Publications by authors named "Mariela Romero"
Background: SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen can be detected in plasma, but little is known about its performance as a diagnostic test for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection or infectious viral shedding among nonhospitalized individuals.
Methods: We used data generated from anterior nasal and blood samples collected in a longitudinal household cohort of SARS-CoV-2 cases and contacts. Participants were classified as true positives if polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for SARS-CoV-2 and as true negatives if PCR negative and seronegative.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated how vaccination affects the infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 by comparing viral shedding in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated adults who tested positive for the virus.
- Although maximum RNA levels in both groups were similar, vaccinated individuals showed a quicker decline in viral load and had a shorter duration of infectious virus.
- Specifically, vaccinated participants had a median infectious virus detection duration of 6 days compared to 7.5 days in unvaccinated individuals, showing that vaccination reduces the likelihood of spreading the virus after the first five days of symptoms.
Article Synopsis
- - The emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) raised questions about using cycle threshold (Ct) values from RT-PCR tests as indicators of infectiousness for SARS-CoV-2, as low Ct values have been correlated with higher infectiousness in other variants.
- - A study analyzed nasal samples from nonhospitalized individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area, comparing culturable virus presence and Ct values between those infected with pre-Omicron variants and the Omicron BA.1 sublineage.
- - Results indicated that during Omicron BA.1 infections, Ct values were higher (indicating lower viral RNA levels) than in pre-Omicron infections, suggesting that Ct values may not reliably reflect
Background: Households have emerged as important venues for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. Little is known, however, regarding the magnitude and determinants of household transmission in increasingly vaccinated populations.
Methods: From September 2020 to January 2022, symptomatic nonhospitalized individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection by RNA detection were identified within 5 days of symptom onset; all individuals resided with at least 1 other SARS-CoV-2-uninfected household member.
Acyline contraception has been described in cats, but few data are available on the drug's long-term effect on growth. The relevant data cover until puberty with no radiographic description. We investigated the radiographic parameters throughout bone growth in order to more completely determine the drug's safety.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: There is mounting evidence for the presence of postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC), but there is limited information on the spectrum, magnitude, duration, and patterns of these sequelae as well as their influence on quality of life.
Methods: We assembled a cohort of adults with a documented history of SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity at ≥2 weeks past onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms or, if asymptomatic, first positive test. At 4-month intervals, we queried physical and mental health symptoms and quality of life.
Chromium (Cr) is a nonessential element for plants that is extremely toxic at high concentrations. Zea mays L. is a species of plant that has developed adaptive mechanisms to increase its tolerance and absorption capacity for this metal.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues and millions remain vulnerable to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), attention has turned to characterizing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
Methods: From April 21 to December 31, 2020, we assembled a cohort of consecutive volunteers who a) had documented history of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positivity; b) were ≥ 2 weeks past onset of COVID-19 symptoms or, if asymptomatic, first test for SARS-CoV-2; and c) were able to travel to our site in San Francisco. Participants learned about the study by being identified on medical center-based registries and being notified or by responding to advertisements.