Betacoronavirus Research Articles

Insight into genomic organization of pathogenic coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2: Implication for emergence of new variants, laboratory diagnosis and treatment options.

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel zoonotic positive-sense RNA virus (ssRNA+) belonging to the genus beta coronaviruses (CoVs) in the Coronaviridae family. It is the causative agent for the outbreak of the disease, COVID-19. It is the third CoV causing pneumonia around the world in the past 2decades. To date, it has caused significant deaths worldwide. Notably, the emergence of new genetic variants conferring efficient transmission and immune evasion remained a challenge, despite the reduction in the number of death cases, owing to effective vaccination regimen (boosting) and safety protocols. Thus, information harnessed from SARS-CoV-2 genomic organization is indispensable for seeking laboratory diagnosis and treatment options. Here in, we review previously circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 designated variant of concern (VOC) including the Alpha (United Kingdom), Beta (South Africa), Gamma (Brazil), Delta (India), and recently circulating VOC, Omicron (South Africa) and its divergent subvariants (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5) with BA.5 currently becoming dominant and prolonging the COVID pandemic. In addition, we address the role of computational models for mutagenesis analysis which can predict important residues that contribute to transmissibility, virulence, immune evasion, and molecular detections of SARS-CoV-2. Concomitantly, the importance of harnessing the immunobiology of SARS-CoV-2 and host interaction for therapeutic purpose; and use of an in slilico based biocomputational approaches to achieve this purpose via predicting novel therapeutic agents targeting PRR such as toll like receptor, design of universal vaccine and chimeric antibodies tailored to the emergent variant have been highlighted.

Impact of COVID-19 Nonpharmaceutical Interventions on the Extent of Norovirus Contamination in Oyster Production Areas in Ireland during Winter 2020 to 2021

A significant decrease in norovirus prevalence and concentration was observed in oyster production areas in Ireland during winter 2020 to 2021. Oyster production areas impacted by human wastewater discharges that had been undergoing norovirus surveillance since 2018 were investigated. Samples collected in the winter seasons of 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020, prior to when the COVID-19 pandemic interventions were applied, showed a prevalence of 94.3 and 96.6%, respectively, and geometric mean concentrations of 533 and 323 genome copies per g, respectively. These values decreased significantly during the winter of 2020 to 2021 (prevalence of 63.2% and geometric concentration of below the limit of quantification), coinciding with the control measures to mitigate the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus. Divergence between norovirus GI and GII prevalence and concentrations was observed over the 3-year monitoring period. Norovirus GII was the dominant genogroup detected in winter 2020 to 2021, with over half of samples positive, although concentrations detected were significantly lower than prepandemic winters, with a geometric mean concentration of below the limit of quantification.

Targeting Citrate Carrier (CIC) in Inflammatory Macrophages as a Novel Metabolic Approach in COVID-19 Patients: A Perspective.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) can be a fatal disease and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). SARS-CoV2 is an enveloped virus that belongs to the Beta coronavirus subfamily. After entering into the target cells, this virus replicates rapidly and leads to cellular damage and uncontrolled pulmonary inflammation. Huge amounts of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are produced by infected lung cells and are associated with monocyte recruitment and accumulation of inflammatory macrophages at the site of infection. Mitochondrial citrate carrier (CIC) expression increases in these macrophages, which results in elevated levels of cytosolic citrate and the production of inflammatory mediators. In this perspective article, we discuss the role of mitochondrial CIC in the metabolism of inflammatory macrophages and we propose that inhibition of this carrier might be a novel therapeutic approach for COVID-19 patients.

Review on middle east respiratory syndrome corona virus in camel: Its public health importance and economic impact

Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) is a novel lineage C beta corona virus derived from bats which can cause acute viral respiratory disease in humans and in camels. According to a WHO report, MERS cases have been reported from 27 countries and there have been 2,428 confirmed cases, resulting in 838 deaths. MERS-CoV is transmitted to humans through close contact with dromedaries and it causes asymptomatic or mild-to-severe illness in the human population. MERS-CoV uses dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) protein in Pipistrelluspipistrellus bats for cell entry. Dromedary camels are a host reservoir species for the MERS-CoV. It is suspected that nasal mucous, sputum, saliva, milk or uncooked meat of infected camels are the main sources of transmission. Several factors such as being male and comorbid pre-existing illnesses are associated with severe disease and high mortality rates in patients with MERS. Studies in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Morocco reported that the prevalence of MERS-CoV sero-positivity ranges between 85.1- 99.4%, 73.2-89.9% and 48.3-100%, respectively. The clinical presentation of infected patients often indicate the presence of hemoptysis, sore throat, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. The average incubation period of MERS-CoV is 6-7 days. No vaccine or treatment is currently available for MERS-CoV. Supportive therapy necessitates respiration and circulatory support, preservation of renal and hepatic function, and prevention of secondary infections. This seminar paper is therefore, intended to highlight the public health and economic importance of the MERS-CoV.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a recently emerged pathogenic human coronavirus that belongs to the sarbecovirus lineage of the genus Betacoronavirus. The ancestor strain has evolved into a number of variants of concern, with the Omicron variant of concern now having many distinct sublineages. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has caused serious damage to public health and the global economy, and one strategy to combat COVID-19 has been the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies for prophylactic and therapeutic use. Many are in preclinical and clinical development, and a few have been approved for emergency use. Here we summarize neutralizing antibodies that target four key regions within the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, namely the N-terminal domain and the receptor-binding domain in the S1 subunit, and the stem helix region and the fusion peptide region in the S2 subunit. Understanding the characteristics of these broadly neutralizing antibodies will accelerate the development of new antibody therapeutics and provide guidance for the rational design of next-generation vaccines.

Non-uniform aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 intraspecies evolution reopen question of its origin

Several hypotheses have been presented on the origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from its identification as the agent causing the current coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. So far, no solid evidence has been found to support any hypothesis on the origin of this virus, and the issue continue to resurface over and over again. Here we have unfolded a pattern of distribution of several mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 proteins in 24 geo-locations across different continents. The results showed an evenly uneven distribution of the unique protein variants, distinct mutations, unique frequency of common conserved residues, and mutational residues across these 24 geo-locations. Furthermore, ample mutations were identified in the evolutionarily conserved invariant regions in the SARS-CoV-2 proteins across almost all geo-locations studied. This pattern of mutations potentially breaches the law of evolutionary conserved functional units of the beta-coronavirus genus. These mutations may lead to several novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with a high degree of transmissibility and virulence. A thorough investigation on the origin and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 needs to be conducted in the interest of science and for the preparation of meeting the challenges of potential future pandemics.

SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission supports innate fetal protection: A narrative review

Prenatal infections that have been exhaustively studied help frame the current Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, with the caveat that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are not tested, while those symptomatic are delivered and/or treated with drug(s) available on-site. Thus, management and therapy are still heterogeneous. SARS-CoV-2 induced respiratory infection remains mostly local, unless severe, which lessens transplacental vertical transmission (VT). Vaccination prior to or during pregnancy significantly changes the prognosis for both the mother and newborn. The virus spread to the fetus can be binding to ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein receptors. A recent study demonstrated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 fetal expression in the intestine from the second trimester. Most placental infections are subclinical unless severe villitis and apoptosis are observed. The placenta is rarely tested, and it is highly probable that most are positive for the virus, requiring sophisticated diagnostics to document. Other VT modalities, such as vaginal, rectal or through amniotic fluid contamination, are very rare. Therefore, vaginal delivery is preferable when clinically feasible. It has not yet been determined whether the placenta is a shield or if it transmits infection, while, on the other hand, recent data support fetal resilience, which is plausible due to the major difference between the placental and fetal rates of infection: only 3%–5% of documentable VT compared with up to 100% expected placental exposure to viremia. Newborn Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from nasal swab is more practical as an option for VT diagnosis compared to ocular or anal swab, with low yield. The maternal infection leads to antiviral IgG production of 100% in severe cases, which is transferred to the fetus and breast milk. Postpartum-documenting VT is difficult since horizontal viral transmission may be common and minimized by mother/staff/family-preventive measures. Breastfeeding is safe and encouraged because, beyond nutrition, it promotes protective antibody transfer and maternal bonding. Lessons learned from other Betacorona viruses (SARS-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome related coronavirus [MERS-CoV]) virulence are relevant since mutations can increase or decrease vulnerability. Overall, data support fetal/newborn resilience against SARS-CoV-2 VT. However, viremia monitoring by sensitive tests and assessment for delayed sequelae shown in adults is necessary.

In Silico Evaluation of Hexamethylene Amiloride Derivatives as Potential Luminal Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 E Protein.

The coronavirus E proteins are small membrane proteins found in the virus envelope of alpha and beta coronaviruses that have a high degree of overlap in their biochemical and functional properties despite minor sequence variations. The SARS-CoV-2 E is a 75-amino acid transmembrane protein capable of acting as an ion channel when assembled in a pentameric fashion. Various studies have found that hexamethylene amiloride (HMA) can inhibit the ion channel activity of the E protein in bilayers and also inhibit viral replication in cultured cells. Here, we use the available structural data in conjunction with homology modelling to build a comprehensive model of the E protein to assess potential binding sites and molecular interactions of HMA derivatives. Furthermore, we employed an iterative cycle of molecular modelling, extensive docking simulations, molecular dynamics and leveraging steered molecular dynamics to better understand the pore characteristics and quantify the affinity of the bound ligands. Results from this work highlight the potential of acylguanidines as blockers of the E protein and guide the development of subsequent small molecule inhibitors.

MRNA vaccination drives differential mucosal neutralizing antibody profiles in naïve and SARS-CoV-2 previously-infected individuals.

Two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine induces a strong systemic SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral response. However, SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission makes mucosal immune response a crucial first line of defense. Therefore, we characterized SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG responses induced by BNT162b2 vaccine, as well as IgG responses to other pathogenic and seasonal human coronaviruses in oral fluid and plasma from 200 UK healthcare workers who were naïve (N=62) or previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 (N=138) using a pan-coronavirus multiplex binding immunoassay (Meso Scale Discovery®). Additionally, we investigated the impact of historical SARS-CoV-2 infection on vaccine-induced IgG, IgA and neutralizing responses in selected oral fluid samples before vaccination, after a first and second dose of BNT162b2, as well as following a third dose of mRNA vaccine or breakthrough infections using the same immunoassay and an ACE2 inhibition assay. Prior to vaccination, we found that spike-specific IgG levels in oral fluid positively correlated with IgG levels in plasma from previously-infected individuals (Spearman r=0.6858, p<0.0001) demonstrating that oral fluid could be used as a proxy for the presence of plasma SARS-CoV-2 IgG. However, the sensitivity was lower in oral fluid (0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.91) than in plasma (0.94, 95% CI 0.88-0.97). Similar kinetics of mucosal and systemic spike-specific IgG levels were observed following vaccination in naïve and previously-infected individuals, respectively. In addition, a significant enhancement of OC43 and HKU1 spike-specific IgG levels was observed in previously-infected individuals following one vaccine dose in oral fluid (OC43 S: p<0.0001; HKU1 S: p=0.0423) suggesting cross-reactive IgG responses to seasonal beta coronaviruses. Mucosal spike-specific IgA responses were induced by mRNA vaccination particularly in previously-infected individuals (71%) but less frequently in naïve participants (23%). Neutralizing responses to SARS-CoV-2 ancestral and variants of concerns were detected following vaccination in naïve and previously-infected participants, with likely contribution from both IgG and IgA in previously-infected individuals (correlations between neutralizing responses and IgG: Spearman r=0.5642, p<0.0001; IgA: Spearman r=0.4545, p=0.0001). We also observed that breakthrough infections or a third vaccine dose enhanced mucosal antibody levels and neutralizing responses. These data contribute to show that a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection tailors the mucosal antibody profile induced by vaccination.

A Putative long-range RNA-RNA interaction between ORF8and Spike of SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 has affected people worldwide as the causative agent of COVID-19. The virus is related to the highly lethal SARS-CoV-1 responsible for the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak in Asia. Research is ongoing to understand why both viruses have different spreading capacities and mortality rates. Like other beta coronaviruses, RNA-RNA interactions occur between different parts of the viral genomic RNA, resulting in discontinuous transcription and production of various sub-genomic RNAs. These sub-genomic RNAs are then translated into other viral proteins. In this work, we performed a comparative analysis for novel long-range RNA-RNA interactions that may involve the Spike region. Comparing in-silico fragment-based predictions between reference sequences of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 revealed several predictions amongst which a thermodynamically stable long-range RNA-RNA interaction between (23660-23703 Spike) and (28025-28060 ORF8) unique to SARS-CoV-2 was observed. The patterns of sequence variation using data gathered worldwide further supported the predicted stability of the sub-interacting region (23679-23690 Spike) and (28031-28042 ORF8). Such RNA-RNA interactions can potentially impact viral life cycle including sub-genomic RNA production rates.

SARS-COV-2 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Possible Roles of Exercise Training as a Medicine.

SARS-COV-2 is the novel type of beta coronavirus that was first evolved in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. People with type 2 diabetes are the most vulnerable group to SARS-COV-2 and its associated complications. Many factors such as medication, pathophysiologic-induced compensatory mechanisms, and alterations in protein expression and immune system function can all contribute to severe outcomes in diabetics. In this review article, we first described the possible mechanisms of increased risk and more severe complications rate of SARS-COV-2 in diabetic patients. Secondly, we discussed the crucial role of exercise in diabetic patients in balancing the RAS system (ACE2/ACE). Finally, we examine the possible roles of acute and chronic exercise in reducing SARS-COV-2 severe outcomes in people with diabetes in accordance with the latest evidence. We concluded that regular exercise (especially moderate-intensity exercise) can play a role in immune- enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities and can balance the ACE2/ACE ratio (decreasing ANG2 levels) in diabetic subjects.

Optimization of Da An Gene Kit for SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Real-Time RT-PCR

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a new type of coronavirus of the genus Betacoronavirus and the family Coronaviridae that causes a respiratory disease called COVID-19. The virus has a sheath and genetic material in the form of single-chain RNA. The genome structure of this virus is divided into two types, namely genes that encode non-structural proteins consisting of the ORF1a / ORF1b gene and genes that encode structural proteins consisting of spike glycoprotein (S), envelope (E), membrane glycoprotein (M), and nucleocapsid protein (N). Methods: The method of detecting SARS-CoV-2 with real time RT-PCR is the most recommended method because it has high specificity and accuracy. The specificity of a method is necessary to be able to specifically recognize the pathogen that causes the disease. Real time RT-PCR requires sampling with a swab on the oropharynx or nasopharynx to be examined in the laboratory which later the presence of viral RNA becomes a molecule that is assessed for diagnosis results. In this study, volume optimization was carried out on the Da An Gene kit used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 with Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (Real time RT-PCR) with the aim of saving the use of reagents from available kits but with amplification results remaining optimal and accurate. Results: There were three SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples used consisting of N62, N63, and N79 samples and three types of total volume used were 20 μl, 15 μl, and 10 μl. The results of this study showed that the three positive samples contained SARS-CoV-2 with a Cq value of &lt; 40. Conclusion: A volume of 20 μl is the optimal volume, which is more efficient than the manufacturer's recommended volume of 25 ul.

The Genetic Characterization of the First Detected Bat Coronaviruses in Poland Revealed SARS-Related Types and Alphacoronaviruses.

Bats are a major global reservoir of alphacoronaviruses (alphaCoVs) and betaCoVs. Attempts to discover the causative agents of COVID-19 and SARS have revealed horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae) to be the most probable source of the virus. We report the first detection of bat coronaviruses (BtCoVs) in insectivorous bats in Poland and highlight SARS-related coronaviruses found in Rhinolophidae bats. The study included 503 (397 oral swabs and 106 fecal) samples collected from 20 bat species. Genetically diverse BtCoVs (n = 20) of the Alpha- and Betacoronavirus genera were found in fecal samples of two bat species. SARS-related CoVs were in 18 out of 58 lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) samples (31%, 95% CI 20.6–43.8), and alphaCoVs were in 2 out of 55 Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii) samples (3.6%, 95% CI 0.6–12.3). The overall BtCoV prevalence was 4.0% (95% CI 2.6–6.1). High identity was determined for BtCoVs isolated from European M. daubentonii and R. hipposideros bats. The detection of SARS-related and alphaCoVs in Polish bats with high phylogenetic relatedness to reference BtCoVs isolated in different European countries but from the same species confirms their high host restriction. Our data elucidate the molecular epidemiology, prevalence, and geographic distribution of coronaviruses and particularly SARS-related types in the bat population.

A Detailed Study of Covid-19 (Emphasizing its Genomic Variants, Pathogenicity, Phylogenetic Analysis, Epidemiology, and Clinical Measures)

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) had spread all over the world. Around 213 countries were affected by the deadly virus and encountered a mob of dead. After analyzing the genome, we can say that the Coronavirus originates in bats and gets transmitted to humans. Although the intermediate source of origin and transmission to humans is unknown, rapid human-to-human transmission has been evinced. SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to a group of bat viruses known to cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV). Both viruses (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2) belong to the same family of beta coronaviruses. The first case of SARS-CoV2 infection was reported from Wuhan, China. Till now, there have been 577,018,226 confirmed cases of Covid-19 worldwide. More than 6 million people have succumbed to this deadly disease worldwide. Presently, the urgent need to develop a drug and vaccine that could cure this disease is fulfilled. This current review summarizes the origin of SARS-CoV2, its genome structure, pathogenicity and phylogenetic analysis of the virus, and its epidemiology. We have also discussed the existing drugs and approved vaccines that are presently treating humanity. This review aims to compact every possible information regarding Covid-19.

SARS-CoV-2 Is Persistent in Placenta and Causes Macroscopic, Histopathological, and Ultrastructural Changes

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that belongs to the Betacoronavirus genus of the Coronaviridae family. Other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, were associated with complications in pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to report the clinical history of five pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 (four symptomatic and one asymptomatic who gave birth to a stillborn child) during the COVID-19 pandemic. They gave birth between August 2020 to January 2021, a period in which there was still no vaccination for COVID-19 in Brazil. In addition, their placental alterations were later investigated, focusing on macroscopic, histopathological, and ultrastructural aspects compared to a prepandemic sample. Three of five placentas presented SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCRq at least two to twenty weeks after primary pregnancy infection symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was detected in all placentas by immunoperoxidase assay. The macroscopic evaluation of the placentas presented congested vascular trunks, massive deposition of fibrin, areas of infarctions, and calcifications. Histopathological analysis showed fibrin deposition, inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, and blood vessel thrombosis. Ultrastructural aspects of the infected placentas showed a similar pattern of alterations between the samples, with predominant characteristics of apoptosis and detection of virus-like particles. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in placental tissue, vertical transmission.

SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV Spike Protein Binding Studies Support Stable Mimic of Bound 9-O-Acetylated Sialic Acids.

Many disease-causing viruses target sialic acids (Sias), a class of nine-carbon sugars known to coat the surface of many cells, including those in the lungs. Human beta coronaviridae, known for causing respiratory tract diseases, often bind Sias, and some preferentially bind to those with 9-O-Ac-modification. Currently, co-binding of SARS-CoV-2, a beta coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, to human Sias has been reported and its preference towards α2-3-linked Neu5Ac has been shown. Nevertheless, O-acetylated Sias-protein binding studies are difficult to perform, due to the ester lability. We studied the binding free energy differences between Neu5,9Ac2α2-3GalβpNP and its more stable 9-NAc mimic binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using molecular dynamics and alchemical free energy simulations. We identified multiple Sia-binding pockets, including two novel sites, with similar binding affinities to those of MERS-CoV, a known co-binder of sialic acid. In our binding poses, 9-NAc and 9-OAc Sias bind similarly, suggesting an experimentally reasonable mimic to probe viral mechanisms.

A Review on Prophylactic Regimen by Evaluation of Asymptomatic SARS CoV-II Carriers

The coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-II), which emerged in Wuhan, China and spread around the world. It is considered a relative of Severe Acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), The cause of COVID-19 is a beta coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 that affects the lower respiratory tract and manifests as pneumonia in humans. The Asymptomatic carriers have become the current focus of global epidemic prevention and control efforts. These carriers of the virus display no clinical symptoms but are known to be contagious. As "silent spreaders", asymptomatic carriers warrant attention as a part of disease prevention and control. The comparable viral load in a group of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 was found to be higher than that of the symptomatic carriers. There are numerous micronutrients which are essential for immunocompetence, particularly Vitamin A, C, D, E, B, iron, selenium, and zinc. Immunonutrition refers to the modulation of the immune system through the modification of dietary nutrients. Vitamins A to E highlighted potentially beneficial roles in the fight against COVID-19 via antioxidant effects, immunomodulation, enhancing natural barriers, and local paracrine signaling. The present review provides a brief information on supplementation of Immunonutrients in form of vitamins which ultimately can act as prophylactic regimen for Asymptomatic carriers of SARS CoV-II virus.

New findings on ligand series used as SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibitors within the frameworks of molecular docking, molecular quantum similarity and chemical reactivity indices

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 virus causes an infectious illness named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus from the Betacoronavirus genus. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has an important role in the viral life cycle and its active site is a very accessible region, thus a potential therapeutic approach may be to target this region to study the inhibition of viral replication. Various preexisting drugs have been proposed for the treatment of COVID-19 and the use of existing antiviral agents may reduce the time and cost of new drug discoveries, but the efficacy of these drugs is limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate a number of ligands used as SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibitors to determine the suitability of them for potential COVID-19 treatment. Methods: In this study, we selected a series of ligands used as SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibitors such as: abacavir, acyclovir, amprenavir, ascorbic acid vitamin C, azithromycin, baloxavir, boceprevir, cholecalciferol vitamin D, cidofovir, edoxudine, emtricitabine, hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir. These ligands were analyzed using molecular docking, molecular quantum similarity, and chemical reactivity indices defined within a conceptual density functional theory framework. Results: The analysis of molecular quantum similarity indices on inhibitors showed a high number of differences from a structural point of view. However, they are quite similar in their electronic density, obtaining the highest values in the electronic similarity index. Global and local chemical reactivity indices were analyzed. Conclusions: These studies allowed for the identification of the main stabilizing interactions using the crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. The molecular quantum similarity and chemical reactivity descriptors provide novel insights into these ligands that can be used in the design of new COVID-19 treatments.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of COVID-19 Safety Measures Among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by an enveloped RNA beta coronavirus, has become a pandemic, with a mortality rate ranging from 0.7% to 10.8%. Although older adults with comorbidity are more likely to suffer severe disease and eventual mortality, diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most frequently reported noncommunicable diseases shown to predict poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients.Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of COVID-19 safety measures and factors associated with poor knowledge and practice among type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah.Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 267 patients with T1DM aged 18-65, admitted to the hospital from January to June 2020. Data were collected via phone interviews during September 2020. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions for knowledge, five for attitude, and eight concerning practices, and some questions were based on diabetes and COVID-19 specifically.Results: Overall, 64 participants with a median age of 53 years were studied. The median COVID-19 knowledge score showed poor (11.50%), average (43.75%), and good knowledge (6.25%). Most of the participants practiced precautionary measures outside their homes.Conclusion: In conclusion, half of the population had poor COVID-19 knowledge, 60.9% of the participants felt anxious, and most of them performed precautionary measures, including wearing a facemask, maintaining a 1-m distance, and washing their hands regularly.

Anesthetic management of obstetric patients with COVID-19: A scoping review

ABSTRACT Background The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a novel beta corona virus that causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome. COVID- 19 may cause severe illness and even death especially in patients with weakened immune system such as pregnant women. The obstetric patient suffering from COVID-19 requires special anesthetic care and presents several challenges for the anesthesia provider. Methods This scoping review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping review guidelines. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Databases was conducted. Additional information was retrieved by reviewing the reference lists from identified articles. The titles and abstracts of potentially relevant studies were screened before the retrieval of the full texts which were then examined to determine which studies met the eligibility criteria Results Three hundred and seventy-nine potentially eligible studies were identified. 360 records were excluded as they were either duplicates or did not meet the eligibility criteria leaving 19 articles discussing anesthetic management in obstetric patients with COVID-19. Conclusion The results of this scoping review suggest that general anesthesia, as an aerosol-generating procedure, should be avoided when possible in favor for regional anesthetic techniques when managing obstetric patients with COVID-19. To prevent the spread of infection, health care providers involved in labor or cesarean section delivery should utilize personal protective equipment and strictly adhere to infection control measures. Further studies with larger patient samples are required to shed light on the recommendations for anesthetic management for obstetric patients infected with COVID-19.