FDA recommends J&J vaccine (AD26) for emergency use authorization

Source: CNBC

The decision is non-binding but timely for ramping up of vaccinations. The single-shot, J and J vaccine (clinical name AD26) has been recommended for emergency use. This third COVID-19 vaccine should be available next week in the USA. Operation-wise, J&J vaccine is easier than the others already used to vaccinate people (Pfizer and Moderna). The vaccine has demonstrated effectiveness which appears to differ from site to site: 72% effectiveness in the USA; 66% in Latin America and 57% in South Africa. 

The great news about this vaccine is, it is single-dose. Just imagine what it takes for two doses given a month apart, imagine the savings of all sorts. Also, it can be stored betwen 36 to 46 deg F and again appreciate the savings.

The initial doses of this vaccine going out to the states and other organizations is estimated between 3 and 4 million. J and J is expected to provide some 20 million doses by the end of March.

The J and J vaccine may be better against the B.1.351 strain from South Africa. The two other vacciness are less effective against this strain.

How does J&J vaccine work:

This is a quote from the source below the quote:

"The J&J vaccine is what is known as a non-replicating viral vector vaccine, using a common cold virus called adenovirus 26.

Scientists made this vaccine by taking a small amount of genetic material that codes for a piece of the novel coronavirus and integrating it with a weakened version of adenovirus 26. J&J scientists altered this adenovirus so it can enter cells, but it cannot replicate and make people sick."

[https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/how-the-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine-works-and-why-it-s-important/ar-BB1ddvPZ]

More here on the FDA recommendation:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/fda-panel-unanimously-recommends-third-covid-vaccine-as-j-26j-wins-key-vote-in-path-to-emergency-use/ar-BB1e3GJ5?ocid=uxbndlbing



https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/fda-panel-unanimously-recommends-third-covid-vaccine-as-j-26j-wins-key-vote-in-path-to-emergency-use/ar-BB1e3GJ5?ocid=uxbndlbing

Hawaii (Oahu) Tier-based COVID-19 restriction has been updated.

 The COVID_19 restrictions and relaxations are tier-based.  Beginning Feb15,2021 Oahu is in Tier 3. Tier 1 is the most restrictive and Tier 4 is the highly relaxed.

Here is the latest update from the health department.

Since the situation regarding COVID-19 infections have gotten better, the restrictions have been relaxed and since February 15, Oahu is in Tier 3.

There are what you can do or not under the Tier system.

Breaking News: Amit Sharma's team at Ohio State University has a peptide that busts the Corona Virus

Amit Sharma's team Ohio State University has a peptide that busts the Corona Virus

Here are bullet points from that site quoted:

"A team of researchers from Ohio State University has developed tiny protein fragments that can block the novel coronavirus from infecting cells, and it could be turned into a potential COVID-19 treatment that can be administered by anyone.

Much like neutralizing antibodies resulting from a coronavirus infection or vaccination, the peptides bind to the spike protein, preventing the virus from hooking up to ACE2 receptors and infecting cells.

The peptides could be used to develop a nasal spray that would stop the virus from infecting cells in the nasal cavity and in the lungs, as well as other drugs that could block the virus’s spike protein."

Read details here:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/this-drug-might-block-the-coronavirus-without-any-pills-or-injections/ar-BB1dWAyy?ocid=msedgntp

Here are bullet points from that site quoted:

"A team of researchers from Ohio State University has developed tiny protein fragments that can block the novel coronavirus from infecting cells, and it could be turned into a potential COVID-19 treatment that can be administered by anyone.

Much like neutralizing antibodies resulting from a coronavirus infection or vaccination, the peptides bind to the spike protein, preventing the virus from hooking up to ACE2 receptors and infecting cells.

The peptides could be used to develop a nasal spray that would stop the virus from infecting cells in the nasal cavity and in the lungs, as well as other drugs that could block the virus’s spike protein."

Read details here:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/this-drug-might-block-the-coronavirus-without-any-pills-or-injections/ar-BB1dWAyy?ocid=msedgntp

Peptides are biological polymers, or oligomers. a peptide with more than 50 amino acids is called a protein. Since peptides can be plant based, perhaps, there are plant based anti-Covid remedies.

I am sure we will here from Ohio's group if it pans out.

Bye for now. Look forward to next breaking news on this channel.

Breaking News: 5-amino levulinic acid(5-ALA) found to be effective against COVID-19

 It is exceedingly alarming that over 502,000 fatalities have occurred in the USA due to Corona Virus that originated from Wuhan.  Many vaccines have been found to be effective and a large number of people in various countries have been inoculated. Notwithstanding, all are not in the clear and there is a great need to apply science to control this pandemic.

Nagasaki University has demonstrated that 5 - ALA treatment potentially inhibited infection of SARS-CoV-2, an agent that causes COVID-19 in Cell cultures. This is of great interest since 5-amino levulinic acid(5-ALA) is naturally synthesized. Moreover, it has been used for multiple purposes like anticancer therapy and dietary supplement. Further because of ease of its effective absorptivity it will be further investigated as antiviral drug for COVID-19.   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aminolevulinic_acid

On beating China, the Tom Cotton's way

My impressions and musings after reading this news item: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/tom-cotton-s-big-plan-to-beat-china-explained/ar-BB1dPYbR?ocid=msedgntp 

 China could have had its commerce going had it remained only in furthering its commercial interests and making life better for Chinese people like most of other nations. But commercial, and even scientific superiority was only a minor part of its aspirations. China wants world dominance and for this, it will crush any in its way. It has encircled India especially after the coup in Myanmar. China's artificial islands in the Pacific is old story which the world has already begun to forget. Memories fade with time and fait accompli is achieved. 

 Tom Cotton has made great contribution to this most importanat topic and since he is our voice in the government, it should be heard loud and clear.

   

 As he rightly points out it is essential a great deal of decoupling is needed, and there is great need to reshape the conversation. When China was ushered by US into this new business arrangment that turned out to be great for China resulted in the loss of jobs and manufacturing facilities in the USA. This began to deteriorate. China with oney in its pockets began to use all its guns blazing and made a terrific impact. 

 President Trump was right on the money when he said, enough is enough. He not only recognized the problem, he was quick to react. But that is old story. 

 China fortified its position and began looking outwards for resources it lacks. For example, it recognised the importance of lithium, the element used in powerful magnets used in all kinds of industrial end products. Now China is limiting its export, or its excavation. What is more, US ships its meager lithium ore to be processed in China. In the processs of looking for resources it lacks, China started repurposing its old dream of World hegemony. It's presence in the world has been impactful for its brazeness. It has more friends in UN than others. It has most business dealingss with the EU than the USA. 

 The critics of Tom Cotton, mostly from the US universities that have commented seems to approve Toms' evaluation of the fact that lithium sources and its production must be protected. China in the most recent times wants to monopolize this element Li. This is nothing compared to the irreparable damage to its neighbors, the Uighyrs, the Taiwanese, the Indians, the Tibetans and the others. I am surprised that the University based critics just picked just one issue of lithium. There are other problems like those with Australia and its neighbors; and its refusal to answer the virus related questions. 

 Tom Cotton's critics view that Tom's vision is not easy to achieve unless some less painful way (to US Economy) to do the un-coupling is found. It need not be done in a day, but it can be done with enough time. However, doing it with our allies will extend it to a very distant future, as EU has already obligated itself to China in many ways. Going along with them all the way, it would take a long time and probably will not work. Further more Biden appears to have softened his stance reading from a recent townhall event. 

 Yes, it is painful if we engage aggressively, but as the famous, popular saying goes, no pain, no gain.

Telemedicine in Corona Virus times

 I had my very first telemedicine experience with my doctor. I had badly sprained my knee which already had some problems. I was asked to consult a doctor by the local hospital Straub Medical Center in Honolulu. The hospital was cautious due to corona virus concerns. More than 10 days ago I had my first Moderna vaccine but still it is important to take precautions against this Wuhan virus.

The hospital uses the doxy.me telemedicine provider and you may get the expenses reimbursed. . I got a link in my email. I clicked the link to get to the online site where we could talk to each other. It was clean and easy.

One thing that needs improvement: 

The link to connect to the doctor could have given to me earlier. As I was concerned, and the promised link did not come till the last minute or so of the appointment, I was getting concerned. It could have been avoided.

Otherwise, everything was fine and I had a good time with the doctor. To minimize the time and get maximum interaction, I had prepared a script leading up to the point when I noticed I needed to consult. I did not want to waste doctor's time.

The downside of telemedicine in the case of a orthopedics at least, the patient's concerns remains. A face-to-face interaction a with doctor is most appropriate as a patient's version of his problem may not be acccurate.

Hawaii seems to be in the list where reimbursement is made for services provided. More details go here: https://doxy.me/telemedicine-reimbursement. 

Fourteen days after the first Corona Virus Moderna vaccine

This will be continued to March 15.


 On Feb 3, 2021 the first shot of COVID_19 vaccine was given. The details are as follows:

MODERNA Covid-19, mRNA vaccine (PF) 0.5 mL IM

Feb 3 - Feb 6: There was only slight heaviness in the right arm for the next three days.
Feb 6 - Feb 13: There did not appear to be any reaction. Everything normal
Feb 14 - Feb 15: Slight itchy feeling at vaccinated site
Feb 16: Itchy feeling increased, redness in the vaccinated site, slight swelling
Feb 17: Body ache, no fever, redness of the skin and elevated temperature in the vaccinated site.


Here is a picture of the vaccinated site:
Almost elliptical area having redness and hardness.




Fortunately escaped the more severe of the vaccination.

Vaccination location details here:


Hodentek: Keeping track of vaccination against COVID-19 virus


Feb 18: Redness a tad reduced, area that's red has slightly increased, still warm to touch


Feb 19: Redness a little reduced. Still warm to touch


Feb 20: The color is fainter and the temperature is almost normal
I have been taking Advil and using cold compress


Feb 21: Redness is fading. slightly itchy


Feb 22: Redness almost gone, still a little bit itchy. Perhaps, nothing to worry about.


Feb 23: Some lingering of feeling of itchiness.  
Will be discontinued unless there is some substantial change. Will 'circle back' after the second shot in March

According to Dr. Fauci of CDC the pain at the injected site should not be felt after two days. However, this is only for himself. 

Dr. Fauci Said He Had Pain in These 2 Places After the COVID Vaccine (bestlifeonline.com)

Keeping track of vaccination against COVID-19 virus

 Here is a link to Bloomberg's site that tracks vaccination.

https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid-vaccine-tracker-global-distribution/

Here is a screenshot of the opening page:

Breaking news: COVAXIN getting ready for nasal delivery

The COVAXIN vaccine developed by Bharath Biotech is now getting ready to try the nasal variant, which according to Dr. Gillurkar from a site chosen to monitor COVAXI vaccine efficacy. As COVAXIN is whole-virion inactivated, it targets all parts of the virus and makes it more effective.

Source: Gillurkar's Hospital- Facebook

The nasal variant in a Phase I and Phase II study will start at Dr. Gillurkar's Hospital in Nagpur, India. The injectable variant Phase I and Phase II studies were completed at this hospital. According to Dr. Gillurkar, "We are all set to host the trials for nasal Covaxine in next two weeks. Enough scientific evidences are available that vaccines given through nasal route are more effective than injected ones". 

The other advantages of nasal route are no brainer. It will drive the cost so far down that it may emerge as the most preferred. Let us all look forward to it.

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/80127595.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst "


Also read:

https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/medical/covaxin-controversy-doctors-in-trial-sites-chosen-by-icmr-say-human-trials-cant-be-fast-forwarded-anticipate-6-month-observation-period/ar-BB16oNfo

Early morning drive through Madurai in October 2019

 Watching the tide of traffic and feeling the pulse of a city is my passion. It is a hobby that helps me see the way things change and how they have changed. It is also a snap shot of a morning in the temple city of India, Madurai in Tamil Nadu (land of the Tamils). More on Tamil Nadu here (Tamil Nadu - Wikipedia).

The history of Tamil Nadu stretches back to antiquity. A land that has seen the hateful invasion of the Muslims, the battles with the British East India company, and the complicated but determined advance of Christianity. 

Madurai is the temple city with a very complicated history of Kingdoms, invasions, conversions, of battles won and lost, a center of spirituality, and a living city. People who visit India tour the northern cities and unfortunately, they miss the beautiful south. 


You may want to see this Video or copy the link below:




https://youtu.be/92DsEEDOaVo

Does the vaccine COVAXIN developed by Bharath Biotech matter?

 

Source: CityTodayNews

It is easy to see that it matters. It has already obtained emergency use authorization (EUA) in India.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covaxin-phase-1-trial-clears-lancet-review-phase-3-trial-ongoing-2356577 

It is applying for EUA in the Philippines. It is in Phase 3 clinical trials with 25800 volunteers in India.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/covaxin-meets-25-8k-volunteer-target-for-its-phase-3-trials/articleshow/80159861.cms

Bharath Biotech has a history of vaccine manufacture of other types of vaccines (not a first timer). According to the manufacturer, the vaccine is made on a platform known for its safety ("The vaccine is being manufactured using Vero cell platform,  ..)

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/80159861.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

The American pharmaceutical company OCUGEN (makes treatments for eyes) has an understanding with Bharath Biotech to manufacutre and distribute the vaccine in the USA. "Ocugen will be responsible for clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization for the U.S. market"[Benzinga] 

The existing vaccines are expensive for some countries requiring COVID-19 vaccines, and this is the other demography that Bharath Biotech is targeting. Furthermore, the jury is out as to the best vaccine for COVID-19 especially due to the various variants entering the scene.

More here:

HodentekPlus: India's indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 will be administered in India

Excellent Covid-19 vaccination experience in Honolulu

 Today, we got our first COVID-19 vaccine shot in Honolulu, Hawaii. There was no hitch of any kind and everything went smoothly.

The vaccination for senior citizens started from Jan 25. The registration for getting the vaccination was available on line. The registration begins with choosing a date and time on the Queens Hospitals online forms. 

A day before the vaccination, there was a telephone call to verify the details of the folks receiving the vaccine and making sure they show up.

The vaccination was provided at the Blaisdell Center, a landmark community facility in Honolulu.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_S._Blaisdell_Center

Photo source: Facebook

Folks receiving the vaccine need to line up (of course mask and distancing was mandatory) for entering the registration and the vaccination seats. There were helpers to assist seniors who did not bring in the Covid-19 safety questionnaire, an important document for addressing any safety issues.

After verifying the registration information, folks were guided to the vaccination seats, that took place in the entrance of the concert hall. There was no need to line up as there were plenty of stations. The details of the person receving the vaccination was verifieed one more time. They were especially careful of people who had previous history of allergy, vaccination or food related. Folks who had allergy hsitory were asked to wait for 30 minutes after they took the vaccination. The following is the detail of the immunization recieved:

MODERNA Covid-19, mRNA vaccine (PF) 0.5 mL IM

The second shot is scheduled after i month interval.

The experience was pleasnat and the execution was faultless. 

Here are some pictures of the day:

Line up to enter

Register

Wait for a short while after the shot

Get a badge to show that you are vaccinated.