Despite low viral titer in saliva samples, Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing is highly applicable for the variant identification.

Background: This study aimed to compare the performance of Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based full-genome sequencing for variant identification in saliva samples with low viral titer.

Methods: Using 241 stocked saliva samples collected from confirmed COVID-19 patients between November 2020 and March 2022 in Hiroshima, SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing (nt22735-nt23532) was performed by nested RT-PCR and Sanger platform using in-house primers. The same samples underwent full-genome sequencing by NGS using Illumina NextSeq2000.

Variant-specific Symptoms After COVID-19: A Hospital-based Study in Hiroshima.

Background: Symptoms after novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 strains are unspecified.

Methods: This self-administered questionnaire-based study was conducted to investigate symptoms after COVID-19 recovery at one of the main hospitals for COVID-19 treatment in Hiroshima, Japan, from September 2020 to March 2022 for patients who visited follow-up consultations after COVID-19. Study subjects were divided into four groups (Wild-type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron periods) according to COVID-19 onset date.

Concurrent lung adenocarcinoma hidden among multiple shadows of COVID-19 pneumonia: A rare and instructive case report.

A 40-year-old man was admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Although most of multiple ground-glass opacities and consolidations on computed tomography improved, a round ground-glass opacity with consolidation remained unchanged and was suspected to be a part-solid nodule of lung adenocarcinoma. Pathologic diagnosis of resected tumor was papillary adenocarcinoma.

The role of discrimination in the relation between COVID-19 sequelae, psychological distress, and work impairment in COVID-19 survivors.

Perceived discrimination and work impairment are commonly observed in COVID-19 survivors, but their relationship has not been well understood. We aimed to evaluate the role of discrimination in the development of psychological distress and work impairment in COVID-19 survivors. From April 2020 to November 2021, 309 patients were recruited at two designated COVID-19 hospitals in Japan.

Comparison of COVID-19 pneumonia during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron wave and the previous non-Omicron wave in a single facility.

Background: The characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant have not been fully described. Unlike other variants, the Omicron variant replicates rapidly in the bronchus. Therefore, we hypothesized that it would have different computed tomography (CT) findings from non-Omicron variants.

Concurrent coronavirus disease 2019 and primary syphilis in a young man: A rare case report.

Introduction: The global rise of syphilis infections and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are causes for concern. We herein report a rare case of concurrent primary syphilis and COVID-19.

Case Report: A 29-year-old man was admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19.

Risk factors for progression to acute respiratory failure after casirivimab and imdevimab administration: A retrospective study.

Background: Casirivimab and imdevimab are effective in preventing hospitalization in outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, disease progression after casirivimab and imdevimab administration has been reported. This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors for disease progression after casirivimab and imdevimab administration.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with COVID-19 who received casirivimab and imdevimab at Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital between August 6, 2021, and October 10, 2021.

Can the Omicron variant of COVID-19 cause pneumonia in young patients without risk factors?

The Omicron variant (B.1.1.

Long COVID occurrence in COVID-19 survivors.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the post-acute consequences of COVID-19. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey on sequelae, psychological distress (K6), impairments in work performance (WFun), and COVID-19-related experiences of stigma and discrimination in two designated COVID-19 hospitals in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, between August 2020 and March 2021. The prevalence of sequelae was calculated by age and COVID-19 severity.

Sequential dynamics of virological and serological changes in the serum of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load dynamics in respiratory samples have been studied, but knowledge about changes in serial serum samples of infected patients in relation to their immunological response is lacking. We investigated the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral load and antibody response in sequential serum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and attempted to culture the virus in the serum. A total of 81 sequential serum samples from 10 confirmed COVID-19 patients (5 with mild and 5 with moderate symptoms) were analyzed.

Performance Status Is a Risk Factor for Depression before the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Patients.

Objective Previous studies have shown that lung cancer patients experience depression before their diagnosis. However, the patient characteristics that are risk factors for depression before the diagnosis of lung cancer are unclear. We therefore performed this study to identify the characteristics that are risk factors for depression in lung cancer patients.

Bevacizumab with Single-agent Chemotherapy in Previously Treated Non-squamous Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: Phase II Study.

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bevacizumab with docetaxel or pemetrexed in previously treated patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Patients And Methods: This study enrolled patients who had received at least one chemotherapy regimen, regardless of prior use of bevacizumab. Combinations of docetaxel or pemetrexed were chosen by attending physicians.

Intratracheal Administration of siRNA Dry Powder Targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibits Lung Tumor Growth in Mice.

Inhalation therapy using small-interfering RNA (siRNA) is a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for lung cancer because of its high gene-silencing effects and sequence specificity. Previous studies reported that intratracheal administration of siRNA using pressurized metered dose inhalers or nebulizers could suppress tumor growth in murine lung metastatic models. Although dry powder inhalers are promising devices due to their low cost, good portability, and preservability, the anti-tumor effects of siRNA dry powder have not been elucidated.

[Cardiopulmonary arrest due to massive hemoptysis from bronchiectasis].

A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of hemosputum. When chest computed tomography (CT) was performed, sudden and massive hemoptysis occurred. She suffered cardiopulmonary arrest.