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Gargle Pool PCR Testing in a Hospital during medium and high SARS-CoV-2 incidence. J Hosp Infect 2022; 127:69-76. [PMID: 35671860 PMCID: PMC9166272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.05.018] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Hospitals need to be protected from SARS-CoV-2 infections to protect vulnerable patients. Thus, a safe, efficient, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 testing system for hospitals, in addition to standard hygiene measures and vaccination of staff, is necessary. Here we report on the feasibility and performance of a pool real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) test system at, medium and high incidence. Methods We implemented a testing concept based on gargling at home and pooling of samples in the hospital before PCR testing in the laboratory. We used two PCR systems (point of care and standard 96-well plate system) to adapt to challenges in the hospital setting and respond to a rising incidence in the Omicron wave. Findings During our 10-week study period, we performed 697 pool PCRs (8793 tests in total) and identified 65 asymptomatic staff members by pool PCR and 94 symptomatic staff members by positive individual PCR. Virus loads in those detected by pool testing were significantly lower (P<0.001). The test system remained workable even during the peak of the Omicron wave and no outbreaks occurred in any specific area of the hospital during the study period. Unvaccinated individuals were over-represented in the positively tested (37% vs 22% positive tests, P=0.04). The test procedure was well accepted by a majority of the hospital staff (84%). Conclusion Repeated gargle pool rRT-PCR testing can be implemented quickly in hospitals and is an effective, easily adaptable and well-accepted test system for hospitals, even during phases with very high infection rates.
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COVID Vaccines in Adolescents and Young Adults. J Adolesc Health 2022; 70:1002-1005. [PMID: 35597558 PMCID: PMC9114693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, a number of COVID-19 vaccines have been approved or granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or Emergency Use Listing for adolescents and young adults (AYA), which has brought hope to many across the globe. Extension of the EUA for a COVID-19 vaccine to children and adolescents aged 5 through 15 years is exciting news for children, adolescents, parents, and providers of AYA. Many countries around the globe have extended immunization against COVID-19 to younger age groups. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease globally in administration of other adolescent vaccines. This highlights that vaccine recommendations do not necessarily lead to successful and equitable vaccine distribution, and overcoming barriers to vaccination is critical. Certain subpopulations of AYA, particularly those who are marginalized/underrepresented, do not receive appropriate health care. AYA should be offered protection against all vaccine-preventable illnesses at every opportunity. Creating innovative strategies to improve vaccine uptake among AYA should be encouraged.
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Petersen DC, Steyl C, Scholtz D, Baker B, Abdullah I, Uren C, Möller M. African Genetic Representation in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Severity. Front Genet 2022; 13:909117. [PMID: 35620464 PMCID: PMC9127354 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.909117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree C Petersen
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chrystal Steyl
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Denise Scholtz
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bienyameen Baker
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ibtisam Abdullah
- Division of Haematological Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and NHLS Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caitlin Uren
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marlo Möller
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Izquierdo-Marquisá A, Cubero-Gallego H, Aparisi Á, Vaquerizo B, Ribas-Barquet N. Myocardial Injury in COVID-19 and Its Implications in Short- and Long-Term Outcomes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:901245. [PMID: 35722133 PMCID: PMC9204594 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.901245] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still a pandemic with high mortality and morbidity rates. Clinical manifestation is widely variable, including asymptomatic or mild respiratory tract illness to severe pneumonia and death. Myocardial injury is a significant pathogenic feature of COVID-19 and it is associated with worse in-hospital outcomes, mainly due to a higher number of hospital readmissions, with over 50% mortality. These findings suggest that myocardial injury would identify COVID-19 patients with higher risk during active infection and mid-term follow-up. Potential contributors responsible for myocardial damage are myocarditis, vasculitis, acute inflammation, type 1 and type 2 myocardial infarction. However, there are few data about cardiac sequelae and its long-term consequences. Thus, the optimal screening tool for residual cardiac sequelae, clinical follow-up, and the benefits of a specific cardiovascular therapy during the convalescent phase remains unknown. This mini-review explores the different mechanisms of myocardial injury related to COVID-19 and its short and long-term implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Izquierdo-Marquisá
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hector Cubero-Gallego
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Heart Diseases Biomedical Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Aparisi
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Heart Diseases Biomedical Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Vaquerizo
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Heart Diseases Biomedical Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- Medicine Department, Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Ribas-Barquet
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Medicine Department, Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
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Personal Protection Equipment and Infection Control Procedures among Health Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050944. [PMID: 35628080 PMCID: PMC9140658 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Health workers have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is unclear which healthcare professions are more exposed. We search for information that can help identify health workers who are employed in exposure-prone professions and who, therefore, routinely wear and adopt strict infection control equipment and measures from other colleagues. Our purpose is to test the hypothesis that health professionals historically considered less exposure-prone are affected more severely by COVID-19. Taking dentists as an example of exposure-prone healthcare professionals, this study aims to analyze data on COVID-19-related deaths reported by the Italian board of doctors and dentists’ database to evaluate the number of COVID-19-related deaths of doctors and dentists in Italy from the beginning of the pandemic to 31 December 2022. As of 31 December 2021, out of 364 deaths, 38 were dentists, and of the remaining 326 doctors, 140 were general practitioners (GPs). The percentage of deaths among dentists, total doctors and GPs results in 0.06%, 0.09% and 0.33%, respectively, for the whole sample. Excluding subjects over 70 years of age, the corresponding values are 0.05%, 0.06% and 0.25%. Most of the deaths occurred in Lombardia, and the geographical distribution overlaps the trend of the corresponding general Italian population. Considering the outcome of “death”, dentists, despite being at high risk, are not particularly affected by COVID-19.
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Dumache R, Enache A, Macasoi I, Dehelean CA, Dumitrascu V, Mihailescu A, Popescu R, Vlad D, Vlad CS, Muresan C. SARS-CoV-2: An Overview of the Genetic Profile and Vaccine Effectiveness of the Five Variants of Concern. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050516. [PMID: 35631037 PMCID: PMC9144800 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, enormous efforts have been made to understand the genus SARS-CoV-2. Due to the high rate of global transmission, mutations in the viral genome were inevitable. A full understanding of the viral genome and its possible changes represents one of the crucial aspects of pandemic management. Structural protein S plays an important role in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2, mutations occurring at this level leading to viral forms with increased affinity for ACE2 receptors, higher transmissibility and infectivity, resistance to neutralizing antibodies and immune escape, increasing the risk of infection and disease severity. Thus, five variants of concern are currently being discussed, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. In the present review, a comprehensive summary of the following critical aspects regarding SARS-CoV-2 has been made: (i) the genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2; (ii) the pathological mechanism of transmission, penetration into the cell and action on specific receptors; (iii) mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome; and (iv) possible implications of mutations in diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Dumache
- Ethics and Human Identification Research Center, Department of Neurosciences, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.D.); (A.E.); (A.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Alexandra Enache
- Ethics and Human Identification Research Center, Department of Neurosciences, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.D.); (A.E.); (A.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Ioana Macasoi
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.M.); (C.A.D.)
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.M.); (C.A.D.)
| | - Victor Dumitrascu
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Discipline of Pharmacology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.D.); (D.V.); (C.S.V.)
| | - Alexandra Mihailescu
- Ethics and Human Identification Research Center, Department of Neurosciences, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.D.); (A.E.); (A.M.); (C.M.)
- Genetics, Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Microscopic Morphology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Popescu
- Department of Microscopic Morphology, Discipline of Molecular and Cell Biology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Daliborca Vlad
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Discipline of Pharmacology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.D.); (D.V.); (C.S.V.)
| | - Cristian Sebastian Vlad
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Discipline of Pharmacology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.D.); (D.V.); (C.S.V.)
| | - Camelia Muresan
- Ethics and Human Identification Research Center, Department of Neurosciences, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.D.); (A.E.); (A.M.); (C.M.)
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Two Case Reports of Subacute Thyroiditis after Receiving Vaccine for COVID-19. Case Rep Endocrinol 2022; 2022:3180004. [PMID: 35433060 PMCID: PMC9008488 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3180004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, has struck the planet with great force. As of December 2019, the virus has made its devasting route across all continents . In January 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) registered over 5.5 million COVID-19 related deaths. Most of these people had suffered from pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome , and in some cases, extensive damage to all organ systems. To get hold of this pandemic, it was vital to find effective vaccines against it. The two vaccine candidates BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) and ChAdOx1 (University of Oxford and AstraZeneca) offer a high level of protection against COVID-19 by providing immunity due to antibody production against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. In addition to general side effects, immunological side effects such as subacute thyroiditis can follow the vaccination. This transient inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland is characterized with hyperthyroxinemia, inflammation, pain, and tenderness in the thyroid region, as well as an elevation of serum thyroglobulin concentration. There are only a few reports on the occurrence of this disease after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. We present two cases of subacute thyroiditis after vaccination with the vaccines BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 and try to enlighten the problem of immunological phenomena after vaccination. It must be discussed whether cross-reactivity of the spike protein and tissue proteins such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an “autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome by adjuvants” (ASIA), or the circulating spike protein itself after vaccination are responsible for the SAT.
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Wang Y, Tang CY, Wan XF. Antigenic characterization of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:2841-2881. [PMID: 34905077 PMCID: PMC8669429 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Antigenic characterization of emerging and re-emerging viruses is necessary for the prevention of and response to outbreaks, evaluation of infection mechanisms, understanding of virus evolution, and selection of strains for vaccine development. Primary analytic methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent/lectin assays, hemagglutination inhibition, neuraminidase inhibition, micro-neutralization assays, and antigenic cartography, have been widely used in the field of influenza research. These techniques have been improved upon over time for increased analytical capacity, and some have been mobilized for the rapid characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as its variants, facilitating the development of highly effective vaccines within 1 year of the initially reported outbreak. While great strides have been made for evaluating the antigenic properties of these viruses, multiple challenges prevent efficient vaccine strain selection and accurate assessment. For influenza, these barriers include the requirement for a large virus quantity to perform the assays, more than what can typically be provided by the clinical samples alone, cell- or egg-adapted mutations that can cause antigenic mismatch between the vaccine strain and circulating viruses, and up to a 6-month duration of vaccine development after vaccine strain selection, which allows viruses to continue evolving with potential for antigenic drift and, thus, antigenic mismatch between the vaccine strain and the emerging epidemic strain. SARS-CoV-2 characterization has faced similar challenges with the additional barrier of the need for facilities with high biosafety levels due to its infectious nature. In this study, we review the primary analytic methods used for antigenic characterization of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and discuss the barriers of these methods and current developments for addressing these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia Y Tang
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Xiu-Feng Wan
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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Development and Validation of Two RT-qPCR Diagnostic Assays for Detecting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Genomic Targets across Two Specimen Types. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:294-308. [PMID: 35124239 PMCID: PMC8813189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the outbreak and subsequent pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), clinical diagnostic laboratories worldwide sought accurate and reliable testing methodologies. However, many laboratories were and still are hindered by a number of factors, including an unprecedented demand for testing, reagent and laboratory supply shortages and availability of qualified staff. To respond to these concerns, two separate laboratory-developed tests were validated for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using two different specimen types. In addition, these assays target different genomic regions of SARS-CoV-2, allowing for viral detection and mitigating genetic variation. Lower limit of detection and clinical evaluation studies showed detection of SARS-CoV-2 at 500 cp/mL with nasopharyngeal and saliva samples. These multiplexed RT-qPCR assays, although based on modified CDC, New York State Department of Health, and World Health Organization Emergency Use Authorization tests, allow for higher throughput and rapid turnaround time, benefiting patients, clinicians, and communities as a whole. These cost-effective tests also use readily obtainable reagents, circumventing commercial assay supply chain issues. The laboratory-developed tests described here have improved patient care and are highly adaptable should the need arise at other clinical diagnostic laboratories. Furthermore, the foundation and design of these assays may be modified in the future for detection of COVID-19 variants or other RNA-based viral detection tests.
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Gomez Marti JL, Mays A, McCullough M, Wells A, Phan T. Evaluation of Viral Loads in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Infection: Higher Loads Do Not Translate Into Different Testing Scenarios. Microbiol Insights 2022; 15:11786361221087537. [PMID: 35341107 PMCID: PMC8949736 DOI: 10.1177/11786361221087537] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant is very infectious, and it is spreading quickly during this pandemic. In the study, we compared viral loads estimated by means of the Ct values emerging from RT-PCR swab tests in surging cases infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in the fourth wave of COVID-19 with the three prior waves. The data comprised viral loads from positive cases detected within the UPMC health care system in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. A total of 2059 upper airway samples were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 positive by RT-PCR during March 2020 to September 2021. We did not observe significant difference in viral load difference between the third (December 2020 to January 2021) and fourth (June 2021 to September 2021) waves; however, they had the higher viral load than the first (March 2020 to June 2020) and second waves (June 2020 to August 2020). We did find an age-related effect with the elderly presenting with lower viral loads, which was also seen in the earlier waves. However, the level of the viral loads in the fourth wave in the respect of the previous ones was not sufficiently increased to change our testing strategies by means of increased use of rapid antigen tests (RAT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley Mays
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, UPMC Hospital System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Melissa McCullough
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, UPMC Hospital System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tung Phan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Taşlı NP, Gönen ZB, Kırbaş OK, Gökdemir NS, Bozkurt BT, Bayrakcı B, Sağraç D, Taşkan E, Demir S, Ekimci Gürcan N, Bayındır Bilgiç M, Bayrak ÖF, Yetişkin H, Kaplan B, Pavel STI, Dinç G, Serhatlı M, Çakırca G, Eken A, Aslan V, Yay M, Karakukcu M, Unal E, Gül F, Basaran KE, Ozkul Y, Şahin F, Jones OY, Tekin Ş, Özdarendeli A, Cetin M. Preclinical Studies on Convalescent Human Immune Plasma-Derived Exosome: Omics and Antiviral Properties to SARS-CoV-2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:824378. [PMID: 35401544 PMCID: PMC8987587 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.824378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic forced urgent measures for the development of new therapeutics. One of these strategies is the use of convalescent plasma (CP) as a conventional source for passive immunity. Recently, there has been interest in CP-derived exosomes. In this report, we present a structural, biochemical, and biological characterization of our proprietary product, convalescent human immune plasma-derived exosome (ChipEXO), following the guidelines set forth by the Turkish Ministry of Health and the Turkish Red Crescent, the Good Manufacturing Practice, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles, and the Gene Ontology Consortium. The data support the safety and efficacy of this product against SARS-CoV-2 infections in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeynep Burçin Gönen
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Genome and Stem Cell Centre, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Nur Seda Gökdemir
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Genome and Stem Cell Centre, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Buse Bayrakcı
- Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Sağraç
- Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Taşkan
- Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevda Demir
- Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Hazel Yetişkin
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vaccine Research and Development Application and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Büşra Kaplan
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vaccine Research and Development Application and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Shaikh Terkıs Islam Pavel
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vaccine Research and Development Application and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gökçen Dinç
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Müge Serhatlı
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) Marmara Research Centre Energy Institute, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Gamze Çakırca
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) Marmara Research Centre Energy Institute, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Eken
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Gevher Nesibe Genome and Stem Cell Institute, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Vedat Aslan
- Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yay
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Musa Karakukcu
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ekrem Unal
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fethi Gül
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kemal Erdem Basaran
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Gevher Nesibe Genome and Stem Cell Institute, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozkul
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Gevher Nesibe Genome and Stem Cell Institute, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fikrettin Şahin
- Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Olcay Y Jones
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Şaban Tekin
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) Marmara Research Centre Energy Institute, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Medical Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aykut Özdarendeli
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vaccine Research and Development Application and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Cetin
- Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Colvin K. Science Versus COVID-19: What Have We Learnt So Far? EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/22f0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Carmagnola D, Toma M, Henin D, Perrotta M, Gianolio L, Colombo A, Dellavia C. Dental Emergencies in an Italian Pediatric Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030537. [PMID: 35327015 PMCID: PMC8949433 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergency rooms (ER) are largely used by patients with oral complaints, who choose the ER over private or public dental offices for oral prevention and treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the activity of most dental facilities was limited, and most hospitals and ERs were dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The present study analyzed the number of and reason for visits at the emergency room (ER) of Ospedale dei Bambini “Vittore Buzzi”, the main pediatric hospital in Milano, Italy, between 2019 and 2020, with a particular focus on oral emergencies. In 2019, 25,435 children turned to the ER, compared to 16,750 in 2020. About 10% of the children were eventually admitted to the hospital in both years. The number of admissions for infectious diseases, other than COVID-19, signed an important decrease in 2020, while trauma/injuries decreased slightly in number but increased in proportion. The number and proportion of ER visits for oral complaints decreased in 2020 compared to 2019. Stomatitis was the most frequent condition, followed by traumatic injuries, which decreased in number and percentage between 2019 and 2020. Oral infections and painful caries accounted for about 15% of the cases in both 2019 and 2020. These data highlight the need to promote territorial services for the prevention and treatment of oral health complaints, including dental emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Carmagnola
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy; (D.C.); (D.H.); (M.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Marilisa Toma
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy; (D.C.); (D.H.); (M.P.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-5407
| | - Dolaji Henin
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy; (D.C.); (D.H.); (M.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Mariachiara Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy; (D.C.); (D.H.); (M.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Laura Gianolio
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Lodovico Castelvetro 32, 20154 Milano, Italy; (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandra Colombo
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Lodovico Castelvetro 32, 20154 Milano, Italy; (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Claudia Dellavia
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy; (D.C.); (D.H.); (M.P.); (C.D.)
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Kebria MM, Milan PB, Peyravian N, Kiani J, Khatibi S, Mozafari M. Stem cell therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:6. [PMID: 35174448 PMCID: PMC8850486 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is a highly contagious microorganism, and despite substantial investigation, no progress has been achieved in treating post-COVID complications. However, the virus has made various mutations and has spread around the world. Researchers have tried different treatments to reduce the side effects of the COVID-19 symptoms. One of the most common and effective treatments now used is steroid therapy to reduce the complications of this disease. Long-term steroid therapy for chronic inflammation following COVID-19 is harmful and increases the risk of secondary infection, and effective treatment remains challenging owing to fibrosis and severe inflammation and infection. Sometimes our immune system can severely damage ourselves in disease. In the past, many researchers have conducted various studies on the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells. This property of stem cells led them to modulate the immune system of autoimmune diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. Because of their immunomodulatory properties, stem cell-based therapy employing mesenchymal or hematopoietic stem cells may be a viable alternative treatment option in some patients. By priming the immune system and providing cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, stem cells can be employed to build a long-term regenerative and protective response. This review addresses the latest trends and rapid progress in stem cell treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) following COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maziar Malekzadeh Kebria
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peiman Brouki Milan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noshad Peyravian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Present Address: Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheil Khatibi
- Babol University of Medical Sciences, Infection Diseases Centre, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mozafari
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dolibog P, Pietrzyk B, Kierszniok K, Pawlicki K. Comparative Analysis of Human Body Temperatures Measured with Noncontact and Contact Thermometers. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020331. [PMID: 35206944 PMCID: PMC8871951 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Body temperature measurement is one of the basic methods in clinical diagnosis. The problems of thermometry—interpretation of the accuracy and repeatability of various types of thermometers—are still being discussed, especially during the current pandemic in connection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for causing the COVID-19 disease. The aim of the study was to compare surface temperatures of the human body measured by various techniques, in particular a noncontact thermometer (infrared) and contact thermometers (mercury, mercury-free, electronic). The study included 102 randomly selected healthy women and men (age 18–79 years). The Bland–Altman method was used to estimate the 95% reproducibility coefficient, i.e., to assess the degree of conformity between different attempts. Temperatures measured with contact thermometers in the armpit are higher than temperatures measured without contact at the frontal area of the head. The methods used to measure with contact thermometers and a noncontact infrared thermometer statistically showed high measurement reliability. In order to correctly interpret the result of measuring human body temperature, it is necessary to indicate the place of measurement and the type of thermometer used.
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Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients Who Do Not Report Olfactory Symptoms: A Pilot Study with Some Suggestions for Dentists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031036. [PMID: 35162061 PMCID: PMC8834295 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smell and taste dysfunction are frequently reported by SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. The degree of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction varies from a very mild reduction to their complete loss. Several studies have been performed to determine their prevalence in COVID-19 patients, mostly using subjective measurement methods. The literature lacks long-term studies regarding duration and recovery. METHODS We assessed olfactory performance, using the Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test, in a group of patients who had not reported olfactory dysfunction, around 131 days after their COVID-19 diagnosis. RESULTS 11 out of 20 subjects showed no olfactory reduction (65%), while 9 subjects showed reduced TDI score (45%). A total of 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for Threshold, 16 subjects (80%) scored above the cutoff point for discrimination and 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for identification. CONCLUSION Objective measurement methods of olfactory performance show a higher prevalence of olfactory reduction compared to patients' self-reported questionnaires. Olfactory dysfunction can last even months after its onset and because of its high prevalence, it could be a screening symptom for suspect COVID-19 cases.
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Lopes LR, Kasinski SK. The potential impact of COVID-19 and diabetes on intervertebral disc degeneration. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2022; 19:eCE6911. [PMID: 35019039 PMCID: PMC8687644 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2021ce6911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Zhang M, Liang Y, Yu D, Du B, Cheng W, Li L, Yu Z, Luo S, Zhang Y, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhang W. A systematic review of Vaccine Breakthrough Infections by SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:889-900. [PMID: 35002532 PMCID: PMC8741840 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.68973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are proving to be highly effective in controlling hospitalization and deaths associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, as shown by clinical trials and real-world evidence. However, a deadly second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), infected by SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, with an increased number of post-vaccination breakthrough infections were reported in the world recently. Actually, Delta variant not only resulted in a severe surge of vaccine breakthrough infections which was accompanied with high viral load and transmissibility, but also challenged the development of effective vaccines. Therefore, the biological characteristics and epidemiological profile of Delta variant, the current status of Delta variant vaccine breakthrough infections and the mechanism of vaccine breakthrough infections were discussed in this article. In addition, the significant role of the Delta variant spike (S) protein in the mechanism of immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 was highlighted in this article. In particular, we further discussed key points on the future SARS-CoV-2 vaccine research and development, hoping to make a contribution to the early, accurate and rapid control of the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Dongsheng Yu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Bang Du
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Weyland Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Zhidan Yu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Huanmin Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Wancun Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
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69
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Zhao H, Yuen KY. Broad-spectrum Respiratory Virus Entry Inhibitors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1366:137-153. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8702-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Can systemic immune inflammation index at admission predict in-hospital mortality in chronic kidney disease patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection? Nefrologia 2022; 42:549-558. [PMID: 36792308 PMCID: PMC9922800 DOI: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2021.09.009] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and more prone to develop severe disease. It is important to know predictors of poor outcomes to optimize the strategies of care. METHODS 93 patients with CKD and 93 age-sex matched patients without CKD were included in the study. Data on demographic, clinical features, hematological indices and outcomes were noted and compared between the groups. Neutrophile to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII) (platelet counts×neutrophil counts/lymphocyte counts) and lymphocyte-to-CRP ratio (LCR) were calculated on admission and the association of these markers with disease mortality in CKD patients was identified. RESULTS CKD patients had higher risk of severe disease, and mortality compared to non-CKD patients (72% vs 50.5%, p=0.003, 36.6% vs 10.8%, p<0.001, respectively) and were more likely to have higher values of immuno-inflammatory indices (leukocyte count, neutrophil, NLR, SII and C-reactive protein, etc.) and lower level of lymphocyte and LCR. Also, higher levels of NLR, SII, PLR and lower level of LCR were seen in CKD patients who died compared to those recovered. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, NLR, SII, PLR and LCR area under the curve for in-hospital mortality of CKD patients were 0.830, 0.811, 0.664 and 0.712, respectively. Among all parameters, NLR and SII gave us the best ability to distinguish patients with higher risk of death. Based on the cut-off value of 1180.5, the sensitivity and specificity of the SII for predicting in-hospital mortality were found to be 67.5% and 79.6%, respectively. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity of the NLR were 85.2% and 66.1%, respectively, at the cut-off value of 5.1. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that NLR (≥5.1), SII (≥1180.5) and LCR (≤9) were predictors for in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION We report for the first time that SII is able to distinguish COVID-19 infected CKD patients of worse survival and it is as powerful as NLR in this regard. As SII is easily quantified from blood sample data, it may assist for early identification and timely management of CKD patients with worse survival.
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Identification of a dual acting SARS-CoV-2 proteases inhibitor through in silico design and step-by-step biological characterization. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113863. [PMID: 34571172 PMCID: PMC8457654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic, starting from the latest 2019, and caused by SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, led to the hardest health-socio-economic disaster in the last century. Despite the tremendous scientific efforts, mainly focused on the development of vaccines, identification of potent and efficient anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics still represents an unmet need. Remdesivir, an anti-Ebola drug selected from a repurposing campaign, is the only drug approved, so far, for the treatment of the infection. Nevertheless, WHO in later 2020 has recommended against its use in COVID-19. In the present paper, we describe a step-by-step in silico design of a small library of compounds as main protease (Mpro) inhibitors. All the molecules were screened by an enzymatic assay on Mpro and, then, cellular activity was evaluated using Vero cells viral infection model. The cellular screening disclosed compounds 29 and 34 as in-vitro SARS-CoV-2 replication inhibitors at non-toxic concentrations (0.32 < EC50 < 5.98 μM). To rationalize these results, additional in-vitro assays were performed, focusing on papain like protease (PLpro) and spike protein (SP) as potential targets for the synthesized molecules. This pharmacological workflow allowed the identification of compound 29, as a dual acting SARS-CoV-2 proteases inhibitor featuring micromolar inhibitory potency versus Mpro (IC50 = 1.72 μM) and submicromolar potency versus PLpro (IC50 = 0.67 μM), and of compound 34 as a selective SP inhibitor (IC50 = 3.26 μM).
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Alamandine: Potential Protective Effects in SARS-CoV-2 Patients. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2021; 2021:6824259. [PMID: 34853605 PMCID: PMC8592730 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6824259] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can occur due to contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 has no confined treatment and, consequently, has high hospitalization and mortality rates. Moreover, people who contract COVID-19 present systemic inflammatory spillover. It is now known that COVID-19 pathogenesis is linked to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). COVID-19 invades host cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor—as such, an individual's susceptibility to COVID-19 increases alongside the upregulation of this receptor. COVID-19 has also been associated with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, which leads to acute respiratory distress, cardiomyopathy, and shock. These outcomes are thought to result from imbalances in angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang-(1-7)/alamandine activity. ACE2, Ang-(1-7), and alamandine have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and some SARS-CoV-2 patients exhibit high levels of ACE2 and Ang-(1-7). This phenomenon could indicate a failing physiological response to prevent or reduce the severity of inflammation-mediated pulmonary injuries. Alamandine, which is another protective component of the RAS, has several health benefits owing to its antithrombogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic characteristics. Alamandine alleviates pulmonary fibrosis via the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D (MrgD). Thus, a better understanding of this pathway could uncover novel pharmacological strategies for altering proinflammatory environments within the body. Following such strategies could inhibit fibrosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and, consequently, prevent COVID-19.
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Bahadur Gurung A, Ajmal Ali M, Lee J, Abul Farah M, Mashay Al-Anazi K, Al-Hemaid F. Identification of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors from extracts of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:7517-7527. [PMID: 34512097 PMCID: PMC8420092 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Houttuynia cordata Thunb., a perennial herb belonging to the Saururaceae family is a well-known ingredient of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with several therapeutic properties. During the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in China, it was one of the approved ingredients in SARS preventative formulations and therefore, the plant may contain novel bioactive chemicals that can be used to suppress the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a virus for which there are currently no effective drugs available. Like all RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 encode RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) enzyme which aids viral gene transcription and replication. The present study is aimed at understanding the potential of bioactive compounds from H. cordata as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp enzyme. We investigated the drug-likeness of the plant's active constituents, such as alkaloids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, as well as their binding affinity for the RdRp enzyme. Molecular docking experiments show that compounds 3 (1,2,3,4,5-pentamethoxy-dibenzo-quinolin-7-one), 14 (7-oxodehydroasimilobine), and 21 (1,2-dimethoxy-3-hydroxy-5-oxonoraporphine) have a high affinity for the drug target and that the complexes are maintained by hydrogen bonds with residues like Arg553, Cys622 and Asp623, as well as hydrophobic interactions with other residues. The lead compounds' complexes with the target enzyme remained stable throughout the molecular dynamics simulation. Analysis of molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) revealed the key residues contributing considerably to binding free energy. Thus, the findings reveal the potential of H. cordata bioactive compounds as anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidate molecules against the target enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Bahadur Gurung
- Department of Basic Sciences and Social Sciences, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - Mohammad Ajmal Ali
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joongku Lee
- Department of Environment and Forest Resources, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammad Abul Farah
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Mashay Al-Anazi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Al-Hemaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Lim MS, Mcrae S. COVID-19 and immunothrombosis: Pathophysiology and therapeutic implications. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 168:103529. [PMID: 34800652 PMCID: PMC8596655 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The coagulopathy of COVID-19 is characterised by significantly elevated D Dimer and fibrinogen, mild thrombocytopenia and a mildly prolonged PT/APTT. A high incidence of thrombotic complications occurs despite standard thromboprophylaxis. The evidence to date supports immunothrombosis as the underlying mechanism for this coagulopathy which is triggered by a hyperinflammatory response and endotheliopathy. A hypercoagulable state results from endothelial damage/activation, complement activation, platelet hyperactivity, release of Extracellular Neutrophil Traps, activation of the coagulation system and a "hypofibrinolytic" state. Significant cross-talk occurs between the innate/adaptive immune system, endothelium and the coagulation system. D dimer has been shown to be the most reliable predictor of disease severity, thrombosis, and overall survival. In this context, targeting pathways upstream of coagulation using novel or repurposed drugs alone or in combination with other anti-thrombotic agents may be a rational approach to prevent the mortality/morbidity due to COVID-19 associated coagulopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Sheng Lim
- Department of Hematology, Launceston General Hospital, WP Holman Clinic, Level 1. PO Box 1963, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Simon Mcrae
- Department of Hematology, Launceston General Hospital, WP Holman Clinic, Level 1. PO Box 1963, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
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Barnby E, Reynolds M, Gordon J. Reaching Herd Immunity During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: What School Nurses Need to Know. NASN Sch Nurse 2021; 37:13-18. [PMID: 34836470 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x211044996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The National Association of School Nurses supports pandemic control efforts. School nurses are advocates for their students, caregivers, school staff, teachers, and school administrators. With a clear understanding of how the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) virus evolves over time and changes transmissibility through mutations, school nurses gain understanding in epidemiologic calculation of herd immunity. To understand why the estimates of herd immunity fluctuate, as often reported in the news, school nurses need to understand how epidemiologist calculate this number. Obtaining herd immunity will protect the most vulnerable in the population. If all countries have access to vaccines and populations choose to receive vaccinations, herd immunity is more likely to be obtained. Equipped with knowledge of how herd immunity is calculated, school nurses are in a position to educate and advocate for the use of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Barnby
- Clinical Associate Professor, University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing, Huntsville, AL
| | - Mark Reynolds
- Assistant Professor of Nursing Athens State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Athens, Alabama
| | - Jenny Gordon
- Registered Nurse, University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing, Huntsville, AL
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Brasen CL, Christensen H, Olsen DA, Kahns S, Andersen RF, Madsen JB, Lassen A, Kierkegaard H, Jensen A, Sydenham TV, Madsen JS, Møller JK, Brandslund I. Daily monitoring of viral load measured as SARS-CoV-2 antigen and RNA in blood, IL-6, CRP and complement C3d predicts outcome in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 59:1988-1997. [PMID: 34455731 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that the amount of antigen produced in the body during a COVID-19 infection might differ between patients, and that maximum concentrations would predict the degree of both inflammation and outcome for patients. METHODS Eighty-four hospitalized and SARS-CoV-2 PCR swab-positive patients, were followed with blood sampling every day until discharge or death. A total of 444 serial EDTA plasma samples were analyzed for a range of biomarkers: SARS-CoV-2 nuclear antigen and RNA concentration, complement activation as well as several inflammatory markers, and KL-6 as a lung marker. The patients were divided into outcome groups depending on need of respiratory support and death/survival. RESULTS Circulating SARS-CoV-2 nuclear antigen levels were above the detection limit in blood in 65 out of 84 COVID-19 PCR swab-positive patients on day one of hospitalization, as was viral RNA in plasma in 30 out of 84. In all patients, complete antigen clearance was observed within 24 days. There were definite statistically significant differences between the groups depending on their biomarkers, showing that the concentrations of virus RNA and antigen were correlated to the inflammatory biomarker levels, respiratory treatment and death. CONCLUSIONS Viral antigen is cleared in parallel with the virus RNA levels. The levels of antigens and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the blood correlates with the level of IL-6, inflammation, respiratory failure and death. We propose that the antigens levels together with RNA in blood can be used to predict the severity of disease, outcome, and the clearance of the virus from the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Lohman Brasen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henry Christensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Dorte A Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Søren Kahns
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Rikke F Andersen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Jeppe B Madsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Amanda Lassen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Helene Kierkegaard
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Anders Jensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Thomas V Sydenham
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jonna S Madsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens K Møller
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ivan Brandslund
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Antonucci F, Fiore JR, De Feo L, Granato T, Di Stefano M, Faleo G, Farhan AM, Margaglione M, Centra M, Santantonio TA. Increased SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthy blood donors after the second pandemic wave in South-Eastern Italy: evidence for asymptomatic young donors as potential virus spreaders. Infect Dis (Lond) 2021; 54:241-246. [PMID: 34781812 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2021.2003856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Italy experienced SARS-CoV-2 spread during the second wave and the southern regions were severely affected. In this prospective study, we assessed the changes in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rates in non-vaccinated blood donors to evaluate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among healthy individuals in our geographical area. METHODS 8,183 healthy blood donors visiting the Transfusion Centre at the University Hospital "Riuniti" of Foggia (Italy) to donate blood from May 2020 to March 2021 were tested twice for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by Ortho Clinical Diagnostics VITROS® 3600 through anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total and IgG reagent kit. None of the subjects had diagnosed symptomatic COVID-19 infection, and none had received vaccination. RESULTS Overall, 516 out of 8,183 had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (total and IgG antibodies) (6.3%, 95% CI: 0.03-0.15%), 387 were male and 129 female. There was a significant increase of seropositive donors from May 2020 to March 2021 (p < .001). The difference in seroprevalence was significantly associated with age but not sex (2-sided p < .05 for age; 2-sided p ≥ .05 for sex) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in blood donors and suggests that asymptomatic individuals might contribute to the spread of SARS-CoV-2. These results may contribute to revised containment measures, priorities in vaccine campaigns and monitoring of seroprevalence in public places like Transfusion Centres. Serologic testing of blood donors may be relevant to monitor SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josè Ramòn Fiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Lucia De Feo
- Transfusion Medicine Centre, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Granato
- Transfusion Medicine Centre, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Di Stefano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Faleo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Farhan
- Department of General Courses, College of Applied Studies and Community Service, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maurizio Margaglione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Genetics, School of Medicine, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Centra
- Transfusion Medicine Centre, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Teresa Antonia Santantonio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti" Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Pedler RL, Speck PG. Marine mollusc extracts-Potential source of SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2310. [PMID: 34726308 PMCID: PMC8646538 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a novel human coronavirus and the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19). There is an urgent need for effective antivirals to treat current Covid‐19 cases and protect those unable to be vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2. Marine molluscs live in an environment containing high virus densities (>107 virus particles per ml), and there are an estimated 100,000 species in the phylum Mollusca, demonstrating the success of their innate immune system. Mollusc‐derived antivirals are yet to be used clinically despite the activity of many extracts, including against human viruses, being demonstrated in vitro. Hemolymph of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) has in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus and human adenovirus, while antiviral action against SARS‐CoV‐2 has been proposed by in silico studies. Such evidence suggests that molluscs, and in particular C. gigas hemolymph, may represent a source of antivirals for human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Pedler
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter G Speck
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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Bonato M, Fraccaro A, Landini N, Zanardi G, Catino C, Savoia F, Malacchini N, Zeraj F, Peditto P, Catalanotti V, Marcon E, Rossi E, Pauletti A, Galvan S, Adami R, Tiepolo M, Salasnich M, Cuzzola M, Zampieri F, Rattazzi M, Peta M, Baraldo S, Saetta M, Morana G, Romagnoli M. Pneumothorax and/or Pneumomediastinum Worsens the Prognosis of COVID-19 Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Failure: A Multicenter Retrospective Case-Control Study in the North-East of Italy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214835. [PMID: 34768352 PMCID: PMC8584854 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumothorax (PNX) and pneumomediastinum (PNM) are potential complications of COVID-19, but their influence on patients’ outcomes remains unclear. The aim of the study was to assess incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of severe COVID-19 complicated with PNX/PNM. Methods: A retrospective multicenter case-control analysis was conducted in COVID-19 patients admitted for respiratory failure in intermediate care units of the Treviso area, Italy, from March 2020 to April 2021. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without PNX/PNM were compared. Results: Among 1213 patients, PNX and/or PNM incidence was 4.5%. Among these, 42% had PNX and PNM, 33.5% only PNX, and 24.5% only PNM. COVID-19 patients with PNX/PNM showed higher in-hospital (p = 0.02) and 90-days mortality (p = 0.048), and longer hospitalization length (p = 0.002) than COVID-19 patients without PNX/PNM. At PNX/PNM occurrence, one-third of subjects was not mechanically ventilated, and the respiratory support was similar to the control group. PNX/PNM occurrence was associated with longer symptom length before hospital admission (p = 0.005) and lower levels of blood lymphocytes (p = 0.017). Conclusion: PNX/PNM are complications of COVID-19 associated with a worse prognosis in terms of mortality and length of hospitalization. Although they are more frequent in ventilated patients, they can occur in non-ventilated, suggesting that mechanisms other than barotrauma might contribute to their presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bonato
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0422-322729; Fax: +39-0422-322738
| | - Alessia Fraccaro
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Nicholas Landini
- Department of Radiology, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (N.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Zanardi
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Cosimo Catino
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Francesca Savoia
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Nicola Malacchini
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Fabiola Zeraj
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Piera Peditto
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Vito Catalanotti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40141 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Marcon
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale di Vittorio Veneto, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31029 Vittorio Veneto, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Rossi
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale di Montebelluna, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31044 Montebelluna, Italy; (E.R.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessia Pauletti
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale di Montebelluna, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31044 Montebelluna, Italy; (E.R.); (A.P.)
| | - Silvia Galvan
- Internal Medicine II, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Adami
- Geriatric Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Marta Tiepolo
- Internal Medicine I, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (M.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Mauro Salasnich
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Cuzzola
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Francesca Zampieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Marcello Rattazzi
- Internal Medicine I, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (M.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Mario Peta
- Intensive Care Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Simonetta Baraldo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Marina Saetta
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Giovanni Morana
- Department of Radiology, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (N.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Micaela Romagnoli
- Pulmonology Unit, Ospedale Cà Foncello, Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (A.F.); (G.Z.); (C.C.); (F.S.); (N.M.); (F.Z.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (M.C.); (F.Z.); (M.R.)
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Mild clinical course of SARS-coronavirus-2 infection early posttransplant in patients with adoptively transferred antibody response. Bone Marrow Transplant 2021; 57:119-121. [PMID: 34616007 PMCID: PMC8494455 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-021-01489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Sfikakis PP, Verrou KM, Ampatziadis-Michailidis G, Tsitsilonis O, Paraskevis D, Kastritis E, Lianidou E, Moutsatsou P, Terpos E, Trougakos I, Chini V, Manoloukos M, Moulos P, Pavlopoulos GA, Kollias G, Hatzis P, Dimopoulos MA. Blood Transcriptomes of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody-Positive Healthy Individuals Who Experienced Asymptomatic Versus Clinical Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:746203. [PMID: 34675930 PMCID: PMC8523987 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.746203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The reasons behind the clinical variability of SARS-CoV-2 infection, ranging from asymptomatic infection to lethal disease, are still unclear. We performed genome-wide transcriptional whole-blood RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and PCR validation to test the hypothesis that immune response-related gene signatures reflecting baseline may differ between healthy individuals, with an equally robust antibody response, who experienced an entirely asymptomatic (n=17) versus clinical SARS-CoV-2 infection (n=15) in the past months (mean of 14 weeks). Among 12.789 protein-coding genes analysed, we identified six and nine genes with significantly decreased or increased expression, respectively, in those with prior asymptomatic infection relatively to those with clinical infection. All six genes with decreased expression (IFIT3, IFI44L, RSAD2, FOLR3, PI3, ALOX15), are involved in innate immune response while the first two are interferon-induced proteins. Among genes with increased expression six are involved in immune response (GZMH, CLEC1B, CLEC12A), viral mRNA translation (GCAT), energy metabolism (CACNA2D2) and oxidative stress response (ENC1). Notably, 8/15 differentially expressed genes are regulated by interferons. Our results suggest that subtle differences at baseline expression of innate immunity-related genes may be associated with an asymptomatic disease course in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whether a certain gene signature predicts, or not, those who will develop a more efficient immune response upon exposure to SARS-CoV-2, with implications for prioritization for vaccination, warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros P. Sfikakis
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Kleio-Maria Verrou
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Giannis Ampatziadis-Michailidis
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Tsitsilonis
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Moutsatsou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, NKUA, Haidari, Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Chini
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Menelaos Manoloukos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Moulos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Georgios A. Pavlopoulos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Pantelis Hatzis
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Meletios A. Dimopoulos
- Center of New Biotechnologies & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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[Can systemic immune inflammation index at admission predict in-hospital mortality in chronic kidney disease patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection]. Nefrologia 2021; 42:549-558. [PMID: 34539001 PMCID: PMC8440164 DOI: 10.1016/j.nefro.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and more prone to develop severe disease. It is important to know predictors of poor outcomes to optimize the strategies of care. METHODS 93 patients with CKD and 93 age-sex matched patients without CKD were included in the study. Data on demographic, clinical features, hematological indices and outcomes were noted and compared between the groups. Neutrophile to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII) (platelet counts × neutrophil counts / lymphocyte counts) and lymphocyte-to-CRP ratio (LCR) were calculated on admission and the association of these markers with disease mortality in CKD patients was identified. RESULTS CKD patients had higher risk of severe disease, and mortality compared to non-CKD patients (72% vs 50.5%, p=0.003, 36,6% vs 10.8%, p<0.001, respectively) and were more likely to have higher values of immuno-inflammatory indices (leucocyte count, neutrophil, NLR, SII and C-reactive protein etc.) and lower level of lymphocyte and LCR. Also, higher levels of NLR, SII, PLR and lower level of LCR were seen in CKD patients who died compared to those recovered. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, NLR, SII, PLR and LCR area under the curve for in-hospital mortality of CKD patients were 0.830, 0.811, 0.664 and 0.712, respectively. Among all parameters, NLR and SII gave us the best ability to distinguish patients with higher risk of death. Based on the cut-off value of 1180.5, the sensitivity and specificity of the SII for predicting in-hospital mortality were found to be 67.5% and 79.6%, respectively. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity of the NLR were 85.2% and 66.1%, respectively, at the cut-off value of 5.1. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that NLR (≥5.1), SII (≥1180.5) and LCR (≤9) were predictors for in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION We report for the first time that SII is able to distinguish COVID-19 infected CKD patients of worse survival and it is as powerful as NLR in this regard. As SII is easily quantified from blood sample data, it may assist for early identification and timely management of CKD patients with worse survival.
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A COVID-19-association-dependent categorization of death causes in 100 autopsy cases. GeroScience 2021; 43:2265-2287. [PMID: 34510338 PMCID: PMC8435112 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00451-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
From March through December 2020, 100 autopsies were performed (Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary), with chart review, of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection demonstrated by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction testing (mean age, 74.73 years, range 40–102 years; 50 males, mean age 71.96 years, and 50 females, mean age 77.5 years). Classified by the date of death, 21 cases were from the pandemic’s “first wave” (March through July) and 79 from the “second wave” (August through December). Three mortality categories were defined by relevance of SARS-CoV-2 infection: (1) “strong” association (n=57), in which COVID-19 was primary responsible for death; (2) “contributive” association (n=27), in which a pre-existing condition independent of COVID-19 was primary responsible for death, albeit with substantial COVID-19 co-morbidity; (3) “weak” association (n=16), in which COVID-19 was minimally or not at all responsible for death. Distributions among categories differed between the first wave, in which the “contributive” association cases dominated (strong: 24%, contributive: 48%, weak: 28%), and the second wave, in which the “strong” association cases dominated (strong: 66%, contributive: 21%, weak: 13%). Charted co-morbidities included hypertension (85 %), cardiovascular diseases (71 %), diabetes (40 %), cerebrovascular diseases (31 %), chronic respiratory diseases (30 %), malignant tumors (20 %), renal diseases (19 %), diseases of the central nervous system (15 %), and liver diseases (6 %). Autopsy evaluation analyzed alterations on macroscopy as well as findings on microscopy of scanned and scored sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples (50–80 blocks/case). Severity of histological abnormalities in the lung differed significantly between “strong” and “contributive” (p<0.0001) and between “strong” and “weak” categories (p<0.0001). Abnormalities included diffuse alveolar damage, macrophage infiltration, and vascular and alveolar fibrin aggregates (lung), with macro- and microvascular thrombi and thromboemboli (lung, kidney, liver). In conclusion, autopsies clarified in what extent COVID-19 was responsible for death, demonstrated the pathological background of clinical signs and symptoms, and identified organ alterations that led to the death. Clinicopathologic correlation, with conference discussions of severity of co-morbidities and of direct pathological signs of disease, permitted accurate categorization of cause of death and COVID-19 association as “strong,” “contributive,” or “weak.” Lung involvement, with reduced ventilatory capacity, was the primary cause of death in the “strong” and “contributive” categories. Shifts in distribution among categories, with “strong” association between COVID-19 and death dominating in the second wave, may reflect improved clinical management of COVID-19 as expertise grew.
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84
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Popova AY, Smirnov VS, Andreeva EE, Babura EA, Balakhonov SV, Bashketova NS, Bugorkova SA, Bulanov MV, Valeullina NN, Vetrov VV, Goryaev DV, Detkovskaya TN, Ezhlova EB, Zaitseva NN, Istorik OA, Kovalchuk IV, Kozlovskikh DN, Kombarova SY, Kurganova OP, Lomovtsev AE, Lukicheva LA, Lyalina LV, Melnikova AA, Mikailova OM, Noskov AK, Noskova LN, Oglezneva EE, Osmolovskaya TP, Patyashina MA, Penkovskaya NA, Samoilova LV, Stepanova TF, Trotsenko OE, Totolian AA. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Structure of the Russian Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2021. [PMID: 34452512 DOI: 10.3390/v13081648.pmid:34452512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which came to Russia in March 2020, is accompanied by morbidity level changes and can be tracked using serological monitoring of a representative population sample from Federal Districts (FDs) and individual regions. In a longitudinal cohort study conducted in 26 model regions of Russia, distributed across all FDs, we investigated the distribution and cumulative proportions of individuals with antibodies (Abs) to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen (Ag), in the period from June to December 2020, using a three-phase monitoring process. In addition, during the formation of the cohort of volunteers, the number of seropositive convalescents, persons who had contact with patients or COVID-19 convalescents, and the prevalence of asymptomatic forms of infection among seropositive volunteers were determined. According to a uniform methodology, 3 mL of blood was taken from the examined individuals, and plasma was separated, from which the presence of Abs to nucleocapsid Ag was determined on a Thermo Scientific Multiascan FC device using the "ELISA anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG" reagent set (prod. Scientific Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology), in accordance with the developer's instructions. Volunteers (74,158) were surveyed and divided into seven age groups (1-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 59-59, 60-69, and 70+ years old), among whom 14,275 were identified as having antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The average percent seropositive in Russia was 17.8% (IQR: 8.8-23.2). The largest proportion was found among children under 17 years old (21.6% (IQR: 13.1-31.7). In the remaining groups, seroprevalence ranged from 15.6% (IQR: 8-21.1) to 18.0% (IQR: 13.4-22.6). During monitoring, three (immune) response groups were found: (A) groups with a continuous increase in the proportion of seropositive; (B) those with a slow rate of increase in seroprevalence; and (C) those with a two-phase curve, wherein the initial increase was replaced by a decrease in the percentage of seropositive individuals. A significant correlation was revealed between the number of COVID-19 convalescents and contact persons, and between the number of contacts and healthy seropositive volunteers. Among the seropositive volunteers, more than 93.6% (IQR: 87.1-94.9) were asymptomatic. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic is accompanied by an increase in seroprevalence, which may be important for the formation of herd immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Y Popova
- Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 127994 Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Elena A Babura
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Kaliningrad Region, 236040 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Maxim V Bulanov
- Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Vladimir Region, 600005 Vladimir, Russia
| | - Natalia N Valeullina
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Chelyabinsk Region, 454091 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | | | - Dmitriy V Goryaev
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, 660049 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | | | - Elena B Ezhlova
- Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 127994 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia N Zaitseva
- Nizhny Novgorod I. N. Blokhina Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Olga A Istorik
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Leningrad Region, 192029 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina V Kovalchuk
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Stavropol Territory, 355008 Stavropol, Russia
| | - Dmitriy N Kozlovskikh
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Sverdlovsk Region, 620078 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana Y Kombarova
- G. N. Gabrichevsky Moscow Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 125212 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga P Kurganova
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Amur Region, 675002 Blagoveshchensk, Russia
| | | | - Lena A Lukicheva
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Murmansk Region, 183038 Murmansk, Russia
| | | | - Albina A Melnikova
- Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 127994 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga M Mikailova
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Moscow Region, 141014 Mytishchi, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Alexei K Noskov
- Rostov-on-Don Research Anti-Plague Institute, 344000 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Ludmila N Noskova
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the Astrakhan Region, 414057 Astrakhan, Russia
| | - Elena E Oglezneva
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Belgorod Region, 308023 Belgorod, Russia
| | | | - Marina A Patyashina
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Republic of Tatarstan, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | | | - Lada V Samoilova
- Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Novosibirsk Region, 630132 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatyana F Stepanova
- Tyumen Research Institute of Regional Infectious Pathology, 625026 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Olga E Trotsenko
- Khabarovsk Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 680000 Khabarovsk, Russia
| | - Areg A Totolian
- Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
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85
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SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Structure of the Russian Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081648. [PMID: 34452512 PMCID: PMC8402751 DOI: 10.3390/v13081648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which came to Russia in March 2020, is accompanied by morbidity level changes and can be tracked using serological monitoring of a representative population sample from Federal Districts (FDs) and individual regions. In a longitudinal cohort study conducted in 26 model regions of Russia, distributed across all FDs, we investigated the distribution and cumulative proportions of individuals with antibodies (Abs) to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen (Ag), in the period from June to December 2020, using a three-phase monitoring process. In addition, during the formation of the cohort of volunteers, the number of seropositive convalescents, persons who had contact with patients or COVID-19 convalescents, and the prevalence of asymptomatic forms of infection among seropositive volunteers were determined. According to a uniform methodology, 3 mL of blood was taken from the examined individuals, and plasma was separated, from which the presence of Abs to nucleocapsid Ag was determined on a Thermo Scientific Multiascan FC device using the “ELISA anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG” reagent set (prod. Scientific Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology), in accordance with the developer’s instructions. Volunteers (74,158) were surveyed and divided into seven age groups (1–17, 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 59–59, 60–69, and 70+ years old), among whom 14,275 were identified as having antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The average percent seropositive in Russia was 17.8% (IQR: 8.8–23.2). The largest proportion was found among children under 17 years old (21.6% (IQR: 13.1–31.7). In the remaining groups, seroprevalence ranged from 15.6% (IQR: 8–21.1) to 18.0% (IQR: 13.4–22.6). During monitoring, three (immune) response groups were found: (A) groups with a continuous increase in the proportion of seropositive; (B) those with a slow rate of increase in seroprevalence; and (C) those with a two-phase curve, wherein the initial increase was replaced by a decrease in the percentage of seropositive individuals. A significant correlation was revealed between the number of COVID-19 convalescents and contact persons, and between the number of contacts and healthy seropositive volunteers. Among the seropositive volunteers, more than 93.6% (IQR: 87.1–94.9) were asymptomatic. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic is accompanied by an increase in seroprevalence, which may be important for the formation of herd immunity.
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86
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Mura C, Preissner S, Preissner R, Bourne PE. A Birds-Eye (Re)View of Acid-Suppression Drugs, COVID-19, and the Highly Variable Literature. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:700703. [PMID: 34456726 PMCID: PMC8385362 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.700703] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This Perspective examines a recent surge of information regarding the potential benefits of acid-suppression drugs in the context of COVID-19, with a particular eye on the great variability (and, thus, confusion) that has arisen across the reported findings, at least as regards the popular antacid famotidine. The degree of inconsistency and discordance reflects contradictory conclusions from independent, clinical-based studies that took roughly similar approaches, in terms of both experimental design (retrospective, observational, cohort-based, etc.) and statistical analysis workflows (propensity-score matching and stratification into sub-cohorts, etc.). The contradictions and potential confusion have ramifications for clinicians faced with choosing therapeutically optimal courses of intervention: e.g., do any potential benefits of famotidine suggest its use in a particular COVID-19 case? (If so, what administration route, dosage regimen, duration, etc. are likely optimal?) As succinctly put this March in Freedberg et al. (2021), "…several retrospective studies show relationships between famotidine and outcomes in COVID-19 and several do not." Beyond the pressing issue of possible therapeutic indications, the conflicting data and conclusions related to famotidine must be resolved before its inclusion/integration in ontological and knowledge graph (KG)-based frameworks, which in turn are useful for drug discovery and repurposing. As a broader methodological issue, note that reconciling inconsistencies would bolster the validity of meta-analyses which draw upon the relevant data-sources. And, perhaps most broadly, developing a system for treating inconsistencies would stand to improve the qualities of both 1) real world evidence-based studies (retrospective), on the one hand, and 2) placebo-controlled, randomized multi-center clinical trials (prospective), on the other hand. In other words, a systematic approach to reconciling the two types of studies would inherently improve the quality and utility of each type of study individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Mura
- School of Data Science and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Saskia Preissner
- Department Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Preissner
- Institute of Physiology and Science-IT, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip E. Bourne
- School of Data Science and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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87
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has generated high interest in factors modulating risk of infection, disease severity and recovery. Vitamin D has received interest since it is known to modulate immune function and vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of respiratory infections and adverse health outcomes in severely ill patients. There are no population representative data on the direct relationship between vitamin D status and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and severity of COVID-19. Data from intervention studies are limited to 4 studies. Here we summarise findings regarding vitamin D status and metabolism and their alterations during severe illness, relevant to COVID-19 patients. Further, we summarise vitamin D intervention studies with respiratory disease outcomes and in critically ill patients and provide an overview of relevant patient and population guidelines. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in hospitalised patients, particularly when critically ill including those with COVID-19. Acute and critical illness leads to pronounced changes in vitamin D metabolism and status, suggestive of increased requirements. This needs to be considered in the interpretation of potential links between vitamin D status and disease risk and severity and for patient management. There is some evidence that vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of respiratory tract infections, while supplementation of ICU patients has shown little effect on disease severity or length of treatment. Considering the high prevalence of deficiency and low risks associated with supplementation, pro-actively applying current population and patient management guidelines to prevent, monitor and correct vitamin D deficiency is appropriate.
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88
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Irvine NJ, Wiles BL. Petechiae and Desquamation of Fingers Following Immunization With BTN162b2 Messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 Vaccine. Cureus 2021; 13:e16858. [PMID: 34513435 PMCID: PMC8413049 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16858] [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] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since late 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2), has killed over three million people. More than 600,000 of these deaths have occurred in the United States alone. While advances in the treatment of COVID-19 have been made, the advent of highly effective vaccines against this coronavirus variant has given hope that the end of the pandemic may be near. Unfortunately, resistance towards vaccination remains a barrier to virus eradication both in the United States and globally. The driving factor for much of this opposition is the concern over potential adverse reactions from the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. In order to combat this, it is imperative that vaccine side effects and their corresponding clinical course are clearly described. This report details the case of a female patient who developed acral petechiae, desquamation of the fingers, and a facial rash that occurred shortly after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
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89
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Graalmann T, Borst K, Manchanda H, Vaas L, Bruhn M, Graalmann L, Koster M, Verboom M, Hallensleben M, Guzmán CA, Sutter G, Schmidt RE, Witte T, Kalinke U. B cell depletion impairs vaccination-induced CD8 + T cell responses in a type I interferon-dependent manner. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1537-1544. [PMID: 34226189 PMCID: PMC8600602 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab is frequently applied in the treatment of lymphoma as well as autoimmune diseases and confers efficient depletion of recirculating B cells. Correspondingly, B cell-depleted patients barely mount de novo antibody responses during infections or vaccinations. Therefore, efficient immune responses of B cell-depleted patients largely depend on protective T cell responses. METHODS CD8+ T cell expansion was studied in rituximab-treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and B cell-deficient mice on vaccination/infection with different vaccines/pathogens. RESULTS Rituximab-treated RA patients vaccinated with Influvac showed reduced expansion of influenza-specific CD8+ T cells when compared with healthy controls. Moreover, B cell-deficient JHT mice infected with mouse-adapted Influenza or modified vaccinia virus Ankara showed less vigorous expansion of virus-specific CD8+ T cells than wild type mice. Of note, JHT mice do not have an intrinsic impairment of CD8+ T cell expansion, since infection with vaccinia virus induced similar T cell expansion in JHT and wild type mice. Direct type I interferon receptor signalling of B cells was necessary to induce several chemokines in B cells and to support T cell help by enhancing the expression of MHC-I. CONCLUSIONS Depending on the stimulus, B cells can modulate CD8+ T cell responses. Thus, B cell depletion causes a deficiency of de novo antibody responses and affects the efficacy of cellular response including cytotoxic T cells. The choice of the appropriate vaccine to vaccinate B cell-depleted patients has to be re-evaluated in order to efficiently induce protective CD8+ T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Graalmann
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hanover, Germany.,Department for Rheumatology and Immunology, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Katharina Borst
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hanover, Germany
| | - Himanshu Manchanda
- Institute for Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lea Vaas
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hanover, Germany
| | - Matthias Bruhn
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hanover, Germany
| | - Lukas Graalmann
- Department for Respiratory Medicine, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Mario Koster
- Department of Gene Regulation and Differentiation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Murielle Verboom
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Michael Hallensleben
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Carlos Alberto Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Gerd Sutter
- Division of Virology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhold E Schmidt
- Department for Rheumatology and Immunology, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence - Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Torsten Witte
- Department for Rheumatology and Immunology, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence - Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hanover, Germany .,Cluster of Excellence - Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Hsi Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan, University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Shing Chen
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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91
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Barnby E, Reynolds M, Gordon J. Vaccine Strategy During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: What School Nurses Need to Know. NASN Sch Nurse 2021; 36:316-322. [PMID: 34060925 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x211020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The National Association of School Nurses supports immunization to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. School nurses have the obligation to discern and understand vaccine strategies to aid in the advocacy and education of their school administrators, faculty, staff, students, and caregivers. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread to all continents, and the total number of those infected or immune through effective vaccination is well below the estimated need for herd immunity. To achieve herd immunity against the global outbreak of COVID-19, the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines is essential. Using multiple strategies and vaccine platforms to speed up the vaccine development process will inherently save more lives. Equipped with this knowledge of vaccine strategy, the school nurse can more aptly advocate for the use of the COVID-19 vaccines to move toward herd immunity in their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Barnby
- Elizabeth Barnby, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing, Huntsville, AL
| | - Mark Reynolds
- Mark Reynolds, DNP, RN, COI, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing, Huntsville, AL
| | - Jenny Gordon
- Jenny Gordon, BSN, RN, Registered Nurse, University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing, Huntsville, AL
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92
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Shahani P, Datta I. Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for coronavirus disease 2019: which? when? and how much? Cytotherapy 2021; 23:861-873. [PMID: 34053857 PMCID: PMC8084615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are under active consideration as a treatment strategy for controlling the hyper-inflammation and slow disease progression associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The possible mechanism of protection through their immunoregulatory and paracrine action has been reviewed extensively. However, the importance of process control in achieving consistent cell quality, maximum safety and efficacy—for which the three key questions are which, when and how much—remains unaddressed. Any commonality, if it exists, in ongoing clinical trials has yet to be analyzed and reviewed. In this review, the authors have therefore compiled study design data from ongoing clinical trials to address the key questions of “which” with regard to tissue source, donor profile, isolation technique, culture conditions, long-term culture and cryopreservation of MSCs; “when” with regard to defining the transplantation window by identifying and staging patients based on their pro-inflammatory profile; and “how much” with regard to the number of cells in a single administration, number of doses and route of transplantation. To homogenize MSC therapy for COVID-19 on a global scale and to make it readily available in large numbers, a shared understanding and uniform agreement with respect to these fundamental issues are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradnya Shahani
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Indrani Datta
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India.
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Kantarcioglu B, Iqbal O, Walenga JM, Lewis B, Lewis J, Carter CA, Singh M, Lievano F, Tafur A, Ramacciotti E, Gerotziafas GT, Jeske W, Fareed J. An Update on the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the Reportedly Rare Thrombotic Events Following Vaccination. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2021; 27:10760296211021498. [PMID: 34060379 PMCID: PMC8173993 DOI: 10.1177/10760296211021498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Today the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global health problem. After more than a year with the pandemic, although our knowledge has progressed on COVID-19, there are still many unknowns in virological, pathophysiological and immunological aspects. It is obvious that the most efficient solution to end this pandemic are safe and efficient vaccines. This manuscript summarizes the pathophysiological and thrombotic features of COVID-19 and the safety and efficacy of currently approved COVID-19 vaccines with an aim to clarify the recent concerns of thromboembolic events after COVID-19 vaccination. The influx of newer information is rapid, requiring periodic updates and objective assessment of the data on the pathogenesis of COVID-19 variants and the safety and efficacy of currently available vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Kantarcioglu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Omer Iqbal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Jeanine M. Walenga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Bruce Lewis
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Joseph Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Charles A. Carter
- Department of Clinical Research, Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, USA
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Fabio Lievano
- Department of Medical Safety Evaluation, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alfonso Tafur
- Section of Interventional Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Eduardo Ramacciotti
- Hemostasis & Thrombosis Research Laboratories at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Grigoris T. Gerotziafas
- 5-Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Thrombosis Center, Service D’Hématologie Biologique Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
| | - Walter Jeske
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Jawed Fareed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
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