10 research outputs found
Genetic Correlates of Presenile Dementia and Cognitive Decline in the Armenian Population Following COVID-19: A Case-Control Study
No full textThe presence of cognitive lapses in the post-COVID-19 period, particularly among younger individuals, suggests a potential genetic predisposition. This case–control study aimed to assess the association between neurodegeneration-associated genes and cognitive declines in the post-COVID-19 Armenian population under the age of 65. In addition, we examined other contributing factors, including depressive symptoms, hypovitaminosis D, vitamin B12 and B9 deficiencies, and some viral infections, as potential confounders or effect modifiers. A total of 162 participants (ages 19–65, Med = 43), who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Armenia between 2020 and 2022, participated in this study. Standardized assessments, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), were used to evaluate cognitive functions and mental status, while the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was utilized to assess depressive symptoms. Clinical interview data, comprising yes/no self-reports regarding the presence of cognitive problems and depressive symptoms, were also included. Genetic analysis identified copy number variations (CNVs) in the APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, and GRN genes, while viral infections (HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, Hepatitis A, B, and C) and vitamin D, B12, and B9 deficiencies were measured. Lower cognitive performance was associated with CNVs in PSEN1 (exons 1, 9, 12), GRN (exons 1, 6, 12), and MAPT (exons 2, 8), along with viral infections (HSV-1, HSV-2, HAV-2). The findings indicate that post-COVID-19 cognitive problems are multifactorial and are linked to genetic mutations, viral infections, age, gender, and folic acid deficiency
Author Correction: Tracking the evolution of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and long-term humoral immunity within 2 years after COVID-19 infection
No full textClinical performance and application of novel serum collection “Ser-Col” device in the practice of laboratory diagnosis of infection diseases and several other immunochemical tests
No full textInternational audienc
Tracking the evolution of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and long-term humoral immunity within 2 years after COVID-19 infection
No full textAbstract The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that gave rise to COVID-19 infection produced a worldwide health crisis. The virus can cause a serious or even fatal disease. Comprehending the complex immunological responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential for identifying pivotal elements that shape the course of the disease and its enduring effects on immunity. The span and potency of antibody responses provide valuable perspicuity into the resilience of post-infection immunity. The analysis of existing literature reveals a diverse controversy, confining varying data about the persistence of particular antibodies as well as the multifaceted factors that impact their development and titer, Within this study we aimed to understand the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against nucleocapsid (anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N)) and spike (anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N)) proteins in long-term immunity in convalescent patients, as well as the factors influencing the production and kinetics of those antibodies. We collected 6115 serum samples from 1611 convalescent patients at different post-infection intervals up to 21 months Study showed that in the fourth month, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) exhibited their peak mean value, demonstrating a 79% increase compared to the initial month. Over the subsequent eight months, the peak value experienced a modest decline, maintaining a relatively elevated level by the end of study. Conversely, anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S) exhibited a consistent increase at each three-month interval over the 15-month period, culminating in a statistically significant peak mean value at the study’s conclusion. Our findings demonstrate evidence of sustained seropositivity rates for both anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) and (S), as well as distinct dynamics in the long-term antibody responses, with anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) levels displaying remarkable persistence and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S) antibodies exhibiting a progressive incline
Kinetics of anti-nucleocapsid IgG response in COVID-19 immunocompetent convalescent patients
No full textThe comprehension of a long-term humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2 can shed light on the treatment and vaccination strategies of COVID-19 disease, improving the knowledge about this virus infection and/or re-infection. We assessed the IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein (anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) IgG) in 1441 COVID-19 convalescent patients within 15 months longitudinal study from middle-developed country. The main inclusion criteria was positive RT– PCR result on nasopharyngeal swab samples at least one month before antibody testing and absence of any induced or inherited immunodeficiency. 92.7% of convalescent patients’ serum contained anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) IgG and only 1.3% of patients had a delayed antibody response. In the majority of convalescent patients’ the durability of antibodies lasted more than one year. The kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) IgG took a bell-shaped character—increased first 25–30 weeks, then started to decrease, but were still detectable for more than 15 months. We found that on the one hand anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral response level correlates with disease severity, on the other, in particular, the level of peak antibodies correlates with age—older patients develop more robust humoral response regardless of sex, disease severity and BMI
The Social Cure Properties of Groups Across Cultures: Groups Provide More Support but Have Stronger Norms and Are Less Curative in Relationally Immobile Societies
No full textWe investigate whether the social cure properties of groups vary across cultures, testing hypotheses that the associations between multiple group memberships (MGM) and depressive symptoms will (a) be mediated by social support and uncomfortable normative pressures, and (b) vary systematically with sample-level relational mobility. Analyses of data from a survey (N = 5,174) conducted within k = 29 samples show that MGM is negatively associated with depressive symptoms, an association fully mediated by social support and uncomfortable normative pressures. In line with our theorizing, in samples with higher levels of relational mobility constraints, the association between MGM and depressive symptoms is weaker, the associations between MGM and social support and between MGM and normative pressures are stronger, and the association between social support and depressive symptoms weaker. The indirect link between MGM and depressive symptoms via social support is significant at both low and high levels of relational mobility constraints. © The Author(s) 2024
Sex Differences in Self-Construal and in Depressive Symptoms: Predictors of Cross-National Variation
No full textSex differences in aspects of independent versus interdependent self-construal and depressive symptoms were surveyed among 5,320 students from 24 nations. Men were found to perceive themselves as more self-contained whereas women perceived themselves as more connected to others. No significant sex differences were found on two further dimensions of self-construal, or on a measure of depressive symptoms. Multilevel modeling was used to test the ability of a series of predictors derived from a social identity perspective and from evolutionary theory to moderate sex differences. Contrary to most prior studies of personality, sex differences in self-construal were larger in samples from nations scoring lower on the Gender Gap Index, and the Human Development Index. Sex differences were also greater in nations with higher pathogen prevalence, higher self-reported religiosity, and in nations with high reported avoidance of settings with strong norms. The findings are discussed in terms of the interrelatedness of self-construals and the cultural contexts in which they are elicited and the distinctiveness of student samples. © The Author(s) 2020
Sex Differences in Self-Construal and in Depressive Symptoms: Predictors of Cross-National Variation
No full text© The Author(s) 2020. Sex differences in aspects of independent versus interdependent self-construal and depressive symptoms were surveyed among 5,320 students from 24 nations. Men were found to perceive themselves as more self-contained whereas women perceived themselves as more connected to others. No significant sex differences were found on two further dimensions of self-construal, or on a measure of depressive symptoms. Multilevel modeling was used to test the ability of a series of predictors derived from a social identity perspective and from evolutionary theory to moderate sex differences. Contrary to most prior studies of personality, sex differences in self-construal were larger in samples from nations scoring lower on the Gender Gap Index, and the Human Development Index. Sex differences were also greater in nations with higher pathogen prevalence, higher self-reported religiosity, and in nations with high reported avoidance of settings with strong norms. The findings are discussed in terms of the interrelatedness of self-construals and the cultural contexts in which they are elicited and the distinctiveness of student samples
Sex Differences in Self-Construal and in Depressive Symptoms: Predictors of Cross-National Variation
No full text© The Author(s) 2020. Sex differences in aspects of independent versus interdependent self-construal and depressive symptoms were surveyed among 5,320 students from 24 nations. Men were found to perceive themselves as more self-contained whereas women perceived themselves as more connected to others. No significant sex differences were found on two further dimensions of self-construal, or on a measure of depressive symptoms. Multilevel modeling was used to test the ability of a series of predictors derived from a social identity perspective and from evolutionary theory to moderate sex differences. Contrary to most prior studies of personality, sex differences in self-construal were larger in samples from nations scoring lower on the Gender Gap Index, and the Human Development Index. Sex differences were also greater in nations with higher pathogen prevalence, higher self-reported religiosity, and in nations with high reported avoidance of settings with strong norms. The findings are discussed in terms of the interrelatedness of self-construals and the cultural contexts in which they are elicited and the distinctiveness of student samples
Warmth and competence perceptions of key protagonists are associated with containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from 35 countries.
No full textIt is crucial to understand why people comply with measures to contain viruses and their effects during pandemics. We provide evidence from 35 countries (Ntotal = 12,553) from 6 continents during the COVID-19 pandemic (between 2021 and 2022) obtained via cross-sectional surveys that the social perception of key protagonists on two basic dimensions-warmth and competence-plays a crucial role in shaping pandemic-related behaviors. Firstly, when asked in an open question format, heads of state, physicians, and protest movements were universally identified as key protagonists across countries. Secondly, multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses revealed that warmth and competence perceptions of these and other protagonists differed significantly within and between countries. Thirdly, internal meta-analyses showed that warmth and competence perceptions of heads of state, physicians, and protest movements were associated with support and opposition intentions, containment and prevention behaviors, as well as vaccination uptake. Our results have important implications for designing effective interventions to motivate desirable health outcomes and coping with future health crises and other global challenges
