Syndrome Coronavirus Research Articles

Interpretative immune targets and contemporary position for vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review.

The year 2020 started with the emergence of novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which causes COVID‐19 infection. Soon after the first evidence was reported in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization declared global public health emergency and imminent need to understand the pathogenicity of the virus was required in limited time. Once the genome sequence of the virus was delineated, scientists across the world started working on the development of vaccines. Although, some laboratories have been using previously developed vaccine platforms from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus and apply them in COVID‐19 vaccines due to genetic similarities between coronaviruses. We have conducted a literature review to assess the background and current status of COVID‐19 vaccines. The worldwide implementation and strategies for COVID‐19 vaccine development are summarized from studies reported in years 2015–2020. While discussing the vaccine candidates, we have also explained interpretative immune responses of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. There are several vaccine candidates at preclinical and clinical stages; however, only 42 vaccines are under clinical trials. Therefore, more industry collaborations and financial supports to COVID‐19 studies are needed for mass‐scale vaccine development. To develop effective vaccine platforms against SARS‐CoV‐2, the genetic resemblance with other coronaviruses are being evaluated which may further promote fast‐track trials on previously developed SARS‐CoV vaccines.

Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic: Initial impacts and responses of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network in the United States.

COVID‐19 has been sweeping the globe, hitting the United States particularly hard with a state of emergency declared on March 13, 2020. Transplant hospitals have taken various precautions to protect patients from potential exposure. OPTN donor, candidate, and transplant data were analyzed from January 5, 2020 to September 5, 2020. The number of new waiting list registrations decreased, with the Northeast seeing over a 50% decrease from the week of 3/8 versus the week of 4/5. The national transplant system saw near cessation of living donor transplantation (−90%) from the week of 3/8 to the week of 4/5. Similarly, deceased donor kidney transplant volume dropped from 367 to 202 (−45%), and other organs saw similar decreases: lung (−70%), heart (−43%), and liver (−37%). Deceased donors recovered dropped from 260 to 163 (−45%) from 3/8 compared to 4/5, including a 67% decrease for lungs recovered. The magnitude of this decrease varied by geographic area, with the largest percent change (−67%) in the Northeast. Despite the pandemic, discard rates across organ has remained stable. Although the COVID‐19 pandemic continues to evolve, OPTN data show recent evidence of stabilization, an indication that an early recovery of the number of living and deceased donors and transplants has ensued.

Review a brief history of coronaviruses in Thailand

As with many countries around the world, Thailand is currently experiencing restrictions to daily life as a consequence of the worldwide transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is the third respiratory syndrome coronavirus to be introduced into Thailand, following previous importation of cases of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS). Unlike SARS and MERS, SARS-CoV-2 was able to establish local transmission in Thailand. In addition to the imported coronaviruses, Thailand has a number of endemic coronaviruses that can affect livestock and pet species, can be found in bats, as well as four human coronaviruses that are mostly associated with the common cold. This article seeks to review what is known on both the endemic and imported coronaviruses in Thailand.

High Mortality Rate in Adult COVID-19 Inpatients in Eastern Sudan: A Retrospective Study.

AimThe current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a global public health concern that has resulted in the rapid growth in the number of infected patients with significant mortality rates. Hence, we conducted a retrospective study in Gadarif Hospital to evaluate the presenting manifestations, mortality rate, and the risk factors associated with mortality in hospitalized patients.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted at Gadarif Hospital in Eastern Sudan. Medical files of the patients admitted during the period between April and July 2020 were reviewed. All the files of the adult patients (aged 18 or above), of both sexes, who had a confirmed COVID-19-positive status via laboratory testing using PCR and who were admitted during this period were reviewed. The data extracted included patients’ demographics and initial clinical presentation, symptoms, signs, and the laboratory and radiographic findings. The data were analyzed using SPSS v22.ResultsEighty-eight patients were admitted with COVID-19. The median (interquartile) age was 62 (55.00–70.00) years old, and 72 (81.8%) of them were males. Most patients (75%) experienced a one-week duration of symptoms. A fever (87.5%), cough (80.68%), and shortness of breath (77.27%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Following a clinical assessment, both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found to be normal in most patients, at 92.05% and 89.77%, respectively. An oxygen saturation of less than 90% was seen in 71.59% of patients. The general mortality rate was 37.5% and most deaths occurred during the first 24 h of admission (21/33 [63.64%]). There was no significant difference in the death rate between females and males (5/16 [31.3%] vs 28/72 [38.9%], P = 0.776). There was no significant difference in the body mass index, tobacco use, or education level between the patients who died and those who survived. A logistic regression showed that being older (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI = [1.01, 1.10]) and having a lower PO2 level (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.16]) were associated with mortality.ConclusionThe general mortality rate was 37.5%, and the risk factors that could predict increased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 positive cases included old age and a lower PO2 level.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Pregnancy: What Obstetricians Need to Know

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222:415–426) As Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads across the globe, infecting more than the reported cases for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS) combined, this paper reviews relevant information on COVID-19 for practicing obstetricians. As little is known at this time about COVID-19, information on SARS and MERS and their effects on pregnancy is also reviewed.

Covid-19 Disease Is Not Associated with Venous Thromboembolism in a Cohort of Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS2), is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to characterize risk factors and clinical features of COVID-19 disease in an adult cohort in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A retrospective case control study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Clinical and demographic data on patients presenting at KAUH with concern for COVID-19 disease between March 18 and May 18, 2020 were collected and analyzed.Results: Electronic medical records on 297 patients presenting at KAUH were reviewed. Of these, 175 (59%) tested positive for COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 122 (41%) tested negative. COVID-19 positive patients were more likely to be males (OR=1.59; 95% CI=1.22-2.07), and non-health care workers (OR=1.53; 95% CI=1.13-2.08). Hypertension (10%), diabetes (10%), and two or more concurrent co-morbid conditions (54.4%), were more prevalent among COVID-19 positive patients. Patients presenting with fever, cough, and loss of sense of taste or smell were more likely to test positive for COVID-19 (p=0.001, 0.008, 0.008, respectively. Radiological evidence of pneumonia was associated with confirmed COVID-19 disease. Dyspnea, cough and gastrointestinal symptoms were not associated with risk of COVID-19 at presentation. On admission, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and platelets were significantly lower among COVID-19 positive patients compared to controls. Surprisingly, D-dimer levels were lower among COVID-19 positive patients. Furthermore, only two patients developed thrombosis; one with pulmonary embolism and one with coronary artery thrombosis.Conclusion: Male gender, hypertension and diabetes were associated with risk of COVID-19 disease in this study population. D-dimer levels were not elevated in COVID-19 patients, and venous thromboembolism was not prevalent in cases, compared to controls. This is in contrast to previous reports on the association of COVID-19 disease with venous thromboembolism in other populations. Thus, individual and environmental risk factors may play an important role in the pathophysiology of thrombosis in COVID-19 disease.DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Thrombocytopenia Associated with Increase in Disease Severity and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

Introduction:Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing novel COVID-19 is spreading all across the globe like wildfire. As was the case with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) in 2002 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, several hematological laboratory abnormalities have been identified. Several studies have reported prevalence and mechanism behind COVID-19 patients presenting with thrombocytopenia, however its association with disease severity and mortality is poorly understood. In this study we seek to investigate these clinical outcomes.Methods:Retrospective data on 7597 consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was recorded. Data included demographical information, comorbidities, admission laboratory markers, nadir platelet count and time to platelet nadir. Platelet count was categorized as grade 1 (150K-75,001), grade 2 (75K-50,001), grade 3 (50K-25,001), grade 4 (25K-10,001), and grade 5 (<10K). COVID-19 disease severity was defined as mild/moderate (medical floor), severe (ICU), and critical (ICU and ventilator/vasopressor use). In-hospital mortality was also analyzed.Results:Of the 7,597 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 1,226 (16%) patients had some degree of thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150K/mm3), while 3524 (46%) did not. No platelet count was available for 2,847 (38%) patients. In patient population with thrombocytopenia, mean age was 67 years and included 486 (40%) female. Variables that had an association with degree of thrombocytopenia with statistical significance included increasing mean age, male sex, increased time to nadir platelet count, and elevated laboratory markers on admission (d-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), monocytes, c-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6)). Degree of thrombocytopenia also was associated with increasing COVID-19 disease severity (table 1). Overall, 1,163 (15%) of patients died in hospital or were discharged to hospice care. In multivariate analysis, patients with grade 1 thrombocytopenia were 1.448 times more likely to die that those patients with no thrombocytopenia when controlling for the other variables (p value =0.0004). Similarly, grade 2 were 3.916 times more likely to die (p value <0.0001), grade 3 were 7.736 times more likely to die (p value <0.0001), grade 4 were 34.346 times more likely to die (p value =0.0014), and grade 5 were 108.925 times more likely to die (p value =0.0011). Interestingly, interventions such as steroids use was associated 1.43 times increase in mortality (p value =0.0002), while plasma transfusion was associated with 2.43 times increase in mortality (p value =0.0018) (table 2).Conclusion:Thrombocytopenia is common among patient with COVID-19. We report prevalence of thrombocytopenia in COVID-19 patients to be comparable to other studies (16%). COVID-19 patients with thrombocytopenia were noted to be older compared to patients without thrombocytopenia (67 vs 60 years). As a result, this population may have other comorbidities that make them more vulnerable and susceptible to hematological abnormalities. As expected, most patients were categorized as grade 1 thrombocytopenia (88%) and very few patients had indication for platelet transfusion (grade 5 thrombocytopenia <1 %). Several concurrent abnormal inflammatory laboratory markers point towards consumptive thrombocytopenia in the setting of hyper-inflammatory phase COVID-19. This is consistent with time to nadir platelet count seen in this study- day 3 to 8 with increase in degree of thrombocytopenia. More importantly, we see that thrombocytopenia is associated with increases in disease severity and mortality. The higher the degree of thrombocytopenia the more likely the patient may require ICU level of care and mechanical ventilator support. Overall, we see that COVID-19 patients with thrombocytopenia exhibit worse outcome in terms of disease severity and mortality when compared to patients without thrombocytopenia. The etiology behind this association is still unclear and presents an area for future research.DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Role of Tele Dentistry During the Current Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) And in The Possible Future Pandemic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (SARSCoV) is a virus that caused the first major pandemic of the third millennium...

Cold atmospheric plasma for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.

Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectious virions are viable on various surfaces (e.g., plastic, metals, and cardboard) for several hours. This presents a transmission cycle for human infection that can be broken by developing new inactivation approaches. We employed an efficient cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) with argon feed gas to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on various surfaces including plastic, metal, cardboard, basketball composite leather, football leather, and baseball leather. These results demonstrate the great potential of CAP as a safe and effective means to prevent virus transmission and infections for a wide range of surfaces that experience frequent human contact. Since this is the first-ever demonstration of cold plasma inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, it is a significant milestone in the prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and presents a new opportunity for the scientific, engineering, and medical communities.

Coronavirus Syndrome: COVID-19 World Psychotrauma

Coronavirus syndrome is a mental disorder that is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will affect up to 10% of the population. We can already observe acute stress reactions to the spread of the infection and changes in people's customary lifestyle. However, the most severe symptoms will be seen 6 months after the beginning of the catastrophe and will be similar to the clinical picture of post-traumatic stress disorder. The danger of coronavirus syndrome is that it will reduce the population's working capacity precisely when it will be crucial for economic recovery.

Hijacking SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 Receptor Interaction by Natural and Semi-synthetic Steroidal Agents Acting on Functional Pockets on the Receptor Binding Domain.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS)-CoV-2. In light of the urgent need to identify novel approaches to be used in the emergency phase, we have embarked on an exploratory campaign aimed at repurposing natural substances and clinically available drugs as potential anti-SARS-CoV2-2 agents by targeting viral proteins. Here we report on a strategy based on the virtual screening of druggable pockets located in the central β-sheet core of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike's protein receptor binding domain (RBD). By combining an in silico approach and molecular in vitro testing we have been able to identify several triterpenoid/steroidal agents that inhibit interaction of the Spike RBD with the carboxypeptidase domain of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE2). In detail, we provide evidence that potential binding sites exist in the RBD of the SARS CoV-2 Spike protein and that occupancy of these pockets reduces the ability of the RBD to bind to the ACE2 consensus in vitro. Naturally occurring and clinically available triterpenoids such as glycyrrhetinic and oleanolic acids, as well as primary and secondary bile acids and their amidated derivatives such as glyco-ursodeoxycholic acid and semi-synthetic derivatives such as obeticholic acid reduces the RBD/ACE2 binding. In aggregate, these results might help to define novel approaches to COVID-19 based on SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors.

An Assessment on Impact of COVID-19 Infection in a Gender Specific Manner.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by novel coronavirus Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first time reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and thereafter quickly spread across the globe. Till September 19, 2020, COVID-19 has spread to 216 countries and territories. Severe infection of SARS-CoV-2 cause extreme increase in inflammatory chemokines and cytokines that may lead to multi-organ damage and respiratory failure. Currently, no specific treatment and authorized vaccines are available for its treatment. Renin angiotensin system holds a promising role in human physiological system specifically in regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte and fluid balance. SARS-CoV-2 interacts with Renin angiotensin system by utilizing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for its cellular entry. This interaction hampers the protective action of ACE2 in the cells and causes injuries to organs due to persistent angiotensin II (Ang-II) level. Patients with certain comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are under the high risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality. Moreover, evidence obtained from several reports also suggests higher susceptibility of male patients for COVID-19 mortality and other acute viral infections compared to females. Analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) epidemiological data also indicate a gender-based preference in disease consequences. The current review addresses the possible mechanisms responsible for higher COVID-19 mortality among male patients. The major underlying aspects that was looked into includes smoking, genetic factors, and the impact of reproductive hormones on immune systems and inflammatory responses. Detailed investigations of this gender disparity could provide insight into the development of patient tailored therapeutic approach which would be helpful in improving the poor outcomes of COVID-19. Graphical abstract Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12015-020-10048-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

SARS-COV-2 infection during pregnancy, a risk factor for eclampsia or neurological manifestations of COVID-19? Case report

BackgroundThere are no published cases of tonic-clonic seizures and posterior bilateral blindness during pregnancy and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus (COV) 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection. We do not just face new and unknown manifestations, but also how different patient groups are affected by SARS-COV-2 infection, such as pregnant women. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), preeclampsia, eclampsia and posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy share endothelium damage and similar pathophysiology.Case presentationA 35-year-old pregnant woman was admitted for tonic-clonic seizures and SARS-COV-2 infection. She had a normal pregnancy control and no other symptoms before tonic-clonic seizures development. After a Caesarean section (C-section) she developed high blood pressure, and we initiated antihypertensive treatment with labetalol, amlodipine and captopril. Few hours later she developed symptoms of cortical blindness that resolved in 72 h with normal brain computed tomography (CT) angiography.ConclusionThe authors conclude that SARS COV-2 infection could promote brain endothelial damage and facilitate neurological complications during pregnancy.

Transcription-based drug repurposing for COVID-19

We have utilised the transcriptional response of lung epithelial cells following infection by the original Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS) to identify repurposable drugs for COVID-19. Drugs best able to recapitulate the infection profile are highly enriched for antiviral activity. Nine of these have been tested against SARS-2 and found to potently antagonise SARS-2 infection/replication, with a number now being considered for clinical trials. It is hoped that this approach may serve to broaden the spectrum of approved drugs that should be further assessed as potential anti−COVID-19 agents and may help elucidate how this seemingly disparate collection of drugs are able to inhibit SARS-2 infection/replication.

Mesenchymal stem cells, Vitamin and Zinc as therapeutic cells and factors of COVID-19

2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan City, Central China, and has spread rapidly in many countries in world. COVID-19 is produced by a new coronavirus called the extreme acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV2) [Recently identified as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019- nCoV)] [1]. However, there was no official approval of an antiSARS-CoV-2 drug or vaccine due to the lack of sufficient evidence. Scientists are trying to improve COVID-19 by the new drugs and methods [2].

First 70 Days Critical Data Trend for COVID-19 in Four Regions of Northern Italy: A Pilot Study

The new coronavirus syndrome (COVID-19) is a multi-organ pathological manifestation that, in severe forms, causes greater damage to the respiratory system, especially in the lung district with severe respiratory failure. In many cases, especially in elderly patients with high comorbidity degree, the disease can have a rapid course with a fatal outcome. Specifically, the data relating to the four Italian regions most affected by the effects of the new coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), namely Lombardia, Veneto, Emilia Romagna and Piemonte, were assessed. In this work, we decided to focus the analysis only on data relating to patients admitted to the intensive care unit and to patients who died in Italy with COVID-19 in the period 24 February–4 May 2020. We used a data set where each point was an expression not of a single day, but of a longer period of time (date-points method). The article clearly identifies the phases in which the epidemic was articulated at national level and in the observed regions. Both the overall national data and the data referring to the most affected regions show an initial exponential mortality trend up to March 21st approximately. From this point the restrictive measures adopted from March 10th shows their effects and the trend first increases only linearly and then finally decreases, also thanks to the implementation of therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating respiratory distress and the clinical condition of thromboembolism, typical of critical patient COVID-19.

Coronaviruses and Endocrine System: A Systematic Review on Evidence and Shadows.

Coronaviruses are a big family of viruses that can infect mammalians and birds. In humans they mainly cause respiratory tract infections, with a large spectrum of severity, from mild, self-limited infections to highly lethal forms as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Scanty data are reported for the involvement of endocrine glands in human coronaviruses, in particular SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we summarize endocrinological involvement in human coronaviruses, including data on animal coronaviruses. Avians, ferrets and bovine are affected by specific coronavirus syndromes, with variable involvement of endocrine glands. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a target receptor, so ACE2 plays a central role in viral transmission and initial organ involvement. Autoptic studies on SARS patients revealed that thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary gland, endocrine pancreas and especially adrenals and testis could be impaired by different mechanisms (direct damage by SARS-CoV, inflammation, vascular derangement and autoimmune reactions) and few clinical studies have evidenced functional endocrine impairment. Only few data are available for COVID-19 and gonads and endocrine pancreas seem to be involved. International endocrinological societies have brought some recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic, but further studies need to be performed, especially to detect long-term hormonal sequelae.

Exploitation of Some Natural Products for the Prevention and/or Nutritional Treatment of SARS-CoV2 Infection.

Dietary habits strongly influence our health status, mostly in terms of maintenance of the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory homeostasis. High fat and high sugar diets account for the development of a low-grade inflammation, which is the pathogenic common denominator of various chronic diseases. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS)-CoV2 (COVID-19) infection affects all ages and especially frail elderly people and a nutritional intervention seems to be crucial in the course of this pandemic. The present review describes the properties of some vegetal products and their derivatives, such as Lupin sp., garlic, salvia and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) that can be exploited for their beneficial effects, as preventive and/or nutritional treatment of coronavirus disease SARS-CoV2. Lupin, salvia, garlic and EVOO share overlapping properties, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities. Quite importantly, these products and their derivatives are able to recover the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme expression 2 on cell membrane, otherwise suppressed by COVID-19 binding and entry into cytoplasm. Dietary administration of the above nutraceuticals or their extracts may play a preventive or nutritional role in the course of SARS-CoV2 infection, even including the effects of the lockdown and the condition of inflamm-ageing.

Biodiversity and epidemic potential of Chiropteran coronaviruses (&lt;i&gt;Nidovirales: Coronaviridae&lt;/i&gt;)

Aim . The aim of this review is a comprehensive analysis of current literature data on coronaviruses identified in bats. Discussion . Coronaviruses ( Coronaviridae ) constitute the most extensive family of viruses of the order Nidovirales. Coronaviruses have a wide range of hosts, including mammals ( Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus ) and birds ( Deltacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus ), amphibians ( Alphaletovirus ) and are pathogens of respiratory, intestinal, cardiovascular. Until the beginning of this century, only etiological agents of mild and moderate respiratory diseases were known among pathogenic coronaviruses for humans. In the 21st century, new highly pathogenic coronaviruses were discovered that caused outbreaks of severe pneumonia with high mortality: the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome ‐ related coronavirus, SARS ‐ CoV; 2002 ‐ 2003, southern provinces of China), the Middle East respiratory coronavirus Syndrome (Middle East respiratory syndrome ‐ related coronavirus, MERS ‐ CoV; 2012, western part of Saudi Arabia) and type 2 acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome ‐ related coronavirus 2, SARS ‐ CoV ‐ 2; 2019 ‐ ..., the eastern part of central China). The natural reservoirs of SARS ‐ CoV, SARS ‐ CoV ‐ 2 and MERS ‐ CoV are bats ( Chiroptera ). Coronaviruses circulating in bat populations are not only phylogenetically close to the currently known especially dangerous human viruses but probably have epidemic potential that can be realized in the future. Conclusion . This review presents current data on coronaviruses of bats: taxonomic status, spectrum of potential hosts, distribution. The ecological features of coronaviruses of bats are considered in the context of their epidemiological significance. The origin of pathogenic human coronaviruses is discussed.

Challenges and issues surrounding the use for translational research of human samples obtained during the COVID-19 pandemic from lung cancer patients.

In only a few weeks after the eruption of the pandemic caused by syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the number of associated research projects worldwide increased dramatically. The continual and almost daily improvement in the information associated with this viral infection has been spectacular, notably in the areas of epidemiology, pathophysiology and therapy. This knowledge but also the many uncertainties concerning coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in particular with respect to the level of contagiousness of different samples sent to pathology and biology laboratories, rapidly effected the collection for translational research projects, notably of samples from patients with thoracic cancers. However, it is still difficult to evaluate the current and the near impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this domain. It is essential in this context to be reminded of good practice for the management of biological samples for research, notably concerning the biosafety and security procedures. Moreover, new recommendations concerning the traceability and use of human lung cancer samples from tissue and different biofluids may rapidly be issued in the near future. This review aims to discuss the new challenges and constraints encountered by pathologists, biobankers and researchers within the framework of collection and the use of samples from patients with lung cancer for research while taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic.