Challenges in diagnosing polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80 allergies: implications for allergic reactions in COVID-19 mRNA vaccination program: experience from Qatar.

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccination has been a key intervention in reducing the severity of symptoms; however, concerns about vaccine safety, particularly regarding allergic reactions, arose early on. Healthcare workers faced the challenge of addressing these concerns to ensure safe vaccine administration. This study aimed to review the practical aspects of using allergy skin testing for COVID-19 vaccine excipients in patients with a history of allergic reactions developed following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

BNT162b2 Versus mRNA-1273 Vaccines: Comparative Analysis of Long-Term Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Severe COVID-19 in Qatar.

Background: This study provides a head-to-head comparison of the protection provided by the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and against severe COVID-19, covering primary series and third dose/booster vaccinations over up to 3 years of follow-up, both before and after the emergence of the omicron variant.

Methods: Two national, matched, retrospective cohort studies were conducted on Qatar's vaccinated population from December 16, 2020, to February 18, 2024. Subgroup analyses by pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection history, as well as sensitivity analyses, were also conducted.

Health professionals' views and experiences of breaking bad news in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a scoping review.

Introduction: Breaking bad news is a critical yet challenging aspect of healthcare that requires effective communication skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. Health professionals in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region face unique cultural and social factors distinct from other parts of the world. This scoping review aims to comprehensively explore the peer-reviewed literature on the health professionals' experiences in delivering bad news within the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Virus-Induced Host Chemokine CCL2 in COVID-19 Pathogenesis: Potential Prognostic Marker and Target of Anti-Inflammatory Strategy.

A wide variety of inflammatory mediators, mainly cytokines and chemokines, are induced during SARS CoV-2 infection. Among these proinflammatory mediators, chemokines tend to play a pivotal role in virus-mediated immunopathology. The C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine and strong chemoattractant of monocytes, macrophages and CD4+ T cells bearing C-C chemokine receptor type-2 (CCR2).