Coronavirus Disease 2019 Virus Research Articles

Smoking Cessation as a Public Health Measure to Limit the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has already evolved into a rapidly expanding pandemic. Risk factors for COVID-19, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes, are all strongly associated with smoking habits. The effects of cigarette smoking on the transmission of the virus and worsening of COVID-19 have been less addressed. Emerging data indicate that smoking history is the major determinant of worsening COVID-19 outcomes. Smoking cessation recovers airway ciliary clearance and immune function. Thus, smoking cessation awareness is strongly encouraged as a public health measure to limit the global impact of COVID-19.

Correlation analysis of the severity and clinical prognosis of 32 cases of patients with COVID-19.

Correlation analysis of the severity and clinical prognosis of 32 cases of patients with COVID-19.

ADHD management during the COVID-19 pandemic: guidance from the European ADHD Guidelines Group

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is creating unprecedented challenges at every level of society. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are particularly vulnerable to the distress caused by the pandemic and physical distancing measures, and they might display increased behavioural problems. The crisis also poses several important questions for clinicians on how best to deliver care within the new restrictions. Therefore, the European ADHD Guidelines Group (EAGG) has developed guidance on the assessment and management of ADHD during the COVID-19 virus pandemic (see full guidance in the appendix).

Cardiovascular Pharmacology in the Time of COVID-19: A Focus on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2.

:Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a pandemic affecting millions of adults. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2019 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative virus of COVID-19, infects host cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Preclinical models suggest that ACE2 upregulation confers protective effects in acute lung injury. In addition, renin–angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors reduce adverse atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease outcomes, but may increase ACE2 levels. We review current knowledge of the role of ACE2 in cardiovascular physiology and SARS-CoV-2 virology, as well as clinical data to inform the management of patients with or at risk for COVID-19 who require renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor therapy.

Structure of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from COVID-19 virus.

A novel coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] outbreak has caused a global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, resulting in tens of thousands of infections and thousands of deaths worldwide. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [(RdRp), also named nsp12] is the central component of coronaviral replication and transcription machinery, and it appears to be a primary target for the antiviral drug remdesivir. We report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of COVID-19 virus full-length nsp12 in complex with cofactors nsp7 and nsp8 at 2.9-angstrom resolution. In addition to the conserved architecture of the polymerase core of the viral polymerase family, nsp12 possesses a newly identified β-hairpin domain at its N terminus. A comparative analysis model shows how remdesivir binds to this polymerase. The structure provides a basis for the design of new antiviral therapeutics that target viral RdRp.

Development of Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays Targeting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic now has >2,000,000 confirmed cases worldwide. COVID-19 is currently diagnosed using quantitative RT-PCR methods, but the capacity of quantitative RT-PCR methods is limited by their requirement of high-level facilities and instruments. We developed and evaluated reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assays to detect genomic RNA of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative virus of COVID-19. RT-LAMP assays reported in this study can detect as low as 100 copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Cross-reactivity of RT-LAMP assays to other human coronaviruses was not observed. A colorimetric detection method was adapted for this RT-LAMP assay to enable higher throughput.

COVID-19 pandemic in west Africa

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which started in the Hubei province of China in 2019, has now spread to all continents, affecting 177 countries by March 27, 2020.1 Successful efforts in containing the COVID-19 virus in Asia resulted in WHO declaring Europe as the epicentre of the disease on March 13.2 Whether warmer temperatures will slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been a point of much speculation. This hypothesis has led some European countries to produce initial policies relying on decreased transmission rates during the summer months,3 and the belief that African countries will face smaller epidemics than their European counterparts.

Association of Comorbidities with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Review

AbstractThe novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started with few cases of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan, China. It has now become one of the significant public health emergencies of all time. Within 5 months of its existence, it has led to a significant impact on national and international policies. Apart from being a medical emergency, it is also affecting the global economy, and without proper measures, it may have severely impact the socioeconomic statuses of individuals. It has profoundly challenged the healthcare infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Every nation is trying to safeguard its population and the health workers as adequately as possible. While we still wait for the development of an absolute cure in the form of a vaccine, preventive measures have taken the lead in reducing the disease spread and breaking the chain of transmission. The knowledge gained from the clinical characteristics of patients has suggested markers or comorbid conditions that may aid in the risk assessment. This narrative review aims to provide an update on SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of COVID-19, its pathogenesis, the clinical and laboratory features, and its association with several comorbid conditions that may influence the prognosis of this disease.

On the Frontline of the COVID-19 Outbreak: Keeping Patients on Long-Term Dialysis Safe.

We received a call at 9:00 pm on Friday evening, February 28th that our patient had died of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. This would be the first reported death from COVID-19 in the nation. After suspending disbelief, we began our approach following three guiding principles: provide

Deciphering the power of isolation in controlling COVID-19 outbreaks

Deciphering the power of isolation in controlling COVID-19 outbreaks

Social Capital and Sleep Quality in Individuals Who Self-Isolated for 14 Days During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in January 2020 in China.

BackgroundFrom the end of December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began to spread in central China. Social capital is a measure of social trust, belonging, and participation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of social capital on sleep quality and the mechanisms involved in people who self-isolated at home for 14 days in January 2020 during the COVID-19 epidemic in central China.MethodsIndividuals (n=170) who self-isolated at home for 14 days in central China, completed self-reported questionnaires on the third day of isolation. Individual social capital was assessed using the Personal Social Capital Scale 16 (PSCI-16) questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) questionnaire, stress was assessed using the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction (SASR) questionnaire, and sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Path analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships between a dependent variable (social capital) and two or more independent variables, using Pearson’s correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM).ResultsLow levels of social capital were associated with increased levels of anxiety and stress, but increased levels of social capital were positively associated with increased quality of sleep. Anxiety was associated with stress and reduced sleep quality, and the combination of anxiety and stress reduced the positive effects of social capital on sleep quality.ConclusionDuring a period of individual self-isolation during the COVID-19 virus epidemic in central China, increased social capital improved sleep quality by reducing anxiety and stress.

A Chinese Case of COVID-19 Did Not Show Infectivity During the Incubation Period: Based on an Epidemiological Survey.

Controversy remains over whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus may have infectivity during the incubation period before the onset of symptoms. The author had the opportunity to examine the infectivity of COVID-19 during the incubation period by conducting an epidemiological survey on a confirmed patient who had visited Jeju Island during the incubation period. The epidemiological findings support the claim that the COVID-19 virus does not have infectivity during the incubation period.

Sequencing the Complete Genome of COVID-19 Virus from Clinical Samples Using the Sanger Method.

What is already known on this topic? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by a novel human coronavirus named the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 virus, was reported in December 2019. Complete genomes of the COVID-19 virus from clinical samples using next generation sequencing (NGS) have been reported. What is added by this report? Here we provide the technical data for sequencing complete genome of COVID-19 virus from clinical samples using the Sanger method. Two complete COVID-19 virus genome sequences (named WH19004-S and GX0002) were obtained from clinical samples of COVID-19 patients, and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ORF7a (T/C, nt 27,493) and ORF8 (T/C, nt 28,253) of WH19004-S were identified by Sanger sequencing. What are the implications for public health practice? The COVID-19 virus genome sequencing by Sanger method reported here could be used to generate data of high enough quality without requirement for expensive NGS equipment, which support sequencing complete genomes from clinical samples and monitoring of viral genetic variations of COVID-19 infections.

Antibody Response to COVID-19 Virus - Heilongjiang Province and Gansu Province, China, 2020.

What is already known about this topic?Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, while the profile of antibody response against the COVID-19 virus has not been well clarified.What is added by this report?In this study, 210 serum samples from 160 confirmed COVID-19 cases with different disease severities were recruited. The IgM, IgA, IgG, and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against COVID-19 virus were determined. Our findings indicated that four antibodies could be detectable at low levels within 2 weeks of disease onset, then rapidly increasing and peaking from the 3rd to 5th Weeks. NAb decreased between 5th and 9th Weeks, and a higher IgM/IgA level was observed in the groups with mild/moderate severity within 2 weeks (p<0.05), while all 4 types of antibodies were higher in the group with severe/critical severity after 4 weeks (p<0.05). What are the implications for public health practice?Our study on the dynamics of serological antibody responses against COVID-19 virus among COVID-19 patients complements the recognition regarding the humoral immune response to COVID-19 virus infection. The findings will help in the interpretation of antibody detection results for COVID-19 patients and be beneficial for the evaluation of vaccination effects.

Preventive strategies and renal replacement therapies for patients with COVID-19

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spotlighted the vulnerability of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) to the viral infection, A baseline hyperinflammatory state driven by factors such as the retention of uremic toxins afflicts these patients. Emphasis is placed on preparedness and prevention strategies for infection with this new COVID-19 Virus. Extracorporeal techniques can be helpful in the modulation of an immune dysregulated response, both in the severely ill and in the chronic HD patient. The use of high-flux (HF) dialyzers for HD is the standard of care. However, with HF membranes the effect is augmented when applied in a Hemodiafiltration mode, thanks for its dragging effect, on the other hand the use of superflux or Medium cut off dialyzers MCO are advantageous in removing the larger middle molecules with special respect to the cytokines release as a main cause of deterioration in those patients the use of more prolonged Hemodialysis, namely Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) as well the Prolonged Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy (PIRRT) are considered best options as per its more prolongated time so compensate for the balance between production and elimination. Important issues are to improve the overall patients conditions on Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) in the term of maximizing the HD Dose, Nutritional support, treatment of any comorbidity as well inflammation as first step in preparedness of patients beside the strict and extensively adherent to preventive strategies that may improve the overall outcomes if they get infected with COVID-19.

Review of environmental challenges and pandemic crisis of Covid-19.

INTRODUCTION:Spread of novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) has become a global and pandemic crisis. Some measures such as excessive use of disinfectants, increased production of nonbiodegradable waste, and water pollution will be the consequences of fighting against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which harms the environment. Due to the fact that these effects will be identified in the long term, they may be neglected in the current situation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the environmental challenges caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic crisis.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a review study conducted by search in databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and science direct until early May 2020. Keywords included “SARS-CoV-2,” “COVID-19,” and “Environment.” Studies published in English and conducted in different countries were also selected for the analysis. The guidelines published by reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control prevention (CDC), and the Ministry of Health have also been used in this study.CONCLUSION:The results of this study have shown that the COVID-19 virus, in addition to human damage and mortality, also affects the environment, and the damages and losses resulting from this pandemic may be identified later. Water pollution, increasing chemical pollution in the air, and increasing the production of nonbiodegradable waste are of these issues. For this purpose, it is recommended that, in addition to trying to improve the control of this pandemic, other environmental aspects in disinfection methods and disposal of dry and wet contaminated waste should be done more accurately and based on standard protocols. Infectious waste, in addition to the problem of standard sanitation, will become a major challenge that pollutes the environment. Based on this, it can be said that if home quarantine is observed voluntarily, in addition to reducing the risk of the SARS-CoV-2 and reducing the volume of visits to medical centers, it can be associated with another positive achievement, which is the reduction in waste production and protection of the environment.

Comparison of the Computed Tomography Findings in COVID-19 and Other Viral Pneumonia in Immunocompetent Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present at chest computed tomography (CT) as other viral pneumonia, our purpose was to evaluate imaging features that could distinguish them. Methods: In this meta-analysis, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched through March 31, 2020. Studies were eligible if they had included immunocompetent adults with up to 14 days of viral pneumonia and described their chest CT findings. Subjects should have in a respiratory tract sample positive identification of COVID-19, adenovirus, influenza A, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, or respiratory syncytial virus. We included controlled or observational studies, and case series with more than ten patients. Studies were excluded if presence of immunocompromised and/or non-adults subjects; letters to the editor, reviews, or case series with less than ten patients; not in English. We calculated the pooled prevalences of the included variables and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Findings: From 2263 studies identified, 33 were eligible for inclusion, with a total of 1930 patients (COVID, n=934; 48.4%; non-COVID, n=996; 51.6%). Frequent CT features for all viral pneumonia were a mixed pattern of ground-glass opacity (GGO) and consolidation (COVID-19, 0.37;0.17-0.56; non-COVID, 0.50;0.39-0.62). bilateral distribution (COVID, 0.81;0.77-0.85; non-COVID, 0.70;0.55-0.85), and presence in lower lobes (COVID, 0.88; 0.80-0.95; non-COVID, 0.66;0.50-0.82). COVID-19 pneumonia presented a higher prevalence GGO predominance (0.42;0.28-0.55; non-COVID 0.21;0.14-0.27), peripheral distribution (0.77;0.67-0.87), and involvement of upper (0.77;0.65-0.88) and middle lobes (0.61;0.47-0.76). Interpretation: Although COVID-19 might present a higher prevalence of GGO predominance, involvement of upper and middle lobes, and peripheral distribution, most CT findings overlap with other viral pneumonia. Thus, chest CT should not be encouraged as a first-line test for COVID-19 diagnosis in the general population. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Excretion of SARS-CoV-2 through faecal specimens

ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic with increasing numbers of cases worldwide. SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of COVID-19, is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets or through direct and indirect contact with an infected person. The possibility of potential faecal-oral transmission was investigated in this study. We collected 258 faecal specimens from nine provinces in China and detected the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 using real-time RT–PCR. Vero cells were used to isolate the virus from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid positive samples, after which sequencing of Spike gene in eight samples was performed. In all, 93 of 258 (36%) stool samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The positive rates of critical, severe, moderate, and mild patients were 54.4%, 56.1%, 30.8%, and 33.3%, respectively. The content of nucleic acid increased within 2 weeks after the onset of the disease. From the perspective of clinical typing, the nucleic acid can be detected in the faeces of critical patients within two weeks and until four to five weeks in the faeces of severe and mild patients. SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from stool specimens of two severe patients. Four non-synonymous mutations in Spike gene were newly detected in three stool samples. A small number of patients had strong faecal detoxification ability. The live virus in faeces could be an important source of contamination, which may lead to infection and further spread in areas with poor sanitary conditions. The findings of this study have public health significance and they should be considered when formulating disease control strategies.

Low Exhaled Breath Droplet Formation May Explain Why Children are Poor SARS-CoV-2 Transmitters

A characteristic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the few cases of severely affected children. They not only rarely get symptoms but also seem to be poor transmitters. We propose that this may be explained by the mechanism of breath droplet formation, which occur during the re-opening of collapsed terminal bronchioles. Children's lungs are still developing. Compared to adults they have few alveoli and terminal bronchioles, thus less sites of aerosol formation where virus-loaded lung lining liquid can get airborne. In addition, children have a lower respiratory minute volume and tend to have a lower viral load. These points, together with the fact that asymptomatic carriers release less aerosols than symptomatic carriers support the idea that children are indeed poor transmitters of the COVID-19 virus.

Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 with cardiac injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cardiac injury is associated with poor prognosis of 2019 novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the risk factors for cardiac injury have not been fully studied. In this study, we carried out a systematic analysis of clinical characteristics in COVID-19 patients to determine potential risk factors for cardiac injury complicated COVID-19 virus infection. We systematically searched relevant literature published in Pubmed, Embase, Europe PMC, CNKI and other databases. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 16.0. We analysed 5726 confirmed cases from 17 studies. The results indicated that compared with non-cardiac-injured patients, patients with cardiac injury are older, with a greater proportion of male patients, with higher possibilities of existing comorbidities, with higher risks of clinical complications, need for mechanical ventilation, ICU transfer and mortality. Moreover, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, D-dimer, NT-proBNP and blood creatinine in patients with cardiac injury are also higher while lymphocyte counts and platelet counts decreased. However, we fortuitously found that patients with cardiac injury did not present higher clinical specificity for chest distress (P = 0.304), chest pain (P = 0.334), palpitations (P = 0.793) and smoking (P = 0.234). Similarly, the risk of concomitant arrhythmia (P = 0.103) did not increase observably either. Age, male gender and comorbidities are risk factors for cardiac injury complicated COVID-19 infection. Such patients are susceptible to complications and usually have abnormal results of laboratory tests, leading to poor outcomes. Contrary to common cardiac diseases, cardiac injury complicated COVID-19 infection did not significantly induce chest distress, chest pain, palpitations or arrhythmias. Our study indicates that early prevention should be applied to COVID-19 patients with cardiac injury to reduce adverse outcomes.