2) The putamen is a subcortical brain structure that plays a crucial role in cognitive processes like planning, decision-making, and the execution of actions. It is part of the basal ganglia system and is particularly vulnerable to neurological impacts.
3) This study of 43 adults with prior COVID-19 found those with more persistent symptoms had smaller putamen volumes. Specific symptoms like lack of appetite, muscle aches, cognitive issues most linked to reduced putamen.
The PROLONGED JOURNEY of SARS-COV-2 in ESTABLISHING ITSELF as the LEADING HUMAN PATHOGEN
(4th part)
Continuing with the theme of epistatic interactions :
The fitness of SARS-CoV-2 is influenced by the properties of its RBD through epistatic effects pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pn…
2) The study developed a biophysical model that links the molecular properties of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) to the virus's fitness and ability to spread.
The key finding is that the interactions between different RBD mutations (called epistasis) play ...
3) ...a crucial role in determining the virus's fitness. While many individual mutations may enhance the virus's ability to infect cells or evade antibodies, certain combinations of mutations can actually be detrimental.
2) This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 56 studies on the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). The main findings are:
▶️ Pre-infection COVID-19 vaccination appears to reduce the risk of developing PCC, with
77% adjusted VE ...
3) ... estimates (vs unvaccinated) being statistically significant and protective (7-95% range).
▶️ The protective effect of pre-infection vaccination was observed regardless of vaccine type, number of doses, PCC definition, predominant variant, and severity of acute infection.
IF WE COULD PREVENT the SARS-COV-2 virus from ENTERING OUR CELLS, we could BLOCK the INFECTION.
(3rd part)
Viral interference between SARS-COV-2 and influenza A viruses : H3N2 not H1N1, strongly interfered with Omicron through the action of IGSs journals.plos.org/plospathogens/…
2) The study investigated the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses, focusing on the Omicron variant and a contemporary H3N2 strain, as well as the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 D614G strain and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain.
3) A key aspect examined was the role of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the viral interference observed. ISGs are genes that are upregulated in response to interferons (IFNs) and play an important antiviral function.
IF WE COULD PREVENT the SARS-COV-2 virus from ENTERING OUR CELLS, we could effectively BLOCK the INFECTION.
(2nd part)
What are the roles of pH and Ca2+ in the process of viral entry?
A wonderful new study 💯👍 cell.com/structure/abst…
2) The study used advanced microscopy techniques to directly observe how the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein changes shape during the process of infecting cells.
3) The key findings are:
▶️ The spike protein can spontaneously switch between three different 3D structures, allowing it to remain flexible and avoid getting stuck in one configuration.
▶️ Acidic conditions, like those found in the cell's digestive compartments, push the spike
2) Long COVID is a chronic, disabling illness with long-term health impacts, but no approved treatments exist yet. Patients with long COVID have important experiences and ideas that can guide better research.
3) However, there are major disconnects between patients and researchers that hinder progress.
To bridge this gap, researchers need to actively involve patients throughout the research process - from setting priorities to analyzing data.