Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Research Articles

COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis: what you need to know - a review.

The appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) initiated the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in millions of confirmed cases and numerous fatalities. In response, rapid vaccine development efforts were launched to mitigate the pandemic's impact. Despite the high efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, they are also associated with several common side effects/complications, some of them specific to the multiple sclerosis population. Our goal is to review various types of COVID-19 vaccines, assessing their efficacy, adverse events, their association with an MS relapse following vaccination, and the influence of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) on vaccines' efficacy. The review was based on a database search that included PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Web of Science conducted from January 2020 to July 2024 using the following MeSH terms: MS, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine side effects, and vaccine hesitancy. Receiving any type of COVID-19 vaccine is a safer and more reliable approach to building immunity compared to becoming infected with the virus. Complications tend to be mild to moderate, occasionally severe. DMTs could affect the humoral response to the COVID-19 vaccine. Among all DMTs, a notable reduction in the humoral response has been observed in patients who received anti-CD20 and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator drugs after their COVID-19 vaccination. Despite certain drawbacks, the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine significantly outweigh the associated risks, making it a recommended course of action for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, physicians need to be mindful of potential complications especially in patients undergoing anti CD20 and manage them appropriately.

Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationships of xanthine derivatives as broad-spectrum inhibitors of coronavirus replication

Illuminated by insights into the hijacking of host cellular metabolism by coronaviruses, we identified an initial hit compound 7030B-C5, characterized by a xanthine scaffold, via a cellular-level phenotypic screening from a domestic repertoire of lipid-modulating agents. A series of derivatives were synthesized and optimized through comprehensive structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies focusing on the N-1, C-8, and N-7 positions of xanthine and preliminary exploration on the N-3 position and parent nucleus. Compounds 10e, 10f and 10o, featuring modifications at the N-7 position, showed inhibitory activity with half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values in the three-digit nanomolar range against human coronavirus-229Ehuman coronavirus-229E (HCoV-229E). In particular, compound 10o exerted superior potency across various coronavirus strains, including HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, and the Omicron variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further investigations revealed that 10o acted on the post-entry stages of virus replication and exhibited a distinctive antiviral mechanism from that of clinically approved nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir. Moreover, drug combination study indicates that 10o operates additively with nirmatrelvir, molnupiravir or omicsynin B4, a dual inhibitor of host proteases for S protein priming. Additionally, in vivo assessments show that 10o has favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles compared to its parent compound 7030B-C5. These findings underscore the potential of 10o as a promising antiviral candidate for the treatment of current and potential future coronavirus infections.

Neutralizing antibody titers after COVID-19 vaccination

BackgroundMonitoring COVID-19 and evaluating the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies are considered critical priorities in public health. As a result, the administration of COVID-19 vaccines has been widely approved around the world. In the current study, we investigated the level of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) neutralizing antibody (NAb) among individuals who received different COVID-19 vaccines. MethodsThis cross-sectional study recorded demographical data and clinical characteristics of 168 individuals who received COVID-19 vaccines from 2021 to 2022. Vaccination data of participants, including type and times of vaccine and any complications and symptoms after vaccination, were also recorded. SARS-CoV-2 NAb level was assessed by performing an ELISA test, and all data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The significant level was set at 0.05. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 40.4 ± 16 years, and 109 were females. About 18.4% of participants had the underlying diseases, of which thyroid diseases were the most frequent. The mean SARS-CoV-2 NAb level was 31.6 ± 39.78 ng/ml. Sinopharm was the common vaccine in our population, and AstraZeneca represented a high level of Nab 47.18 ng/ml. Among the participants, 96 had mild to severe complications after vaccination, with the most complaining of arm pain. Significant differences of NAb levele were observed only between types of vaccine and gender (P<0.05). ConclusionDue to our findings, all employed vaccines demonstrated efficacy in generating NAb. The levels of Nab were different among genders, age groups, and different types of vaccine receivers.

Tracking epidemic viruses in wastewaters.

Classical epidemiology relies on incidence, mortality rates, and clinical data from individual testing, which can be challenging for many countries. Therefore, innovative, flexible, cost-effective, and scalable surveillance techniques are needed. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a highly powerful tool in this regard. WBE analyses substances excreted in human fluids and faeces that enter the sewer system. This approach provides insights into community health status and lifestyle habits. WBE serves as an early warning system for viral surveillance, detecting the emergence of new pathogens, changes in incidence rates, identifying future trends, studying outbreaks, and informing the performance of action plans. While WBE has long been used to study different viruses such as poliovirus and norovirus, its implementation has surged due to the pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. This has led to the establishment of wastewater surveillance programmes at international, national, and community levels, many of which remain operational. Furthermore, WBE is increasingly applied to study other pathogens, including antibiotic resistance bacteria, parasites, fungi, and emerging viruses, with new methodologies being developed. Consequently, the primary focus now is on creating international frameworks to enhance states' preparedness against future health risks. However, there remains considerable work to be done, particularly in integrating the principles of One Health into epidemiological surveillance to acknowledge the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment in pathogen transmission. Thus, a broader approach to analysing the three pillars of One Health must be developed, transitioning from WBE to wastewater and environmental surveillance, and establishing this approach as a routine practice in public health.

Divergent autoantibody and cytokine levels in COVID-19 sepsis patients influence survival.

Studies have pointed to a decisive role of autoantibodies in the context of sepsis and severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which itself often fulfills the criteria for sepsis, including dysregulated immune responses and organ dysfunction. To directly compare and further analyze the autoantibody profiles of sepsis patients with and without COVID-19, the luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS) assay was used to measure the levels of autoantibodies against a variety of clinically relevant cytokines, lung-associated proteins, other autoantigens, and antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition, cytokine titers were measured with the LEGENDplex™ Human Antivirus Response Panel. We observed significantly increased levels of autoantibodies in 59% of the COVID-19-Sepsis group compared to 48% of the Sepsis group. Significant differences were identified between the groups for the levels of autoantibodies against gATPase. The cytokine levels of interferon (IFN)-λ1 and IP-10 were higher in the COVID-19-Sepsis groupcompared to the Sepsis group. Additional correlations between autoantibodies, cytokines and 30-day survival could be demonstrated, suggesting varied underlying pathological mechanisms. Elevated levels of cytokines and autoantibodies may serve as prognostic indicators for the survival probability of sepsis patients, highlighting the intricate relationship between immune responses and patient outcomes in the context of both sepsis and COVID-19.

The Potential of mRNA Vaccines to Fight Against Viruses.

Vaccines have always been a critical tool in preventing infectious diseases. However, the development of traditional vaccines often takes a long time and may struggle to address the challenge of rapidly mutating viruses. The emergence of mRNA technology has brought revolutionary changes to vaccine development, particularly in rapidly responding to the threat of emerging viruses. The global promotion of mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has demonstrated the importance of mRNA technology. Also, mRNA vaccines targeting viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and Ebola are under development. These vaccines have shown promising preventive effects and safety profiles in clinical trials, although the duration of immune protection is still under evaluation. However, the development of mRNA vaccines also faces many challenges, such as stability, efficacy, and individual differences in immune response. Researchers adopt various strategies to address these challenges. Anyway, mRNA vaccines have shown enormous potential in combating viral diseases. With further development and technological maturity, mRNA vaccines are expected to have a profound impact on public health and vaccine equity. This review discussed the potential of mRNA vaccines to fight against viruses, current progress in clinical trials, challenges faced, and future prospects, providing a comprehensive scientific basis and reference for future research.

Spectrum of respiratory viruses identified from SARS-CoV-2-negative human respiratory tract specimens in Watansoppeng, Indonesia.

Respiratory infections account for millions of hospital admissions worldwide. The aetiology of respiratory infections can be attributed to a diverse range of pathogens including viruses, bacteria and fungi. SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2)-negative specimens from Wattansoppeng city, South Sulawesi, were analysed to study the spectrum of respiratory viruses. Samples were screened for influenza virus, enterovirus, Paramyxoviridae, Nipah virus, Coronaviridae and Pneumoviridae. Of 210 specimens, 19 were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-A, RSV-B, human parainfluenza virus type 1 (HPIV-1), HPIV-2, human rhinovirus (HRV)-A, HRV-B, HRV-C, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), influenza A virus (IAV) and coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6). Influenza virus was of seasonal H3N2 subtype. The HMPVs were of genotypes B1 and A2a, while one RSV-A was of the ON-1 genotype. The viruses mostly affected children with unknown severity.

Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19 Vaccination and COVID-19 Infection: a Questionnaire-based, Multi-center Study in Korea

Background: Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause various cutaneous complications, including dermatologic adverse reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines reported by several studies. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of cutaneous complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and to determine the risk factors for cutaneous manifestations. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey in 12 hospitals in Korea. Results: After receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, 20.23% and 5.94% of the respondents reported new-onset cutaneous lesions or aggravation of preexisting cutaneous conditions, respectively. Respondents who developed new cutaneous lesions after COVID-19 were significantly older than those who did not (p = 0.001). Systemic symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (fever, chill, cough, sore throat, and myalgia) were associated with higher risk for new-onset cutaneous lesions (p &lt; 0.05). Myalgia was the only systemic symptom of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination that was associated with higher risk for the aggravation of preexisting cutaneous conditions (p = 0.011). Following coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis, 13.3% and 9.7% of the respondents reported new skin lesions and aggravation of preexisting cutaneous conditions, respectively. Respondents with new cutaneous lesions were significantly older than those without new cutaneous lesions (p = 0.046). Systemic COVID-19 symptoms were significantly more common in respondents who developed new cutaneous lesions than in those who did not (p &lt; 0.001). The proportion of respondents with underlying autoimmune diseases was significantly higher in those with cutaneous COVID-19 complications than in those without such complications (p = 0.038). Conclusion: This study offers insights into the characteristics of cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection in Korea.

Within-household SARS-CoV-2 transmission and vaccine effectiveness in the first three COVID-19 school outbreaks in northern Viet Nam, September-December 2021.

The risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from schoolchildren to their household and the protective effects of vaccination in these settings remain poorly understood. We assessed the transmission dynamics of schoolchildren with SARS-CoV-2 within their households and the protective effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination among household members in Viet Nam. We estimated the attack rate, vaccine effectiveness and adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission to household contacts of children confirmed to have COVID-19 who attended three schools in Ha Nam, Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces between September and December 2021 using multivariable regression with household-level random effects. This retrospective cohort study included 157 children infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their 540 household contacts. The attack rate among household contacts was 24.6% (133/540). Overall, vaccine effectiveness among household contacts was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1 to -63), higher among males than females and higher in adults aged >40 years. COVID-19 transmission was greater among female household contacts compared with males (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.95), although not statistically significant, and highest among those aged 19-39 years (aRR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.50 to 4.21). Fully vaccinated household contacts had significantly lower infection risk (aRR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.84). We found substantial onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from schoolchildren to household members, and older people were more likely to be protected by vaccination. We recommend that schoolchildren and all household members living with schoolchildren receive at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Recognizing the role of schoolchildren in the onward transmission of COVID-19 is an important lesson learned by Viet Nam that can help not only in managing other outbreaks but also in protecting schoolchildren by predicting the progress of the outbreak and preparing for a timely response.

Bison, Elk, and Other Captive Wildlife Species Humoral Immune Responses against SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, has been found to infect various domestic and wild animal species. In this study, convenience serum samples from 575 bison, 180 elk, and 147 samples from various wildlife species collected between 2020 and 2023 from several regions in the United States were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. Two commercial ELISA assays based on the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (sVNT) or the nucleocapsid protein (N-ELISA) of SARS-CoV-2 were used. Positive samples from the sVNT were additionally evaluated using a conventional virus neutralization test (VNT). Our results indicated that 1.2% of bison, 2.2% of elk, and 4.1% of the other wildlife species serum samples were seropositive in the sVNT, whereas 4.2% of bison, 3.3% of elk, and 1.4% of the other captive wildlife species serum samples tested positive by the N-ELISA. Among the sVNT serum samples, two samples from bison, one sample from elk, and five serum samples from other wildlife species (one cheetah, one gorilla, two lions, and one hippopotamus) had neutralizing antibody titers in the VNT, indicating these species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings highlight the importance of broad surveillance efforts for the effective monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in non-human hosts.

IgG neutralization potential of COVISHIELD™ vaccinated individual’s sera after booster vaccination: Longitudinal and prospective cohort study

The novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused widespread human turmoil by posing challenges concerning infection prevention, disease diagnosis, and treatment. Several approved vaccines including Sinovac (CoronaVac), COVISHIELD™ (Oxford/AstraZeneca formulation), Janssen (Johnson &amp; Johnson), Sputnik V (Gamaleya), Covaxin (Bharat Biotech), Pfizer (BNT162b2), and others are being used to combat COVID-19. It is crucial to evaluate the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to predict the possibility of reinfection and the longevity of vaccination protection. There is a lack of data on longitudinal humoral antibody dynamics following two and three doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination ChAdOx1-nCOV (COVISHIELDTM) in Indians. Thus, concerns about the efficacy of current vaccines have been raised by a sharp rise in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases caused by sub-variants of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2) in communities that have received massive vaccinations. The relative immunogenicity and safety of various COVID-19 immunizations administered as a third (booster) dose are not well known. We examined the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the COVID-19 vaccine as a third dose after two doses of COVISHIELDTM to produce data to optimize the selection of booster vaccinations. After three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, we evaluated the sera of COVISHIELDTM vaccine recipients for their ability to neutralize the virus. Primary immunization with two doses of COVISHIELDTM vaccine recipients provided significant protection against symptomatic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 variants. A COVISHIELDTM vaccine booster vaccine recipient substantially increased protection. The immunization findings showed a significant difference (p ≥ 0.001) between the COVID-19 naive vaccine (n = 438) and the sera of COVID-19-positive recovered subjects (n = 371) who received three doses of COVISHIELDTM. Our findings reveal that anti-RBD antibodies persist over time, which may reduce the probability of reinfection. A three-dose vaccination (n = 53) increases defense against variations by noticeably increasing cross-neutralizing antibody titers. Particularly against variants with antibody escape mutations.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a induces COVID-19-associated kidney injury through HMGB1-mediated cytokine production.

The major challenge of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the pandemic is COVID-19-related mortality, which has tragically claimed millions of lives. COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality are often exacerbated by pre-existing medical conditions, such as chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), or the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to COVID-19, collectively known as COVID-19-associated kidney injuries (CAKIs). Patients who experience acute respiratory failure with CAKI have the poorest clinical outcomes, including increased mortality. Despite these alarming clinical findings, there is a critical gap in our understanding of the underlying causes of CAKI. Our study establishes a direct correlation between the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 viral ORF3a protein and kidney injury induced by ORF3a linking to CAKI. This functional relationship was initially observed in our clinical studies of COVID-19 patients with AKI and was further validated through animal and in vitro cellular studies, either by expressing ORF3a alone or in the context of viral infection. By elucidating this functional relationship and its underlying mechanistic pathways, our research deepens the understanding of COVID-19-associated kidney diseases and presents potential therapeutic avenues to address the healthcare challenges faced by individuals with underlying conditions.

Evaluation of IL- 2 and IFN γ levels in recovered COVID 19 Patients and Vaccinated Participants, Comparative Study in AL-Diwaniyah, Iraq

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a highly contagious transmittable disease caused by a recently discovered coronavirus, pathogenic SARS-CoV-2. Coronavirus is considered one of the diseases arisen recently, Thus, The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has consequently resulted in a notable rate of morbidity and mortality. There are hopes that vaccination generated immunity or infection generated immunity or from herd achieved through both natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, can control it. So, this study aimed to evaluated of IL- 2 and IFN γ levels in COVID-19 recovered patients, vaccination and hybrid (infected and vaccinated) for three months after infection or vaccination. This study was conducted on 165 COVID-19 Iraqi recovered patients, hybrid and vaccinated (males and females) with age ranged between 15-75 years, and 85 matched healthy control group. The nasopharyngeal swabs was used to confirm recovery via Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Blood samples collected for ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). There was significant difference in mean age (p = 0.007) among groups and the highest mean age was for recovered group (37.95 ±14.81) years followed by hybrid group(35.80 ±14.96)years and vaccinated group (33.93 ±16.06)years , the least mean age was for control group (29.84 ±12.20) years. While, there was no significant difference in the frequency distribution of subjects according to sex among study groups (p = 0.899). In addition there was significant increase (P&lt; 0.001) 0f IL-2 level in COVID-19 recovered patients that taken vaccines group (210.37 ±36.51 pg/mL) followed by recovered patients (181.52 ±24.54 pg/mL) and vaccinated persons (178.81 ±17.50 pg/mL)as compared to healthy control group(148.91 ±7.14 pg/mL). There was significant difference in mean of IFN-gamma level (p &lt; 0.001) and the level was highest in infected and vaccinated group(213.73 ±77.46 pg/mL) followed by vaccinated (188.99 ±33.31 pg/mL)and recovered groups (186.99 ± 46.11 pg/mL) then lastly by control group(145.06 ±5.34 pg/mL).Moreover, there was a strong positive correlation between IL-2 and IFN-γ (r = 0.534),( P&lt;0.001) in COVID-19 recovered group .

Structural and functional brain markers of cognitive impairment in healthcare workers following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection during the original stream.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection often involves the nervous system, leading to cognitive dysfunctions, fatigue and many other neurological signs that are becoming increasingly recognized. Despite mild forms of the disease accounting for most cases worldwide, research on the pathophysiology driving mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has received little attention. In this respect, recent evidence has pointed out that around 30-40% of non-critical, mild-to-moderate severity COVID-19 survivors may display cognitive disturbances several months post-illness. Hence, the impact of COVID-19 on the brain structure and function, through potential neuropathological mechanisms underpinning cognitive alterations in post-mild COVID-19 infections, remains largely unexplored. This retrospective multicentre observational cohort study, entirely based on a healthcare worker sample (n = 65; 55% females, aged 21-61), investigated the cognitive status and the structural and functional brain integrity among non-hospitalized individuals who developed mild COVID-19 symptoms during the occurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants Alpha to Delta, compared with healthy controls tested before the pandemic onset. All evaluations were performed at an average of 9-month follow-up post-infection period. Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and structural and functional MRI exams. Radiological inspection sought to detect the presence of white matter hyperintensities on axial fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. Global and regional grey matter integrity assessment, analysing changes in grey matter volumes and cortical thinning, and functional connectivity alterations of resting-state brain networks were also conducted. Regression analyses tested the relationships between the presence of specific cognitive impairments and potential structural and functional brain findings. Our results revealed that clinical, cognitive screening and neuropsychological examinations were average between both groups, except for specific impairments related to executive functions in the mild COVID-19. Compared to healthy controls, mild COVID-19 subjects exhibited increased juxtacortical white matter hyperintensities, thalamic and occipital volume loss and diminished resting-state functional connectivity involving the left precuneus and cuneus in default-mode network and affecting the right angular gyrus and left precuneus in the dorsal attentional network. Reduced thalamic volume was the only variable selected in the final model explaining the observed executive function impairment in mild COVID-19. The presence of cognitive, structural and functional brain abnormalities over time suggests that the action of widespread neurovascular and inflammatory phenomena on the nervous system might also occur in mild forms following COVID-19 infection rather than permanent brain damage linked to the direct or indirect action of the virus. Our findings emphasize the need to pay attention to the long-term brain-related consequences of mild COVID-19 infections during the original stream.

Could Timed Targeting of the Circadian-Controlled NLRP3 Inflammasome Be a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Treatment of COVID-19–Induced Encephalitis?

The new coronavirus disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has several manifestations including neurological complications like encephalitis. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, which are regulated by the circadian clock genes, are key signaling proteins that detect pathogenic microorganisms and sterile stressors and activate the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and -18 (IL-1β and IL-18). The disruption of circadian rhythms following SARS-CoV-2 binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in the capillary endothelium could lead to hyperactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, contributing to an enhanced inflammatory response in the central nervous system, thereby increasing susceptibility to or severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced encephalitis. This review highlights the role of the circadian-controlled NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced encephalitis and suggests targeting the NLRP3 circadian axis for timely intervention as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of COVID-19-induced encephalitis.

Supramolecular Architectures of Dendritic Polymers Provide Irreversible Inhibitor to Block Viral Infection.

In Nature, most known objects can perform their functions only when in supramolecular self-assembled from, e.g. protein complexes and cell membranes. Here, a dendritic polymer is presented that inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with an irreversible (virucidal) mechanism only when self-assembled into a Two-dimmensional supramolecular polymer (2D-SupraPol). Monomeric analogs of the dendritic polymer can only inhibit SARS-CoV-2 reversibly, thus allowing for the virus to regain infectivity after dilution. Upon assembly, 2D-SupraPol shows a remarkable half-inhibitory concentration (IC50 30nM) in vitro and in vivo in a Syrian Hamster model has a good efficacy. Using cryo-TEM, it is shown that the 2D-SupraPol has a controllable lateral size that can be tuned by adjusting the pH and use small angle X-ray and neutron scattering to unveil the architecture of the supramolecular assembly. This functional 2D-SupraPol, and its supramolecular architecture are proposed, as a prophylaxis nasal spray to inhibit the virus interaction with the respiratory tract.

Effectiveness of laboratory tests in tracking severely COVID-19 infections

AIM: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), and poses serious difficulties in terms of healthcare systems and global public health. With the large number of publications on COVID-19, clinicians need a synthesis of evidence to provide guidance when dealing with patients with COVID-19. Emerging studies reveal the existence of numerous demographic, clinical, immunological, biochemical and radiographic data that may be useful for clinicians to predict the severity and mortality of COVID-19. The aim is of this study; To determine laboratory parameters that can predict the course and severity of COVID-19 disease in patients with diagnosed solely SARS-CoV 2 PCR test positivity results and independently of the clinic status of selected patients and based on laboratory findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Karacabey State Hospital between January and April 2022. Among the patients who applied to the COVID-19 outpatient clinic, 469 patients (261 females, 208 males) over the age of 18 and positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR were included in the study. The patients were divided into groups as outpatients, inpatients and patients in need of intensive care (intensive care unit, ICU). Demographic data (age, gender), COVID-19 RT-PCR results, and simultaneous laboratory parameters of the patients were scanned retrospectively. RESULTS: When CRP, urea, ferritin, LEU, NEU, MONO, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, NLR, PLR, CRP-NR, and SII index values were taken into consideration, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Creatinine, ALT, AST, LDH, troponin I, mass CK-MB, D dimer, LYM, EOS, PLT, ELR, and PNR values were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Advantages of this study; Comparing the changes in the patient's other laboratory findings based on a single positive PCR test result and finding meaningful rates in terms of serious covid risk. The disadvantage of this study is that it is a study independent of the patient's clinic and disease stage. CRP, urea, ferritin, and indexes such as NLR, PLR, CRP-NR, and SII index values can be used to predict the severity of the disease.

Extra-pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19: A comprehensive review

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has predominantly been recognized for its respiratory impact. However, as the pandemic has progressed, it has become evident that SARS-CoV-2 affects multiple organ systems beyond the lungs, resulting in a wide array of extra-pulmonary manifestations. These manifestations encompass cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, dermatological, hematological, endocrine, musculoskeletal, ocular, immunological, and psychiatric complications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these extra-pulmonary manifestations, highlighting their clinical significance, underlying mechanisms, and implications for patient management. Recognizing these manifestations is critical for improving patient outcomes and informing ongoing research and therapeutic strategies.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Antibody Positivity Three Years after COVID-19.

The accurate identification of individuals without prior infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is pivotal for seroepidemiological studies and vaccine trials. Owing to widespread vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the anti-nucleocapsid antibody continues to serve as a valuable marker for individuals without a history of COVID-19. This study aimed to comprehensively assess anti-nucleocapsid antibody positivity using diverse commercial and in-house immunoassays among individuals who contracted COVID-19 more than three years earlier. We enrolled 44 participants with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between January and May 2020 from the Seoul National University Hospital and its community treatment centers. The results showed anti-nucleocapsid antibody positivity ranging from 45.5% to 87.9%, depending on the immunoassay. This study highlights the importance of considering the limited anti-nucleocapsid antibody positivity in individuals, with a history of distant COVID-19, in seroepidemiological or vaccine research.

Vascular Pathogenesis in Acute and Long COVID: Current Insights and Therapeutic Outlook.

Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-a postacute consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection-manifests with a broad spectrum of relapsing and remitting or persistent symptoms as well as varied levels of organ damage, which may be asymptomatic or present as acute events such as heart attacks or strokes and recurrent infections, hinting at complex underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Central to these symptoms is vascular dysfunction rooted in thrombotic endothelialitis. We review the scientific evidence that widespread endothelial dysfunction (ED) leads to chronic symptomatology. We briefly examine the molecular pathways contributing to endothelial pathology and provide a detailed analysis of how these cellular processes underpin the clinical picture. Noninvasive diagnostic techniques, such as flow-mediated dilation and peripheral arterial tonometry, are evaluated for their utility in identifying ED. We then explore mechanistic, cellular-targeted therapeutic interventions for their potential in treating ED. Overall, we emphasize the critical role of cellular health in managing Long COVID and highlight the need for early intervention to prevent long-term vascular and cellular dysfunction.