BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the organisation of health services worldwide. In the first wave, many therapeutic options were explored, exposing patients to significant iatrogenic risk. In a context in which patient management was not well defined by clear recommendations and in which healthcare professionals were under great stress, was it still relevant to maintain pharmaceutical care or did it bring an additional factor of disorganisation?

The aim of our study was to compare the relevance of pharmaceutical care practices before and during the COVID-19 crisis.

A retrospective, comparative, observational analysis was conducted in two medical units in a French university hospital that were receiving patients with COVID-19 and benefiting from pharmaceutical care prior to the crisis. This study compared clinical pharmacy performance between two 1.5-month periods before and during the COVID-19 crisis. Performance was assessed according to the CLEO scale, rating the clinical, economic and organisational impacts of the accepted pharmaceutical interventions (PIs) performed in these units.

Of the 675 accepted PIs carried out in the two medical units over the entire study period, PIs performed during the COVID-19 period had a greater significant clinical impact (72% vs 56%, p˂0.0001), a more positive economic impact (38% vs 23%, p˂0.0001) and a more favourable organisational impact (52% vs 20%, p˂0.0001) than those performed prior to the COVID-19 period.

The health crisis generated important changes in care practices. Our study demonstrates the sustained relevance of pharmaceutical care during a health crisis. This local experience confirms the major interest in improving the integration of pharmaceutical expertise within French healthcare teams.

We construct and analyze an SIRI+Q model with a piecewise smooth system of ordinary differential equations for the epidemic dynamics of a reinfectious disease, in which a limited capacity of isolation is incorporated. To consider the relation of the limited isolation capacity to the epidemic consequence, we derive the condition that the isolation reaches the capacity at finite time along the path of the epidemic process, and that the disease becomes endemic. We investigate in particular how the endemicity, the endemic size, or the final epidemic size could depend on the isolation capacity. From the obtained mathematical results, we find theoretical implications on the relevance of the isolation capacity and the difficulty of its measure to control the spread of the disease in the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the continued inadequacy of the capability of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health personnel to respond effectively to emerging infectious disease outbreaks, as well as the urgent need for specific tools to assess the capability needed by CDC public health personnel in the post-pandemic era. Using network analysis, we aimed to analyze the comprehensive capacities of CDC public health staff and the relationships between these capacities. We also examined the impact of standardized public health training on their capacities and provided actionable recommendations for improving their training and overall capability.

This study employs a cross-sectional design. A self-developed questionnaire was used to evaluate the capabilities of public health personnel in CDC. Network analysis was conducted using the qgraph package in R (version 4.3.1) to construct a capability network model, while the bootnet package ensured the stability and reliability of the network through bootstrapping. The NetworkComparisonTest package was applied to compare network structures and identify differences between groups.

Over half (51.80%, N = 11,912) of public health personnel rated their comprehensive capabilities as poor. Core capabilities, including research, motivation, and emergency response, were identified as pivotal within the capability network. The network stability coefficient for strength was 0.75, indicating reliable results. The capability networks of those who participated in standardized training differed significantly from those who did not (P = 0.04).

CDC public health personnel exhibit significant capability gaps, particularly in research and leadership. Standardized training provides some benefits but remains insufficient. Policymakers should address these gaps by aligning training content with critical capability needs, offering flexible and targeted training methods (e.g., virtual courses, self-paced modules), and implementing capability-based assessments to evaluate training outcomes.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the seasonal influenza virus are spreading among humans concurrently, especially with the ongoing replacement of mutant strains. It is challenging to differentiate between symptoms for therapy due to the comparable symptoms following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 variants and influenza viruses. Meanwhile, in order to achieve rapid point-of-care testing (POCT) to manage the spread of the disease, we developed a dual lateral flow strip based on colloidal gold-labeled monoclonal antibodies that can perform differential detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and influenza A viruses (IAV) in this study. High-affinity monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting SARS-CoV-2 and IAV were prepared to capture antigens and labeled with colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Based on high-affinity mAbs, two targets were immobilized on one nitrocellulose (NC) membrane to establish the lateral flow strip (LFS) for differential diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and IAV. With no reactivity to other viruses, this LFS is extremely specific and can only identify SARS-CoV-2 and IAV. The LFS showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.88 ng/mL for the Omicron BA.2 RBD protein and 2.44 ng/mL for the nucleoprotein (NP) protein of H1N1. When analyzing 16 SARS-CoV-2 positive clinical samples, eight IAV positive clinical samples, and six negative samples that had already been pre-confirmed by commercial kits, its clinical application is effectively and accurately proven. These results demonstrated that the LFS integrated with AuNPs has great potential to facilitate quick, easy, and reliable POCT diagnosis for promoting the control of infectious diseases.

The development of a potent immune response and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is important for herd immunity. The serological response may be due to a previous infection or vaccination. Healthy blood donors could represent and provide information on the immune status of the general population. Therefore, we estimated the global and regional prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors.

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest from December 2019 to January 2023. After critical appraisal and quality assessment, a qualitative synthesis of the identified relevant articles was performed. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was performed, and heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics.

A total of 70 peer-reviewed articles were selected that together included 2,454,192 blood donors. The global estimated pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors was 10.3% (95% CI: 4.6 - 18.0%, n = 70). The highest seroprevalence was observed in Asia (17.7%), followed by Africa (16.1%). The seroprevalence in studies conducted before the introduction of the vaccine was 6.1%, whereas those of studies conducted after vaccines were available was 27.6%. High seroprevalence was observed in studies that measured antibodies against the S protein of the virus (15.2%), while lower (12.5%) in those that measured antibodies against the N protein. A high seroprevalence was observed in studies that only measured IgG antibodies (16.3%), and it was 5.9% in studies that measured total antibodies.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors varies, potentially indicating geographical disparities in transmission and vaccination rates. To enhance community resilience, addressing these differences through inclusive health policies and adaptable public health measures is crucial.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is one of the public health problems that pose a serious mental health concern due to its high morbidity and mortality rate. The healthcare workers are at risk of developing mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety because they are the first point of contact in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence and the associated factors of depression and anxiety disorders among healthcare workers amid COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia.

A systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted. Different primary studies that assessed the depressive and anxiety disorders during amid COVID-19 pandemic in the Ethiopian healthcare workers were extracted by Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA version 11 for further analysis. Random-effects model meta-analysis was used to the estimate pooled effect size and the effect of each study with their 95% confidence interval. Funnel plot analysis and Egger regression tests were conducted to detect the presence of publication bias. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted.

Thirteen studies with 5,174 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis study. The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders was 40.39% (95% CI: 28.54, 52.24) and 44.93% (95% CI: 31.39, 58.46), respectively. Being a woman, being married, working in the frontline, and having high perceived susceptibility were significantly associated with depression among the Ethiopian healthcare workers. Similarly, being a woman, being older in age, working in the frontline, and having high perceived susceptibility were the factors associated with anxiety disorder among the Ethiopian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in the Ethiopian healthcare workers was high. The timely detection and appropriate management of mental health problems is essential for the quality of healthcare services, and proactive support methods for the female, married, and older-age healthcare professionals could result in these outcomes.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022299074.

The global emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted widespread concern. Bacteriophages have recently gained attention as a cost-effective and stable alternative for vaccine development due to their adjuvant properties. This study aimed to design and validate a poly epitope composed of viral proteins.

SARS-CoV-2 proteins (spike, nucleocapsid, membrane, envelope, papain-like protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) were selected for analysis. Immunoinformatic methods were employed to predict B and T cell epitopes, assessing their antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. Epitopes meeting criteria for high antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and non-toxicity were linked to form poly epitopes. These sequences were synthesized and cloned into pHEN4 plasmids to generate Poly1 and Poly2 phagemid vectors. Recombinant Poly1 and Poly2 phages were produced by transforming M13ΔIII plasmids and phagemid vectors into E. coli TG1. Female Balb/c mice were immunized with a cocktail of Poly1 and Poly2 phages, and their serum was collected for ELISA testing. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) testing was performed on spleen-derived lymphocytes to evaluate immune system activation.

Recombinant Poly1 and Poly2 phages were produced, and their titer was determined as 1013 PFU/mL. Efficient humoral immune responses and cellular immunity activation in mice were achieved following phage administration.

Poly epitopes displayed on phages exhibit adjuvant properties, enhancing humoral and cellular immunity in mice. This suggests that phages could serve as adjuvants to bolster immunity against SARS-Cov-2. Recombinant phages could be applied as effective candidates for injectable and oral vaccine development strategies.

SUMMARYSeveral examples of high-impact cross-species transmission of newly emerging or re-emerging bat-borne viruses, such as Sudan virus, Nipah virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, have occurred in the past decades. Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing have strengthened ongoing efforts to catalog the global virome, in particular from the multitude of different bat species. However, functional characterization of these novel viruses and virus sequences is typically limited with regard to assessment of their cross-species potential. Our understanding of the intricate interplay between virus and host underlying successful cross-species transmission has focused on the basic mechanisms of entry and replication, as well as the importance of host innate immune responses. In this review, we discuss the various roles of the respective molecular mechanisms underlying cross-species transmission using different recent bat-borne viruses as examples. To delineate the crucial cellular and molecular steps underlying cross-species transmission, we propose a framework of overall characterization to improve our capacity to characterize viruses as benign, of interest, or of concern.

This study aims to describe the long-term changes in the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, COVID-19 and its preventive measures in northern Spain. A telephonic survey was performed among household contacts of COVID-19 cases in Catalonia and Navarre between May 2022 and December 2023. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed through 12 questions using a Likert scale, and responses were grouped as correct or incorrect. The change from baseline to the 6-month follow-up was evaluated with the absolute difference (AD) using the proportion of correct answers. At baseline, 299 subjects were contacted, of whom 63.2% (189) completed the 6-month follow-up. Correct knowledge of transmission (>85%) and the use of preventive measures (>92%) were observed at baseline and maintained over time. The attitudes towards face mask use remained adequate over the course of six months (>79%). However, attitudes regarding the use of face masks indoors (AD = -16.4%; p < 0.001) and those who thought that COVID-19 had a negative impact on their lives (AD = -16.5%; p < 0.001) decreased after 6 months. In the post-acute phase of the pandemic, household contacts maintained the correct level of knowledge towards COVID-19, while some attitudes decreased. These results should serve as a guide for health policy makers in decision-making in case of a new increase in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2.

Human coronaviruses (hCoVs) infect millions of people every year. Among these, MERS, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-2 caused significant morbidity and mortality and their emergence highlights the risk of possible future coronavirus outbreaks. Therefore, broadly-active anti-coronavirus drugs are needed. Pharmacological inhibition of the hCoV protease Nsp5 (3CLpro) is clinically beneficial as shown by the wide and effective use of Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir). However, further treatment options are required due to the risk of drug resistance. To facilitate the assessment of coronavirus protease function and its pharmacological inhibition, we developed an assay allowing rapid and reliable quantification of Nsp5 activity under biosafety level 1 conditions. It is based on an ACE2-Gal4 transcription factor fusion protein separated by a Nsp5 recognition site. Cleavage by Nsp5 releases the Gal4 transcription factor, which then induces the expression of Gaussia luciferase. Our assay is compatible with Nsp5 proteases from all hCoVs and allows simultaneous measurement of inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of the tested compounds. Proof-of-concept measurements confirmed that nirmatrelvir, GC376 and lopinavir inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Nsp5 function. Furthermore, the assay accurately predicted the impact of Nsp5 mutations on catalytic activity and inhibitor sensitivity. Overall, the reporter assay is suitable for evaluating viral protease activity.

Infectious diseases risk is directly related to human life safety. After the COVID-19 pandemic, people have paid unprecedented attention to the risk of infectious diseases. Compared with treatment after the outbreak of the epidemic, identifying the influencing factors of infectious disease risk and quantitatively analyzing and assessing infectious disease risk before the outbreak of the epidemic plays an equally important role. This article focuses on the risk of irregular outbreaks of infectious diseases. On the one hand, a method based on information gain is proposed to calculate the weight of environmental factors directly related to infectious disease risk, to clarify the correlation between environmental factors and infectious disease risk. On the other hand, the risk calculation method based on risk weight number is proposed to calculate the risk level of different infectious diseases under the influence of specific environmental factors. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are verified through case analysis and discussion. By comparing it with other risk assessment methods, the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method are demonstrated.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause significant alterations in our lives. Oxidative stress (OS) has been proposed to play a major role in COVID-19 pathogenesis, and the determination of OS biomarkers provides insight into disease severity.

The study was conducted during the second wave of the pandemic in 2020. Fifty blood samples were collected from patients admitted to one of the COVID-19 isolation centers in Baghdad, Iraq. The samples were subdivided into 25 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 25 non-ICU patients, compared to 25 healthy controls. All participants were aged 35-52 years.

The study showed that the mean (±SD) serum total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased (p< 0.001) in the ICU group compared to the control and non-ICU groups. Conversely, the levels of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and serum antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase, and glutathione (GSH) were significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in the ICU group compared to both the control and non-ICU groups. Serum zinc levels were significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in both ICU and non-ICU groups compared to the control group, while serum selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and vitamins C and E were significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in the ICU group compared to both the control and non-ICU groups.

The presence of OS biomarkers in the sera of COVID-19 patients offers a potential new approach for the treatment of this disease.

SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. COVID-19 has led to severe clinical illnesses and an unprecedented death toll. The virus induces immune inflammatory responses specifically cytokine storm in lungs. Several published reports indicated that pregnant females are less likely to develop severe symptoms compared with non-pregnant. Putative protective role of maternal blood circulating fetal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged and have been put forward as an explanation to alleviated symptoms. MSCs with immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral roles, hold great potential for the treatment of COVID-19. MSCs could be an alternative to treat infections resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 and potential future outbreaks. This review focuses on the MSCs putative protective roles against COVID-19 in pregnant females.

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious and transmissible viral infection that first emerged in 2019 and since then has sparked an epidemic of severe respiratory problems identified as "coronavirus disease 2019" (COVID-19) that causes a hazard to human life and safety. The virus developed mainly from bats. The current epidemic has presented a significant warning to life across the world by showing mutation. There are different tests available for testing Coronavirus, and RT-PCR is the best, giving more accurate results, but it is also time-consuming. There are different options available for treating n-CoV-19, which include medications such as Remdesivir, corticosteroids, plasma therapy, Dexamethasone therapy, etc. The development of vaccines such as BNT126b2, ChAdOX1, mRNA-1273 and BBIBP-CorV has provided great relief in dealing with the virus as they decreased the mortality rate. BNT126b2 and ChAdOX1 are two n-CoV vaccines found to be most effective in controlling the spread of infection. In the future, nanotechnology-based vaccines and immune engineering techniques can be helpful for further research on Coronavirus and treatment of this deadly virus. The existing knowledge about the existence of SARS-CoV-2, along with its variants, is summarized in this review. This review, based on recently published findings, presents the core genetics of COVID-19, including heritable characteristics, pathogenesis, immunological biomarkers, treatment options and clinical updates on the virus, along with patents.

Spirulina (arthrospira platensis) is a cyanobacterium proven to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of high-dose Spirulina supplementation on hospitalized adults with COVID-19 is currently unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose Spirulina platensis for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We conducted a randomized, controlled, open-label trial involving 189 patients with COVID-19 who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an experimental group that received 15.2g of Spirulina supplement plus standard treatment (44 non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) and 47 ICU), or to a control group that received standard treatment alone (46 non-ICU and 52 ICU). The study was conducted over six days. Immune mediators were monitored on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The primary outcome of this study was mortality or hospital discharge within seven days, while the overall discharge or mortality was considered the secondary outcome.

Within seven days, there were no deaths in the Spirulina group, while 15 deaths (15.3%) occurred in the control group. Moreover, within seven days, there was a greater number of patients discharged in the Spirulina group (97.7%) in non-ICU compared to the control group (39.1%) (HR, 6.52; 95% CI, 3.50 to 12.17). Overall mortality was higher in the control group (8.7% non-ICU, 28.8% ICU) compared to the Spirulina group (non-ICU HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.97; ICU, HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.48). In non-ICU, patients who received Spirulina showed a significant reduction in the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IP-10 as intervention time increased. Furthermore, in ICU, patients who received Spirulina showed a significant decrease in the levels of MIP-1α and IL-6. IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in the intervention group in both ICU and non-ICU subgroups as intervention time increased. No side effects related to Spirulina supplements were observed during the trial.

High-dose Spirulina supplements coupled with the standard treatment of COVID-19 may improve recovery and remarkably reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

https://irct.ir/trial/54375, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials number (IRCT20210216050373N1).

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been detected in almost all organs of coronavirus disease-19 patients, although some organs do not express angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), a known receptor of SARS-CoV-2, implying the presence of alternative receptors and/or co-receptors. Here, we show that the ubiquitously distributed human transferrin receptor (TfR), which binds to diferric transferrin to traffic between membrane and endosome for the iron delivery cycle, can ACE2-independently mediate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Human, not mouse TfR, interacts with Spike protein with a high affinity (KD ~2.95 nM) to mediate SARS-CoV-2 endocytosis. TfR knock-down (TfR-deficiency is lethal) and overexpression inhibit and promote SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. Humanized TfR expression enables SARS-CoV-2 infection in baby hamster kidney cells and C57 mice, which are known to be insusceptible to the virus infection. Soluble TfR, Tf, designed peptides blocking TfR-Spike interaction and anti-TfR antibody show significant anti-COVID-19 effects in cell and monkey models. Collectively, this report indicates that TfR is a receptor/co-receptor of SARS-CoV-2 mediating SARS-CoV-2 entry and infectivity by likely using the TfR trafficking pathway.

The globalization in business and tourism becomes crucial more and more for the economical sustainability of local communities. In the presence of an epidemic outbreak, there must be such a decision on the policy by the host community as whether to accept visitors or not, the number of acceptable visitors, or the condition for acceptable visitors. Making use of an SIRI type of mathematical model, we consider the influence of visitors on the spread of a reinfectious disease in a community, especially assuming that a certain proportion of accepted visitors are immune. The reinfectivity of disease here means that the immunity gained by either vaccination or recovery is imperfect. With the mathematical results obtained by our analysis on the model for such an epidemic dynamics of resident and visitor populations, we find that the acceptance of visitors could have a significant influence on the disease's endemicity in the community, either suppressive or supportive.

Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Thailand were assessed in this study to determine the short-term and long-term economic effects of post-COVID- 19 -, with the goal of developing policy guidelines that focus on the methods and strategies that will further develop and help recover these sectors. MSMEs are the most vulnerable and require assistants to combat the pandemic. This study assesses the perspectives of stakeholders on the development of mechanisms and the strategies applied to support vulnerable groups in Thailand, which mostly consist of women and children. The main data collection was gathered through online questionnaires that were distributed to various stakeholder groups. The tools used for analysis were advanced quantitative analysis tools that aid in achieving this research study's objectives, and data was examined primarily through the usage of path modeling, structural equation modeling (SEM), and descriptive analysis was among the methods used. The findings reveal that in the short term, MSMEs' ability to respond to COVID-19 implications has a significant impact on both financial and non-financial performance. Non-financial performance, on the other hand, is more affected by adaptability than financial performance. Demand shock from lockdowns and other COVID-19 cautionary interventions has a negative and significant impact on MSMEs' adaptability, financial performance, and non-financial performance. The demand shocks increased the vulnerability of MSMEs significantly but it was found that proper management of demand shock has helped stabilized and improve MSMEs' financial and non-financial performances, as well as helped decrease their vulnerability. When it comes to government policy, the focus is usually on enhancing the flexibility and financial performance of MSMEs. The government's legislative actions have little impact on MSMEs' non-financial performance and vulnerability. This could be because the majority of the programs are more focused on providing financial assistance to businesses or their consumers. COVID-19's supply and demand shock only hindered MSMEs' ability to respond to the changes and challenges caused by the pandemic, according to vendors. The vulnerability of MSMEs caused by COVID-19 creates grave effects on their financial performance. The findings of this research paper will assist policymakers in identifying the most vulnerable aspects of MSMEs, as well as their expectations- and determine the forms of support that will be required to combat the current and future pandemic situations that may occur in Thailand. In addition, it will aid policymakers in the establishment of procedures and supporting strategies for MSMEs to reduce the unemployment rate and stimulate the Thai economy, among other factors of improvement.

Emerging Infectious Diseases are one of the world's leading causes of death, and preventive measures must be implemented to minimize human casualties. Research on preventive behavior relies on the preventive behavior scale and it has an impact on the findings.

This study aimed to develop an Emerging Infectious Diseases Preventive Health Behavior (EID-PHB) Scale and verify the validity and reliability of the complex models.

Initial items were generated through a literature review and interviews, based on the proposed conceptual framework of transmission-based precautions. 14 experts reviewed the preliminary items for content validity and 20 adults for face validity. Data were collected online by a research company from April 28 to May 3, 2023. A total of 533 participants completed the survey, and subjects were assigned through simple random sampling. The first sample (n = 330) was used for item analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and the second sample (n = 203) was used for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), convergent validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, and reliability. The test-retest reliability was assessed in 34 adults.

The final instrument derived six components (droplet, contact, airborne, bloodborne, environmental prevention, and psychological coping), nine indicators, and 34 items. The CFA indicated that all the complex models had a good fit and the integrated factors were confirmed through validity tests. The Cronbach's alpha for the 34 items was 0.92, and the criterion validity was verified (r = 0.85, p < 0.001).

The EID-PHB is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to determine preventive behaviors against emerging infectious diseases. This tool is expected to provide a conceptual framework for future research, contribute to the clinical practice and education, and establish strategies and policies for improving individual and public health.

Given the continuous emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VoCs), immunotherapeutics that target conserved epitopes on the spike (S) glycoprotein have therapeutic advantages. Here, we report the crystal structure of the SARS-CoV-2 S receptor-binding domain (RBD) at 1.95 Å and describe flexibility and distinct conformations of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-binding site. We identify a set of SARS-CoV-2-reactive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with broad RBD cross-reactivity including SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, SARS-CoV-1, and other sarbecoviruses and determine the crystal structures of mAb-RBD complexes with Ab246 and CR3022 mAbs targeting the class IV site, WRAIR-2134, which binds the recently designated class V epitope, and WRAIR-2123, the class I ACE2-binding site. The broad reactivity of class IV and V mAbs to conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2 VoCs and other sarbecovirus provides a framework for long-term immunotherapeutic development strategies.

Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on surfaces pose a significant risk of microbial contamination and chronic diseases, leading to potential health complications. To mitigate this concern, the implementation of antibacterial coatings becomes paramount in reducing pathogen propagation on contaminated surfaces. To address this requirement, our study focuses on developing cost-effective and sustainable methods using polymer composite coatings. Copper and titanium dioxide nanoparticles were used to assess their active antimicrobial functions. After coating the surface with nanoparticles, four different combinations of two postprocessing treatments were performed. Intense pulsed light was utilized to sinter the coatings further, and plasma etching was applied to manipulate the physical properties of the nanocomposite-coated sheet surface. Bacterial viability was comparatively analyzed at four different time points (0, 30, 60, and 120 min) upon contact with the nanocomposite coatings. The samples with nanoparticle coatings and postprocessing treatments showed an above-average 84.82% mortality rate at 30 min and an average of 89.77% mortality rate at 120 min of contact. In contrast, the control sample, without nanoparticle coatings and postprocessing treatments, showed a 95% microbe viability after 120 min of contact. Through this study, we gained critical insights into effective strategies for preventing the spread of microorganisms on high-touch surfaces, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable antimicrobial coatings.

Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated infectious diarrhea. The development of C.difficile infection is tied to perturbations of the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract, called the gastrointestinal microbiota. Repairing the gastrointestinal microbiota by introducing lab-designed bacterial communities, or defined microbial communities, has recently shown promise as therapeutics against C.difficile infection, however, the mechanisms of action of defined microbial communities remain unclear. Using an antibiotic- C.difficile mouse model, we report the ability of an 18-member community and a refined 4-member community to protect mice from two ribotypes of C.difficile (CD027, CD078; p < 0.05). Furthermore, bacteria-free supernatant delivered orally to mice from the 4-member community proteolyzed C.difficile toxins in vitro and protected mice from C.difficile infection in vivo (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that bacteria-free supernatant is sufficient to protect mice from C.difficile; and could be further explored as a therapeutic strategy against C.difficile infection.

The global pandemic known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is causing morbidity and mortality on a daily basis. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV- -2) virus has been around since December 2019 and has infected a high number of patients due to its idiopathic pathophysiology and rapid transmission. COVID-19 is now deemed a newly identified "syndrome" condition since it causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms and systemic side effects following the pandemic. Simultaneously, it always becomes potentially hazardous when new variants develop during evolution. Its random viral etiology prevents accurate and suitable therapy. Despite the fact that multiple preclinical and research studies have been conducted to combat this lethal virus, and various therapeutic targets have been identified, the precise course of therapy remains uncertain. However, just a few drugs have shown efficacy in treating this viral infection in its early stages. Currently, several medicines and vaccinations have been licensed following clinical trial research, and many countries are competing to find the most potent and effective immunizations against this highly transmissible illness. For this narrative review, we used PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to obtain epidemiological data, pre-clinical and clinical trial outcomes, and recent therapeutic alternatives for treating COVID-19 viral infection. In this study, we discussed the disease's origin, etiology, transmission, current advances in clinical diagnostic technologies, different new therapeutic targets, pathophysiology, and future therapy options for this devastating virus. Finally, this review delves further into the hype surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 illness, as well as present and potential COVID-19 therapies.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical features, treatments, and short-term prognoses of 18 patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) in order to provide reference for further clinical prevention and control of the epidemic. From January 29 to February 29, 2020, data from 18 patients with NCP who were positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus nucleic acid test were collected, and their clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging features, and treatment protocols were analyzed retrospectively. From among the 18 patients with NCP, 9 (50%) were imported cases and 9 (50%) had contact histories with confirmed adult patients. Clinical classification was mainly of the normal type (16 cases, 88.9%). Fever and cough were common clinical symptoms, and the main laboratory indices were lymphocytopenia and leukocytopenia. The main imaging findings yielded ground-glass opacity in 12 cases (66.7%) and patchy opacity in 9 cases (50%). All 18 patients were treated with antiviral therapy and targeted treatment in accordance with their symptoms, returned negative nucleic acid tests (9-23 days) after their treatment, and were cured and discharged by March 5, 2020. During the early stages in Deyang, most patients with NCP were input cases; in the later stages, the main route of infection was close contact within the family. Close contact history in epidemiology, nucleic acid detection, and chest imaging were important references for diagnosis. Antiviral therapy resulted in good therapeutic effects. Adopting multi-departmental consultation and remote consultation in combination with traditional Chinese medicine treatment and psychological counseling may result in a good short-term prognosis.

Identification and development of effective therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still urgently needed. The CD147-spike interaction is involved in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 invasion process in addition to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Cyclophilin A (CyPA), the extracellular ligand of CD147, has been found to play a role in the infection and replication of coronaviruses. In this study, our results show that CyPA inhibitors such as cyclosporine A (CsA) and STG-175 can suppress the intracellular replication of SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting the binding of CyPA to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid C-terminal domain (N-CTD), and the IC50 is 0.23 μM and 0.17 μM, respectively. Due to high homology, CsA also had inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and the IC50 is 3.2 μM and 2.8 μM, respectively. Finally, we generated a formulation of phosphatidylserine (PS)-liposome-CsA for pulmonary drug delivery. These findings provide a scientific basis for identifying CyPA as a potential drug target for the treatment of COVID-19 as well as for the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors for coronavirus via targeting CyPA. Highlights: 1) SARS-CoV-2 infects cells via the binding of its S protein and CD147; 2) binding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein and CyPA is essential for viral replication; 3) CD147 and CyPA are potential therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2; and 4) CsA is a potential therapeutic strategy by interrupting CD147/CyPA interactions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: New severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 variants and other pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs) are continually emerging, and new broad-spectrum anti-CoV therapy is urgently needed. We found that binding sites of cyclophilin A/cyclosporin A (CyPA/CsA) overlap with CyPA/N-CTD (nucleocapsid C-terminal domain), which shows the potential to target CyPA during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we provide new evidence for targeting CyPA in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as the potential of developing CyPA inhibitors for broad-spectrum inhibition of CoVs.

In COVID-19 patients, older age (sixty or older), comorbidities, and frailty are associated with a higher risk for mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) failure. It therefore seems appropriate to suggest limitations of care to older and vulnerable patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and a poor expected outcome, who would not benefit from invasive treatment. HFNO (high flow nasal oxygen) is a non-invasive respiratory support device already used in de novo acute respiratory failure. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the survival of patients treated with HFNO outside the ICU (intensive care unit) for a severe COVID-19 pneumonia, otherwise presenting limitations of care making them non-eligible for IMV. Secondary objectives were the description of our cohort and the identification of prognostic factors for HFNO failure.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study. We included all patients with limitations of care making them non-eligible for IMV and treated with HFNO for a severe COVID-19 pneumonia, hospitalized in a COVID-19 unit of the pulmonology department of Lyon Sud University Hospital, France, from March 2020 to March 2021. Primary outcome was the description of the vital status at day-30 after HFNO initiation, using the WHO (World Health Organization) 7-points ordinal scale.

Fifty-six patients were included. Median age was 83 years [76.3-87.0], mean duration for HFNO was 7.5 days, 53% had a CFS score (Clinical Frailty Scale) >4. At day-30, 73% of patients were deceased, one patient (2%) was undergoing HFNO, 9% of patients were discharged from hospital. HFNO failure occurred in 66% of patients. Clinical signs of respiratory failure before HFNO initiation (respiratory rate >30/min, retractions, and abdominal paradoxical breathing pattern) were associated with mortality (p = 0.001).

We suggest that HFNO is an option in non-ICU skilled units for older and frail patients with a severe COVID-19 pneumonia, otherwise non-suitable for intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Observation of clinical signs of respiratory failure before HFNO initiation was associated with mortality.

Announced on December 31, 2019, the novel coronavirus arising in Wuhan City, Hubei Province resulted in millions of cases and lives lost. Following intense tracking, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of COVID-19 and the continuous evolution of the virus has given rise to several variants. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of the response to the pandemic over the first three-year period is provided, focusing on disease management, development of vaccines and therapeutics, and identification of variants. The transmissibility and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron are compared. The binding characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and reproduction numbers are evaluated. The effects of major variants on disease severity, hospitalisation, and case-fatality rates are outlined. In addition to the spike protein, open reading frames mutations are investigated. We also compare the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 with SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Overall, this study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the global response to the pandemic, as well as the importance of prevention and preparedness. Monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in identifying and potentially predicting the health outcomes of concerning variants as they emerge. The ultimate goal would be a position in which existing vaccines and therapeutics could be adapted to suit new variants in as close to real-time as possible.

Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients had varying clinical symptoms and disease severity (mild, moderate, severe, and critical). Several risk factors, including genetic polymorphisms, have been reported to be associated with disease risk and severity. This study aimed to investigate the association of two polymorphisms in the orosomucoid1-like 3 (ORMDL3) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) asthma-related genes with the severity of COVID-19.

The study included 116 COVID-19 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. 58 patients with moderate symptoms, 28 patients with severe symptoms, and 30 outpatients with mild symptoms. Genotyping of rs7216389 in the ORMDL3 and rs2280091 in ADAM33 genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Furthermore, records of patients were studied for hematological profiles and biochemical markers.

No significant association was found between rs7216389 and rs2280091 and the severity of COVID-19 between different groups of COVID-19 patients. The serum levels of RBC and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly increased; the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and Aspartate transaminase (SGOT) were significantly decreased during treatment in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The serum levels of red blood cells, Platelets, Urea, Alkaline phosphatase, ESR, Alanine transaminase (SGPT), and SGOT were significantly increased during treatment in hospitalized patients. The serum levels of inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and Ferritin at the time of admission, were significantly higher in patients admitted to the ICU patients compared to the other group of patients.

The two polymorphisms studied in this research are not suitable markers for predicting the severity of COVID-19. However, there are significant differences in the amounts of some blood factors in different groups of COVID-19 patients (P < 0.05) and these factors can be used as a marker for the disease severity prediction.

Ricinus communis L. is a medicinal plant that displays valuable pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. This study targeted to isolate and identify some constituents of R. communis leaves using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS/MS) and different chromatographic techniques. In vitro anti-MERS and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity for different fractions and for two pure isolated compounds, lupeol (RS) and ricinine (RS1) were evaluated using a plaque reduction assay with three different mechanisms and IC50 based on their cytotoxic concentration (CC50) from an MTT assay using Vero E6 cell line. Isolated phytoconstituents and remdesivir are assessed for in-silico anti-COVID-19 activity using molecular docking tools. The methylene chloride extract showed pronounced virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 (IC50 = 1.76 μg/ml). It was also shown that ricinine had superior potential activity against SARS-CoV-2, (IC50 = 2.5 μg/ml). Lupeol displayed the most potency against MERS, (IC50 = 5.28 μg/ml). Ricinine appeared to be the most biologically active compound. The study showed that R. communis and its isolated compounds have potential natural virucidal activity against SARS-COV-2; however, additional exploration is necessary and study for their in vivo activity.

With the end of the pandemic, COVID-19 has entered an endemic phase with expected seasonal spikes. Consequently, the implementation of easily accessible prognostic biomarkers for patients with COVID-19 remains an important area of research. In this monocentric study at a German tertiary care hospital, we determined the prognostic performance of different clinical and blood-based parameters in 412 COVID-19 patients. We evaluated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), and absolute eosinopenia (AEP, 0/µL) of COVID-19 patients (n = 412). The Siddiqui and Mehra staging proposal, the WHO clinical progression scale, and COVID-19-associated death were used as COVID-19 outcome measures. With respect to Siddiqi and Mehra staging, patient age of older than 75 years, high C-reactive protein (CRP), absolute eosinopenia (AEP), cardiovascular comorbidities, and high ferritin were significant independent predictors for severe COVID-19. When outcome was determined according to the WHO clinical progression scale, patient age of older than 75 years, high CRP, high LDH, AEP, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the presence of pulmonal comorbidities were significant independent predictors for severe COVID-19. Finally, COVID-19-associated death was predicted independently by patient age of older than 75 years, high LDH, high NLR, and AEP. Eosinopenia (< 40/µL) was observed in 74.5% of patients, and AEP in almost 45%. In conclusion, the present real-world data indicate that the NLR is superior to more complex systemic immune-inflammation biomarkers (e.g., SII and PIV) in COVID-19 prognostication. A decreased eosinophil count emerged as a potential hallmark of COVID-19 infection, whereas AEP turned out to be an accessible independent biomarker for COVID-19 severity and mortality.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in the introduction of several naïve methods of vaccine development, which have been used to prepare novel viral vectors and mRNA-based vaccines. However, reluctance to receive vaccines owing to the uncertainty regarding their safety is prevalent. Therefore, rigorous safety evaluation of vaccines through preclinical toxicity studies is critical to determine the safety profiles of vaccine candidates. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of HuVac-19, a subunit vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 utilizing the receptor-binding domain as an antigen, in rats, rabbits, and dogs using single- and repeat-dose study designs. Repeat-dose toxicity studies in rats and rabbits showed transient changes in hematological and serum biochemical parameters in the adjuvant and/or vaccine groups; however, these changes were reversed or potentially reversible after the recovery period. Moreover, temporary reversible changes in absolute and relative organ weights were observed in the prostate of rats and the thymus of rabbits. Gross examination of the injection sites in rats and rabbits treated with the adjuvant- and HuVac-19 showed discoloration and foci, whereas histopathological examination showed granulomatous inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and myofiber degeneration/necrosis. This inflammatory response was local, unassociated with other toxicological changes, and resolved. In a pharmacological safety study, no toxicological or physiological changes associated with HuVac-19 administration were observed. In conclusion, HuVac-19 was not associated with any major systemic adverse effects in the general toxicity and safety pharmacology evaluation, demonstrating that HuVac-19 is a vaccine candidate with sufficient capacity to be used in human clinical trials.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has demonstrated several clinical manifestations which include not only respiratory system issues but also liver, kidney, and other organ injuries. One of these abnormalities is coagulopathies, including thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Because of this, the administration of low molecular weight heparin is required for patients that need to be hospitalized. In addition, Remdesivir is an antiviral that was used against Middle East Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Ebola, Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and other diseases, showing satisfactory results on recovery. Besides, there is evidence suggesting that this medication can provide a better prognosis for patients with COVID-19.

To investigate in silico the interaction between Remdesivir and clotting factors, pursuing a possibility of using it as medicine.

In this in silico study, the 3D structures of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Factor I (fibrinogen), Factor II (prothrombin), Factor III (thromboplastin), Factor V (proaccelerin), Factor VII (proconvertin), Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor A), Factor IX (antihemophilic factor B), Factor X (Stuart-Prower factor), and Factor XI (precursor of thromboplastin (these structures are technically called receptors) were selected from the Protein Data Bank. The structures of the antivirals Remdesivir and Osetalmivir (these structures are called ligands) were selected from the PubChem database, while the structure of Atazanavir was selected from the ZINC database. The software AutoDock Tools (ADT) was used to prepare the receptors for molecular docking. Ions, peptides, water molecules, and other ones were removed from each ligand, and then, hydrogen atoms were added to the structures. The grid box was delimited and calculated using the same software ADT. A physiological environment with pH 7.4 is needed to make the ligands interact with the receptors, and still the software Marvin sketch® (ChemAxon®) was used to forecast the protonation state. To perform molecular docking, ADT and Vina software was connected. Using PyMol® software and Discovery studio® software from BIOVIA, it was possible to analyze the amino acid residues from receptors that were involved in the interactions with the ligands. Ligand tortions, atoms that participated in the interactions, and the type, strength, and duration of the interactions were also analyzed using those software.

Molecular docking analysis showed that Remdesivir and ACE2 had an affinity energy of -8.8 kcal/moL, forming a complex with eight hydrogen bonds involving seven atoms of Remdesivir and five amino acid residues of ACE2. Remdesivir and prothrombin had an interaction with six hydrogen bonds involving atoms of the drug and five amino acid residues of the clotting factor. Similar to that, Remdesivir and thromboplastin presented interactions via seven hydrogen bonds involving five atoms of the drug and four residues of the clotting factor. While Remdesivir and Factor V established a complex with seven hydrogen bonds between six antiviral atoms and six amino acid residues from the factor, and Factor VII connected with the drug by four hydrogen bonds, which involved three atoms of the drug and three residues of amino acids of the factor. The complex between Remdesivir and Factor IX formed an interaction via 11 hydrophilic bonds with seven atoms of the drug and seven residues of the clotting factor, plus one electrostatic bond and three hydrophobic interactions. Factor X and Remdesivir had an affinity energy of -9.6 kcal/moL, and the complex presented 10 hydrogen bonds and 14 different hydrophobic interactions which involved nine atoms of the drug and 16 amino acid residues of the clotting factor. The interaction between Remdesivir and Factor XI formed five hydrogen bonds involving five amino acid residues of the clotting factor and five of the antiviral atoms.

Because of the in silico significant affinity, Remdesivir possibly could act in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection blockade by interacting with ACE2 and concomitantly act in the modulation of the coagulation cascade preventing the hypercoagulable state.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first detected in December 2019, and declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. The current management of COVID-19 is based generally on supportive therapy and treatment to prevent respiratory failure.

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and other databases were searched by computer, and relevant literature published from December 2019 to November 2022 on the influencing factors of infection in close contacts with novel coronavirus pneumonia was collected. Meta-analysis was carried out after literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction.

A total of 425 articles were retrieved and 11 were included. Meta-analysis showed that there were 6 risk factors, and the combined OR value and 95% CI of each influencing factor were 5.23 (3.20, 8.57) for family members, 1.63 (0.56, 4.77) for regular contact, 2.14 (0.62, 7.32) for the elderly, 0.58 (0.001569.89) for cohabitation, 1.97 (1.02, 3.82) for women and 0.75 (0.01, 54.07) for others. The Deeks' funnel diagram indicates that there is no potential publication bias among the included studies.

Family members and gender differences are the risk factors of infection among close contacts, and it cannot be proved that there are differences in infection among frequent contact, advanced age, and living together.

Early life stress, such as child abuse and neglect, and psychosocial stress in adulthood are risk factors for psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Furthermore, exposure to these stresses affects the sensitivity to pain stimuli and is associated with the development of chronic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of stress-induced depression, anxiety, and pain control remain unclear. Endogenous opioid signaling is reportedly associated with analgesia, reward, addiction, and the regulation of stress responses and anxiety. Stress alters the expression of various opioid receptors in the central nervous system and sensitivity to opioid receptor agonists and antagonists. μ-opioid receptor-deficient mice exhibit attachment disorders and autism-like behavioral expression patterns, while those with δ-opioid receptor deficiency exhibit anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, deficiency and antagonists of the κ-opioid receptor suppress the stress response. These findings strongly suggest that the expression and dysfunction of the endogenous opioid signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of stress-induced psychiatric disorders and chronic pain. In this review, we summarize the latest basic and clinical research studies on the effects of endogenous opioid signaling on early-life stress, psychosocial stress-induced psychiatric disorders, and chronic pain.

Despite high vaccination rates in the Netherlands, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to circulate. Longitudinal sewage surveillance was implemented along with the notification of cases as two parts of the surveillance pyramid to validate the use of sewage for surveillance, as an early warning tool, and to measure the effect of interventions. Sewage samples were collected from nine neighborhoods between September 2020 and November 2021. Comparative analysis and modeling were performed to understand the correlation between wastewater and case trends. Using high resolution sampling, normalization of wastewater SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, and 'normalization' of reported positive tests for testing delay and intensity, the incidence of reported positive tests could be modeled based on sewage data, and trends in both surveillance systems coincided. The high collinearity implied that high levels of viral shedding around the onset of disease largely determined SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater, and that the observed relationship was independent of variants of concern and vaccination levels. Sewage surveillance alongside a large-scale testing effort where 58 % of a municipality was tested, indicated a five-fold difference in the number of SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals and reported cases through standard testing. Where trends in reported positive cases were biased due to testing delay and testing behavior, wastewater surveillance can objectively display SARS-CoV-2 dynamics for both small and large locations and is sensitive enough to measure small variations in the number of infected individuals within or between neighborhoods. With the transition to a post-acute phase of the pandemic, sewage surveillance can help to keep track of re-emergence, but continued validation studies are needed to assess the predictive value of sewage surveillance with new variants. Our findings and model aid in interpreting SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data for public health decision-making and show its potential as one of the pillars of future surveillance of (re)emerging viruses.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been assumed to affect mental health of college students. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to examine levels of knowledge and anxiety about COVID-19, as well as attitude towards the back-to-school arrangement among college students in China in May 2020. A total of 716 students (312 males, 404 females) were included. Only 38.1% of the participants showed good knowledge about COVID-19. Moderate and severe anxiety was observed among 7.6% of the students. There were 15.6% of the participants opposing the back-to-school arrangement. Female students had more risk of having anxiety symptoms and negative attitude towards the back-to-school arrangement (p < 0.05). In addition, the level of anxiety was positively associated with the negative attitude towards the back-to-school arrangement (r = 0.11, p < 0.05). We therefore suggest that health education and psychological interventions should be given to college students, especially females and those without health-related backgrounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estimating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) -specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies are increasingly important for tracking the spread of infection and defining herd immunity barrier and individual immunization levels in the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, we conducted the present systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies of recovered COVID-19 patients in long-term follow-up studies. A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Embase, COVID-19 Primer, PubMed, CNKI, and the Public Health England library databases was conducted. Twenty-fourth eligible studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that 27% (95%CI: 0.04-0.49) and 66% (95%CI:0.47-0.85) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG, respectively, while in long-term 12 months following up studies, the seroprevalences of IgM antibody (17%) decreased and IgG antibody (75%) was higher than 6 months follow-up patients. However, due to the limited number of relevant studies, the high level of heterogeneity, and the large gap in studies conducted, the findings of our study may not accurately reflect the true seroprevalence status of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nevertheless, sequential vaccination or booster immunization is considered to be a necessary long-term strategy to sustain the fight against the pandemic.

A key step in translational cardiovascular research is the use of large animal models to better understand normal and abnormal physiology, to test drugs or interventions, or to perform studies which would be considered unethical in human subjects. Ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) at 7 T field strength is becoming increasingly available for imaging of the heart and, when compared to clinically established field strengths, promises better image quality and image information content, more precise functional analysis, potentially new image contrasts, and as all in-vivo imaging techniques, a reduction of the number of animals per study because of the possibility to scan every animal repeatedly. We present here a solution to the dual use problem of whole-body UHF-MRI systems, which are typically installed in clinical environments, to both UHF-MRI in large animals and humans. Moreover, we provide evidence that in such a research infrastructure UHF-MRI, and ideally combined with a standard small-bore UHF-MRI system, can contribute to a variety of spatial scales in translational cardiovascular research: from cardiac organoids, Zebra fish and rodent hearts to large animal models such as pigs and humans. We present pilot data from serial CINE, late gadolinium enhancement, and susceptibility weighted UHF-MRI in a myocardial infarction model over eight weeks. In 14 pigs which were delivered from a breeding facility in a national SARS-CoV-2 hotspot, we found no infection in the incoming pigs. Human scanning using CINE and phase contrast flow measurements provided good image quality of the left and right ventricle. Agreement of functional analysis between CINE and phase contrast MRI was excellent. MRI in arrested hearts or excised vascular tissue for MRI-based histologic imaging, structural imaging of myofiber and vascular smooth muscle cell architecture using high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging, and UHF-MRI for monitoring free radicals as a surrogate for MRI of reactive oxygen species in studies of oxidative stress are demonstrated. We conclude that UHF-MRI has the potential to become an important precision imaging modality in translational cardiovascular research.