New Strain Of Coronavirus Research Articles

CRISPR-Cas13 as an Antiviral Strategy for Coronavirus Disease 2019.

CRISPR-Cas13 as an Antiviral Strategy for Coronavirus Disease 2019.

The daily impact of COVID-19 in gastroenterology.

A new strain of coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, probably originating from a wild-animal contamination. Since then, the situation rapidly evolved from a cluster of patients with pneumonia, to a regional epidemic and now to a pandemic called COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This evolution is related to the peculiar modes of transmission of the disease and to the globalization and lifestyle of the 21st century that created the perfect scenario for virus spread.Even though research has not evidenced particular susceptibility of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to SARS-CoV-2 infection, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatments were considered potential risk factors. In this context, initiating treatments with these agents should be cautiously weighted and regular ongoing treatments shall be continued, while the dose of corticosteroids should be reduced whenever possible. Due to the increased risk of contamination, elective endoscopic procedures and surgeries should be postponed and IBD online appointments shall be considered. IBD patients shall also follow the recommendations provided to the general population, such as minimization of contact with infected or suspected patients and to wash hands frequently.In the absence of effective treatments and vaccines, this pandemic can only be controlled through prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission with the main objectives of providing patients the best healthcare possible and reduce mortality.

Infectivity of human coronavirus in the brain.

A new strain of human coronaviruses (hCoVs), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been identified to be responsible for the current outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Though major symptoms are primarily generated from the respiratory system, neurological symptoms are being reported in some of the confirmed cases, raising concerns of its potential for intracranial invasion and neurological manifestations, both in the acute phase and in the long-term. At present, it remains unclear the extent to which SARS-CoV-2 is present in the brain, and if so, its pathogenic role in the central nervous system (CNS). Evidence for neuroinvasion and neurovirulence of hCoVs has been recognised in animal and human studies. Given that SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the same family and shares characteristics in terms of receptor binding properties, it is worthwhile exploring its potential CNS manifestations. This review summarises previous findings from hCoVs in relation to the CNS, and compares these with the new strain, aiming to provide a better understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the CNS.

A study of initial 251 Covid-19 patients admitted at Government Medical College, Kota

ABSTRACT Background: A new strain of Corona virus, presently known as Covid-19, belongs to the family of Corona viruses that originated in animals, has not previously been identified in humans. The high infectivity of the disease led to the third Corona virus outbreak in the last 20 years after the SARS-CoV and the Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS-CoV.Methods: It was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study at GMC, Kota Hospital, conducted from 5 April to 10 May 2020. All the positive patients who were residents of Kota and diagnosed and admitted at Government Medical College (GMC), Kota were selected for this study. A pretested and structured questionnaire was used. Data were entered, processed and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: Out of total 251 included patients, 162 Males and 89 Females. The most affected containment zones were Chandraghata, Suket, Bhimganjmandi and Anantpura. The mass Sampling was satisfactory in Chandraghata, Bhimganjmandi and Anantpura. Seventy one percent of first follow up sample were negative which was increased on subsequent follow up sample. Only 10 Patients died with the case fatality rate of 03.98%. Twenty five percent patients became follow up positive even though their first follow up sample was negative.Conclusions: Males were more affected then females. Maximum number of cases belonged to 20-50 years of age. Sampling pattern was not uniform. The results do not justify labelling to the asymptomatic/mild Covid-19 positive patient as cured just after the first follow up negative. Most common co-morbidities in fatal Covid-19 patients were diabetes mellitus, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A new pharmacological approach based on remdesivir aerosolized administration on SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary inflammation: A possible and rational therapeutic application

The new zoonotic coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus not previously seen in humans and which appears to come from bat species. It originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and spread rapidly throughout the world, causing over 5,569,679 global cases and 351,866 deaths in almost every country in the world, including Europe, particularly Italy. In general, based on existing data published to date, 80.9% of patients infected with the virus develop mild infection; 13.8% severe pneumonia; 4.7% respiratory failure, septic shock or multi-organ failure; 3% of these cases are fatal. Critical patients have been shown to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and hospitalization in intensive care units. The average age of patients admitted to hospital is 57–79 years, with one third half with an underlying disease. Asymptomatic infections have also been described, but their frequency is not known. SARS-CoV-2 transmission is mainly airborne from one person to another via droplets. The data available so far seem to indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is capable of producing an excessive immune reaction in the host. The virus attacks type II pneumocytes in the lower bronchi through the binding of the Spike protein (S protein) to viral receptors, of which the angiotensin 2 conversion enzyme (ACE2) receptor is the most important. ACE2 receptor is widely expressed in numerous tissues, including the oropharynx and conjunctiva, but mostly distributed in ciliated bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes in the lower bronchi. The arrival of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs causes severe primary interstitial viral pneumonia that can lead to the “cytokine storm syndrome”, a deadly uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response triggered by the activation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), whose effect is extensive lung tissue damage and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), that are life-threatening for patients with COVID-19. In the absence of a therapy of proven efficacy, current management consists of off-label or compassionate use therapies based on antivirals, antiparasitic agents in both oral and parenteral formulation, anti-inflammatory drugs, oxygen therapy and heparin support and convalescent plasma. Like most respiratory viruses can function and replicate at low temperatures (i.e. 34–35 °C) and assuming viral thermolability of SARS-CoV-2, local instillation or aerosol of antiviral (i.e. remdesivir) in humid heat vaporization (40°–41 °C) in the first phase of infection (phenotype I, before admission), both in asymptomatic but nasopharyngeal swab positive patients, together with antiseptic-antiviral oral gargles and povidone-iodine eye drops for conjunctiva (0,8–5% conjunctival congestion), would attack the virus directly through the receptors to which it binds, significantly decreasing viral replication, risk of evolution to phenotypes IV and V, reducing hospitalization and therefore death.

Importance of early precautionary actions in avoiding the spread of COVID-19: Saudi Arabia as an Example

Late in 2019, several cases of infection with a new strain of coronavirus were reported in China. This new strain was later officially named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the World Health Organization (WHO). This new virus (SARS-CoV2-) mainly affects the respiratory system and causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The first case of COVID-19 was reported to the WHO on December 31st, 2019, and the virus has spread dramatically in many countries worldwide. On March 11th, 2020, the WHO declared that COVID-19 had affected most of the world, and many deaths were linked to COVID-19. Unfortunately, there is no available treatment for COVID-19, and there is no available vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, preventive methods are the only way to limit the spread of the virus. Preventive actions have been taken by many countries, such as travel bans, closing borders and working from home. Saudi Arabia was one of the countries that took very early precautionary actions in the belief that these actions are the best way to fight the virus. Therefore, we present the actions that were taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fight the new viral pandemic.

Novel COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Manifestation, and Pathogenesis.

A global outbreak highlights the start of a new decade as a new strain of coronaviruses emerges. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), also referred to as Wuhan-Hu-1-CoV - amongst many other names - emerged from the West District of Southern China Seafood Wholesale Market in late December 2019. With the emergence of the new decade, the causative agent of COVID-19 was identified: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). COVID-19 became declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19, currently, is affecting 204 countries and territories and two international conveyances. Initial stages of COVID-19 present with symptoms that mimic the common cold and individuals may be asymptomatic carriers and thus, transmitting the virus to others. COVID-19, like other coronaviruses, presents with S glycoproteins on the membrane that plays an integral role in the virus binding with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The ACE2 receptor is an intramembrane receptor on the type II pneumocytes, where the virus is able to replicate after getting endocytosed within the cytoplasm. As the viral load increases within the alveolar cell, the alveolar epithelial cell will burst, releasing the newly replicated viral RNA. Elderly individuals are at a greater risk of infection due to weakened immune systems and pre-existing medical conditions resulting in a compromised immune response, also increasing the susceptibility of infection. Infected individuals presenting with mild to moderate symptoms are recommended to self-isolate as the majority will recover without any intervention.

Covid19 and Pregnancy

Abstract Introdution: The Novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) is a new strain of coronavirus causing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan City of China and eventually was declared as a pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. It has reached 210 countries and territories with more than three million cases and over 2,00,000 deaths . As of 27th of April in Egypt there are about 4782 cases with 337 deaths and 1236 recovered cases, In India there are 28,380 cases with 886 deaths and 6523 recovered cases. With this pandemic assuming a crisis of global proportions unprecedented in recent times and presenting a challenge in its control and management it will be inevitable that we will be seeing women infected with COVID-19 in pregnancy as they are proportion of this population. Unlike many of the other specialists obstetricians face the situation that matters related to childbirth cannot be delayed indefinitely. The maternity healthcare providers and facilities hence need to prepare for the situation with a view to prevent the consequences of the infection on the mother and her new-born. The article reviews the clinical features, testing criteria, preventive aspects, effects of the infection on mother and the foetus, the current management options including the general measures, pharmacological options, preparedness of the institutions, antenatal management, intrapartum and post-partum management in these patients in the light of available evidences Conclusion : The COVID 19 virus is a new strain of corona virus, little is known today about its effect on the outcome of pregnancy. Further clinical and research data are awaited for better understanding of any morbid effect of this new strain and its health hazards on both the mother and neonates.

Guidance for the provision of antenatal services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), is a new strain of coronavirus causing the COVID-19 infection. The incubation period is estimated at 0–14 days (mean 5–6 days). The majority of people with COVID-19 infection have mild symptoms. Typical symptoms include a fever and cough which may progress to a severe pneumonia causing breathing difficulties. Severe symptoms are more likely in people with weakened immune systems, older people and people with long-term conditions. Pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences of an infection with COVID-19 than the general population. Special consideration should be given to pregnant women with concomitant medical illnesses. There is currently no evidence concerning transmission through genital fluids or breastmilk.

In the Race to Help with Covid-19, Time Is Precious: Editorial Guidelines for Coronavirus Papers

There is no doubt that we are living in unprecedented times, and this calls for an unprecedented response from everyone. The scientific community has joined efforts to collect knowledge and push the therapeutic response to Covid-19, the disease associated with the new strain of coronavirus, as fast as possible. New collaborations are being born every day and scientific data are shared widely as soon as they become available. With this editorial we not only wish to discuss the challenges that the scientific community and the publishing world are facing but also would like to offer some word of advice for scientists preparing scientific articles, reviews, or opinion pieces on Covid-19.

Convalescent Plasma: Therapeutic Hope or Hopeless Strategy in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

As the world faces the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, extensive efforts have been applied to identify effective therapeutic agents. Convalescent plasma collected from recovered patients has been a therapeutic modality employed for over a hundred years for various infectious pathogens. Specifically, it has been used in the treatment of many viral infections with varying degrees of clinical efficacy. As we consider the use of convalescent plasma in the battle against this new strain of coronavirus, it is prudent to review what is known from past experiences. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to examine in detail studies of convalescent plasma used during previous viral outbreaks and pandemics with particular focus on hemorrhagic fevers, influenza, and other coronaviruses. The concluding sections of this review address the potential use of convalescent plasma during the present-day SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, not only insofar as its clinical benefit but also the steps required to make convalescent plasma treatments readily available for an exponentially growing patient population. By the end, the authors hope to address the extent to which convalescent plasma represents a realistic therapeutic approach, or a distraction from other potentially useful treatments.

The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID‐19 on domestic violence

The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID‐19 on domestic violence

Screening of COVID-19 suspect cases in a Cargo Ship: A rare field experience

Background: World Health Organization (WHO), China Country Office informed cases of pneumonia of unknown aetiology detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. On 7th January 2020, Chinese authorities identified a new strain of Coronavirus as the causative agent for the disease. By 1st April 2020, the disease since its first detection in China has spread to over 200 countries/territories leading to a total of 823626 confirmed cases and 40598 deaths. WHO declared the novel Coronavirus outbreak as a Pandemic on 11 March 2020 and named the 2019 novel Coronavirus as COVID-19. As the screening of these suspects in ships is a challenging and novel one, the present study was aimed at identifying the proper and systematic way of screening of these suspects. Screening if done systematically aids in early diagnosis of the COVID-19 suspects and if coupled with pre-arrival preparedness through e-mail follow up helps in proper planning. Proper risk communication can help in alleviating the fears of the stakeholders and public. Aims & Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to screen the COVID-19 suspect cases systematically in the vessels and the secondary objectives were to identify any gaps in the process of collection, transport and receipt of results of samples of COVID-19 Suspect cases, know the process of risk communication & to share the experience to other seaports for duplication. Materials & Methods: Screening was done for all the crew by the Investigators with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the Bridge (Navigation Deck) of the vessel mainly for recording the temperature and eliciting other signs & symptoms of COVID -19. It was then followed by sending the samples of the two COVID-19 suspects for testing to the Government approved laboratory in a systematic way. Risk communication was also done to all the stakeholders and media in a well-coordinated manner at the earliest to update them on the facts and to prevent false communication. Results: Pre-arrival preparedness through screening of pre-arrival documents and systematic approach adopted for screening of the COVID-19 suspects led to early diagnosis of the suspects. Samples were collected as per protocol and sent for testing to the laboratory and reports of the same were obtained without any much constraints through proper liaison with Tamilnadu State Health team. Risk communication to the stakeholders and media prevented panic among the public and stakeholders. Conclusions: Pre-arrival e-mail follow-up and arrangements like coordination meeting with the stakeholders led to proper planning. Systematic screening and proper liaison with State Health team helped in the early diagnosis of the suspects. Proper and early risk communication to the stakeholders and media prevents panic, facilitates good support and prevents communication of maleficious information to the public.

COVID-19 y enfermedad cardiovascular

In December 2019, in Wuhan in the province of Hubei in China, there was a report on a group of 27 patients with a pneumonia of unknown origin, linked to exposure in a market with shellfish, fish, and live animals. In January 2020, a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was isolated in these patients. The disease caused by this virus has been given the name of COVID-19. During the initial stages of the pandemic, and given the scarcity of studies published about this, it was believed that this coronavirus only caused respiratory symptoms. However, as the number of patients increased, it was observed that cardiovascular disease had a fundamental role in the development and prognosis of the infection. The most important risk factors associated with mortality are age and the presence of comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular ones. The increase in the levels of troponin, natriuretic peptides, and D-dimer are of prognostic values in patients with an infection due to SARS-CoV-2. Patients with COVID-19 have an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, heart failure, shock, arrhythmias, and sudden death, in relation to the systematic response to the virus and to the treatments needed in the acute phase. A review is presented in this article of the cardiovascular involvement due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Psychiatric Advice During COVID-19 Pandemic for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

The new pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is caused by a new strain of coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), has become an issue for governments and health care providers such as specialists including psychiatrists worldwide (1). Treatment strategies and vaccination for this disease are yet to be explored. Therefore, at this time, the best-proposed health measure to break the chain of transmission is social distancing or, in some instances, quarantine. In a recent systematic review published in Lancet, Brooks et al. (2) evaluated the psychological impacts of quarantine during the 2003 SARS outbreak and the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Accordingly, most of the reviewed studies reported adverse psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion, and anger (2). Delays in psychological interventions in such situations can lead to psychological damage to individuals who are involved (3). However, people with a pre-existing mental health problem such as anxiety or depressive disorder would be more vulnerable to experience adverse psychological effects of quarantine and social distancing.

COVID-19

A new strain of coronavirus termed 2019-nCoV or 2019 new coronavirus was discovered in December 2019 and initiated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China1. The virus has infected over 75,000 individuals as of February 20202.

Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in 2019 Novel Coronavirus: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Since December 2019, a new strain of coronavirus named 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been discovered in Wuhan. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, which is a great public health issue leading to immunity inhibition and an increased incidence of infections, has been increasing over the past ten years. The aim of this research was to systematically assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among 2019-nCoV. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Medline for observational studies up to February 25, 2020. A random effects model or fixed-effects model was applied to evaluate the pooled prevalence of diabetes mellitus and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Findings: In total, nine papers met the eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of DM was 9% (95% CI 6%–12%). There was obvious heterogeneity (I 2 65%, p=0.004) in the prevalence of DM in these studies. The prevalence of DM in moderate patients with 2019-nCoV was 7% (95% CI 4%–10%). The prevalence of DM in severe patients with 2019-nCoV was 17% (95% CI 13%–21%). The prevalence of DM in severe patients with 2019-nCoV was significantly higher than that in moderate patients with 2019-nCoV (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.64). Interpretation: To our knowledge, this work is the first report showing the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with 2019-nCoV, which is beneficial to prevent the spread of 2019-nCoV in the future. Funding Statement: Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province of China (Grant number: 162300410306). Declaration of Interests: None.

Novel Coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (Coronavirus Disease 2019): We Shall Overcome!

India is currently in the second stage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It all started in December 2019 when there was a cluster of patients with pneumonia in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in China. Investigators found that it was caused by a new strain of coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has since been labeled as COVID-19. As of March 19, 2020, 230,588 cases have been reported and 9390 patients have died. In India, 173 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 with 4 deaths reported. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. In this issue of IJMPO, Tsang et al. have appropriately reviewed the current knowledge about symptomatology, rapid diagnosis, and treatment as well as prevention strategies for COVID-19.[1]

Infections without borders: a new coronavirus in Wuhan, China.

Infections without borders: a new coronavirus in Wuhan, China.

Metabolic syndrome and COVID-19

At the end of last year, a new strain of coronavirus emerged in China, which was called SARS-CoV-2. The virus quickly spread throughout the world, reaching pandemic proportions, and is now considered a worldwide public health emergency. In line with this, several studies aimed to postulate and elucidate possible risk factors involved not only in the genesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but also in the susceptibility and severity of the condition. Among the most reported elements in patients with a more critical clinical scenario and adverse outcomes is metabolic syndrome (MS), a condition consisting of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and systemic arterial hypertension. In this light, this work aims to build a descriptive review of the relationship between the factors inherent to MS and COVID-19, in order to better clarify the mechanisms belonging to this association. Resistance to the action of insulin caused by centripetal obesity is permeated by an environment abundant in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which favors the immune imbalance, leading to the modulation of dysfunctional and inefficient responses. Besides, it is important to mention the overlapping of inflammatory secretory patterns of MS with the cytokine storm of COVID-19, leading to a worse prognosis. SARS-CoV-2 and arterial hypertension share pathways through a common enzyme: ACE2, widely expressed in the respiratory epithelium and belonging to the pressure regulation cascade. However, dyslipidemia promotes higher morbidity and mortality through increased cardiovascular risk due to thrombotic events. In short, MS represents a critical element to be considered through association with COVID-19, since it interferes in greater severity and mortality through several factors.