A study published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal has reportedly suggested that even after two years of the Covid-19, psychiatric and neurological conditions such as seizures and dementia are posing a higher risk on Covid patients than other respiratory infections.
The study involved an observational analysis of more than 1.25 million patient health records.
As per the reports, increased risk of anxiety and depression lasts for less than two months in adults, before the severity returns to the rates equivalent to those following any other respiratory infection.
Prof. Paul Harrison, University of Oxford, stated that in addition to previous findings that Covid-19 could increase the risk of some neurological and psychiatric conditions during the six months after infection, the new study suggested that these higher risks could last up to two years at least.
Harrison, the study’s lead author, added that these results are crucial for health services and patients as they indicated that new cases related to neurological conditions in Covid-19 survivors are likely to continue well after the pandemic ends.
Researchers analyzed data of 14 neurological and psychiatric diagnoses collected over two years from electronic health records in the US, mainly having Covid-19 patients below 18 and over 65 years of age.
Those in the record were compared with an equal number of patients having other respiratory infections to act as a comparison group.
The research found that the risk of having an anxiety or depression diagnosis in adults initially increased after Covid but in a short time returned to the same as with the control group.
Two years later, no difference was found regarding the incidence of anxiety or depression between those having Covid-19 and those in the control group. However, the risk of other neurological and mental health issues remained higher for Covid.
The study further revealed that children had less likelihood of neurological and psychiatric diagnoses than adults and were not at a higher risk than those in the control group.
However, both children and adults were most likely to be diagnosed with conditions like psychotic disorders or seizures within two years after Covid infection.
The study also stressed the need for further research to understand the causes behind the increased risk and discover preventive measures or treatments that can be undertaken to prevent their occurrence.
" ["meta_description"]=> string(266) "A study published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal has reportedly suggested that even after two years of the Covid-19, psychiatric and neurological conditions such as seizures and dementia are posing a higher risk on Covid patients than other respiratory infections." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-08-18 21:38:34" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "08/18/2022" ["author"]=> string(16) "Omkar Patwardhan" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(82) "img/covid-19/covid-19-patients-at-higher-risk-of-neurological-conditions-study.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [1]=> object(stdClass)#27 (11) { ["id"]=> string(5) "37295" ["name"]=> string(66) "Airbnb logs $2 billion in revenue as post-pandemic travel rebounds" ["url"]=> string(65) "airbnb-logs-2-billion-in-revenue-as-post-pandemic-travel-rebounds" ["full_desc"]=> string(2879) ".S. based home rental platform, Airbnb, has reportedly posted soaring revenues for the June-ending quarter, hitting $2 billion as people put their traveling hats on amid declining worries around the Covid-19 crisis in several countries.
Airbnb reported a net income of $379 million between the 2022 April-June quarter, labelling it as its most profitable second-quarter ever recorded.
In a letter to its investors, the San Francisco-headquartered firm stated that some of the difficult choices of tightening its spending during the pandemic have made it leaner and more focused.
The company considered itself well-prepared for what lies ahead and has announced allocating $2 billion to buy back shares on that node.
During the second quarter, the firm made over 103 million travel experiences and nights arrangements, which set a new record despite inflation and other economic issues.
The second quarter’s revenue stood 58% higher than the same period last year.
The firm further wrote that it is in the middle of its strongest peak travel season and saw its highest single-day revenue on the 4th of July, indicating a robust summer season ahead.
Airbnb is again expecting to set a new record in the current quarter with revenue standing between $2.78 and $2.88 billion.
It added that despite the economic situation, guests are opting for Airbnb as they can find great value, and hosts, who rent their property to Airbnb, are able to earn additional income.
On the other hand, the firm had to close its business in China earlier this year as the country reinforced pandemic lockdowns in major cities like Shanghai.
In July, the firm stopped accepting stays or offering visitor experiences in the countries, according to its earnings report, and will instead aim to provide overseas travel plans to the residents there.
Airbnb stated that this decision came due to the costs and the complex operating issues in those countries, coupled with the stringent Covid-19 lockdowns.
It should be noted that in recent years, only 1% of Airbnb’s total bookings accounted for those made for residences in China.
Source credit: https://japantoday.com/category/business/airbnb-reports-soaring-revenue-as-travel-rebounds
" ["meta_description"]=> string(236) ".S. based home rental platform, Airbnb, has reportedly posted soaring revenues for the June-ending quarter, hitting $2 billion as people put their traveling hats on amid declining worries around the Covid-19 crisis in several countries." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-08-04 19:11:27" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "08/04/2022" ["author"]=> string(16) "Omkar Patwardhan" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(82) "img/covid-19/airbnb-logs-2-billion-in-revenue-as-post-pandemic-travel-rebounds.png" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [2]=> object(stdClass)#28 (11) { ["id"]=> string(5) "18817" ["name"]=> string(70) "Singapore: $132M allocated to 40000 SMEs affected by Covid-19 measures" ["url"]=> string(68) "singapore-132m-allocated-to-40000-smes-affected-by-covid-19-measures" ["full_desc"]=> string(3227) "Last week, the government of Singapore reportedly distributed more than $132 million through a grant program designed to support small businesses, including market stallholders and hawkers, that were adversely affected by the city-state’s Covid-19 measures.
As per reports, the grant, called the Small Business Recovery Grant, was extended to over 40,000 small enterprises and was introduced as part of the country’s $500 million Jobs and Business Support Package in the February Budget.
According to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the recovery grant offers a one-time monetary assistance to small businesses in industries that were most affected by Covid-19 measures last year.
The grant beneficiaries include businesses in food and beverage, retail, tourism, and hospitality industries among others.
As per reports, eligible businesses received over $1000 for each permanent resident or Singapore citizen they employed with mandatory Central Provident Fund contributions between Nov 1, 2021, and Dec 31, 2021.
Meanwhile, eligible hawkers, partnerships, sole proprietorships, market as well as coffee shop stallholders that were licensed by the Singapore Food Agency received over $1000, irrespective of the fact whether they employed any workers during the period.
to be eligible for the grant, applying SMEs must be physically present in Singapore and also have their business registered before Dec 31 of 2021.
Additional criteria includes having fewer than 200 employees as of 31 December 2021 or having a yearly operating revenue of less than $100 million.
Ang Yuit, vice-president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, stated that the grant and other supportive measures, offered to SMEs to mitigate the impact of the pandemic is a welcome gesture, especially for businesses that had reserves that were too small to handle the numerous difficulties brought on by Covid-19.
Song Seng Wun, economist, CIMB Private Banking, stated that such measures could help save jobs and allow businesses to remain operational during challenging times. Wun added that businesses are also currently facing challenges like rising costs, so whatever help they receive is welcome.
According to government data, Singapore had about 280,000 SMEs at the end of 2020, accounting for 70 percent of employment in the country while making up 99 percent of all businesses in 2020.
" ["meta_description"]=> string(259) "Last week, the government of Singapore reportedly distributed more than $132 million through a grant program designed to support small businesses, including market stallholders and hawkers, that were adversely affected by the city-state’s Covid-19 measures." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-06-28 16:35:38" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "06/28/2022" ["author"]=> string(16) "Omkar Patwardhan" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(85) "img/covid-19/singapore-132m-allocated-to-40000-smes-affected-by-covid-19-measures.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [3]=> object(stdClass)#29 (11) { ["id"]=> string(5) "16693" ["name"]=> string(67) "Wrist-worn health trackers can spot COVID-19 before symptoms: Study" ["url"]=> string(66) "wrist-worn-health-trackers-can-spot-covid-19-before-symptoms-study" ["full_desc"]=> string(3074) "Recent research has found that wearable sensor tech, such as wrist-worn health trackers, can be used for detecting COVID-19 before any of its symptoms appear.
More and more people are using these devices to track changes in their heart rate, skin temperature, and breathing rate. Now, a new study published in the BMJ Open journal has revealed that this data could be integrated with AI to effectively diagnose COVID-19 during the pre-symptomatic period or even before the early warning signs of the disease manifest.
These findings could lead to the adaptation of health tracking tools with AI for early detection of COVID-19, by simply identifying critical physiological changes. This might provide users with an early warning system that warns them that they may be infected, preventing further viral transmission in turn.
Researchers at the Canada’s McMaster University, the University of Basel in Switzerland, London’s Imperial College, and the Dr. Risch Medical Laboratory in Liechtenstein tested the Ava fertility tracker bracelet, which is a fertility tracker that tells expectant parents the best time to conceive.
The study also noted that of the total 28 researchers that took part in the study, six are currently employed by Ava AG.
The bracelet, which can also be bought online, costs nearly £249 and monitors wrist skin temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, heart rate variability, and blood flow.
Almost 1,163 people under 51 years of age in Liechtenstein participated in the study. It kicked off at the beginning of the pandemic and continued till April 2021. During the research, participants were asked to wear the bracelet at night, as they were required to sleep for at least 4 hours for the device to work.
The device was synchronized with an app where people could record any activities that might interfere with the results, including prescription medicines, alcohol, recreational drugs, or any Covid symptom. Participants were also tested regularly for rapid antibody, and those with symptoms were asked to take a PCR swab.
The health tracker and computer algorithm were capable of correctly identifying nearly 68% of Covid-19 infected people two days before symptoms appeared.
Though the device could not detect all infected cases, it is now being tested at a larger scale with over 20,000 participants to mitigate virus spread in communities.
Source credit: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/21/wrist-worn-trackers-can-detect-covid-before-symptoms-study-finds
" ["meta_description"]=> string(158) "Recent research has found that wearable sensor tech, such as wrist-worn health trackers, can be used for detecting COVID-19 before any of its symptoms appear." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-06-23 18:49:37" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "06/23/2022" ["author"]=> string(16) "Omkar Patwardhan" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(83) "img/covid-19/wrist-worn-health-trackers-can-spot-covid-19-before-symptoms-study.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [4]=> object(stdClass)#30 (11) { ["id"]=> string(5) "16627" ["name"]=> string(67) "Wrist-worn health trackers can spot COVID-19 before symptoms: Study" ["url"]=> string(66) "wrist-worn-health-trackers-can-spot-covid-19-before-symptoms-study" ["full_desc"]=> string(2755) "Recent research has found that wearable sensor tech, such as wrist-worn health trackers, can be used for detecting COVID-19 before any of its symptoms appear.
More and more people are using these devices to track changes in their heart rate, skin temperature, and breathing rate. Now, a new study published in the BMJ Open journal has revealed that this data could be integrated with AI to effectively diagnose COVID-19 during the pre-symptomatic period or even before the early warning signs of the disease manifest.
These findings could lead to the adaptation of health tracking tools with AI for early detection of COVID-19, by simply identifying critical physiological changes. This might provide users with an early warning system that warns them that they may be infected, preventing further viral transmission in turn.
Researchers at the Canada’s McMaster University, the University of Basel in Switzerland, London’s Imperial College, and the Dr. Risch Medical Laboratory in Liechtenstein tested the Ava fertility tracker bracelet, which is a fertility tracker that tells expectant parents the best time to conceive.
The study also noted that of the total 28 researchers that took part in the study, six are currently employed by Ava AG.
The bracelet, which can also be bought online, costs nearly £249 and monitors wrist skin temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, heart rate variability, and blood flow.
Almost 1,163 people under 51 years of age in Liechtenstein participated in the study. It kicked off at the beginning of the pandemic and continued till April 2021. During the research, participants were asked to wear the bracelet at night, as they were required to sleep for at least 4 hours for the device to work.
The device was synchronized with an app where people could record any activities that might interfere with the results, including prescription medicines, alcohol, recreational drugs, or any Covid symptom. Participants were also tested regularly for rapid antibody, and those with symptoms were asked to take a PCR swab.
The health tracker and computer algorithm were capable of correctly identifying nearly 68% of Covid-19 infected people two days before symptoms appeared.
Though the device could not detect all infected cases, it is now being tested at a larger scale with over 20,000 participants to mitigate virus spread in communities.
Source credit: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/21/wrist-worn-trackers-can-detect-covid-before-symptoms-study-finds
" ["meta_description"]=> string(158) "Recent research has found that wearable sensor tech, such as wrist-worn health trackers, can be used for detecting COVID-19 before any of its symptoms appear." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-06-23 17:21:09" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "06/23/2022" ["author"]=> string(16) "Omkar Patwardhan" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(83) "img/covid-19/wrist-worn-health-trackers-can-spot-covid-19-before-symptoms-study.png" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [5]=> object(stdClass)#31 (11) { ["id"]=> string(4) "8965" ["name"]=> string(67) "China eases Covid restrictions in Shanghai after two-month lockdown" ["url"]=> string(67) "china-eases-covid-restrictions-in-shanghai-after-two-month-lockdown" ["full_desc"]=> string(2978) "Shanghai, the economic center of China and an international trade hub, has reportedly lifted its strict Covid-19 restrictions after the city went into a lockdown two months ago.
For the uninitiated, coronavirus restrictions were relaxed on Wednesday, 1st June at midnight CST, allowing people to move freely around the city, which houses a population of nearly 25 million.
However, around 650,000 residents will still be confined in their homes.
The country’s ‘zero Covid’ policy will remain in place and those who test positive for Covid will be either hospitalized or quarantined, with their close contacts also facing the prospect of being quarantined. The area around which they live may also be locked down.
New rules have been implemented as well, such as residents needing to show a green health code on their phones if they want to leave their residence or enter other places.
A negative PCR test report taken in the last 72 hours needs to be shown by those who want to enter banks and malls or use public transport.
Restrictions on leaving Shanghai remain the same, with those who travel to another city required to quarantine on their return for seven to fourteen days.
Gyms, museums, and cinemas will remain closed, and most children will not be returning to face-to-face schooling.
Several residents gathered outside on street corners after the clock struck midnight, indicating the end of lockdown, and sang and toasted with drinks to welcome their newfound freedom.
Local media, however, downplayed the news of people’s celebration as authorities had been hesitating in calling the restrictions a ‘lockdown’.
State media described the day as a new start where people will get back to their normal life and work.
Cautious signs of life returned to the city as shops opened and public transport resumed basic service, while bigger ones operated at 75% capacity. Workforce also returned, albeit in a staggered form.
Many residents had lost their jobs and struggled to find enough food while having to stay isolated for so long during the lockdown.
Carmakers, including Tesla and Volkswagen, were particularly impacted as staff either stayed away from factories or worked in closed-loop conditions while living there.
Source credit: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-61647687
" ["meta_description"]=> string(177) "Shanghai, the economic center of China and an international trade hub, has reportedly lifted its strict Covid-19 restrictions after the city went into a lockdown two months ago." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-06-03 20:25:56" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "06/03/2022" ["author"]=> string(16) "Omkar Patwardhan" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(84) "img/covid-19/china-eases-covid-restrictions-in-shanghai-after-two-month-lockdown.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [6]=> object(stdClass)#32 (11) { ["id"]=> string(4) "8939" ["name"]=> string(68) "S Korea: Scientists create new HEPA filter that can kill coronavirus" ["url"]=> string(67) "s-korea-scientists-create-new-hepa-filter-that-can-kill-coronavirus" ["full_desc"]=> string(2539) "Scientists in South Korea have reportedly developed the globe’s first photothermal-effect-based HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter that is capable of taking out 99.9% of influenza and Covid-19 viruses, according to the Korea Institute of Energy Research.
The photothermal effect refers to the mechanism of how a substance soaks up light energy and converts it into heat energy. It is employed in various fields including cell death, sensor as well as solar battery, and drug delivery.
The research team was able to come up with the technology to make photothermal HEPA filters by having existing HEPA filters coated with plasmonic metal nanoparticles capable of producing photothermal effects.
As per the research, bacterial and viral cells are killed when light-emitting diodes are used to radiate photothermal HEPA filters in the visible light band, completely harmless to the human body, and heated to 60°C or higher within 10-15 seconds.
Existing HEPA filters that are utilized in air purifying systems are prone to secondary infection as pollutants get caught on them and make a bacteria-friendly environment, according to the research institute. The institute explained that even though the filers use ultraviolet (UV) rays in order to prevent such type of situations, these rays cause corrosion and shorten the HEPA filter’s lifespan.
Yoo Seung-hwan, the lead author of the study, stated that by using the photothermal HEPA filter technology, up to 99.9% of viruses that are collected in the filter can be killed, thereby preventing any secondary contamination of viruses and bacteria that would have otherwise proliferated in the filter.
The newly developed filters can be easily installed in new products as well as existing filters, and have also been licensed out to Busan-based air filter developer, Cleantech, for production.
The firm is currently in the middle of building facilities where photothermal HEPA filters will be produced and plans on releasing the new products later this year, as per the institute.
Source credit: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220503000617
" ["meta_description"]=> string(267) "Scientists in South Korea have reportedly developed the globe’s first photothermal-effect-based HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter that is capable of taking out 99.9% of influenza and Covid-19 viruses, according to the Korea Institute of Energy Research." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-05-04 18:41:01" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "05/04/2022" ["author"]=> string(16) "Omkar Patwardhan" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(84) "img/covid-19/s-korea-scientists-create-new-hepa-filter-that-can-kill-coronavirus.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [7]=> object(stdClass)#33 (11) { ["id"]=> string(4) "8855" ["name"]=> string(66) "South Korea approves emergency use of anti-COVID-19 pill, Lagevrio" ["url"]=> string(65) "south-korea-approves-emergency-use-of-anti-covid-19-pill-lagevrio" ["full_desc"]=> string(2707) "The government of South Korea has reportedly authorized the emergency use of Lagevrio, an anti-coronavirus pill co-developed by American pharmaceutical company, MSD, and biotech firm, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, the nation’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced Wednesday.
The medicine will be the second anti-COVID-19 pill that the country’s health officials have authorized, after having approved the antiviral drug Paxlovid by Pfizer in December last year.
With the number of COVID-19 cases rising in the country, the ministry stated that the decision to approve Lagevrio was taken based on the need for an alternative treatment for high-risk patients that cannot be administered the currently available medicines due to kidney or liver relating illnesses.
Pregnant women, as well as patients below 18 years of age, will be excluded from the list of people who can be prescribed the newly approved pill. The ministry also informed that some of the side effects that can be experienced after taking Lagevrio include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.
On Monday, 21st March, the government of South Korea had announced a plan to introduce a batch of the medicine that would be enough to supply over 100,000 coronavirus patients this week.
Also called Molnupiravir, Lagevrio currently holds an emergency or conditional approval in fifteen different countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Its phase 3 clinical trial showed that if taken within five days from the onset of the symptoms, the hospitalization rate for those having mild to severe COVID-19 symptoms can be cut to half.
The country’s accumulated caseload reached 10 million on Tuesday, 23rd March, as the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 490,881 confirmed daily cases that day, which is the second-highest tally after 621,205 daily cases were recorded the previous week, on 16th March.
While the mortality rate is still relatively low, daily fatalities in South Korea have almost doubled in the last six weeks, putting pressure on crematories. In fact, 60 of them have been instructed by the health ministry to operate for longer hours while 1,136 funeral parlors have been asked to expand their facilities.
Source credit: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220323000657
" ["meta_description"]=> string(159) "The government of South Korea has reportedly authorized the emergency use of Lagevrio, an anti-coronavirus pill co-developed by American pharmaceutical company" ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-03-25 19:47:00" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "03/25/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(82) "img/covid-19/south-korea-approves-emergency-use-of-anti-covid-19-pill-lagevrio.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [8]=> object(stdClass)#34 (11) { ["id"]=> string(4) "7870" ["name"]=> string(64) "Study links oral polio vaccine usage to lower COVID-19 incidence" ["url"]=> string(64) "study-links-oral-polio-vaccine-usage-to-lower-covid-19-incidence" ["full_desc"]=> string(3020) "A study has reportedly shown that countries administering oral polio vaccine have a lower occurrence of COVID-19 disease in comparison to those countries administering the inactivated polio vaccine.
This suggests that the oral vaccine might either be preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection or slowing down community transmission.
Current vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have limitations in production and distribution, especially in resource-limited settings.
However, studies have found that other prevalent vaccines can also provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 up to a certain degree, especially those using a live and attenuated pathogen that stimulates the immune system and offers temporary protection against other viruses.
To check whether the same would be applicable for COVID-19, a research group, led by Dr. Robert Charles Gallo, hypothesized that countries where polio vaccine is given orally had a lower cumulative number of coronavirus cases as compared to those that only used inactivated polio vaccine.
Along with the cumulative number of coronavirus cases in each country and the type of vaccine used there, the population of each country, the median age of inhabitants, life expectancy at birth, human development index (HDI), and finally gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, were also taken into account for the study.
A stringency index, indicating how strict the lockdown measures and restrictions were in each country, was also obtained.
Overall analysis showed that for each specific country, usage of an oral vaccine for polio was an independent predictor for the low rate of reported and diagnosed cases per 100,000 population, and while it did not prove a direct link, significant effects were found.
Out of a population of 100,000, it was found that there were an average of 4970 cases in countries administering inactivated polio vaccines, while only 1580 in those administering oral polio vaccine.
The study, therefore, suggested that oral vaccine might either be preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection on an individual level or hindering its transmission and subsequent development at a community level.
This has brought forth the possibility of creating a new class of broadly specific vaccines for mitigating COVID-19 with the help of new and traditional oral polio vaccines.
Source credit: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220321/Study-links-the-usage-of-oral-polio-vaccines-with-lower-incidence-of-COVID-19.aspx
" ["meta_description"]=> string(198) "A study has reportedly shown that countries administering oral polio vaccine have a lower occurrence of COVID-19 disease in comparison to those countries administering the inactivated polio vaccine." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-03-21 18:05:37" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "03/21/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(81) "img/covid-19/study-links-oral-polio-vaccine-usage-to-lower-covid-19-incidence.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [9]=> object(stdClass)#35 (11) { ["id"]=> string(4) "2648" ["name"]=> string(61) "Covid causes shrinkage in brain and damages its tissue: Study" ["url"]=> string(60) "covid-causes-shrinkage-in-brain-and-damages-its-tissue-study" ["full_desc"]=> string(3009) "Researchers at the University of Oxford, in a study comparing brain scans of individuals before and after they contracted COVID-19, have reportedly found consistent signs of shrinkage as well as tissue damage in regions related to mental capacities and smell, months after they tested positive.
For the supposed study, researchers studied over 785 people aged between 51 to 81 who had gotten brain scans done before and during the pandemic under the UK Biobank study, with more than half of them testing positive for the virus between the two scans.
Their scans were then compared with scans of over 384 control subjects that have gone uninfected through the pandemic, and it was found that those who tested positive had more overall brain shrinkage as well as grey matter shrinkage, especially in regions linked to smell.
It was also found that those who were infected scored lower on a mental skills test than those who were uninfected.
While these effects were more evident in elderlies and those infected and hospitalized, they were also present in those with mild or asymptomatic infections, as per the research published in Nature journal. Further scans would be required for determining whether these changes are partially reversible or permanent.
Prof. Gwenaëlle Douaud, University of Oxford, stated that the brain is ‘plastic’, which essentially means that it has the ability to heal and reorganize itself to a certain extent, even in the elderly.
Meanwhile, a separate research, conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, sequenced the genomes of 7,491 infected subjects in the UK that were admitted to intensive care units and compared their DNA with 48,400 uninfected, and 1,630 who experienced mild infection.
The study was able to identify 16 new genetic variations linked to being admitted to intensive care, such as genes implicated in the immune system, blood clotting, and the intensity of inflammation.
The team also confirmed the involvement of 7 other genes that were identified in previous studies and contributed to the testing of rheumatoid arthritis drug, baricitinib, on Covid patients.
The study found that the drug showed the ability to effectively reduce the risk of death due to severe infection by a fifth, delivering ‘proof of principle’ that new treatments can be found using genetics.
Source credit: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/07/covid-can-shrink-brain-and-damage-its-tissue-finds-research
" ["meta_description"]=> string(130) "Researchers at the University of Oxford, in a study comparing brain scans of individuals before and after they contracted COVID-19" ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-03-09 18:18:31" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "03/09/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(77) "img/covid-19/covid-causes-shrinkage-in-brain-and-damages-its-tissue-study.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [10]=> object(stdClass)#36 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "322" ["name"]=> string(70) "UK: PM Johnson to lift Covid restrictions despite political opposition" ["url"]=> string(69) "uk-pm-johnson-to-lift-covid-restrictions-despite-political-opposition" ["full_desc"]=> string(3094) "Boris Johnson, the UK’s Prime Minister, has reportedly announced to scrap all restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, implying that it is time to move on and live with the coronavirus.
PM Johnson is supposedly set to address the parliament to present his new approach, two years after Covid-19 created the world’s worst health emergency in decades. This comes despite news that Queen Elizabeth II had tested Covid positive for the first time.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders are accusing the PM of attempting to divert public attention, as police investigation of a string of lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street threaten to put his leadership in jeopardy.
In a statement released by Downing Street, PM Johnson stated that the announcement brings a moment of pride as the country begins to live with Covid-19 after experiencing one of the hardest periods in the UK’s history.
Johnson stated that while the pandemic is not over yet, the tremendous vaccine distribution has ensured that the country is one step closer to returning to normalcy and finally restoring people's freedoms while also protecting them.
The government apparently also plans to stop the legal obligation for those afflicted with Covid-19 to self-isolate for the week under the ‘living with Covid’ plan.
It claims that local governments will be compelled to manage future infections using existing legal powers and that free of cost Covid testing for the general population will be phased out.
Internal polling by the NHS Confederation, which covers senior management in the state-run National Health Service, revealed that a vast majority of the members of the party oppose removing free tests and self-isolation.
According to David Nabarro, a World Health Organization special envoy for Covid, the removal of the law against self-isolation is quite unwise indeed.
Downing Street announced on Friday that Johnson had filed a written response to police inquiries concerning parties held in the premises over the past two years, as detectives investigate whether attendees violated the stringent social distancing as well as and virus prevention measures that were in place at the time.
Despite clear party breaches by himself and his team, Johnson argued that the public would still follow guidance to self-isolate, when necessary, even if there was no legal compulsion.
Source credit: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220221-uk-s-johnson-to-announce-end-to-all-covid-restrictions-despite-criticism
" ["meta_description"]=> string(193) "Boris Johnson, the UK’s Prime Minister, has reportedly announced to scrap all restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, implying that it is time to move on and live with the coronavirus." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-02-21 18:42:12" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "02/21/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(86) "img/covid-19/uk-pm-johnson-to-lift-covid-restrictions-despite-political-opposition.png" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [11]=> object(stdClass)#37 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "316" ["name"]=> string(70) "mRNA vaccine-infection combination better than just vaccination: Study" ["url"]=> string(69) "mrna-vaccine-infection-combination-better-than-just-vaccination-study" ["full_desc"]=> string(2861) "A German study has reportedly found that those who had been administered with mRNA vaccine and then got infected are better protected against COVID-19.
It was also found that antibodies of those administered with a booster shot provided stronger protection, almost similar to those who had both doses and also got infected.
In a study of 171 participants, aged between 18 and 65, people were followed from the start of the pandemic, around spring 2020, to the end of 2021.
Researchers also found that their findings were applicable for all variants of concern (VoC) of COVID-19, such as Omicron, which is currently responsible for over 95% of global infections.
The mRNA vaccine used in the study was Pfizer, with its protection measured by the quantity and binding quality of antigens found in the subject’s blood.
According to the study, even though the infection alone could not provide enough protection, it gave superior immunity to the ones who were vaccinated, as compared to those who were (only) vaccinated with an additional dose.
This implied that those who had one dose of vaccine and later got infected had a stronger immunity as compared to those who had taken both doses (but were not infected).
In the same way, someone who got infected after being administered two shots had better protection than someone with three shots.
The study also found that the timing of vaccine administration was important as well, with those who received their second shot a few months later, rather than a few weeks, having better protection.
Also, three mRNA doses provided similar protection to people irrespective of being previously infected or not.
Additionally, no link was found between antibody levels and protection from severe illnesses, which led to the discovery that the quality of the antibodies was more important than their quantity.
Researchers stated that while three shots were better at protecting than two, protection from severe infection could be achieved with two antigen encounters, especially in children and young adults.
" ["meta_description"]=> string(124) "A German study has reportedly found that those who had been administered with mRNA vaccine and then got infected are better " ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-02-14 19:13:16" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "02/14/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(86) "img/covid-19/mrna-vaccine-infection-combination-better-than-just-vaccination-study.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [12]=> object(stdClass)#38 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "312" ["name"]=> string(64) "Johnson & Johnson pauses Covid vaccine production at Dutch plant" ["url"]=> string(62) "johnson-johnson-pauses-covid-vaccine-production-at-dutch-plant" ["full_desc"]=> string(2529) "American pharma giant, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) had reportedly closed down the production of its COVID-19 vaccine at the only plant making usable batches around late last year.
As per a report, the suspension is temporary at the Dutch plant, located in Leiden, and is expected to restart production in a few months.
In an email, J&J stated that it will continue providing its COVID-19 vaccines, of which it has millions of doses in inventory, to all of its fill-and-finish sites, such as Aspen, along with the drug substance that is needed for the production of its shot.
The company also confirmed that it will fulfill the contractual obligations it has with the COVAX facility as well as the African Union.
The Leiden facility instead has been working on an experimental vaccine, with more potential for profit, that will provide protection from an unrelated virus, the report said, which cited sources in the know.
Last month, J&J forecasted as much as $3.5 billion in the sales of its vaccines for 2022, a total of 46% jump after having performed poorly compared to its rivals last year.
The company had reported $2.39 billion in sales of its Covid shot in 2021, having missed its original target of $2.5 billion. Last year, J&J experienced manufacturing stumbles and safety concerns amidst irregular demand for the vaccine that once had promised to inoculate those residing in hard-to-reach areas.
One of the sources also said that the supply of J&J’s vaccine could be affected by around a hundred million doses with the production being halted at the Leiden plant.
The report added that while other facilities were hired for manufacturing the vaccines, they were either not up and running yet or did not receive the regulatory approval needed to manufacture the shot.
" ["meta_description"]=> string(175) "American pharma giant, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) had reportedly closed down the production of its COVID-19 vaccine at the only plant making usable batches around late last year." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-02-10 14:54:25" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "02/10/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(79) "img/covid-19/johnson-johnson-pauses-covid-vaccine-production-at-dutch-plant.png" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [13]=> object(stdClass)#39 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "303" ["name"]=> string(68) "Researchers develop cheap, quick, smartphone-based COVID testing kit" ["url"]=> string(66) "researchers-develop-cheap-quick-smartphone-based-covid-testing-kit" ["full_desc"]=> string(2942) "Researchers in the US have reportedly developed a new inexpensive smartphone-based testing kit that can detect the presence of the coronavirus, and influenza viruses from saliva samples. Studies found that the kit is as accurate as current lab-based tests and is also faster.
Currently, PCR testing is the most accurate technology available for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which involves testing a swab sample from the subject, after which the sample is amplified in a lab with viral genetic material.
For amplification, the sample is subjected to various cycles, with rapidly changing temperature, that force the genetic material to replicate, repeated at least 30 times. The process also requires special equipment, which means that specialized labs are required for PCR testing.
This new kit, however, utilizes something called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology, where the viral material is identified with the same process as PCR testing without the need for complex temperature cycling for amplification.
The main issue with LAMP diagnostics had been its high effectiveness in enhancing viral replication often causing over-sensitivity, meaning high volumes of false positives.
Douglas Heithoff, one of the authors of the study, explained that the major innovation of the research is the solving of the over-sensitivity, which had for decades limited the large-scale deployment of the technology.
Heithoff explained that it took 500 attempts to solve the high sensitivity problem of LAMP for COVID-19, after which the flu viruses were easily detected on the first try.
Not only was the false-positive problem solved, but researchers also developed a new smartphone-based system, for less than $100, called smaRT-LAMP (smartphone-based real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification).
Researchers have claimed that accurate results can be delivered in twenty-five minutes using the smartphone, LED lights, and a hotplate, at an estimated cost of around $7, far more affordable than PCR tests. The system can be also adapted to detect other viruses by changing the primers.
A smartphone app has also been developed that will direct users through the testing process.
Currently, the focus is on introducing the technology in those areas struggling with access to PCR testing.
Source credit: https://newatlas.com/medical/cheap-accurate-smartphone-lamp-coronavirus-test/
" ["meta_description"]=> string(275) "Researchers in the US have reportedly developed a new inexpensive smartphone-based testing kit that can detect the presence of the coronavirus, and influenza viruses from saliva samples. Studies found that the kit is as accurate as current lab-based tests and is also faster." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-01-31 17:37:29" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "01/31/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(83) "img/covid-19/researchers-develop-cheap-quick-smartphone-based-covid-testing-kit.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [14]=> object(stdClass)#40 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "287" ["name"]=> string(68) "Korea to face possible testing crisis due to the rapid Omicron surge" ["url"]=> string(68) "korea-to-face-possible-testing-crisis-due-to-the-rapid-omicron-surge" ["full_desc"]=> string(2433) "To handle a potential testing crisis caused by the omicron spike, the government of South Korea has reportedly announced that it will deliver PCR tests to those who are most at-risk first, while others who are lower on the priority list would receive at-home fast antigen tests.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the nation's COVID-19 diagnosing system, which has previously relied solely on extremely reliable PCR testing, may begin to use fast antigen tests for the less priority cases.
According to the ministry, Omicron now constitutes 8% of all confirmed cases in Korea. However, because of its high rate of infection, omicron is expected to become dominant in a couple of weeks. According to projections from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, omicron is up to three times more infectious than its precursor, delta, albeit it is unlikely to be a severe one.
As per the ministry, elderly people, people with medical issues, or anyone who is still not fully vaccinated are among the prioritized groups.
Caregivers in nursing homes, as well as other high risk locations, who must be tested at least once per week, may now be permitted to use fast testing rather than PCR tests.
On Monday, Son Young-rae, a Health Ministry spokesman told reporters that while fast antigen tests are not as reliable as traditional tests, they can supplement testing if facilities are scarce. According to the ministry, the sensitivity; a measure indicating the ability to accurately identify a virus, of fast antigen testing kits used throughout the nation was 17% to 40%.
Korea has been doing an average of 192,000 PCR tests each day for the last two weeks, significantly lower than the government's claimed daily capability of 750,000 to 850,000.
Testing facilities were shutting down despite considerable demand. In fact, after functioning since June 2020, seven government hospitals in Seoul terminated their free test services this week.
Source credit: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220110000719
" ["meta_description"]=> string(187) "To handle a potential testing crisis caused by the omicron spike, the government of South Korea has reportedly announced that it will deliver PCR tests to those who are most at-risk first" ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-01-11 21:05:12" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "01/11/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(85) "img/covid-19/korea-to-face-possible-testing-crisis-due-to-the-rapid-omicron-surge.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [15]=> object(stdClass)#41 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "282" ["name"]=> string(65) "South Korea considering fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for some " ["url"]=> string(64) "south-korea-considering-fourth-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-for-some" ["full_desc"]=> string(2732) "With the booster vaccination program underway in South Korea for citizens above the age of 18, the government is already contemplating distributing a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for some vulnerable people.
Son Young-rae, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated in a recent news briefing that the ministry, along with other concerned government agencies, are discussing the distribution of fourth doses in the coming months.
The national immunization advisory committee is also expected to hold a meeting soon and review the possibility of giving additional vaccinations.
Young-rae stated that while it has not yet been determined whether a fourth dose is necessary, some patients may not be able to build and sustain immunity against the virus even after the third dose, owing to their immunocompromised conditions.
Son added that authorities are currently monitoring vaccine decisions taken by other nations and are also assessing the upcoming data regarding the validity of protection from booster shots as well as Omicron variant’s ability to weaken existing vaccines.
With respect to the news of variant-targeting vaccines, set to be rolled out in March, being developed by pharmaceutical players such as Pfizer, Son added that according to the terms of the contract the country has with the firm, if and when the vaccine is updated, Korea will be provided with the same.
As of now, 93% of the population aged above 18 has been fully vaccinated with either two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna, or with a single dose of Johnson & Johnson, along with 42% having been given booster shot of Pfizer or Moderna.
94% of adults aged 60 and above have also been fully vaccinated, with 78% boosted as well.
The government is currently aiming to complete the booster shot administration of eligible adults within the first three months of 2022, which will include anyone above the age of 18 having three months completed since their primary vaccination series.
The rollout for younger children, between the age of 12 to 17 years, will begin around mid-October, with 75% having received their first dose and 52% being fully vaccinated.
Source credit: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220104000765
" ["meta_description"]=> string(213) "With the booster vaccination program underway in South Korea for citizens above the age of 18, the government is already contemplating distributing a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for some vulnerable people." ["date"]=> string(19) "2022-01-05 16:39:42" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "01/05/2022" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(81) "img/covid-19/south-korea-considering-fourth-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-for-some.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [16]=> object(stdClass)#42 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "277" ["name"]=> string(71) "Oxford/AstraZeneca jab supposed to have lowered UK’s COVID death toll" ["url"]=> string(68) "oxford-astrazeneca-jab-supposed-to-have-lowered-uks-covid-death-toll" ["full_desc"]=> string(2547) "The administration of the Oxford/AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among the vulnerable is supposedly being touted as one of the main reasons for a reduced death toll in the UK as compared to other European nations.
As per records, the jab was reportedly approved in December 2020 and the vaccines were initially launched for the elderly and the most vulnerable sections in the society.
According to Clive Dix, the former Chief of UK’s vaccine taskforce, the AZ jab’s durable cellular immunity response can potentially ‘last for life’. This comes as Mr. Dix attacked Prime Minister Boris Johnson in November 2021 by claiming that the Government neglected his plan for the preparation of vaccine-resistant COVID strains.
Dix further highlighted that looking across Europe, with an upsurge in cases, there is also a comparable lagged rise in deaths, but not in the United Kingdom. He believes that this is due to the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine to most of the vulnerable people in the country.
Furthermore, the UK authorities have seen early data that the Oxford jab creates a very durable cellular immunity response, which can last for a long time and in some cases, for life, added Dix.
As per reliable sources, the launch of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in the United Kingdom resulted in recommendations from Government advisers that people under the age of 40 years should be provided with alternatives owing to evidence that it might be linked to very rare blood clots. Similar fears have led some European countries to pause their usage of the jab.
Since its introduction, AstraZeneca has faced both criticism and praise through the pandemic period, with its COVID jab being one of the first to be rolled out on the market and for its low cost as compared to other jabs.
It is to be noted that the update comes as Boris Johnson is anticipated to avoid the introduction of new SARS-CoV-2 restrictions as he makes a decision regarding the formulation of fresh lockdown measures.
Source credit: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/astrazeneca-oxford-europe-fears-b1982611.html
" ["meta_description"]=> string(212) "The administration of the Oxford/AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among the vulnerable is supposedly being touted as one of the main reasons for a reduced death toll in the UK as compared to other European nations." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-12-27 18:40:35" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "12/27/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(85) "img/covid-19/oxford-astrazeneca-jab-supposed-to-have-lowered-uks-covid-death-toll.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [17]=> object(stdClass)#43 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "272" ["name"]=> string(69) "S Korea turns to tourism & tech as it seeks economic normalcy in 2022" ["url"]=> string(67) "s-korea-turns-to-tourism-tech-as-it-seeks-economic-normalcy-in-2022" ["full_desc"]=> string(3092) "The government of South Korea has reportedly announced its ambitions to achieve full economic normalcy beyond the coronavirus pandemic in 2022, and also take lead in the global competition to predominantly occupy future businesses.
On Monday, South Korea’s Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Hong Nam-ki, emphasized these primary objectives during the government's announcement of economic policy objectives for the coming year at the Government Complex in Seoul.
In order to achieve maximum economic normality, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has come to a decision to implement policies to increase private spending, with a vision to promote the tourism industry, which has been dramatically affected by COVID-19.
According to the ministry, the government will offer a plethora of benefits to outbound tourists, which will undoubtedly be requested in conjunction with the future condition of the Covid-19 outbreak involving quarantine.
The intention is to eliminate the $5,000 (5.9 million won) upper limit on purchases at duty-free establishments across the country as a notable benefit. Previously, the price ceiling for outbound tourist (Koreans) was raised from $3,000, which had been authorized since 2006, to $5,000 in 2019.
Additionally, the non-landing flight tour products' operational time will be extended from ‘till the end of 2021’ through ‘June 2022.’
In fact, the number of overseas flight routes will be aggressively increased or recovered, from the existing 70 routes to over 31 countries, approximately 330 weekly flights. Prior to the pandemic, 4,712 flights served 255 routes across 45 nations.
In collaboration with local governments, the development of national tour products will be boosted.
As per finance minister Nam-ki, the tour promotions would be extended, on the basis of consistently stabilizing consumer spending and aiding individuals affected by the pandemic, including micro-business owners.
Meanwhile, in February, the government would also classify 65 technologies in three categories, namely, semiconductors, batteries, and vaccines as ‘national strategic technologies’, the first of its kind in relation to government policy.
According to the Finance Ministry, the GDP will grow by 4% in 2021 and 3.1 percent in 2022. This is greater than growth forecasts from some independent research organizations, which predicted growth of under 4% this year as well as 2% next year.
Source credit: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211220000701&np=1&mp=1
" ["meta_description"]=> string(231) "The government of South Korea has reportedly announced its ambitions to achieve full economic normalcy beyond the coronavirus pandemic in 2022, and also take lead in the global competition to predominantly occupy future businesses." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-12-21 19:22:40" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "12/21/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(84) "img/covid-19/s-korea-turns-to-tourism-tech-as-it-seeks-economic-normalcy-in-2022.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [18]=> object(stdClass)#44 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "257" ["name"]=> string(66) "Omicron variant becomes dominant in South Africa amid rising cases" ["url"]=> string(66) "omicron-variant-becomes-dominant-in-south-africa-amid-rising-cases" ["full_desc"]=> string(2485) "Health officials in South Africa have reported a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections as the newly discovered Omicron variant becomes dominant in the region.
Latest daily figures have shown that as many as 11,500 new cases were recorded in the country when compared to the previous day with 8,500 confirmed cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the Omicron variant has been now detected in at least 24 countries worldwide.
Scientists at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), South Africa, state that those who had been previously infected are not guaranteed to have protection against the new variant, but current vaccines are believed to prevent severe diseases as of now.
Prof. Salim Abdool Karim, part of the Africa Task Force for Coronavirus, mentioned that the overall situation in the country can only be assessed in three to four weeks, but as per their current feedback from the ground, there is nothing dramatically different, or any red flags for which they aren’t prepared for.
Restaurants and supermarkets are reportedly staying packed as Christmas and New Year holidays approach in Johannesburg, where people are talking about the new variant but show little to no signs of panic, which scientists reassure is not needed as well.
South Africa, which was recording 200 to 300 daily cases on average around mid-November, was the first to have reported about the new and highly mutated variant of the virus, with NICD stating that more than 70% of all virus genomes that it had sequenced in the previous month were of Omicron.
Countries with the latest confirmed cases of Omicron now include India, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, as well as the UAE, along with the US, UK, and Germany.
It is expected that the rate of new infections will increase with the beginning of the fourth wave in South Africa as the national health department had reported a slight increase in the number of hospital admissions.
Source Credit: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59503517
" ["meta_description"]=> string(154) "Health officials in South Africa have reported a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections as the newly discovered Omicron variant becomes dominant in the region." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-12-03 16:41:57" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "12/03/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(83) "img/covid-19/omicron-variant-becomes-dominant-in-south-africa-amid-rising-cases.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [19]=> object(stdClass)#45 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "251" ["name"]=> string(69) "Novavax files for approval to bring its Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore" ["url"]=> string(69) "novavax-files-for-approval-to-bring-its-covid-19-vaccine-in-singapore" ["full_desc"]=> string(3124) "
Novavax, a leading American biotechnology firm, has reportedly announced that it has filed for interim authorization from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority to bring its new non-mRNA based Covid-19 vaccine to the city-state.
As per reports, the authority has confirmed that Novavax has provided data in its submission through the nation’s Pandemic Special Access Route on November 22.
The Health Sciences Authority (HAS) has started a rigorous and extensive rolling evaluation of the data to ensure that the vaccine effectively meets quality, safety, and efficacy standards for the interim authorization before it is authorized for use in the nation.
As per sources, based on the accuracy of the data given as well as the time required for the company to answer HSA's questions that may arise during regulatory scrutiny, the evaluation could take weeks or months.
According to Novavax, clinical trial data gathered from two phase three trials suggests that the non-mRNA vaccine has a success rate of over 90% for a variety of viral types.
The vaccination is administered in two 0.5ml doses divided between 21 days.
In trials, involving 30,000 people from the United States as well as Mexico, the vaccine provided 100% protection against severe and moderate illness, with a 90.4% effectiveness rate.
According to the company, a trial of 15,000 people in the United Kingdom established a 96.4% efficacy rate against the primary viral strain, while an 86.3% rate against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variation, and a 89.7% overall efficacy.
In response to questions, Novavax stated that it is prepared to start shipping vaccine shots as soon as it secures regulatory authorization and execution of any release conditions by the authorities.
In January this year, Singapore struck an early purchase arrangement with the business to safeguard vaccine supply.
In June, Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Health Minister stated that the Ministry of Health was looking for high-quality, safe, as well as effective vaccinations to be included in the national vaccination program.
Novavax is a protein-based vaccination that stimulates an immune response by using a lab-made version of the Sars-CoV-2 spike protein.
If approved, Novavax will become the fifth vaccine to be made available in the country, joining Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm.
Source credit: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/novavax-applies-for-approval-to-use-its-covid-19-vaccine-in-spore
" ["meta_description"]=> string(229) "Novavax, a leading American biotechnology firm, has reportedly announced that it has filed for interim authorization from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority to bring its new non-mRNA based Covid-19 vaccine to the city-state." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-11-26 15:33:16" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "11/26/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(86) "img/covid-19/novavax-files-for-approval-to-bring-its-covid-19-vaccine-in-singapore.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [20]=> object(stdClass)#46 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "248" ["name"]=> string(68) "Study links Delta variant to high risk of stillbirth, maternal death" ["url"]=> string(67) "study-links-delta-variant-to-high-risk-of-stillbirth-maternal-death" ["full_desc"]=> string(2667) "Pregnant women who have contracted the delta variant of COVID-19 will be at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or dying during childbirth, two new studies conducted by American national health agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have reported.
The research supposedly further expands on earlier reports by doctors across nation, who observed a significant rise in the number of pregnant women getting critically ill due to COVID-19, especially as the highly contagious Delta variant became more dominant in the country since July.
Dr. Ellie Ragsdale, Director of Fetal Intervention, UH Cleveland Medical Center, stated that many complications related to pregnancy are being detected in those infected with the coronavirus, including premature deliveries, abnormally high blood pressure, as well as pregnancy loss. Ragsdale, however, was not involved in the CDC’s research.
Before the pandemic, the rate of stillbirth in the USA was categorized as rare, at approximately 0.59%. These rates stayed the same even when COVID-19 hit, at 0.64% among women that were never diagnosed with the coronavirus.
However, among pregnant women who had been infected, the rate of stillbirth rose to 0.98%, according to the CDC. And with the delta variant taking hold in July, the rate jumped exponentially at 2.7%.
While the study is yet to prove whether the delta variant can cause fetal demise, many obstetricians have reported a significant difference in how much oxygen can be absorbed by the fetuses of women that have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and those who have not.
As per the CDC, 348 pregnancies were lost out of more than 34,016 COVID-positive pregnant women. The agency has also reported that less than a third of total pregnant women in the country have been vaccinated since July when Delta started taking hold.
In September, CDC had issued an urgent alert for expectant mothers to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, reassuring them that the vaccine is safe and will not have any harmful effect or pose an increased risk of miscarriage.
Source credit: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/delta-variant-linked-increased-risk-stillbirth-cdc-study-finds-rcna6152
" ["meta_description"]=> string(143) "Pregnant women who have contracted the delta variant of COVID-19 will be at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or dying during childbirth" ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-11-23 19:34:27" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "11/23/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(84) "img/covid-19/study-links-delta-variant-to-high-risk-of-stillbirth-maternal-death.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [21]=> object(stdClass)#47 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "241" ["name"]=> string(69) "UK Covid testing firm faces probe for selling swabs with customer DNA" ["url"]=> string(69) "uk-covid-testing-firm-faces-probe-for-selling-swabs-with-customer-dna" ["full_desc"]=> string(3406) "A government-approved Covid testing firm in the UK is reportedly under investigation by the country’s privacy watchdog over its alleged plans to sell swabs containing customer DNA for medical-related research.
The firm, Cignpost Diagnostics, which trades under the name ‘Express Test’, has provided up to three million tests since its inception in June of 2020, with each test costing between £35 ($64) and £120 ($220) each, cite reports.
According to company documents, Cignpost intends to analyze the samples collected to learn about the human health in more detail, develop new drugs and related products, or sell the said information to third parties.
UK’s data protection laws state that explicit and informed consent is required in order to make use of such sensitive information.
It has been reported, however, that customers were not clearly informed that the medical data received from their samples would be used for anything apart from COVID-19 testing. They were instead asked to tick a box to agree to a 4876-word long privacy policy that linked to another document that outlined the research program.
The document stated that Cignpost will be saving any data related to the sample, such as the DNA obtained, as well as any genetic information that will be retrieved while processing the DNA sample, which may be done by various technologies including genotyping and whole or partial genome sequence.
Express Test has 71 walk-in locations across the country and offers testing for international passengers at the Heathrow and Gatwick airports for both pre-departures and arrivals.
As per reports, the company removed all references to its research program from the privacy policy last week after the UK’s Human Tissue Authority and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) received information on its purported plan.
The information had been reported to the ICO as well as to the Human Tissue Authority by The Sunday Times, a major newspaper in the UK, after it got access to the documents regarding the research and the privacy policy.
Steve Wood, ICO deputy commissioner, stated that DNA is the most sensitive personal data and that people should be informed what is happening in a clear, open and honest way so they themselves can make an informed decision about its use and what can be done with it.
Cignpost claims that it has worked in full compliance with data privacy laws, adding that it has also invested in robust systems and processes to ensure the protection of their customers.
" ["meta_description"]=> string(211) "A government-approved Covid testing firm in the UK is reportedly under investigation by the country’s privacy watchdog over its alleged plans to sell swabs containing customer DNA for medical-related research." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-11-15 18:31:30" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "11/15/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(86) "img/covid-19/uk-covid-testing-firm-faces-probe-for-selling-swabs-with-customer-dna.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [22]=> object(stdClass)#48 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "239" ["name"]=> string(65) "COVID-resistant people can lead to development of better vaccines" ["url"]=> string(65) "covid-resistant-people-can-lead-to-development-of-better-vaccines" ["full_desc"]=> string(2356) "Researchers at the University College London have suggested that studying and understanding how people who can naturally resist the coronavirus infection, even after coming in direct contact with it, can help in the development of better vaccines.
In a study published in the journal Nature, scientists report that some people were immune to the Covid virus before the pandemic began, likely the result of their bodies having developed immunity to previous viruses related to the current one.
For the study, scientists closely monitored hospital staff throughout the first wave of the pandemic, and regularly checked their blood samples. The team concluded that despite working in a high-risk environment, some of the staff were able to not get infected and avoid the virus.
Around 1-in-10 showed signs of being exposed, however, not only did they not develop any symptoms or test positive, but they also did not develop antibodies of the virus in their blood.
Dr. Leo Swadling, part of the research team, stated that the immune system of the study participants was already ‘poised’ to stop the new disease from spreading and taking over.
Through their blood samples, it was observed that their immune system had the protective T-cells before the pandemic had been declared, because of which their systems were able to kill the Covid-affected cells before their body could show any symptoms of being infected.
The team stated that while the current vaccines can prevent people from becoming ill from Covid-19, they are not able to completely stop them from catching it. The team claimed that the vaccines can be more effective if they can be upgraded to replicate this protection.
Praising the research, Dr. Alexander Edwards, from the University of Reading, stated that the results of the study can help in advancing the development of different types of vaccines, which is the need of the hour.
Source credit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-59207466
" ["meta_description"]=> string(153) "Researchers at the University College London have suggested that studying and understanding how people who can naturally resist the coronavirus infection" ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-11-12 12:35:42" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "11/12/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(82) "img/covid-19/covid-resistant-people-can-lead-to-development-of-better-vaccines.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [23]=> object(stdClass)#49 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "222" ["name"]=> string(64) "Japanese firm VLP starts clinical trial for new COVID-19 vaccine" ["url"]=> string(64) "japanese-firm-vlp-starts-clinical-trial-for-new-covid-19-vaccine" ["full_desc"]=> string(2559) "VLP Therapeutics, a Japanese drug research venture firm, has reportedly announced that it has begun the first phase of clinical trials to assess the efficacies of its novel COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine, being developed by the Japanese firm employs innovative ‘replicon’ technology, which is an advanced messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that self-replicates inside an individual's body after getting the vaccination.
It supposedly only needs a dosage that is just 1/10 to 1/100 of the mRNA vaccines that have been tested, and could be delivered in huge numbers in a short period of time. According to the company, it plans to file for pharmacological approval and put the technology into use by 2022.
While clinical trials for replicon vaccines have started in the US and elsewhere, this is the first instance they are being done in Japan. The replicon vaccine, like mRNA vaccines, is a kind of nucleic acid vaccination.
However, unlike other mRNA vaccines, the next-gen COVID-19 vaccine's replicon RNA self-replicates inside cells for a short duration, allowing it to trigger immunological responses even with a low dose.
The vaccine's safety and efficacy will be validated in the first-stage clinical study by administering it twice to 45 individuals aged 65 and under. In the spring of 2022, the firm plans to start the last rounds of clinical testing.
Fujifilm Corp. will be responsible for the production, with an aim of manufacturing approximately 50 million doses each year for the time being. The government of Japan has also contributed funds for the development of the replicon vaccine.
According to the Head of VLP Therapeutics Japan, Wataru Akahata, when novel infectious diseases emerge in the future, this will serve as a locally manufactured core technology that allows Japan to respond quickly.
Around 75% population of Japan has already been vaccinated against COVID-19. VLP intends to use their vaccine as booster doses as well as export to places where vaccines are in limited supply.
Source credit: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211019/p2a/00m/0na/004000c
" ["meta_description"]=> string(190) "VLP Therapeutics, a Japanese drug research venture firm, has reportedly announced that it has begun the first phase of clinical trials to assess the efficacies of its novel COVID-19 vaccine." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-10-21 15:25:59" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "10/21/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(81) "img/covid-19/japanese-firm-vlp-starts-clinical-trial-for-new-covid-19-vaccine.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [24]=> object(stdClass)#50 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "221" ["name"]=> string(68) "Valneva announces positive results from its vaccine's Phase 3 trials" ["url"]=> string(67) "valneva-announces-positive-results-from-its-vaccines-phase-3-trials" ["full_desc"]=> string(2952) "Valneva, the French biotech firm that is a part of the worldwide vaccine race, has reportedly disclosed positive Phase 3 outcomes in a clinical trial that pitted it against the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, paving the way for probable UK approval by the end of 2021.
Valneva claimed that its vaccine promoted the production of protective antibodies at a 40% greater rate than AstraZeneca's jab and was more tolerated among trial participants. The trail was based in the UK and enrolled 4,012 participants.
According to the firm, the vaccine also prevented COVID-19 infections at a similar rate as the Oxford/AstraZeneca injection, and there were no severe instances in either group. Given the presence of already-approved vaccines in the market, an placebo-controlled study was ruled out on ethical grounds.
In a press conference, Valneva Chief Medical Officer Juan Carlos Jaramillo stated that Valneva is promoting the vaccine as a first-line course for individuals in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and throughout the world.
According to chief investigator Adam Finn, there is a place for this new vaccine even in locations where inoculation programs are in advanced stages.
The biotech launched a rolling review with the United Kingdom’s MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority) in August and expects to finalize its application in November. It anticipates the first approval, perhaps before the end of the year, claimed Jaramillo. Meanwhile, the European Union is expected to make a decision early next year.
Based on the study participants, this will initially be for individuals aged 18 to 55. Based on current trials, the firm expects to broaden its usage to older and younger people. In addition, Valneva is also conducting a booster trial with its inactivated viral vaccine.
Valneva's announcement drew positive reactions from investors, pushing the company's shares up 36% in European trade.
While this is good news for the French firm, which picked the United Kingdom for clinical trials as well as vaccine production, it is tarnished by a lack of buyers.
The vaccine from Valneva is the only COVID-19 jab in clinical development in Europe that is based on a fully inactivated, adjuvanted virus; a more conventional type of vaccination than mRNA or adenoviral-vector vaccines.
Source credit: https://www.politico.eu/article/valneva-reports-positive-results-for-coronavirus-vaccine/
" ["meta_description"]=> string(264) "Valneva, the French biotech firm that is a part of the worldwide vaccine race, has reportedly disclosed positive Phase 3 outcomes in a clinical trial that pitted it against the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, paving the way for probable UK approval by the end of 2021." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-10-20 17:41:50" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "10/20/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(84) "img/covid-19/valneva-announces-positive-results-from-its-vaccines-phase-3-trials.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [25]=> object(stdClass)#51 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "214" ["name"]=> string(70) "Japan: Scientists make vaccination strategy to fight all coronaviruses" ["url"]=> string(69) "japan-scientists-make-vaccination-strategy-to-fight-all-coronaviruses" ["full_desc"]=> string(2855) "Japanese scientists have reportedly developed a vaccination strategy that, if proven successful, could provide immunity against a vast variety of coronaviruses, including the one that causes Covid-19.
According to reliable reports, development of a vaccine that is more widely applicable has been the primary goal of researchers, given that some of the existing vaccines have been proven to be less effective against new strains of Sars-CoV-2.
The approach developed by researchers in Japan might possibly be utilized to deliver protection against any new pandemics that might originate from different coronaviruses. Their approach, outlined in a newly published study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, entails genetically modifying proteins from the Sars-CoV-2 virus.
The spike protein of the virus, which comprises a receptor-binding domain that binds to the ACE2 receptor on living human cells, was at the center of the study. The virus penetrates cells and multiplies after the spike protein binds to ACE2.
The head portion of the receptor-binding domain is highly specialized, while the core area of the receptor-binding domain is similar across other coronaviruses.
Vaccine-induced immunity usually includes the development of antibodies against the specialized head region of the coronavirus, making the protection extremely specific to that coronavirus.
To circumvent this predicament, scientists from Japan's Osaka University have genetically modified the receptor-binding domain of spike protein to have sugar molecules connected to the head region.
Mice exposed to these altered proteins generated a higher proportion of antibodies against the core area rather than the head region, as would be expected.
The antibodies they created were what the scientists call widely neutralizing, and in testing, they were shown to neutralize not only Sars-CoV-2 but also Sars-CoV-1, which had triggered the 2002 Sars outbreak.
They were also effective against three related coronaviruses in pangolins and bats, which is significant since coronaviruses that are now prevalent in some species may infect humans in the future.
" ["meta_description"]=> string(200) "Japanese scientists have reportedly developed a vaccination strategy that, if proven successful, could provide immunity against a vast variety of coronaviruses, including the one that causes Covid-19." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-10-11 19:25:23" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "10/11/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(86) "img/covid-19/japan-scientists-make-vaccination-strategy-to-fight-all-coronaviruses.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [26]=> object(stdClass)#52 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "207" ["name"]=> string(69) "South Korea in negotiations with Merck to pre-purchase COVID-19 pills" ["url"]=> string(69) "south-korea-in-negotiations-with-merck-to-pre-purchase-covid-19-pills" ["full_desc"]=> string(2792) "South Korea's public health authorities have reportedly stated that they are in negotiations with Merck, the US-based drugmaker, over the pre-purchase of its COVID-19 treatment pill, which Merck claims can reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths by half.
The news of the talks closely follow Merck’s announcement that its experimental pill in showcased exceptional efficacy for patients recently infected by the novel coronavirus. Merck added that it would seek approval from health regulators for the use of the drug in the United States and other nations.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated that the pharmaceutical company informed them about the preliminary results of the pill’s clinical trials. The agency also believes the results regarding the pill’s efficacy against variants and reduced fatality rates to be promising.
However, the details of the ongoing negotiations would be disclosed at an appropriate time after they reach an agreement about the time with Merck, KDCA added.
In September, the Korean government announced that it was in talks with several pharmaceutical companies about pre-purchasing their oral coronavirus treatments. For this purpose, the government allocated ₩16.8 billion ($14.1 million) from this year's budget and ₩19.4 billion won for the next year to acquire drugs for 38,000 people, as per reliable sources.
While the hefty cost associated with the treatment, estimated at over ₩900,000, has caused quite a stir, health officials stated that the government would cover all expenses, similar to the way it presently bears all costs of COVID-19 treatments, pursuant to the nation’s law on infectious diseases.
Evidently, Merck, with partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, stated that coronavirus patients who were administered the oral therapy “molnupiravir” reported roughly half the rate of death and hospitalization in comparison to the placebo group.
The drugmaker further added that, if the pill receives the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it would become the world's first oral COVID-19 treatment. Merck said that it would be able to produce 10 million doses by the end of this year, and the U.S. government intends on purchasing 1.7 million pills.
Source credit: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/10/119_316386.html
" ["meta_description"]=> string(126) "South Koreas public health authorities have reportedly stated that they are in negotiations with Merck, the US-based drugmaker" ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-10-04 18:33:30" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "10/04/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(86) "img/covid-19/south-korea-in-negotiations-with-merck-to-pre-purchase-covid-19-pills.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [27]=> object(stdClass)#53 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "196" ["name"]=> string(68) "Study: Pfizer's booster dose lowers viral load by factor of four" ["url"]=> string(62) "study-pfizers-booster-dose-lowers-viral-load-by-factor-of-four" ["full_desc"]=> string(2898) "A recent clinical-study conducted in Israel has reportedly discovered that a booster dose of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine significantly decreases viral load among individuals infected with the delta strain, lowering the risk of transmission.
According to reports, the research was conducted by KSM, Maccabi Research and Innovation Center, and Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. the outcomes were posted on the MedRxiv website, which hosts studies that have not yet been published within a scientific journal.
The researchers determined that the vaccine's effectiveness at lowering viral load diminishes around six months after the second dose is administered. However, a third booster shot cuts the viral loads by a factor of four, returning the vaccine's efficacy to what it was after the second shot was administered.
The researchers examined 11,000 PCR swab tests from individuals infected with the delta variant performed by the Maccabi health maintenance organization. These patients were split into three groups: those who had never been vaccinated, those who were sick within six months of receiving the second dose, and those who became infected after receiving the booster injection.
Matan Levine-Tiefenbrun, the lead researcher of the study and a Ph.D. student at Tel Aviv University who is affiliated with Technion as well, stated that the researchers observed that the vaccine's efficacy in terms of viral load steadily declines over time, until it (viral load) achieves a high level after six months, comparable to that of an uninfected person.
Nevertheless, researchers found that the booster dose of vaccine reduces the virus load by a factor of four compared to previously, Matan Levine-Tiefenbrun added.
Apart from Levine-Tiefenbrun, the other researchers; Dr. Idan Yellin and Prof. Roy Kishony, both from Techion, along with a group of KSM researchers led by Dr. Tal Patalon collaborated to complete the research.
Back in March, this same group published a paper in the journal Nature Medicine, demonstrating that Pfizer's coronavirus vaccination reduces viral load considerably as early as 12 days after the first dosage. However, that study revolved around the alpha variant, commonly known as the UK variant, instead of the delta variant.
Source credit: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/covid-booster-shot-reduces-viral-load-limits-transmission-israeli-study-finds-1.10224174
" ["meta_description"]=> string(204) "A recent clinical-study conducted in Israel has reportedly discovered that a booster dose of Pfizers coronavirus vaccine significantly decreases viral load among individuals infected with the delta strain" ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-09-21 18:30:42" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "09/21/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(79) "img/covid-19/study-pfizers-booster-dose-lowers-viral-load-by-factor-of-four.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [28]=> object(stdClass)#54 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "179" ["name"]=> string(69) "US court orders local hospital to treat COVID patient with Ivermectin" ["url"]=> string(69) "us-court-orders-local-hospital-to-treat-covid-patient-with-ivermectin" ["full_desc"]=> string(3259) "A lawsuit might force a local Ohio hospital to reportedly treat a COVID-19 patient admitted at its facilities with Ivermectin, an animal deworming medication. The drug, as a result of several successful misinformation campaigns, has been hailed as an effective treatment for the coronavirus across right-wing circles.
According to reports, despite health officials warning that using it as a pandemic cure is hazardous and ineffective, people, influenced by the misinformation, have been self-medicating with the anti-parasite medication.
Last week, a county judge made a ruling that said that a Cincinnati-area hospital must prescribe the medicine in accordance with the requests of the patient's wife. The man has been fighting Covid and related health problems since July.
On July 9, 51 year old Jeffrey Smith tested positive for COVID-19. Now a court order mandates a West Chester Hospital to give him the dangerous drug based on his personal doctor's orders.
The legal suit does not indicate whether Smith has been inoculated against COVID-19 but, the statistics from the state suggest that he likely has not had the vaccine, especially as misinformation and the resulting vaccine hesitancy runs rife throughout America’s southern states.
For the uninitiated, Ivermectin is not an anti-viral drug, it is an anti-parasitic medication that is most widely used in animals, with only a few human applications authorized.
The Food and Drug Administration has advised Americans to not use Ivermectin for treating the coronavirus, citing the risk of significant health-related side effects.
According to the FDA website, there is a vast amount of misinformation out there, and people may have heard that taking big dosages of ivermectin is safe. That is incorrect. Even Ivermectin doses allowed for human usage can react with other medicines, such as blood thinners and cause serious repercussions.
The Website adds that people can easily overdose on Ivermectin, which can result in vomiting, nausea, hypotension (low blood pressure), diarrhea, allergic responses (hives and itching), dizziness, ataxia (balance issues), coma, seizures, and even death.
Despite these warnings and cautions, the patient's family doctor, Dr. Fred Waghsul, an Ohio-based physician, has claimed that federal health officials and the media are involved in a conspiracy to hide the drug's efficacy, an effort which he equates to genocide.
Similar lawsuits have sprung up in Buffalo, New York, and Chicago, where they have sought to strong-arm patients’ hospitals into using Ivermectin.
Source credit: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ohio-ivermectin-covid-donald-trump-b1911374.html
" ["meta_description"]=> string(159) "A lawsuit might force a local Ohio hospital to reportedly treat a COVID-19 patient admitted at its facilities with Ivermectin, an animal deworming medication. " ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-08-31 19:23:08" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "08/31/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(86) "img/covid-19/us-court-orders-local-hospital-to-treat-covid-patient-with-ivermectin.png" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [29]=> object(stdClass)#55 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "172" ["name"]=> string(66) "UK Gov issues warnings to COVID testing firms for misleading rates" ["url"]=> string(66) "uk-gov-issues-warnings-to-covid-testing-firms-for-misleading-rates" ["full_desc"]=> string(2979) "United Kingdom Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, has reportedly announced that over 80 private COVID travel testing service providers registered on the UK government's website would be handed two-strike warnings for charging deceptive rates.
According to credible reports, another 57 companies will be removed from the government's website on Monday, either because they no longer operate or because they do not offer any relevant tests.
The health secretary stated that the decision was made to crack down on these firms' cowboy behavior. Javid also added that the government would also conduct random inspections on test providers to ensure fair practices.
For the uninitiated, the UK government has made it a mandatory requirement for overseas travelers visiting England to undergo testing before departure and upon arrival.
The number of tests required is determined by whether travelers have arrived from a green or amber country, as well as their vaccination status. Meanwhile, arrivals from red nations must still self-quarantine in provided hotel facilities before being able to travel freely in the country.
To make the process easier, the UK government website provides a list of private firms that offer such testing facilities. However, a recent assessment by the Department of Health discovered that the rates shown on the government's Gov.UK website, were lower than the actual cost.
Some of the most prevalent complaints from travelers are that tests and their costs, which are mentioned on the government's website, are not as advertised. Additionally, many travelers have also complained about the low-grade services offered by these firms.
Mr. Javid stated that it is completely unethical for any private testing firm to take advantage of vacationers, and the move to delist them would put a stop to their cowboy behavior. 57 businesses will be removed from the Gov.UK list, and another 82 will be issued a two-strike warning if they promote deceptive pricing again.
Javid also went on to say that the spot checks were put in place to make sure that all private providers followed the regulations and adhere to the government's high transparency standards.
Although the government has not specified the providers it wants to exclude from the Gov.UK site or the companies that will receive warnings, it is certain the test providers that are providing COVID tests starting at £20 will be targeted.
Source credit: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58300897
" ["meta_description"]=> string(253) "United Kingdom Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, has reportedly announced that over 80 private COVID travel testing service providers registered on the UK governments website would be handed two-strike warnings for charging deceptive rates." ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-08-23 20:36:30" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "08/23/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Rini Dalvi" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(83) "img/covid-19/uk-gov-issues-warnings-to-covid-testing-firms-for-misleading-rates.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [30]=> object(stdClass)#56 (11) { ["id"]=> string(3) "160" ["name"]=> string(68) "Germany to donate 5Mn surgical masks to healthcare workers in Jordan" ["url"]=> string(68) "germany-to-donate-5mn-surgical-masks-to-healthcare-workers-in-jordan" ["full_desc"]=> string(2919) "The World Health Organization (WHO) has reportedly announced that the Federal Republic of Germany has donated more than 5 million surgical face masks, worth more than $1.57 million, to the Jordanian Ministry of Health on Sunday via the WHO office in Jordan
According to reports, the donated marks intend to support the nationwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jordanian Health Minister, Feras Al Hawari, thanked Germany for its generous donation and stated that Jordan is very grateful to the citizens and the government of Germany for their continued support in its fight against COVID-19.
Hawari added, protecting frontline health workers is absolutely essential for the Jordanian government, and the donation of surgical masks will go a long way toward achieving that goal.
Bernhard Kampmann, German Ambassador in Jordan stated that the shipment of surgical masks demonstrates that Germany stands firmly with its Jordanian partners in such difficult times.
To alleviate the strain on health workers dealing with the changing face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary that all people contribute towards halting the viruses spread and adhering to preventive measures, Kampmann added.
WHO Representative for Jordan, Jamela Al Raiby, stated that WHO appreciates the timely contribution from Germany and its support to Jordan to stop the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal Protective Equipment is essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings. WHO would also like to thank Germany's $500,000 contribution to the WHO Health Emergencies program in Jordan, Al Raiby added further.
The in-kind donation comes at a time when Jordan is seeing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases reported on a daily basis. The surgical masks will be critical in protecting frontline health workers in their ongoing battle against COVID-19.
Germany had previously donated ventilators, analyzers, and COVID testing kits to several countries through bilateral agreements. Germany also contributed to the COVAX vaccination platform.
The WHO also urged the international community to continue their support for Jordan as the nation continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source credit: https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/germany-donates-5-million-surgical-masks-jordan-protect-healthcare-workers-against-covid
" ["meta_description"]=> string(180) "The World Health Organization (WHO) has reportedly announced that the Federal Republic of Germany has donated more than 5 million surgical face masks, worth more than $1.57 million" ["date"]=> string(19) "2021-08-09 17:40:52" ["publish_date"]=> string(10) "08/09/2021" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(85) "img/covid-19/germany-to-donate-5mn-surgical-masks-to-healthcare-workers-in-jordan.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } [31]=> object(stdClass)#57 (11) { ["id"]=> string(1) "2" ["name"]=> string(68) "BP reports $5.7B loss as oil demand tumbles due to Covid-19 pandemic" ["url"]=> string(78) "2021/02/04/bp-reports-5-7b-loss-as-oil-demand-tumbles-due-to-covid-19-pandemic" ["full_desc"]=> string(2533) "British multinational oil & gas major, BP, has reported annual loss for first time in ten years after a challenging year during which the global oil market suffered a severe blow from coronavirus pandemic.
As per the credible sources, the oil giant reported a loss of $5.7 billion for last year, as compared to a profit of around $10 billion in 2019, as the demand for fossil fuels was axed by the pandemic and led to the decline in prices of oil on the international market.
Reportedly, the company was compelled to write off its oil & gas assets by approximately $6.5 billion last year after lowering its oil prices expectations in the long-term. BP also reduced its worldwide workforce by over 10,000 and decreased its shareholder dividend first time following last year’s Deepwater Horizon disaster, while prices of shares slid down to a 26-year low.
The firm’s annual loss counting the write off as well as other charges that are non-operating in nature was recorded as $18.1 billion for the year, which was its worst financial outcome since it recorded a loss of $4.9 billion after the Deepwater Horizon calamity.
Apparently, all the major oil companies faced difficulties last year as restrictions due to the pandemic constrained the gradually escalating global prices of oil, which have been endured by an agreement between the OPEC oil nations to limiting the oil production.
Brent crude prices has reportedly recovered from $20 per barrel back in April 2020 to over $55 per barrel, however the market still remains considerably below highs of around $75 a barrel back in 2019. Given that, BP has reduced its oil prices forecasts for the coming years to an average $55 per barrel over the span of 2021 to 2050, which is down by nearly a third than its forecasts prior to the pandemic.
During the final quarter of a difficult year for BP, the company registered a modest underlying profit of $115 million, much lower than analyst forecasts of $360 million profit and a fraction of the $2.5 billion reported in the same months in 2019.
In this regard, chief executive of BP, Bernard Looney has stated that the tough quarter at the end of an extremely challenging year was the most difficult time for the company and better days ahead in 2021 are expected.
Source credit: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/feb/02/bp-loss-covid-19-oil-demand
" ["meta_description"]=> NULL ["date"]=> NULL ["publish_date"]=> string(0) "" ["author"]=> string(10) "Sumit Horo" ["type"]=> string(8) "covid-19" ["image_url"]=> string(98) "wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bp-reports-5-7b-loss-as-oil-demand-tumbles-due-to-covid-19-pandemic.jpg" ["algos_mail_id"]=> string(41) "connect.author@littlesaigoncollective.com" } }