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Cases of the latest JN.1 Covid-19 variant are continuing to rise, with new infections increasing by 52% during the 28 days leading up to the end of the year, says the World Health Organisation (WHO), describing it as a “variant of concern” (VOC).

In the United States, JN.1 accounts for more than 60% of Covid cases, reports Health Policy Watch, with experts saying the pandemic “is far from over”.

JN.1 is a derivative of the BA.2.86 Omicron subvariant, but with more than 30 mutations. Israeli variant trackers first discovered it in August, and the WHO first spoke about JN.1 in October, when it called it a variant “to keep a close eye on”.

Last month, it had named JN.1 a “variant of interest” (VOI) before now renaming it the more serious VOC.

Although many people are carrying the virus and US Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) data show that Covid hospital admissions in America have continued to increase over the past two months, it has not caused the same surge as seen with Omicron.

This is also the case in other countries, including Israel where it was first discovered. Israel was seeing 10 to 20 cases of severe Covid in hospitals on any given day, compared with 1 400 two years ago. At the same time, studies are starting to show that the updated Covid vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and others are eliciting antibodies against JN.1 – at least in vitro.

Evaluating JN.1, and what to ask

With a new variant,

Is it more transmissible?

JN.1 is more transmissible “because it is rising to the top of the charts very quickly”. At the beginning of November, JN.1 accounted for between 5% and 8% of all US cases. Today it is the most common variant.

Can it evade vaccines?

Studies show that the vaccine works as long as people are newly inoculated. Recommendation: jabs for immuno-compromised people with pre-existing medical conditions and over 75s.

Does it cause more severe disease?

No evidence JN.1 has caused more severe diseases so far, and no evidence it will. This is true in the countries currently experiencing a rise in the variant, and also from data in Singapore and other countries where JN.1 has been the predominant variant for longer.

Antiviral drugs like Paxlovid and Remdesivir continue to work to curtail the severity of the virus.

Covid-19: ‘a new era’

The Mediterranean Diet was found to be nutritionally sound, focusing on a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, herbs and spices. Additionally, the experts deemed it to be safe and easy to follow for all people, including older adults and children.  

Diets that rounded out the top spots for best overall included the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet (#2), the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) Diet (#3), the Mayo Clinic Diet (#4), and the Flexitarian Diet (a mostly vegetarian diet; #5).

As for diabetes prevention and management, the Mediterranean Diet was given the top spot, followed by the DASH Diet (#2), and the Flexitarian Diet (#3).

The best heart-healthy diets included the Mediterranean Diet (#1), the DASH Diet (#2), and the Ornish Diet (#3). 

The Mediterranean Diet was also top-rated for promoting bone and joint health, followed by the DASH Diet (#2), and the Flexitarian Diet (#3).

For those looking for a quick way to drop the extra holiday pounds, the experts chose the Keto Diet (#1), the Atkins Diet (#2) and the HMR Program (#3; Health Maintenance Resources, a delivered meal replacement plan). 

For sustained weight loss, the Weight Watchers Diet (#1), the Mediterranean (#2), and the Volumetrics Diet (#3) were chosen as safe and effective methods.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most balanced and nutritious diets you can follow. The diet focuses on plenty of fibrous fruits and vegetables, legumes, healthy fats, and grains such as whole-wheat pasta, whole grain bread, brown rice, etc. 

When focusing on whole foods, there is less room for highly processed food – reducing the amount of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. 

The diet doesn’t contain refined carbs and processed red meats, which tend to be higher in calories and lower in nutrients.

All of the healthy fiber and fats you’ll consume on the Mediterranean diet make you feel fuller for longer, which reduces the cravings for sugary and unbalanced foods – helping with weight loss. 

Shift your meal portions to fill up on veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds, rather than nutrient-poor and energy-dense food.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. 

What is the best medicine to treat RSV? include the Ribavirin, antiviral drug which can be used in severe high-risk cases, and Bronchodilators.  Your provider may try a breathing treatment with Albuterol, to assess whether the medication helps your child breathe better. This involves using a nebulizer to get the albuterol into the lungs. Usually, RSV will get better on its own without antibiotics.

Vaccination for RSV: CDC recommends adults > 60 years of age and older have the option to receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, based on discussions between the patient and their health care provider.

These are the 2 RSV vaccines that will be available: 

Arexvy, by Glaxo Smith Kline. 

Abrysvo™, made by Pfizer and advised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness, in infants, from birth up to six months of age, by active immunization of pregnant women.

How long does RSV vaccine last? So far, RSV vaccines appear to provide some protection for at least two RSV seasons. Additional evaluation is planned to assess how long the protection lasts and whether additional doses will be needed.

Who should not get RSV vaccine? People younger than age < 60, including people with cancer, are not eligible for the vaccine. 

Function:

1. Stimulate intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus
2. Stimulate PTH dependant reabsorption of clacium in the distal tubules
3. Coordinate with PTH in mobilization of calcium from bone
4. Prevents Rickets from children
5. Prevents osteomalacia in adults
6. Prevents hypocalcemic tetany
7. It helps in reabsorption of calcium from kidneys
8. It promotes immune system by increasing phagocytic acitivty
9. It has anti-tumor activity
10. It stimulates intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus

Promotes:

Calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal bone mineralization and to prevent hypocalcemic tetany (involuntary contraction of muscles, leading to cramps and spasms).

Benefits:

Strengthens Your Bones

Can Help Strengthen Muscle’s

Can Support the Immune System and Fight Inflammation

Can Help Support Oral Health

May Help Prevent Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

May Help Treat Hypertension.

The normal range of 25-hydroxy vitamin D  

is measured as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). 

Many experts recommend a level between 20 and 40 ng/mL

Levels of 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) or above are adequate for most people for bone and overall health. 

Levels below 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL) are too low and might weaken your bones and affect your health. 

Levels above 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL) are too high and might cause health problems

Evaluating the results of a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test

Deficiency: less than 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL) 

Potential deficiency: between 

30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL) and 50   

nmol/L (20 ng/mL) 

Normal levels: between 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) and 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL)

To increase vitamin D level quickly?

Spend time in sunlight. Vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin

Consume fatty fish and seafood

Eat more mushrooms

Include egg yolks in your diet. 

Eat fortified foods:

   Breakfast cereals.

   Eggs

   Fruit juice

   Salt

   margarine, 

   snack bars, 

   dairy, yogurt, milk and 

   plant-based milk alternatives, 

   Soy milk 

   baby foods 

   Bread, baked (white and brown    

   bread flour) 

   maize meal 

Take a supplement

Try a UV lamp.

Overweight or obesity individuals: often have lower vitamin D levels than people with BMIs in the “normal” range.

WHO recommends R21/Matrix-M vaccine for malaria prevention in updated advice on immunization. 2 October 2023

The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021. 

Is there a vaccine for malaria yet?

There is one already in widespread use called the RTS,S vaccine, which reduces chances of developing malaria in a vaccinated population by up to 44%. 11.Jul 2023

Mosquirix is a vaccine that is given to children aged 6 weeks to 17 months, to help protect against malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Both vaccines are shown to be safe and effective in preventing malaria in children and, when implemented broadly, are expected to have high public health impact.

Parkinson’s disease progression: a mutated version of the α-synuclein protein moves through the brain’s lymphatic system, known as the glymphatic system, before aggregating.

The mutated α-synuclein protein propagates through the glymphatic system before forming clumps.

Fluorescent α-synuclein appeared in distant brain areas just two weeks post-injection, showing early propagation

Fibrils of α-synuclein only formed 12 months post-injection, highlighting the delay between propagation and aggregation.

The fibrils are transmitted from neurons to neurons, but it remains unclear whether monomers act in the same way.

A mutated version of a protein called α-synuclein propagates to various cerebral regions through the lymphatic system and then aggregates.

Fluorescent α-synuclein was detected in remote regions two weeks after injection, indicating an early spreading of mutant α-synuclein in the brain. α-synuclein participates in neurotransmission.

However, in some neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease, α-synuclein changes shape and forms pathological clumps.

Fluorescent α-synuclein was found in the glymphatic system, which is the lymphatic system of the brain.

The glymphatic system is involved in draining and renewing fluid from the brain and eliminating toxins, but it could also distribute toxic substances throughout the brain.

Fluorescent α-synuclein was found in the matrix surrounding neurons and in the cytosol of neurons. This finding suggested that fluorescent α-synuclein was taken up by the extracellular matrix and, subsequently, by neurons.

Thus, prion-like protein propagation is considered a common pathogenic mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.

Humans strongly regulate their protein intake, leading to increased consumption, if protein is diluted in their diets. Modern-day processed foods, rich in fats and carbohydrates, dilute protein, prompting people to consume more calories trying to meet their protein needs.

This “protein leverage” mechanism is being identified as a significant factor driving the obesity epidemic. Addressing this requires an integrated approach to understand and combat the multiple interplaying causes of obesity.

Key Facts:Humans have a strong innate drive to regulate protein intake, resulting in increased food consumption when protein is diluted by fats and carbs in processed foods.

Studies show that changing protein requirements across one’s life, combined with lifestyle changes, can increase obesity risk.

Early exposure to high-protein diets, such as through certain infant formulas, might set up increased protein requirements and a greater susceptibility to obesity in later years.

Humans, like many other species, regulate protein intake more strongly than any other dietary component and so if protein is diluted there is a compensatory increase in food intake.

The hypothesis proposes that the dilution of protein in modern-day diets by fat and carbohydrate-rich processed foods is driving increased energy intake as the body seeks to satisfy its natural protein drive—eating unnecessary calories until it does so.

These include, for example, changing requirements for protein at certain life stages (such as the transition to menopause), as well as a combined impact with changes in activity levels or energy expenditure (e.g., retiring athletes or young people moving towards more sedentary lifestyles).

It is only through situating specific nutrients and biological factors within their broader context that we can hope to identify sustainable intervention points for slowing and reversing the incidence of obesity and associated complications.

With WHO declaring obesity as the largest health threat facing humanity, the authors argue that there needs to be a focus on integrative approaches that examine how various contributors interact in obesity, rather than looking at them as competing explanations.

Protein appetite as an integrator in the obesity system: the protein leverage hypothesis, proposes that the dilution of protein in modern food supplies by fat and carbohydrate-rich highly processed foods has resulted in increased energy intake through protein leverage.

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Obesity is a one of the major but preventable global health crises that has been linked to major chronic illness and several cancers, with increased morbidity and mortality. Among the various cancers, breast, colorectal, endometrial, esophageal, pancreatic, renal, hepatic, stomach, gallbladder, ovarian, and thyroid cancer, as well as multiple myeloma and meningioma, are strongly associated with obesity. The underlying mechanism of obesity causing cancer is incompletely understood and involves adipokines, inflammation, an altered extracellular matrix, altered fatty acid metabolism, and the secretion of insulin-like growth factors and estrogen. Weight-reducing strategies in obesity-associated cancers are important interventions as a component of cancer care in reducing cancer-specific and overall mortality in cancer survivors with excess body weight. Regular exercise and diet, in conjunction with behavior therapy, are the primary elements of weight reducing strategies. More data are needed regarding the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic and surgical interventions as a major weight reduction strategy in cancer survivors.A

COVID Variant EG.5 was originally driven by circulation in China, Japan and South Korea and now, it has been increasing in North America and in Europe. In France, EG.5 represented 26 per cent of sequences on 17 July compared to 15 per cent of sequences the week prior. In the UK, EG.5.1 in particular has the highest growth rate for variants in the country and represents 14 per cent of cases. In the United States, EG.5 represents roughly 17 per cent of cases, more than any other lineage of Omicron that is being monitored, according to data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Losing weight can be achieved through a combination of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set realistic goals: Determine how much weight you want to lose and set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid or limit foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
3. Practice portion control: Be mindful of the quantity of food you consume. Portion your meals to avoid overeating.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It can help control your appetite and keep you feeling full.
5. Limit sugary beverages and alcohol: These drinks are high in calories and can hinder weight loss progress. Opt for water, herbal tea, or other low-calorie options instead.
6. Incorporate regular physical activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (like running) each week. Include strength training exercises at least twice a week to build muscle.
7. Get sufficient sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Lack of sleep can affect your metabolism and contribute to weight gain.
8. Reduce stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies. Stress can lead to emotional eating, which can hinder weight loss efforts.
9. Track your progress: Keep a journal or use a mobile app to record your food intake, physical activity, and progress. This can help you stay accountable and identify areas for improvement.
10. Consult a healthcare professional: If you have specific health concerns or need personalized guidance, consult a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider.

Remember, sustained weight loss takes time and dedication. It’s important to focus on adopting healthy habits rather than seeking quick fixes.