Severe Acute Respiratory Symptoms Research Articles

Reactive Oxygen Species Modulate Th17/Treg Balance in Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia via NLRP3/IL-1β/Caspase-1 Pathway Differentiation.

Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia (CPP) is a lung disease caused by the infection with the Chla-mydia psittaci bacterium, which can lead to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and systemic symptoms. This study explored the specific mechanisms underlying the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the Th17/Treg balance in CPP. The levels of ROS and the differentiation ratio of Th17/Treg in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals and CPP patients were measured using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. The association between the ROS levels and Th17/Treg was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. The ROS levels and the Th17/Treg ratio were measured in CD4+ T cells following H2O2 treatment and NLRP3 inhibition. The effects of H2O2 treatment and NLRP3 inhibition on the NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 pathway were observed using immunoblotting. Compared to the healthy group, the CPP group exhibited increased levels of ROS in the peripheral blood, an elevated ratio of Th17 differentiation, and a decreased ratio of Treg differentiation. ROS levels were positively correlated with the Th17 cell proportion but negatively correlated with the Treg cell proportion. The ROS levels and NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 expression were up-regulated in CD4+ T cells after H2O2 treatment. Furthermore, there was an increase in Th17 differentiation and a decrease in Treg differentiation. Conversely, the NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 pathway inhibition reversed the effects of H2O2 treatment, with no significant change in the ROS levels. ROS regulates the Th17/Treg balance in CPP, possibly through the NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 pathway. This study provides a new perspective on the development of immunotherapy for CPP.

Amyloid precursor protein facilitates SARS-CoV-2 virus entry into cells and enhances amyloid-β-associated pathology in APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Although there are indications of a trend towards less severe acute respiratory symptoms and a decline in overall lethality from the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), more and more attention has been paid to the long COVID, including the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we aim to investigate the involvement of N-terminal amyloid precursor protein (APP) in SARS-CoV-2-induced amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology. Utilizing both in vitro and in vivo methodologies, we first investigated the interaction between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and N-terminal APP via LSPR and CoIP assays. The in vitro impacts of APP overexpression on virus infection were further evaluated in HEK293T/ACE2 cells, SH-SY5Y cells, and Vero cells. We also analyzed the pseudovirus infection in vivo in a mouse model overexpressing human wild-type APP. Finally, we evaluated the impact of APP on pseudovirus infection within human brain organoids and assessed the chronic effects of pseudovirus infection on Aβ levels. We reported here for the first time that APP, the precursor of the Aβ of AD, interacts with the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, both in vivo and in vitro data further indicated that APP promotes the cellular entry of the virus, and exacerbates Aβ-associated pathology in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD, which can be ameliorated by N-terminal APP blockage. Our findings provide experimental evidence to interpret APP-related mechanisms underlying AD-like neuropathology in COVID-19 patients and may pave the way to help inform risk management and therapeutic strategies against diseases accordingly.

Effective SARS-CoV-2 replication of monolayers of intestinal epithelial cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes severe acute respiratory symptoms in humans. Controlling the coronavirus disease pandemic is a worldwide priority. The number of SARS-CoV-2 studies has dramatically increased, and the requirement for analytical tools is higher than ever. Here, we propose monolayered-intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) instead of three-dimensional cultured intestinal organoids as a suitable tool to study SARS-CoV-2 infection. Differentiated IEC monolayers express high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), host factors essential for SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 efficiently grows in IEC monolayers. Using this propagation system, we confirm that TMPRSS2 inhibition blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection in IECs. Hence, our iPSC-derived IEC monolayers are suitable for SARS-CoV-2 research under physiologically relevant conditions.

Molecular Detection of H1N1 and Impact of Cytokines among Infected Patients with Respiratory Distress: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Viruses are spread from one individual to another. In respect to the mode of transmission, the majority of them enter the human body by the inward breath of infective respiratory beads. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) are infections of the body’s respiratory tract, which include the sinuses, nose, throat, airways, and lungs. The influenza virus has four key structural antigens: the internal Ribonucleoprotein (RNP), the viral envelope Matrix (M), and two surface Glycoproteins (GP), Neuraminidase (NA) and Haemagglutinin (HA). A respiratory virus called swine flu/H1N1 evolved and spread widely around the world. H1N1 outbreaks with various virus strains were noted before the most recent severe pandemic, which occurred in 2009. Seasonal outbreaks that are extremely infrequent since the 2009 pandemic the influenza strain have occurred. Aim: To assess the prevalence and level of cytokines in H1N1- infected patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory distress. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of viral molecular, immunological and epidemiological parameters. The study was done at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at the Department of Health Research (DHR), Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (BMCH), Burdwan, India. The duration of the study was seven months, from January 2022- July 2022. Samples in Viral Transport Medium (VTM) were collected from suspected influenza patients with mild or severe Acute Respiratory Distress Symptoms (ARDS) and Influenza Like Symptom (ILS). The RNA samples were isolated and the nucleic acid purified from samples was screened by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The extracted clinical Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) samples are then converted into Complementary Deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). The HA gene sequences of endemic swine influenza A virus (H1N1) and sequences from a panel of human and avian type A influenza virus strains, including the type A human seasonal strains, were retrieved from the GenBank database in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) portal. The Enzymelinked Immunoassay (ELISA) method was used to measure the proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin (IL)-8, IL2 and antiinflammatory cytokine IL10, as well as the IL3 concentration level in severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) +Immediate Life Support (ILS) positive H1N1 infected patients. Analysis of all the data was performed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: In this study, all samples (n=120) were examined using RT-PCR, which revealed that 53 samples were infected with the Influenza A Virus (IAV). Among the total positive 24 were males and 29 were females. the average concentration of IL3 was 1749.49 pg/mL. The increase in IL8 was not as big as the increase in IL2 and IL3. IL8 was identified as a significant proinflammatory factor during angiogenesis, or uncontrolled cell growth. Conclusion: The prevalence of H1N1 infection was found to be high in children under the age of ten. The concentration of IL-3 in H1N1-infected patients’ samples was higher than the concentrations of the other three cytokines.

Low dietary sodium potentially mediates COVID-19 prevention associated with whole-food plant-based diets.

Compared with an omnivorous Western diet, plant-based diets containing mostly fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, with restricted amounts of foods of animal origin, are associated with reduced risk and severity of COVID-19. Additionally, inflammatory immune responses and severe acute respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, including pulmonary oedema, shortness of breath, fever and nasopharyngeal infections, are associated with Na toxicity from excessive dietary Na. High dietary Na is also associated with increased risks of diseases and conditions that are co-morbid with COVID-19, including chronic kidney disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and obesity. This article presents evidence that low dietary Na potentially mediates the association of plant-based diets with COVID-19 prevention. Processed meats and poultry injected with sodium chloride contribute considerable amounts of dietary Na in the Western diet, and the avoidance or reduction of these and other processed foods in whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diets could help lower overall dietary Na intake. Moreover, high amounts of K in plant-based diets increase urinary Na excretion, and preagricultural diets high in plant-based foods were estimated to contain much lower ratios of dietary Na to K compared with modern diets. Further research should investigate low Na in WFPB diets for protection against COVID-19 and co-morbid conditions.

Artemisia Extracts and Artemisinin-Based Antimalarials for COVID-19 Management: Could These Be Effective Antivirals for COVID-19 Treatment?

As the world desperately searches for ways to treat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a growing number of people are turning to herbal remedies. The Artemisia species, such as A. annua and A. afra, in particular, exhibit positive effects against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 related symptoms. A. annua is a source of artemisinin, which is active against malaria, and also exhibits potential for other diseases. This has increased interest in artemisinin’s potential for drug repurposing. Artemisinin-based combination therapies, so-called ACTs, have already been recognized as first-line treatments against malaria. Artemisia extract, as well as ACTs, have demonstrated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Artemisinin and its derivatives have also shown anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) that plays a key role in the development of severe COVID-19. There is now sufficient evidence in the literature to suggest the effectiveness of Artemisia, its constituents and/or artemisinin derivatives, to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting its invasion, and replication, as well as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and mitigating lung damage.

“Life Turned Upside Down”: State of Mind and Mental Health During COVID-19

On the February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) gave the name of COVID-19 to a new coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans. Although the virus began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, within weeks it spread worldwide to almost every continent. This virus is part of an ongoing pandemic that causes severe acute respiratory symptoms. Many countries went into complete lockdown in order to contain the proliferation of this virus. This lockdown due to the widespread pandemic experienced for the first time in a century worldwide, triggered concern, fear, anxiety and stress, all of which are expected and normal reactions to the altering and uncertain state that people found themselves undergoing. Some of the main concerns facing many was how to manage and react to the stressful situation of coronavirus, how to remain confined at home, and how to handle the unfolding narrative so rapidly unfolding in the lives within communities-lives that had been “turned upside down” in a matter of a few weeks. This research looks at the state of mind of citizens in four continents: Africa, Australia, Europe, and India, of the world during lockdown. It also explores whether a novel illness such as COVID-19 can cause mental health issues, widespread fear, and anxiety, among people and the manner in which they deal with this. As the world deals with the physical health, financial, and social consequences of the pandemic, which has claimed many lives, the mental health impact and implications cannot to be ignored.

Myths and Facts about COVID-19 and Vaccination

A year ago, in the year 2020, the entire globe was seized by a minuscule particle known as the CORONA VIRUS. The Coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has now spread to every corner of the world, some more than others. There has been a lot of worry and fear about this disease all around the world. There are several misunderstandings and questions about this condition, and individuals are prone to believing everything they hear in the media without verifying it. COVID19, or Corona Virus Disease of 2019, is a one-of-a-kind virus that has wreaked havoc over the world and has become one of humanity's greatest threats. All the misconceptions and confusion and beliefs have led to more damage.
 Coronaviruses are a kind of virus that causes sickness in animals such as humans and birds. Infections of the respiratory system caused by coronaviruses have a wide range and can vary from person to person from no to mild infection which sometimes can be fatal, particularly in humans. Some cases of rhinorrhoea (which can be can be due to other viruses, particularly rhinoviruses) are not life-threatening, but more fatal strains can cause SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. In other species, the symptoms are different.
 There are presently no drugs available to prevent or treat human infections. Even though vaccination trials have begun and individuals are being immunized all over the world. Coronaviruses are members of the Coronaviridae family, the order Nidovirale: s, and the Orthocoronavirinae subfamily of the realm Riboviria. The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed the COVID-19 outbreak to be a pandemic in March 2020.
 Many instances of pneumonia with an unknown underlying cause have been reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, since December 8, 2019. The great majority of the patients were either employees or residents of the Huanan wholesale fish market, which also sold other live animals. Severe acute respiratory infection symptoms appeared early in the course of this pneumonia, with some patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), abrupt respiratory failure, and other devastating consequences.
 On January 7, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered a new coronavirus from a patient's throat swab sample, which the World Health Organization later called 2019 nCoV (WHO). This article includes various myths and their explanation about COVID vaccination. However, it has been observed that COVID-19 vaccination is completely safe.

Role of CT angiography in detecting acute pulmonary embolism associated with COVID-19 pneumonia

PurposeRecently coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused a global pandemic, characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of our study was to detect pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with severe form of COVID-19 infection using pulmonary CT angiography, and its associations with clinical and laboratory parameters.MethodsFrom March to December 2020, we performed a prospective monocentric study collecting data from 374 consecutive patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, using real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) assay of nasopharyngeal swab specimens. We subsequently selected patients with at least two of the following inclusion criteria: (1) severe acute respiratory symptoms (such as dyspnea, persistent cough, fever > 37.5 °C, fatigue, etc.); (2) arterial oxygen saturation ≤ 93% at rest; (3) elevated D-dimer (≥ 500 ng/mL) and C-reactive protein levels (≥ 0.50 mg/dL); and (4) presence of comorbidities. A total of 63/374 (17%) patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent CT angiography during intravenous injection of iodinated contrast agent (Iomeprol 400 mgI/mL). Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Chi-square tests.ResultsAbout, 26/60 patients (40%) were found positive for PE at chest CT angiography. In these patients, D-dimer and CRP values were significantly higher, while a reduction in SaO2 < 93% was more common than in patients without PE (P < 0.001). Median time between illness onset and CT scan was significantly longer (15 days; P < 0.001) in patients with PE. These were more likely to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (19/26 vs. 11/34 patients; P < 0.001) and required mechanical ventilation more frequently than those without PE (15/26 patients vs. 9/34 patients; P < 0.001). Vascular enlargement was significantly more frequent in patients with PE than in those without (P = 0.041).ConclusionsOur results pointed out that patients affected by severe clinical features of COVID-19 associated with comorbidities and significant increase of D-dimer levels developed acute mono- or bi-lateral pulmonary embolism in 40% of cases. Therefore, the use of CT angiography rather than non-contrast CT should be considered in these patients, allowing a better evaluation, that can help the management and improve the outcomes.

Phytochemical Screening of Adathodai Kudineer A Siddha Herbal concoction and Evaluation of its binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and ACE2 Receptor Spike protein Complex through Molecular Docking in silico approach

Adathodai kudineer (AK) a Classical Siddha formulation is used to treat various fevers which cause moderate to severe acute respiratory symptoms as is indicated in the text. GC-MS analysis was carried out to identify the presence of potent lead molecules in AK against novel corona virus. The aqueous extract has shown the following bioactive compounds such as Napthalene, Benzene Propanol, Benzene Acetic Acid, Furazan-3-amine, Pyrazol-4-Carboxylic acid, 2(3H) Furanone. The ethanolic extract of AK exhibited the molecular compounds such as Eucalyptol, Toluene, 2-Carene, Alpha-Copaene, 1,6-Cyclodecadiene, Aromadendrene, Gamma-murolene, Beta-copaene, Cubebol, Selina-3,7 (11) - Diene, 2-Butanone. Molecular docking is a powerful approach in current trends to identify the possibility of pharmacological effects of medicinal compounds which could be exerted over their Corresponding Protein targets which are relevant for causing disease. Using Auto dock Vina Software, the biomolecules of AK were analyzed through molecular docking against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein (PDB ID 6LU7) and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein – ACE 2 receptor complex (6LZG). ADME properties were also recorded for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of AK compounds using online tool SWISS ADME. The binding energy observed were of the order: -10.9 Kcal/mol, -8.0 Kcal/mol, -7.8 Kcal/mol for the compounds Alpha-Copaene, Gamma-Murolene, Selina-3,7 (11)–Diene respectively towards the protein target 6LZG and -8.2 Kcal/mol, -6.6 Kcal/Mol, -6.5 Kcal/Mol, for the compounds Alpha-Copaene, Cubebol, Aromadendrene respectively towards for the target 6LU7. These findings confirm that the Siddha formulation Adathodai Kudineer has some potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 Virus COVID19 disease.

Coronavirus and disease such as cancer

A recently published article confirmed that more than 50.0% of infected patients with cancer are susceptible to develop severe form of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, acute and chronic diseases caused by COVID-19 in humans are spreading quickly worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a better understanding of the COVID-19 and disease such as cancer. Based on our previous studies and experiences in the field of cancers' prevalence and incidence, we searched, selected, and studied articles in PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Scopus, and Web of Science with the keywords relevant to “Coronavirus,” “Disease,” and “Cancer.” In the initiation of cancer, viral infection plays a key role in signaling factor activation. Due to immunocompromised state, there is a higher risk of severe illness such as severe acute respiratory symptoms from COVID-19 in those with cancer. Patients with lymphoblastic leukemia or those who need to undergo chemotherapy are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection. Mild flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, fatigue, sputum production and shortness of breath, respiratory failure, arrhythmias, brain stroke, acute cardiac injury, shock, multiple organ failure, and death are some of the reported signs of infection to COVID-19 in patients with cancer. Published articles, emphasis for more attention during COVID-19 pandemic situation in patients with different types of cancers such as; Skin, stomach, colon, bladder, and lung cancer. Forecasts a time of change for a new type of coronavirus that might be associated with a silent period of at least 3–7 years in the near future. Finally, as patients with cancer are more susceptible to develop severe clinical consequences, therefore, health authorities should have advanced pharmacotherapy plans to alleviate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 on cancer patients.

The interactions between COVID-19 drugs and psychotropic agents

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a systemic infection targeting multiple organs. Interstitial pneumonia is the landmark feature of this condition. Severe acute respiratory symptoms requiring intensive care support arises for about one out of twenty symptomatic cases. Aminochinolone, antiviral, antibiotic, corticoid, anticoagulant and immunobiological drugs are used, mostly to treat symptoms. Only remdesivir exhibiting weak antiviral activity is approved for COVID-19. Psychotropic medications may interact with medical treatments for COVID-19. The aim of this presentation is to highlight pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions to be expected for medical treatments of COVID-19. Remdesivir and favipiravir exhibit hepatotoxic properties which may be enhanced under combinations with tricyclic antidepressants or agomelatine. Favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir/ritonavir have QT interval prolongation potential and must be considered for combinations with antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. For hydroxychloroquine, hypoglycemic activity may give rise to endocrine disturbances. Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions can be expected for lopinavir/ritonavir which inhibit cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 and induce CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. Combinations with psychotropic drugs that are substrates of these enzymes (victim drugs) will affect drug concentrations in blood and lead to supra- or subtherapeutic levels. Moreover, it must be assumed that the COVID-19 infection is associated with an enhanced production of cytokines which has a known impact on CYP enzyme activities. Though studies on interactions between psychotropic medications and medical treatments for COVID-19 are lacking, multiple drug interactions can be predicted and expected considering the side effect profiles and CYP inhibitory, inducing and substrate properties of combined drugs.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Conjugation of Human β-Defensin 2 to Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain Induces Antigen-Specific Protective Immunity against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Human Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Transgenic Mice

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe acute respiratory symptoms. Due to the lack of medical countermeasures, effective and safe vaccines against MERS-CoV infection are urgently required. Although different types of candidate vaccines have been developed, their immunogenicity is limited, and the dose and administration route need optimization to achieve optimal protection. We here investigated the potential use of human β-defensin 2 (HBD 2) as an adjuvant to enhance the protection provided by MERS-CoV vaccination. We found that immunization of human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4)-transgenic (hDPP4-Tg) mice with spike protein receptor-binding domain (S RBD) conjugated with HBD 2 (S RBD-HBD 2) induced potent antigen (Ag)-specific adaptive immune responses and protected against MERS-CoV infection. In addition, immunization with S RBD-HBD 2 alleviated progressive pulmonary fibrosis in the lungs of MERS-CoV-infected hDPP4-Tg mice and suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling activation upon viral infection. Compared to intramuscular administration, intranasal administration of S RBD-HBD 2 induced more potent mucosal IgA responses and was more effective for protecting against intranasal MERS-CoV infection. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HBD 2 potentiates Ag-specific immune responses against viral Ag and can be used as an adjuvant enhancing the immunogenicity of subunit vaccine candidates against MERS-CoV.

COVID-19: gastrointestinal symptoms from the view of gut-lung axis.

The main symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are respiratory manifestations, while some confirmed patients developed gastrointestinal symptoms or even initially presented digestive symptoms. The link between pneumonia and gastrointestinal symptoms caused by severe acute respiratory symptoms coronavirus 2 focused our attention on the concept of 'gut-lung axis'. In this review, we discuss the inevitability and possible mechanisms of the occurrence of intestinal symptoms or intestinal dysfunction in COVID-19 from the perspective of the gut-lung axis, as well as the influence of the imbalance of intestinal homeostasis on the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19. The interaction between lung and intestine might lead to a vicious cycle of pulmonary and intestinal inflammation which may be a potential factor leading to the death of patients with COVID-19.

Use of predictive tools in the management of COVID-19 patients: a key role of clinical laboratories.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is widely spreading and represents a critical threat to global health. In the fight against this pandemic, provincial hospitals urgently need rapid diagnostic of COVID-19 infected patients to avoid collapsing of emergency units. However, the high demand of patients with severe acute respiratory symptoms limits the fast delivery of results by the gold standard method reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction real time (rRT-PCR) for the identification of COVID-19 positive pneumonia. The principal aim is to find other useful laboratory indicators to assist rRT-PCR tests and to help controlling of this outbreak. Blood, coagulation and inflammatory parameters were collected from a total of 309 patients classified as negative (128) and positive (181) rRT-PCR test groups. Patients were classified as positive by molecular diagnostic test. Leukocyte count (WBC), neutrophils count, lymphocytes count and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were statistically different between both groups of patients. The use of LDH/WBC ratio increases the diagnostic performance with the best area under the curve (0.783), sensibility (82%) and the best percentage (80.5%) of correctly identified COVID-19 positive patients. The combination of predictive LDH/WBC ratio with clinical illness features could help in medical management of patients and improve the technical resources of hospitals, especially in a critical scenario with a large shortage of medical equipment and lack of reagents for performing rRT-PCR.

Induction of the Antiviral Immune Response and Its Circumvention by Coronaviruses.

Some coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses of human and veterinary medical importance. The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory symptoms coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), associated with the current global pandemic, is characterized by pneumonia, lymphopenia, and a cytokine storm in humans that has caused catastrophic impacts on public health worldwide. Coronaviruses are known for their ability to evade innate immune surveillance exerted by the host during the early phase of infection. It is important to comprehensively investigate the interaction between highly pathogenic coronaviruses and their hosts. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge about coronaviruses with a focus on antiviral immune responses in the respiratory and intestinal tracts to infection with severe coronaviruses that have caused epidemic diseases in humans and domestic animals. We emphasize, in particular, the strategies used by these coronaviruses to circumvent host immune surveillance, mainly including the hijack of antigen-presenting cells, shielding RNA intermediates in replication organelles, 2′-O-methylation modification for the evasion of RNA sensors, and blocking of interferon signaling cascades. We also provide information about the potential development of coronavirus vaccines and antiviral drugs.

Molecular Basis for Pathogenicity of Human Coronaviruses.

Over the past years, several zoonotic viruses have crossed the species barrier into humans and have been causing outbreaks of severe, and often fatal, respiratory illness. The 21st century has seen the worldwide spread of three recognized coronaviruses (CoVs) which can cause pneumonia and severe acute respiratory symptoms (SARSs), SARS, MERS, and recently SARS-CoV-2. Herein, it is raising concerns about the dissemination of another new and highly lethal pandemic outbreak. Preparing for a pandemic outbreak involves a great deal of awareness necessary to stop initial outbreaks, through recognizing the molecular mechanisms underlying virus transmission and pathogenicity. CoV spike protein S is the key determinant of host tropism and viral pathogenicity which can undergo variations and makes the CoV a highly pathogenic and diffusible virus capable of sustained human-to-human transmission and spread easily. The three mentioned CoVs exhibit some similarities in S protein whereby constitute a promising target for the development of prophylactics and therapeutics in the future.

Self-affirmation buffering by the general public reduces anxiety levels during the COVID-19 epidemic

<p id="C2">In December 2019, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. COVID-19 is characterised by fever and severe acute respiratory symptoms in early stages, which can rapidly progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is associated with high mortality. As of 9 February 2020, 40171 cases have been confirmed cumulatively and 23589 suspected cases were collected in China. The wide and rapid spread of COVID-19 has intensely captured public attention, leading to increased mental health stress. Timely mental health care and intervention during the outbreak of COVID-19 is urgently needed not only for confirmed or suspected patients and frontline medical workers, but also for the general public.<br/>Previous studies showed that affirmation of personal values can buffer psychological stress responses in various threat situations. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether an intervention involving reflection on personal values was capable of buffering psychological stress responses during the outbreak. We recruited 220 participants who completed a questionnaire on their personal values. Those in the self-affirmation group were asked to choose and write their thoughts and feelings of a personal value that made them feel important to themselves while those in the control condition were asked to do the same for a personal value that they thought was important to others. Both groups completed a Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) prior to and 7 days after intervention. <br/>We used two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the buffer effect of value affirmation on stress responses with time of assessment as a within-subjects factor and intervention group as a between-subjects factor for anxiety and depression. Our results revealed a significant relationship between time and intervention for the reduction of anxiety. Further simple effect analysis demonstrated that the control group showed heightened levels of anxiety 7 days after intervention compared with before, whereas participants who affirmed their values did not show any increase. This effect remained significant after controlling for sex, age, educational level, and annual family income. However, no significant differences were found for depression. <br/>The present study demonstrates for the first time that an experimental intervention involving the affirmation of personal values can buffer psychological stress response during the COVID-19 epidemic. Specifically, participants who affirmed their values did not show increased levels of anxiety compared with control participants. Self-affirmation is easy to accomplish since it does not require professional guidance or a distinct environment and occupies little time, it would be a convenient strategy for the public to cope with psychological stress during the outbreak.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): latest developments in potential treatments.

Many viral respiratory infections can cause severe acute respiratory symptoms leading to mortality and morbidity. In the spring of 2003, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak caused by SARS-CoV spread globally. In the summer of 2012, the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak caused by MERS-CoV occurred in Saudi Arabia. In the winter of 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 occurred in China which rapidly spread worldwide causing a global pandemic. Up until 27 May 2020, there are 5.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 347,587 COVID-19 related deaths worldwide, and there has also been an unprecedented increase in socioeconomic and psychosocial issues related to COVID-19. This overview aims to review the current developments in preventive treatments and therapies for COVID-19. The development of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 is ongoing and various clinical trials are currently underway around the world. It is hoped that existing antivirals including remdesivir and lopinavir-ritonavir might have roles in the treatment of COVID-19, but results from trials thus far have not been promising. COVID-19 causes a mild respiratory disease in the majority of cases, but in some cases, cytokine activation causes sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to morbidity and mortality. Immunomodulatory treatments and biologics are also being actively explored as therapeutics for COVID-19. On the other hand, the use of steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been discouraged based on concerns about their adverse effects. Over the past two decades, coronaviruses have caused major epidemics and outbreaks worldwide, whilst modern medicine has been playing catch-up all along.

Overview: The history and pediatric perspectives of severe acute respiratory syndromes: Novel or just like SARS.

Many respiratory viral infections such as influenza and measles result in severe acute respiratory symptoms and epidemics. In the spring of 2003, an epidemic of coronavirus pneumonia spread from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and subsequently to the rest of the world. The WHO coined the acronym SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and subsequently the causative virus as SARS‐CoV. In the summer of 2012, epidemic of pneumonia occurred again in Saudi Arabia which was subsequently found to be caused by another novel coronavirus. WHO coined the term MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) to denote the Middle East origin of the novel virus (MERS‐CoV). In the winter of 2019, another outbreak of pneumonia occurred in Wuhan, China which rapidly spread globally. Yet another novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit and has been named SARS‐CoV‐2 due to its similarities with SARS‐CoV, and the disease as coronavirus disease‐2019. This overview aims to compare and contrast the similarities and differences of these three major episodes of coronavirus outbreak, and conclude that they are essentially the same viral respiratory syndromes caused by similar strains of coronavirus with different names. Coronaviruses have caused major epidemics and outbreaks worldwide in the last two decades. From an epidemiological perspective, they are remarkably similar in the mode of spread by droplets. Special focus is placed on the pediatric aspects, which carry less morbidity and mortality in all three entities.