The origin, transmission and clinical therapies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak - an update on the status

The Relation between ACE Gene Polymorphism and the Severity of COVID-19 Infection

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which emerged in China at the end of 2019, rapidly spread worldwide. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene contains an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism that leads to a higher serum ACE level which is associated with several diseases and also with a high mortality rate in SARS. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the association between ACE gene polymorphism and the risk and severity of COVID-19 disease in patients. Methodology. Forty-five SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and another random control group of 45 healthy individuals were included. The detection of ACE I/D gene polymorphism in both groups was done by PCR.

Results

53% of infected patients with SARS-CoV-2 had an ACE deletion/deletion genotype (D/D), 27% had an ACE deletion/insertion genotype (D/I), and 20% had an ACE insertion/insertion genotype (I/I). On the one hand, the D/D variant was significantly detected in the COVID-19 patients compared to the control subjects, whereas the I/I variant was significantly detected in the control subjects compared to the COVID-19 patients (p = 0.004). The D/D variant subgroup showed the lowest lymphocytic count compared to the D/I or I/I subgroups. In addition, the C-reactive protein was significantly higher and the oxygen saturation was significantly lower in patients with the D/D allele compared to the other subgroups.

Conclusions

ACE gene polymorphism, particularly the DD genotype, was observed to affect the severity of COVID-19 infection.

AFFINITY OF BRAZILIAN WILD MAMMAL IMMUNOGLOBULINS TO BACTERIAL PROTEINS A AND G

Staphylococcal A and streptococcal G proteins are widely used in immunoassays when specific immunological reagents are unavailable, such as for wild animals. The affinity of bacterial proteins A and G to the immunoglobulins of seven Brazilian mammals were tested, including black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata, n = 5), golden-bellied capuchin (Sapajus xanthosternos, n = 13), woolly mouse opossum (Micoureus demerarae, n = 6), long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus, n = 5), collared anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla, n = 5), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis, n = 6), and vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus, n = 5). Blood samples were collected from animals that were rescued in peri-urban rainforest fragments. Sera pools of each species were tested by ELISA to determine the intensity of each bacterial protein affinity to the immunoglobulins. When comparing the affinity to both proteins, immunoglobulins from D. rotundus, S. xanthosternos, and T. tetradactyla presented a higher affinity to protein G, whereas a higher affinity to protein A was found for immunoglobulins of C. penicillata and L. pardalis. The only species that presented a very low affinity to both bacterial proteins was M. demerarae. This study can be used as a reference for further studies on the development of sensitive and specific immunodiagnostic assays to be used for the monitoring of the health of these wild mammals.

Impacts of Social Isolation on the Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults During Quarantine: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review articles that reported the impacts of social isolation on the physical and mental health of healthy older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) quarantine.

METHODS

Electronic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and BIREME databases. It included cohort and cross-sectional studies published between January 2020 and January 2022 which evaluated the impacts of social isolation on the physical and mental health of older adults during quarantine. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021269720).

RESULTS

Out of 8,505 studies identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria, with moderate to excellent quality. The majority of the older population perceived changes in their physical and mental health. Impacts differed in cohorts according to sex, age group, income, social participation, exercising before and during confinement, and living alone or with other people.

CONCLUSIONS

The long period of social isolation dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in most older adults`, reducing levels of physical activity and/or generating depression, anxiety, fear, and mood problems. Follow-up studies are necessary to observe the evolution of these impacts.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Public policies must be developed to promote the emotional and physical health of the older adult population in the post-pandemic period.

Combating the Progression of Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Infectious Disease: Current State and Future Prospects in Molecular Diagnostics and Drug Discovery

A highly infectious and life-threatening virus was first reported in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, and it rapidly spread all over the world. This novel virus belongs to the coronavirus family and is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), causing respiratory disease known as COVID-19. In March 2020, WHO has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Its morbidity and mortality rates are swiftly rising day by day, with the situation becoming more severe and fatal for the comorbid population. Many COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, but they silently spread the infection. There is a need for proper screening of infected patients to prevent the epidemic transmission of disease and for early curative interventions to reduce the risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. To date, the diagnostic assays are of two categories, molecular detection of viral genetic material by real-time RTpolymerase chain reaction and serological test, which relies on detecting antiviral antibodies. Unfortunately, there are no effective prophylactics and therapeutics available against COVID-19. However, a few drugs have shown promising antiviral activity against it, and these presently are being referred for clinical trials, albeit FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the emergency use of a few drugs for SARSCoV- 2 infection. This review provides an insight into current progress, challenges and future prospects of laboratory detection methods of COVID-19, and highlights the clinical stage of the major evidence-based drugs/vaccines recommended against the novel SARS-CoV-2 pandemic virus.

IMMUNE-INFLAMMATORY-ENDOCRINE REGULATION DISORDERS IN CHILDREN WITH CORONAVIRUS INFECTION

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To study the of homeostasis links desorder and indicators imbalance in children with Coronavirus infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: A clinical and laboratory study was conducted in children (50 persons) with Coronavirus infection. The children were used outpatient treatment.

RESULTS

Results: It was found that Direct bilirubin was increased in 3 times (10.55±7.67 vs. 3.63±0.49 μmol/l, p<0.01), Alanine aminotransferase - in 1.7 times (37,02±20.53 vs. 21.90±1.82 IU/l, p<0.01). An levels increassng of Ig G - in 12.3 times, Ig E - in 4.6 times, Ig M - in 3.4 times was observed. The CRP level was increased in 3.1 times (8.76 ± 2.16 vs. 2.54 ± 0.53 mg/l, p< 0.01), C-peptide (4.65±1.67 vs. 1.23±0.08 ng/ml, p<0.01) - in 3.8 times. Negative correlations of T3 with Procalcitonin (r=-0.30) and Creatinine (r=-34) were revealed. T4 values are correlated with Total cholesterol (r=-0.65) and Creatinine (r=0.29). Leptin was presented positive correlations with Alanine aminotransferase (r=0.48) and with C-peptide (r=0.39).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: There was an increase in the Ig G levels in 12.3 times, Ig E - in 4.6 times, and the Ig M level - in 3.4 times. The Thyroid stimulating hormone level was significantly lower (in 4.7 times). An increase in the C-reactive protein levels (in 3.1 times) and C-peptide (in 3.8 times) was observed. It should be noted that the strongest negative correlation between T4 and Total cholesterol (r=-0.65) and the highest positive correlation between Leptin and Alanine aminotransferase (r=0.48) and C-peptide (r=0. 39).

The organization of healthcare work in the light of ergology: experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To understand the work organization of health professionals when coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in Manaus.

METHOD

This is a qualitative case study which adopted ergology as theoretical framework. Data production used document analysis and semi-structured interviews with 33 health workers from the Health Care Network. The resources of the software Atlas.ti 8.0 were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The precepts of Thematic Networks analysis revealed the following categories: "Reordering services and functions"; "Incorporation and management of instruments application"; "Professional experiences and tactics: changing roles, attitudes and relationships".

CONCLUSION

It was found that they express a dynamic view of the organizational process, in which the worker, when discussing past standards and comparing his/her knowledge, experiences and values, modifies the environment, flows and conducts as needed, facing the lack of safety, conditions and solidity of the technical bases of work.

Acceptability rate and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, Nigeria

Background

Healthcare workers were at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. The acceptability and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers was an important strategy in halting the spread of the virus as well as the antecedent implications on global health and the world economy.

Objectives

This study aims to determine the acceptability rate and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination of frontline healthcare workers in Awka, Nigeria.

Design

This is an analytical cross-sectional study.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2022 to April 2022 to obtain the data for this study. One hundred healthcare workers were studied. Acceptability rate and barriers to uptake of COVID-19 vaccination were outcome measures.

Results

The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 45.0% among healthcare workers in study area of Awka metropolis. Ages 30-39 years had the highest acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination, 19 (47.5%; p = 0.262) with a more female preponderance of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance compared to males [26 (41.3%) vs 16 (42.2%), p = 0.721]. The place of residence of respondents (urban vs rural) and their marital status (married vs single) appeared not to influence the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination [(38 (42.2%) vs 3 (33.3%); p = 0.667; 25 (36.8% vs 17 (54.8%); p = 0.433)]. Years of work experience (<10 years vs >10 years) significantly affected COVID-19 vaccine acceptance [27 (45.8%) vs 12 (52.2%); p = 0.029]. Educational status and monthly income appeared not to influence vaccine uptake (p > 0.05, for both). A significant number of respondents were not sure why they should or should not take the COVID-19 vaccine [49 (92.5%) vs 35 (83.3%); p = 0.001].

Conclusion

The COVID-19 vaccination rate is still poor among healthcare workers in Awka metropolis. The majority of respondents do not know why they should or should not take COVID-19 vaccine. We therefore recommend robust awareness campaigns that will explain in clear terms the essence and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in order to improve vaccine acceptance.

Genomic Evidence of Multiple Introductions of SARS-CoV-2 in Mauritania

The rapid and global spread of the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised serious public health concerns, including in Mauritania. We sequenced and analyzed the entire genome of 13 SARS-CoV-2 virus strains isolated from polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive symptomatic patients sampled from March 3 to May 31, 2021 to better understand SARS-CoV-2 introduction, propagation, and evolution in Mauritania. A phylogenetic tree using available data from the EpiCoV GISAID database and a variant network with non-Mauritanian sequences were constructed. Variant analysis of the 13 Mauritanian SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences indicated an average mutational percentage of 0.39, which is similar to that in other countries. Phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple spatiotemporal introductions, mainly from Europe (France, Belgium) and Africa (Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire), which also provided evidence of early community transmission. A total of 2 unique mutations, namely, NSP6_Q208K and NSP15_S273T, were detected in the NSP6 and NSP15 genes, respectively, confirming the aforementioned introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Mauritania. These findings highlight the relevance of continuous genomic monitoring strategies for understanding virus transmission dynamics and acquiring knowledge to address forthcoming sources of infection in Africa.

Factors Affecting Confirmed COVID-19 Patient's Recovery Time at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a threat to the public's health, especially to the elderly and those with chronic conditions. It is capable of spreading from carriers who are both asymptomatic and symptomatic. Associated factors such as age, sex, severe symptoms of COVID-19 disease, and chronic disease have a significant impact on the recovery time of patients.

AIM

The study aimed to determine associated factors on recovery time in COVID-19 patients hospitalized at King Abdulaziz Medical city.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was utilized to recruit 1776 confirmed COVID-19 patients from 13 September to 24 October 2020 at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah.

RESULTS

The patients were categorized into three age groups: below 5 years, 5 to 65 years, and above 65 years. The number of male patients in each group was 49, 764, and 73, and the number of female patients in each group was 54, 754, and 82, respectively. Impact recovery time on female patients was 11.75 days; with male patients was 10.95 days. Symptoms such as sore throat, diarrhea, and fever in female patients declined the recovery time. On the other hand, symptoms such as runny nose, diarrhea, fever, and headache in male patients declined the recovery time.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It was revealed that older aged COVID-19 patients, male sex, and some symptoms decline recovery time. The study findings show an independent predictor of particular symptoms and sign which delay the time of recovery in the COVID-19 patients enrolled in the study differently, for male and female patients. Thus, patients who are infected with COVID-19 should be monitored keenly to prevent a prolonged rate of recovery and should be eligible for priority management to enhance a good clinical outcome.

Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Resulting Behavior Changes in Response to COVID-19 Among Students at the College of Applied Medical Sciences (CAMS), Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

Background

The emergence of COVID-19 posed a threat to millions of lives worldwide. The pandemic impacts extended to affect people's psychological well-being, resulting in significant behavioural change. This study was designed to assess the knowledge regarding COVID-19 precautions among the College of Applied Medical Science students at Jazan University and to evaluate the general, psychosocial, and behavioral changes due to COVID-19.

Methods

This is an observational study targeting 630 undergraduate students randomly selected during January 2020, using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the predictors of three outcome measures: knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores.

Results

Knowledge of COVID-19 revealed that the students with correct answers ranged from 48.9 to 95%. Furthermore, significant gender differences are found regarding shortness of breath, fatigue, persistent chest discomfort, headache, and malaise (p < 0.05). Knowledge scores differed significantly across gender and academic level (p < 0.05) and so does attitude scores (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between practice scores according to socio-demographic background (p > 0.05). The linear regression model showed that females had significantly higher knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores (p < 0.05) as well as those within the 21-23 age group and above (p < 0.05). Students residing in urban and semi-urban places had significantly higher scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practice (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results demonstrated moderate knowledge about COVID-19 among study participants, with significant differences between the responses of males and females and among the urban and rural populations. Outcomes suggest the need for interventions to bridge students' knowledge about COVID-19 and practice gaps. Students were concerned about basic life amenities and the inability to provide for their dear ones regarding behavioral changes.

Spatio-temporal analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic is a top-level public health concern. This paper is an attempt to identify and COVID-19 pandemic in Iran using spatial analysis approaches. This study was based on secondary data of confirmed cases, deaths, recoveries, number of hospitals, hospital beds and population from March 2, 2019 to the end of November 2021 in 31 provinces of Iran from hospitals and the website of the National Institute of Health. In this paper, three geographical models in ArcGIS10.3 were utilized to analyze and evaluate COVID-19, including Geographic Weight Regression (GWR), Getis-OrdGi* (G-i-star) statistics (hot and cold spot), and Moran autocorrelation spatial analysis. Moran statistics, based on the GWR model, demonstrated that deaths and recoveries followed a clustering pattern for the confirmed cases index during the study period. The Moran Z-score for all three indicators confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries, which was greater than 2.5 (95% confidence level). The Getis-OrdGi* (G-I-Star) (hot and cold spot) data revealed a wide range of levels for six variables (confirmed cases, deaths, recoveries, population, hospital beds, and hospital) across Iran's provinces. The overall number of deaths exceeded the population and the number of hospitals in the central and southern regions, including the provinces of Qom, Alborz, Tehran, Markazi, Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, East Azerbaijan, Fars, and Yazd, which had the largest number and The Z-score for the deaths Index is greater than 14.314. The results of this research can pave the way for future studies.

Work-family conflict, burnout, and related factors among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northwest of Iran

BACKGROUND

Nurses, as the largest working group in the hospital, experience many problems, conflicts, and stressors in the workplace and family especially after the widespread distribution of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVE

The perceived conflict and burnout among nurses, as well as the correlation between these two variables and the associated factors, were the main subjects of this study.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 256 nurses from three COVID-19 referral hospitals in northwest Iran. Participants completed demographic, work-family conflict (WFC), and burnout questionnaires. The nonparametric tests including Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient were applied to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The overall score of conflict was 55.3 (12.7). The time dimension received the highest score 11.4 (2.9). In terms of intensity 27.6 (8.7) and frequency 27.6(8.8), nurses had the most burnout in the lack of personal accomplishment dimension. All aspects of WFC, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization characteristics of burnout had statistically significant positive correlations (p < 0.01). The ward, hospital and employment status variables were associated with WFC (p < 0.05). The association between taking the crisis management course and the severity of depersonalization, and the frequency of lack of personal accomplishment was confirmed (p < 0.01). Additionally, the frequency and severity of emotional exhaustion were associated with employment status and work experiences (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that nurses had WFC and burnout rates that were above average. Regarding the negative effects of these two phenomena on health, and also nurse's clinical practices, rearranging work conditions and providing better organizational support seem necessary.

Plant-Derived Antioxidants for Management of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Mechanisms

We aimed to review the literature to introduce some effective plant-derived antioxidants to prevent and treat COVID-19. Natural products from plants are excellent sources to be used for such discoveries. Among different plant-derived bioactive substances, components including luteolin, quercetin, glycyrrhizin, andrographolide, patchouli alcohol, baicalin, and baicalein were investigated for several viral infections as well as SARS-COV-2. The mechanisms of effects detected for these agents were related to their antiviral activity through inhibition of viral entry and/or suppuration of virus function. Also, the majority of components exert anti-inflammatory effects and reduce the cytokine storm induced by virus infection. The data from different studies confirmed that these agents may play a critical role against SARS-COVID-2 via direct (antiviral activity) and indirect (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) mechanisms, suggesting that natural products are a potential option for management of patients with COVID-19 due to the lower side effects and high efficiency.

Drug-disease interaction: Clinical consequences of inflammation on drugs action and disposition

Inflammation is a culprit in many conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. A plethora of studies has revealed that inflammation and inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines are associated with altered expression and activity of various proteins such as those involved in drug metabolism, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). Emphasis of most available reports is on the inflammation-induced downregulation of CYPs, subsequently an increase in their substrate concentrations, and the link between the condition and the inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. However, reports also suggest that inflammation influences expression and/or activity of other proteins such as those involved in the drug-receptor interaction. These multifaced involvements render the clinical consequence of the inflammation unexpected. Such changes are shown in many inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, acute respiratory illnesses as well as natural processes such as aging, among others. For example, some commonly used cardiovascular drugs lose their efficacy when patients get afflicted with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Interestingly, this is despite increased concentration subsequent to reduced clearance. The observation is attributed to a simultaneous reduction in the expression of target receptor proteins such as the calcium and potassium channel and β-adrenergic receptor as well as the metabolic enzymes. This narrative review summarizes the current understanding and clinical implications of the inflammatory effects on both CYPs and drug-receptor target proteins.

Effect of COVID-19 infection on the erectile function

OBJECTIVE

It has been understood that COVID-19, which has become a global pandemic in a short time, is a disease affecting multiple organs and systems. Some of the organs and systems affected by the disease also play a role in the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction (ED), which led us to consider the possible effects of the disease on the erectile function. In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in the erectile functions of patients with COVID-19 among those that had previously diagnosed with mild and moderate ED in our urology outpatient clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-one patients aged 18-65 years who were confirmed to have COVID-19 were included in the study. According to disease severity, these patients were divided into two groups as mild (non-hospitalized, n = 60) and moderate (hospitalized but did not require intensive care, n = 21). The patients' pre- and post-disease scores in the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) ​​and hormone panel results were compared.

RESULTS

The changes in the IIEF-5 scores of the patients from the pre-disease to the post-disease period were statistically significant for both the mild and moderate groups (p < 0.05). When these changes were compared between the mild and moderate groups, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.156). There was also no statistically significant change in the testosterone, follicle-stimulating, luteinizing, and prolactin hormone levels before and after the disease.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we determined that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused deterioration in existing ED in sexually active male individuals, regardless of the severity of the disease.

A Review of Pathology and Analysis of Approaches to Easing Kidney Disease Impact: Host-Pathogen Communication and Biomedical Visualization Perspective : Advanced Microscopy and Visualization of Host-Pathogen Communication

INTRODUCTION

In addition to affecting the upper respiratory tract, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2) can target kidneys resulting in disease impact. There is a lack of effective treatment for SARs-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and so one approach could be to consider to lower the probable risk and onset of disease amongst immunocompromised and immunosuppressed individuals and patients. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) has a promising impact including acting against SARs-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Current literature states that ACE2 is expressed across several physiological systems, including the lungs, cardiovascular, gut, kidneys, and central nervous, and across endothelia.

AIMS

This chapter seeks to investigate causes and potential mechanisms during SARS infection (CoV-2), renal interaction, and the effects of acute kidney Injury (AKI).

OBJECTIVES

This chapter will provide an overview of microscopy and visualization of host-pathogen communication and principles of ACE2 in the context of immunology and impact on renal pathophysiology.

DESIGN

This chapter focuses to provide basic principles of ACE2 and the analysis and effect of immunology and pathological components important in relation to SARs infection.

DISCUSSION

There has been a surge in literature surrounding mechanisms attributing to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 action on immune response to pathogens. There is an advantage to implementing ACE2 treatment to improve immune response against infection.

CONCLUSION

ACE2 may provide appropriate strategies for the management of symptoms that relate to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in most immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients. Visualization of ACE2 action can be achieved through microscopy to understand host-pathogen communication.

COVID-19 Pandemi Sürecinde Toplum Sağlığına Yönelik Sosyal Medya Platformlarında Paylaşılan Egzersiz İçerikli Videoların İncelenmesi

Amaç: COVID-19 döneminde toplumu bilgilendirmek için sosyal medya platformlarında paylaşılan egzersiz içerikli videoları incelemek amaçlanmıştır.Yöntem: COVID-19 pandemisinin gündeme geldiği Ocak 2020 – Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında, sosyal medya platformlarında yayınlanan videolara ulaşmak için gelişmiş arama motorunda Türkçe dilinde ulaşılabilen egzersiz içerikli videolar analiz edilmiştir. Toplam 110 adet videoya ulaşılmış, yapılan değerlendirmeler sonucunda videolara ulaşmak için kullanılan anahtar kelimelere uygun içerikte, belirtilen tarihler arasında ve egzersize yönelik bilgi içermesine uygunluk gösteren 33 video çalışmaya dâhil edilmiştir.Bulgular: Videoların ortalama süresi 6,29±3,91 dakikadır. Videolar egzersiz (n=33, %100) ve fiziksel aktivite (n=4; %12,12) konularını içermektedir. Videoların %78,79’u bir kurum ve %21,21’i bir kişi tarafından paylaşılmıştır. İncelenen videoların %45,45’i fizyoterapist; %27,27’si beden eğitimi uzmanı; %21,21’i hekim; %3,03’ü hemşire meslek mensupları tarafından yayınlanmış ve %3,03’i mesleğini belirtmemiştir. Videonun hedef kitlesi %60,60’ında toplum; %24,24’ünde 65 yaş üstü bireyler; %12,12’sinde özel bir tanıya sahip bireyler ve %6,06’sında çocuklardır. Videolarda egzersizlerin %45,45’inde sıklık, %33,33’ünde süre; %12,12’sinde durasyon gibi parametrelerden bahsedilmiş, videoların hiçbirinde egzersiz şiddetine yönelik bilgi verilmemiştir. Videoların %48,48’inde egzersizin parametrelerinin hiçbirinden bahsedilmemiştir. Dahil edilen videoların sadece %75,76’inde egzersizler uygulamalı olarak gösterilmiş; %21,21’inde dikkat edilmesi gereken koşullar açıklanmış; %6,06’sında güvenlik tedbirlerine uyulmuştur. Video çekimlerinde %75,76’sında ortam koşullarına; %72,73’ünde forma/önlük giyimine; %66,67’sinde profesyonel çekim yapılmasına; %48,48’inde ses kalitesine ve %45,45’inde aydınlatma koşulların özen gösterildiği belirlenmiştir.Sonuç: Sosyal medya platformları kullanılarak yapılan toplum sağlığına yönelik programlar geniş kitlelere ulaşması nedeni ile büyük sorumluluk gerektiren uygulamalardır. Bu yönüyle egzersizin parametreleri, uygulama prensipleri ve hedef kitlenin özelliklerine yönelik eğitime sahip olan meslek grupları tarafından yapılması halkın doğru bir şekilde bilinçlendirilmesini sağlayacaktır. 

Comorbid Description and Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio in COVID-19 Patients (Suspect and Confirmed Patients)

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a laboratory available as a marker used for the evaluation of systemic inflammation, NLR is a significant predictor and is a critical prognosis for COVID-19 infection and can serve as a useful factor to reflect the intensity of the imbalance of inflammation and immune response in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to determine the difference in NLR values in negative and confirmed COVID-19 patients and description for comorbid for both. This study is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. The study sample was 423 suspected COVID-19 patients at hospitals in Cilacap district for the period in March – October 2020. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively and using the fisher-exact test. In these results from suspected patients with negative COVID-19, lung illness were present 31.8%, viral infections 22.9%, other respiratory disorders 6.1%, diabetes mellitus 4.7%, and anemia 4.7%. Whereas suspected patients with confirmed COVID-19 were, without comorbid diseases (40.2%), lung disease (12.4%), diabetes mellitus (7.7%), hypertension (6.2%), and other respiratory illnesses (5.2%). The mean of NLR in confirmed patients is 3.57 but not any difference between negative and confirmed patients COVID-19, but there’s any a relationship between NLR and ARDS conditions.

Designing of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-based multi-epitope vaccine against SARS-CoV2: a reverse vaccinology approach

SARS-CoV2 is a single-stranded RNA virus, gaining much attention after it out broke in China in December 2019. The virus rapidly spread to several countries around the world and caused severe respiratory illness to humans. Since the outbreak, researchers around the world have devoted maximum resources and effort to develop a potent vaccine that would offer protection to uninfected individuals against SARS-CoV2. Reverse vaccinology is a relatively new approach that thrives faster in vaccine research. In this study, we constructed Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL)-based multi-epitope vaccine using hybrid epitope prediction methods. A total of 121 immunogenic CTL epitopes were screened by various sequence-based prediction methods and docked with their respective HLA alleles using the AutoDock Vina v1.1.2. In all, 17 epitopes were selected based on their binding affinity, followed by the construction of multi-epitope vaccine by placing the appropriate linkers between the epitopes and tuberculosis heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) adjuvant. The final vaccine construct was modeled by the I-TASSER server and the best model was further validated by ERRAT, ProSA, and PROCHECK servers. Furthermore, the molecular interaction of the constructed vaccine with TLR4 was assessed by ClusPro 2.0 and PROtein binDIng enerGY prediction (PRODIGY) server. The immune simulation analysis confirms that the constructed vaccine was capable of inducing long-lasting memory T helper (Th) and CTL responses. Finally, the nucleotide sequence was codon-optimized by the JCAT tool and cloned into the pET21a (+) vector. The current results reveal that the candidate vaccine is capable of provoking robust CTL response against the SARS-CoV2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

[Epidemiology and response strategies against COVID-19: the Senegalese experience from 2020 to 2021]

Introduction

in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that reached Senegal in March 2020, the country has put in place several strategies to contain its spread. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology and the strategies adopted.

Méthods

we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of confirmed cases of COVID-19 using RT-PCR test in Senegal from March 2, 2020 to September 30, 2021. Data were collected through a literature review and analyzed with R and QGIS software. Proportions and means with standard deviation were calculated.

Results

Senegal has recorded a total of 73,782 confirmed cases and 1,859 deaths from SARS-CoV-2. The temporal evolution was marked by three epidemic waves. The epidemic was concentrated in high-density areas such as Dakar (48,656 cases or 66%), in men (sex-ratio 1:13) and in the age group 25-34 years (16.527 cases or 22.4%). The average age of patients was 43 ± 18 years; the national cumulative incidence was 428 per 100,000 population and the overall case fatality rate was 2.5% (1,859/73,782). Some strategies have been implemented, including staff training, restrictive measures, home-based case management and vaccination. Nine point two percent (840,154/9,128,453) of the target population received 2 doses of vaccine.

Conclusion

the epidemic was spread more widely within some population groups. We recommend strengthening preventive measures in high-density cities and mobilizing community networks to encourage immunization.

Impact of dexamethasone and tocilizumab on hematological parameters in COVID-19 patients with chronic disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The most effective way to control severity and mortality rate of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is through sensitive diagnostic approaches and an appropriate treatment protocol. We aimed to identify the effect of adding corticosteroid and Tocilizumab to a standard treatment protocol in treating COVID-19 patients with chronic disease through hematological and lab biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed retrospectively on 68 COVID-19 patients with chronic disease who were treated by different therapeutic protocols. The patients were categorized into four groups: control group represented the patients' lab results at admission before treatment protocols were applied; group 1 included patients treated with anticoagulants, Hydroxychloroquine, and antibiotics; group 2 comprised patients treated with Dexamethasone; and group 3 included patients treated with Dexamethasone and Tocilizumab.

RESULTS

The WBC and neutrophil counts were increased significantly in group 3 upon the treatment when they were compared with patients in group 1 (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). The comparison of C-reactive Protein (CRP) level at admission was higher in group 3 than in group 1 with p = 0.030. After 10 days of treatment, CRP level was decreased in all groups, but in group 3 it was statistically significant (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The study paves the way into the effectiveness of combining Dexamethasone with Tocilizumab in treatment COVID-19 patients with chronic diseases.

Impact of dexamethasone and tocilizumab on hematological parameters in COVID-19 patients with chronic disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The most effective way to control severity and mortality rate of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is through sensitive diagnostic approaches and an appropriate treatment protocol. We aimed to identify the effect of adding corticosteroid and Tocilizumab to a standard treatment protocol in treating COVID-19 patients with chronic disease through hematological and lab biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed retrospectively on 68 COVID-19 patients with chronic disease who were treated by different therapeutic protocols. The patients were categorized into four groups: control group represented the patients' lab results at admission before treatment protocols were applied; group 1 included patients treated with anticoagulants, Hydroxychloroquine, and antibiotics; group 2 comprised patients treated with Dexamethasone; and group 3 included patients treated with Dexamethasone and Tocilizumab.

RESULTS

The WBC and neutrophil counts were increased significantly in group 3 upon the treatment when they were compared with patients in group 1 (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively). The comparison of C-reactive Protein (CRP) level at admission was higher in group 3 than in group 1 with p=0.030. After 10 days of treatment, CRP level was decreased in all groups, but in group 3 it was statistically significant (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The study paves the way into the effectiveness of combining Dexamethasone with Tocilizumab in treatment COVID-19 patients with chronic diseases.

Advanced Plasmonic Nanoparticle-Based Techniques for the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Current COVID-19

Coronavirus is an ongoing global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Coronavirus disease 2019 known as COVID-19 is the worst pandemic since World War II. The outbreak of COVID-19 had a significant repercussion on the health, economy, politics, and environment, making coronavirus-related issues more complicated and becoming one of the most challenging pandemics of the last century with deadly outcomes and a high rate of the reproduction number. There are thousands of different types - or variants - of COVID circulating across the world. Viruses mutate all the time; it emphasizes the critical need for the designing of efficient vaccines to prevent virus infection, early and fast diagnosis, and effective antiviral and protective therapeutics. In this regard, the use of nanotechnology offers new opportunities for the development of novel strategies in terms of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. This review presents an outline of the platforms developed using plasmonic nanoparticles in the detection, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. We select the best strategies in each of these approaches. The properties of metallic plasmon NPs and their relevance in the development of novel point-of-care diagnosis approaches for COVID-19 are highlighted. Also, we discuss the current challenges and the future perspectives looking towards the clinical translation and the commercial aspects of nanotechnology and plasmonic NP-based diagnostic tools and therapy to fight COVID-19 pandemic. The article could be of significance for researchers dedicated to developing suitable plasmonic detection tools and therapy approaches for COVID-19 viruses and future pandemics.

Identification of potential phytochemicals from Citrus Limon against main protease of SARS-CoV-2: molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations and quantum computations

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a novel RNA virus emerged at the end of 2019. Most of the patient's symptoms are mild to moderate, and influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure are common. The disease is mild to moderate in most patients and is reported in many cases such as pneumonia, ARDS and multi-organ dysfunction. This study's objective is to evaluate 25 natural compounds from Citrus limon (CL) used by comprehensive molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics analysis against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M^pro). Among all the experimental compounds, diosmetin has shown the best docking values against the M^pro of SARS-CoV-2 compared to the standard antiviral drug. In DFT calculations, the order associated with biochemical reactivity is as follows: eriodictoyl > quercetin > spinacetin > diosmetin > luteolin > apigenin, whereas the regions of oxygen and hydrogen atoms from the selected isolated compounds are appropriate for electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks, respectively. Also, HOMO-LUMO and global descriptors values indicated a promising result of these compounds. Moreover, a molecular dynamics simulation study revealed the stable conformation and binding pattern in a stimulating environment of natural compounds CL. Considering molecular docking, simulation, and DFT analysis of the selected compounds, notably eriodictoyl, quercetin, and diosmetin showed good potential against SARS-CoV-2 M^pro. Our in silico study revealed promising antiviral activity, which may be considered a potential key factor or a therapeutic target for COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

What Is the Long-Term Findings of Olfactory and Taste Loss due to COVID-19?

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine prevalance, severity, course, and long-term findings of smell and taste disorders of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in mild-moderate and severe-critical disease spectrum.

Methods

All adult patients conducted in our hospital with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 between March and April 2020 were surveyed during disease course and those with olfactory and taste loss were re-surveyed to determine the course and progress of these symptoms after at least 12-month follow-up. Demographic features and clinical findings were evaluated as well as disease severity.

Results

A total of 77 patients with smell and/or taste loss symptoms were included in the study. At diagnosis, 58 (75.3%) patients had loss of smell and 75 (97.4%) had loss of taste. After a follow-up period of 12-14 months, 12 (15.6%) patients had ongoing loss of smell and six (8%) patients had ongoing loss of taste. Three (3.9%) patients complained of cacosmia and 5 (6.5%) complained of parosmia at follow-up. The presence of ongoing visual analog scale scores of smell and/or taste was not statistically significant between male and female patients. When presence and severity of symptoms were compared by disease severity, no statistically significant difference was found.

Conclusion

Smell and taste loss seem to be among the presenting symptoms of COVID-19. The prognosis and the treatment of the smell loss and taste loss in COVID-19 patients remains unclear. To improve and accelerate recovery, the pathophysiology and the treatment options must be validated.

Effectiveness of an Inpatient Virtual Reality-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program among COVID-19 Patients on Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life: Preliminary Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Forms of rehabilitation for patients after COVID-19 are gaining interest. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare an innovative in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation programs augmented with training elements performed in virtual reality. This randomized controlled study included 32 patients enrolled in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation at a Public Hospital in Poland. The rehabilitation models included exercise capacity training on a cycle ergometer, breathing and general fitness workout, resistance training, and relaxation. The forms of training and relaxation differed between the groups: the experimental group employed virtual reality, and the control group used a traditional form of therapy. Exercise tolerance was assessed using a 6 min walk test (6 MWT), while psychological parameters were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the brief World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BRIEF). The analysis of the post-rehabilitation results showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups regarding depression (VR: 6.9 (3.9) vs. 4.7 (3.5), p = 0.008; CG: 7.64 (4.5) vs. 6.6 (4.8), p = 0.017) and anxiety (VR: 8.6 (4.6) vs. 5.6 (3.3), p < 0.001; CG: 9.57 (6.0) vs. 8 (4.8), p = 0.003). No statistically significant improvements in quality of life were noted in both groups. Moreover, the analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the exercise capacity in both groups after completion of the rehabilitation program, expressed as a distance in the 6 MWT, as well as a statistically significant improvement in dyspnea in the VR group. To conclude, the analysis of the preliminary data revealed that a 3-week hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for COVID-19 patients led to an improvement in exercise tolerance as well as a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The virtual reality-based form of training delivery, despite its attractiveness, did not significantly affect patients' performance.

In silico screening of phytopolyphenolics for the identification of bioactive compounds as novel protease inhibitors effective against SARS-CoV-2

Due to the unavailability specific drugs or vaccines (FDA approved) that can cure COVID-19, the development of potent antiviral drug candidates/therapeutic molecules against COVID-19 is urgently required. This study was aimed at in silico screening and study of polyphenolic phytochemical compounds in a rational way by virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) enzymes. The objective of the study was to identify plant-derived polyphenolic compounds and/or flavonoid molecules as possible antiviral agents with protease inhibitory potential against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we report plant-derived polyphenolic compounds (including flavonoids) as novel protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. From virtual docking and molecular docking study, 31 polyphenolic compounds were identified as active antiviral molecules possessing well-defined binding affinity with acceptable ADMET, toxicity and lead-like or drug-like properties. Six polyphenolic compounds, namely, enterodiol, taxifolin, eriodictyol, leucopelargonidin, morin and myricetin were found to exhibit remarkable binding affinities against the proteases with taxifolin and morin exhibiting the highest binding affinity toward Mpro and PLpro respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation studies of these compounds in complex with the proteases showed that the binding of the compounds is characterized by structural perturbations of the proteases suggesting their antiviral activities. These compounds can therefore be investigated further by in vivo and in vitro techniques to assess their potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and thus serve as the starting point for the development of potent antiviral agents against the deadly COVID-19.

The novel tetrahydropyrimidine derivative as inhibitor of SARS CoV-2: synthesis, modeling and molecular docking analysis

N-(1,3-Benzothiazol-2-yl)-N-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1H-pyrimidine-2-yl) amine was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The compound structure belongs to the triclinic system with the P-1 space group with unit cell parameters a = 11.9290(4), b = 13.2547(4) and c = 15.3904(5) Å. Hirhsfeld surface analysis is performed to revealintermolecular interactions with these interactions. The molecular structure, vibrational spectroscopic data and HOMOs and LUMOs analyses were calculated by using the DFT/B3LYP method with the 6-311 + G(d,p)) basis set. Some of pharmacokinetic parameters and drug-likeness properties of the compound were also performed. Besides these, the present work is a searching to test N-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-N-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1H-pyrimidine-2-yl) amine as an inhibitor for the SARS-CoV-2. For this aim, the molecular docking analysis of the synthesized compound was applied along with Favipiravir. Besides the docking results, ADMET properties of the compound were also calculated.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Cochlear Function in Adults Exposed to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

INTRODUCTION

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a viral infection with a wide variety of symptoms, including fever, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, and a loss of taste and smell. Moreover, there are some recent studies that investigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on hearing and auditory performance. With this current study, we investigate the early effects of the coronavirus disease on hair cells in the cochlea.

METHODS

In the current study, there were 25 subjects (17 females, 8 males) who tested positive for polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swabs. They had reported normal auditory functions and no history of otology before SARS-CoV-2. To determine auditory functions, pure-tone audiometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) tests, and threshold equalizing noise (TEN) tests were used.

RESULTS

Although the hearing thresholds increased at higher frequencies, they were within normal limits according to four-frequency pure-tone averages. All participants had normal OAE, and there were no detected dead regions for any of the subjects. Even so, there were significant increases in hearing thresholds in TEN.

CONCLUSION

There is no cochlear dysfunction discovered by OAE and TEN in SARS-CoV-2-affected individuals. Nonetheless, the increase in hearing thresholds at higher frequencies, other than the pure-tone average frequencies detected by TEN, and the decrease in the presence of detected OAE could be related to deterioration in the basal part of the cochlea.

Analysis of research hotspots in COVID-19 genomics based on citespace software: Bibliometric analysis

Introduction

To analyze the current state, hotspots, and cutting-edge trends of genomics research on the outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from 2019 to the present (March 2022).

Methods

Statistical and visual analysis of COVID-19 genomics results published in the 2019-2022 Web of Science Core Collection Database (WOSCC) was performed using CiteSpace software, including data on countries, institutions, authors, journals, co-citations, keywords, etc.

Results

A total of 9133 English literature were included. The number of publications has significantly increased in 2021, and it is expected that this upward trend will last into the future. The research hotspots of COVID-19 revolve around quarantine, biological management, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, etc. Research frontiers and trends focus on molecular docking, messenger RNA, functional receptor, etc.

Conclusion

The last two years have seen a significant increase in research interest in the field of novel coronavirus pneumonia genomics.

Stress as worsening of the signs and symptoms of the geographic tongue during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Geographic Tongue (GT) is a benign inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, which is characterized by the loss of epithelium due to the atrophy of filiform papillae. It usually occurs on the dorsum of the tongue and may extend to its lateral edges. It appears as an erythematous area surrounded by whitish and slightly elevated margins. In most cases, the condition is asymptomatic, although some individuals may report symptoms that include a burning sensation of the tongue.

OBJECTIVE

Assess whether there was a change in the clinical aspect of Geographic Tongue (GT) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Thirty-two participants were recruited from Dentistry School Universidade Federal Fluminense. Anamnesis and oral examination were performed to collect medical history. The participants were split into two groups: control group (no GT) n = 20 and test group (with GT) n = 12. In the second step, nine participants from a 12 (75%) of the test group were contacted by phone and answered a questionnaire about changes in the signs and symptoms of GT during the pandemic. The subjects were subdivided into two groups: GT with and without signs and symptoms exacerbation.

RESULTS

In the first phase of the research, no statistical difference between control and test groups was observed regarding clinical criteria such as age (p + 0.72), gender (p = 0.24), and systemic diseases (p = 0.58). In the second phase, there was a statistical difference between GT groups with or without symptom exacerbation in terms of age and stress as a factor of the oral symptoms (p = 0.3 and 0.2), respectively. Younger patients showed a worsening of the oral lesions related to GT (p = 0.3) and reported stress during the pandemic (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Younger patients were more susceptible to stress and presented more exacerbation of the oral lesions related to GT.

The psychological impact on frontline nurses in Spain of caring for people with COVID-19

AIM

To understand the perceptions of National Health System nurses who have been working on the frontline of the psychological impact of caring for people with COVID-19 during the first and second waves.

METHODS

A qualitative study, the design and analysis of which was based on phenomenology. For data collection, a semi-structured interview was administered to a sample of nurses who worked on the frontline in public hospitals in Extremadura and Madrid, Spain. The interviews, which followed a script including various topics, were conducted between May and November 2020 so as to include the experiences of the first and second waves of the pandemic. Sample collection continued until data saturation. The data were analysed following the phenomenological method of Giorgi with the help of the Atlas-Ti software.

RESULTS

Two main themes emerged from the data analysis that explained the nurses' perceptions: (i) the main psychological repercussions of being frontline carers (anxiety, fear, stress, impotence, frustration, and an increase in obsessions and obsessive behaviours) and (ii) psychological coping strategies (collapse in the face of the situation, dissociative amnesia, leaning on colleagues and working as a team, resigning oneself, perceiving the situation as a war, and being aware of psychological repercussions).

DISCUSSION

Caring as the first line causes great psychological repercussions for nurses. It is necessary to implement psychological and emotional support programmes to address the post-traumatic stress that nurses can suffer.

Does COVID-19 lockdowns have impacted on global dengue burden? A special focus to India

Background

The world has been battling several vector-borne diseases since time immemorial. Socio-economic marginality, precipitation variations and human behavioral attributes play a major role in the proliferation of these diseases. Lockdown and social distancing have affected social behavioral aspects of human life and somehow impact on the spread of vector borne diseases. This article sheds light into the relationship between COVID-19 lockdown and global dengue burden with special focus on India. It also focuses on the interconnection of the COVID-19 pandemic (waves 1 and 2) and the alteration of human behavioral patterns in dengue cases.

Methods

We performed a systematic search using various resources from different platforms and websites, such as Medline; Pubmed; PAHO; WHO; CDC; ECDC; Epidemiology Unit Ministry of Health (Sri Lanka Government); NASA; NVBDCP from 2015 until 2021. We have included many factors, such as different geographical conditions (tropical climate, semitropic and arid conditions); GDP rate (developed nations, developing nations, and underdeveloped nations). We also categorized our data in order to conform to COVID-19 duration from 2019 to 2021. Data was extracted for the complete duration of 10 years (2012 to 2021) from various countries with different geographical region (arid region, semitropic/semiarid region and tropical region).

Results

There was a noticeable reduction in dengue cases in underdeveloped (70–85%), developing (50–90%), and developed nations (75%) in the years 2019 and 2021. The dengue cases drastically reduced by 55–65% with the advent of COVID-19 s wave in the year 2021 across the globe.

Conclusions

At present, we can conclude that COVID-19 and dengue show an inverse relationship. These preliminary, data-based observations should guide clinical practice until more data are made public and basis for further medical research.

• COVID-19 has increased the burden on the health care system across the globe.

• COVID-19 has inverse relation with the occurrence of Dengue cases.

• Dengue situation is worse in countries with low GDP.

• Human behavior and social distancing have direct correlation with the number of Dengue cases.

• Cross-reactivity or overlap between Dengue and COVID-19, has proportional effect on each other.

Clinical progress in MSC-based therapies for the management of severe COVID-19

Considering the high impact that severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases still pose on public health and their complex pharmacological management, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is essential. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) could be promising candidates as they present important immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that can combat the acute severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the cytokine storm occurring in COVID-19, two processes that are mainly driven by an immunological misbalance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate inflammatory process derived from the immune dysregulation that occurs in COVID-19, discussing the potential that the cytokines and growth factors that constitute the MSC-derived secretome present to treat the disease. Moreover, we revise the latest clinical progress made in the field, discussing the most important findings of the clinical trials conducted to date, which follow 2 different approaches: MSC-based cell therapy or the administration of the secretome by itself, as a cell-free therapy.

Clinical, laboratory, and chest radiographic characteristics of COVID-19 associated severe pediatric pneumonia. A retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory data, chest radiographs, and outcomes of pediatric patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 34 children who were diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia between August 2020 and July 2021. Severe pneumonia was defined as fever, respiratory distress (tachypnea, chest retractions, and hypoxia [oxygen saturation <90% in room air]), and obvious infiltrations on chest radiography.

RESULTS

Ages of the patients ranged from newborns to 12 years old, with a median of 24 months (interquartile range: 12-72 months). Preschool-aged children were the most common age group (44%). Levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, ferritin, and procalcitonin) were elevated in most patients. A total of 13 patients developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), while 4 developed multiorgan failure. Despite receiving supportive therapy, 2 (5.9%) patients died due to severe septic shock and multiorgan failure. One deceased patient was born prematurely at 30 weeks, while the other had chronic granulomatous disease.

CONCLUSION

This study described a single-center cohort of pediatric patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. In this cohort, children with cardiopulmonary comorbidities and ARDS had a high mortality and long-term morbidity, as observed in other pediatric studies.

Evaluation of the anti-diabetic drug sitagliptin as a novel attenuate to SARS-CoV-2 evidence-based in silico: molecular docking and molecular dynamics

The current outbreak of COVID-19 cases worldwide has been responsible for a significant number of deaths, especially in hospitalized patients suffering from comorbidities, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension. The disease not only has prompted an interest in the pathophysiology, but also it has propelled a massive race to find new anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. In this scenario, known drugs commonly used to treat other diseases have been suggested as alternative or complementary therapeutics. Herein we propose the use of sitagliptin, an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP₄) used to treat type-II diabetes, as an agent to block and inhibit the activity of two proteases, 3CL^pro and PL^pro, related to the processing of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. Inhibition of these proteases may possibly reduce the viral load and infection on the host by hampering the synthesis of new viruses, thus promoting a better outcome. In silico assays consisting in the modeling of the ligand sitagliptin and evaluation of its capacity to interact with 3CL^pro and PL^pro through the prediction of the ligand bioactivity, molecular docking, overlapping of crystal structures, and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted. The experiments indicate that sitagliptin can interact and bind to both targets. However, this interaction seems to be stronger and more stable to 3CL^pro (ΔG = −7.8 kcal mol⁻¹), when compared to PL^pro (ΔG = −7.5 kcal mol⁻¹). This study suggests that sitagliptin may be suitable to treat COVID-19 patients, beyond its common use as an anti-diabetic medication. In vivo studies may further support this hypothesis.

A comprehensive review on pharmacologic agents, immunotherapies and supportive therapeutics for COVID-19

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected many countries throughout the world. As urgency is a necessity, most efforts have focused on identifying small molecule drugs that can be repurposed for use as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Although several drug candidates have been identified using in silico method and in vitro studies, most of these drugs require the support of in vivo data before they can be considered for clinical trials. Several drugs are considered promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19. In addition to the direct-acting antiviral drugs, supportive therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, immunotherapies, immunomodulators, and nutritional therapy could contribute a major role in treating COVID-19 patients. Some of these drugs have already been included in the treatment guidelines, recommendations, and standard operating procedures. In this article, we comprehensively review the approved and potential therapeutic drugs, immune cells-based therapies, immunomodulatory agents/drugs, herbs and plant metabolites, nutritional and dietary for COVID-19.

Paving New Roads Using Allium sativum as a Repurposed Drug and Analyzing its Antiviral Action Using Artificial Intelligence Technology

Context

The whole universe is facing a coronavirus catastrophe, and prompt treatment for the health crisis is primarily significant. The primary way to improve health conditions in this battle is to boost our immunity and alter our diet patterns. A common bulb veggie used to flavor cuisine is garlic. Compounds in the plant that are physiologically active are present, contributing to its pharmacological characteristics. Among several food items with nutritional value and immunity improvement, garlic stood predominant and more resourceful natural antibiotic with a broad spectrum of antiviral potency against diverse viruses. However, earlier reports have depicted its efficacy in the treatment of a variety of viral illnesses. Nonetheless, there is no information on its antiviral activities and underlying molecular mechanisms.

Objectives

The bioactive compounds in garlic include organosulfur (allicin and alliin) and flavonoid (quercetin) compounds. These compounds have shown immunomodulatory effects and inhibited attachment of coronavirus to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the Mpro of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further, we have discussed the contradictory impacts of garlic used as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus.

Method

The GC/MS analysis revealed 18 active chemicals, including 17 organosulfur compounds in garlic. Using the molecular docking technique, we report for the first time the inhibitory effect of the under-consideration compounds on the host receptor ACE2 protein in the human body, providing a crucial foundation for understanding individual compound coronavirus resistance on the main protease protein of SARS-CoV-2. Allyl disulfide and allyl trisulfide, which make up the majority of the compounds in garlic, exhibit the most potent activity.

Results

Conventional medicine has proven its efficiency from ancient times. Currently, our article's prime spotlight was on the activity of Allium sativum on the relegation of viral load and further highlighted artificial intelligence technology to study the attachment of the allicin compound to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor to reveal its efficacy.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered interest among researchers to conduct future research on molecular docking with clinical trials before releasing salutary remedies against the deadly malady.

Tetraspanin-enriched Microdomain Containing CD151, CD9, and TSPAN 8 - Potential Mediators of Entry and Exit Mechanisms in Respiratory Viruses Including SARS-CoV-2

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which originated in Wuhan, the Hubei region of China, has become a pandemic worldwide. It can transmit through droplets and enter via oral, nasal, and eye mucous membranes. It consists of single-stranded RNA (positive-sense), nonstructural proteins including enzymes and transcriptional proteins, and structural proteins such as Spike, Membrane, Envelope, and Nucleocapsid -proteins. SARS-CoV-2 mediates S-proteins entry and exit via binding to host cell surface proteins like tetraspanins. The transmembrane tetraspanins, CD151, CD9, and tetraspanin 8 (TSPAN8), facilitate the entry of novel coronaviruses by scaffolding host cell receptors and proteases. Also, CD151 was reported to increase airway hyperresponsiveness to calcium and nuclear viral export signaling. They may facilitate entry and exit by activating the serine proteases required to prime S-proteins in tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs). This article updates recent advances in structural proteins, their epitopes and putative receptors, and their regulation by proteases associated with TEMs. This review furnishes recent updates on the role of CD151 in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2. We describe the role of CD151 in a possible mechanism of entry and exit in the airway, a major site for infection of SARS-CoV-2. We also updated current knowledge on the role of CD9 and TSPAN 8 in the entry and exit mechanism of coronaviruses. Finally, we discussed the importance of some small molecules which target CD151 as possible targeted therapeutics for COVID-19. In conclusion, this study could identify new targets and specific therapeutics to control emerging virus infections.

Coeliac disease in the COVID-19 pandemic: does HLA have a protective effect?

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an acute respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), is emerging as a worldwide public health emergency. Several scientific contributions reported the potential relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism and susceptibility to viruses, such as SARS-CoV. In our study, we examined a population of coeliac subjects presenting the HLA haplotype DQ2 and/or DQ8. Our aim was to evaluate whether HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 haplotype play a role in SARS-CoV-2-infection. The aim was also to evaluate the difficulty in following the gluten-free diet due to all the adversities produced by the pandemic, such as the food supply disruption, and the difficulties in managing the clinical follow-up.

METHODS

191 consecutive coeliac patients completed a questionnaire on their current clinical status, psychological effects, and management of the gluten-free diet experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and questions regarding possible SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS

Out of the 191 patients who participated in the study, 42 were full-blown coeliac and 149 were in remission. From the answers provided, 84.8% of patients declared that they no longer consider themselves vulnerable to COVID-19 as they suffer from coeliac disease; 94.2% of patients did not encounter any difficulties in managing the gluten-free diet or in acquiring specific foods and 64.9% of patients in our study underwent diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2. Out of this number, 31.5% did so due to contacts with subjects affected by COVID-19, 26.6% for work related reasons, 11.3% due to flu-like symptoms and 30.6% for other reasons. Only 5.8% of the enrolled patients received a diagnosis of COVID-19. Out of all the patients in our population who were diagnosed with COVID-19, 94.8% developed no symptoms and none of them needed hospitalization or intensive care.

CONCLUSION

The hypothesis that the HLADQ2 and/or DQ8 haplotype plays a protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as against other viral infections, is intriguingly suggestive.KEY MESSAGESCOVID-19 as a public health emergency;SARS-CoV-2 and possible complications in coeliac disease;Role of HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Coeliac disease in the COVID-19 pandemic: does HLA have a protective effect?

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an acute respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), is emerging as a worldwide public health emergency. Several scientific contributions reported the potential relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism and susceptibility to viruses, such as SARS-CoV. In our study, we examined a population of coeliac subjects presenting the HLA haplotype DQ2 and/or DQ8. Our aim was to evaluate whether HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 haplotype play a role in SARS-CoV-2-infection. The aim was also to evaluate the difficulty in following the gluten-free diet due to all the adversities produced by the pandemic, such as the food supply disruption, and the difficulties in managing the clinical follow-up.

METHODS

191 consecutive coeliac patients completed a questionnaire on their current clinical status, psychological effects, and management of the gluten-free diet experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and questions regarding possible SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS

Out of the 191 patients who participated in the study, 42 were full-blown coeliac and 149 were in remission. From the answers provided, 84.8% of patients declared that they no longer consider themselves vulnerable to COVID-19 as they suffer from coeliac disease; 94.2% of patients did not encounter any difficulties in managing the gluten-free diet or in acquiring specific foods and 64.9% of patients in our study underwent diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2. Out of this number, 31.5% did so due to contacts with subjects affected by COVID-19, 26.6% for work related reasons, 11.3% due to flu-like symptoms and 30.6% for other reasons. Only 5.8% of the enrolled patients received a diagnosis of COVID-19. Out of all the patients in our population who were diagnosed with COVID-19, 94.8% developed no symptoms and none of them needed hospitalization or intensive care.

CONCLUSION

The hypothesis that the HLADQ2 and/or DQ8 haplotype plays a protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as against other viral infections, is intriguingly suggestive.KEY MESSAGESCOVID-19 as a public health emergency;SARS-CoV-2 and possible complications in coeliac disease;Role of HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Tracking peripheral vascular function for six months in young adults following SARS-CoV-2 infection

SARS-CoV-2 infection is known to instigate a range of physiologic perturbations, including vascular dysfunction. However, little work has concluded how long these effects may last, especially among young adults with mild symptoms. To determine potential recovery from acute vascular dysfunction in young adults (8 M/8F, 21 ± 1 yr, 23.5 ± 3.1 kg⋅m-2 ), we longitudinally tracked brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and reactive hyperemia (RH) in the arm and hyperemic response to passive limb movement (PLM) in the leg, with Doppler ultrasound, as well as circulating biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein), oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl), antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase), and nitric oxide bioavailability (nitrite) monthly for a 6-month period post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. FMD, as a marker of macrovascular function, improved from month 1 (3.06 ± 1.39%) to month 6 (6.60 ± 2.07%; p < 0.001). FMD/Shear improved from month one (0.10 ± 0.06 AU) to month six (0.18 ± 0.70 AU; p = 0.002). RH in the arm and PLM in the leg, as markers of microvascular function, did not change during the 6 months (p > 0.05). Circulating markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide bioavailability did not change during the 6 months (p > 0.05). Together, these results suggest some improvements in macrovascular, but not microvascular function, over 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data also suggest persistent ramifications for cardiovascular health among those recovering from mild illness and among young, otherwise healthy adults with SARS-CoV-2.

Neurological consequences of COVID-19

In December 2019, cases of pneumonia caused by infection with the previously unknown severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), were identified. Typical manifestations of COVID-19 are fever, cough, fatigue and dyspnoea. Initially, it was thought that the mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2 was only associated with respiratory tract invasion, but it was later revealed that the infection might involve many other organs and systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection include encephalopathy, encephalitis, meningitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. In cases of peripheral nervous system involvement, smell and taste disorders, myopathy or the signs and symptoms of Guillain‒Barré syndrome are observed. The most common early neurological complications, particularly during the first year of the epidemic, were anosmia and taste disorders, which, according to some studies, occurred in over 80 percent of patients with COVID-19. The proportion of patients with serious neurological manifestations was small compared to the global number of patients, but the numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections and critical patients increased substantially. The experience from 2 years of the pandemic has shown that approximately 13% of infected patients suffer from severe neurological complications. The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the nervous system is not only a cause of neurological complications in previously healthy individuals but also directly and indirectly affects the courses of many nervous system diseases.

COVID-19 and neurological complications: A review

Infections with viruses have detrimental effects on neurological functions, and even cause severe neurological damage. There is mounting evidence that coronaviruses (CoV) as well as SARS-CoV-2 exhibit neurotropic abilities and might cause neurological problems. Neuroinvasive viruses are not fully understood, which makes it important to investigate their impact on the nervous system. In this paper, we review research into neurological complications associated with CoV.

Emotional Impact and Perception of Support in Nursing Home Residents during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Qualitative Study

Social isolation measures implemented in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic generated occupational imbalance, discomfort, and mental health impairment in residents. We aimed to analyze the lived experience of elderly nursing home residents during the lockdown and social contact restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Exploratory qualitative study. Information was collected through in-depth interviews and field notes. An inductive thematic analysis was performed and international recommendations for the development of qualitative studies were followed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four participants residing in nursing homes were included. Two main themes were identified: (1) emotional impact of the experience of COVID-19 lockdown (subthemes: experience of contradictory feelings; illness and death; importance of routine; feeling busy; and role of religious beliefs); and (2) support as a therapeutic tool (subthemes: family support; peer support; and professional support).

CONCLUSION

Social restrictions by COVID-19 caused significant changes in residents' occupations and routines, producing fear, loneliness, and abandonment of desired occupations; however, very important supports were also identified that helped to overcome the lockdown, such as social support, spirituality, and gratitude.

Direct Cryo-ET observation of platelet deformation induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Its high pathogenicity is due to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) contacting host-cell receptors. A critical hallmark of COVID-19 is the occurrence of coagulopathies. Here, we report the direct observation of the interactions between S protein and platelets. Live imaging showed that the S protein triggers platelets to deform dynamically, in some cases, leading to their irreversible activation. Strikingly, cellular cryo-electron tomography revealed dense decorations of S protein on the platelet surface, inducing filopodia formation. Hypothesizing that S protein binds to filopodia-inducing integrin receptors, we tested the binding to RGD motif-recognizing platelet integrins and found that S protein recognizes integrin α _v β ₃ . Our results infer that the stochastic activation of platelets is due to weak interactions of S protein with integrin, which can attribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the occurrence of rare but severe coagulopathies.

Gut microbiota profile of COVID-19 patients: Prognosis and risk stratification (MicroCOVID-19 study)

Background

Gut microbiota is intrinsically associated with the immune system and can promote or suppress infectious diseases, especially viral infections. This study aims to characterize and compare the microbiota profile of infected patients with SARS-CoV-2 (milder or severe symptoms), non-infected people, and recovered patients. This is a national, transversal, observational, multicenter, and case-control study that analyzed the microbiota of COVID-19 patients with mild or severe symptoms at home, at the hospital, or in the intensive care unit, patients already recovered, and healthy volunteers cohabiting with COVID-19 patients. DNA was isolated from stool samples and sequenced in a NGS platform. A demographic questionnaire was also applied. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS.

Results

Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios were found to be significantly lower in infected patients (1.61 and 2.57) compared to healthy volunteers (3.23) and recovered patients (3.89). Furthermore, the microbiota composition differed significantly between healthy volunteers, mild and severe COVID-19 patients, and recovered patients. Furthermore, Escherichia coli, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Dorea longicatena were shown to be more frequent in severe cases. The most common COVID-19 symptoms were linked to certain microbiome groups.

Conclusion

We can conclude that microbiota composition is significantly affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and may be used to predict COVID-19 clinical evolution. Therefore, it will be possible to better allocate healthcare resources and better tackle future pandemics.