ABSTRACT
A novel human recombinant antibody for prophylactic treatment against SARS-CoV-2 was formulated in a nasal solution comprising chitosan as mucoadhesive polymer. Two levels of protein concentration have been assessed and formulations loaded into Aptar VP3 nasal pump. The formulations produced showed values of pH (6.2- 6.3) and osmolality (414 and 421 mosm/kg) suitable to prevent precipitation of the antibody in the final solution and for nasal administration. Assay of the protein after formulation manufacturing showed a lower dimeric fraction than the reference standard and hydrodynamic diameter of the final formulations was also comparable to the unprocessed antibody solution (10 nm). Zeta-potential values were higher than 25mV, indicating colloidal stability against aggregation due to charge stabilization for the formulations obtained. Spray performance did not evidence any difference between protein levels in the final formulations when combined with VP3 nasal pump. Particularly, droplet size distribution (mean volume diameter of 55.13 lm for the low dose formulation and 57.21 lm for the high dose), spray pattern and plume geometry resulted to be applicable for nasal delivery. Finally, for both solutions sprayed antibody content was within 75-125% of the target delivered dose with a very low variability on ten consecutive shots (5%). Future studies will assess the formulations stability under refrigerated and ambient storage conditions of the combination product and of the antibody comprised in the formulation,whereas in vivo studieswill define pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics profile of these final formulations. Key Message: The possibility to deliver to the nose a novel human antibody for prophylactic treatment against SARS-CoV-2 employing Aptar VP3 pump was assessed. Spray performance of the formulations manufactured was characterized and no protein agglomeration was observed in the formulations and after spraying, indicating favourable results in applying this system for delivery of antibodies to the nose.
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: At the moment COVID-19 is the most relevant global health problem. It seems that during SARS-CoV-2 infection total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C values decrease. In our clinical practice we frequently observed alterations of the lipid profile in patients with COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection could be actually involved in the determining of lipid profile alterations, and to study the possible correlation of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C lowering and disease severity and/or clinical outcome. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the 118 patients who required hospitalization to Internal Medicine Unit of Chieti University Hospital (Italy) for COVID-19 between March and May 2020. We compared pre-infection lipid values collected from our laboratory exams software (53 of the 118 patients enrolled) to those measured on admission. Results: Preliminary Median values showed on admission for COVID-19 were: TC 136.89±42.73 mg/dl, LDL-C 81.53±30.35 mg/dl, HDL-C 32,36±15.13 mg/dl and triglycerides 115±40.45 mg/dl (p=0.001, p<0.001 respectively). Median values of pre-infection total cholesterol and HDL-C were significantly higher than those measured on admission. C-reactive protein negatively correlated with LDL-C and HDL-C (p=0.036). No significant influence of lipid alterations on clinical outcome was highlighted. Conclusions: Such results pointed out the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on TC and HDL-C, with the lowest values of LDL-C and HDL-C that are more likely to be detected at the highest inflammatory state in COVID-19 patients. It remains to better define a possible role for lipid metabolism and eventually for statins in the clinical and therapeutic approach to COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Demographic changes in the Western world linked to the increase in the elderly population, life expectancy and above all cancer patients and chronically ill patients, often entrusted to home care or in healthcare residences, highlight an exponential increase in requests for diagnostic tests at home. Conventional radiographic examinations, such as thoracic, musculoskeletal and abdominal images are the most requested and are important first level diagnostic tests. To date and, in particular, in times of COVID-19 emergency, these patients need to be transferred to the hospital to perform radiological examinations which involve an increase in costs for the health system and an increased risk for the health of these patients, already often debilitated and immunocompromised. This article discussed the benefits of taking conventional chest x-rays directly at the patient's home.
ABSTRACT
Late 2019 a new coronavirus appeared, creating a pandemic, with the first case in Switzerland detected on the 25th of February 2020. Considering the rapid increase in the number of cases, with the fear of an over-burdening of the sanitary network, the Canton of Vaud created a surveillance system (SICOVID). The objective of the SICOVID was to produce a set of indicators, covering the breadth of the epidemiological impact and response as the epidemic progressed. These indicators where used for monitoring purposes, orienting strategies, operational decision-making, communication and research. The challenges encountered throughout this process underline the importance of anticipation and considering the function of a crisis information system, ideally integrating these elements into pandemic preparedness plans.