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Yang R, Xu H, Zhang Z, Liu Q, Zhao R, Zheng G, Wu X. The Epidemiology of Pathogens in Community-Acquired Pneumonia Among Children in Southwest China Before, During and After COVID-19 Non-pharmaceutical Interventions: A Cross-Sectional Study. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13361. [PMID: 39145530 PMCID: PMC11325253 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the pathogen epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among children in Southwest China before, during and after the COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). METHODS Pathogen data of hospitalised children with CAP, including multiple direct immunofluorescence test for seven viruses, bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, were analysed across three phases: Phase I (pre-NPIs: 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019), Phase II (NPI period: 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020) and Phase III (post-NPIs: 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023). RESULTS A total of 7533 cases were enrolled, including 2444, 1642 and 3447 individuals in Phases I, II and III, respectively. M. pneumoniae predominated in Phases I and III (23.4% and 35.5%, respectively). In Phase II, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) emerged as the primary pathogen (20.3%), whereas detection rates of influenza A virus (Flu A) and M. pneumoniae were at a low level (1.8% and 9.6%, respectively). In Phase III, both Flu A (15.8%) and M. pneumoniae epidemic rebounded, whereas RSV detection rate returned to Phase I level, and detection rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae decreased significantly compared to those in Phase I. Detection rates of adenovirus and parainfluenza virus type 3 decreased phase by phase. Age-stratified analysis and monthly variations supported the above findings. Seasonal patterns of multiple pathogens were disrupted during Phases II and III. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 NPIs exhibited a distinct impact on CAP pathogen epidemic among children, with post-NPIs increases observed in M. pneumoniae and Flu A prevalence. Continuous pathogen monitoring is crucial for effective prevention and control of paediatric CAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruling Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Quanbo Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruiqiu Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaihuan Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- The First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China
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Kannuri S, Patil R, Mukhida S, Bhaumik S, Gandham N. A closer look at the link between cycle threshold, clinical features and biomarkers: An observational study in COVID-19 patients. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1983-1989. [PMID: 38948616 PMCID: PMC11213427 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_967_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Symptoms for severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appear 2-3 days after exposure to the virus. Being a virus, detection is primarily by polymerase chain reaction as this offers superior sensitivity and specificity. There was a misconception that patients with low cycle threshold (Ct) have severe coronavirus disease (COVID), and for individuals with higher Ct, it is the other way around. The prognosis for COVID was derived from various biomarkers and physicians heavily relied on them. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study spanning a duration of 2 years was conducted at a tertiary care centre in western India. A total of 201 individuals were included and the correlation between Ct, clinical features and biomarkers was studied. Results In the E-gene, 43.28% had lower Ct values and 40.79% had low Ct values in the RdRp gene. 50% of all patients had diabetes, with 60% being between the ages of 61 and 80. 54.1% of hypertension patients belonged to ages between 61 and 80. 90.54% of COVID-positive individuals had lactose dehydrogenase levels ranging from 440 to 760. 79% of patients had a procalcitonin value of more than one but less than six. 79.1% of patients had an erythrocyte sedimentation rate between 36 and 90. Conclusion Ct value though has a research value; it is a poor prognostic marker when compared to the various biomarkers that have been studied earlier. We cannot conclusively state that all our findings are accurate due to a lack of data but further research into the prognostic value of Ct should be conducted which will help in the ongoing scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Kannuri
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajashri Patil
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sahjid Mukhida
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shalini Bhaumik
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nageswari Gandham
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Hasani‐Moghadam S, Vedadhir AA, Alijani F, Azizi M, Khani S. Meaning and lived experience of Iranian COVID-19 survivors: A phenomenological study. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3359. [PMID: 38376053 PMCID: PMC10761327 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is among the most contagious diseases worldwide. During the first peak of the illness, COVID-19 was considered a considerable crisis for survivors. This qualitative study explored the meaning and lived experience of Iranian COVID-19 survivors. This qualitative study was conducted in Iran sometime after the onset of the coronavirus in 2020. METHODS This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was performed on twenty survivors of COVID-19 disease, recruited through the purposeful sampling method via in-depth semistructured interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and several codes were extracted. Data were analyzed using the MAXQDA software (v. 12). RESULTS The main themes and subthemes obtained from the data analysis included (1) Taboo and stigma: COVID-19 as a monster, feelings of social exclusion and loneliness, an obvious sign of shamelessness and maltreatment, (2) God's predestination: God's will and test, COVID-19 as a wake-up call to remind low human power, (3) Shadow of death: The fear of death after positive test results, death is closer than the jugular vein, the mourning of a loved one's death, and mourning for an untimely death, (4) Caregivers as an angel: Family as an unrepentant supportive, know the level of family love and attention, and (5) Rebirth and new life: understand the higher value of health and pay more attention to self-care behavior, and God gives us a golden chance to experience a better life. CONCLUSIONS According to the results of this study, COVID-19 survivors experience various issues regarding the nature of the disease, coping with the illness, and their social and psychological status affected by COVID-19. Considering the multidimensional supportive programs, increasing public awareness and changing negative attitudes toward the patients and survivors of the pandemic for better rehabilitation and adjustment is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Hasani‐Moghadam
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Nasibeh Nursing and Midwifery SchoolMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Abou Ali Vedadhir
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of AnthropologyUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Alijani
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Nasibeh Nursing and Midwifery SchoolMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Marzieh Azizi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Soghra Khani
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research CenterMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
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Shah QA, Shafi I, Ahmad J, Alfarhood S, Safran M, Ashraf I. A Meta Modeling-Based Interoperability and Integration Testing Platform for IoT Systems. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8730. [PMID: 37960429 PMCID: PMC10647481 DOI: 10.3390/s23218730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its integration into various industries has made it extremely challenging to guarantee IoT systems' dependability and quality, including scalability, dynamicity, and integration with existing IoT frameworks. However, the essential principles, approaches, and advantages of model-driven IoT testing indicate a promising strategy for overcoming these. This paper proposes a metamodeling-based interoperability and integration testing approach for IoT systems that automates the creation of test cases and the assessment of system performance by utilizing formal models to reflect the behavior and interactions of IoT systems. The proposed model-based testing enables the systematic verification and validation of complex IoT systems by capturing the essential characteristics of IoT devices, networks, and interactions. This study describes the key elements of model-driven IoT testing, including the development of formal models, methods for generating test cases, and the execution and assessment of models. In addition, it examines various modeling formalisms and their use in IoT testing, including state-based, event-driven, and hybrid models. This study examines several methods for creating test cases to ensure thorough and effective testing, such as constraint-based strategies and model coverage requirements. Model-driven IoT testing improves defect detection, expands test coverage, decreases testing effort, and increases system reliability. It also offers an organized and automated method to confirm the efficiency and dependability of IoT systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasim Ali Shah
- College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (Q.A.S.); (I.S.)
| | - Imran Shafi
- College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (Q.A.S.); (I.S.)
| | - Jamil Ahmad
- Department of Computing, Abasyn University, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Sultan Alfarhood
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 51178, Riyadh 11543, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mejdl Safran
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 51178, Riyadh 11543, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Imran Ashraf
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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Thakkar K, Spinardi JR, Yang J, Kyaw MH, Ozbilgili E, Mendoza CF, Oh HML. Impact of vaccination and non-pharmacological interventions on COVID-19: a review of simulation modeling studies in Asia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1252719. [PMID: 37818298 PMCID: PMC10560858 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1252719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epidemiological modeling is widely used to offer insights into the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Asia. We reviewed published computational (mathematical/simulation) models conducted in Asia that assessed impacts of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions against COVID-19 and their implications for vaccination strategy. Methods A search of the PubMed database for peer-reviewed, published, and accessible articles in English was performed up to November 2022 to capture studies in Asian populations based on computational modeling of outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic. Extracted data included model type (mechanistic compartmental/agent-based, statistical, both), intervention type (pharmacological, non-pharmacological), and procedures for parameterizing age. Findings are summarized with descriptive statistics and discussed in terms of the evolving COVID-19 situation. Results The literature search identified 378 results, of which 59 met criteria for data extraction. China, Japan, and South Korea accounted for approximately half of studies, with fewer from South and South-East Asia. Mechanistic models were most common, either compartmental (61.0%), agent-based (1.7%), or combination (18.6%) models. Statistical modeling was applied less frequently (11.9%). Pharmacological interventions were examined in 59.3% of studies, and most considered vaccination, except one study of an antiviral treatment. Non-pharmacological interventions were also considered in 84.7% of studies. Infection, hospitalization, and mortality were outcomes in 91.5%, 30.5%, and 30.5% of studies, respectively. Approximately a third of studies accounted for age, including 10 that also examined mortality. Four of these studies emphasized benefits in terms of mortality from prioritizing older adults for vaccination under conditions of a limited supply; however, one study noted potential benefits to infection rates from early vaccination of younger adults. Few studies (5.1%) considered the impact of vaccination among children. Conclusion Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, non-pharmacological interventions helped to mitigate the health burden of COVID-19; however, modeling indicates that high population coverage of effective vaccines will complement and reduce reliance on such interventions. Thus, increasing and maintaining immunity levels in populations through regular booster shots, particularly among at-risk and vulnerable groups, including older adults, might help to protect public health. Future modeling efforts should consider new vaccines and alternative therapies alongside an evolving virus in populations with varied vaccination histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Thakkar
- Vaccine Medical Affairs, Emerging Markets, Pfizer Inc., Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jingyan Yang
- Vaccine Global Value and Access, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Moe H. Kyaw
- Vaccine Medical Affairs, Emerging Markets, Pfizer Inc., Reston, VA, United States
| | - Egemen Ozbilgili
- Asia Cluster Medical Affairs, Emerging Markets, Pfizer Inc., Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Helen May Lin Oh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Lobato JCM, Arouche TDS, Nero JD, Filho T, Borges RDS, Neto AMDJC. Interactions between carbon nanotubes and external structures of SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking and molecular dynamics. J Mol Struct 2023; 1286:135604. [PMID: 37089815 PMCID: PMC10111146 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Molecular modeling techniques are used to describe the process of interaction between nanotubes and the main structures of the Covid-19 virus: the envelope protein, the main protease, and the Spike glycoprotein. Molecular docking studies show that the ligands have interaction characteristics capable of adsorbing the structures. Molecular dynamics simulations provide information on the mean squared deviation of atomic positions between 0.5 and 3.0 Å. The Gibbs free energy model and solvent accessible surface area approaches are used. Through the results obtained through molecular dynamics simulations, it is noted that the zig-zag nanotube prefers to interact with E-pro, M-pro, and S-gly, respectively. Molecular couplings and free energy showed that the S-gly active site residues strongly interact with zigzag, chiral, and armchair nanotubes, in this order. The interactions demonstrated in this manuscript may predict some promising candidates for virus antagonists, which may be confirmed through experimental approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Cesar Mendes Lobato
- Laboratory of Preparation and Computation of Nanomaterials (LPCN), Federal University of Pará, C. P. 479, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Proderna, Federal University of Pará, C. P. 479, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Tiago da Silva Arouche
- Laboratory of Preparation and Computation of Nanomaterials (LPCN), Federal University of Pará, C. P. 479, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jordan Del Nero
- Physics Faculty, Science Institute of Sciences (ICEN), Federal University of Pará, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - TarcisoAndrade Filho
- Federal University of the South and Southeast of Pará. 68507-590, Marabá - PA, Brazil
| | - Rosivaldo Dos Santos Borges
- Pharmacy Faculty, Science Institute of Sciences (ICEN), Federal University of Pará, C. P. 479, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Antonio Maia de Jesus Chaves Neto
- Laboratory of Preparation and Computation of Nanomaterials (LPCN), Federal University of Pará, C. P. 479, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Physics Faculty, Science Institute of Sciences (ICEN), Federal University of Pará, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19065, 700 Planetarium Place, Room 130, Arlington, TX 76019-0065
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Herrera-Plasencia PM, Enoki-Miñano E, Ruiz-Barrueto MYA. [Risks, contamination and prevention against COVID-19 in dental work: a review]. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2023; 22:560-565. [PMID: 36753227 DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v22n5.86065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In April 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic caused more than one million infections and 54 600 deaths to date around the world. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 is rapid, and its transmission is through droplets of saliva, hence its importance in dentistry. OBJECTIVE Identify the main risks, transmission routes and prevention measures against COVID-19. METHODS A review of the scientific literature of the last two years on the subject was carried out in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Research Gate databases. The descriptors used were: "coronavirus", "COVID-19", "dental", "dentistry", "oral", "stomatology", and "aerosol". 350 articles were found, but 50 were selected for their topicality, relationship, and focus. The transmission of the COVID-19 is carried out mainly through saliva drops, aerosols and fomites. The virus can subsist for a time on the environment and surfaces. Dentists are health workers who are at risk of contagion because several of their procedures release aerosols. The biosecurity in the exercise of this profession must be strict and extreme, also the cleaning and disinfection of the environment and contact surfaces. CONCLUSIONS In the dental profession the potential risk of contamination among operators, assistants and patients is high. Knowing the causative agent and the disease allows you to reduce the possibility of contagion. The dentist must consider patients as suspects to COVID-19 and apply biosecurity at all levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Enoki-Miñano
- EE: OD. M.Sc. Estomatología. Ph.D. Estomatología. Universidad César Vallejo. Piura, Perú.
| | - Miguel Y A Ruiz-Barrueto
- MR: Biólogo microbiólogo M.Sc ciencias. Ph.D. Ciencias Biomédicas. Universidad César Vallejo. Piura, Perú.
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Eissa M, Abdelrazek NA, Saady M. Covid-19 and its relation to the human eye: transmission, infection, and ocular manifestations. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022:10.1007/s00417-022-05954-6. [PMID: 36585987 PMCID: PMC9803899 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05954-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world is suffering from a new strain of the coronavirus family-Covid-19. This virus strain affected different organs in the human body with a wide range of mild symptoms and moderate signs to severe and deadly ones. Multiple organs can be infected, and one of these organs is the eye. The eye is a vital organ that consists of vascular tissues and is connected to the respiratory tract through the tears and the nasolacrimal duct. METHODS Recent papers and research from PubMed, Researchgate, and Google Scholar were cited and thoroughly discussed. These papers were chosen based on their relevancy, reliability, publication year, published journal, and ease of accessibility to the paper itself. RESULTS The theory concluded that the ocular surface might consider a pathway for the virus attack and infection causation through the tears and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 located in the eye. This article thoroughly reviewed the history, the existing aspects of Covid-19, the ocular system features, and the claims about the possible involvement of the eye in the virus transmission along with the eye infection. There was no consensus on the eye's involvement theory. CONCLUSION The authors highlighted the extra work and research needed to be conducted to prove or deny these claims to provide a better understanding of the immune response of the eye to Covid-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Eissa
- Ophthalmology, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Rd, Guildford, GU2 7XX, UK.
| | - Nada A Abdelrazek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Saady
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Sharun K, Tiwari R, Yatoo MI, Natesan S, Megawati D, Singh KP, Michalak I, Dhama K. A comprehensive review on pharmacologic agents, immunotherapies and supportive therapeutics for COVID-19. NARRA J 2022; 2:e92. [PMID: 38449903 PMCID: PMC10914132 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected many countries throughout the world. As urgency is a necessity, most efforts have focused on identifying small molecule drugs that can be repurposed for use as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Although several drug candidates have been identified using in silico method and in vitro studies, most of these drugs require the support of in vivo data before they can be considered for clinical trials. Several drugs are considered promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19. In addition to the direct-acting antiviral drugs, supportive therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, immunotherapies, immunomodulators, and nutritional therapy could contribute a major role in treating COVID-19 patients. Some of these drugs have already been included in the treatment guidelines, recommendations, and standard operating procedures. In this article, we comprehensively review the approved and potential therapeutic drugs, immune cells-based therapies, immunomodulatory agents/drugs, herbs and plant metabolites, nutritional and dietary for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, India
| | - Mohd I. Yatoo
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Senthilkumar Natesan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Opp to Airforce station HQ, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Dewi Megawati
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Warmadewa University, Denpasar, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karam P. Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Izabela Michalak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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Alnajeebi AM, Alharbi HFH, Alelwani W, Babteen NA, Alansari WS, Shamlan G, Eskandrani AA. COVID-19 Candidate Genes and Pathways Potentially Share the Association with Lung Cancer. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2022; 25:2463-2472. [PMID: 34254909 DOI: 10.2174/1386207324666210712092649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is considered as the most challenging in the current situation but lung cancer is also the leading cause of death in the global population. These two malignancies are among the leading human diseases and are highly complex in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as well as the most frequent and highly complex and heterogeneous in nature. Based on the latest update, it is known that the patients suffering from lung cancer, are considered to be significantly at higher risk of COVID-19 infection in terms of survival and there are a number of evidences which support the hypothesis that these diseases may share the same functions and functional components. Multi-level unwanted alterations such as (epi-)genetic alterations, changes at the transcriptional level, and altered signaling pathways (receptor, cytoplasmic, and nuclear level) are the major sources which promote a number of complex diseases and such heterogeneous level of complexities are considered as the major barrier in the development of therapeutics. With so many challenges, it is critical to understand the relationships and the common shared aberrations between them which is difficult to unravel and understand. A simple approach has been applied for this study where differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and network level understanding are carried out. Since, gene expression changes and genomic alterations are related to the COVID-19 and lung cancer but their pattern varies significantly. Based on the recent studies, it appears that the patients suffering from lung cancer and and simultaneously infected with COVID-19, then survival chance is lessened. So, we have designed our goal to understand the genes commonly overexpressed and commonly enriched pathways in case of COVID-19 and lung cancer. For this purpose, we have presented the summarized review of the previous works where the pathogenesis of lung cancer and COVID-19 infection have been focused and we have also presented the new finding of our analysis. So, this work not only presents the review work but also the research work. This review and research study leads to the conclusion that growth promoting pathways (EGFR, Ras, and PI3K), growth inhibitory pathways (p53 and STK11), apoptotic pathways (Bcl- 2/Bax/Fas), and DDR pathways and genes are commonly and dominantly altered in both the cases COVID-19 and lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afnan M Alnajeebi
- College of Science, Department of Biochemistry, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hend F H Alharbi
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, KSA
| | - Walla Alelwani
- College of Science, Department of Biochemistry, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf A Babteen
- College of Science, Department of Biochemistry, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa S Alansari
- College of Science, Department of Biochemistry, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghalia Shamlan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej A Eskandrani
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Helmi N, Alammari D, Mobashir M. Role of Potential COVID-19 Immune System Associated Genes and the Potential Pathways Linkage with Type-2 Diabetes. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2022; 25:2452-2462. [PMID: 34348612 DOI: 10.2174/1386207324666210804124416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus is an enclosed positive-sense RNA virus with club-like spikes extending from its surface. It is most typically associated with acute respiratory infections in humans, but its capacity to infect many host species and cause multiple illnesses makes it a complicated pathogen. The frequent encounters between wild animals and humans are a typical cause of infection. The zoonotic infections SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are among the most common causes of serious respiratory illnesses in humans. AIM The main goal of this research was to look at gene expression profiles in human samples that were either infected with coronavirus or were not, and compare the varied expression patterns and their functional implications. METHODS The previously researched samples were acquired from a public database for this purpose, and the study was conducted, which included gene expression analysis, pathway analysis, and network-level comprehension. The results for differentially expressed genes, enriched pathways, and networks for prospective genes and gene sets are presented in the analysis. In terms of COVID-19 gene expression and its relationship to type 2 diabetes. RESULTS We see a lot of genes that have different gene expression patterns than normal for coronavirus infection, but in terms of pathways, it appears that there are only a few sets of functions that are affected by altered gene expression, and they are related to infection, inflammation, and the immune system. CONCLUSION Based on our study, we conclude that the potential genes which are affected due to infection are NFKBIA, MYC, FOXO3, BIRC3, ICAM1, IL8, CXCL1/2/5, GADD45A, RELB, SGK1, AREG, BBC3, DDIT3/4, EGR1, MTHFD2, and SESN2 and the functional changes are mainly associated with these pathways: TNF, cytokine, NF-kB, TLR, TCR, BCR, Foxo, and TGF signaling pathways are among them and there are additional pathways such as hippo signaling, apoptosis, estrogen signaling, regulating pluropotency of stem cells, ErbB, Wnt, p53, cAMP, MAPK, PI3K-AKT, oxidative phosphorylation, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, prolactin signaling, adipocytokine, neurotrophine signaling, and longevity regulating pathways. SMARCD3, PARL, GLIPR1, STAT2, PMAIP1, GP1BA, and TOX genes and PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, Foxo, phagosome, adrenergic, osteoclast differentiation, platelet activation, insulin, cytokine- cytokine interaction, apoptosis, ECM, JAK-STAT, and oxytocin signaling appear as the linkage between COVID-19 and Type-2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Helmi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia Alammari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ibn Sina National College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Mobashir
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) Karolinska Institute, Novels väg 16, 17165 Solna, Swedan.,Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering Leader, Data Science Research Group, College of Information Technology (CIT), United Arab Emirate University (UAEU), Al Ain 17551, United Arab Emirates
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12
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Zarin R. Numerical study of a nonlinear COVID-19 pandemic model by finite difference and meshless methods. PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2022; 6:100460. [PMID: 36348759 PMCID: PMC9633111 DOI: 10.1016/j.padiff.2022.100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, a mathematical epidemiological model in the form of reaction diffusion is proposed for the transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The next-generation method is utilized for calculating the threshold number R0 while the least square curve fitting approach is used for estimating the parameter values. The mathematical epidemiological model without and with diffusion is simulated through the operator splitting approach based on finite difference and meshless methods. Further, for the graphical solution of the non-linear model, we have applied a one-step explicit meshless procedure. We study the numerical simulation of the proposed model under the effects of diffusion. The stability analysis of the endemic equilibrium point is investigated. The obtained numerical results are compared mutually since the exact solutions are not available.
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13
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Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Liang H, Li G, Wang X. An intelligent forecast for COVID-19 based on single and multiple features. INT J INTELL SYST 2022; 37:9339-9356. [PMID: 36247714 PMCID: PMC9539063 DOI: 10.1002/int.22995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
It is urgent to identify the development of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in countries around the world. Therefore, visualization is particularly important for monitoring the COVID-19. In this paper, we visually analyze the real-time data of COVID-19, to monitor the trend of COVID-19 in the form of charts. At present, the COVID-19 is still spreading. However, in the existing works, the visualization of COVID-19 data has not established a certain connection between the forecast of the epidemic data and the forecast of the epidemic. To better predict the development trend of the COVID-19, we establish a logistic growth model to predict the development of the epidemic by using the same data source in the visualization. However, the logistic growth model only has a single feature. To predict the epidemic situation in an all-round way, we also predict the development trend of the COVID-19 based on the Susceptible Exposed Infected Removed epidemic model with multiple features. We fit the data predicted by the model to the real COVID-19 epidemic data. The simulation results show that the predicted epidemic development trend is consistent with the actual epidemic development trend, and our model performs well in predicting the trend of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Wang
- School of Computer ScienceQufu Normal UniversityRizhaoChina
| | - Yiting Zhang
- School of Computer ScienceQufu Normal UniversityRizhaoChina
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- School of Computer ScienceQufu Normal UniversityRizhaoChina
| | - Hai Liang
- School of Computer ScienceGuilin University of Electronic TechnologyGuilinChina
| | - Guangshun Li
- School of Computer ScienceQufu Normal UniversityRizhaoChina
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- The Smart Hospital R & D CenterThird Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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14
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Tomographic findings and mortality in patients with severe and critical pneumonia with COVID-19 diagnosis. Respir Med Case Rep 2022; 40:101752. [PMID: 36217353 PMCID: PMC9534537 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2022.101752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A high percentage of patients with non-severe (17.9%) and severe (2.9%) atypical pneumonia do not display pulmonary tomographic findings upon hospital admission; furthermore, lesion associated with COVI-19 are peripherally distributed in a multifocal ground-glass pattern, as well as displaying an irregular consolidation pattern, with a posterior or lower lobe predilection. The main objective of this study was to identify the pulmonary radiological patterns in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, the factors associated with the need for mechanical ventilation, as well as their survival rates at 30 days. Methods We report the pulmonary tomographic findings of 490 consecutive patients with severe and critical pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2. The patients were classified according to the tomography and demographic findings, sepsis severity prognostic scales, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE IV). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival distributions. Results 89.80% of patients had ground-glass opacities, 81.63% radiologic consolidation sign, 42.45% vascular thickening pattern, 37.55% lymphadenopathies, 14.90% pleural effusion, and 2.65% pulmonary thrombosis; meanwhile, 91.02% had bilateral lesions, 85.51% had peripheral lesions, and 75.92% had basal lobe lesions. APACHE IV (HR, 1.191, 95% CI [1.126, 1.260]), SOFA (HR, 5.178, 95%CI [3.103, 8.641]), and CCI (HR, 0.673, 95%CI [0.510, 0.889]), as well as the pulmonary damage severity index (HR, 1.282, 95%CI [1.151, 1.428]), predict the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Only moderate ARDS patients with mild and severe lung disease showed different 30-day mortality distributions (χ2 = 7.00, p = 0.008). Discussion Although the survival distributions did not vary significantly, an overwhelming majority of patients (i.e., 84.35%) with a higher pulmonary damage severity index (i.e., 23>) died within 30 days of hospital admission, while only 25.91% with moderate lung damage and 2.42% with mild lung damage.
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15
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Taheri G, Habibi M. Comprehensive analysis of pathways in Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) using an unsupervised machine learning method. Appl Soft Comput 2022; 128:109510. [PMID: 35992221 PMCID: PMC9384336 DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2022.109510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced “Coronavirus disease 19” or “COVID-19” as a novel coronavirus in March 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires the fast discovery of effective treatments to fight this worldwide crisis. Artificial intelligence and bioinformatics analysis pipelines can assist with finding biomarkers, explanations, and cures. Artificial intelligence and machine learning methods provide powerful infrastructures for interpreting and understanding the available data. On the other hand, pathway enrichment analysis, as a dominant tool, could help researchers discover potential key targets present in biological pathways of host cells that are targeted by SARS-CoV-2. In this work, we propose a two-stage machine learning approach for pathway analysis. During the first stage, four informative gene sets that can represent important COVID-19 related pathways are selected. These “representative genes” are associated with the COVID-19 pathology. Then, two distinctive networks were constructed for COVID-19 related signaling and disease pathways. In the second stage, the pathways of each network are ranked with respect to some unsupervised scorning method based on our defined informative features. Finally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the top important pathways in both networks. Materials and implementations are available at: https://github.com/MahnazHabibi/Pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Taheri
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mahnaz Habibi
- Department of Mathematics, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
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16
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Hamdan KM, Zahran Z, Al-Bashaireh AM, Khraisat OM, Albqoor MA, Shaheen AM. Jordanian Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Willingness to Provide Care to Patients with COVID-19. Open Nurs J 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/18744346-v16-e2208102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
previous studies showed that nurses reported inadequate knowledge of the risks and protective strategies in dealing with infectious diseases. Additionally, nurses reported a lack of willingness to care for patients with infectious diseases.
Purpose:
To examine Jordanian nurses’ knowledge and attitudes and their willingness to provide care for patients with COVID-19.
Design and Methods:
Correlational cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was used to collect data through an online self-administered questionnaire from 347 Jordanian nurses working at hospitals.
Results:
The study results showed that about 56% of the nurses reported having the experience of treating or providing care to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, and 71.8% expressed their willingness to provide care for them. Only 55% of the nurses reported finishing a training program about COVID-19. Job title, type of hospital, and experience in treating or caring for patients with COVID-19 were predictors of nurses’ willingness to provide care.
Conclusion:
Jordanian nurses reported gaps in their knowledge about COVID-19 related to using personal protective equipment and fear of transmitting the disease to family members. Nurses also reported a moderate level of attitude toward hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment; however, most of the nurses reported willingness to provide care for COVID-19 patients.
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17
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Popa A, Chereji AI, Dodu MA, Chereji I, Fitero A, Daina CM, Daina LG, Badau D, Neculoiu DC, Domnariu C. The Impact of Changes regarding Working Circumstances during COVID-19 Pandemic upon Patients Evaluated for Thyroid Dysfunction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9856. [PMID: 36011489 PMCID: PMC9407947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated patients who presented with thyroid dysfunction correlated symptoms that started when the Government took important measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These measures have influenced the safety of many people’s jobs. Data were collected from 378 patients that were clinically evaluated at the Endocrinology Department, between September 2020 and January 2021. Their health status modifications were statistically analyzed in correlation with their life and work changes. These changes were induced by measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The lifestyle changes correlated with the COVID-19 pandemic have been present in both categories of patients: euthyroid and dysthyroid patients; 87.50% of euthyroid patients physically felt the pandemic-induced changes in their lives. It resulted in changes in lifestyle and job insecurity has a statistically significant influence (p < 0.01) on their state of health. The presence of life/work changes in men is strongly reflected in their state of health (p = 0.0004). Work instability that occurred as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic induced symptoms that made many people believe they have an endocrinology disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Popa
- Department of Endocrinology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Oradea, 410169 Oradea, Romania
- Department of Animal Science and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Aurelia-Ioana Chereji
- Department of Animal Science and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Monica Angelica Dodu
- Department of Animal Science and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Ioan Chereji
- Department of Animal Science and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Andreea Fitero
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Oradea, 410169 Oradea, Romania
| | | | | | - Dana Badau
- Petru Maior Faculty of Sciences and Letters, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Interdisciplinary Doctoral School, Transilvania University, 500068 Brasov, Romania
| | | | - Carmen Domnariu
- Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
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18
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Mohammadpour S, Yousefi M, Javan-Noughabi J, Sharifi T, Niknam N, Vakilzadeh AK, Ariafar A, Shahidi NA. Shared decision making for patients with COVID-19 in a public training hospital in Mashhad, Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/20479700.2022.2104190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Mohammadpour
- Department of Health Economics, School of Management and Medical Information, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Health Economics and Management Sciences, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Javad Javan-Noughabi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Health Economics and Management Sciences, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tahereh Sharifi
- Department of Health Care Management, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noureddin Niknam
- Department of Public Health, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| | - Ali Khorsand Vakilzadeh
- Department of Complementary and Chinese Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Atousa Ariafar
- Imam Reza Educational, Research and Medical Institution, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Arfa Shahidi
- Imam Reza Educational, Research and Medical Institution, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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19
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Hashemi F, Hoepner L, Hamidinejad FS, Abbasi A, Afrashteh S, Hoseini M. A survey on the correlation between PM 2.5 concentration and the incidence of suspected and positive cases of COVID-19 referred to medical centers: A case study of Tehran. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 301:134650. [PMID: 35452646 PMCID: PMC9016534 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, one of the greatest health challenges of the present century, has infected millions of people and caused more than 6 million deaths worldwide. The causative agent of this disease is the new virus SARS-CoV-2; which continues to spread globally and sometimes with new and more complex aspects than before. The present study is an observational study aimed to investigate the role of AQI; PM2.5 and its relationship with the incidence of suspected cases (SC) and positive cases (PC) of COVID-19 at different levels of the air quality index (AQI) in Tehran, the capital of Iran in the period from Feb 20th, 2020 to Feb 22nd, 2021. Data on AQI were collected online from the air monitoring website of Air Quality Control Company under the supervision of Tehran Municipality. The data on suspected and positive cases were obtained from the Iranian Ministry of Health. The results and statistical analysis (Pearson correlation test) showed that with the increase of AQI level, the number of suspected cases (SC) and positive cases (PC), also increased (P-value<0.01). The average daily number of suspected and positive COVID-19 cases referred to medical centers, at different levels of the AQI was as follows: level II: yellow, moderate (SC: Nave = 466; PC: Nave = 223), level III: orange, unhealthy for sensitive groups (SC: Nave = 564; PC: Nave = 275), and Level IV: red, unhealthy (SC: Nave = 558; PC: Nave = 294). The results of the GEE for seasonal comparison (winter as reference season), showed that there is an epidemiological pattern in autumn with colder weather compared to other seasons in both suspected (Cl: %95, B = 408.94) and positive (Cl: %95, B = 83.42) cases of COVID-19. The results of this study will serve policymakers as an informative tool for guidance on the importance of the role of air pollution in viral epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fallah Hashemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Lori Hoepner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
| | - Farahnaz Soleimani Hamidinejad
- Department of Medicine, O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine; Department of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Abbasi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Sima Afrashteh
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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20
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Murugesan M, Govindarajan R, Prakash L, Murugan CK, Jasmine JJ, Krishnasamy N. In COVID-19 Patients, the Identified Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Tertiary Care Center of India. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2022; 12:24-30. [PMID: 35990860 PMCID: PMC9357525 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Materials and methods Results Conclusion How to cite this article
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Affiliation(s)
- Malarvizhi Murugesan
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, KAP Viswanatham Government Medical College, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramkumar Govindarajan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lakshmi Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology, Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chandra Kumar Murugan
- Department of Medicine, Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - J Janifer Jasmine
- Department of Hepatology, Government General Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Narayanasamy Krishnasamy
- Department of Hepatology, Government Corona Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Narayanasamy Krishnasamy, Department of Hepatology, Government Corona Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Phone: +91 9840415073, e-mail:
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21
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Mencoboni M, Fontana V, Damiani A, Spitaleri A, Raso A, Bottaro LC, Rossi G, Canobbio L, La Camera A, Filiberti RA, Taveggia P, Cavo A. Antibody Response to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Oncologic and Hematologic Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3364-3374. [PMID: 35621663 PMCID: PMC9139308 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29050273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on immune responses in cancer patients following mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is still insufficient, but generally, patients had impaired serological responses, especially those with hematological malignancies. We evaluated serological response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy compared with healthy controls. METHODS In total, 195 cancer patients and 400 randomly selected controls who had been administered a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in two doses were compared. The threshold of positivity was 4.33 BAU/mL. Patients were receiving anticancer treatment after the first and second dose of the vaccines. RESULTS a TOTAL OF 169 patients (87%) had solid tumors and 26 hemolymphopoietic diseases. Seropositivity rate was lower in patients than controls (91% vs. 96%), with an age/gender-adjusted rate ratio (RR) of 0.95 (95% CL = 0.89-1.02). Positivity was found in 97% of solid cancers and in 50% of hemolymphopoietic tumors. Both advanced and adjuvant therapy seemed to slightly reduce seropositivity rates in patients when compared to controls (RR = 0.97, 95% CL = 0.89-1.06; RR = 0.94, 95% CL = 0.87-1.01). CONCLUSIONS the response to vaccination is similar in patients affected by solid tumors to controls. On the contrary, hemolymphopietic patients show a much lower response than controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlio Mencoboni
- Oncology Unit, ASL 3, Villa Scassi Hospital, Corso Scassi 1, 16149 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.); (A.L.C.); (P.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Fontana
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 12, 16100 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Azzurra Damiani
- Oncology Unit, ASL 3, Villa Scassi Hospital, Corso Scassi 1, 16149 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.); (A.L.C.); (P.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonino Spitaleri
- Analysis Laboratory, ASL 3, Via Bertani 4, 16125 Genoa, Italy; (A.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessandro Raso
- Analysis Laboratory, ASL 3, Via Bertani 4, 16125 Genoa, Italy; (A.S.); (A.R.)
| | | | - Giovanni Rossi
- Oncology Unit, Antero Micone Hospital, Largo Nevio Rosso 2, 16100 Genoa, Italy; (G.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Luciano Canobbio
- Oncology Unit, Antero Micone Hospital, Largo Nevio Rosso 2, 16100 Genoa, Italy; (G.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Antonella La Camera
- Oncology Unit, ASL 3, Villa Scassi Hospital, Corso Scassi 1, 16149 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.); (A.L.C.); (P.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Rosa Angela Filiberti
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 12, 16100 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Paola Taveggia
- Oncology Unit, ASL 3, Villa Scassi Hospital, Corso Scassi 1, 16149 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.); (A.L.C.); (P.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessia Cavo
- Oncology Unit, ASL 3, Villa Scassi Hospital, Corso Scassi 1, 16149 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.); (A.L.C.); (P.T.); (A.C.)
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22
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Sajjan A, Nimbal AV, Shahapur R, Bagoji IB, Chiniwar VA, Chillalashetti SK. Post-Covid-19 Rhino-Cerebral Mucormycosis: an Observational Study During the Second Wave. MAEDICA 2022; 17:103-106. [PMID: 35733739 PMCID: PMC9168561 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2022.17.1.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is one of the most lethal and rapidly spreading fungal infection which is caused by fungus of the order Mucorales. The swiftness of spreading and high mortality rate that characterize mucormycosis cases added more burden to the enormous challenge brought by the Covid-19 pandemic globally. The aim of this article is to identify and discuss mucormycosis and review the literature related to its diagnosis and management. A total of 15 mucormycosis cases with a history of Covid-19 infection were identified in the Department of Dentistry of Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapura, India. The duration of the study was between April 1st and mid-September 2021. Nasal swab and tissue samples from oral and maxillofacial region were collected. Blood investigations, RT-PCR and HbA1c tests and radiography revealed changes in the trabecular pattern and bone loss associated with periodontal inflammation. Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection. Hence, dental and other clinical professionals must be aware of this possible fatal complication, so as to avoid an unfavorable outcome in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anand V Nimbal
- Department of Dentistry, BLDEDU, Vijayapura Karnataka, India
| | - Roopa Shahapur
- Department of Dentistry, BLDEDU, Vijayapura Karnataka, India
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23
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Zhou JC, Salahshour S, Ahmadian A, Senu N. Modeling the dynamics of COVID-19 using fractal-fractional operator with a case study. RESULTS IN PHYSICS 2022; 33:105103. [PMID: 34980997 PMCID: PMC8716155 DOI: 10.1016/j.rinp.2021.105103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This research study consists of a newly proposed Atangana-Baleanu derivative for transmission dynamics of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. Taking the advantage of non-local Atangana-Baleanu fractional-derivative approach, the dynamics of the well-known COVID-19 have been examined and analyzed with the induction of various infection phases and multiple routes of transmissions. For this purpose, an attempt is made to present a novel approach that initially formulates the proposed model using classical integer-order differential equations, followed by application of the fractal fractional derivative for obtaining the fractional COVID-19 model having arbitrary order Ψ and the fractal dimension Ξ . With this motive, some basic properties of the model that include equilibria and reproduction number are presented as well. Then, the stability of the equilibrium points is examined. Furthermore, a novel numerical method is introduced based on Adams-Bashforth fractal-fractional approach for the derivation of an iterative scheme of the fractal-fractional ABC model. This in turns, has helped us to obtained detailed graphical representation for several values of fractional and fractal orders Ψ and Ξ , respectively. In the end, graphical results and numerical simulation are presented for comprehending the impacts of the different model parameters and fractional order on the disease dynamics and the control. The outcomes of this research would provide strong theoretical insights for understanding mechanism of the infectious diseases and help the worldwide practitioners in adopting controlling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Cun Zhou
- College of Information and Electronic Engineering, Hunan City University, Yiyang 413000, PR China
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Soheil Salahshour
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Ahmadian
- Department of Law, Economics and Human Sciences, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Department of Mathematics, Near East University, Nicosia, TRNC 10, Turkey, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Norazak Senu
- Institute for Mathematical Research, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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24
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Wang H, Sun B, Li X, Wang Y, Yang Z. Clinical analysis of severe COVID-19 patients. Technol Health Care 2022; 30:225-234. [PMID: 35124599 PMCID: PMC9028659 DOI: 10.3233/thc-228021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with unexplained pneumonia appeared in Wuhan, Hubei Province at the end of 2019. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical data of patients with severe COVID-19. METHODS: Medical records of 28 severe patients admitted to the intensive care unit of Wuhan Xinzhou District People’s Hospital were collected from January 31 to March 17. RESULTS: The mortality rate of severe patients in our study was 39.3%. There were statistically significant differences in age, admission systolic blood pressure, lymphocyte count, albumin, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase between the death group and the survival group (P< 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in APACHE II, CURB-65, SOFA, respiratory frequency, systolic pressure, platelet, procalcitonin, albumin, creatinine, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, chloride ion, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, and FiO2 at ICU between the death group and the survival group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fever and cough are the main symptoms, which is useful for predicting the prognosis to dynamically measure the APACHE II, CURB-65, SOFA, respiratory frequency, lymphocyte count, platelet, lactate dehydrogenase, and coagulation tests. The drugs that protect the liver and heart may improve the survival rate of patients with severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Intensive Care Unit, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Intensive Care Unit, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiayuan Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Digestive System Department, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Zhengping Yang
- Intensive Care Unit, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
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25
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Abstract
Coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. The pandemic has led to a devastating loss of life. It has shown us how infectious diseases can cause human existence at stake, and community health is important. The spike protein is the most immunogenic component of the virus. Most vaccine development strategies have focused on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the spike protein because it is the most specific target site that recognizes and interacts with human lung cells. Neutralizing antibodies are generated by the humoral immune system and reduce the viral load by binding to spike protein components. Neutralizing antibodies are the proteins secreted by plasma cells and serve as an important part of the defense mechanism. In the recent Covid-19 infection, neutralizing antibodies can be utilized for both diagnostic such as immune surveillance and therapeutic tools such as plasma therapy. So far, many monoclonal antibodies are in the clinical trial phase, and few of them are already in use. In this review, we have discussed details about neutralizing antibodies and their role in combating Covid-19 disease.
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26
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Kumar Palli K, Ghosh P, Krishna Avula S, Sridhara Shanmukha Rao B, Patil AD, Ghosh S, Sudhakar G, Raji Reddy C, Mainkar PS, Chandrasekhar S. Total synthesis of remdesivir. Tetrahedron Lett 2022; 88:153590. [PMID: 34908617 PMCID: PMC8656175 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.153590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Remdesivir, the first drug approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19, is in high demand for patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Herein, we report a facile approach minimizing the protecting group manipulations to afford remdesivir in good overall yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Kumar Palli
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Palash Ghosh
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Shiva Krishna Avula
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - B Sridhara Shanmukha Rao
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Amol D Patil
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Subhash Ghosh
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Gangarajula Sudhakar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Chada Raji Reddy
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Prathama S Mainkar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Srivari Chandrasekhar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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27
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Akram M, Egbuna C, Imtiaz A, Ogodo AC, Otekunrin OA, Ifemeje JC, Ezeonyebuchi FN, Archibong IE, Chandra S, Saklani S, Adetunji CO, Patrick-Iwuanyanwu KC, Zedech Uche C. Drug discovery opportunities from traditional practices against SARS-CoV-2. CORONAVIRUS DRUG DISCOVERY 2022:191-205. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-95574-4.00007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
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28
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Ferreira S, Campos C, Marinho B, Rocha S, Fonseca-Pedrero E, Barbosa Rocha N. What drives beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories? The role of psychotic-like experiences and confinement-related factors. Soc Sci Med 2022; 292:114611. [PMID: 34864602 PMCID: PMC8630839 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide threat to public health and the global economy. The climate of fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic has fostered the emergence of a wide range of COVID-19 conspiracy theories that have the potential to shape public opinion and hinder the effective dissemination of valid information. Beliefs in conspiracy theories have been associated with maladaptive personality traits such as schizotypy and paranoia, as well as other non-psychotic psychological characteristics (e.g., social isolation, stress). METHODS An online survey was conducted to examine the associations between beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and psychotic-like experiences in a Portuguese community sample (N = 438), while also addressing the role of sociodemographic variables, psychological outcomes (e.g., stress, affective states), confinement-related factors (e.g., confinement conditions/behaviors), and pandemic-related factors (e.g., health concerns, financial issues). RESULTS Findings suggest that psychotic-like experiences are associated with beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, particularly perceptual abnormalities and persecutory ideation. Moreover, increased health-related concerns and reduced education levels also seem to be liability factors for these conspiracy beliefs. CONCLUSION These results add important insights into how the adherence to illogical and erroneous disease-related arguments can be related to psychotic-like experiences. COVID-19 conspiracy theories are yet another major challenge that governments and policymakers must contemplate when defining strategic directions to manage the current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simão Ferreira
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Campos
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Marinho
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Nuno Barbosa Rocha
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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29
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Andrade EF, Pereira LJ, Oliveira APLD, Orlando DR, Alves DAG, Guilarducci JDS, Castelo PM. Perceived fear of COVID-19 infection according to sex, age and occupational risk using the Brazilian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 46:533-542. [PMID: 32845795 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1809786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the fear of COVID-19 infection after proper translation and cultural adaptation of the "Fear of COVID-19 Scale" to the Brazilian Portuguese language. A sample of 1,743 Brazilian participants were included. The scale showed excellent psychometric characteristics. Women showed higher anxiety levels. Fear of COVID-19 scores were lower in males with occupational risk of contamination. On the other hand, women and younger individuals showed higher fear of COVID-19 infection scores. The Brazilian Fear of COVID-19 Scale proved to be a reliable tool with excellent psychometric properties for identifying fear of COVID-19 infection in the Brazilian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Francelino Andrade
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Physiology Area, Agrarian Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, Brazil
| | - Luciano José Pereira
- Health Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Luiz de Oliveira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, Universidade Estatual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Débora Ribeiro Orlando
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Physiology Area, Agrarian Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paula Midori Castelo
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, Brazil
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30
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Allah AA, Algethami NE, Algethami RA, ALAyyubi RH, Altalhi WA, Atalla AAA. Impact of COVID-19 on psychological and academic performance of medical students in Saudi Arabia. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:3857-3862. [PMID: 34934692 PMCID: PMC8653468 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1004_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health and psychosocial conditions of everyone worldwide according to the WHO. Public health emergencies affect college students and are expressed as anxiety, worry, and fear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health and performance of medical students. Design and Settings: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was done. Participants and Methods: Participants were 1591 Saudi medical students. A predesigned questionnaire included questions on demographic characters, GPA, having a relative got COVID-19, how to face sad news and stressors, and satisfaction with online lectures. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale was used that included seven items asking about the degree the participant was bothered by feeling anxious in the last 2 weeks. Results: A total of 59.4% of students had various degrees of anxiety. Participant age, unsteady family income, high grade point average (GPA,) satisfaction with the online lectures, and being female were associated with higher GAD-7 scores. Conclusion: Mental health of medical students was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological support programs for medical students during the pandemic and provision of high-quality distance learning is essential for psychological well-being during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A Allah
- Consultant Family Medicine & Diabetology, National Guard Primary Health Car, Taif, KSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Aymen A Ahmed Atalla
- Consultant, Department of Family Medicine, National Guard Primary Health Car, Taif, KSA
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31
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Wang Y, Wu Y, Wang Q, Zhu J, Shi W, Han Z, Zhang Y, Chen K. Virucidal effect of povidone-iodine against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211063695. [PMID: 34914884 PMCID: PMC8689632 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211063695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the antiviral activity of the oral disinfectant povidone-iodine (PVP-I) against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) in vitro. Methods The cytotoxic effects of PVP-I were determined in Vero and Calu-3 cell lines using that by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Viral load in the cell culture medium above infected cells was quantitated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cytopathic effect (CPE) and viral infective rate were observed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Results PVP-I at a concentration >0.5 mg/ml in contact with SARS-CoV-2 for 30 s, 1 min, 2 min and 5 min showed up to 99% viral inhibition. For in vitro testing, upon exposure for 1 min, PVP-I showed a virucidal effect. PVP-I had no cytotoxic effects at the range of concentrations tested (0.125–1 mg/ml; CC50 > 2.75 mM) in Vero and Calu-3 cells. Conclusion These results demonstrate that the ideal contact time was 1 min and the optimal concentration was 1 mg/ml, which provides an experimental basis for the use of oral disinfectants in dental hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Centre of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yutong Wu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qingjing Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zetao Han
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Keda Chen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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32
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Buabeid M, Ijaz M, Shamim S, Huang X, Murtaza G. Therapeutic Uses of Traditional Chinese Medicines Against COVID-19. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:5017-5026. [PMID: 34866921 PMCID: PMC8639285 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s328261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a pandemic and a serious respiratory disorder that is caused by coronavirus. It has produced an outbreak of acute infectious pneumonia in China and afterward all around the world. There is not a single anti-viral drug, vaccine or any kind of treatment available for this fatal disease. There are only a few options available for symptomatic relief. Thus, in China, 85% of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals have been treated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). Thus, this article focused on the previous kinds of literature regarding COVID-19 and its treatment with TCM along with its applications. SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV showed similarity in genes, pathological processes, and epidemiology, so these can be treated with TCM. The proof regarding treatment of SARS-CoV with TCM explicitly shows the advantages of using TCM therapy for COVID-19. Present literature explains the mode of action and efficacy of TCM and elaborates on the natural compounds introduced to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Buabeid
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
- Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research Centre, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ijaz
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saba Shamim
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Xianju Huang
- College of Pharmacy, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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33
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Huber S, Massri M, Grasse M, Fleischer V, Kellnerová S, Harpf V, Knabl L, Knabl L, Heiner T, Kummann M, Neurauter M, Rambach G, Speth C, Würzner R. Systemic Inflammation and Complement Activation Parameters Predict Clinical Outcome of Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Viruses 2021; 13:2376. [PMID: 34960645 PMCID: PMC8707937 DOI: 10.3390/v13122376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Overactivation of the complement system has been characterized in severe COVID-19 cases. Complement components are known to trigger NETosis via the coagulation cascade and have also been reported in human tracheobronchial epithelial cells. In this longitudinal study, we investigated systemic and local complement activation and NETosis in COVID-19 patients that underwent mechanical ventilation. Results confirmed significantly higher baseline levels of serum C5a (24.5 ± 39.0 ng/mL) and TCC (11.03 ± 8.52 µg/mL) in patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, systemic NETosis was significantly augmented in patients (5.87 (±3.71) × 106 neutrophils/mL) compared to healthy controls (0.82 (±0.74) × 106 neutrophils/mL) (p < 0.0001). In tracheal fluid, baseline TCC levels but not C5a and NETosis, were significantly higher in patients. Kinetic studies of systemic complement activation revealed markedly higher levels of TCC and CRP in nonsurvivors compared to survivors. In contrast, kinetic studies showed decreased local NETosis in tracheal fluid but comparable local complement activation in nonsurvivors compared to survivors. Systemic TCC and NETosis were significantly correlated with inflammation and coagulation markers. We propose that a ratio comprising systemic inflammation, complement activation, and chest X-ray score could be rendered as a predictive parameter of patient outcome in severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Huber
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Mariam Massri
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Grasse
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Verena Fleischer
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Sára Kellnerová
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Verena Harpf
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | | | - Ludwig Knabl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital St. Vinzenz, 6511 Zams, Austria;
| | - Tatjana Heiner
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Reutte, 6600 Reutte, Austria;
| | - Moritz Kummann
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Magdalena Neurauter
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Günter Rambach
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Cornelia Speth
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.H.); (M.M.); (M.G.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (V.H.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (C.S.)
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Habibzadeh P, Dastsooz H, Eshraghi M, Łos MJ, Klionsky DJ, Ghavami S. Autophagy: The Potential Link between SARS-CoV-2 and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225721. [PMID: 34830876 PMCID: PMC8616402 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a global crisis. With the increasing number of individuals infected worldwide, the long-term consequences of this disease have become an active area of research. The constellation of symptoms COVID-19 survivors suffer from is commonly referred to as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome in the scientific literature. In this paper, we discuss the potential long-term complications of this infection resulting from the persistence of the viral particles in body tissues interacting with host cells’ autophagy machinery in the context of the development of cancer, cancer progression and metastasis, as well as response to treatment. We also propose a structured framework for future studies to investigate the potential impact of COVID-19 infection on cancer. Abstract COVID-19 infection survivors suffer from a constellation of symptoms referred to as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. However, in the wake of recent evidence highlighting the long-term persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in tissues and emerging information regarding the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and various components of the host cell macroautophagy/autophagy machinery, the unforeseen long-term consequences of this infection, such as increased risk of malignancies, should be explored. Although SARS-CoV-2 is not considered an oncogenic virus, the possibility of increased risk of cancer among COVID-19 survivors cannot be ruled out. Herein, we provide an overview of the possible mechanisms leading to cancer development, particularly obesity-related cancers (e.g., colorectal cancer), resulting from defects in autophagy and the blockade of the autophagic flux, and also immune escape in COVID-19 survivors. We also highlight the potential long-term implications of COVID-19 infection in the prognosis of patients with cancer and their response to different cancer treatments. Finally, we consider future directions for further investigations on this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Habibzadeh
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran;
| | - Hassan Dastsooz
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia, Albertina, 13, 10123 Torino, Italy;
- IIGM-Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCCS, Candiolo, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Torino, Italy
| | - Mehdi Eshraghi
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
| | - Marek J. Łos
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.J.Ł.); (S.G.)
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Katowice School of Technology, ul. Rolna 43, 40-555 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.J.Ł.); (S.G.)
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Wang Z, Ye F, Feng Y, Xiao W, Song H, Zhao L, Lu R, Huang B, Liu Y, Wang W, Li Y, Ding Y, Zheng Y, Song X, Tan W, Wang Q. Discovery and Nanosized Preparations of ( S, R)-Tylophorine Malate as Novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1838-1844. [PMID: 34745429 PMCID: PMC8565188 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
![]()
The
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has stimulated
the search for effective drugs for its prevention and treatment. Natural
products are an important source for new drug discovery. Here, we
report that, NK007(S,R), a tylophorine
malate, displays high antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 with an
EC50 0.03 μM in vitro, which is
substantially lower than that of remdesivir (EC50: 0.8
μM in vitro), the only authorized drug to date.
The histopathological research revealed that NK007(S,R) (5 mg/kg/dose) displayed a protection effect
in lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2, which is better than remdesivir
(25 mg/kg/dose). We also prepared two nanosized preparations of NK007(S,R), which also showed good efficacy (EC50: NP-NK007, 0.007 μM in vitro; LP-NK007,
0.014 μM in vitro). Our findings suggest that
tylophora alkaloids, isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Cynanchum komarovii AL, offer a new skeleton for the development
of anticoronavirus drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Fei Ye
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control & Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongjian Song
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Li Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control & Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Roujian Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control & Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baoying Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control & Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yuxiu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wenling Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control & Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yongqiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Shijiazhuang Lvfeng Chemical Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 052560, China
| | - Yanlong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenjie Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control & Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qingmin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Research Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Khan AA, Singh H, Bilal M, Ashraf MT. Microbiota, probiotics and respiratory infections: the three musketeers can tip off potential management of COVID-19. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:10977-10993. [PMID: 34786037 PMCID: PMC8581851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rapid infectivity of SARS-CoV2 with recent viral variants is posing a challenge in the development of robust therapeutic strategies. On the other hand, microbiota is debated for its involvement in SARS-CoV2 infection with varied opinions. Although ample data about the role of microbiota and probiotics in respiratory viral infections are available, their role in COVID-19 is limited albeit emerging rapidly. The utilization of probiotics for the management of COVID-19 is still under investigation in many clinical trials. Existing information coupled with recent COVID-19 related studies can suggest various ways to use microbiota modulation and probiotics for managing this pandemic. Present article indicates the role of microbiota modulation and probiotics in respiratory infections. In addition, scattered evidence was gathered to understand the potential of microbiota and probiotics in the management of SARS-CoV2. Gut-airway microbiota connection is already apparent in respiratory tract viral infections, including SARS-CoV2. Though few clinical trials are evaluating microbiota and probiotics for COVID-19 management, the safety evaluation must be given more serious consideration because of the possibility of opportunistic infections among COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, the information about microbiota modulation using probiotics and prebiotics can be helpful to manage this outbreak and this review presents different aspects of this idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Arif Khan
- Division of Microbiology, Indian Council of Medical Research-National AIDS Research InstitutePune, Maharashtra 411026, India
| | - HariOm Singh
- Division of Molecular Biology, Indian Council of Medical Research-National AIDS Research InstitutePune, Maharashtra 411026, India
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of TechnologyHuaian 223003, China
| | - Mohd Tashfeen Ashraf
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha UniversityGautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida (UP), India
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Gul S, Ozcan O, Asar S, Okyar A, Barıs I, Kavakli IH. In silico identification of widely used and well-tolerated drugs as potential SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease and viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors for direct use in clinical trials. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 39:6772-6791. [PMID: 32752938 PMCID: PMC7484590 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1802346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite strict measures taken by many countries, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to be an issue of global concern. Currently, there are no clinically proven pharmacotherapies for coronavirus disease 2019, despite promising initial results obtained from drugs such as azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine. Therefore, the repurposing of clinically approved drugs for use against SARS-CoV-2 has become a viable strategy. Here, we searched for drugs that target SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro) and viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by in silico screening of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved drug library. Well-tolerated and widely used drugs were selected for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to evaluate drug-protein interactions and their persistence under physiological conditions. Tetracycline, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, dutasteride, nelfinavir, and paliperidone formed stable interactions with 3CLpro based on MD simulation results. Similar analysis with RdRp showed that eltrombopag, tipranavir, ergotamine, and conivaptan bound to the enzyme with high binding free energies. Docking results suggest that ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, bromocriptine, dutasteride, conivaptan, paliperidone, and tipranavir can bind to both enzymes with high affinity. As these drugs are well tolerated, cost-effective, and widely used, our study suggests that they could potentially to be used in clinical trials for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seref Gul
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Ozcan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinan Asar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Okyar
- Department of Pharmacology, Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Barıs
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Halil Kavakli
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Smart delivery and retrieval of swab collection kit for COVID-19 test using autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION 2021; 48:101373. [PMCID: PMC8256669 DOI: 10.1016/j.phycom.2021.101373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are one of the highly emerging technologies of the modern day. Due to their small size, flying capabilities, and complex machinery, drones can be deployed in diverse fields, including agriculture, sports, entertainment, parcel delivery, disaster management, search and rescue, emergency medicine, and healthcare. In case of medical emergency, timely delivery of the required emergency kit is very important. This is often not possible in many underdeveloped countries due to lack of resources, traffic jams, congestion or challenging routes. Also, in times like today’s when the world is hit with COVID-19 pandemic, the movement is very limited due to lockdowns and emergency. In such case, drones can be deployed to deliver the emergency kits and collect samples for tests. This may save someones life as well as time and financial resources. In third world countries, the COVID-19 has spread chaos because of very limited hospitals, resources and staff. Therefore, it is difficult for the government and health officials to accommodate every patient or give him/her the care that he/she needs. Amidst the fear of pandemic, everyone is trying to undergo tests for COVID-19 which is difficult to handle In our research, we have proposed a solution that comprises smartphone application with the help of a patient sending a call to a healthcare centre for delivering emergency kit. The kit contains equipment with the help of which a person can collect swab. The drone takes the swab samples back to the healthcare centre for tests. We have introduced an optimization factor as a baseline for future studies of this kind. We have further conducted field experiments to test our proposed scheme. The results have shown that drones can be quite efficient in collecting samples and delivering emergency kits.
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Keykhaei M, Koolaji S, Mohammadi E, Kalantar R, Saeedi Moghaddam S, Aminorroaya A, Zokaei S, Azadnajafabad S, Rezaei N, Ghasemi E, Rezaei N, Haghshenas R, Farzi Y, Rashedi S, Larijani B, Farzadfar F. Dissection of non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented by Iran, South Korea, and Turkey in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2021; 20:1919-1931. [PMID: 34540760 PMCID: PMC8437736 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00877-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has imposed a great global burden on public health. As one of the most affected countries, Iran has tackled emerging challenges in the path to overcoming the epidemic, with three peaks of the disease propagation as of February 19, 2020. To flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have implemented bundles of intrusive, sometimes extremely stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). In this communication, we have dissected the effectiveness of NPIs and compared the strategies implemented by Iran, Turkey, and South Korea to mitigate the disease’s spread. Methods We searched online databases via PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. Titles/abstracts and full-texts were screened by two reviewers and discrepancies were resolved upon discussion. Results Our results provide insights into five domains: prevention, screening, in-patient and out-patient facilities, governance, and management of diabetes mellitus. Analysis of previous efforts put in place illustrates that by fostering efficient social distancing measures, increasing the capability to perform prompt polymerase chain reaction tests, applying smart contact tracing, and supplying adequate personal protective equipment, Turkey and South Korea have brought the epidemic sub-optimally under control. Conclusion From the perspective of policymakers, these achievements are of utmost importance given that attaining the aspirational goals in the management of the COVID-19 necessities a suitable adjustment of previous successful strategies. Hence, policymakers should be noticed that a suitable combination of NPIs is necessary to stem the disease’s propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Keykhaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Sogol Koolaji
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Kalantar
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Arya Aminorroaya
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran.,Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Zokaei
- School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Azadnajafabad
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Rezaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran.,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Erfan Ghasemi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazila Rezaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosa Haghshenas
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Yosef Farzi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Rashedi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Farzadfar
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran.,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Azzolini C, Donati S, Premi E, Baj A, Siracusa C, Genoni A, Grossi PA, Azzi L, Sessa F, Dentali F, Severgnini P, Minoja G, Cabrini L, Chiaravalli M, Veronesi G, Carcano G, Maffioli LS, Tagliabue A. SARS-CoV-2 on Ocular Surfaces in a Cohort of Patients With COVID-19 From the Lombardy Region, Italy. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 139:956-963. [PMID: 33662099 PMCID: PMC7934077 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.5464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Importance Since February 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly all over the world, with an epidemiological cluster in Lombardy, Italy. The viral communicability may be mediated by various body fluids, but insufficient information is available on the presence of the virus in human tears. Objectives To investigate the rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in tears collected from patients with COVID-19 by means of real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay and to assess the association of virus presence with concomitant clinical conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional study conducted between April 9 and May 5, 2020. The setting was intensive care units at Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Sette-Laghi Hospital, University of Insubria, in Varese, Lombardy, Italy. A conjunctival swab was performed in 91 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, which was clinically diagnosed by rRT-PCR assay on nasopharyngeal swabs and by radiological imaging. Conjunctival swabs from 17 additional healthy volunteer participants with no symptoms of COVID-19 were examined to evaluate the availability and applicability of the conjunctival swab test. Exposure SARS-CoV-2 detection by means of rRT-PCR assay performed on the collected samples obtained by conjunctival swabs. Main Outcomes and Measures Conjunctival swab and nasopharyngeal swab results are reported, as well as demographic and clinical data. Results A total of 108 participants (mean [SD] age, 58.7 [14.2] years; 55 female and 53 male) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using rRT-PCR assay, including 91 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and 17 were healthy volunteers. SARS-CoV-2 was found on the ocular surface in 52 of 91 patients with COVID-19 (57.1%; 95% CI, 46.3%-67.5%), with a wide variability in the mean viral load from both eyes. Among a subset of 41 patients, concordance of 63.0% (95% CI, 41.0%-81.0%) was found between positive conjunctival and nasopharyngeal swab test results when performed within 2 days of each other. In 17 of these patients, nasopharyngeal swab results were negative for SARS-CoV-2. In 10 of these 17 patients, conjunctival swab results were positive for the virus. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found on the ocular surface in a large part of this cohort of patients with COVID-19, although the infectivity of this material could not be determined. Because patients may have positive test results with a conjunctival swab and negative results with a nasopharyngeal swab, use of the slightly invasive conjunctival swab may be considered as a supplementary diagnostic test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Azzolini
- Unit of Ophthalmology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Simone Donati
- Unit of Ophthalmology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elias Premi
- Unit of Ophthalmology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andreina Baj
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Claudia Siracusa
- Laboratory of Medicine, Service of Cytogenetics and Medical Genetics, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Angelo Genoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo A. Grossi
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Azzi
- Unit of Oral Medicine and Pathology, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Fausto Sessa
- Unit of Pathology, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesco Dentali
- Unit of High Intensity Medicine, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Severgnini
- Cardiosurgery Intensive Care Unit, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulio Minoja
- Transplants Intensive Care Unit, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Luca Cabrini
- Intensive Care Unit, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Veronesi
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulio Carcano
- Unit of General, Emergency and Transplant Surgery, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Tagliabue
- Unit of Oral Medicine and Pathology, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Chancellor, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Habibzadeh P, Mofatteh M, Silawi M, Ghavami S, Faghihi MA. Molecular diagnostic assays for COVID-19: an overview. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2021; 58:385-398. [PMID: 33595397 PMCID: PMC7898297 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2021.1884640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the cardinal importance of rapid and accurate diagnostic assays. Since the early days of the outbreak, researchers with different scientific backgrounds across the globe have tried to fulfill the urgent need for such assays, with many assays having been approved and with others still undergoing clinical validation. Molecular diagnostic assays are a major group of tests used to diagnose COVID-19. Currently, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the most widely used method. Other diagnostic molecular methods, including CRISPR-based assays, isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods, digital PCR, microarray assays, and next generation sequencing (NGS), are promising alternatives. In this review, we summarize the technical and clinical applications of the different COVID-19 molecular diagnostic assays and suggest directions for the implementation of such technologies in future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Habibzadeh
- Persian BayanGene Research and Training Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mofatteh
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mohammad Silawi
- Persian BayanGene Research and Training Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mohammad Ali Faghihi
- Persian BayanGene Research and Training Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Mahroum N, Watad A, Bridgewood C, Mansour M, Nasr A, Hussein A, Khamisy-Farah R, Farah R, Gendelman O, Lidar M, Shoenfeld Y, Amital H, Kong JD, Wu J, Bragazzi NL, McGonagle D. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Tocilizumab Therapy versus Standard of Care in over 15,000 COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients during the First Eight Months of the Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9149. [PMID: 34501738 PMCID: PMC8431489 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tocilizumab is an anti-IL-6 therapy widely adopted in the management of the so-called "cytokine storm" related to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, but its effectiveness, use in relation to concomitant corticosteroid therapy and safety were unproven despite widespread use in numerous studies, mostly open label at the start of the pandemic. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies utilising tocilizumab in COVID-19 on different databases (PubMed/MEDLINE/Scopus) and preprint servers (medRxiv and SSRN) from inception until 20 July 2020 (PROSPERO CRD42020195690). Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed. The impact of tocilizumab and concomitant corticosteroid therapy or tocilizumab alone versus standard of care (SOC) on the death rate, need for mechanical ventilation, ICU admission and bacterial infections were assessed. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies with 15,531 patients (3657 cases versus 11,874 controls) were identified. Unadjusted estimates (n = 28) failed to demonstrate a protective effect of tocilizumab on survival (OR 0.74 ([95%CI 0.55-1.01], p = 0.057), mechanical ventilation prevention (OR 2.21 [95%CI 0.53-9.23], p = 0.277) or prevention of ICU admission (OR 3.79 [95%CI 0.38-37.34], p = 0.254). Considering studies with adjusted, estimated, tocilizumab use was associated with mortality rate reduction (HR 0.50 ([95%CI 0.38-0.64], p < 0.001) and prevention of ICU admission (OR 0.16 ([95%CI 0.06-0.43], p < 0.001). Tocilizumab with concomitant steroid use versus SOC was protective with an OR of 0.49 ([95%CI 0.36-0.65], p < 0.05) as was tocilizumab alone versus SOC with an OR of 0.59 ([95%CI 0.34-1.00], p < 0.001). Risk of infection increased (2.36 [95%CI 1.001-5.54], p = 0.050; based on unadjusted estimates). CONCLUSION Despite the heterogeneity of included studies and large number of preprint articles, our findings from the first eight of the pandemic in over 15,000 COVID-19 cases suggested an incremental efficacy of tocilizumab in severe COVID-19 that were confirmed by subsequent meta-analyses of large randomized trials of tocilizumab. This suggests that analysis of case-control studies and pre-print server data in the early stages of a pandemic appeared robust for supporting incremental benefits and lack of major therapeutic toxicity of tocilizumab for severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Mahroum
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine B., Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel; (N.M.); (A.W.); (O.G.); (Y.S.); (H.A.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34810, Beykoz, Turkey
| | - Abdulla Watad
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine B., Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel; (N.M.); (A.W.); (O.G.); (Y.S.); (H.A.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK; (C.B.); (D.M.)
- Rheumatology Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel
| | - Charlie Bridgewood
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK; (C.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Muhammad Mansour
- Department of Surgery A, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel;
- Faculty of Medicine of the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel
- Division of General Surgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Ahmad Nasr
- Department of Pathology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy;
- Department of Pathology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Amr Hussein
- Medical Faculty, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy;
| | - Rola Khamisy-Farah
- Clalit Health Service, Akko, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel;
| | - Raymond Farah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ziv Medical Center, Safed 13100, Israel;
| | - Omer Gendelman
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine B., Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel; (N.M.); (A.W.); (O.G.); (Y.S.); (H.A.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Merav Lidar
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Rheumatology Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine B., Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel; (N.M.); (A.W.); (O.G.); (Y.S.); (H.A.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Medical Department, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Ariel University, Kiryat HaMada 3, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Howard Amital
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine B., Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5265601, Israel; (N.M.); (A.W.); (O.G.); (Y.S.); (H.A.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Jude Dzevela Kong
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (J.D.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (J.D.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK; (C.B.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (J.D.K.); (J.W.)
- Postgraduate School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Dennis McGonagle
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), University of Leeds, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK; (C.B.); (D.M.)
- Chapel Allerton Hospital, Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK
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Impact of Age and Sex on Antibody Response Following the Second Dose of COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine in Greek Healthcare Workers. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081725. [PMID: 34442806 PMCID: PMC8401044 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD (receptor-binding domain) IgG antibody levels were monitored in 1643 volunteer healthcare workers of Eginition, Evangelismos, and Konstantopoulio General Hospitals (Athens, Greece), who underwent vaccination with two doses of COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer) and had no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Venous blood was collected 20–30 days after the second vaccine dose and anti-RBD IgG levels were determined using CMIA SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant (Abbott) on ARCHITECT i System or ADVIA Centaur SARS-CoV-2 IgG (Siemens) on Centaur XP platform. From the total population of 1643 vaccinees (533 M/1110 F; median age = 49; interquartile range-IQR = 40–56), 1636 (99.6%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers above the positivity threshold of the assay used. One-Way ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis H test showed a statistically significant difference in the median of antibody titers between the different age groups (p < 0.0001). Consistently, Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r) for IgGs and age as continuous variables was −0.2380 (p = 1.98 × 10−17). Moreover, antibody titers were slightly higher by 1.2-mean fold (p = 3 × 10−6) in the total female population of the three hospitals (median = 1594; IQR = 875–2584) as compared to males (median = 1292; IQR = 671.9–2188). The present study supports that BNT162b2 vaccine is particularly effective in producing high anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels in healthy individuals, and this humoral response is age- and gender-dependent.
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44
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Çolak Ş, Genç Yavuz B, Yavuz M, Özçelik B, Öner M, Özgültekin A, Şenbayrak S. Effectiveness of ozone therapy in addition to conventional treatment on mortality in patients with COVID-19. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14321. [PMID: 33971067 PMCID: PMC8236993 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ozone therapy, which is one of the integrative medicine applications that has been used safely for many years, on the prevalence of mortality in patients receiving COVID-19 treatment. METHODS This was a prospective, controlled study conducted on patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalised. In this study, 55 patients were included. The patients were divided into two groups as the ozone and control group. Ozone therapy (major autohemotherapy) was applied to 37 patients who were being treated with the appropriate COVID-19 treatment protocol determined by the infectious diseases committee of our hospital. The ozone treatment protocol consisted of seven sessions (one session per day) of intravenous ozone administration, applied in a volume of 100 mL and a concentration of 30 μg/mL. Only the conventional COVID-19 treatment protocol was applied to 18 patients in the control group. Clinical follow-up was performed until the discharge of the patients from the hospital with successful treatment or until the mortality occurred. Factors affecting mortality were analysed using univariate regression analysis. RESULTS Intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisation was required in 6 of the 37 patients who were treated with ozone (16.2%), while 4 of 18 patients in the control group required ICU treatment (22.2%) (P = .713). When the mortality rates between the two groups were compared, mortality was lower in the ozone group (P = .032). As a result of univariate logistic regression analysis performed to investigate the factors affecting mortality, treatment with ozone therapy was determined as a risk factor for mortality. Patients receiving ozone therapy appear to have a lower mortality risk (odds ratio [OR]: 0.149, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.026-0.863, P = .034). CONCLUSION In this study, the findings suggested that the administration of ozone therapy along with the conventional medical treatment in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 could reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şahin Çolak
- Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
| | - Burcu Genç Yavuz
- Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
| | - Mürsel Yavuz
- Kosuyolu Rezonans ClinicIntegrative MedicineIstanbulTurkey
| | - Burak Özçelik
- Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
| | - Metin Öner
- Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
| | - Asu Özgültekin
- Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Anesthesiology and Intensive CareUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
| | - Seniha Şenbayrak
- Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Infectious Disease and Clinical MicrobiologyUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
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Methylation of Host Genes Associated with Coronavirus Infection from Birth to 26 Years. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081198. [PMID: 34440372 PMCID: PMC8392033 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns over time at 1146 CpGs on coronavirus-related genes were assessed to understand whether the varying differences in susceptibility, symptoms, and the outcomes of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and young adults could be explained through epigenetic alterations in a host cell’s transcriptional apparatus to coronaviruses. DNAm data from the Isle of Wight birth cohort (IOWBC) at birth, 10, 18, and 26 years of age were included. Linear mixed models with repeated measurements stratified by sex were used to examine temporal patterns, and cluster analysis was performed to identify CpGs following similar patterns. CpGs on autosomes and sex chromosomes were analyzed separately. The association of identified CpGs and expression of their genes were evaluated. Pathway enrichment analyses of the genes was conducted at FDR = 0.05. DNAm at 635 of the 1146 CpGs on autosomes showed statistically significant time effects (FDR = 0.05). The 635 CpGs were classified into five clusters with each representing a unique temporal pattern of DNAm. Of the 29 CpGs on sex chromosomes, DNAm at seven CpGs in males and eight CpGs in females showed time effects (FDR = 0.05). Sex-specific and non-specific associations of DNAm with gene expression were found at 24 and 93 CpGs, respectively. Genes which mapped the 643 CpGs represent 460 biological processes. We suggest that the observed variability in DNAm with advancing age may partially explain differing susceptibility, disease severity, and mortality of coronavirus infections among different age groups.
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Iqbal Yatoo M, Hamid Z, Rather I, Nazir QUA, Bhat RA, Ul Haq A, Magray SN, Haq Z, Sah R, Tiwari R, Natesan S, Bilal M, Harapan H, Dhama K. Immunotherapies and immunomodulatory approaches in clinical trials - a mini review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:1897-1909. [PMID: 33577374 PMCID: PMC7885722 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1871295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created havoc worldwide. Due to the non-availability of any vaccine or drugs against COVID-19, immunotherapies involving convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, antibodies (monoclonal or polyclonal), and the use of immunomodulatory agents to enhance immunity are valuable alternative options. Cell-based therapies including natural killer cells, T cells, stem cells along with cytokines and toll-like receptors (TLRs) based therapies are also being exploited potentially against COVID-19. Future research need to strengthen the field of developing effective immunotherapeutics and immunomodulators with a thrust of providing appropriate, affordable, convenient, and cost-effective prophylactic and treatment regimens to combat global COVID-19 crisis that has led to a state of medical emergency enforcing entire countries of the world to devote their research infrastructure and manpower in tackling this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd. Iqbal Yatoo
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zeenat Hamid
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Izhar Rather
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Qurat Ul Ain Nazir
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Riyaz Ahmed Bhat
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Abrar Ul Haq
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Suhail Nabi Magray
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zulfqar Haq
- ICAR-Centre for Research on Poultry, Division of Livestock Production and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - SenthilKumar Natesan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, China
| | - Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Moussa YEH, Boudaoui A, Ullah S, Bozkurt F, Abdeljawad T, Alqudah MA. Stability analysis and simulation of the novel Corornavirus mathematical model via the Caputo fractional-order derivative: A case study of Algeria. RESULTS IN PHYSICS 2021; 26:104324. [PMID: 34055583 PMCID: PMC8141347 DOI: 10.1016/j.rinp.2021.104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus infectious disease (or COVID-19) almost spread widely around the world and causes a huge panic in the human population. To explore the complex dynamics of this novel infection, several mathematical epidemic models have been adopted and simulated using the statistical data of COVID-19 in various regions. In this paper, we present a new nonlinear fractional order model in the Caputo sense to analyze and simulate the dynamics of this viral disease with a case study of Algeria. Initially, after the model formulation, we utilize the well-known least square approach to estimate the model parameters from the reported COVID-19 cases in Algeria for a selected period of time. We perform the existence and uniqueness of the model solution which are proved via the Picard-Lindelöf method. We further compute the basic reproduction numbers and equilibrium points, then we explore the local and global stability of both the disease-free equilibrium point and the endemic equilibrium point. Finally, numerical results and graphical simulation are given to demonstrate the impact of various model parameters and fractional order on the disease dynamics and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Boudaoui
- Laboratory of Mathematics Modeling and Applications, University of Adrar, Algeria
| | - Saif Ullah
- Department of Mathematics, University of Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Fatma Bozkurt
- Department of Mathematics, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Thabet Abdeljawad
- Department of Mathematics and General Sciences, Prince Sultan University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Manar A Alqudah
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
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Ramos-Vera C. The dynamic network relationships of obsession and death from COVID-19 anxiety among Peruvian university students during the second quarantine. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRÍA (ENGLISH ED.) 2021; 50:160-163. [PMID: 34479843 PMCID: PMC8349695 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcpeng.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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49
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Ramos-Vera C. [The dynamic network relationships of obsession and death from COVID-19 anxiety among Peruvian university students during the second quarantine]. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 50:160-163. [PMID: 38620817 PMCID: PMC8080127 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Ramos-Vera
- Área de investigación, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Lima, Perú
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50
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Akbay B, Abidi SH, Ibrahim MAA, Mukhatayev Z, Ali S. Multi-Subunit SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Design Using Evolutionarily Conserved T- and B- Cell Epitopes. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:702. [PMID: 34206865 PMCID: PMC8310312 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has created a public health crisis worldwide. Although vaccines against the virus are efficiently being rolled out, they are proving to be ineffective against certain emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The high degree of sequence similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses (HCoV) presents the opportunity for designing vaccines that may offer protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants, with cross-protection against other HCoVs. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analyses to identify T and B cell epitopes originating from spike, membrane, nucleocapsid, and envelope protein sequences found to be evolutionarily conserved among seven major HCoVs. Evolutionary conservation of these epitopes indicates that they may have critical roles in viral fitness and are, therefore, unlikely to mutate during viral replication thus making such epitopes attractive candidates for a vaccine. Our designed vaccine construct comprises of twelve T and six B cell epitopes that are conserved among HCoVs. The vaccine is predicted to be soluble in water, stable, have a relatively long half-life, and exhibit low allergenicity and toxicity. Our docking results showed that the vaccine forms stable complex with toll-like receptor 4, while the immune simulations predicted that the vaccine may elicit strong IgG, IgM, and cytotoxic T cell responses. Therefore, from multiple perspectives, our multi-subunit vaccine design shows the potential to elicit a strong immune-protective response against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants while carrying minimal risk for causing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkitkan Akbay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (B.A.); (Z.M.)
| | - Syed Hani Abidi
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Mahmoud A. A. Ibrahim
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt;
| | - Zhussipbek Mukhatayev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (B.A.); (Z.M.)
| | - Syed Ali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (B.A.); (Z.M.)
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