Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus Research Articles

The management of COVID 19 by plant extracts, essential oils and phytoconstituents: A review

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARSCoV- 2), it is a virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae which includes zoonotic viruses infecting mammals and birds. This disease emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly developed into a global pandemic with high mortality rates. The magnitude of the pandemic has involved a global collaborative scientific response to develop effective preventive and therapeutic means using both traditional and advanced techniques. However, to date specific therapies for COVID-19 are not well established and only a few vaccines are approved for emergency use. Herbal remedies, especially essential oils (EOs) can boost immunity which plays a decisive role in the initiation and progression of the disease in the preliminary stage of a COVID-19 infection. The low cost and availability of medicinal plants as well as the almost non-existent side effects encourages their widespread use during the pandemic, hence a great need to identify plant extracts for anti-COVID 19 use. Although the majority of studies are done in silico, with little in vivo or in vitro study, we can have an idea for further later experiments.

An exclusive hand protection device made of fused deposition modelling process using poly (lactic acid) polymer

The world has been hit hardest by a type of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus called corona. This vulnerability did not leave all the superpowers in the world. The virus, is spread through coughs and sneezes. It is also spread by touching objects or parts of an infected person. For this reason, it is considered an infectious disease. It is very difficult to protect ourselves from such a contagious disease. But the World Health Organization (WHO) says there are certain guidelines to follow. The first way is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 social infection by adhering to social spaces (i.e. 2 m intervals). Second, we can protect ourselves by using appropriate safety equipment. We can also protect ourselves from the COVID-19 virus by using sanitizers or soaps. So this study focuses on a 3D-printed hand protection device for COVID- 19 infection prevention. The design, fabrication, and testing of the gadget were all successful. Thus, a low-cost and efficient device made by eco-friendly Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) polymer material and may be utilized to operate some potentially susceptible and highly infectious surfaces in a variety of public areas, where touching and using particular components is common and frequent (eg door handles, electrical switches, ATM machines).

Lead Identification for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Spike D614G Variant of COVID-19: A virtual Screening Process

COVID-19, a pandemic disease caused by single-stranded RNA virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The structural spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays a vital role in host cell entry, where the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor of the human cell binds to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) region of the S1 domain and makes cell entry. The binding affinity of SARS-CoV-2-ACE2 is tenfold higher than the SARS-CoV-1-ACE2. Recent studies expose that the SARS-CoV-2 S D614G variant is highly infectious than D614 protein, also the D614G variant is highly stable than D614. So far, there is no effective viral-specific regimen for COVID-19. To overcome such problems, in our study, we have utilized the ZINC database to screen potent leads against the highly transmitting SARS-CoV-2 spike D614G protein, through a virtual screening procedure. We have applied three computational tools iGEMDOCK server, AutoDock version 4.2.6 and admetSAR to get active leads. The ZINC000150588351 (Elbasvir), ZINC000064540179 (Sofosbuvir analogue) and ZINC000137700912 (Sofosbuvir analogue) molecules have a greater binding affinity with the high binding energies of -8.22 kcal/mol, -8.13 kcal/mol and -7.64 kcal/mol respectively. The molecules ZINC000064540179 and ZINC000137700912 have high binding energy than their core molecule Sofosbuvir (ZINC100074252) of -4.06 kcal/mol. The ADMET prediction of these molecules reveals satisfactory human intestinal absorption and non-mutagenic property. Our results deliver valuable contributions to the design of inhibitors against COVID-19.

The state of complement in COVID-19.

Hyperactivation of the complement and coagulation systems is recognized as part of the clinical syndrome of COVID-19. Here we review systemic complement activation and local complement activation in response to the causative virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and their currently known relationships to hyperinflammation and thrombosis. We also provide an update on early clinical findings and emerging clinical trial evidence that suggest potential therapeutic benefit of complement inhibition in severe COVID-19.

Various Symptoms, Prevention and Treatments of Corona-virus (Covid-19)

Corona means “crown,” and examined nearly, the round virus has a “crown” of proteins called peplomers jutting out from its center in every direction. These proteins help the virus identify whether it can infect its host. The severe acute respiratory syndrome has caused an alarmimg situation of the worldwide. The first detection, in Decmber2019, there have been no effective drug therapy options for treating the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. And healthcare professionals are using some drug like remdesivir, favipiravir, chloroquine, hydrochloroquine, azithromycin, paracetamol, steroids, multivitamins, ivermectin, tocilumab, NSAIDs, treatment with monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma etc. of treatments. The condition known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was also linked to a highly infectious coronavirus. The SARS virus has since been included and found to be successfully curable. The disease is caused by the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2), previously referred to as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The symptoms is typically rapid, ranging from hours to days after infection. Symptoms include fever, cough and, often, sore throat, headache, Sneezing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty in breathing. Reduce their anxiety level effectively when they are in the events of stress by using reasonable coping styles. Early studies of the out-break focused on the novel coronavirus gene and structure modeling, host and clinical case analysis. Currently, hundreds of registered clinical trials are underway, most of which are assessing antiretroviral agents, anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant therapies, and passive antibody treatments.

Activation of mucosal immunity and novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategy in combating COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerges as an expeditiously growing pandemic, in the human population caused by the highly transmissible RNA virus severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection predominantly occurs at the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor and transmembrane protease serine type 2 positive (ACE2 + TMPRSS2)+ epithelial cells of the mucosal surface like nasal, oral mucosae, and/or the conjunctival surface of the eye where it has interacted along with the immune system. The primary host response towards the pathogen starts from an immune microenvironment of nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The presence of exhausted lymphocytes, lymphopenia, pneumonia and cytokine storm is the hallmark of COVID-19. The multifaceted nature of co-morbidity factors like obesity and type 2 diabetes and its effects on immunity can alter the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adipose tissue is a crucial endocrine organ that secretes a plethora of factors like adipokines, cytokines, and chemokines that have a profound impact on metabolism and augments the expression of mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and the interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-23. Mucosal immunization could be a superior approach to activate mucosal and systemic immune responses against pathogenic invasion at mucosal surface entry ports. Mucosal vaccines are also able to generate strong systemic humoral immunity—required to neutralize any virus particle that dodges the primary immune response. To develop an efficient vaccine against mucosal pathogens, considering the designing of the delivery route, immunomodulatory features, and adjuvants are very important. In this article, we further provide evidence to understand the significant role of mucosal immunity, along with secretory and circulating immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in generating a novel mucosal vaccine against COVID-19. Moreover, along with mucosal vaccines, we should look for combination treatment strategies with plant bioactive molecules. Glycan-binding lectins against viral proteins for targeted activation of mucosal immune response are one of such examples. This might play a promising role to halt this emerging virus.

Maternal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Safety of Breastfeeding in Infants Born to Infected Mothers.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent epidemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In pregnancy, SARS-Cov-2 infection creates additional alarm due to concerns regarding the potential for transmission from the mother to the baby during both the antenatal and postpartum times. In general, breastfeeding is seldom disallowed because of infection of the mother. However, there are few exceptions with regards to certain infectious organisms with established transmission evidence from mother to infant and the link of infection of a newborn with significant morbidity and mortality. It is confirmed that pregnant women can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, although the debate on the possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is still open. In this regard, the literature is still poor. On the contrary, the information on the safety of breastfeeding even during infections seems reassuring when the mother takes the necessary precautions. However, there are still answered questions regarding the precautions to be taken during breastfeeding by COVID-19 patients. This paper reviews the existing answers to these and many other questions. This review therefore presents a summary of the present-day understanding of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and discusses the answers around the maternal transmission of COVID-19 and the potential threat of breastfeeding to babies born to infected pregnant mothers. In conclusion, intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection is less likely to occur during pregnancy. Most studies suggest that COVID-19 is not transmitted through breast milk. Correspondingly, COVID-19-infected neonates might acquire the infection via the respiratory route because of the postnatal contact with the mother rather than during the prenatal period. International organizations encourage breastfeeding regardless of the COVID-19 status of the mother or child as long as proper hygienic and safety measures are adhered to so as to minimize the chance of infant infection by droplets and direct contact with the infected mother. Pasteurized donor human milk or infant formula as supplemental feeding can be quite beneficial in the case of mother–infant separation till breastfeeding is safe.

Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients: predisposing factors, prevention and management.

India is considered the diabetes capital of the world and has the highest burden of mucormycosis. Bacterial, viral and fungal co-infections are increasingly being reported in severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infected patients. India is one of the worst affected countries during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This combination of diabetes mellitus, COVID-19 and mucormycosis has led to the drastic upsurge of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) in India. Immunosuppression, iron disequilibrium, endothelial injury, ketoacidosis and hypoxia are some of the other COVID-19-related risk factors for CAM. There has been an increase in the proportion of mucormycosis affecting paranasal sinuses and central nervous system (CNS) in CAM compared to pre-COVID-19 literature due to the SARSCoV-2-related pathophysiological mechanisms, complications and treatment strategies. CAM is a medical and surgical emergency, and it can present with non-specific symptoms and signs initially resulting in diagnostic delay. High index of suspicion and regular screening for features of CAM are of paramount importance to prevent lethal consequences. Rapid action with a tripod approach consisting of withdrawal of immunomodulators, early antifungal therapy and extensive surgical debridement is considered the best possible treatment model. We review the published data to give a detailed account of the predisposing factors and their mechanisms, diagnostic work-up, treatment modalities and prevention strategies of CAM with special emphasis on CNS mucormycosis.

Identification of genotypic variants and its proteomic mutations of Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 isolates

The second wave of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) is rapidly spreading over the world. Mechanisms behind the flee from current antivirals are still unclear due to the continuous occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants. Brazil is the world's second-most COVID-19 affected country. In the present study, we identified the genomic and proteomic variants of Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 isolates. We identified 16 different genotypic variants were found among the 27 isolates. The genotypes of three isolates such as Bra/1236/2021 (G15), Bra/MASP2C844R2/2020 (G11), and Bra/RJ-DCVN5/2020 (G9) have a unique mutant in NSP4 (S184N), 2′O-Mutase (R216N), membrane protein (A2V) and Envelope protein (V5A). A mutation in RdRp of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the change of Pro-to Leu-at 323 resulted in the stabilization of the structure in BRA/CD1739-P4/2020. NSP4, NSP5 protein mutants are more virulent in genotype 15 and 16. A fast protein folding rate changes the structural stability and leads to escape for current antivirals. Thus, our findings help researchers to develop the best potent antivirals based on the new mutant of Brazilian isolates.

Dynamics of urinary and respiratory shedding of Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA excludes urine as a relevant source of viral transmission

PurposeTo investigate the expression of the receptor protein ACE-2 alongside the urinary tract, urinary shedding and urinary stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.MethodsImmunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue from urological surgery of 10 patients. Further, patients treated for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at specialized care-units of a university hospital were assessed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urinary samples via PCR, disease severity (WHO score), inflammatory response of patients. Finally, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine was analyzed.ResultsHigh ACE-2 expression (3/3) was observed in the tubules of the kidney and prostate glands, moderate expression in urothelial cells of the bladder (0–2/3) and no expression in kidney glomeruli, muscularis of the bladder and stroma of the prostate (0/3). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 5/199 urine samples from 64 patients. Viral RNA was detected in the first urinary sample of sequential samples. Viral RNA load from other specimen as nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) or endotracheal aspirates revealed higher levels than from urine. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine was not associated with impaired WHO score (median 5, range 3–8 vs median 4, range 1–8, p = 0.314), peak white blood cell count (median 24.1 × 1000/ml, range 5.19–48.1 versus median 11.9 × 1000/ml, range 2.9–60.3, p = 0.307), peak CRP (median 20.7 mg/dl, 4.2–40.2 versus median 11.9 mg/dl, range 0.1–51.9, p = 0.316) or peak IL-6 levels (median: 1442 ng/ml, range 26.7–3918 versus median 140 ng/ml, range 3.0–11,041, p = 0.099). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was stable under different storage conditions and after freeze–thaw cycles.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 RNA in the urine of COVID-19 patients occurs infrequently. The viral RNA load and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding suggest no relevant route of transmission through the urinary tract.

An Assessment of Serological Assays for SARS-CoV-2 as Surrogates for Authentic Virus Neutralization.

ABSTRACTSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 and has since caused a global pandemic resulting in millions of cases and deaths. Diagnostic tools and serological assays are critical for controlling the outbreak, especially assays designed to quantitate neutralizing antibody levels, considered the best correlate of protection. As vaccines become increasingly available, it is important to identify reliable methods for measuring neutralizing antibody responses that correlate with authentic virus neutralization but can be performed outside biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratories. While many neutralizing assays using pseudotyped virus have been developed, there have been few studies comparing the different assays to each other as surrogates for authentic virus neutralization. Here, we characterized three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and three pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) neutralization assays and assessed their concordance with authentic virus neutralization. The most accurate assays for predicting authentic virus neutralization were luciferase- and secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP)-expressing pseudotyped virus neutralizations, followed by green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing pseudotyped virus neutralization, and then the ELISAs.IMPORTANCE The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Prior infection or vaccination can be detected by the presence of antibodies in the blood. Antibodies in the blood are also considered to be protective against future infections from the same virus. The “gold standard” assay for detecting protective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is neutralization of authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, this assay can only be performed under highly restrictive biocontainment conditions. We therefore characterized six antibody-detecting assays for their correlation with authentic virus neutralization. The significance of our research is in outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the different assays and identifying the optimal surrogate assay for authentic virus neutralization. This will allow for more accurate assessments of protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 following infection and vaccination.

Progression of knowledge in diabetes mellitus and covid-19

The Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infectious disease caused by the novel corona virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperglycemia are among the major comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 which might modulate immune and inflammatory responses leading to poor outcomes. Several reports show that patients with DM and COVID-19 are at an increased risk for developing severe complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death. Furthermore, compromised innate immunity, pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, reduced expression of ACE-2 and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists in diabetic patients may also contribute to poor prognosis in COVID-19. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between COVID-19 and DM remain to be elucidated. The severity and mortality was significantly higher in diabetic patients which may predispose patients with COVID-19 to poor outcomes. Most of these conclusions are preliminary, and further investigation of the optimal management in diabetic patients is necessary. Thus, it is imperative that diabetic patients should take all necessary precautions and ensure good glycemic control amid with COVID-19 pandemic.

Are Hematologic Patients Trojan Horse for COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is caused by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to affect people all around the world. This study aimed to compare the SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding time between patients diagnosed with hematologic diseases (HD) and a control group. A total of 110 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study; 55 patients with a diagnosis of HD and 55 sex and comorbidity matched controls without a diagnosis of HD, who caught COVID-19 at the same period. Thirty-eight patients were hospitalized in each group. Viral shedding time, COVID-19 severity, need for intensive care unit support, and mortality rates were compared between groups. Median viral shedding time was 24 days in hospitalized HD patients and 12 days in the hospitalized control group (p < 0.01) as 20 days in outpatient HD patients and 10 days in the outpatient control group (p = 0.02). Viral shedding time was longer in severe + critical COVID-19 cases in the whole cohort (median 22 days in severe + critical, and 12 days in mild + moderate) (p < 0.01). Severe + critical COVID-19 was more common in the HD group than the control group (47.2% versus 25.4%, respectively) (p = 0.017). Twenty-five patients were dead in the whole cohort. One patient was in the control group and 24 patients were in the HD group, therefore the mortality rate for the HD group was 43.6%. Because of statistically significant longer viral shedding time, longer-term isolation may be necessary for hematologic patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Glycyrrhizic Acid Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Blocking Spike Protein-Mediated Cell Attachment.

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), also known as glycyrrhizin, is a triterpene glycoside isolated from plants of Glycyrrhiza species (licorice). GA possesses a wide range of pharmacological and antiviral activities against enveloped viruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. Since the S protein (S) mediates SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cell attachment and cell entry, we assayed the GA effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection using an S protein-pseudotyped lentivirus (Lenti-S). GA treatment dose-dependently blocked Lenti-S infection. We showed that incubation of Lenti-S virus, but not the host cells with GA prior to the infection, reduced Lenti-S infection, indicating that GA targeted the virus for infection. Surface plasmon resonance measurement showed that GA interacted with a recombinant S protein and blocked S protein binding to host cells. Autodocking analysis revealed that the S protein has several GA-binding pockets including one at the interaction interface to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and another at the inner side of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) which might impact the close-to-open conformation change of the S protein required for ACE2 interaction. In addition to identifying GA antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, the study linked GA antiviral activity to its effect on virus cell binding.

Carotenoids: Therapeutic Strategy in the Battle against Viral Emerging Diseases, COVID-19: An Overview.

Carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals, are naturally found in the Plant kingdom, particularly in fruits, vegetables, and algae. There are more than 600 types of carotenoids, some of which are thought to prevent disease, mainly through their antioxidant properties. Carotenoids exhibit several biological and pharmaceutical benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity booster properties, particularly as some carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A in the body. However, humans cannot synthesize carotenoids and need to obtain them from their diets or via supplementation. The emerging zoonotic virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originated in bats, and was transmitted to humans. COVID-19 continues to cause devastating international health problems worldwide. Therefore, natural preventive therapeutic strategies from bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, should be appraised for strengthening physiological functions against emerging viruses. This review summarizes the most important carotenoids for human health and enhancing immunity, and their potential role in COVID-19 and its related symptoms. In conclusion, promising roles of carotenoids as treatments against emerging disease and related symptoms are highlighted, most of which have been heavily premeditated in studies conducted on several viral infections, including COVID-19. Further in vitro and in vivo research is required before carotenoids can be considered as potent drugs against such emerging diseases.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN MOROCCO

Introduction: On March 11th 2020, the World Health Organization declared the infection of the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-COV-2 a pandemic. The virus, which was first discovered in China in Wuhan province in December 2019, has affected more than 100 million people and more than two million deaths in more than 200 countries.Along with other epidemics and pandemics, the existence of this virus has led to psychiatric disorders in people in or without direct contact with the disease, especially frontline healthcare workers. Objective: To assess the impact of the virus on medical personnel working in Morocco, in particular stress, depression and sleep disorders. Methodology: To explore this topic, we used an anonymity questionnaire based on, in addition to individual status and conditions, scales assessing stress, depression and sleep.The questionnaire was sent via social networks to health personnel working in Morocco in the various hospitals and departments treating patients infected with this virus.The CES-D (Center of Epidemiological Studies - Depression) scales for depression, the PSS-10 (Cohens Perceived Stress Scale) for perceived stress and ISI (C. Morins Insomnia Severity Index) for disorders of sleep, were chosen given their frequent use in a number of studies on the same topic. Results: After sorting our responsesrigorously, we were able to collect 376 responses, of which 53.5% were women, with an average age of 28.45 years, 23.9% were nurses, 14.4% general practitioners, 19, 7% of internal doctors 37.2% of residents or specialists and 4.8% occupied other functions such as medical transport. 66% of our candidates were at the level of the different university hospital centers of Morocco.Our candidates respectively occupied 39.1% 28.2% 29% and 25.8% triage positions, observation of suspected cases, the COVID sector and resuscitation.Regarding our results, it was observed that 71% of our participants presented moderate stress, 44.9% had a risk of developing depression and 53.7 had insomnia of varying severity.The female sex, the lack of medical, surgical and psychiatric history influence the occurrence of the three abnormalities studied, it should also be noted that these last three maintain a relationship of influences between them. Conclusion: The exploration of stress, depression and insomnia revealed an impact of the state of health on the daily life of front-line health workers in Morocco.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and renal transplantation.

Ever since the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) struck the world, global health strategies have changed significantly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kidney transplant recipients are stratified as being high risk of developing fatal illness from COVID-19 infection. Kidney transplant is the gold-standard treatment for end-stage kidney disease subjects. During the pandemic, significant concerns have emerged regarding continuation of kidney transplant surgeries and management of kidney transplant recipients post-transplant. The added risk of immunosuppression in this cohort was and remains a theoretical concern, posing a potential risk of transplantation rather than benefit. This comprehensive review aims to cover most of the faced challenges in kidney transplantation in different stages of the pandemic. In addition, it will elucidate the epidemiology, nature, course of the disease, surgical consideration in donors and recipients as well as role of immunosuppression and management of COVID-19 infected kidney transplant recipients during these extraordinary circumstances.

Maybe angiotensin II is getting on our nerves, and the role of exercise.

Maybe angiotensin II is getting on our nerves, and the role of exercise.

A deep learning based approach for automatic detection of COVID-19 cases using chest X-ray images

In this global pandemic situation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is of foremost priority to look up efficient and faster diagnosis methods for reducing the transmission rate of the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent research has indicated that radio-logical images carry essential information about the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, artificial intelligence (AI) assisted automated detection of lung infections may serve as a potential diagnostic tool. It can be augmented with conventional medical tests for tackling COVID-19. In this paper, we propose a new method for detecting COVID-19 and pneumonia using chest X-ray images. The proposed method can be described as a three-step process. The first step includes the segmentation of the raw X-ray images using the conditional generative adversarial network (C-GAN) for obtaining the lung images. In the second step, we feed the segmented lung images into a novel pipeline combining key points extraction methods and trained deep neural networks (DNN) for extraction of discriminatory features. Several machine learning (ML) models are employed to classify COVID-19, pneumonia, and normal lung images in the final step. A comparative analysis of the classification performance is carried out among the different proposed architectures combining DNNs, key point extraction methods, and ML models. We have achieved the highest testing classification accuracy of 96.6% using the VGG-19 model associated with the binary robust invariant scalable key-points (BRISK) algorithm. The proposed method can be efficiently used for screening of COVID-19 infected patients.

A pragmatic outreach pilot to understand and overcome barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in abdominal organ transplant.

BackgroundSolid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at increased risk for adverse outcomes with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19). Early data show a lower severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike antibody immune response among SOTRs leading to patient concerns about vaccine efficacy. Public health messaging has largely left out immunocompromized individuals leading to a higher risk of vaccine misinformation. The American Society of Transplantation recommends COVID‐19 vaccination for all SOTRs; however, patient concerns and beliefs about vaccination are largely unknown.MethodsWe conducted a transplant‐center‐based, pragmatic pilot trial to encourage COVID‐19 vaccination among 103 unvaccinated SOTRs. We assessed vaccine concerns, barriers to vaccination, answered questions about efficacy, side effects, and clinical recommendations.ResultsA total of 24% (n = 25) of SOTRs reported that they will schedule COVID‐19 vaccination after the study call, 46% reported that they will consider vaccination in the future, and 30% said they will not consider vaccination. Older age and White race were associated with lower willingness to schedule the vaccine, whereas Black race and longer time from transplant were associated with higher willingness. Common vaccine concerns included lack of long‐term data, inconsistent messaging from providers, scheduling inconvenience, and insufficient resources. Follow‐up approximately 1 month after the initial outreach found 52% (n = 13) of liver transplant recipients, and 10% (n = 3) of kidney transplant recipients subsequently received COVID‐19 vaccines for a vaccination rate of 29% among respondents.ConclusionTransplant center‐based vaccine outreach efforts can decrease misinformation and increase vaccination uptake; however, vaccine‐related mistrust remains high.