What Would Jenner and Pasteur Have Done About COVID-19 Coronavirus? The Urges of a Vaccinologist
covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, universal vaccine, inactivated virus vaccines, QS21 saponins
Clarisa B. Palatnik-de-Sousa, Clarisa B. Palatnik-de-Sousa
Smoking-Mediated Upregulation of the Androgen Pathway Leads to Increased SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility
TMPRSS2, covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, Smoking, androgen
The COVID-19 pandemic is marked by a wide range of clinical disease courses, ranging from asymptomatic to deadly. There have been many studies seeking to explore the correlations between COVID-19 clinical outcomes and various clinical variables, including age, sex, race, underlying medical problems, and social habits. In particular, the relationship between smoking and COVID-19 outcome is controversial, with multiple conflicting reports in the current literature. In this study, we aim to analyze how smoking may affect the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. We analyzed sequencing data from lung and oral epithelial samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We found that the receptor and transmembrane protease necessary for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells, ACE2 and TMPRSS2, respectively, were upregulated in smoking samples from both lung and oral epithelial tissue. We then explored the mechanistic hypothesis that smoking may upregulate ACE2 expression through the upregulation of the androgen pathway. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 upregulation were both correlated to androgen pathway enrichment and the specific upregulation of central pathway regulatory genes. These data provide a potential model for the increased susceptibility of smoking patients to COVID-19 and encourage further exploration into the androgen and tobacco upregulation of ACE2 to understand the potential clinical ramifications.
Eric Y. Chang, Jaideep Chakladar, Neil Shende, Wei Tse Li, Mahadevan Rajasekaran, Weg M. Ongkeko
Analyses of spike protein from first deposited sequences of SARS-CoV2 from West Bengal, India [version 1; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations]
India has recently started sequencing SARS-CoV2 genome from clinical isolates. Currently only few sequences are available from three states in India. Kerala was the first state to deposit complete sequence from two isolates followed by one from Gujarat. On April 27, 2020, the first five sequences from the state of West Bengal (Eastern India) were deposited on GISAID, a global initiative for sharing avian flu data. In this study, we have analysed the spike protein sequences from all five isolates and also compared their similarities or differences with other sequences reported in India and with isolates of Wuhan origin. We report one unique mutation at position 723 and another at 1124 in the S2 domain of spike protein of the isolates from West Bengal only. There was one mutation downstream of the receptor binding domain at position 614 in S1 domain which was common with the sequence from Gujarat (a state of western India). Mutation in the S2 domain showed changes in the secondary structure of the spike protein at region of the mutation. We also studied molecular dynamics using normal mode analyses and found that this mutation decreases the flexibility of S2 domain. Since both S1 and S2 are important in receptor binding followed by entry in the host cells, such mutations may define the affinity or avidity of receptor binding.
Feroza Begum, Debica Mukherjee, Dluya Thagriki, Sandeepan Das, Prem Prakash Tripathi, Arup Kumar Banerjee, Upasana Ray
Simulated Fieldwork: A Virtual Approach to Clinical Education
simulation, virtual learning, Occupational Therapy, alternative fieldwork
The purpose of this study was to investigate student satisfaction and perceived clinical reasoning and learning using a computer-based simulation platform that incorporates case-based learning principles. The simulation was used to replace a previously scheduled face-to-face clinical rotation which was cancelled due to COVID-19. A descriptive design was used to implement the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale (SSES) with students (n = 27) following each a low fidelity (paper cases) and high fidelity (Simucase™) simulation. A comparison of the SSES data following paper cases and simulation scenarios indicated statistically significant increases in Debrief and Reflection (p = 0.008) and Clinical Reasoning (p = 0.043), suggesting that students develop in-depth reflection, reasoning, and clinical abilities as they progress through their simulated experience.
Amy Mattila, Retta M. Martin, Elizabeth D. DeIuliis
Study of a SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in a Belgian Military Education and Training Center in Maradi, Niger
coronavirus, serology, covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, military, quantitative RT-PCR
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) compromises the ability of military forces to fulfill missions. At the beginning of May 2020, 22 out of 70 Belgian soldiers deployed to a military education and training center in Maradi, Niger, developed mild COVID-19 compatible symptoms. Immediately upon their return to Belgium, and two weeks later, all seventy soldiers were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (RT-qPCR) and antibodies (two immunoassays). Nine soldiers had at least one positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result. Five of them exhibited COVID-19 symptoms (mainly anosmia, ageusia, and fever), while four were asymptomatic. In four soldiers, SARS-CoV-2 viral load was detected and the genomes were sequenced. Conventional and genomic epidemiological data suggest that these genomes have an African most recent common ancestor and that the Belgian military service men were infected through contact with locals. The medical military command implemented testing of all Belgian soldiers for SARS-CoV-2 viral load and antibodies, two to three days before their departure on a mission abroad or on the high seas, and for specific missions immediately upon their return in Belgium. Some military operational settings (e.g., training camps in austere environments and ships) were also equipped with mobile infectious disease (COVID-19) testing capacity.
Jean-Paul Pirnay, Gilbert Verbeken, Philippe Selhorst, Christel Cochez, Mauro Petrillo, Vincent Claes, Yolien Van der Beken, Julie Degueldre, France T’Sas, Guy Van den Eede, Wouter Weuts, Cedric Smets, Jan Mertens, Philippe Geeraerts, Kevin K. Ariën, Pierre Neirinckx, Patrick Soentjens
coronavirus, Global Health, covid-19, respiratory infection, Pandemic, SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that is responsible for the 2019–2020 pandemic. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current published literature surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We examine the fundamental concepts including the origin, virology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, laboratory, radiology, and histopathologic findings, complications, and treatment. Given that much of the information has been extrapolated from what we know about other coronaviruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), we identify and provide insight into controversies and research gaps for the current pandemic to assist with future research ideas. Finally, we discuss the global response to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and provide thoughts regarding lessons for future pandemics.
Nour Chams, Sana Chams, Reina Badran, Ali Shams, Abdallah Araji, Mohamad Raad, Sanjay Mukhopadhyay, Edana Stroberg, Eric J. Duval, Lisa M. Barton, Inaya Hajj Hussein
COVID-19 and Individual Genetic Susceptibility/Receptivity: Role of ACE1/ACE2 Genes, Immunity, Inflammation and Coagulation. Might the Double X-chromosome in Females Be Protective against SARS-CoV-2 Compared to the Single X-Chromosome in Males?
TMPRSS2, covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, Ras pathway, ACE1
In December 2019, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) from a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was recognized in the city of Wuhan, China. Rapidly, it became an epidemic in China and has now spread throughout the world reaching pandemic proportions. High mortality rates characterize SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19), which mainly affects the elderly, causing unrestrained cytokines-storm and subsequent pulmonary shutdown, also suspected micro thromboembolism events. At the present time, no specific and dedicated treatments, nor approved vaccines, are available, though very promising data come from the use of anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, and anti-coagulant drugs. In addition, it seems that males are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than females, with males 65% more likely to die from the infection than females. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese scientists show that of all cases about 1.7% of women who contract the virus will die compared with 2.8% of men, and data from Hong Kong hospitals state that 32% of male and 15% of female COVID-19 patients required intensive care or died. On the other hand, the long-term fallout of coronavirus may be worse for women than for men due to social and psychosocial reasons. Regardless of sex- or gender-biased data obtained from WHO and those gathered from sometimes controversial scientific journals, some central points should be considered. Firstly, SARS-CoV-2 has a strong interaction with the human ACE2 receptor, which plays an essential role in cell entry together with transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2); it is interesting to note that the ACE2 gene lays on the X-chromosome, thus allowing females to be potentially heterozygous and differently assorted compared to men who are definitely hemizygous. Secondly, the higher ACE2 expression rate in females, though controversial, might ascribe them the worst prognosis, in contrast with worldwide epidemiological data. Finally, several genes involved in inflammation are located on the X-chromosome, which also contains high number of immune-related genes responsible for innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Other genes, out from the RAS-pathway, might directly or indirectly impact on the ACE1/ACE2 balance by influencing its main actors (e.g., ABO locus, SRY, SOX3, ADAM17). Unexpectedly, the higher levels of ACE2 or ACE1/ACE2 rebalancing might improve the outcome of COVID-19 in both sexes by reducing inflammation, thrombosis, and death. Moreover, X-heterozygous females might also activate a mosaic advantage and show more pronounced sex-related differences resulting in a sex dimorphism, further favoring them in counteracting the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Veronica Tisato, Paola Secchiero, Donato Gemmati, Barbara Bramanti, Maria Luisa Serino, Giorgio Zauli
Diversified Farms Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic: First Signals from Italian Case Studies
Italy, covid - 19 emergency, diversified farms, textual analysis techniques
The paper focuses on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on some Italian farms. In particular, the aim is to investigate the consequences of the health emergency on diversified farms, their reactions, and their agricultural and rural policy needs in order to overcome the crisis. The research path investigates five farms of central Italy through semi-structured interviews. The identified case studies are characterized by the heterogeneity of features and farms’ activities. These activities include agritourism, on-farm processing of plant and animal products (mainly olive oils, fruits, and cheese), bio-energy production, tastings and leisure activities, educational farms, and contracting of farm equipment. A qualitative–quantitative analysis based on textual analysis techniques, particularly content and sentiment analysis, was performed. The results highlight the importance of farm diversification and networks in farms’ strategies in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. Furthermore, the presence of both synergies and trade-offs in different types of diversification is found. These results have interesting policy implications that should be more explicitly taken into account to target the next rural development measures.
Luca Romagnoli, Luigi Mastronardi, Aurora Cavallo
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Renewable energy sources, Environmental sciences
Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Upscaling the preparedness and public health emergency response at the point of entry
Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava, Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava
Journal of Current Research in Scientific Medicine
Is the Coronavirus Crisis Over? Gaps in Healthcare and Politics.
The coronavirus crisis we are suffering globally should soon be over. As of this writing (4/17/2020), there have been 150,000 deaths accounted for due to this cause and almost one million confirmed cases worldwide.Due to the lack of diagnostic testing and health politics to carry out analysis, mainly to those who are admitted to hospitals with symptoms, we still do not know the actual number of affected individuals, but it must be much higher than reported cases. The authors themselves have affected family members, even in Intensive Care Units (ICU). The healthcare and political authorities continue to say that the worst is yet to come. And certainly, very important, that we all stay at home. Once the national state of emergency is declared by governments, physical distancing compliance should be taken as an obligation for all.
Mario A. Trelles, Pedro A. Martínez-Carpio
Revista de la Facultad de Medicina Humana