This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and side effects of various COVID-19 vaccines, with a focus on Trinidad and Tobago. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines demonstrated the highest efficacy, particularly against COVID-19 variants, while Janssen and Sinopharm were comparatively less effective. mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca, were associated with more frequent and severe side effects, including soreness, fever, and cardiovascular issues.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of several individual sleep traits have identified hundreds of genetic loci, suggesting diverse mechanisms. Moreover, sleep traits are moderately correlated, so together may provide a more complete picture of sleep health, while illuminating distinct domains. Here we construct novel sleep health scores (SHSs) incorporating five core self-report measures: sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, chronotype, snoring, and daytime sleepiness, using additive (SHS-ADD) and five principal components-based (SHS-PCs) approaches.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality is increasing in Africa, largely due to undiagnosed and untreated hypertension. Approaches that leverage existing primary health systems could improve hypertension treatment and reduce CVD, but cost-effectiveness is unknown. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of population-level hypertension screening and implementation of chronic care clinics across eastern, southern, central, and western Africa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPalm trees () are among the most popular ornamental plants worldwide. Despite extensive research on the fungi associated with , the diversity and ecological dynamics of fungi affecting ornamental palms remain poorly studied, although they have significant impact on palm health and economic value. Furthermore, while research on palm fungal diversity has traditionally focused on tropical assemblages, ornamental palms in temperate climates offer a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of palm fungi in non-native habitats.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEngineered monoclonal antibodies have proven to be highly effective therapeutics in recent viral outbreaks. However, despite technical advancements, an ability to rapidly adapt or increase antibody affinity and by extension, therapeutic efficacy, has yet to be fully realized. We endeavored to stand-up such a pipeline using molecular modeling combined with experimental library screening to increase the affinity of F5, a monoclonal antibody with potent neutralizing activity against Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV), to recombinant VEEV (IAB) E1E2 antigen.
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