RT-PCR Test Research Articles

Covid-19 Detection by Machine Learning Using Chest Radiographs

The recent pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the importance of early detection of infections, especially when RT-PCR testing equipment is scarce. This study introduces a machine learning algorithm using CT scan imaging for rapid COVID-19 identification. The algorithm, designed as a computer-aided detection model, analyzed 536 CT images (32x32 pixels) categorized into COVID-19 infected and non-infected groups. The model preprocesses images using the Prewitt filter and discrete cosine transform, then extracts features through various statistical methods and the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG). Out of 32 analyzed features, 29 showed high significance (p-value < 0.05), effectively distinguishing normal and abnormal cases. These features were classified using support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) methods. Performance metrics like sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were used to evaluate the classifiers. The results of metrics showed that the classifiers of KNN-1, KNN-3, KNN-5, and SVM-Linear could distinguish between normal and abnormal images perfectly (100%) when it was applied to the proposed model on the tested ROIs images. Also, the SVM-RBF had less performance than other classifiers with 98.38% of accuracy but was still at a high-performance level. These results indicate that physicians can utilize the proposed model as an assisted tool for detecting COVID-19.

Association between Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 Receptor (IGF-1R), and Hypertension-Mediated Organ Damage (HMOD) Parameters in Leukocytes and Plasma of Children/Adolescents with Primary Hypertension.

A decrease in IGF-1 is often linked to inflammation. Low systemic and local IGF-1 production and downregulation of IGF-1R expression may precede and predict PH development in children/adolescents. Leukocyte mRNA expression of IGF-1 and its receptor (IGF-1R) and plasma IGF-1 were measured in a group of 39 PH children/adolescents (29 boys and 10 girls) and 35 age-matched normotensive children (19 boys and 16 girls) using the RT-PCR and ELISA tests. The expression of the IGF-1R protein was assessed by flow cytometry. Plasma IGF-1 concentration was evaluated with ELISA. The expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1R and plasma concentrations of IGF-1 did not differ between groups. However, the PH children had a decreased percentage in IGF-1R-bearing lymphocytes (p = 0.02) and monocytes (p = 0.0003), as well as a low density of IGF-R in monocytes (p = 0.02). The IGF-1 expression was negatively correlated with pulse-wave velocity (PWV) (r = -0.49), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-0.44), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) (-0.43). The IGF-1R expression was negatively correlated with PWV (r = -0.42) and SBP (r = -0.41). Our results suggest that early subclinical hypertensive arterial injury is associated with lower activity of IGF-1-IGF-1R expression and loss of protective actions.

Protection of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 boosters, and hybrid immunity against Omicron severe illness: A population-based cohort study of five million residents in Canada.

Evidence on protection of different patterns of infection- and vaccine-acquired immunity against Omicron-associated severe illness is useful in planning booster vaccination strategies. We examined protection of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, a third or a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose, and hybrid immunity against Omicron-associated severe illness. This population-based cohort study followed five million individuals with at least one SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test before November 21, 2021 until an Omicron-associatedhospitalization or death. We used Cox regression models to estimate risks of Omicron-associated hospitalization and a composite severe outcome (hospitalized and death), among individuals with infection- and/or vaccination-acquired immunity. Individuals who were unvaccinated and had no history of a prior infection severed as the reference group. Both adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding protection (one minus adjusted HR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were reported. Three doses provided 94% (95%CI 93-95) and 93% (95%CI 91-94) protection against Omicron-associated hospitalization at 2-3 and ≥3 months post-vaccination respectively, similar to the protection conferred by three doses and a prior infection (2-3 months: 99%, 95%CI 97-100; ≥3 months: 97%, 95%CI 92-99) and four doses (1 month: 87%, 95%CI 79-92; 1-2 months: 96%, 95%CI 92-98). In individuals ≥65 years old, protection of four doses increased to 95% (95%CI 91-98) at 1-2 months, significantly higher than that of three doses over the follow-up period. Similar results were observed with the composite severe outcome. At least three antigenic exposures, achieved by vaccination or infection, confers significant protection against Omicron-associated hospitalization and death in all age groups. Our findings support a third dose for the overall population, regardless of prior infection status, and a fourth dose for the elderly to maintain high level of immunity and substantially reduce risk of severe illness at individual level.

Impact of vaccination status on clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients

IntroductionIt is important to identify the relationship between the COVID-19 vaccination status and the prognosis of this disease in hospitalized patients to gain a more accurate picture of their status and the effect of vaccination, as well as take necessary measures to improve their medical care. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the vaccination status of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and the disease severity index in terms of clinical, imaging, and laboratory criteria.MethodsThis research is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. the study population consisted of patients with a positive RT-PCR test for coronavirus, admitted to COVID-19 departments of teaching hospitals in Yazd, Iran, during two months in the sixth peak of COVID-19. The patients’ data comprised demographic information (age, sex, and underlying disease), clinical information (length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and vaccination status), disease outcome (mortality and intubation), laboratory information (ESR, CRP, and NLR), and imaging information (lung involvement percentage), and finally, the relationship between patients’ vaccination status and disease severity indices were analyzed with the chi-square test, independent t-test, and logistic regression analysis at a 95% confidence interval (CI).FindingsAccording to research findings, the duration of hospitalization was 5.25 ± 2.34 and 6.11 ± 3.88 days in groups of patients with complete and incomplete vaccination, respectively (P = 0.003). The lengths of ICU stay were 6 ± 4.63 and 5.23 ± 3.73 days in both groups of patients admitted to the ICU (P = 0.395). Furthermore, there were significant relationships between the ICU admission rates, endotracheal intubation, mortality rate, the lung involvement score in the chest CT scan, and the NLR with the vaccination status.Multivariate regression analysis indicated that DM, IHD, NLR, CT scan score and vaccination status were related to patients’ in-hospital mortality.ConclusionComplete vaccination of COVID-19 led to a milder disease in terms of clinical, imaging, and laboratory criteria of patients and decreased the possibility of hospitalization in ICUs, intubation, and mortality in patients.

Pronostic comparé de l'embolie pulmonaire chez les patients infectés au COVID-19 et les patients non infectés au COVID-19 à Ouagadougou

Objectivethe study's objective was to determine impact of COVID-19 on the prognosis of pulmonary embolism. Patients and methodsAn analytical multicenter cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was carried out in three university hospitals and a private clinic in Ouagadougou from March, 2020 to July 2021. It included consecutive patients hospitalized for PE confirmed on chest CT angiography or by the association an acute cor pulmonale on echocardiography-Doppler with deep vein thrombosis on venous ultrasound-Doppler of the lower limbs and having carried out a COVID-19 test (RT-PCR or rapid diagnostic test). Control cases consisted of all COVID-19 negative PE cases. Data comparison was carried out using the Epi info 7 software. A univariate then multivariate analysis allowed the comparison of the prognosis of the two subpopulations. The significance level retained was p < 0.05. Results96 patients with COVID-19+ and 70 COVID-19- PE were included. The prevalence of PE in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was 7.05%. The average patient age was 61.5±17 years for COVID-19+ patients and 49.6±15.9 years for COVID-19- patients. Pulmonary condensation syndrome (p=0.007), desaturation (p=0.0003) and respiratory distress syndrome (p=0.006) were more common in COVID-19+ patients. The hospital death rate was 27.1% in COVID-19+ patients and 10% in COVID-19- patients (p=0.0024). Age > 65 years and COVID-19 pneumonia were the independent factors of death. ConclusionCOVID-19 is associated with clinical severity and excess mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism.

Navigating COVID-19 Treatment: CT Scans, Steroids, and Medical Practice Challenges in India

India is facing a severe challenge with the second wave of COVID-19, surpassing two crore cases. Individual treatment varies based on infection severity, with guidelines from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) advising against unnecessary RT-PCR testing, even for interstate travelers. However, the indiscriminate use of CT scans and steroids poses risks, cautioned by experts like Dr. Randeep Guleria. Overuse of CT scans, equivalent to 300 X-rays, leads to radiation exposure and potential cancer risks. Steroids, beneficial in severe cases, are misused in mild infections, increasing susceptibility to fungal infections. Balancing timely intervention and avoiding undue harm is crucial. Additionally, curbing reliance on costly and unnecessary tests like CT scans and IL-6 tests is essential to prevent patient confusion and long-term health risks.

Investigation of the Presence of Bovine Papillomavirus in Blood Leukocytes of Cattle in West Mediterranean of Turkey

One hundred Holstein cattle, varying in age from one to ten years, who had warts on different parts of its bodies and had previously had Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) typing had blood samples taken from them from various managements in Burdur-Center and its surroundings. DNA was extracted from leukocytes using the DNeasy Blood &amp; Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Germany). RT-PCR test was performed using consensus and type-specific primers for the detection of BPV types. As a result of the study, RT-PCR test and consensus primers were not detected in blood leukocyte samples. Through the use of type-specific primers in an RT-PCR assay, the viral genome components of BPV-10 (56), BPV-11 (1), BPV-10+BPV-11 (2), BPV-10+BPV-12, and BPV-10+BPV-14 (2) were detected in these samples. BPV-12 was detected for the first time in blood leucocytes. In blood samples taken from animals classified according to the anatomical regions where the warts are located the highest BPV positivity (22,2%) was detected in animals with warts on the teats. Also, the most BPV-10 type was determined in the blood samples of animals with wart lesions on the teat and lobes. When the distribution of BPV PCR positive samples according to age groups was made, BPV PCR positive was found mostly in the between 1 and 47 month age group (71,4%). It was determined that the prevalence of BPV was high in the between 1 and 47 age group, while the rates of 48-83 months and later decreased with increasing age. In this investigation, it was found that BPV type 10 had been prevalent in blood leukocyte samples from cattle with warts in various areas of the body and with variable macroscopic appearance.

Evaluation of Mortality Risk Factors of COVID-19 in Jakarta Tertiary Hospital During Peak of Second Wave and Predictive Utility of Community RT-PCR Low CT Values

Background: The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 led to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. This study aimed to assess the demographic profile and mortality rates of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in YARSI referral hospital, Jakarta, comparing pre-Delta and Delta wave periods. The study also investigated whether low CT values in RT-PCR tests indicated heightened viral transmission before the Delta wave surge. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,457 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at YARSI (January-August 2021) and 25,279 RT-PCR test results from walk-in patients (April-August 17, 2021). Differences were evaluated using Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact Tests while binary logistic regression was used to assess mortality risk factors. Results: There were increased proportions of pregnant women, patients aged 20-29 and those with coronary artery disease during the Delta wave. This period also showed a significant increase in mortality rates, with the highest seen in patients &gt;60 years old or those with multiple comorbidities. Notably, most of the deceased patients (131 of 139) were unvaccinated. Analysis of RT-PCR data showed rising percentages of positive results with low CT values (below 21 or 15) from April to June. Conclusion: The Delta wave saw a higher risk of hospitalization among young individuals and pregnant women, despite their low mortality risk. The unvaccinated and those with multiple comorbidities faced higher mortality risks. Increases in RT-PCR positivity with low CT values preceded the July COVID-19 case surge.

Resveratrol-loaded invasome gel: A promising nanoformulation for treatment of skin cancer

Skin cancer is a widespread type of cancer representing 30% of all cancer types worldwide. Resveratrol (RSV) is an anticancer drug used for skin cancer treatment. Several limitations of RSV such as poor aqueous solubility, first-pass metabolism, and instability limit their topical use. The study aimed to develop and optimize RSV-loaded invasomes for topical administration as well as assess their efficacy in vivo. The optimized RSV-loaded invasomes showed small particle size (208.7 ± 74 nm), PDI (0.3 ± 0.03), high % entrapment efficiency (77.7 ± 6%), and negative zeta potential (−70.4 ± 10.9 mV). They showed an initial burst effect followed by controlled drug release for 24 h. RSV-loaded invasomal gel revealed the highest skin deposition percentage (65%) in ex vivo rat skin, the highest potency (low IC50 of 6.34 μg/mL), and the highest cellular uptake when tested on squamous cancerous cells (SCCs) when compared to other formulations. The antitumor effect of topical RSV-loaded invasomes was also evaluated in vivo in Ehrlich-induced mice models. The results revealed that RSV-loaded invasomal gel exhibited the smallest tumor volume with no signs of organ toxicity indicating its safety in skin cancer treatment. Upregulation of BAX and Caspase-3 gene levels and downregulation of NF-kB and BCL2 protein levels were demonstrated using RT-PCR and ELISA tests, respectively. Interestingly, the present study is the first to develop RSV-loaded invasomal gel for topical skin cancer treatment. According to our results, invasomes are considered promising lipid-based nanosystems for topical RSV delivery having high skin penetration ability and anticancer effect in the treatment of skin carcinoma.Graphical

Correlation study of CBC derivatives and biochemical prognostic marker in covid-19 patients

: SARS-CoV2 infection induces inflammatory responses and acute lung injury in human beings. Infection causes certain haematological and biochemical changes in patients. This study aimed analyze the correlation between CBC derivatives and biochemical prognostic marker in COVID-19.: Total 80 individuals selected, 50 COVID-19 positive patients and 30 subjects negative for COVID-19 RT-PCR test. Blood collected was sent to NLR, RDW, assayed in Beckman Coulter DxH 800. Serum CRP estimated by Immuno-turbidimetric method, ferritin by CLIA. Plasma collected estimate for D-DIMER by CLIA. Unpaired T test &amp; Pearson correlation (IBM SPSS 22.0) were used. : Elevated levels of NLR (p value &amp;#60;0.001), RDW (p value &amp;#60;0.001), FERRITIN (p value &amp;#60;0.001), D-D-DIMER (p value &amp;#60;0.001), CRP (p value &amp;#60;0.001) some research parameters like LHD and RSF show significant decrease. In current study the NLR positively correlate to CRP (r value=0.5, p value &amp;#60;0.001), NLR positively correlate to D-DIMER (r value=0.3, p value&amp;#60;0.05), RDW positively correlated to CRP (r value=, 0.3, p value &amp;#60;0.05), RDW negatively correlated to ferritin (r value=-0.439, p value &amp;#60;0.001)LHD negatively correlated ferritin (r value=-0.316, p value=&amp;#60;0.05), MAF negatively correlated to D-dimer (r value=-0.244 &amp;#60;0.05), MSCV positively correlated with CRP (r value=0.336, p value= &amp;#60;0.05).: The cytokine storm produced during covid-19 infection which inturn develop neutrophilia and lymphopenia, CRP production and also cause elevation of procoagulants &amp;D-dimer. RDW and CRP are positively correlated they are elevated during inflammatory conditions.RDW and FERRITIN show negative correlation. Retrospective study have some limitation so future studies will reveal more information.

Isolated respiratory tract microorganisms and clinical characteristics in asthma exacerbation of obese patients: a multicenter study.

Viral infection is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation (AE). However, bacterial infections related to AE in adults are poorly known. On the other hand, obese patients with asthma have their own clinical and biological characteristics compared with non-obese patients. We investigated the differences in isolated pathogens for AE between obese and non-obese patients with asthma. We included 407 patients with AE from 24 medical centers in Korea. Microorganisms isolated from culture, RT-PCR or serologic tests using lower respiratory tract specimens were retrospectively investigated. A total of 171 obese and 236 non-obese patients with asthma were included for analysis. Compared to non-obese patients, obese patients were associated with women (77.2% vs. 63.6%), never smoker (82.5% vs. 73.9%), shorter duration of asthma (7.9 ± 8.4 vs. 10.5 ± 10.1 years), less history of pulmonary tuberculosis (8.8% vs. 17.4%), and more comorbidity of allergic rhinitis (48.5% vs. 0.8%). Viral and/or bacterial infections were detected in 205 patients (50.4%) with AE. The numbers of patients with viral only, bacterial only, or both infections were 119, 49, and 37, respectively. The most commonly isolated bacterium was Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Obese patients showed a lower incidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. In the non-obese group, bacterial infection, especially Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, was significantly associated with the duration of systemic corticosteroid use (13.6 ± 19.8 vs. 9.7 ± 6.7 days, p = 0.049). Bacterial infection was associated with a longer period of corticosteroid use in the non-obese group. Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae infection was less associated with obese patients with AE. Further well-designed studies are needed to evaluate microorganisms and the efficacy of antibiotics in patients with AE.

Prevalence of Covid-19 infection among healthcare workers in Central Hospitals of Covid-19 vs non-Covid-19 hospitals in Khuzestan Province, Iran.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting Covid-19 due to their frontline roles and close interactions with infected patients. Understanding the prevalence of Covid-19 infection among HCWs and the factors contributing to it is crucial for informing mitigation strategies. However, the available data on Covid-19 infection rates among Iranian HCWs is limited. The primary objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of Covid-19 infection among HCWs working in hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 care versus HCWs in other non-Covid-19 hospitals in Khuzestan province, Iran. Additionally, the study aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with Covid-19 transmission and symptom severity in this population. This cohort study recruited 3,012 HCWs from 35 hospitals in Khuzestan province. Covid-19 diagnosis was made using RT-PCR testing, chest CT scans, and clinical examination. Overall, 96% (n=2,918) of the 3,012 HCWs were infected with Covid-19. The prevalence was significantly higher among HCWs from Covid-19 hospitals (59.83%, n=1,746) compared to those from non-Covid-19 hospitals (5.75%, n=168). The capital city of Ahvaz had the highest proportion of Covid-19 cases at 28%. HCWs, especially those working in hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 care, face a substantial risk of contracting the virus. The high infection rates observed may be attributed to factors like weakened immune systems, non-compliance with precautions, and delayed diagnosis. These findings underscore the critical need to strengthen infection control measures, improve access to personal protective equipment, and enhance surveillance of Covid-19 among frontline HCWs in Iran.

Plastic Pandemic after COVID-19: A Global Health Concern.

COVID-19 pandemic has increased the amount of plastic burden to environment and complexities of plastic waste management. Change in behavioral pattern with advent of this pandemic led to increased practice of hygiene and increased use of different types of personal protective equipment. Unfortunately, rapid rise in production of the PPEs (like Hazmat suit, gloves, etc.) and single-use plastics used in RT-PCR and other testing are the biggest source for increased non-biodegradable plastic waste leading to amplified burden on plastic waste management. A number of measures like prioritizing the policies directed towards changes at behavioral, social and institutional level need to be started. Also, reduction in plastic waste along with proper plastic waste management policies should be implemented. To prevent the transition from one pandemic to other; improvement in government policies with public private partnership are the need of the hour.

XNET: CNN MODEL for COVID-19 Classification using Skip Connection

The dangerous virus so far has been the new Coronavirus A shocking turn of events has resulted in a catastrophic disease that has swept the globe. This lethal outbreak has sparked worries about the burden it puts on healthcare systems, especially when it comes to serving a sizable population that needs urgent care. RT-PCR RAT has emerged as the two main tests used to meet the urgent demand for diagnostics. These tests are preferred because they can produce results quickly. However, relying only on these two approaches has several drawbacks. The issue is made worse by the fact that many countries struggle to obtain enough testing kits. Further complicating the problem are reports of false-positive results. Chest X-rays are a supplemental tool that can be extremely helpful in reducing these difficulties and stopping the spread of COVID. Healthcare practitioners can get quick findings from RT-PCR testing and chest X-rays, allowing patients to take the required precautions immediately. This multifaceted strategy improves the effectiveness of diagnosis and therapy while easing pressure on testing facilities. Utilizing the benefits of various diagnostic techniques, we can address the current issue more skillfully and protect public health. In order to categorize patients with COVID-19 using chest X-ray (CXR) pictures, A CNN Model is first implemented within this research. The Kaggle-sourced dataset for this study consists of two kinds of images: infected and healthy. Techniques for transfer learning are used to improve the CNN. Model’s functionality and effectiveness. We want to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the classification process specifically for COVID-19 identification in CXR pictures by utilizing existing knowledge and skills from pre-trained models. After applying several transfer learning techniques we face the problem of overfitting. To overcome that overfitting, we used residual blocks (skip-connection). After applying this model, we got an accuracy of 96%. So, this technique will help in the future to avoid all problems of expenses and difficulties that we face in hospitals. Overall, this technique has the potential to enhance the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of Covid-19 classification, making it an important tool in the fight against the pandemic.

Unilateral Lung Parenchymal Infiltrates with GGO &amp; Evolving Consolidation as Presenting Feature of Sporadic COVID-19 Pneumonia in Post Pandemic Era in a Patient with Acute Febrile Respiratory Illness

Sporadic COVID-19 cases will be predicted to occur in coming few years ahead as observed in previously known influenza virus related pandemics. Herd immunity due to natural infection and hybrid immunity after COVID-19 vaccination has played crucial role in waning of this pandemic. COVID-19 pneumonia has a very ‘typical’ radiological presentations, observed globally; classified as GGO and consolidations involving peripheral parts of lung, bilateral disease, predominantly pleural based areas initially and involves central portions as disease process advances. Such radiological presentations are never documented in history before this pandemic, which has helped in suspecting COVID-19 illness in cases with negative microbiological results initially and such illness were classified as SARI (severe acute respiratory illness). Cases with typical radiological features for COVID-19 with RT PCR positive results were defined as case of COVID-19 illness. Both the clinical scenarios were managed with similar protocol during hospitalization. COVID-19 case burden has significantly decreased in last one year since declaration of end of pandemic by WHO and now we are in post pandemic phase. Since beginnings of pandemic, many corona virus variants were emerged with variable infectivity, virulence, pathogenesis, mortality and morbidity. As pandemic is over, cases are rarely observed with lung involvement, COVID RT PCR testing, HRCT reporting’s in line with pandemic protocol and requirement of resources to treat these cases are less required and utilized today. In present case report, 32-year male, presented in outdoor unit with history of acute febrile respiratory illness with dry cough, high grade fever and chest tightness and chest discomfort of acute onset. HRCT thorax documented Pleural based, peripheral, unifocal or solitary opacity with predominant GGOs in right lower lobe with normal left lung. He is treated in indoor unit in line with community acquired pneumonia protocol and observed clinical worsening with four-fold raised in inflammatory markers. Oxygenation is worsened and raised IL-6, CRP and LDH has given clue to think towards COVID-19 etiology. Thorat swab for COVID-19 RT PCR is positive and managed according to protocol for COVID-19 illness. This is the only observed COVID-19 pneumonia case in last six months, in which; clinical-radiological patters were typical of pandemic illness of second wave of COVID-19 illness due to delta variant. Our case is the sporadic case reported with all clinical features of pandemic illness. We have suspected COVID-19 etiology in spite of ‘atypical unilateral lung involvement’ due to worsened clinical features and abnormally raised inflammatory markers with poor response to standard treatment protocol for community acquired pneumonia. High index of suspicion is must, and; timely interventions with use of rational treatment including remdesivir, heparin &amp; steroids combination during hospitalization has documented successful outcome. We recommend COVID-19 RT PCR testing in all community acquired cases nonresponding to standard guidelines to have timely diagnosis and treatment. Sporadic cases rare to occur, and they do occur for few years ahead of this end of pandemic due to virus variant, and we must quote ‘rare things are not rare to happen’.

Effect of COVID-19 on peripheral and central hearing abilities

BackgroundCOVID-19 has caused various implications on physical and mental health of human beings. It included several symptoms involving the auditory vestibular system. This study aims to investigate the impact of active COVID-19 infection on central and peripheral auditory pathways.MethodTwo groups of subjects were involved in the research: Group I consisted of 45 individuals with no history of COVID-19, while Group II included 41 individuals who were diagnosed with COVID-19 through RT-PCR testing.The audiological battery used in this study included Pure tone audiometry, Digit in Noise test, Dichotic CV test, and Pitch pattern test, all of which were administered online. Testing was conducted in two phases for both groups. Phase 1 testing took place within the first 7 days of a positive RT-PCR result, while Phase 2 testing occurred within a week of a negative RT-PCR test. Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire to provide information on general health conditions and their otological symptoms.ResultsThe results from Phase 1 testing revealed that Group II exhibited statistically lower scores in all the audiological tests compared to Group I (control group). However, during Phase 2 testing, this significant difference was no longer observed between both groups.ConclusionBased on the findings, it can be inferred that the audiological pathway was compromised during the active infection stage of COVID-19. Therefore, this study highlights changes in performance concerning tests that assess the central auditory system during the infection period.Trial registrationSH/IRB/RP/24. Registered 12 January 2021.

Rapid detection of porcine sapelovirus by reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification assay.

Porcine Sapelovirus (PSV) infection has been confirmed in pigs worldwide, mostly asymptomatic, but in some cases, it can lead to significant issues in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological, or reproductive systems. PSV is considered an emerging pathogen of porcine species. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a simple and fast isothermal technique that uses three enzymes for amplification without the use of any sophisticated equipment. The reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay was developed and optimized for field based detection of PSV. The assay was developed by targeting 5´UTR region of PSV genome and optimized for reaction time, temperature, primer and MgOAc concentration. The analytical sensitivity and specificity of assay was determined. The assay was evaluated on 85 porcine faecal samples collected from field. In addition to conventional format, this assay was also optimized for visual dye-based detection format and lateral flow strips based detection (in combination with probe). The developed assay works at constant temperature of 35°C for 20min with forward primer concentration 20pm, reverse primer concentration 10pm and MgOAc concentration of 14mM. This assay is highly sensitive and detects up to 28 copies of viral nucleic acid both in the conventional as well as in fluorescent dye based detection format. Using the newly developed assay 21 samples out of 85 samples were found positive, showing positivity rate of 24.7%. The positivity rate of RT-RPA assay corroborated with the gold standard RT-PCR test. This study presented the development of an RT-RPA isothermal assay for rapid and accurate detection of PSV. The assay is highly sensitive, specific, works at a low and constant temperature, does not require any high-end instrument and can be a potential diagnostics tool for pen-side testing of PSV in the field conditions. The newly developed RT-RPA assay could successfully detect PSV circulating in swine population of Haryana, India. This is a first report of this kind from the region.

Genetic Analysis and Epidemiological Impact of SARS-CoV-2: A Multinational Study of 1000 Samples Using RT-PCR

The ongoing global public health challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates continuous research and surveillance efforts. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed over 1000 COVID-19 RT-PCR tests conducted on a cohort of 1200 patients in Saudi Arabia. Our primary goal was to investigate mutations in specific genes RdRp, N, and E different infection and recovery stages in Saudi patients with SARS-CoV-2. We also extended our analysis to include patients of various nationalities residing in Saudi Arabia, with the overarching objective of assessing these genes as markers for COVID-19 presence and progression. To diagnose and investigate potential genetic variations in COVID-19, we engaged RT-PCR. Our study primarily focused on detecting mutations in the RdRp, N, and E genes in Saudi patients with SARS-CoV-2, as well as individuals from various national residing in Saudi Arabia. This molecular technique provided valuable insights into the virus’s genetic makeup during infection and recovery. In our analysis of 671 positive COVID-19 cases, diverse gene involvement patterns were observed. Specifically, 55.91% had mutations in all three genes (RdRp, N, and E), 62.33% in both N and E genes, and 67.16% in RdRp and N genes. Additionally, 30.75% exhibited mutations exclusively in the RdRp gene, and 51.58% had mutations in the N gene. The N gene, in particular, showed high sensitivity as a marker for identifying active viral circulation. Regarding the temporal dynamics of the disease, the median duration between a positive and a subsequent negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result was approximately 33.86 days for 44% of cases, 14.31 days for 30%, and 22.67 days for 4%. The insights from this study hold significant implications for managing COVID-19 patients during the ongoing pandemic. The N gene shows promise as a marker for detecting active viral circulation, potentially improving patient care and containment strategies. Establishing a defined positive threshold for diagnostic methods and correlating it with a low risk of infection remains a challenge. Further research is needed to address these complexities and enhance our understanding of COVID-19 epidemiology and diagnostics.

Identification of coronavirus disease marker compounds in sweat with comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography using multiloop splitter-based non-cryogenic artificial trapping modulation system

This study applied comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC × GCMS–) for analysis of volatile compounds in headspaces of axillary swab samples of RT-PCR or antigen test kit proven COVID-19 positive and negative volunteers in Bangkok, Thailand. The separation was performed using a conventional Deans switch (DS) based heartcut system with an additional splitter system located between the first (1D) column (30 m) and the DS. The splitter consisted of deactivated fused silica (DFS) columns connected into three loops with the progressively doubled perimeters of the downstream loops. An artificial GC × GC result was obtained by applying a periodic heartcut (H/C) event within every artificial modulation period (PAM) of 1.14 min, selectively transferring the analytes onto the second (2D) column (30 m). Chemometric analysis including feature selection was used to identify significantly altered metabolites between the positive and negative groups. Fourteen significant metabolites were tentatively identified, including p-cymene, linalool, and 2,6,11-trimethyldodecane. The marker peak area thresholds were optimized by generating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showing accuracy, sensitivity and selectivity within the ranges of 94–98%, 93–97% and 94–100%, respectively. Based on these results, we hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupts the metabolism of volatile metabolites in sweat, or impacts the microbiome, changing the volatile profile of sweat in infected patients.

Epidemiology of Camelpox: New Aspects

After the abolition of the mandatory smallpox vaccination, the humanity lost the immunity not only to smallpox, but also to infections caused by pathogens of this family (Orthopoxvirus): monkeypox, cowpox, buffalo pox, camelpox. Since the camelpox and African gerbil viruses are the closest to the variola virus (genomic homology is 97%) in phylogenetic and genetic terms, it cannot be ruled out that a mutation in a small fragment of the genome of one of these viruses will lead to the replacement of a relatively safe virus with an epidemically dangerous pathogen. The purpose of is article is to summarize materials on the study of camelpox virus. The sources for this research is scientific articles and other English-language literature available via the Internet. The research method is an analysis of scientific sources on camelpox from the general to the specific. The authors considered the epizootic danger of the virus, its virulence for humans, phylogenetic relationship with other orthopoxviruses, means of specific prevention and treatment of camel pox in camels. The discussion and the results. The causative agent of camelpox causes a nodular-pastular rash on the skin and mucous membranes in Camelus dromedaries and Camelus bactrianus. The disease is contagious, and its epizootics lead to significant economic damage. From December 2008 to May 2009, several laboratory-confirmed cases of camelpox in humans were reported in India, Somalia and eastern Sudan. Nowadays for the identification of the camelpox virus, a RT-PCR test system with primers for the C18L gene is usually offered, which detects only this virus. The established host range of the virus is limited to one animal - the camel. To treat sick camels, chemotherapy drugs are used: cidofovir and tocoverimate (ST-246). For immunoprophylaxis, live and inactivated vaccines are used. The conclusion. Camelpox virus poses a risk to humans in regions where people raise camels and are in close contact with them. The immunodeficient populations of people may serve as an additional «window» for the penetration of this virus into human society. The genetic variability of the virus and the plasticity of its genome make it possible to obtain virus strains with altered properties. Synthetic biology methods create a risk, through small substitutions in the genome of the virus, of turning it into an epidemic danger for humans. Constant monitoring of this disease is necessary, since there is a danger of the transmission of camelpox from Kazakhstan to areas bordering the Russian Federation.