sars-cov-2

Introduction: Severe cases of COVID-19 presented a high incidence of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during their evolution. This was attributed to a theoretical cytokine storm, where microcirculatory disorders would play a fundamental role, causing these patients to present a sepsis-like pattern as observed in sublingual microcirculation studies. The evidence in this regard is controversial. The Peripheral Perfusion Index is a reliable method to continuously and non-invasively assess the microcirculatory bed, which assesses the pulsatile (PPI) component of the plethysmographic pulse curve.Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the behavior of the PPI in patients with severe respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 and its association with SDOM.Results: We evaluated 60 patients with APACHE II 14.6 ± 4.4 and SOFA 4.7 ± 2.1. 55% of the patients presented SDOM. Perfusion monitoring showed IP values of 5.32 ± 1.87 that were associated with normal lactate levels of 1.49 mmol/L (min 0.89/ max 2.20 mmol/L). The PPI values between the living and the dead did not show a significant difference (p = 0.854) or the presence of SDOM.The PPI values between the patients who presented renal failure, hemodynamics, or perfusion disorders were determined by the presence of hyperlactatemia, and for those who did not present these characteristics, no statistical difference was found; neither when stratified by PaFiO2 ratio. Mortality was 55%.Conclusion: In our series of patients with severe pneumonia due to COVID-19, we found high PPI values, which would correspond to a pattern of capillary recruitment, and the associated organ injury could not be substantiated by this phenomenon.

SARS-CoV-2 is a new pandemic infection that affects at the beginning the upper respiratory system, and, successively, all the organisms, due to cytokine storm, with serious consequences that can reach death. The aim of this work was the observation of the nasal mucosa of enrolled 60 patients, resulting negative for two weeks to the molecular swab for SARS-CoV-2, versus the control group. Rhino-fibroscopy and nasal cytology of nasal mucosa were performed for both the investigated groups. The observation of the samples showed the occurrence of plasmablastic lymphocytes and Downey II lymphocytes type. The former type of lymphocytes was prevalent against the second one, probably because of an immunological “scar”. The rhino-fibroscopy showed a “pseudo ischemia of nasal submucosa” at pre and pericranial levels, not occurred in the control group.The occurrence of atypical lymphocytes in the nasal smear was analog to that observed in the blood peripheral smear, probably caused by mechanisms of local immune reaction and dysregulation like those observed in other virus infections. Our findings suggest that the nasal mucosa study through the nasal cytology, can represent an important predictive tool of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This article investigates the viability of SARS-CoV-2 and its dependence on pH levels, specifically focusing on the difference between the pH stability intervals for the coronavirus and human blood. Human blood typically maintains a pH range of around 7.35 to 7.45, while SARS-CoV-2 exhibits stability within the pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The study aims to elucidate the critical role of hemoglobin in maintaining pH balance and explores its implications for viral susceptibility. The findings emphasize the importance of reinforcing the alkalinity of the medium as a means to weaken the virus. The research contributes to the understanding of pH-dependent mechanisms in viral infections and provides valuable insights for the development of potential therapeutic strategies.

The 2019 COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in many fatalities worldwide. Despite various types of supportive care, mortality rates for patients with comorbidities remain high. To explore alternative treatment options, interferons (IFNs) have emerged as promising therapeutic drugs for SARS-CoV-2. This review aims to investigate the potential of IFNs as a drug with details on their mechanisms of action, and available data on their use with ongoing clinical trials, results, potential limitations, and challenges.  Recently published research articles, which are systematically searched through online databases, have been selected and found that IFNs have colossal potential in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating the host’s immune response and inhibiting viral replication and decreasing the severity of disease and hospitalization (p = 0.03, ± 0.05) and (p = 0.04, ± 0.05) respectively. However, due to less available data, more controlled and randomized trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of IFN therapy.  The optimal dosing and duration of IFN therapy also remain to be determined. Although further research is needed the wait for ongoing clinical trial results under investigation is also important for a better understanding of IFN therapy.

The global pandemic COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affected millions of people. COVID-19 is known for its respiratory symptoms, but new research reveals it may also affect other organ systems, including the liver. This abstract reviews COVID-19 and liver function. The virus enters host cells through liver-expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Thus, viral infection and replication may target the liver. Virus-induced inflammation and cytokine production may also harm the liver. ALT and AST elevations are the most prevalent liver abnormalities in COVID-19 patients. Liver function test abnormalities frequently indicate serious illness and poor clinical outcomes. COVID-19 may worsen pre-existing liver diseases such as NAFLD and chronic viral hepatitis. Drug-induced liver damage (DILI) from COVID-19 therapies including antivirals and corticosteroids complicates liver complications care. Recent investigations have also shown that COVID-19 may cause long-term liver damage. In conclusion, COVID-19 infection, immune-mediated damage, and treatment problems may severely compromise liver function. Optimizing patient treatment and discovering targeted medicines requires understanding COVID-19's liver role. To reduce the effects of COVID-19 on liver function, further study is required to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects.

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic infection originating in the regions of Central and West Africa. The global threat has been arising since monkeypox is spreading outside of the endemic regions. Pakistan has recently exhausted health funds in a quarrel against SARS-CoV-2, by supplying expensive COVID-19 vaccines to the general public, free of cost. Pakistan’s government has remarkably contributed to lowering the suffering of COVID-19-affected patients by granting the Sehat Sahulat Programme and similar health initiatives to restrict viral propagation in the general public. However, despite all efforts the major constraints are a lack of international funds and limitations on the budget of healthcare systems and medical facilities. Newly emerged cases of monkeypox are very threatening to Pakistan’s economy and health. Therefore, it is very necessary that healthcare authorities take effective measures like surveillance, early identification, separation, monitoring of contacts, immunization, and public awareness in order to stop the spread of the virus and control monkeypox outbreaks.

Introduction: The current gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis by real-time RT-PCR has limitations of gene numbers that can be detected. In this study, we developed a low-cost and high-throughput next-generation sequencing technology that can overcome the limitations of RT-PCR. Methodology: A targeted sequencing panel (TSP) consisting of approximately 500 amplicons was designed that can simultaneously detect a broad range of gene loci of SARS-CoV-2 and genes for the most common viruses of respiratory infectious viruses in a single run of up to 96 samples. 448 samples and 31 control samples were examined independently with both TSP and RT-PCR, results were compared for accuracy and other indicators. Results:  TSP identified 50 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples with a 99.33% match to RT-PCR results. It is not surprising that TSP also identified multiple viral infections from 96 samples, whereas RT-PCR could not. TSP demonstrated its ability to conclude diagnosis for those undecided from RT-PCR tests. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that TSP is a fast and accurate test for detecting multiple pathogen infections of the respiratory tract.

Objective: To identify risk factors among pregnant with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal mortality, and morbidity.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 45 pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were confirmed by RT-PCR. The inclusion criteria were pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and hospitalized in the gynecology-obstetrics and intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were non-pregnant patients and pneumonia cases with unconfirmed COVID-19 causes. The study used SPSS software to analyze the data. Results: Our study recorded 45 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women over 2.5 years. The age group most affected was 20-35 years, with 75% of cases. 57% of patients had no known comorbidities. 88.8% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Almost 30% of patients required admission to the ICU, with 60% requiring oxygen supplementation. The study recorded 36 live births (80%), of which 26 cases (72.2%) required no further care and had a favorable outcome.Conclusion: Pregnant women with medical conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome and impact delivery and neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures are important.

Today, it is well known that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has four types of proteins within its structure, between them the spike protein (S). The infection mechanism is carried out by the entry of the virus into the human host cell through the S protein, which strongly interacts with the human cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In this work, we propose an atomic model of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the S spike protein of the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus. The molecular structure of the model was composed of 50 amino acids that were chemically bonded, starting with Leucine and ending with one amino acid Tyrosine. The novelty of our work lies in the importance of knowing the sites and zones of maximum reactivity of the RBD from the fundamental levels of quantum mechanics considering the atomic structure of matter. For this, the local and global reactivity indices of the RBD were calculated, such as frontier orbitals, Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO), Fukui indices, chemical potential, chemical hardness, electrophilicity index; with this, it will be possible to know what type of molecules are more likely to interact with the RBD structure, and in this way, new knowledge will be generated at the quantum, atomic and molecular level to inhibit the virulent effects of wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Finally, in order to identify the functional groups within the most stable structure and thereby verify the future reactions that can be carried out between the RBD structure and biomolecules, the Infrared (IR) absorption spectrum was calculated. For this work, we used Material Studio v6.0 which uses the density functional theory (DFT) implemented in its DMol3 computational code. The IR spectrum was obtained using the Spartan ‘94 computer code. One novelty would be that we found nine amino acids more that could make the RBD and ACE2 binding further the already known. Thus, the Mulliken charge distribution indicates that the highest concentrations of positive and negative charge are found in the zones 477S, 478T, 484E, and 501N amino acids letting ionic or Van der Waals possible interactions with other structures.

Robust anti-microbial surfaces that are non-toxic to users have widespread application in medical, industrial, and domestic arenas. Magnesium hydroxide has recently gained attention as an anti-microbial compound that is non-toxic, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. Here we demonstrate melt compound and thermally embossed methods for coating polypropylene with Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets and copper-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets. Polypropylene articles coated with Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets and copper-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets exhibit a log 8 kill of E.coli within 24 hours. In addition, Mg(OH)2 NPs suspension, at 0.25% reduced SARSCoV-2 virus titers in the solution by 2.5 x 103 PFU/mL or 29.4%, while the Cu-infused Mg(OH)2 NPs suspension, at 0.25% reduced titers by 8.1 x 103 PFU/mL or 95.3%. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in bacteria in response to Mg(OH)2 and Cu-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets which appears to be an important but not the sole mode of anti-microbial action of the nanoplatelets. Plastics with anti-microbial surfaces from where biocides are non-leachable are highly desirable. This work provides a general fabrication strategy for developing anti-microbial plastic surfaces.

Background: The impact of COVID-19 and long-term COVID-19 on gastrointestinal neoplasms remains underexplored. The current review investigates the potential link between these conditions and the role of gut microbiota in mediating oncogenic processes. Dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in gut microbial composition, may exacerbate inflammation and immune dysregulation, contributing to cancer development.Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, SciELO, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies published between 2020 and 2024 that explored the intersection of COVID-19, long-term COVID-19, and gastrointestinal cancers. The articles were critically appraised for quality and relevance, and data were synthesized to elucidate common mechanisms and outcomes.Results: The review identifies several mechanisms by which gut microbiota may influence cancer risk in COVID-19 patients. Persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction observed in Long COVID were associated with dysbiosis. Specific microbial metabolites, such as secondary bile and short-chain fatty acids, were implicated in promoting tumorigenesis. Comparative analysis of studies suggests that SARS-CoV-2-induced dysbiosis may heighten susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers, particularly in patients with prolonged post-infection symptoms.Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for further research to clarify the role of gut microbiota in cancer development among COVID-19 patients. These mechanisms could inform preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions, particularly for those experiencing COVID. The review highlights gaps in current knowledge and advocates for longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of COVID-19 on gastrointestinal health.

Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis has emerged as a significant long-term complication among survivors of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review highlights the underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and recent advances in the diagnosis and management of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. As global cases of COVID-19 continue to evolve, understanding and addressing this emerging chronic respiratory condition is critical for long-term patient care.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbursts began at the end of 2019, which imposed a serious crisis on public health and the economy all over the world. To date, there is no antiviral drug available for SARS-CoV-2, and hence vaccination is the most preferred method to prevent people from getting attacked by this virus, especially for those who are at high risk. To counter coronavirus-2, there are various types of vaccines, which are being used, such as live attenuated vaccines, killed or inactivated vaccines, recombinant vaccines, mRNA vaccines, recombinant vector vaccines, and DNA vaccines. Novavax data shows that the vaccine is effective against severe diseases caused by B.1.351. The Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines show evidence of some protection against P.1. Due to the immune response, the Human body can recognize and protect itself against harmful foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. The immune system protects our body from these harmful substances by identifying them as antigens. Virus-infected cells release many chemicals such as chemokines and cytokines for the initiation of immune response. To control the pandemic situation, herd immunity is required by the immunization of a critical mass of the world population at once. In this review article, we have made an analysis of the immune response of the human body to SARS-CoV-2 infection, different types, and modes of action of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines along with the current status of vaccines.