Tag: Coronaviruses

TWiV 1184: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin discusses current and past outbreaks of “vaccine” preventable diseases including whooping cough, polio and measles with your co-host Vincent Racaniello and the recent increase in norovirus outbreaks, if alcohol-based hand sanitizers aid in the spread of norovirus before reviewing the recent statistics on RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections,… Continue reading TWiV 1184: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

Exploring the long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19

Two recently published studies have provided new insights into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system. In the first study, Catarina Rua and colleagues identified microstructural changes in the brainstem in post-hospitalized survivors of COVID-19. The second study, led by Igor Koralnik, showed that young and middle-aged adults with long COVID have a… Continue reading Exploring the long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19

Human ACE2 transgenic pigs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and develop COVID-19-like disease

Abstract Animal models that accurately reflect COVID-19 are vital for understanding mechanisms of disease and advancing development of improved vaccines and therapeutics. Pigs are increasingly recognized as valuable models for human disease due to their genetic, anatomical, physiological, and immunological similarities to humans, and they present a more ethically viable alternative to non-human primates. However,… Continue reading Human ACE2 transgenic pigs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and develop COVID-19-like disease

Trial By Error: BMJ Has Corrected the REGAIN Trial Paper–But Not the Editorial or Systematic Review Touting REGAIN’s Findings

By David Tuller, DrPH Last February, The BMJ published a paper called “Clinical effectiveness of an online supervised group physical and mental health rehabilitation programme for adults with post-covid-19 condition (REGAIN study): multicentre randomised controlled trial,” from McGregor et al. The study purported to have proven that this multi-disciplinary intervention was “clinically effective” in reducing… Continue reading Trial By Error: BMJ Has Corrected the REGAIN Trial Paper–But Not the Editorial or Systematic Review Touting REGAIN’s Findings

Study uncovers why lupus patients have weaker response to COVID-19 vaccines

A recent study by Emory University researchers provides new insights into why the mRNA vaccines developed to fight COVID-19 in 2021 are less effective in patients with autoimmune diseases. By providing insights into the cellular processes behind that lessened protection, the new study published in Nature Immunology, highlights that lupus patients may require tailored vaccination… Continue reading Study uncovers why lupus patients have weaker response to COVID-19 vaccines

Faith and Ingenuity: Bringing the First Oncology Clinical Trial to Trinidad 

Faithanne Hill is not your typical Trinidadian. For one, she loves the beach, which may sound obvious considering she lives on an island, but that is not the case for everyone in Trinidad.  “The beach is always there—it never goes away—so most people only go on special occasions or when there’s a holiday,” explained Faith… Continue reading Faith and Ingenuity: Bringing the First Oncology Clinical Trial to Trinidad 

G-quadruplex-forming small RNA inhibits coronavirus and influenza A virus replication

Abstract Future pandemic threats may be caused by novel coronaviruses and influenza A viruses. Here we show that when directly added to a cell culture, 12mer guanine RNA (G12) and its phosphorothioate-linked derivatives (G12(S)), rapidly entered cytoplasm and suppressed the propagation of human coronaviruses and influenza A viruses to between 1/100 and nearly 1/1000 of normal… Continue reading G-quadruplex-forming small RNA inhibits coronavirus and influenza A virus replication