Plasma proteomics of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity reveals impact on Alzheimer's and coronary disease pathways

Identification of proteins dysregulated by COVID-19 infection is critically important for better understanding of its pathophysiology, building prognostic models, and identifying new targets. Plasma proteomic profiling of 4,301 proteins was performed in two independent datasets and tested for the association for three COVID-19 outcomes (infection, ventilation, and death). We identified 1,449 proteins consistently datasets associated in both with any of these three outcomes. We subsequently created highly accurate models that distinctively predict infection, ventilation, and death. These proteins were enriched in specific biological processes including cytokine signaling, Alzheimer's disease, and coronary artery disease. Mendelian randomization and gene network analyses identified eight causal proteins and 141 highly connected hub proteins including 35 with known drug targets. Our findings provide distinctive prognostic biomarkers for two severe COVID-19 outcomes, reveal their relationship to Alzheimer's disease and coronary artery disease, and identify potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 outcomes. Results can be explored at: https://covid.proteomics.wustl.edu/. Graphical abstract

Plasma proteomics of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity reveals impact on Alzheimer's and coronary disease pathways.

Identification of proteins dysregulated by COVID-19 infection is critically important for better understanding of its pathophysiology, building prognostic models, and identifying new targets. Plasma proteomic profiling of 4,301 proteins was performed in two independent datasets and tested for the association for three COVID-19 outcomes (infection, ventilation, and death). We identified 1,449 proteins consistently associated in both datasets with any of these three outcomes. We subsequently created highly accurate models that distinctively predict infection, ventilation, and death. These proteins were enriched in specific biological processes including cytokine signaling, Alzheimer's disease, and coronary artery disease. Mendelian randomization and gene network analyses identified eight causal proteins and 141 highly connected hub proteins including 35 with known drug targets. Our findings provide distinctive prognostic biomarkers for two severe COVID-19 outcomes, reveal their relationship to Alzheimer's disease and coronary artery disease, and identify potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 outcomes.

Perceptions of Postgraduates Majoring in English Education on Speaking Assessment Module for Online Distance Learning (ODL)

—Assessment of speaking skills differs from other language skills. The methods of conducting speaking skills are included in the English Assessment Module developed by the researchers from the National University of Malaysia (UKM). The module is designed to cater postgraduates (adult learners) through Online Distance Learning (ODL) program. ODL has become essential in education setting for adult learners as they could manage their learning whilst juggling their career and personal commitments. The covid-19 pandemic has become the starting point for postgraduates to conduct the course remotely according to their preferences of learning. The revolution of education allows adult learners to pursue their Masters. The module includes various types of English language assessments in the context of speaking English as a Second Language (ESL). Hence, eight adult learners were interviewed to give their perceptions towards this newly designed module. This qualitative research method employed a set of semi-structured interview questions and open-ended questions via Google Meet. The findings showed that English Assessment Module;Speaking Assessment is well equipped with comprehensive information and guidelines on how the speaking assessments should be conducted in ESL context. Generally, the findings indicate that the English Assessment Module;Speaking Assessment is suitable for ODL postgraduates (adult learners). This paper also includes the participants' suggestions to further improve the module. The findings could benefit the online distance course designers in designing better module for adult learners and enable the learners to learn effectively at their own convenience. © 2023 ACADEMY PUBLICATION.

Evaluation of the total exergy and energy consumptions in residential sector in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Economic crises face a new foe worldwide, along with the fact that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is facing problems to sustain its role in international energy prospects due to unavoidable domestic challenges caused by a fast-growing population. The challenges are unemployment for the youngsters, two-thirds of the total population, and emerging demand for energy consumption at the domestic level at unsustainably high rates. Besides this, KSA spends a considerable amount, around 9% of the GDP, to subsidize the energy sectors (oil products and electricity). All these aspects call for a selective study to pinpoint the factors which can directly or indirectly influence to sustain the Saudi economy in the long run. To help cater to the growing demand for rigorous study on areas for energy rationalization in the Qassim region, the objectives of this work are to perform a thorough study of energy and exergy analysis of various electrical household appliances and exergy analysis of the residential sector (RS). In this study, an independent survey of 100 dwellings was conducted to collect data related to essential parameters of residential energy consumption. The collected data has been analyzed to determine energy consumption indicators and perform exergy analysis. The average monthly and yearly energy consumption per dwelling was between 30,832 to 36,166, and 1500 to 4500kWh, respectively. The average hourly electrical energy consumption during the working days was 4.12kWh, and during the curfew due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) 4kWh. The breakdown of this end-use of residential energy is mainly distributed for air conditioning, water heating, lighting, and all other domestic appliances with 67.34%, 9.31%, 8.18%, and 15.17%, respectively. The calculated total energy efficiency of 142.9% for KSA in this study showed a significant discrepancy compared to the previously reported value of 77.52%. Calculated total exergy efficiency falls between 11.13% and 11.38% for the Qassim region. Energy policymakers can use clear energy consumption indicators and exergy efficiency present in this study. They can help to establish energy efficiency standards to be used for various economic sectors. © 2022 THE AUTHORS

Impact of COVID-19 on Spinal Diagnosis and Procedural Volume in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a national database. OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 resulted in the widespread shifting of hospital resources to handle surging COVID-19 cases resulting in the postponement of surgeries, including numerous spine procedures. This study aimed to quantify the impact that COVID-19 had on the number of treated spinal conditions and diagnoses during the pandemic. METHODS: Using CPT and ICD-10 codes, TriNetX, a national database, was utilized to quantify spine procedures and diagnoses in patients >18 years of age. The period of March 2020-May 2021 was compared to a reference pre-pandemic period of March 2018-May 2019. Each time period was then stratified into four seasons of the year, and the mean average number of procedures per healthcare organization was compared. RESULTS: In total, 524,394 patient encounters from 53 healthcare organizations were included in the analysis. There were significant decreases in spine procedures and diagnoses during March-May 2020 compared to pre-pandemic levels. Measurable differences were noted for spine procedures during the winter of 2020-2021, including a decrease in lumbar laminectomy and anterior cervical arthrodesis. Comparing the pandemic period to the pre-pandemic period showed significant reductions in most spine procedures and treated diagnoses; however, there was an increase in open repair of thoracic fractures during this period. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 resulted in a widespread decrease in spinal diagnosis and treated conditions. An inverse relationship was observed between new COVID-19 cases and spine procedural volume. Recent increases in procedural volume from pre-pandemic levels are promising signs that the spine surgery community has narrowed the gap in unmet care produced by the pandemic.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Learning and Training of Law Enforcers: A Case for Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia

In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, online distance learning is an essential part of ongoing education for law enforcement officers all over the country. However, limited research has been done on using learning management systems by law enforcement agencies for professional development. This study aims to determine how law enforcement officers perceive and respond to distance learning as a tool for professional development. They may have adopted distance learning technology without determining its effectiveness in training or education. This study examines the characteristics, benefits and drawbacks of open distance learning (ODL), as well as the difficulties in its application to the legal training of fire services officers (FS officers) in the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia. The study utilized a focus group consisting of 15 FS officers. Quantitative and qualitative data are combined using the mixed-methods research design. The findings indicate that FS officers encountered various obstacles when applying to and completing training programmes via online ODL, which included practical legal training. The primary hurdles identified are adaptability, technical knowledge, computer literacy, communication, distraction issues and time management. However, the study found that law enforcement officers perceive and respond well to distance learning as a tool for professional development. The instructional material design stimulates active learning by the trainees so they can track their progress during the training, contributing to this result. © 2022 The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences.

COVID-19 among the Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers in the Tertiary Care Centers of the Southwestern Region of Saudi Arabia: Preventive and Protective Insights

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has sent serious waves of medical emergency all over the world. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are vulnerable to the infection through various patient care processes. As the pandemic advances, it becomes necessary to screen the asymptomatic HCWs for COVID-19 as they constitute potential sources for the disease transmission. Objectives: To screen for the incidence of COVID-19 among asymptomatic HCWs in the tertiary care centers in the Southern regions of Saudi Arabia using both RT-PCR and serology. Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted to determine the incidence of COVID-19 among the asymptomatic HCWs using RT-PCR and serological assays among 186 consented participants. Results: The total number of COVID-19 cases among the participants using all tests was 34 (18.3%). Out of the total participants, 4.8%, 3.2%, 7%, 10.2%, and 11.8% positive COVID-19 cases were detected using RT-PCR, rapid ICT for IgG, rapid ICT for IgM, ELISA for IgG and ELISA for IgM respectively. Significantly higher cases were observed among HCWs in the ICU of Aseer Central Hospital. 100% of the medical students and administrative staff, 40% of respiratory therapists, 31.8% of laboratory specialists, 22.7% of cleaners, 13.5% of physicians, 12.2% of nurses participated were positive to COVID-19. Participants of 18-24 years old showed the highest level of cases. However, considering the total number of positive COVID-19, nurses showed the highest number of cases. Conclusions: Considerable number of COVID-19 cases were detected among HCWs in the Southern region of KSA. Screening of HCWs should have the priority in the preventive interventions.

Plasma proteomics of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity reveals impact on Alzheimer and coronary disease pathways (preprint)

Identification of the plasma proteomic changes of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is essential to understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and developing predictive models and novel therapeutics. We performed plasma deep proteomic profiling from 332 COVID-19 patients and 150 controls and pursued replication in an independent cohort (297 cases and 76 controls) to find potential biomarkers and causal proteins for three COVID-19 outcomes (infection, ventilation, and death). We identified and replicated 1,449 proteins associated with any of the three outcomes (841 for infection, 833 for ventilation, and 253 for death) that can be query on a web portal (https://covid.proteomics.wustl.edu/). Using those proteins and machine learning approached we created and validated specific prediction models for ventilation (AUC>0.91), death (AUC>0.95) and either outcome (AUC>0.80). These proteins were also enriched in specific biological processes, including immune and cytokine signaling (FDR < 3.72x10-14), Alzheimer's disease (FDR < 5.46x10-10) and coronary artery disease (FDR < 4.64x10-2). Mendelian randomization using pQTL as instrumental variants nominated BCAT2 and GOLM1 as a causal proteins for COVID-19. Causal gene network analyses identified 141 highly connected key proteins, of which 35 have known drug targets with FDA-approved compounds. Our findings provide distinctive prognostic biomarkers for two severe COVID-19 outcomes (ventilation and death), reveal their relationship to Alzheimer's disease and coronary artery disease, and identify potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 outcomes.

Nationwide analysis of plastic and reconstructive procedural volume in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to define the impact of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the volume of common plastic and reconstructive procedures in the United States. METHODS: TrinetX is a national, federated database that was utilized in surveying plastic and reconstructive procedural volumes among 53 Healthcare organizations (HCO) between March 2018 and May 2021. This timeframe was divided into pre-pandemic (March 2018 to February 2020) and pandemic periods (March 2020 to May 2021). Each period was then sub-divided into four seasons of the year and the mean monthly procedural volume per HCO was compared. A student's t-tests comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic seasonal mean procedural volumes were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 366,032 patient encounters among 53 HCO were included. The average seasonal volume per HCO of all procedures reduced from 872.11 procedures during pre-pandemic seasons to 827.36 during pandemic seasons. Spring 2020 vol declined for most procedures as 15 of 24 (63%) assessed procedure categories experienced statistically significant decreases. Spring 2021 experienced rebounds with 15 of 24 (63%) assessed procedures showing statistically significant increases. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic period, the average procedural volume per HCO of 14 procedure categories was significantly less than the pre-pandemic average procedural volume. Overall, an inverse relationship was observed between novel COVID-19 cases and plastic and reconstructive surgery procedure volumes in the United States.

Severe Hepatocellular Liver Injury After COVID-19 Vaccination Without Autoimmune Hepatitis Features: A Case Series

Various vaccines were developed and administered to end the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19). These vaccines caused rare side effects not known during clinical trials. We report 2 cases of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury where the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was administered. Both cases showed hepatocellular liver injury with negative autoimmune features on serology and histology and progressed to a protracted course of severe jaundice and pruritus before resolving without any immunosuppressants. We hope to raise awareness of possible rare side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine so that physicians can be vigilant.

Public knowledge, attitude, and acceptance toward COVID-19 vaccines in Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health in addition to the global economy are huge. Vaccination is a pivotal measure to decrease COVID-19 morbidity and mortality and to help bring the pandemic under control. Yet, success of the vaccination process depends on the population's willingness to be vaccinated which may be determined by their level of knowledge about and trust in currently available COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of Palestinians towards COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study was distributed in different Palestinian regions to assess the knowledge and attitude of Palestinians toward COVID-19 vaccines using an online questionnaire, it included three sections; sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge assessment questions, and attitude assessment questions. RESULTS: A total of 6226 participants completed the questionnaire; among them, 41.36% believed that vaccines are safe, 69.02% agreed that vaccines are vital to protect from COVID-19; in addition, 55.1% approve administering the vaccine once available, and 37.86% do not believe their benefits outweigh the risks. The Source of information for 22.07% of participants in social media, while 11.92% rely on health care providers. Participants' attitudes and knowledge were significantly affected by gender, governorate, age, education level, and marital status (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that there is good knowledge and attitude toward the vaccination process against COVID-19 in Palestine, although low acceptance was detected. Awareness campaigns are required to spread reliable knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines.

Trends in United States pediatric neurosurgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is minimal information on COVID-19 pandemic's national impact on pediatric neurosurgical operative volumes. In this study, using a national database, TriNetX, we compared the overall and seasonal trends of pediatric neurosurgical procedure volumes in the United States during the pandemic to pre-pandemic periods. In the United States, the incidence of COVID-19 began to rise in September 2020 and reached its maximum peak between December 2020 and January 2021. During this time, there was an inverse relationship between pediatric neurosurgical operative volumes and the incidence of COVID-19 cases. From March 2020 to May 2021, there was a significant decrease in the number of pediatric shunt (-11.7% mean change, p = 0.006), epilepsy (-16.6%, p < 0.001), and neurosurgical trauma (-13.8%, p < 0.001) surgeries compared to pre-pandemic years. The seasonal analysis also yielded a broad decrease in most subcategories in spring 2020 with significant decreases in pediatric spine, epilepsy, and trauma cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a national decline in pediatric shunt, epilepsy, and neurosurgical trauma operative volumes during the pandemic. This could be due to fear-related changes in health-seeking behavior as well as underdiagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Case series: coronavirus disease 2019 infection as a precipitant of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is an exceedingly rare thrombotic microangiopathy caused by accelerated activation of the alternative complement pathway. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report two cases of patients presenting with suspected atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome precipitated by coronavirus disease 2019 infection. The first patient, a 25-year-old Hispanic male, had one prior episode of thrombotic microangiopathy presumed to be atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome precipitated by influenza A, and re-presented with thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, nonoliguric renal failure, and normal ADAMTS13 activity, with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 positivity. The second patient, a 31-year-old Caucasian female, had no personal history of thrombotic microangiopathy, though reported a family history of suspected atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. She presented with similar laboratory derangements, oliguric renal failure requiring hemodialysis, and confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 positivity. Both patients were treated with eculizumab with complete resolution of their hematologic and renal complications. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this represents the largest case series of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome precipitated by coronavirus disease 2019 in adults.

A nurse is a gift to older parents with COVID-19: One nurse's story

Read about how a son, who's also a nurse, cared for his mother after she was infected with COVID-19 and the universal lessons they learned.