding public health, COVID-19 symptomatology, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, mask wearing, and reinfection

Authors: Kevin Escandón, Angela L. Rasmussen, Isaac I. Bogoch, Eleanor J. Murray, Karina Escandón, Saskia V. Popescu & Jason Kindrachuk BMC Infectious Diseases volume 21, Article number: 710 (2021)  Abstract Scientists across disciplines, policymakers, and journalists have voiced frustration at the unprecedented polarization and misinformation around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several false dichotomies have been used to polarize debates while oversimplifying complex issues. In this comprehensive narrative […]

Body mass index and severity/fatality from coronavirus disease 2019: A nationwide epidemiological study in Korea

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Body mass index and severity/fatality from coronavirus disease 2019: A nationwide epidemiological study in Korea

Authors: In Sook Kang , Kyoung Ae Kong Published: June 22, 2021 Abstract Obesity has been reported as a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in recent studies. However, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and COVID-19 severity and fatality are unclear. Research design and methods This study included 4,141 COVID-19 patients who […]

Simple blood test can tell whether patients will suffer from ‘long COVID’

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Simple blood test can tell whether patients will suffer from ‘long COVID’

Authors: by Study Finds AUGUST 15, 2021 CAMBRIDGE, England — A simple blood test for long COVID is on the horizon. Biological “fingerprints” can identify individuals with the debilitating syndrome, according to new research. This opens the door to the first accurate diagnosis of the mysterious condition. Sufferers complain it is hard to convince doctors of […]

Associations between body-mass index and COVID-19 severity in 6·9 million people in England: a prospective, community-based, cohort study

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Associations between body-mass index and COVID-19 severity in 6·9 million people in England: a prospective, community-based, cohort study

Authors: Min Gao, MSc *, Carmen Piernas, PhD  , Nerys M Astbury, PhD, Prof Julia Hippisley-Cox, FRCPProf Stephen O’Rahilly, FRS, Prof Paul Aveyard, FRCGP † Summary Background Obesity is a major risk factor for adverse outcomes after infection with SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to examine this association, including interactions with demographic and behavioural characteristics, type 2 diabetes, and other […]

Histopathological observations in COVID-19: a systematic review

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Histopathological observations in COVID-19: a systematic review

Authors: Vishwajit Deshmukh1, Rohini Motwani, Ashutosh Kumar3, Chiman Kumari4, Khursheed Raza5 Correspondence to Dr Rohini Motwani, Department of Anatomy, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; rohinimotwani@gmail.com Abstract Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has caused a great global threat to public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 disease as a pandemic, affecting the human respiratory and other […]

Age-dependent appearance of SARS-CoV-2 entry sites in mouse chemosensory systems reflects COVID-19 anosmia-ageusia symptoms

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Age-dependent appearance of SARS-CoV-2 entry sites in mouse chemosensory systems reflects COVID-19 anosmia-ageusia symptoms

Authors: Julien Brechbühl,Ana Catarina Lopes,Dean Wood,Sofiane Bouteiller,Aurélie de Vallière,Chantal Verdumo, and Marie-Christine Broillet Abstract COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a collective scientific effort to study its viral causing agent SARS-CoV-2. Research is focusing in particular on its infection mechanisms and on the associated-disease symptoms. Interestingly, this environmental pathogen directly affects the human chemosensory systems leading to […]

Stress-Related Growth in Adolescents Returning to School After COVID-19 School Closure

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Stress-Related Growth in Adolescents Returning to School After COVID-19 School Closure

Authors: Lea Waters,1,*Kelly-Ann Allen,1,2 and Gökmen Arslan3,4 Abstract The move to remote learning during COVID-19 has impacted billions of students. While research shows that school closure, and the pandemic more generally, has led to student distress, the possibility that these disruptions can also prompt growth in is a worthwhile question to investigate. The current study examined stress-related […]

US case series study in children study looking at association of myocarditis with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on US case series study in children study looking at association of myocarditis with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Authors: byUK Science Media Centre|Published onAugust 10, 2021: Prof Peter Openshaw In this case series, 15 cases of myocarditis are described from a single paediatric referral centre in May, June and July 2021.  Each had been given the Pfizer mRNA vaccine between 1 and 6 days prior to diagnosis; children were aged 12-18 years.  In […]

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Posted on | Posted on John Murphy | Leave a Comment on Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Authors: Nishtha Chawla,1Ashlyn Tom,1Mahadev Singh Sen,1 and Rajesh Sagar1 Abstract Background and aims: The outbreak of COVID-19 led to a significant psychological impact on individuals, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups. This study aimed to synthesize literature on the psychological impact of COVID-19 among children and adolescents. Methods: Electronic search engines were used to identify studies till […]