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Molaei S, Asfaram S, Mashhadi Z, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Iranpour S. Insights into parasites and COVID-19 co-infections in Iran: a systematic review. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:350-358. [PMID: 38288655 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-documented that using immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or cytokine blockers in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of co-infections. Here we systematically summarized the cases of COVID-19-associated parasitic infections (CAPIs) in Iran. METHODS From 19 February 2020 to 10 May 2023, all studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAPIs were collected from several databases using a systematic search strategy. RESULTS Of 540 records, 11 studies remained for data extraction. In this research, most of the studies were related to Lophomonas and Toxoplasma. Of 411 cases of CAPIs, toxoplasmosis (385 [93.7%]) had the highest rate of infection among Iranian patients, followed by blastocystosis (15 [3.6%]), fascioliasis (4 [0.97%]), leishmaniasis (3 [0.7%]), lophomoniasis (3 [0.7%]) and strongyloidiasis (1 [0.2%]). In general, Blastocystis enhanced diarrhoea in patients with COVID-19. Lophomonas, Toxoplasma and Strongyloides increased the severity of COVID-19, but Fasciola decreased its intensity. Patients with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis showed mild symptoms of COVID-19. Also, patients with a prior history of hydatid cysts were not affected by COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Due to the similar symptoms of some parasitic diseases and COVID-19 and immunosuppressive treatment regimens in these patients that may cause the reactivation or recurrence of parasitic infections, early diagnosis and treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Shabnam Asfaram
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Zahra Mashhadi
- School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Sohrab Iranpour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
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Hamdy DA, Eid RA, Abdel-Tawab H, El-Badry MA, Abdallah AM, El Wahab WMA. Impact of latent toxoplasmosis on pneumonic and non-pneumonic COVID-19 patients with estimation of relevant oxidative stress biomarkers. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2024; 71:2024.008. [PMID: 38628099 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2024.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Susceptibility to COVID-19, the most devastating global pandemic, appears to vary widely across different population groups. Exposure to toxoplasmosis has been proposed as a theory to explain the diversity of these populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 and its probable correlation with markers of oxidative stress, C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin. In a case-control study, blood samples were collected from 91 confirmed (48 non-pneumonic; NP, and 43 pneumonic; P) COVID-19 patients and 45 healthy controls. All participants were tested for IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide [NO], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and reduced glutathione [GSH]), and CRP and serum ferritin levels were determined. In COVID-19 patients, IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 54% compared to 7% in the control group, with the difference being statistically significant (P ˂ 0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between the severity of COVID-19 and latent T. gondii infection. Latent toxoplasmosis had a strong influence on the risk of COVID-19. NO and SOD levels were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients, while GSH levels decreased significantly in them compared to control subjects (P ˂ 0.001 for both values). CRP and ferritin levels were also significantly elevated in P COVID-19 patients infected with toxoplasmosis. This is the first study to look at the importance of oxidative stress indicators in co-infection between COVID-19 and T. gondii. The high prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in COVID-19 suggests that T. gondii infection can be considered a strong indicator of the high risk of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ragaey A Eid
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and infectious diseases (Tropical Medicine Department), College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef,Egypt
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Badry
- Research Institute of Medical Entomology, General Organisation for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman M Abdallah
- Department of Chest Diseases, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Wegdan M Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Chang H, Chen E, Hu Y, Wu L, Deng L, Ye‐Lehmann S, Mao X, Zhu T, Liu J, Chen C. Extracellular Vesicles: The Invisible Heroes and Villains of COVID-19 Central Neuropathology. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305554. [PMID: 38143270 PMCID: PMC10933635 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Acknowledging the neurological symptoms of COVID-19 and the long-lasting neurological damage even after the epidemic ends are common, necessitating ongoing vigilance. Initial investigations suggest that extracellular vesicles (EVs), which assist in the evasion of the host's immune response and achieve immune evasion in SARS-CoV-2 systemic spreading, contribute to the virus's attack on the central nervous system (CNS). The pro-inflammatory, pro-coagulant, and immunomodulatory properties of EVs contents may directly drive neuroinflammation and cerebral thrombosis in COVID-19. Additionally, EVs have attracted attention as potential candidates for targeted therapy in COVID-19 due to their innate homing properties, low immunogenicity, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) freely. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSCs) secreted EVs are widely applied and evaluated in patients with COVID-19 for their therapeutic effect, considering the limited antiviral treatment. This review summarizes the involvement of EVs in COVID-19 neuropathology as carriers of SARS-CoV-2 or other pathogenic contents, as predictors of COVID-19 neuropathology by transporting brain-derived substances, and as therapeutic agents by delivering biotherapeutic substances or drugs. Understanding the diverse roles of EVs in the neuropathological aspects of COVID-19 provides a comprehensive framework for developing, treating, and preventing central neuropathology and the severe consequences associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Chang
- Department of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityLaboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care MedicineNational‐Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Erya Chen
- Department of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityLaboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care MedicineNational‐Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Honghui hospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049China
| | - Lining Wu
- Department of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityLaboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care MedicineNational‐Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Liyun Deng
- Department of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityLaboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care MedicineNational‐Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Shixin Ye‐Lehmann
- Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System University of Paris‐Scalay Bicêtre Hosptial BâtGrégory Pincus 80 Rue du Gal Leclerc, CedexLe Kremlin Bicêtre94276France
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Department of NeurologyInstitute of Cell EngineeringSchool of MedicineJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityLaboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care MedicineNational‐Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityLaboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care MedicineNational‐Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Chan Chen
- Department of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityLaboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care MedicineNational‐Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of AnesthesiologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
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Rusková M, Bučková M, Puškárová A, Cíchová M, Janská V, Achs A, Šubr Z, Kuchta T, Pangallo D. Comparison of ordinary reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) with a newly developed one-step single-tube nested real-time RT-PCR (OSN-qRT-PCR) for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95579-95589. [PMID: 37553492 PMCID: PMC10482794 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater monitoring has proven to be an important approach to detecting and controlling the development of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Various tests based on reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) have been developed and used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. In this study, we attempted to increase the sensitivity of qRT-PCR by developing a one-step single-tube nested qRT-PCR assay (OSN-qRT-PCR). Two variants were developed, oriented to nucleocapsid phosphoprotein gene (N) and to spike protein gene (S), respectively. The performance of conventional qRT-PCR assays oriented to these genes with two novel OSN-qRT-PCR assays were firstly optimized using wastewater artificially contaminated with two encapsidated RNA mimic systems harboring a portion either N or S gene (ENRM and ESRM, respectively). The assays were coupled to a polyethylene glycol-based RNA precipitation/extraction method and applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples from four cities in Slovakia. Both novel OSN-qRT-PCR assays demonstrated higher detection rates than the ordinary qRT-PCR counterparts. The virus levels in the analyzed wastewater samples had a high or very high relation with the numbers of clinical cases in the monitored regions. In fact, correlation with a 3-, 4-, or 5-day temporal offset was revealed. The OSN-qRT-PCR assays demonstrated robustness, mainly in samples with low viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdaléna Rusková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Bučková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Puškárová
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marianna Cíchová
- Water Research Institute, Nábrežie Arm. Gen. L. Svobodu 5, 812 49, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Janská
- Water Research Institute, Nábrežie Arm. Gen. L. Svobodu 5, 812 49, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Adam Achs
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zdeno Šubr
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Kuchta
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Food Research Institute, National Agricultural and Food Centre, Priemyselná 4, 824 75, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Domenico Pangallo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Caravella, s.r.o., Tupolevova 2, 851 01, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Interactions between Humans and Dogs during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recent Updates and Future Perspectives. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030524. [PMID: 36766413 PMCID: PMC9913536 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is one of the deadliest epidemics. This pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the role of dogs in spreading the disease in human society is poorly understood. This review sheds light on the limited susceptibility of dogs to COVID-19 infections which is likely attributed to the relatively low levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the respiratory tract and the phylogenetic distance of ACE2 in dogs from the human ACE2 receptor. The low levels of ACE2 affect the binding affinity between spike and ACE2 proteins resulting in it being uncommon for dogs to spread the disease. To demonstrate the role of dogs in spreading COVID-19, we reviewed the epidemiological studies and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs. Additionally, we discussed the use of detection dogs as a rapid and reliable method for effectively discriminating between SARS-CoV-2 infected and non-infected individuals using different types of samples (secretions, saliva, and sweat). We considered the available information on COVID-19 in the human-dog interfaces involving the possibility of transmission of COVID-19 to dogs by infected individuals and vice versa, the human-dog behavior changes, and the importance of preventive measures because the risk of transmission by domestic dogs remains a concern.
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6
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Singh D, Singh E. An overview of the neurological aspects in COVID-19 infection. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 122:102101. [PMID: 35430271 PMCID: PMC9008979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Crown-shaped, severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) triggered the globally fatal illness of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This infection is known to be initially reported in bats and has been causing major respiratory challenges. The primary symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue and dry cough. As progressed the complications may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ADRS), arrhythmia and shock. This review illustrates the neurological and neuropsychiatric impairments due to COVID-19 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters via the hematogenous or neural route, spreads to the Central Nervous System (CNS), causing a blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Recent scientific articles have reported that SARS-CoV-2 causes several neurological issues such as encephalitis, seizures, acute stroke, delirium, meningoencephalitis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). As a long-term effect of this disease certain neuropsychiatric conditions are witnessed such as depression and anxiety. Invasion into followed by degeneration takes place causing an uncontrolled immune response. Transcription factors like NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells), which modulate genes responsible for inflammatory response gets over expressed. Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2) counterpoises the inflammation by antioxidant response towards COVID-19 infection. Like every other infection, the severity of this infection leads to deterioration of major organ systems and even leads to death. By the columns of this review, we elaborate on the neurological aspects of this life-threatening infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyanshi Singh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India.
| | - Ekta Singh
- Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Soladevanahalli, Bengaluru 560107, India
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Tharayil A, Rajakumari R, Mozetic M, Primc G, Thomas S. Contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on fomite surfaces: surface survival and risk reduction. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20210042. [PMID: 34956610 PMCID: PMC8662391 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an unprecedented concern regarding the viral strain SARS-CoV-2 and especially its respiratory disease more commonly known as COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to survive on different surfaces for extended periods, ranging from days up to months. The new infectious properties of SARS-CoV-2 vary depending on the properties of fomite surfaces. In this review, we summarize the risk factors involved in the indirect transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2 strains on fomite surfaces. The main mode of indirect transmission is the contamination of porous and non-porous inanimate surfaces such as textile surfaces that include clothes and most importantly personal protective equipment like personal protective equipment kits, masks, etc. In the second part of the review, we highlight materials and processes that can actively reduce the SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination pattern and the associated transmission routes. The review also focuses on some general methodologies for designing advanced and effective antiviral surfaces by physical and chemical modifications, viral inhibitors, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Tharayil
- School of Energy Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
| | - R. Rajakumari
- International and Inter-University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
| | - Miran Mozetic
- Department of Surface Engineering, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Primc
- Department of Surface Engineering, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sabu Thomas
- School of Energy Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
- International and Inter-University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
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Suleman S, Farooqui A, Sharma P, Malhotra N, Yadav N, Narang J, Hasnain MS, Nayak AK. Borderline microscopic organism and lockdown impacted across the borders-global shakers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:8091-8108. [PMID: 34841487 PMCID: PMC8627845 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are the potential cause of several diseases including novel corona virus-19, flu, small pox, chicken pox, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome etc. The objectives of this review article are to summarize the reasons behind the epidemics caused by several emerging viruses and bacteria, how to control the infection and preventive strategies. We have explained the causes of epidemics along with their preventive measures, the impact of lockdown on the health of people and the economy of a country. Several reports have revealed the transmission of infection during epidemic from the contact of an infected person to the public that can be prevented by implementing the lockdown by the government of a country. Though lockdown has been considered as one of the significant parameters to control the diseases, however, it has some negative consequences on the health of people as they can be more prone to other ailments like obesity, diabetes, cardiac problems etc. and drastic decline in the economy of a country. Therefore, the transmission of diseases can be prevented by warning the people about the severity of diseases, avoiding their public transportation, keeping themselves isolated, strictly following the guidelines of lockdown and encouraging regular exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shariq Suleman
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Asim Farooqui
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Pradakshina Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Nitesh Malhotra
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies, Faridabad, India
| | - Neelam Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Sonepat (Haryana), Murthal, 131039, India
- Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (Haryana), 124001, India
| | - Jagriti Narang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Md Saquib Hasnain
- Department of Pharmacy, Palamau Institute of Pharmacy, Chianki, Daltonganj, Jharkhand, 822102, India.
| | - Amit Kumar Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Seemanta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jharpokharia, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, 757086, India
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Oto OA, Kardeş S, Guller N, Safak S, Dirim AB, Başhan Y, Demir E, Artan AS, Yazıcı H, Turkmen A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interest in renal diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:711-718. [PMID: 34341920 PMCID: PMC8328136 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15675-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is an information gap about the public's interest in nephrological diseases in the COVID-19 era. The objective was to identify public interest in kidney diseases during the pandemic. In this infodemiology study, Google Trends was queried for a total of 50 search queries corresponding to a broad spectrum of nephrological diseases and the term "nephrologist." Two time intervals of 2020 (March 15-July 4 and July 5-October 31) were compared to similar time intervals of 2016-2019 for providing information on interest in different phases of the pandemic. Compared to the prior 4 years, analyses showed significant decreases in relative search volume (RSV) in the majority (76%) of search queries on March 15-July 4, 2020 period. However, RSV of the majority of search queries (≈70%) on July 5-October 31, 2020 period was not significantly different from similar periods of the previous 4 years, with an increase in search terms of amyloidosis, kidney biopsy, hematuria, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, nephrolithiasis, acute kidney injury, and Fabry disease. During the early pandemic, there have been significant decreases in search volumes for many nephrological diseases. However, this trend reversed in the period from July 5 to October 31, 2020, implying the increased need for information on kidney diseases. The results of this study enable us to understand how COVID-19 impacted the interest in kidney diseases and demands/needs for kidney diseases by the general public during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Akin Oto
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Sinan Kardeş
- Department of Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurane Guller
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seda Safak
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Burak Dirim
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yağmur Başhan
- Department of Nephrology, Haseki Education Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erol Demir
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Serra Artan
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Halil Yazıcı
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aydın Turkmen
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Yu X, Li L, Chan MTV, Wu WKK. Bioinformatic analyses suggest augmented interleukin-17 signaling as the mechanism of COVID-19-associated herpes zoster. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:65769-65775. [PMID: 34322810 PMCID: PMC8318549 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Herpes zoster results from latent varicella zoster virus reactivation in the dorsal root ganglia, causing blistering rash along the dermatomal distribution and post-herpetic neuralgia. Increasing studies indicated that there may be a correlation between herpes zoster and COVID-19. Nevertheless, the detailed pathophysiological mechanism is still unclear. We used bioinformatic analyses to study the potential genetic crosstalk between herpes zoster and COVID-19. COVID-19 and herpes zoster were associated with a similar subset of genes involved in "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction," "Jak-STAT signaling pathway," and "IL-17 signaling pathway," including TNF, IL10, ESR1, INFG, HLA-A, CRP, STAT3, IL6, IL7, and IL17A. Protein-protein interaction network assay showed that the combined gene set indicated a raised connectivity as compared to herpes zoster or COVID-19 alone, particularly the potentiated interactions with APOE, ARSA, CCR2, CCR5, CXCL13, EGFR, GAL, GP2, HLA-B, HLA-DRB1, IL5, TECTA, and THBS1, and these genes are related to "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction". Augmented Th17 cell differentiation and the resulting enhanced IL-17 signaling were identified in both COVID-19 and herpes zoster. Our data suggested aberrant interleukin-17 signaling as one possible mechanism through which COVID-19 could raise the risk of herpes zoster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Linfeng Li
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Matthew T V Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William Ka Kei Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Ghaffari S, Kalantari N, Gorgani-Firouzjaee T, Bayani M, Jalali F, Daroonkola MA. Is COVID-19 associated with latent toxoplasmosis? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:67886-67890. [PMID: 34693492 PMCID: PMC8542425 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17126-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the possible association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and latent Toxoplasma gondii infection in a group of patients and healthy individuals. Blood samples were obtained from 269 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients. The serum was separated and tested for the existence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis between a subgroup of the patients (aged under 55 years old) and COVID-19 negative individuals was compared. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 226/269 (84.0%) patients with COVID-19. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 72/91 (79.1%) cases and 96/123 (78.0%) COVID-19 negative individuals (odd ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval: 0.55-2.07, P = 0.85). The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the IgG titer were not statistically significant different between case (97.3 [31.0-133.5]) and control groups (34.4 [13.0-144.5]) (P = 0.10). These findings demonstrated that latent Toxoplasma infection is prevalent amongst the COVID-19 patients. It also did not find any significant association between chronic toxoplasmosis and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Ghaffari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Narges Kalantari
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Tahmineh Gorgani-Firouzjaee
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Masomeh Bayani
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Jalali
- Laboratory Sciences Group, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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12
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Hong W, Xiong J, Nyaruaba R, Li J, Muturi E, Liu H, Yu J, Yang H, Wei H. Rapid determination of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in PCR-positive samples by SDS-PMA assisted RT-qPCR. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149085. [PMID: 34293609 PMCID: PMC8285242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has generated a global health crisis that needs well management of not only patients but also environments to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The gold standard RT-qPCR method is sensitive and rapid to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid, but does not answer if PCR-positive samples contain infectious virions. To circumvent this problem, we report an SDS-propidium monoazide (PMA) assisted RT-qPCR method that enables rapid discrimination of live and dead SARS-CoV-2 within 3 h. PMA, a photo-reactive dye, can react with viral RNA released or inside inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions under assistance of 0.005% SDS, but not viral RNA inside live virions. Formation of PMA-RNA conjugates prevents PCR amplification, leaving only infectious virions to be detected. Under optimum conditions, RT-qPCR detection of heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 resulted in larger than 9 Ct value differences between PMA-treated and PMA-free groups, while less than 0.5 Ct differences were observed in the detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 ranging from 20 to 5148 viral particles. Using a cutoff Ct difference of 8.6, this method could differentiate as low as 8 PFU live viruses in the mixtures of live and heat-inactivated virions. Further experiments showed that this method could successfully monitor the natural inactivation process of SARS-CoV-2 on plastic surfaces during storage with comparable results to the gold standard plaque assay. We believe that the culture-free method established here could be used for rapid and convenient determination of infectious SARS-CoV-2 virions in PCR-positive samples, which will facilitate better control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Xiong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Raphael Nyaruaba
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junhua Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Elishiba Muturi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junping Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Hongping Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens and Biosafety, Centre for Biosafety Mega-Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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13
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Irfan M, Ikram M, Ahmad M, Wu H, Hao Y. Does temperature matter for COVID-19 transmissibility? Evidence across Pakistani provinces. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021. [PMID: 34143386 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14875-6/tables/1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a global concern that is deteriorating environmental quality and damaging human health. Though some researchers have investigated the linkage between temperature and COVID-19 transmissibility across different geographical locations and over time, yet these studies are scarce. This study aims to bridge this gap using daily temperature and COVID-19 cases (transmissibility) by employing grey incidence analysis (GIA) models (i.e., Deng's grey incidence analysis (DGIA), the absolute degree GIA (ADGIA), the second synthetic degree GIA (SSDGIA), the conservative (maximin) model) and correlation analysis. Data on temperature are accessed from the NASA database, while the data on COVID-19 cases are collected from the official website of the government of Pakistan. Empirical results reveal the existence of linkages between temperature and COVID-19 in all Pakistani provinces. These linkages vary from a relatively stronger to a relatively weaker linkage. Based on calculated weights, the strength of linkages is ranked across provinces as follows: Gilgit Baltistan (0.715301) > Baluchistan (0.675091) > Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (0.619893) > Punjab (0.619286) > Sindh (0.601736). The disparity in the strength of linkage among provinces is explained by the discrepancy in the intensity of temperature. Besides, the diagrammatic correlation analysis shows that temperature is inversely linked to COVID-19 cases (per million persons) over time, implying that low temperatures are associated with high COVID-19 transmissibility and vice versa. This study is among the first of its kind to consider the linkages between temperature and COVID-19 transmissibility for a tropical climate country (Pakistan) using the advanced GIA models. Research findings provide an up-to-date glimpse of the outbreak and emphasize the need to raise public awareness about the devastating impacts of the COVID-19. The educational syllabus should provide information on the causes, signs, and precautions of the pandemic. Additionally, individuals should practice handwashing, social distancing, personal hygiene, mask-wearing, and the use of hand sanitizers to ensure a secure and supportive atmosphere for preventing and controlling the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Muhammad Ikram
- Research Institute of Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, College of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Munir Ahmad
- School of Economics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yu Hao
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Beijing Key Lab of Energy Economics and Environmental Management, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Sustainable Development Research Institute for Economy and Society of Beijing, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing, 100081, China.
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14
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Irfan M, Ikram M, Ahmad M, Wu H, Hao Y. Does temperature matter for COVID-19 transmissibility? Evidence across Pakistani provinces. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:59705-59719. [PMID: 34143386 PMCID: PMC8211721 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14875-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a global concern that is deteriorating environmental quality and damaging human health. Though some researchers have investigated the linkage between temperature and COVID-19 transmissibility across different geographical locations and over time, yet these studies are scarce. This study aims to bridge this gap using daily temperature and COVID-19 cases (transmissibility) by employing grey incidence analysis (GIA) models (i.e., Deng's grey incidence analysis (DGIA), the absolute degree GIA (ADGIA), the second synthetic degree GIA (SSDGIA), the conservative (maximin) model) and correlation analysis. Data on temperature are accessed from the NASA database, while the data on COVID-19 cases are collected from the official website of the government of Pakistan. Empirical results reveal the existence of linkages between temperature and COVID-19 in all Pakistani provinces. These linkages vary from a relatively stronger to a relatively weaker linkage. Based on calculated weights, the strength of linkages is ranked across provinces as follows: Gilgit Baltistan (0.715301) > Baluchistan (0.675091) > Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (0.619893) > Punjab (0.619286) > Sindh (0.601736). The disparity in the strength of linkage among provinces is explained by the discrepancy in the intensity of temperature. Besides, the diagrammatic correlation analysis shows that temperature is inversely linked to COVID-19 cases (per million persons) over time, implying that low temperatures are associated with high COVID-19 transmissibility and vice versa. This study is among the first of its kind to consider the linkages between temperature and COVID-19 transmissibility for a tropical climate country (Pakistan) using the advanced GIA models. Research findings provide an up-to-date glimpse of the outbreak and emphasize the need to raise public awareness about the devastating impacts of the COVID-19. The educational syllabus should provide information on the causes, signs, and precautions of the pandemic. Additionally, individuals should practice handwashing, social distancing, personal hygiene, mask-wearing, and the use of hand sanitizers to ensure a secure and supportive atmosphere for preventing and controlling the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Muhammad Ikram
- Research Institute of Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, College of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Munir Ahmad
- School of Economics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Haitao Wu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yu Hao
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
- Beijing Key Lab of Energy Economics and Environmental Management, Beijing, 100081 China
- Sustainable Development Research Institute for Economy and Society of Beijing, Beijing, 100081 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing, 100081 China
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15
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El-Sayed A, Abdel-Daim MM, Kamel M. Zoonotic and anthropozoonotic potential of COVID-19 and its implications for public health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:52599-52609. [PMID: 34523089 PMCID: PMC8439532 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amr El-Sayed
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Kamel
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt.
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16
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Aleya L, Gu W, Howard S. Environmental factors and the epidemics of COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:40308-40310. [PMID: 34313934 PMCID: PMC8314024 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environnement Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, F-25030 Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Weikuan Gu
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Scott Howard
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
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17
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Simon OJ, Menzler K, Timmermann L. [Update 2021: COVID-19 from the perspective of neurology]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146:918-923. [PMID: 34256409 DOI: 10.1055/a-1449-5098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurological complications, direct affection of neuronal structures in the course of infections with SARS-CoV-2 and long-term effects ("long COVID") are evident. This article aims to summarize and evaluate the current literature on this topic.
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