Severe Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Research Articles

In vitro analysis suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection differentially modulates cancer-like phenotypes and cytokine expression in colorectal and prostate cancer cells

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reportedly exacerbates cancer outcomes. However, how COVID-19 influences cancer prognosis and development remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, on cellular cancer phenotypes the expression of cancer-related markers, and various proinflammatory cytokines. We infected prostate (22RV1) and colorectal (DLD-1) cancer cell lines, which express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), with spike pseudovirus (sPV) and laboratory stocks of live SARS-CoV-2 viruses. After infection, we quantified changes in the cellular cancer phenotypes, the gene expression levels of some cancer markers, including Ki-67, BCL-2, VIM, MMP9, and VEGF, and proinflammatory cytokines. Phenotypic analysis was performed using MTT and wound healing assays, whereas gene expression analysis was carried out using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We show that SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts several key cellular pathways involved in cell growth, apoptosis, and migration, in prostate and colorectal cancer cells. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection does influence various cancer cellular phenotypes and expression of molecular cancer markers and proinflammatory cytokines, albeit in a cell-type-specific manner. Our findings hint at the need for further studies and could have implications for evaluating the impact of other viruses on cancer progression.

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 & 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.

Clinical presentations, systemic inflammation response and ANDC scores in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

The association of anosmia/ageusia with a positive severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test is well-established, suggesting these symptoms are reliable indicators of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This study investigates the clinical characteristics and systemic inflammatory markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Taiwan, focusing on those with anosmia/ageusia. We conducted a retrospective observational study on 231 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (alpha variant) from April to July 2021. Clinical symptoms, dyspnea grading, and laboratory investigations, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs), platelet-lymphocyte ratios (PLRs), and ANDC scores (an early warning score), were analyzed. Cough (64.1%), fever (58.9%), and dyspnea (56.3%) were the most common symptoms, while anosmia/ageusia affected 9% of patients. Those with anosmia/ageusia were younger, had lower BMI, lower systemic inflammatory markers, and better ANDC scores than those without these symptoms. Female patients exhibited lower NLR values and ANDC scores compared to male patients (all p < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between NLR and CRP and ferritin levels (all p < 0.01), and between PLR and ESR and ferritin levels (p < 0.01). Categorized ANDC scores significantly correlated with the total hospital length of stay (all p < 0.05). Despite ethnic differences in the prevalence of anosmia/ageusia, our study highlights similar clinical presentations and inflammatory profiles to those observed in Western countries. The ANDC score effectively predicted hospital stay duration. These findings suggest that anosmia/ageusia may be associated with less severe disease and a lower inflammatory response, particularly in younger and female patients. The ANDC score can serve as a valuable prognostic tool in assessing the severity and expected hospital stay of COVID-19 patients.

P.132: Immune response after 2 doses of vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS Cov-2) infection among patients of renal transplantation.

P.132: Immune response after 2 doses of vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS Cov-2) infection among patients of renal transplantation.

SUSCEPTIBLE VACCINATED INFECTED RECOVERED SUSCEPTIBLE MODEL: EQUILIBRIA POINTS AND APPLICATION ON COVID-19 CASE DATA IN INDONESIA

Severe Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 is the infectious agent that causes COVID-19. A vaccine program is an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 infections in Indonesia. The susceptible vaccinated infected recovered susceptible (SVIRS) model can be used to represent the spread of infectious diseases. This study aims to construct the SVIRS model, identify the equilibria points thus apply it to COVID-19 case data in Indonesia, and determine transmission patterns, model accuracy, and interpretation. Literature and applications are the research methodologies employed. First-order nonlinear differential equations form the obtained SVIRS model. The model has two equilibrium points: a disease-free equilibrium point, and the other is endemic equilibrium point. The SVIRS model on the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia was obtained using daily secondary data from January 11 to November 30, 2022. The model is solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The model’s accuracy is accurate enough to explain the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia with a mean average percentage error (MAPE) value of 43%. According to the transmission pattern, the number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia peaked on July 27, 2022, then decreased to zero, obtaining an equilibrium point when no more cases of the disease were present.

Malnutrition independently predicts mortality at 18 months in patients hospitalised for severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-coV-2)

RationaleTo investigate the association between malnutrition and patient outcome following hospitalisation for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsIn April 2020, 268 adult patients (235 included in the follow-up) hospitalised for COVID-19 infection were evaluated for malnutrition risk and diagnosis using modified Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and modified Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria (GLIM), respectively. An 18-month follow-up was carried out to assess the incidence and the associated risk factors for death and re-hospitalization. ResultsThe outcome was unknown for 33patients. Death occurred in 39% of the 235 patients included in the follow-up. The risk of death was independently associated with malnutrition risk or diagnosis of malnutrition, whereas the male sex showed a protective association. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients with diagnosis of malnutrition had lower survival rate. The re-hospitalization rate was 31% and was negatively associated with BMI≥25, and positively associated with length of hospitalisation for COVID-19 and with cancer comorbidity. ConclusionsIn hospitalized patients for SARS-CoV-2 disease, both malnutrition risk (p =0.050) and diagnosis of malnutrition (p=0.047 with modified GLIM and C-reactive protein > 0.5 mg/dL ; p=0.024 with modified GLIM and C-reactive protein > 5 mg/dL) were predictive risk factors for mortality, whereas male sex was associated with lower risk of death. Overweight at time of hospitalization and the length of hospitalisation were respectively protective and risk factor for re-hospitalization after discharge.

Computer Aided Identification Of Phytocompounds Of Nigella Sativa As Inhibitors Of Papain Like Protease(Plpro) Of SARS-COV2 And Their ADMET Analysis

The main causative agent of COVID 19 was SARS-COV 2(severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2).This strain of virus uses an enzyme called papain like protease , which is required for processing of some polyproteins.

The difference in IL-17 level between mild and severe COVID-19 inpatients of H. Adam Malik General Hospital

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a central role in many viral respiratory infections by coordinating and activating adaptive immune responses. Higher serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-17) and chemokines (IL-8) have been observed in many patients with severe COVID-19 compared with individuals with a mild degree. This research is an observational study with cross sectional data collection method. This study took blood samples from mild and severe COVID-19 patients who were treated at the HAM Hospital as many as 34 patients. Samples were examined only once for IL-17 in mild and severe COVID-19 patients. The research was conducted after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent. This study was followed by 18 female subjects (52.9%). The mean age of the subjects was 47.52 years with the youngest age being 23 years old and the oldest being 81 years old. By using the Mann Whitney test, it showed that there was a significant difference in interleukin 17 levels between Covid-19 patients with severe and mild degrees (p = 0.049). IL-17 examination can be used as an alternative diagnostic marker and assess the severity in COVID 19 patients. Further studies are needed that involve a larger number of subjects, and are associated with other inflammatory markers such as CRP or with coagulation status such as D- dimer.

Review on the biosafety measures for the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 infections in healthcare settings

The novel corona virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a deadly respiratory disease. The major causes of the rise of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are genetic mutations and recombination. The club-shaped spike (S) projections of glycoprotein on the virus's envelope has interaction with the host cell’s ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) receptors to enable the entrance of infectious virus particles. With-Corona’ is possible only when antiviral and vaccination are available. Disease prevention and control is based on new biosafety technologies and guidelines which improve ways to safely handle microbiological material. Corona pandemic is a serious biosafety event. Thus, biosafety is being valued worldwide and applied in medical field. This review presents the current biosafety standards of the COVID-19 pandemic in a comprehensive manner from a fragmented or wide variety of biosafety guidelines and articles available.

Vitamin D status and its association with the severity of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing COVID-19, manifests with outcomes ranging from mild to severe, even fatal. The reason for severe symptoms remains unclear. Vitamin D is implicated in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19, including ARDS, cytokine storms, and thrombotic complications. The aim of this study was evaluation of vitamin D status and its association with the severity of COVID-19 patients attending Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib medical University (BSMMU). Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted at BSMMU, Dhaka from January to December 2021, included 103 adult COVID-19-positive patients from both genders. Disease severity was assessed using WHO guidelines, and vitamin D levels recorded. Data were collected using a pre-designed datasheet after obtaining written informed consent. Results: Among 103 COVID-19 patients, 55.3% were vitamin D deficient, 26.2% insufficient, and 18.4% sufficient. Most were male (65%) in their sixth and seventh decades. The mean vitamin D level was 20.97±10.96 ng/ml with a median of 18.10 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was highest among critical patients (84.6%), followed by severe (71.1%), moderate (41.9%), and mild (28.6%) cases (p&lt;0.001). Severe patients had a significantly higher deficiency rate (74.5%) compared to non-severe (36.5%) cases (p&lt;0.001). Symptoms such as cough (96.5%), fever (89.5%), and shortness of breath (78.9%) were prevalent in the vitamin D deficiency group. Conclusions: This study reveals a 55% prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 patients, correlating independently with disease severity. Hypertension and diabetes are notable comorbidities. It underscores the importance of assessing vitamin D levels in clinical practice.

Identifikasi Bakteri Dari Sampel Darah Pasien COVID-19 Di RSUD Ciawi Kabupaten Bogor

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 virus called SARSCov-2, this virus attacks the respiratory tract and creates a risk of infection in COVID-19 patients. Bacterial infections are known to complicate viral infections of the respiratory tract and are associated with worsening conditions in COVID-19 patients. The aim of this research is to identify bacteria from blood samples of COVID-19 patients at Ciawi Hospital, Bogor Regency. This type of research is quantitative descriptive which describes the types of bacteria from blood samples from COVID-19 patients. The samples in this study were patients who were confirmed (PCR) positive for COVID-19 who underwent blood culture microbiology examinations at Ciawi Regional Hospital. Data collection was carried out using the documentation study method. The research results showed that of the 243 COVID-19 patients who underwent blood culture examination, 63 samples showed positive results. In blood culture from 63 positive samples, 51 samples (80.9%) found Gram positive bacteria consisting of: S. hominis, S. haemolyticus, S. epidermidis, S. cohnii ureal, S. aureus, S. warneri and E. faecalis. There were 12 Gram Negative bacteria in blood culture (19.1%) consisting of A. baumannii, E. coli, Pseudomonas sp, K. pneumoniae, S. paucimobilis and E. aerogenes.

Persistent hiccups after acute COVID-19 successfully treated with chlorpromazine: a case report

IntroductionHiccups are among the rare complications of COVID-19 infections. There are several published reports of persistent hiccups presenting during the acute COVID-19 period. However, there are very few published reports of persistent hiccups occurring in the post-acute COVID-19 period. Consequently, most clinicians may not be aware of this rare presentation. This case highlights an atypical presentation of persistent hiccups that manifested during the post-acute COVID -19 period that clinicians need to be aware of. The caseadds to the ever increasing body of knowledge about symptoms and signs associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus type 2 (SARS CoV-2) infection.Case presentationA 27 year old male black Zambian patient presented to the emergency department of our hospital with persistent hiccup, 35 days after the initial acute episode of COVID-19. This was associated with breathlessness. There were no other symptoms. He had no history of pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neurological disease or malignancy. He did not take any alcohol or smoke. He had never used any recreational drugs. He was employed as a monitoring and evaluation officer at one of the main COVID centres in the capital. On examination, the patient was anxious. Blood pressure was 141/82, pulse rate was 95 beats per minute, respiratory rate was 26 breaths per minute, temperature was 36.8C and oxygen saturation was 97% on room air. Systemic examination was normal. Chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasonography were normal. A rapid COVID-19 antigen test, and COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test that were done the following day were negative. All other haematological and biochemical tests, including D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP), were also normal. A diagnosis of post-acute COVID-19 associated hiccups was made. The patient responded well to treatment with chlorpromazine 25 mg 8 hourly. The hiccups disappeared completely after the fourth dose of chlorpromazine.ConclusionThis is one of the few published cases of COVID-19 associated persistent hiccups, occurring more than a month after the initial presentation. Most of the published cases report hiccups occurring in the acute COVID-19 period. Consequently, hiccups occurring in the post-acute COVID-19 period may not be attributable to COVID-19. This case has highlighted the need to consider post-acute COVID-19 in the differential diagnosis of persistent hiccup.

Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Gene (IL1RN) Variants Modulate the Cytokine Release Syndrome and Mortality of COVID-19.

We examined effects of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) of IL1RN, the gene encoding the anti-inflammatory interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), on the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and mortality in patients with acute severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. IL1RN CTA haplotypes formed from 3 SNVs (rs419598, rs315952, rs9005) and the individual SNVs were assessed for association with laboratory markers of inflammation and mortality. We studied 2589 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and March 2021. Mortality was 15.3% and lower in women than men (13.1% vs 17.3%, P = .0003). Carriers of the CTA-1/2 IL1RN haplotypes exhibited decreased inflammatory markers and increased plasma IL-1Ra. Evaluation of the individual SNVs of the IL1RN, carriers of the rs419598 C/C SNV exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory biomarker levels and numerically lower mortality compared to the C/T-T/T genotype (10.0% vs 17.8%, P = .052) in men, with the most pronounced association observed in male patients ≤74 years old, whose mortality was reduced by 80% (3.1% vs 14.0%, P = .030). The IL1RN haplotype CTA and C/C variant of rs419598 are associated with attenuation of the CRS and decreased mortality in men with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data suggest that the IL1RN pathway modulates the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) via endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Spark Discharge Aerosol-Generated Copper-Based Nanoparticles: Structural & Optical Properties; Application on the Antiviral (SARS-CoV-2) and Antibacterial Improvement of Face Masks.

Nanoparticle formation by Spark Discharge Aerosol Generation offers low-cost fabrication of nanoparticles, without the use of chemicals or vacuum. It produces aerosol particles of a few nanometers in size with high purity. In this work, copper-based -CuO (tenorite) and Cu- nanoparticles are produced, characterized and used to modify face mask air filters, achieving the introduction of antibacterial and antiviral properties. A range of characterization techniques have been employed, down to the atomic level. The majority of the particles are CuO (of a few nanometers in size that agglomerate to form aggregates), the remainder being a small number of larger Cu particles. The particles were deposited on various substrates, mainly fiber filters in order to study them and use them as biocidal agents. On face masks, their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E.coli) results in a 100 % decrease in bacteria cell viability. Their antiviral activity on face masks results in a 90 % reduction of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viability, 15 minutes post the application of the virus stock solution. This highlights the effectiveness of this approach, its simplicity, its low cost and its excellent environmental credentials.

Outcome of RT-PCR in the Diagnosis of Patients with COVID-19 Symptoms: A Study in a COVID-19 Referral Hospital

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19) outbreak was first reported in China rapidly spread around the world within short period causing global public health emergency. COVID 19 is a highly infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The initial symptoms were fever, cough, dyspnea, myalgia or fatigue, headache, hemoptysis, diarrhea and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hence in diagnosis of COVID-19 RT-PCR of viral nucleic acid is regarded as the reference standard to detect the COVID-19 positive cases. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of RT-PCR of the patients with COVID-19 symptoms. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methodology: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out in the department of Radiology and imaging in collaboration with the department of Virology and COVID unit in IbnSina Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during January, 2022 to June, 2022. A total of 239 OPD patients with COVID-19 symptoms aged above 18 years were enrolled in this study. The collected data were cleaned, edited and entered into computer for analysis. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 23.0. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of School of Public Health &amp; Life Science, University of South Asia, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;In this study a total of (n=239) patients with COVID-19 symptoms were enrolled. According to age distribution, the majority., 142 (59.42%) patients belonged to the age group &amp;gt;52 years, which was the highest and followed by 44 (18.42%) age group (43-52) years, 36 (15.06%) (33-42) years, 14 (5.85%) (22-32) years and 3 (1.25%) &amp;lt;22 years. According to sex distribution, the majority, 167 (69.85%) were male and 72 (30.12%) were female. Distribution by symptoms, all the patients239 (100%) had general weakness and followed by sneezing 221 (92.46%), fever 236 (98.74%), headache 228 (95.39%), cough 232 (97.07%), respiratory distress, 225 (94.14%), cough and SOB, 237 (99.16%), loss of smell, 212 (88.74%), lac of apatite, 224 (73.72%), asthma 218 (91.21%) and pneumonia, 118 (49.37%). In RT_PCR lab test results, the majority 195 (81.58%) were observed COVID-19 Negative (-) and 44 (18.41%) were observed COVID-19 Positive (+). Among the positive cases, the majority 26 (60%) were male and 18 (40%) were female. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This study prevailed around 20 % of the patients with COVID-19 symptoms got COVID-19 Positive in RT-PCR lab test results. Therefore, the patients with COVID-19 symptoms must conduct RT-PCR lab test for their being sure of their COVID-19 affection. At the same time, the male are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than their counter part female.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio on Admission to Predict Mortality of COVID-19 Elderly Patients

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus Disease-2 (SARS-COV-2) is the cause of COVID-19, which led to a global pandemic and high mortality rate, especially in elderly patients. The declining immune system in elderly patients and comorbid diseases lead to more severe symptoms and an increased mortality rate. Many studies have shown that a high Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) value can predict the severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, studies on NLR in elderly patients in Indonesia have rarely been conducted. This study aimed to determine the role of NLR on admission as a mortality predictor in COVID-19 elderly patients who underwent in-hospital treatment. This research is an analytical observational study with a retrospective cohort method conducted in Bethesda Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research subjects were selected from July 2020 to October 2021 according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were all elderly COVID-19 patients with an age limit of &gt; 60 years old who had complete hemogram data on admission, demographic data, diagnostic criteria, types of comorbid diseases, and patient outcomes (survivor or non-survivor). The exclusion criteria were elderly COVID-19 patients with incomplete Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This study found 122 elderly patients with COVID-19 with a mortality rate of 30.33%. The result showed that NLR on admission significantly increased significantly in the non-survivor group compared to the survivor group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis presented severity (RR: 5.181; CI 1.662-16.154; p=0.005), comorbid diabetes mellitus (RR: 2.829; CI: 1.115-7.178), NLR &gt; 6.04 (RR: 6.356; CI: 2.428-16.639) and other comorbid, namely thyroid, autoimmune, cancer, and anemia (RR: 15.836; CI: 1.841-136.234; p=0.012) as factors of mortality in hospitalized elderly patients.

Serosurveillance of COVID-19 amongst health care workers in a teaching institution - A prospective cohort study in Puducherry district.

The rapid spread and mutation rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV2) demands continuous monitoring in terms of genomic and serosurvival. The current study is designed to track the seroprevalence of health care workers (HCWs) postvaccination, as they may be more susceptible to contracting the SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population. The objective was to identify the seroprevalence rate for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (N, S1, S2) amongst HCWs of various levels of exposure working in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry. The present study followed a nonprobability consecutive sampling technique, which involved 216 study participants HCWs from the hospital. IgG antibody levels were measured using EUROIMMUNE Anti SARS-COV-2 ELISA KIT (IG g) ELISA at two points: firstly, 2 weeks after the second dose of vaccination, followed by 2 weeks after the booster dose. Out of the total 216 participants enrolled in the survey, there were 140 males and 76 females, and the maximum number of candidates studied were in the 41-50 age group. Almost 46.7% of the HCWs who participated in the study were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 in the case of those who were high-risk exposed, while only 30.4% were amongst those who were low-risk exposed. The proportion of study participants who became seropositive increased considerably after the booster dose (65.7%), from 38.0% when tested three months after infection. A significant increase in antibody titres amongst high-risk HCWs postboost vaccination demands continuous monitoring of soluble IgG levels for recommendations of vaccination schedules.

In silico identification of approved drugs for potential prophylactic uses against SARS-CoV-2 infection

The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) constitute a major public health threat and economic burden. Despite the multifold research all over the world. COVID-19 has remained without a treatment. Hence, the urgent need to repurpose the FDA-approved drugs through in silico computational technique to identify inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. Bioinformatics techniques were used to screen 2015 FDA- approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2 proteins and associated human protein, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to identify drug for new indication. The ligands were downloaded from Selleckchem drug data bank in SDF format. Open Babel was used to separate the ligands into their compounds and prepared for docking simulation using shell script and saved as PDBQT. Experimental crystal structures of the receptors (ACE2 and Spike proteins) were retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB), Autodock tools was used to prepare the proteins and saved as PDBQT files. Docking protocols were validated, molecular docking simulations were performed on a Linux platform using AutoDock Vina in quadruplicate. The binding energies (BEs) kcal/mol were calculated and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Discovery studio was used for visualization. Density Functional Theory (DFT) was used to determine the predictive maximal inhibitory concentration (pIC50) of best hits. Ninety-one (91) new hits were identified for prophylaxis. Four (4) compounds were subjected to DFT based IC50 calculation with molnupiravir as a reference compound. Significantly, calculated IC50 of molnupiravir in Vero cells and Calu-3 were 0.299 and 0.008µM respectively while the experimental IC50 in Vero cells and Calu-3 as reported in literature were 0.3 and 0.08 µM respectively. The newly identified hits are promising therapeutic agents and there is no significant difference between the experimental IC50 of molnupiravir and the calculated IC50.

Inhibition of SARS CoV 2 using Microbial Metabolites derived from Tannin Rich Fruit Kernels

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is a highly pathogenic RNA virus. Inhibition of SARS CoV 2 by molecular docking using the microbial metabolites of tannin rich fruit kernels of Punica granatum, Mangifera indica, Phyllanthus emblica and Syzygium cumini produced using a probiotic bacterium Bacillus coagulans. SARS CoV2 uses its spike proteins to inhibit the viral entry and uses main protease and chymotrypsin like protease to inhibit protein transcription, translation, maturation and replication. The accelerated immune response which is cytokine storm, can be managed by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Excess of tissue deposition on the lung causing fibrosis can be treated by inhibiting the fibrotic pathological pathway targeting the G coupled receptor protein mediator 40 and 84 (GPR40 and GPR84) to prevent fibroblast. “Autodocking of metabolites extracted from kernel Punica granatum and Mangifera indica results in identifying 1H-Purin-6-amine, [(2-fluorophenyl) methyl] and tricarbonyl (N-cyclopent-2-en-1-yl-N-phe nyl-1-4-.eta.-cyclohexa-1,3-dienecarboxamide)iron of which 1H-Purin-6-amine, [(2-fluorophenyl)methyl] or 6-(3-fluorobenzylamino) purine appears to be very effective against SARS CoV-2 inflammation and fibrosis as evidenced by molecular docking. The role of probiotic bacteria in the synthesis of bioactive metabolites is established as very significant.

Bowel Necrosis in the Setting of COVID-19 Infection, Report of 2 Cases

Severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is well known for causing respiratory and other extrapulmonary manifestations. Patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may demonstrate atypical presentations with gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinicians managing these patients should reserve a high index of suspicion for the rare complication of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). It is a challenging diagnosis that is often missed when presenting symptoms are subtle and nonspecific like nausea, emesis, or diarrhea. Outcomes are typically catastrophic and fatal as bowel ischemia progresses to necrosis but may be averted with timely diagnostic and therapeutic methods to swiftly restore blood flow.