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In this paper, we provide evidence that Zn 2 + ions play a role in the SARS-CoV-2 virus strategy to escape the immune response mediated by the BST2-tetherin host protein. This conclusion is based on sequence analysis and molecular dynamics simulations as well as X-ray absorption experiments [1].
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 pandemic has represented an unexpected stress test for Italian Health System, and a real challenge for health workers and organizations. Hospital of Castelli, opened in December 2018 as the Hub of ASLRM6, with a catchment area of more than 570,000 persons, was identified, since the beginning of pandemic, as the unique birth point of the territory, supporting safety and organization for newborns and families. This decision allowed reorganization and definition of specific care pathways for Neonatal and Obstetric Department. METHODS The Neonatology-Pediatrics and Obstetrics- Gynecology Complex Units, both located on the 1st floor of the hospital, close to Delivery rooms, were protected by isolating the entire 1st floor from the upper and ground floors, hosting COVID wards. All pregnant women were screened, before admission to delivery room, with RT-PCR for Sars-CoV- 2 naso-pharyngeal (NF) swab performed within 48 h prior to delivery ('green' pathway). In case of imminent delivery, a 'red' pathway for unknown or suspected Sars-CoV-2 pregnant women was defined, as a part of the delivery Unit, but completely separate and independent from the green pathway. Mother and newborn managed in the red pathway, waiting for the result of RT-PCR, if in good clinical conditions, were put in the same, single room, strictly isolated in a separate section of Obstetric ward, 2mt away from each other. Mother could start breastfeeding soon after delivery, wearing individual protection devices. If neonatal symptoms or need for admission in Neonatal ward were present, newborn was put in a separate, isolation room in the Neonatal Pathology Unit. If maternal RT-PCR NF swab resulted positive, mother and newborn were transferred, within first hours after delivery, to one of the COVID-Hub hospitals for Obstetrics and Neonatology in Rome (Policlinico 'A.Gemelli' or Policlinico Umberto I). Newborns of Sars-CoV-2-positive mothers underwent RT-PCR for Sars-CoV-2, prior to transfer. RESULTS From 31 March 2020 to 31 March 2021 a total of n.5 mothers resulted positive for Sars-CoV-2 and were transferred with their newborns to a COVID-Hub hospital. All the positive mothers were asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic;their newborns were in good clinical conditions and all resulted negative at RT-PCR for Sars-CoV-2 NF swab performed prior to the transfer. No Sars-CoV-2 outbreaks developed in our hospital in the period studied. Positive mothers and their newborns had a good clinical outcome and were discharged from the COVID hospital within 7-10 days after delivery. They underwent home follow-up by local medical care service (SISP) and basic pediatricians, supported, where possible, by telemedicine services. CONCLUSIONS an appropriate organization, based on specific, defined and separate clinical pathways, for COVID-19- unknown or suspected mothers and infants, is crucial for facing the ongoing pandemic, providing safety and good quality medical care for mothers and newborns.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide has impo-sed the need to identify a test that quickly recognizes affected subjects, both symptomatic and asymptomatic. The most reliable option has been proven to be the RT-PCR, which allows to detect virus RNA on a specimen from a high viral load site, such as nasopharynx. Nasopha-ryngeal sample collection is possible by means of a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and is a practical and relatively non-invasive technique, but rather bothersome for the recipient. AIM: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the discomfort evoked during NPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed 429 patients receiving NPS before hospitalization or other procedures non related to COVID-19. For each one we noted the discomfort level felt during the swab using a 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain and the total time needed for the procedure to be taken. Sex, age, smoking status and positive history of previous swab have been taken into account. RESULTS: We found that, among the variables, sex had a statistically significant impact on the perceived discomfort of nasal swab, with females experiencing slightly more discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: NPS is largely a none-to-minimum discomfort in-ducing procedure. The differences in perceived discomfort could be explained based on anatomical features, and should remark the need for a tailored and anatomy-oriented approach in each patient.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19 Testing , Female , Humans , Nasopharynx , Specimen HandlingABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as been rapidly spreading worldwide. In our country, the entire Italian Healthcare System has been forced to adapt to this unprecedented condition in this century. The Head and Neck Department clinical and surgical activity was substantially reduced. In this situation, the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) residents in University Hospitals find themselves in an uncertain position;we are physicians, facing a deadly disease about which much remains unknown, but we are also trainees, and there is a high risk for our residency training to be affected. With this Letter, we would like to give a testimony of our experience and give some advices to bridge the training gap.