Coronavirus Related Diseases Research Articles

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on educational and professional growth of young Italian epileptologists: a survey of the Young Epilepsy Section-Italian chapter.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus-related disease SARS-CoV-2 infection pandemic. Italy was one of the most affected countries and managed the emergency also by a health care reorganization. The Education and Career Development Task Force of the Young Epilepsy Section-Italy (YES-I) designed a survey to assess the impact of the pandemic on the training and work of young epileptologists (< 40years). Fifty-three responses were collected: 45.3% were resident, 9.4% PhD students and the remainder specialists. Clinical activity changed for most (83%) during the pandemic. Educational activity at epilepsy centers was reduced for 35.8% of the survey participants, while 30.2% of research projects involving patients participation were stopped to switch mainly to COVID-19-related research. For 73.6% of survey participants, attending online courses and congresses was easier in terms of cost and organization, although for 50.9% the level of training was lower in quality. In contrast, 58.5% rated the webinars organized by YES-I very educational. Less than 50% of the clinicians used telemedicine in the pandemic period and continue to use it. Despite several positive aspects of virtual medicine, a small number (32.1%) of our interviewees were satisfied from telemedicine and few of them (30.2%) reported that it led to improvement of clinical practice. Our survey showed that the pandemic has had a negative impact on training, research and clinical activity in the epilepsy field; moreover, it underlined the critical aspects of virtual communication methods in order to improve its use for the future.

Investigating the Significances of Thiol Functionalities in SARS-CoV-2 Using Carbon Dots for Viral Inhibition.

While the World Health Organization has declared the end of the SARS-CoV-2 public health emergency, studies related to corona viruses are still under course. As of 2024, the severity of COVID-19 has diminished with current treatments and vaccinations. However, individuals can still face severe complications, highlighting the importance of ongoing research into innovative treatments for current and future coronavirus-related diseases. This study approaches the mechanism of viral entrance into the host cells and the current evidence on the use of sulfhydryl groups for the COVID-19 treatment. Certain thiol drugs, a key contributor to inflammatory processes, exhibit both viral inhibition properties and the potential to regulate cellular oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. Herein, we developed biocompatible thiol-functionalized carbon dots (CDs) and investigated the correlation between the number of thiols and pseudo-SARS-CoV-2 inhibition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and anti-inflammatory response. The free-radical scavenging experiment and the ROS cellular assay indicate that thiolated CDs serve as effective reducing agents and potential regulators of cellular oxidative stress. The CDs also demonstrated good cell viability alongside significant antiviral capabilities, with inhibition levels up to 60.4%. Furthermore, the flow cytometry results suggest that in an inflammatory environment, the presence of thiolated CDs promotes an anti-inflammatory response. Overall, the results demonstrate a strong correlation between the number of thiols and the increased efficacy observed across experiments, presenting thiolated CDs as promising candidates to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection.

Angiotensin-(1–7) infusion in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU: a seamless phase 1–2 randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThe coronavirus-related disease (COVID-19) is mainly characterized by a respiratory involvement. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a relevant role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, as the virus enters host’s cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).MethodsThis investigator-initiated, seamless phase 1–2 randomized clinical trial was conceived to test the safety and efficacy of continuous short-term (up to 7 days) intravenous administration of Angiotensin-(1–7) in COVID-19 patients admitted to two intensive care units (ICU). In addition to standard of care, intravenous administration of Angiotensin-(1–7) was started at 5 mcg/Kg day and increased to 10 mcg/Kg day after 24 h (Phase 1; open label trial) or given at 10 mcg/Kg day and continued for a maximum of 7 days or until ICU discharge (Phase 2; double-blind randomized controlled trial). The rate of serious adverse events (SAEs) served as the primary outcome of the study for Phase 1, and the number of oxygen free days (OFDs) by day 28 for Phase 2.ResultsBetween August 2020 and July 2021, when the study was prematurely stopped due to low recruitment rate, 28 patients were included in Phase 1 and 79 patients in Phase 2. Of those, 78 were included in the intention to treat analysis, and the primary outcome was available for 77 patients. During Phase 1, one SAE (i.e., bradycardia) was considered possibly related to the infusion, justifying its discontinuation. In Phase 2, OFDs did not differ between groups (median 19 [0–21] vs. 14 [0–18] days; p = 0.15). When patients from both phases were analyzed in a pooled intention to treat approach (Phase 1–2 trial), OFDs were significantly higher in treated patients, when compared to controls (19 [0–21] vs. 14 [0–18] days; absolute difference −5 days, 95% CI [0–7] p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe main findings of our study indicate that continuous intravenous infusion of Angiotensin-(1–7) at 10 mcg/Kg day in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU with severe pneumonia is safe. In Phase II intention to treat analysis, there was no significant difference in OFD between groups.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04633772—Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, UTN number: U1111-1255-7167.

Amentoflavone from Selaginella tamariscina inhibits SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused millions of deaths due to its prominent infectivity and mortality. Although the vaccines and medicines for SARS-CoV-2 are on the market, new coronavirus variants like influenza are expected to reemerge continuously. Therefore, effective and inexpensive medicines will be required to respond to SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we used herbal plant extracts to search for effective compounds that can interfere with SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and found that Selaginella tamariscina extract (STE) can reduce SARS-CoV-2 RdRp activity. The HCoV-OC43 beta coronavirus model was used to examine whether STE treatment could inhibit coronavirus replication and reduce coronavirus-induced cytotoxicity. Next, we searched the active compound of STE and found that amentoflavone is the main active compound of STE. Finally, we demonstrated that amentoflavone inhibits SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and coronavirus replication. Our results collectively indicate that amentoflavone from STE is possibly beneficial in responding to coronavirus-related diseases, including SARS-CoV-2.

Design of Automated Walk-Through Sanitizing Booth: A Preventive Measure Against Re-Emergence and Spread of COVID-19 Related Diseases

Considering the alarming rate with which the Corona-virus spread around the globe and its devastating effect on the economic, social and psychological well-being of the people worldwide, it is necessary to take measures that may prevent such re-occurrence in the nearest future. The impact of the virus was quite severe, indicating the importance of taking precautions. Realizing the gravity of the situation, governments all over the world, imposed a nationwide lockdown early on, which helped to decrease the possibility of community transmission. However, even after the lockdown, the risk of cross-contamination continues to be a significant concern. This risk was particularly high with asymptomatic individuals who can unknowingly spread the virus without exhibiting serious symptoms. Even now, that clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of some vaccines in reducing mild, moderate, and severe cases of COVID-19. It is necessary to set up preventive measures in combating the occurrence or re-emergence of such pandemic Corona-virus related diseases in the nearest future. A full body sanitizing machine which can be easily constructed was designed in this work. This machine takes the form of a door and tunnel structure, with two sides enclosed by Chaka Plates and two sides open for entry and exit purposes. When a person enters the tunnel, a sensor located at the top center detects its presence and activates the motor, which initiates the entire system. A total of 8-10 sprayers are activated and spray the person's body, automatically stopping after 4 seconds. This machine is capable of sanitizing fifteen people per minute. The discharged fluid and the temperatures of ten individual samples were tested and analyzed in order to ensure that the booth is working effectively. The tested samples confirmed that the tested samples have not been previously infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Letˋs Pay Attention to Covid and Move Forward

Introduction: Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from animals to humans and pose a major threat to human health and life. Animals are often asymptomatic carriers of pathogens and spread them in the environment with their excreta. Their course varies from the common cold to more severe and often fatal diseases in humans. Before the COVID-19 infection caused the global pandemic in 2020, coronavirus diseases were primarily of veterinary interest. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and strained healthcare systems around the world. This pandemic has necessitated the development of protective and therapeutic measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The lack of optimal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 offering long-lasting protection against the different viral variants, as well as a drug, allowing the treatment of all variants of COVID-19 directed us to the use of dietary components and agents that are applicable in the context of competitive inhibition by blocking part of the receptors to protect against coronavirus-related diseases. Discussion: Lactobacillus and carrageenans may have a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection alone or in combination in healthy subjects. Reducing the viral load in the nasopharynx may drastically reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Infectious diseases are among the strongest types of selective pressure driving human evolution. Genetics in the coming decades will likely allow us to understand the dynamics of human immune system formation. By learning from our mistakes and successes, we will be able to more successfully deal with the challenges posed by zoonoses in the future.

Assessing the interaction between hemoglobin and the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein through MARTINI coarse-grained molecular dynamics

The emergence of different coronavirus-related diseases in the 2000's (SARS, MERS, and Covid-19) warrants the need of a complete understanding of the pathological, biological, and biochemical behavior of this class of pathogens. Great attention has been paid to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, and its interaction with the human ACE2 has been thoroughly investigated. Recent findings suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 components may interact with different human proteins, and hemoglobin has very recently been demonstrated as a potential target for the Spike protein. Here we have investigated the interaction between either adult or fetal hemoglobin and the receptor binding domain of the Spike protein at molecular level through advanced molecular dynamics techniques and proposed rational binding modes and energy estimations. Our results agree with biochemical data previously reported in literature. We also demonstrated that co-incubation of pulmonary epithelial cells with hemoglobin strongly reduces the pro-inflammatory effects exerted by the concomitant administration of Spike protein.

Improving Neuropsychological Rehabilitation for COVID-19 Patients

Abstract: Cognitive sequelae after recovery from an initial COVID-19 disease are present in a subset of affected individuals, coalescing around several important issues such as effects of age, COVID-19 disease severity, comorbidities, and other factors. Some neuropsychological symptoms appear more common among certain patient populations. Comorbidities may complicate neuropsychological assessment as well. Hence, we need a guideline-based evaluation to guide neuropsychological rehabilitation. Drawing from the recent revision of the German National Guideline for the Long- and Post-COVID Syndrome and current advances in international guidance on neuropsychological assessment, this article provides practical and scientifically informed recommendations for the neuropsychological assessment of individuals recovering from coronavirus-related diseases.

CT Scan-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology for Lung Cancer Diagnosis through the COVID-19 Pandemic: What We Have Learned.

Novel coronavirus-related disease (COVID-19) has profoundly influenced hospital organization and structures worldwide. In Italy, the Lombardy Region, with almost 17% of the Italian population, rapidly became the most severely affected area since the pandemic beginning. The first and the following COVID-19 surges significantly affected lung cancer diagnosis and subsequent management. Much data have been already published regarding the therapeutic repercussions whereas very few reports have focused on the consequences of the pandemic on diagnostic procedures. We, here, would like to analyze data of novel lung cancer diagnosis performed in our Institution in Norther Italy where we faced the earliest and largest outbreaks of COVID-19 in Italy. We discuss, in detail, the strategies developed to perform biopsies and the safe pathways created in emergency settings to protect lung cancer patients in subsequent therapeutic phases. Quite unexpectedly, no significant differences emerged between cases enrolled during the pandemic and those before, and the two populations were homogeneous considering the composition and diagnostic and complication rates. By pointing out the role of multidisciplinarity in emergency contexts, these data will be of help in the future for designing tailored strategies to manage lung cancer in a real-life setting.

Antibody isotype epitope mapping of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD protein: Targets for COVID-19 symptomatology and disease control.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still poses a challenge for biomedicine and public health. To advance the development of effective diagnostic, prognostic, and preventive interventions, our study focused on high-throughput antibody binding epitope mapping of the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein by IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies in saliva and sera of different cohorts from healthy uninfected individuals to SARS-CoV-2-infected unvaccinated and vaccinated asymptomatic, recovered, nonsevere, and severe patients. Identified candidate diagnostic (455-LFRKSNLKPFERD-467), prognostic (395-VYADSFVIRGDEV-407-C-KLH, 332-ITNLCPFGEV-342-C-KLH, 352-AWNRKRI-358-C-KLH, 524-VCGPKKSTNLVKN-536-KLH), and protective (MKLLE-487-NCYFPLQSYGFQPTNGVG-504-GGGGS-446-GGNYNYLYRLFRKSNLKPFERD-467) epitopes were validated with sera from prevaccine and postvaccine cohorts. The results identified neutralizing epitopes and support that antibody recognition of linear B-cell epitopes in RBD protein is associated with antibody isotype and disease symptomatology. The findings in asymptomatic individuals suggest a role for anti-RBD antibodies in the protective response against SARS-CoV-2. The possibility of translating results into diagnostic interventions for the early diagnosis of asymptomatic individuals and prognosis of disease severity provides new tools for COVID-19 surveillance and evaluation of risks in hospitalized patients. These results, together with other approaches, may contribute to the development of new vaccines for the control of COVID-19 and other coronavirus-related diseases using a quantum vaccinomics approach through the combination of protective epitopes.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Among the General Population: A Narrative Review

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has infected millions of people worldwide, resulting in a global burden for long-term care of sufferers. The impact of COVID-19 has affected the mental health of innumerable people. Emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all parts of our mental health, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Additionally, it affects how people respond to stress and make good decisions. For instance, depression raises the risk of a wide range of physical health issues, especially chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions worldwide, leaving a global burden for the long-term care of COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, it is imperative to study the shortterm (post-COVID) and long-term effects of COVID-19, specifically as the local and systemic pathophysiological outcomes of other coronavirus-related diseases (such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - MERS and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 - SARS-CoV-2) have been well-documented. Mental health was evaluated using four psychological measurement scales to assess fear of COVID-19, depression, general anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The worldwide social and economic upheaval has resulted in the worst recession since the Great Depression. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale can be used to evaluate the psychological impact and mental health status. The main themes include the biology of stress and the effect of infection on the brain. Adversity can cause anatomical and functional changes in the brain. Although cortisol, for example, can alter brain architecture, tolerable stress is mitigated by protective systems and interpersonal connections that promote adaptive coping. The risk of physical and mental illness, as well as cognitive decline, may increase due to toxic stress, which is often caused by prolonged activation. From a behavioural standpoint, it is essential to understand burnout, compassion fatigue, grief, and other psychological processes and strategies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has adversely affected the mental states of people. The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significantly high levels of psychological distress that meet the threshold for clinical relevance. Mitigating the harmful effects of COVID-19 on mental health is an international public health priority

85 ATRIAL FIBRILLATION INCIDENCE IN SARS-COV-2 INFECTED PATIENTS: PREDICTORS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY

Abstract Background Among the different CardioVascular (CV) manifestation of the COronaVIrus-related Disease (COVID) particular attention has been paid to arrhythmia and particularly to Atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of AF episodes in patients hospitalized for COVID and to evaluate its predictors and its relationship with in-hospital all-cause mortality. Methods We enrolled 3435 cases of SARS-CoV2 infection admitted in four hospitals in Northern Italy. We collected data on clinical history, vital signs, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, laboratory tests and pharmacological treatment. AF incident and all-cause in-hospital mortality were considered as outcomes. Results 145 (4.2%) patients develop AF during hospitalization, with a median time of 3 days (IQR: 0, 11.5) from admission. Incident AF patients were older and had lower eGFR, lower platelet and lymphocytes count and higher C-Reactive Protein (CRP), were admitted more frequently to ICU and more frequently died compared to subjects that didn't present AF. At the Cox regression model significant determinants of incident AF were older age (HR 1.070; 95% CI: 1.048, 1.092), history of AF (HR 2.800; 95% CI: 1.465, 5.351), ischemic heart disease (HR 0.324; 95% CI: 0.130, 0.811) and ICU admission (HR 8.030; 95% CI: 4.511, 14.292). Incident AF was a predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 1.679; 95% CI: 1.170, 2.410), together with age (HR 1.053; 95% CI: 1.042, 1.065), dementia (HR 1.553; 95% CI 1.151, 2.095), platelet count (HR 0.997; 95% CI: 0.996, 0.999) higher CRP (HR 1.004; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.005) and eGFR (HR: 0.991; 95% CI: 0.986, 0.996) Conclusion AF present as the main arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients and its development during the hospitalization strongly relates with in-hospital mortality.

Atrial fibrillation incidence in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients: predictors and relationship with in-hospital mortality

Abstract Background Among the different CardioVascular (CV) manifestation of the COronaVIrus-related Disease (COVID) particular attention has been paid to arrhythmia and particularly to Atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of AF episodes in patients hospitalized for COVID and to evaluate its predictors and its relationship with in-hospital all-cause mortality. Methods We enrolled 3435 cases of SARS-CoV2 infection admitted in four hospitals in Northern Italy. We collected data on clinical history, vital signs, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, laboratory tests and pharmacological treatment. AF incident and all-cause in-hospital mortality were considered as outcomes. Results 145 (4.2%) patients develop AF during hospitalization, with a median time of 3 days (IQR: 0, 11.5) from admission. Incident AF patients were older and had lower eGFR, lower platelet and lymphocytes count and higher C-Reactive Protein (CRP), were admitted more frequently to ICU and more frequently died compared to subjects that didn't present AF. At the Cox regression model significant determinants of incident AF were older age (HR 1.070; 95% CI: 1.048, 1.092), history of AF (HR 2.800; 95% CI: 1.465, 5.351), ischemic heart disease (HR 0.324; 95% CI: 0.130, 0.811) and ICU admission (HR 8.030; 95% CI: 4.511, 14.292). Incident AF was a predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 1.679; 95% CI: 1.170, 2.410), together with age (HR 1.053; 95% CI: 1.042, 1.065), dementia (HR 1.553; 95% CI 1.151, 2.095), platelet count (HR 0.997; 95% CI: 0.996, 0.999) higher CRP (HR 1.004; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.005) and eGFR (HR: 0.991; 95% CI: 0.986, 0.996) Conclusion AF present as the main arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients and its development during the hospitalization strongly relates with in-hospital mortality. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): ASST GOM Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy

The first Chinese oral anti-COVID-19 drug Azvudine launched

The first Chinese oral anti-COVID-19 drug Azvudine launched

Eugenol alleviates transmissible gastroenteritis virus-induced intestinal epithelial injury by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.

Increasing evidence supports the ability of eugenol to maintain intestinal barrier integrity and anti-inflammatory in vitro and in vivo; however, whether eugenol alleviates virus-mediated intestinal barrier damage and inflammation remains a mystery. Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), a coronavirus, is one of the main causative agents of diarrhea in piglets and significantly impacts the global swine industry. Here, we found that eugenol could alleviate TGEV-induced intestinal functional impairment and inflammatory responses in piglets. Our results indicated that eugenol improved feed efficiency in TGEV-infected piglets. Eugenol not only increased serum immunoglobulin concentration (IgG) but also significantly decreased serum inflammatory cytokine concentration (TNF-α) in TGEV-infected piglets. In addition, eugenol also significantly decreased the expression of NF-κB mRNA and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB P65 protein in the jejunum mucosa of TGEV-infected piglets. Eugenol increased villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum, and decreased serum D-lactic acid levels. Importantly, eugenol increased tight junction protein (ZO-1) and mRNA expression levels of nutrient transporter-related genes (GluT-2 and CaT-1) in the jejunum mucosa of TGEV-infected piglets. Meanwhile, compared with TGEV-infected IPEC-J2 cells, treatment with eugenol reduced the cell cytopathic effect, attenuated the inflammatory response. Interestingly, eugenol did not increase the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin in IPEC-J2 cells. However, western blot and immunofluorescence results showed that eugenol restored TGEV-induced down-regulation of ZO-1 and Occludin, while BAY11-7082 (The NF-κB specific inhibitor) enhanced the regulatory ability of eugenol. Our findings demonstrated that eugenol attenuated TGEV-induced intestinal injury by increasing the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, which may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Eugenol may offer some therapeutic opportunities for coronavirus-related diseases.

Atrial fibrillation incidence in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients: Predictors and relationship with in-hospital mortality

Background and Aims : Among the different CardioVascular (CV) manifestation of the CoronaVIrus-related Disease (COVID) particular attention has been paid to Atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of AF episodes in patients hospitalized for COVID and to evaluate its predictors and its relationship with in-hospital all-cause mortality.

Effect of Chemokine Gene Variants on Covid-19 Disease Severity

ABSTRACT Patients immune phenotype/genotype data may be useful to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and can contribute to the identify the different levels of disease severity. The roles of chemokines have been reported in the coronavirus-related diseases SARS and MERS and they may likewise play a critical role in the development of the symptoms of COVID-19 disease. We analyzed the association of the MCP-1-A2518 G, SDF-1-3’A, CCR5-delta32, CCR5-A55029 G, CXCR4-C138T and CCR2-V64I gene polymorphisms with COVID-19 severity to further unveil the immunological pathways leading to disease severity and death. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)/Sanger sequencing analysis was performed for detection of the variations in 60 asymptomatic and 119 severe COVID-19 patients. In our study, we found that the frequencies of MCP-1 of GA genotype and G allele carriers were significantly higher in severe COVID-19 patients than the asymptomatic COVID-19 patients (p < .0001 and p: .005, respectively). However, no significant association was found for any of the other polymorphisms with the severity of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that there is a positive association between MCP-1-A2518 G gene variants with the severity of COVID-19. However, larger studies in different population which will focus on gene expression levels will help us to understand the capability of the mechanism role.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION INCIDENCE IN SARS-COV-2 INFECTED PATIENTS: PREDICTORS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY

Objective: Among the different CardioVascular (CV) manifestation of the COronaVIrus-related Disease (COVID) particular attention has been paid to arrhythmia and particularly to Atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of AF episodes in patients ospitalisat for COVID and to evaluate its predictors and its relationship with in-hospital all-cause mortality. Design and method: We enrolled 3435 cases of SARS-CoV2 infection admitted in four hospitals in Northern Italy. We collected data on clinical history, vital signs, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, laboratory tests and pharmacological treatment. AF incident and all-cause in-hospital mortality were considered as outcomes. Results: 145 (4.2%) patients develop AF during ospitalisation, with a median time of 3 days (IQR: 0, 11.5) from admission. Incident AF patients were older and had lower eGFR, lower platelet and lymphocytes count and higher C-Reactive Protein (CRP), were admitted more frequently to ICU and more frequently died compared to subjects that didn’t present AF. At the Cox regression model significant determinants of incident AF were older age (HR 1.070; 95% CI: 1.048, 1.092), history of AF (HR 2.800; 95% CI: 1.465, 5.351), ischemic heart disease (HR 0.324; 95% CI: 0.130, 0.811) and ICU admission (HR 8.030; 95% CI: 4.511, 14.292). Incident AF was a predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 1.679; 95% CI: 1.170, 2.410), together with age (HR 1.053; 95% CI: 1.042, 1.065), dementia (HR 1.553; 95% CI 1.151, 2.095), platelet count (HR 0.997; 95% CI: 0.996, 0.999) higher CRP (HR 1.004; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.005) and eGFR (HR: 0.991; 95% CI: 0.986, 0.996) Conclusions: AF present as the main arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients and its development during the ospitalisation strongly relates with in-hospital mortality.

P16 ATRIAL FIBRILLATION INCIDENCE IN SARS–COV–2 INFECTED PATIENTS: PREDICTORS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH IN–HOSPITAL MORTALITY

Abstract Background Among the different CardioVascular (CV) manifestation of the COronaVIrus–related Disease (COVID) particular attention has been paid to arrhythmia and particularly to Atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of AF episodes in patients hospitalized for COVID and to evaluate its predictors and its relationship with in–hospital all–cause mortality. Methods We enrolled 3435 cases of SARS–CoV2 infection admitted in four hospitals in Northern Italy. We collected data on clinical history, vital signs, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, laboratory tests and pharmacological treatment. AF incident and all–cause in–hospital mortality were considered as outcomes. Results 145 (4.2%) patients develop AF during hospitalization, with a median time of 3 days (IQR: 0, 11.5) from admission. Incident AF patients were older and had lower eGFR, lower platelet and lymphocytes count and higher C–Reactive Protein (CRP), were admitted more frequently to ICU and more frequently died compared to subjects that didn’t present AF. At the Cox regression model significant determinants of incident AF were older age (HR 1.070; 95% CI: 1.048, 1.092), history of AF (HR 2.800; 95% CI: 1.465, 5.351), ischemic heart disease (HR 0.324; 95% CI: 0.130, 0.811) and ICU admission (HR 8.030; 95% CI: 4.511, 14.292). Incident AF was a predictor of all–cause mortality (HR 1.679; 95% CI: 1.170, 2.410), together with age (HR 1.053; 95% CI: 1.042, 1.065), dementia (HR 1.553; 95% CI 1.151, 2.095), platelet count (HR 0.997; 95% CI: 0.996, 0.999) higher CRP (HR 1.004; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.005) and eGFR (HR: 0.991; 95% CI: 0.986, 0.996) Conclusion AF present as the main arrhythmia in COVID–19 patients and its development during the hospitalization strongly relates with in–hospital mortality.

The Interplay Between Coronavirus and Type I IFN Response.

In the past few decades, newly evolved coronaviruses have posed a global threat to public health and animal breeding. To control and prevent the coronavirus-related diseases, understanding the interaction of the coronavirus and the host immune system is the top priority. Coronaviruses have evolved multiple mechanisms to evade or antagonize the host immune response to ensure their replication. As the first line and main component of innate immune response, type I IFN response is able to restrict virus in the initial infection stage; it is thus not surprising that the primary aim of the virus is to evade or antagonize the IFN response. Gaining a profound understanding of the interaction between coronaviruses and type I IFN response will shed light on vaccine development and therapeutics. In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge on strategies employed by coronaviruses to evade type I IFN response.