Coronavirus Disease 2019 Disease Research Articles

Decreased level of serum NT-proCNP associates with disease severity in COVID-19

BackgroundC-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is an endothelium-derived paracrine molecule with an important role in vascular homeostasis. In septic patients, the serum level of the amino-terminal propeptide of CNP (NT-proCNP) shows a strong positive correlation with inflammatory biomarkers and, if elevated, correlates with disease severity and indicates a poor outcome. It is not yet known whether NT-proCNP also correlates with the clinical outcome of patients suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In the current study, we aimed to determine possible changes in the NT-proCNP levels of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with special regard to disease severity and outcome.MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, we determined the serum level of NT-proCNP in hospitalized patients with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, using their blood samples taken on admission, stored in a biobank. The NT-proCNP levels of 32 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 35 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients were measured to investigate possible correlation with disease outcome. SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were then divided into two groups based on their need for intensive care unit treatment (severe and mild COVID-19).ResultsThe NT-proCNP was significantly different in the study groups (e.g. severe and mild COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients), but showed inverse changes compared to previous observations in septic patients: lowest levels were detected in critically ill COVID-19 patients, while highest levels in the non-COVID-19 group. A low level of NT-proCNP on admission was significantly associated with severe disease outcome.ConclusionsLow-level NT-proCNP on hospital admission is associated with a severe COVID-19 disease course. The pathomechanism underlying this observation remains to be elucidated, while future studies in larger patient cohorts are necessary to confirm these observations and reveal therapeutic importance.Trial registration DRKS00026655 Registered 26. November 2021

COVID-19 and Kidney Disease (KD): A Retrospective Investigation in a Rural Southwestern Missouri Region Patient Population.

Studies have linked pre-existing kidney disease (KD) to higher rates of mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. In the rural Midwest, where KD is prevalent, the impact of COVID-19 has been significant in a population that includes many patients on Medicare or Medicaid. A retrospective cohort study was performed assessing patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD), with and without COVID-19. International Classification of Diseases 10thRevision codes were submitted by physicians into Freeman Health System's Electronic Medical Records and gathered from April 2020 to January 2021. The data were analyzed and compared to determine whether the mortality rate in patients with varying stages of KD and COVID-19 was higher than the mortality rate in patients with KD alone, excluding variables such as sex and age. The 95% confidence interval (CI) of the mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 and any degree of KD, encompassing both AKI and CKD, was between 30.21% and 37.63%.This metric was significantly higher than the 95% CI of COVID-19 infection (6.70%-9.96%, p<0.0001) or KD alone (10.89%-13.01%, p<0.0001). Within those with COVID-19 and KD, the highest rate of mortality was in patients with AKI (38.13% and 49.02%). There was not sufficient statistical support in our sample to assert that COVID-19 increased mortality in ESRD patients. Based on our results, patients with KD and COVID-19 are at higher risk for mortality when compared to patients with KD alone. Further studies are warranted into individual comorbidities affecting KD patient outcomes with COVID-19.

Effect of COVID-19 on Liver Enzymes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in the Gaza Strip: A Retrospective Study

In severe cases, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause respiratory failure and multiple organ dysfunction, including liver injury. This study assessed the COVID-19 effect on liver function among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Three-hundred and seventy patients were recruited. Patients were distributed as the following: control group (n=100), intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n=140), and non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 group (n=130). Data about the levels of liver enzymes were collected from the hospital medical records of the participants. Our results showed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels among the ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared with the non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients (p-value &lt;0.01) and the controls (p-value &lt;0.001). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration significantly increased among the ICU-hospitalized COVID-19 group compared with the non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 group (p-value &lt;0.01) and the controls (p-value &lt;0.05). The ICU-hospitalized COVID-19 patients had a higher increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels compared to the non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients and controls (p values &lt;0.001). Based on ALT, AST, and ALP levels, we found that 73 (52%), 77 (55%), and 38 (27%) of the ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients developed a liver injury. Of those, 12 (8.5%) died compared to 5 (3.5%) patients with abnormal liver function. In conclusion, these findings suggest that COVID-19 disease is associated with abnormal liver function and liver injury.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Crisis on Vascular Surgery Training in France.

In France, since March 2020, the healthcare system has experienced a significant decrease or even suspension of surgical activity and admissions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This activity is essential to the acquisition of technical skills for all trainees enrolled in the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Training Program either as residents or fellows. The crisis may have affected the training of vascular surgery trainees. We describe the consequences and effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the training of vascular surgery trainees. A cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey of 12 items was sent to all surgeons in training, registered at the French College of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (CFCVE). Responses were collected between July and November 2021. Fifty-two responses were collected from trainees (residents=48%; fellows=52%), seven of who contracted COVID-19 disease. The crisis affected their scheduled and emergency surgical activities, in 96% and 77%, respectively. Thirty-one percent of responders stopped all activity, for an average of 1.5 months. Eighteen percent of responders were reassigned to other services (emergency department, ICU, vascular access unit, etc...) for an average duration of two months. Sixty-seven percent of responders believe that their level of surgical training was affected due to the crisis. Fifty-six percent of responders do not think they have achieved their training objectives (55% for fellows, 65% for senior vascular surgery residents (4th, 5th, and 6th year), and 92% for junior vascular surgery residents (year 1, 2, and 3), contributing that to the COVID-19 crisis and its effect on the flow of patients during the crisis.Additional training time (> 3 months) and the utilization of simulation training to reduce the gap produced by the COVID-19 crisis were favored in 60% and 73% of cases respectively. The COVID-19 health crisis has affected the training of surgical trainees in vascular and endovascular surgery in France. Endovascular and vascular surgical French students in training are waiting now, for additional educational proposals, allowing them to make up for their lack of practice.

Association between genetic polymorphism, severity, and treatment response among COVID-19 infected Egyptian patients.

Background: The world has been suffering from the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since the end of 2019. The COVID-19-infected patients differ in the severity of the infection and the treatment response. Several studies have been conducted to explore the factors that affect the severity of COVID-19 infection. One of these factors is the polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and the type 2 transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) genes since these two proteins have a role in the entry of the virus into the cell. Also, the ACE-1 regulates the ACE-2 expression, so it is speculated to influence the COVID-19 severity. Objective: This study investigates the relationship between the ACE-1, ACE-2, and TMPRSS2 genes single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and the COVID-19 disease severity, treatment response, need for hospitalization, and ICU admission in Egyptian patients. Patients and Methods: The current study is an observational prospective, cohort study, in which 109 total COVID-19 patients and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Of those 109 patients, 51 patients were infected with the non-severe disease and were treated in an outpatient setting, and 58 suffered from severe disease and required hospitalization and were admitted to the ICU. All 109 COVID-19 patients received the treatment according to the Egyptian treatment protocol. Results: Genotypes and allele frequencies among severe and non-severe patients were determined for ACE-1 rs4343, TMPRSS2 rs12329760, and ACE-2 rs908004. The GG genotype and the wild allele of the ACE-2 rs908004 and the mutant allele of the ACE-1 rs4343 were significantly more predominant in severe patients. In contrast, no significant association existed between the TMPRSS2 rs12329760 genotypes or alleles and the disease severity. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the ACE-1 and ACE-2 SNPs can be used as severity predictors for COVID-19 infection since also they have an effect on length of hospitalization.

Barriers to and facilitators of populational adherence to prevention and control measures of COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

To summarise the evidence on barriers to and facilitators of population adherence to prevention and control measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other respiratory infectious diseases. A qualitative synthesis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. We performed an electronic search on MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO from their inception to March 2023. We included 71 studies regarding COVID-19, pneumonia, tuberculosis, influenza, pertussis and H1N1, representing 5966 participants. The measures reported were vaccinations, physical distancing, stay-at-home policy, quarantine, self-isolation, facemasks, hand hygiene, contact investigation, lockdown, infection prevention and control guidelines, and treatment. Tuberculosis-related measures were access to care, diagnosis and treatment completion. Analysis of the included studies yielded 37 barriers and 23 facilitators. This review suggests that financial and social support, assertive communication, trust in political authorities and greater regulation of social media enhance adherence to prevention and control measures for COVID-19 and infectious respiratory diseases. Designing and implementing effective educational public health interventions targeting the findings of barriers and facilitators highlighted in this review are key to reducing the impact of infectious respiratory diseases at the population level.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalisation or death: Danish nationwide cohort study.

Early ecological studies have suggested links between air pollution and risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but evidence from individual-level cohort studies is still sparse. We examined whether long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with risk of COVID-19 and who is most susceptible. We followed 3 721 810 Danish residents aged ≥30 years on 1 March 2020 in the National COVID-19 Surveillance System until the date of first positive test (incidence), COVID-19 hospitalisation or death until 26 April 2021. We estimated residential annual mean particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black carbon (BC) and ozone (O3) in 2019 by the Danish DEHM/UBM model, and used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the associations of air pollutants with COVID-19 outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, individual- and area-level socioeconomic status, and population density. 138 742 individuals were infected, 11 270 were hospitalised and 2557 died from COVID-19 during 14 months. We detected associations of PM2.5 (per 0.53 μg·m-3) and NO2 (per 3.59 μg·m-3) with COVID-19 incidence (hazard ratio (HR) 1.10 (95% CI 1.05-1.14) and HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.14-1.23), respectively), hospitalisations (HR 1.09 (95% CI 1.01-1.17) and HR 1.19 (95% CI 1.12-1.27), respectively) and death (HR 1.23 (95% CI 1.04-1.44) and HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.03-1.34), respectively), which were strongest in the lowest socioeconomic groups and among patients with chronic respiratory, cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. We found positive associations with BC and negative associations with O3. Long-term exposure to air pollution may contribute to increased risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection as well as developing severe COVID-19 disease requiring hospitalisation or resulting in death.

Commercial Immunoglobulin Products Contain Neutralizing Antibodies Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Protein.

Patients with antibody deficiency respond poorly to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and are at risk of severe or prolonged infection. They are given long-term immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) prepared from healthy donor plasma to confer passive immunity against infection. Following widespread COVID-19 vaccination alongside natural exposure, we hypothesized that immunoglobulin preparations will now contain neutralizing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike antibodies, which confer protection against COVID-19 disease and may help to treat chronic infection. We evaluated anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody in a cohort of patients before and after immunoglobulin infusion. Neutralizing capacity of patient samples and immunoglobulin products was assessed using in vitro pseudovirus and live-virus neutralization assays, the latter investigating multiple batches against current circulating Omicron variants. We describe the clinical course of 9 patients started on IRT during treatment of COVID-19. In 35 individuals with antibody deficiency established on IRT, median anti-spike antibody titer increased from 2123 to 10 600 U/mL postinfusion, with corresponding increase in pseudovirus neutralization titers to levels comparable to healthy donors. Testing immunoglobulin products directly in the live-virus assay confirmed neutralization, including of BQ1.1 and XBB variants, but with variation between immunoglobulin products and batches.Initiation of IRT alongside remdesivir in patients with antibody deficiency and prolonged COVID-19 infection (median 189 days, maximum >900 days with an ancestral viral strain) resulted in clearance of SARS-CoV-2 at a median of 20 days. Immunoglobulin preparations now contain neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that are transmitted to patients and help to treat COVID-19 in individuals with failure of humoral immunity.

Factors Associated with Severe COVID-19 Among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Large, Nationwide Electronic Health Record Cohort Study in the United States.

To evaluate factors associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the US. Adults with RA who had a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, based on molecular or antigen test or clinical diagnosis, were identified from the Optum® COVID-19 Electronic Health Record dataset (March 1, 2020-April 28, 2021). The primary outcome was the occurrence of severe COVID-19 (hospitalization or death) within 30days from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between severe COVID-19 and patient characteristics, including demographics, baseline comorbidities, and recent RA treatments. During the study period, 6769 SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified in patients with RA, among whom 1460 (22%) developed severe COVID-19. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being older, male, and non-White and having diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are associated with greater odds of severe COVID-19. In addition, compared with no use, the adjusted odds of severe COVID-19 were lower with recent use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.86) and higher with recent use of corticosteroids (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.13-1.69) or rituximab (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.60-5.14), respectively. Nearly one in five patients with RA developed severe COVID-19 disease within 30days after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In patients with RA, recent use of corticosteroids and rituximab were two factors associated with a greater risk of severe COVID-19 in addition to the risk factors among demographics and comorbidities previously identified in the general population.

The Dark Side of Nosocomial Infections in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a potentially serious acute respiratory infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, the virus has spread to more than 200 countries with more than 500 million cases and more than 6 million deaths reported globally. It has long been known that viral respiratory tract infections predispose patients to bacterial infections and that these co-infections often have an unfavourable clinical outcome. Moreover, nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are those infections that are absent at the time of admission and acquired after hospitalization. However, the impact of coinfections or secondary infections on the progression of COVID-19 disease and its lethal outcome is still debated. The aim of this review was to assess the literature on the incidence of bacterial co-infections and superinfections in patients with COVID-19. The review also highlights the importance of the rational use of antibiotics in patients with COVID-19 and the need to implement antimicrobial stewardship principles to prevent the transmission of drug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. Finally, alternative antimicrobial agents to counter the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections in COVID-19 patients will also be discussed.

Inhalation delivery of dexamethasone with iSEND nanoparticles attenuates the COVID-19 cytokine storm in mice and nonhuman primates.

Dexamethasone (DEX) is the first drug to show life-saving efficacy in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), while DEX is associated with serious adverse effects. Here, we report an inhaled, Self-immunoregulatory, Extracellular Nanovesicle-based Delivery (iSEND) system by engineering neutrophil nanovesicles with cholesterols to deliver DEX for enhanced treatment of COVID-19. Relying on surface chemokine and cytokine receptors, the iSEND showed improved targeting to macrophages and neutralized broad-spectrum cytokines. The nanoDEX, made by encapsulating DEX with the iSEND, efficiently promoted the anti-inflammation effect of DEX in an acute pneumonia mouse model and suppressed DEX-induced bone density reduction in an osteoporosis rat model. Relative to an intravenous administration of DEX at 0.1 milligram per kilogram, a 10-fold lower dose of nanoDEX administered by inhalation produced even better effects against lung inflammation and injury in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-challenged nonhuman primates. Our work presents a safe and robust inhalation delivery platform for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnant Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: Data from a University Hospital Setting in Tirana, Albania, May 2020 to November 2021.

Scientific evidence suggests an increased risk of maternal and obstetric complications in pregnant patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study is aimed at evaluating perinatal and maternal outcomes among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a university hospital setting. This was a prospective cohort study of 177 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary hospital between May 2020 and November 2021. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic women with a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test result at any time during pregnancy were included in this study. For the purpose of this study, we classified COVID-19 cases into two groups: mild and severe cases. The two groups were then compared to predict how the clinical presentation of COVID-19 affected adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Gestational age ≥ 20 weeks at the time of infection was significantly associated with the occurrence of severe forms of the disease (relative risk (RR) 3.98, p = 0.01). Cesarean section was the preferred mode of delivery, with 95 women (62.1%) undergoing surgery. A total of 149 neonates were delivered to women who had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at any time during the course of pregnancy of which thirty-five (23.5%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Severe forms of COVID-19 increased the risk of premature delivery (RR 6.69, p < 0.001), emergency cesarean delivery (RR 9.4, p < 0.001), intensive care hospitalization (RR 51, p < 0.001), and maternal death (RR 12.3, p = 0.02). However, severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not directly responsible for low birth weight or the need for neonatal resuscitation. Our findings suggest that pregnant women presenting with severe COVID-19 disease are at an increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, such as premature delivery, cesarean section, admission to the ICU, and maternal death. Infection after the 20th week of gestation increases the risk of developing severe forms of the disease.

#3161 CLINICAL EFFICACY AND OPTIMAL REGIMEN OF BNT162B2 VACCINE IN CHRONIC DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Highly effective vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed and administered worldwide. Protection from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), however, is not absolute, and optimal vaccination regimens need to be established. Concerns regarding breakthrough COVID-19 disease in vaccinated patients are increasing, as vaccine efficacy appears to gradually decline in the months following vaccination. The emergence of highly infective variants, escalates these issues. This study assessed the clinical efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine and all-cause mortality among dialysis patients receiving varying numbers of vaccine doses. Method This study was conducted using the electronic database of Clalit Health Services in Israel. Patients receiving chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis during COVID-19 pandemic were included in the analysis. The control group consisted of age-and sex-matched individuals, in a 4:1 ratio to the dialysis group. The study included the pre- and post-vaccination periods. Results A total of 14,230 people were included; 2,846 on chronic dialysis and 11,384 controls. Mean age was 66.2±14.3 years (range 18-97). Before the vaccine was available in Israel, 223 dialysis patients were infected with SARS-CoV2. Their mortality rate was 18.4% compared to 10.8% among uninfected, unvaccinated patients in the same period (p = 0.001). On post-vaccination period, we compared the clinical efficacy of a fourth dose to patients who received only 3 doses of BNT162b2 vaccine. SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, hospitalizations due to severe COVID-19, COVID-19–related mortality and all-cause mortality rates were lower among chronic dialysis patients who received a fourth dose of vaccine as compared to those who received only 3 doses (after adjusting for age, sex and comorbidities). Despite lower mortality rates observed with the Omicron variant, an additional booster dose was associated with reduced COVID-19–related mortality (1.7% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.04, HR 0.44 (95% CI 0.2–0.98) in patients who received 4 doses compared to 3 doses. Conclusion As seen in the general population, and with previous vaccine boosters, the fourth dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine reduced rates of severe COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality among chronic dialysis patients. This study strengthens the recommendation to administer a fourth booster dose of vaccine to dialysis patients. Further studies are needed to establish the exact dose and schedule of the COVID-19 vaccine in the vulnerable population patients on chronic maintenance dialysis.

Impact of ENT complications on COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care center, Coimbatore: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundInfection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents with respiratory tract-related symptoms such as fever, cough, dyspnea, and chest tightness that could progress rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also causes several upper respiratory tract-related symptoms including nasal congestion, sore throat, and smell dysfunction. Incidence of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients was also reported during the second wave along with other otorhinolaryngology-related complications.AimThis study aimed to determine different otorhinolaryngology-related complications reported in COVID-19 cases in a tertiary care center and estimation of incidence, age, gender distribution, risk factors, treatment, follow-up, and mortality status of the study participants.MethodologyPatients who recovered from COVID-19 disease and developed complications such as long-lasting anosmia, septal abscess, epistaxis, rhino nasal mucormycosis, and voice changes were selected for the study. After obtaining patient medical records, the recorded history, examination, and investigations done related to incidence, associated risk factors, age, and gender distribution of ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) complications were collected, and this data was analyzed.ResultsThe present study involved 100 patients between 18 and 65 years of age which included 78% males and 22% females. Of these participants, 92% reported mucormycosis as the most common complication, with diabetes being the risk factor in majority of the participants. During the course of the study, 10% participants had passed away due to complications.ConclusionEarly identification of highly sensitive post-COVID-19 ENT complications is essential to reduce mortality and morbidity among vulnerable populations.

Clinical characteristics and long-term consequences of COVID-19 patients in a dedicated COVID unit of a tertiary care hospital: an 8-month follow-up study

Background: Aim of the study was to assess the demographic, clinical characteristics, long term consequences of Bangladeshi coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and to see any association with severity of COVID-19 and post COVID-19 functional status (PCFS). Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed in the COVID-19 unit of Cumilla Medical College and Hospital, Cumilla, Bangladesh. Fifty-eight patients were consecutively selected. Data were collected by direct interview and from hospital archives. All patients were followed up at 6 and 8-months intervals over telephone calls. Data regarding age, gender, contact history with COVID-19 patients, travel history, smoking history, comorbidities, symptoms, severity of COVID-19, post COVID-19 symptoms and functional status were recorded Results: About 44 (75.9%) patients recovered with residual damage and one patient died. The common symptoms at admission were fever, cough, dyspnea and fatigue while at follow-up, fatigue, poor memory, dyspnea and insomnia were observed, which persisted after recovery but improved over time. There were 30 (51.7%) patients with severe COVID-19 disease and 11 (21.2%) patients suffered from functional limitation. After multivariate adjustment, patients with severe COVID-19 had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.08 (1.02-1.16) for age and patients with post-COVID-19 functional limitation showed OR of 1.05 (1.00-1.11) for age, OR of 10.83 (2.08-56.35) for female and OR of 27.48 (4.30-175.61) for smoking. Conclusion: Majority of the patients recovered but with persistence of post COVID-19 symptoms, and few patients even developed functional limitation. Age was a significant independent predictor for severe disease whereas higher age, female gender and smokers were at increased odds of developing post COVID-19 functional limitation.

Evolution of COVID-19 According to Vaccination Status in a Moroccan Cohort

Introduction: Since the development of vaccines against the new emerging virus SARSCoV-2, which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several fundamental questions remain regarding the efficacy of these vaccines and their impact on the disease, its occurrence and its clinical course. In this sense, the study of the efficiency of the proposed vaccines has become an obligation in order to determine their true influence on COVID-19 in real clinical situation. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective and prospective cohort study with descriptive and analytical cross-sectional aims conducted in the Avicenna hospital in Marrakech over a period of 50 days, between December 20, 2021 and February 10, 2022, among patients diagnosed as positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR. Data collection was performed retrospectively and prospectively on medical records and by telephone calls of the patients diagnosed positive using a pre-established operating form. Results: 512 patients were included during the study period. The average age of the patients was 41 years with a slight male predominance (sex ratio M/F=1.37). 24.4% of our patients had at least one associated comorbidity, with diabetes and hypertension the most frequent comorbidities with a percentage of 15.2% and 9.8% respectively. - 75.8% of the patients included in our study were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while 24.2% were partially or not vaccinated. The evolution was marked by the occurrence of severe COVID-19 in 3.9% of the cases combined, out of only 1.8% of the fully vaccinated cases developed a severe form compared to 10.5% of the partially or non-vaccinated patients. The analytical study of our results showed that vaccination status and clinical progression had a statistically significant relationship and that complete vaccination was a protective factor against the occurrence of severe COVID-19 disease, although the overall efficacy of complete vaccination against these ........

COVID-19-induced liver injury in infants, children, and adolescents.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) typically presents with fever and respiratory symptoms in children. Most children develop an asymptomatic and mild illness, with a minority requiring specialist medical care. Gastrointestinal manifestations and liver injury can also occur in children following infection. The mechanisms of liver injury may include infection following direct viral hepatic tissue invasion, immune response, or medication effects. Affected children might develop mild liver dysfunction which has a benign course in most children with no pre-existing liver disease. However, the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or other pre-existing chronic liver disorders is associated with a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness with poor outcomes. On the other hand, the presence of liver manifestations is associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease and is considered an independent prognostic factor. Respiratory, hemodynamic, and nutritional supportive therapies are the mainstay of management. Vaccination of children at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease is indicated. This review describes the liver manifestations in children with COVID-19, detailing its epidemiology, basic mechanisms, clinical expression, management, and prognosis in those with and without pre-existing liver disease and also children who have had earlier liver transplantation.

Molecular crosstalk between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease using microarray and RNA-seq datasets: A system biology approach.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical and epidemiological analysis reported the association between SARS-CoV-2 and neurological diseases. Among neurological diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has developed as a crucial comorbidity of SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to understand the common transcriptional signatures between SARS-CoV-2 and AD. System biology approaches were used to compare the datasets of AD and COVID-19 to identify the genetic association. For this, we have integrated three human whole transcriptomic datasets for COVID-19 and five microarray datasets for AD. We have identified differentially expressed genes for all the datasets and constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Hub genes were identified from the PPI network, and hub genes-associated regulatory molecules (transcription factors and miRNAs) were identified for further validation. A total of 9,500 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for AD and 7,000 DEGs for COVID-19. Gene ontology analysis resulted in 37 molecular functions, 79 cellular components, and 129 biological processes were found to be commonly enriched in AD and COVID-19. We identified 26 hub genes which includes AKT1, ALB, BDNF, CD4, CDH1, DLG4, EGF, EGFR, FN1, GAPDH, INS, ITGB1, ACTB, SRC, TP53, CDC42, RUNX2, HSPA8, PSMD2, GFAP, VAMP2, MAPK8, CAV1, GNB1, RBX1, and ITGA2B. Specific miRNA targets associated with Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19 were identified through miRNA target prediction. In addition, we found hub genes-transcription factor and hub genes-drugs interaction. We also performed pathway analysis for the hub genes and found that several cell signaling pathways are enriched, such as PI3K-AKT, Neurotrophin, Rap1, Ras, and JAK-STAT. Our results suggest that the identified hub genes could be diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic drug targets for COVID-19 patients with AD comorbidity.

Exploration of the potential common pathogenic mechanisms in COVID-19 and silicosis by using bioinformatics and system biology

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease that is common worldwide. In recent years, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has provided daunting challenges to public healthcare systems globally. Although multiple studies have shown a close link between COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, the inter-relational mechanisms between COVID-19 and silicosis remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the shared molecular mechanisms and drug targets of COVID-19 and silicosis. Gene expression profiling identified four modules that were most closely associated with both diseases. Furthermore, we performed functional analysis and constructed a protein–protein interaction network. Seven hub genes (budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1 [BUB1], protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 [PRC1], kinesin family member C1 [KIFC1], ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 [RRM2], cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 [CDKN3], Cyclin B2 [CCNB2], and minichromosome maintenance complex component 6 [MCM6]) were involved in the interaction between COVID-19 and silicosis. We investigated how diverse microRNAs and transcription factors regulate these seven genes. Subsequently, the correlation between the hub genes and infiltrating immune cells was explored. Further in-depth analyses were performed based on single-cell transcriptomic data from COVID-19, and the expression of hub-shared genes was characterized and located in multiple cell clusters. Finally, molecular docking results reveal small molecular compounds that may improve COVID-19 and silicosis. The current study reveals the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 and silicosis, which may provide a novel reference for further research.

Remora Namib Beetle Optimization Enabled Deep Learning for Severity of COVID-19 Lung Infection Identification and Classification Using CT Images.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seen a crucial outburst for both females and males worldwide. Automatic lung infection detection from medical imaging modalities provides high potential for increasing the treatment for patients to tackle COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 detection from lung CT images is a rapid way of diagnosing patients. However, identifying the occurrence of infectious tissues and segmenting this from CT images implies several challenges. Therefore, efficient techniques termed as Remora Namib Beetle Optimization_ Deep Quantum Neural Network (RNBO_DQNN) and RNBO_Deep Neuro Fuzzy Network (RNBO_DNFN) are introduced for the identification as well as classification of COVID-19 lung infection. Here, the pre-processing of lung CT images is performed utilizing an adaptive Wiener filter, whereas lung lobe segmentation is performed employing the Pyramid Scene Parsing Network (PSP-Net). Afterwards, feature extraction is carried out wherein features are extracted for the classification phase. In the first level of classification, DQNN is utilized, tuned by RNBO. Furthermore, RNBO is designed by merging the Remora Optimization Algorithm (ROA) and Namib Beetle Optimization (NBO). If a classified output is COVID-19, then the second-level classification is executed using DNFN for further classification. Additionally, DNFN is also trained by employing the newly proposed RNBO. Furthermore, the devised RNBO_DNFN achieved maximum testing accuracy, with TNR and TPR obtaining values of 89.4%, 89.5% and 87.5%.