The hottest COVID-19 Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

A Few Interesting COVID-19 Studies From Today

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. One study showed promising results for tocilizumab in reducing mortality from COVID-19, specifically reducing ICU admission and ventilation need.
  2. Bovine lactoferrin, when given to pregnant women, has shown to cut IL-6 levels in half, which could be relevant in COVID-19 treatment.
  3. A small study from Singapore indicated that a combination of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 may be helpful in reducing the risk of initiating oxygen therapy for COVID-19 patients.

Vitamin D Does Not Explain the Race/Ethnicity-COVID-19 Relationship

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL increase infection risk, but this association disappears when adjusted for various factors like ethnicity and health conditions.
  2. Race and ethnicity are strongly linked to COVID-19 risk, even when accounting for vitamin D levels. Genetic factors are likely more influential in this relationship.
  3. Maintaining vitamin D levels between 30-35 ng/mL seems to be the optimal range for minimizing severity, mortality, and infection risk, based on current research findings.

“Leaky Blood Vessels” May Underlie Clotting in COVID-19

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 15 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are strongly linked to severe COVID-19 outcomes due to systemic clotting, potentially caused by "leaky blood vessels"
  2. Exercise is crucial as it can decrease the permeability of blood vessel walls, making home exercise important during lockdowns
  3. Citrulline, zinc, and antioxidants may play a role in supporting the endothelium and potentially help prevent clotting dysfunction in COVID-19
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ACE Inhibitors and ARBs in COVID-19: Unrelated to ACE2 and Apparently Not a Problem

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 13 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. ACE Inhibitors and ARBs do not increase the presence of ACE2 protein on the cells in the upper respiratory tract, which contradicts previous concerns about worsening COVID-19 risk.
  2. The effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on mRNA expression do not directly translate to increased enzyme activity, showing that activity is not solely dependent on mRNA levels.
  3. Studies show a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes for patients using ACE inhibitors and ARBs, indicating a potential benefit in managing complications associated with the virus.

Vitamin D: The First Study on COVID-19 Infection Risk

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 09 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. The first study on the association between vitamin D status and COVID-19 infection risk was published, providing valuable insights.
  2. Previous studies showed vitamin D status below 30 ng/mL is linked with more severe disease or mortality in COVID-19 patients from various regions.
  3. Results from the new study suggest maintaining 30-35 ng/mL of vitamin D may help protect against infection risk, particularly for those over 70, but more research is needed.

The First Zinc and COVID-19 Study in Humans: Very Promising

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. A recent study suggests that zinc may have promising benefits in treating COVID-19 patients.
  2. The study found that zinc usage was associated with lower risk of hospice care or death, decreased need for invasive ventilation, and increased chance of being discharged from the hospital.
  3. While the study does not prove cause and effect, it indicates that zinc may hold potential in COVID-19 treatment alongside other medications like hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin.

Two New Vitamin D Studies

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 07 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Vitamin D status below 30 ng/mL is linked to severe disease and mortality in COVID-19 patients from South Asian and Southeast Asian hospitals.
  2. New studies show the association between Vitamin D and COVID-19 severity extends beyond South and Southeast Asia, even to Europe.
  3. Maintaining 25(OH)D close to 30 ng/mL is still recommended, despite new insights from the recent studies.

Naproxen (Aleve), Clotting, Viral Growth, and COVID-19: Preliminary Evidence

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 02 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Blood clots may be a significant issue in COVID-19 patients, leading to strokes, especially in younger individuals.
  2. The drug Naproxen (Aleve) has shown potential to inhibit viral growth, though further research is needed.
  3. Naproxen's impact on viral replication in bronchial cells suggests it could help prevent COVID-19 from becoming severe or fatal.

The Virus Has Mutated to Spread Faster

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 01 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. The virus has mutated to spread faster, with the G allele becoming dominant and potentially facilitating easier cell entry and enhanced spread.
  2. The mutation in the spike protein is associated with a slightly higher viral load, but it's uncertain if it impacts the severity of the disease.
  3. The rapid mutations of the virus could pose challenges for immunity development, herd immunity, and vaccine effectiveness, making it crucial to continue limiting exposure and supporting immune defenses.

The Second Study on Vitamin D and COVID-19 Is Now Out

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 29 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of mortality for COVID-19 patients. Those with deficient vitamin D levels were almost all more likely to die.
  2. The study highlights the importance of maintaining vitamin D levels for COVID-19 patients to potentially reduce severe outcomes like respiratory failure.
  3. The findings have not changed much in terms of recommended vitamin D levels, but reinforce the necessity to monitor and potentially supplement vitamin D in COVID-19 patients.

New Evidence That Interferon Can Be Harmful in COVID-19

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Interferon can contribute to lung pathology in COVID-19 and worsen the risk of severe disease and death.
  2. Coronaviruses like SARS and MERS have shown a pattern of interfering with interferon responses which later lead to lung damage in infected humans.
  3. Studies in animals suggest that interferons, specifically type 1 interferon, play a complex role in restricting virus replication and spread but can also be the main cause of lung pathology and inflammation in COVID-19.

Update on Vitamin D and COVID-19 Using the First Observational Study Released

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Maintaining vitamin D levels within 29-34 ng/mL may lead to less severe COVID-19 outcomes.
  2. The relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19 severity is complex and may involve factors like IL-6 levels and lymphocyte counts.
  3. It is important for physicians to test and assess the impact of correcting low vitamin D levels on COVID-19 outcomes.

Small Blood Clots May Be at The Root of the COVID-19 Hypoxemia

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. COVID-19 patients may experience severe lack of oxygen due to small blood clots in the lungs
  2. Mechanical ventilation may not always be necessary for COVID-19 patients as their lung function can be preserved but still experience low oxygen levels
  3. Inflammatory reactions in the lungs of COVID-19 patients might lead to increased blood clot formation, impacting oxygen delivery

Can the Anti-Parasite Medication Ivermectin Treat COVID-19? Probably Not

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Ivermectin may not be effective in treating COVID-19 based on research findings in isolated cells versus actual blood concentrations needed for effectiveness.
  2. Sustaining the necessary antiviral concentration of ivermectin in the blood for 48 hours is not feasible with current dosing regimens and could lead to unsafe levels of the drug.
  3. It is crucial to rely on verified medical advice and research when considering treatment options for COVID-19, as unsubstantiated approaches like ivermectin may pose risks without proven benefits.

COVID-19 and The Smoking Paradox

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 16 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Smokers diagnosed with COVID-19 are more than twice as likely to develop severe and life-threatening cases, likely due to increased ACE2 expression in the lungs.
  2. The lower prevalence of smokers among COVID-19 patients in studies compared to the general population may be linked to reasons such as smokers avoiding medical treatment, less participation in research, and potential protective effects of smoking against initial infection.
  3. High ACE2 expression may be a liability in disease progression, potentially accelerating viral replication despite ACE2's protective effects, leading to worsening lung damage and severe outcomes.

The Case Against Hydroxychloroquine Grows Stronger

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Recent studies show that hydroxychloroquine may not be effective in treating COVID-19, despite initial hype.
  2. Hydroxychloroquine did not impact viral clearance or symptom relief in patients, based on study results.
  3. Potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine, including heart rhythm abnormalities, raise concerns about its safety in severe COVID-19 cases.

New Data Suggesting the Open Air Is Safe During a COVID-19 Outbreak

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 14 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Study on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship suggests that COVID-19 does not travel far in the air, supporting the safety of being outdoors with proper distancing and hygiene measures.
  2. The research showed that transmission mostly occurred in close quarters on the ship, emphasizing the importance of avoiding mass gatherings.
  3. Fresh air and sunlight have benefits; going outside is safe as long as social distancing is maintained, helping reduce stress and improve well-being.

Can Cats and Dogs Get COVID-19? An Emerging Controversy

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Experimental studies suggest young adult cats can get mild infections and spread the virus, while kittens can get very sick. Dogs show minimal vulnerability to infection under direct inoculation conditions.
  2. Research in Wuhan suggests about 14% of cats in pet hospitals and animal shelters got infected. Exposure to infected owners may lead to more effective antibodies in cats.
  3. A study involving cats and dogs in close contact with COVID-19-confirmed owners showed minimal signs of infection, despite sharing living spaces. Further research is needed to understand transmission and susceptibility in pets.

If You Lose Your Sense of Smell or Taste, What Are the Chances You Have COVID-19?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Losing the sense of smell or taste may indicate a 61.7% likelihood of having COVID-19, compared to the 5.3% predicted by flu-like symptoms.
  2. Preprints, which are studies not yet peer-reviewed, are crucial for rapidly evolving diseases like COVID-19. They provide valuable information quickly.
  3. Symptoms like loss of taste or smell may have a predictive value for COVID-19, although caution is advised due to study biases and varying rates of symptom occurrence.

In COVID-19, the Nose Gets Infected, and The Nerves Get Damaged: Two New Studies [COVID-19 Updates]

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 03 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Two new studies suggest that COVID-19 infects the nose and causes loss of smell by damaging nerves.
  2. Preprints play a crucial role in providing reliable information about COVID-19 before peer-reviewed publication.
  3. The virus likely infects mucous-producing cells, ciliated cells, and sustentacular cells in the nose, leading to symptoms like anosmia.

Taking Advantage of the COVID-19 Throat Infection Study With Zinc and Copper [COVID-19 Updates]

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Zinc can inhibit proteins involved in the replication of SARS-CoV in a way that may also work against SARS-CoV-2.
  2. Using zinc acetate lozenges could help prevent rhinoviruses from docking in the nose, mouth, and throat tissue.
  3. Copper, though not a strong viral replication inhibitor, can be toxic to certain coronaviruses on surfaces, making it worth exploring for safe topical delivery to mucous membranes.

ACE2 Explains Why Smoking Leads to Worse COVID-19 Outcomes [COVID-19 Updates]

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Smoking is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, with smokers having higher ACE2 levels in their lungs.
  2. Smokers have more mucus-producing cells in their lungs, which can lead to increased ACE2 expression.
  3. Quitting smoking can decrease ACE2 expression in the lungs and may be protective against severe outcomes, highlighting the importance of controlling ACE2 levels.

If You Are Sick, What Are the Chances It’s the Coronavirus? [COVID-19 Updates]

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. In places with low reported cases, having a fever, muscle pain, or cough may mean a 5% chance of having COVID-19.
  2. Be prepared in areas with low case numbers for an increase over 2-3 weeks, similar to patterns seen in other regions like New York City.
  3. Consult a physician promptly if you suspect you have COVID-19, and remember this content doesn't constitute medical advice.

The COVID-19 Coronavirus Infects the Throat, Not Just the Lungs [COVID-19 Updates]

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 31 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. COVID-19 infects the throat, not just the lungs, suggesting the virus first enters through the nose, mouth, or throat before reaching the lungs.
  2. Initial beliefs that the virus wouldn't infect the upper respiratory tract, like the throat, were challenged by new research findings.
  3. Comparisons to SARS indicate COVID-19 replicates faster in the upper respiratory tract, making it more contagious, before causing severe lung damage.

Can Quercetin or EGCG Reduce the Risk of COVID-19? [COVID-19 Updates]

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Both Quercetin and EGCG have shown potential as zinc ionophores
  2. The concentrations needed for Quercetin and EGCG to act as zinc ionophores are far higher than what can be achieved through oral supplements
  3. Quercetin may inhibit a key enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in infected cells

Are Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Zinc Ionophores? [COVID-19 Updates]

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 28 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine act as zinc ionophores, bringing zinc into cells.
  2. The concentrations needed for zinc ionophore activity are much higher than those needed to kill the virus, raising doubts about their antiviral effectiveness.
  3. Chloroquine likely kills SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 by increasing endosomal pH and disrupting glycosylation, rather than through zinc ionophore activity.

Can Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine Treat COVID-19?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have shown antiviral activity in vitro but their effectiveness in humans against COVID-19 is uncertain.
  2. Recent trials have not provided clear evidence of the effectiveness of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19.
  3. The World Health Organization is conducting trials to test the efficacy of various treatments for COVID-19, including Hydroxychloroquine, but currently, there is no definitive proof of its effectiveness.

A French Trial Suggests Hydroxychloroquine is Promising Yet Risky, but Wasn’t Randomized

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Hydroxychloroquine showed promising results in reducing virus presence, especially when combined with azithromycin.
  2. The non-randomized trial had significant dropouts and risks associated with the drug.
  3. The lack of randomization makes it difficult to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship, urging cautious observation instead of quick conclusions.

Thư ngỏ gửi ông Phạm Quang Hiệu

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jul 21
🌐 International COVID-19
  1. The writer highlights a discrepancy between their group, VietBay, and the government's messaging related to fundraising activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. VietBay operates independently of government influence, focusing on assisting those in need without aligning with official government calls for action.
  3. The letter expresses concerns about corruption in Vietnamese embassies overseas, citing issues such as inflated passport fees and lack of transparency in fundraising.

Thông báo: hội thảo mini về công nghệ truy vết đảm bảo riêng tư

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 20
🕹 Technology COVID-19
  1. The event discusses privacy-preserving contact tracing technology and its potential impact on public health in dealing with COVID-19.
  2. The livestream features speakers from companies like Apple, Google, and Walmart Labs sharing insights on Bluetooth sensor engineering and the importance of contact tracing.
  3. Participants can interact with speakers by asking questions through the provided link or chatting directly on YouTube during the event.

Vaccine Hesitancy May Be Unfortunate, But It's Hardly Unreasonable

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19
  1. Vaccine hesitancy is driven by valid reasons like rapid vaccine development, use of new technologies, shifting efficacy claims, and evolving recommendations.
  2. Skepticism towards authorities and public health guidance is fueled by issues like conflicts of interest, data suppression, and inconsistency in messaging.
  3. Most vaccine-hesitant individuals are not staunchly against vaccines but are more concerned with mandates, passport requirements, and coercive pandemic containment measures.