Medical devices that are racially biased

In Britain, an investigation has been opened to determine whether racial prejudices embedded in some medical devices caused more Covid-19 infections and deaths in black and Asian patients.

At the peak of the pandemic, those belonging to these ethnic groups registered more than twice as many people in intensive care units. Also higher mortality rates than in white patients.

Pulse oximeters appear to work less in dark-skinned patients.

BIOLOGICAL MOLECULE THAT NEUTRALIZES SARS-COV-2, PHASE I

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have isolated a smaller biological molecule that “completely and specifically neutralizes” the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This antibody component, 10 times smaller than a full-size antibody, has been used to make the drug Ab8 against coronavirus. Ab8 is very effective for treating coronavirus infection in mice and hamsters. Its small size not only increases its potential to spread in the tissues to better neutralize the virus, but also allows the drug to be administered by alternative routes, including inhalation. It binds to human cells and would have no negative side effects on people. Published in Cell on 14/09/2020.

Another study described a similar system of tiny proteins that could even be given as nasal spray. It has been tested in cell cultures and would work well to prevent coronavirus from sticking to cells. Published in Science on 09/09/2020)

DRINKING WATER, SANITATION, HEALTH AND DISEASE

The lack of safe drinking water and sanitation in non-developed countries is responsible for the many deaths from various diseases.

OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT EPIDEMIC IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

According to reports from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), one in four adults in the region suffers from obesity and there is a high rate of overweight (60% of the population). It is believed that the fight against overweight and obesity can be much more difficult than the fight against hunger.

THE LANCET REQUESTS CLARIFICATION FROM THE AUTHORS OF THE STUDY ON THE RUSSIAN VACCINE (SPUTNIK V) CAPABLE OF DEVELOPING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE WITHOUT UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS

In an open letter scientists questioned the plausibility of the data. The Lancet announced that it sought clarification from the authors (10.09.2020)

Safety and immunogenicity of an rAd26 and rAd5 vector-based heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccine in two formulations: two open, non-randomised phase 1/2 studies from Russia.

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