[A patient diagnosed with MOGAD after COVID-19 - A case report]

MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease) is a newly defined inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. The presence of MOG antibodies holds a key role in the identification of the disease, as the detection of these anitbodies points to an inflammatory state with a distinct clinical presentation, specific radiological and laboratory findings, different course and prognosis as well as separate treatment considerations. Simultaneously, during the last two years healthcare worldwide has focused a large part of its resources on the management of COVID-19 patients. The long-term health effects of the infection are still unknown, but a large part of its manifestations are similar to those already seen in other viral infections. A significant percentage of patients who develop demyelinating disorders in the central nervous system presents an acute post-infectious inflammatory process (ADEM). Here we report the case of a young woman who presented a clinical picture compatible with ADEM after SARS-CoV-2 infection that led to a MOGAD diagnosis.

Prevention and treatment of atherothrombosis: Potential impact of nanotechnology.

Complications with atherosclerosis can often lead to fatal clot formation and blood vessel occlusion - also known as atherothrombosis. A key component to the development of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis is the endothelium and its ability to regulate the balance between prothrombotic and antithrombotic activities. Endothelial surface glycocalyx has a critical role in maintenance of vascular integrity. The endothelial glycocalyx, nitric oxide, prostacyclins, heparan sulfate, thrombomodulin, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor all prevent thrombosis, while P-selectin, among many other factors, favors thrombosis. However, endothelial dysfunction gives rise to the acceleration of thrombotic development and eventually the requirement of antithrombotic therapy. Most FDA-approved anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies today carry a side effect profile of major bleed. Within the past five years, several preclinical studies using different endothelial targets and nanotechnology as a drug delivery method have emerged to target the endothelium and to enhance current antithrombosis without increasing bleed risk. While clinical studies are required, this review illustrates the proof-of-concept of nanotechnology in promoting a greater safety and efficacy profile through multiple in vitro and in vivo studies.

termination of xanthine, hypoxanthine and c- reactive protein in the serum of patients of coronavirus and patients vaccinated with fizer

Background: The coronavirus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (SARS-CoV-2). Xanthine is a purine nucleotide that is found in the majority of human tissues and fluids, as well as other biota. Hypoxanthine is a purine derivative that occurs naturally. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an annular (ring-shaped) pentameric protein that is detected in blood plasma and whose circulating levels increase in response to inflammation. The aim of the current study is evaluation of serum (Xanthine, Hypoxanthine, and C-RP) patients of COVID-19 (vaccinated and unvaccinated) with P-fizer vaccine.Methods: The study was done in Babylon University/College of Science. Study continued five months from 3-1 to 3-5 - 2022.. 150 samples of blood were obtained from three groups.50 blood samples were obtained from healthy people (group I), 50 blood samples were drawn from COVID-19 patients unvaccinated (group II), and 50 samples were obtained from COVID-19 patients vaccinated with P-fizer (group III). The target parameters were (Xanthine, Hypoxanthine, and C-RP). (Xanthine and Hypoxanthine) were measured by HPLC instruments. C-RP was measured by the ichroma instrument.Results: The result showed age was shown to be not significant between groups. Xanthine showed a significant increase in the non-vaccinated group of patients compared to the rest of the groups, where it was 2.16 ± 0.02, While in the vaccinated group, it was 0.68 ± 0.01. Hypoxanthine also showed a significant increase in unvaccinated patients. CRP showed a significant increase in unvaccinated patients.Conclusion: The current study concluded that the Pfizer vaccine had an effect on (Xanthine, Hypoxanthine,C-reactive protein (CRP)) concentrations for the better in the vaccinated group of patients. © 2022, ResearchTrentz Academy Publishing Education Services. All rights reserved.

Design of a VR-Based Campus Tour Platform with a User-Friendly Scene Asset Management System

Virtual reality tours have become a desire for many educational institutions due to the potential difficulties for students to attend in person, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having the ability for a student to explore the buildings and locations on a university campus is a crucial part of convincing them to enroll in classes. Many institutions have already installed tour applications that they have either designed themselves or contracted to a third party. However, they lack a convenient way for non-maintainers, such as faculty, to manage and personalize their classrooms and offices in a simple way. In this paper, we propose a platform to not only provide a full virtual experience of the campus but also feature a user-friendly content management system designed for staff and faculty to customize their assigned scenes. The tour uses the Unity3D engine, which communicates to a university server hosting a custom.NET API and SQL database to obtain information about the virtual rooms through a role-based access system to the faculty and staff. We believe this system for managing tour scenes will solve both time and expense for the tour development team and allow them to focus on implementing other features, rather than having to fulfill requests for editing locations in the tour. We expect this framework to function as a tour platform for other universities, as well as small businesses and communities. We seek to demonstrate the feasibility of this platform through our developed prototype application. Based on small sample testing, we have received overall positive responses and constructive critique that has played a role in improving the application moving forward. © 2022, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Substance Use Disorder and COVID-19;Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology Perspectives: A Concise Narrative Review

Many investigations have confirmed the link between a substance use disorder (SUD) and the COVID-19 pan-demic's increased risk of infection and consequences. This narrative review aims to understand these issues from a pharmacological standpoint, as well as the pan-demic's impact on forensic medicine. Research and review articles included in this review were selected through an extensive search of databases such as PubMed and the use of appropriate keywords e.g. “substance use disorder” and “COVID-19”. Due to a weakened immune system and degeneration of the respiratory system's defense systems, SUDs have been shown to increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, some substances raise pro-inflammatory mediators, exposing the body to a cytokine storm. SUD frequently causes secondary comorbidities, such as the liver, lung and cardiovascular disease, complicating the treatment of COVID-19 infections. Some misused substances can compromise the treatment's effectiveness or safety. This study also looked at the effects of the pandem-ic on forensic medicine. It underlines the importance of developing safe forensic examination procedures and methodologies during pandemics. The use of narcotic substances was documented as one of the reasons for the increase in the frequency of COVID-19 and the sever-ity of its repercussions. © 2021. AJFSFM.

Detection of urban features by multilevel classification of multispectral airborne LiDAR data fused with very high-resolution images

A complex pattern of urban demographic transition has been taking shape since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The long-standing rural-to-urban route of population migration that has propelled waves of massive urbanization over the decades is increasingly being juxtaposed with a reverse movement, as the pandemic drives urban dwellers to suburban communities. The changing dynamics of the flow of residents to and from urban areas underscore the necessity of comprehensive urban land-use mapping for urban planning/management/assessment. These maps are essential for anticipating the rapidly evolving demands of the urban populace and mitigating the environmental and social consequences of uncontrolled urban expansion. The integration of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and imagery data provides an opportunity for urban planning projects to take advantage of its complementary geometric and radiometric characteristics, respectively, with a potential increase in urban mapping accuracies. We enhance the color-based segmentation algorithm for object-based classification of multispectral LiDAR point clouds fused with very high-resolution imagery data acquired for a residential urban study area. We propose a multilevel classification using multilayer perceptron neural networks through vectors of geometric and spectral features structured in different classification scenarios. After an investigation of all classification scenarios, the proposed method achieves an overall mapping accuracy exceeding 98%, combining the original and calculated feature vectors and their output space projected by principal components analysis. This combination also eliminates some misclassifications among classes. We used splits of training, validation, and testing subsets and the k-fold cross-validation to quantitatively assess the classification scenarios. The proposed work improves the color-based segmentation algorithm to fit object-based classification applications and examines multiple classification scenarios. The presented scenarios prove superiority in developing urban mapping accuracies. The various feature spaces suggest the best urban mapping applications based on the available characteristics of the obtained data. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

International entrepreneurship by family firms post covid

The Covid pandemic has brought about major changes in the global business environment in which family firms operate. As a result, researchers studying these firms have a golden opportunity to leverage these changes as they study fundamental questions related to the changing roles of institutions, the social role of technology, the contribution and changing nature of ownership, and the social role of the firm. These changes also are likely to alter family firms’ culture and identity. Examining these issues will enrich our theory building while providing more evidence-based guidance on how to attain and sustain resilience as family firms pursue international entrepreneurship.

Determinants of the Underlying Causes of Mortality during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive National Study.

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality statistics are constantly changing globally. Mortality statistics analysis has vital implications to implement evidence-based policy recommendations. This study aims to study the demographic characteristics, patterns, determinants, and the main causes of death during the first half of 2020, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODOLOGY: A retrospective descriptive study targeted all death (29,291) registered in 286 private and governmental health settings, from all over KSA. The data was extracted from the ministry of health's death records after the ethical approval. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and WHO grouping, were used to classify the underlying causes of deaths. The collected data were analyzed using the appropriate tables and graphs. RESULTS: 7055 (24.9%) died at the middle age (40-59 year), and 19,212 (65.6%) were males, and 18,110 (61.8%) were Saudi. The leading causes of deaths were non-communicable diseases (NCDs) 15,340 (62.1%), mainly Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) 10,103 (34.5%). There was a significant relationship between the main causes of deaths and sex (p < 0.05) and nationality (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: NCDs mainly CVDs are the leading cause of death. The COVID-19 mortalities were mainly in males, and old age > 55 year. The lockdown was associated with a reduction in the NCDs and Road traffic accidents mortalities.

Multi-Omics Approach in the Identification of Potential Therapeutic Biomolecule for COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has a disastrous effect on mankind due to the contagious and rapid nature of its spread. Although vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been successfully developed, the proven, effective, and specific therapeutic molecules are yet to be identified for the treatment. The repurposing of existing drugs and recognition of new medicines are continuously in progress. Efforts are being made to single out plant-based novel therapeutic compounds. As a result, some of these biomolecules are in their testing phase. During these efforts, the whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 has given the direction to explore the omics systems and approaches to overcome this unprecedented health challenge globally. Genome, proteome, and metagenome sequence analyses have helped identify virus nature, thereby assisting in understanding the molecular mechanism, structural understanding, and disease propagation. The multi-omics approaches offer various tools and strategies for identifying potential therapeutic biomolecules for COVID-19 and exploring the plants producing biomolecules that can be used as biopharmaceutical products. This review explores the available multi-omics approaches and their scope to investigate the therapeutic promises of plant-based biomolecules in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Diagnostic Approaches for COVID-19 and Its Associated Complications.

With almost 4 million deaths worldwide from the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficient and accurate diagnosis and identification of COVID-19-related complications are more important than ever. Scales such as the pneumonia severity index, or CURB-65, help doctors determine who should be admitted to the hospital or the intensive care unit. To properly treat and manage admitted patients, standardized sampling protocols and methods are required for COVID-19 patients. Using PubMed, relevant articles since March 2020 on COVID-19 diagnosis and its complications were analyzed. Patients with COVID-19 had elevated D-dimer, thrombomodulin, and initial factor V elevation followed by decreased factor V and factor VII and elevated IL-6, lactate dehydrogenase, and c-reactive protein, which indicated coagulopathy and possible cytokine storm. Patients with hypertension, newly diagnosed diabetes, obesity, or advanced age were at increased risk for mortality. Elevated BUN, AST, and ALT in severe COVID-19 patients was associated with acute kidney injury or other organ damage. The gold standard for screening COVID-19 is reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using sputum, oropharyngeal, or nasopharyngeal routes. However, due to the low turnover rate and limited testing capacity of RT-PCR, alternative diagnostic tools such as CT-scan and serological testing (IgM and IgG) can be considered in conjunction with symptom monitoring. Advancements in CRISPR technology have also allowed the use of alternative COVID-19 testing, but unfortunately, these technologies are still under FDA review and cannot be used in patients. Nonetheless, increased turnover rates and testing capacity allow for a bright future in COVID-19 diagnosis.

Possible Contributions of Nongenomic Actions of Thyroid Hormones to the Vasculopathic Complex of COVID-19 Infection.

BACKGROUND: Integrin αvß3 is a cell membrane structural protein whose extracellular domain contains a receptor for L-thyroxine (T4). The integrin is expressed in rapidly dividing cells and its internalization is prompted by T4. The protein binds viruses and we have raised the possibility elsewhere that action of free T4 (FT4)-when he latter is increased in the nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) known to complicate COVID-19 infecction-may enhance cellular uptke of SARS-CoV-2 and its receptor. OBJECTIVE: Because T4 also acts nongenomically via the integrin to promote platelet aggregation and angiogenesis, we suggest here that T4 may contribute to the coagulopathy and endothelial abnormalities that can develop in COVID-19 infections, particularly when the lung is primary affected. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Elevated FT4 has been described in the NTIS of COVID-19 patients and may be associated with increased illness severity, but the finding of FT4 elevation is inconsistent in the NTIS literature. Circulating 3,5',3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (reverse T3, rT3) are frequently elevated in NTIS. Thought to be biologically inactive, rT3in fact stimulates cancer cell proliferation via avb3 and also may increase actin polymerization. We propose here that rT3 in the NTIS complicating systemic COVIF-19 infection may support coagulation and disordered blood vessel formation via actin polymerization.

Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone and Its Nanoformulations in Pulmonary Injury: A Comprehensive Review.

As a crucial organ, the lung is exposed to various harmful agents that may induce inflammation and oxidative stress, which may cause chronic or acute lung injury. Nigella sativa, also known as black seed, has been widely used to treat various diseases and is one of the most extensively researched medicinal plants. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main component of black seed volatile oil and has been proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. The potential therapeutic properties of TQ against various pulmonary disorders have been studied in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnology may increase drug solubility, cellular absorption, drug release (sustained or control), and drug delivery to lung tissue target sites. As a result, fabricating TQ as nanoparticles (NPs) is a potential therapeutic approach against a variety of lung diseases. In this current review, we summarize recent findings on the efficacy of TQ and its nanotypes in lung disorders caused by immunocompromised conditions such as cancer, diabetes, gastric ulcers, and other neurodegenerative diseases. It is concluded that TQ nanoparticles with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiasthma, and antitumor activity may be safely applied to treat lung disorders. However, more research is required before TQ nanoparticles can be used as pharmaceutical preparations in human studies.

Coronaviruses and Integrin αvß3: Does Thyroid Hormone Modify the Relationship?

BACKGROUND: Uptake of coronaviruses by target cells involves binding of the virus by cell ectoenzymes. For the etiologic agent of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), a receptor has been identified as angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). Recently it has been suggested that plasma membrane integrins may be involved in the internalization and replication of clinically important coronaviruses. For example, integrin αvß3 is involved in the cell uptake of a model porcine enteric α-coronavirus that causes human epidemics. ACE2 modulates the intracellular signaling generated by integrins. OBJECTIVE: We propose that the cellular internalization of αvß3 applies to uptake of coronaviruses bound to the integrin, and we evaluate the possibility that clinical host T4 may contribute to target cell uptake of coronavirus and to the consequence of cell uptake of the virus. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The viral binding domain of the integrin is near the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide-binding site and RGD molecules can affect virus binding. In this same locale on integrin αvß3 is the receptor for thyroid hormone analogues, particularly, L-thyroxine (T4). By binding to the integrin, T4 has been shown to modulate the affinity of the integrin for other proteins, to control internalization of αvß3 and to regulate the expression of a panel of cytokine genes, some of which are components of the 'cytokine storm' of viral infections. If T4 does influence coronavirus uptake by target cells, other thyroid hormone analogues, such as deaminated T4 and deaminated 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3), are candidate agents to block the virus-relevant actions of T4 at integrin αvß3 and possibly restrict virus uptake.

Pharmacotherapy in COVID 19: Potential Impact of Targeting the Complement System.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has claimed over one million lives worldwide since December 2019. The complement system, while a first-line immune defense against invading pathogens, has off-target effects that lead to increases in inflammation, tissue damage, and thrombosis; these are common, life-threatening complications seen in patients with COVID-19. This review explores the potential impact of complement activation in COVID-19 and possible treatments targeting the complement system.

Pharmacotherapy in COVID 19: Potential Impact of Targeting the Complement System

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has claimed over one million lives worldwide since December 2019. The complement system, while a first-line immune defense against invading pathogens, has off-target effects that lead to increases in inflammation, tissue damage, and thrombosis;these are common, life-threatening complications seen in patients with COVID-19. This review explores the potential impact of complement activation in COVID-19 and possible treatments targeting the complement system.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Pathogenesis, Current Therapies, and Potentials for Future Management.

At the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus (CoV) was found at the seafood market of Hubei province in Wuhan, China, and this virus was officially named coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 is mainly characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) and creates public health concerns as well as significant threats to the economy around the world. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is unclear and there is no effective treatment of this newly life-threatening and devastating virus. Therefore, it is crucial to search for alternative methods that alleviate or inhibit the spread of COVID-19. In this review, we try to find out the etiology, epidemiology, symptoms as well as transmissions of this novel virus. We also summarize therapeutic interventions and suggest antiviral treatments, immune-enhancing candidates, general supplements, and CoV specific treatments that control replication and reproduction of SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

International entrepreneurship in the post Covid world

How will the world look post Covid-19? What is the role of international entrepreneurship (IE) in this new world? This article attempts to answer these two questions. It highlights the changes caused by Covid and how they might affect the scope and types of international entrepreneurial activities in years to come. It also discusses how international entrepreneurs are likely to operate and shape the emerging world order. The article concludes by outlining the implications of these changes for IE scholarship, offering an agenda for future research.

Challenges in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

The management of sickle cell disease (SCD) and its complications in the COVID-19 era is very challenging. The recurrent sickling process in SCD causes tissue hypoxemia and micro-infarcts, resulting in end organ damage. Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, little data has been published about SCD concerning clinical presentation with COVID-19 and management. Hydroxyurea has been the cornerstone of management in children and adults with SCD, with evidence of its effect on controlling end organ damage. There are several anti-sickling drugs that have been approved recently that might have an additive value toward the management of SCD and its complications. The role of simple and exchange transfusions is well established and should always be considered in the management of various complications. The value of convalescent plasma has been demonstrated in small case series, but large randomized controlled studies are still awaited. Immunomodulatory agents may play a role in reducing the damaging effects of cytokines storm that contributes to the morbidity and mortality in advanced cases. Prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered in every management protocol because SCD and COVID-19 are thrombogenic conditions. Management proposals of different presentations of patients with SCD and COVID-19 are outlined.

Avoiding COVID-19 Complications with Diabetic Patients Could Be Achieved by Multi-Dose Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Vaccine: A Case Study of Beta Cells Regeneration by Serendipity (preprint)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major risk factors for COVID-19 complications as it is one of the chronic immune-compromising conditions especially if patients have uncontrolled diabetes, poor HbA1c &/or irregular blood glucose levels. Diabetic patient’s mortality rates with COVID-19 are higher than cardiovascular or cancer patients. Recently Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) has shown successful results in reversing diabetes in both rats and clinical trials based on different mechanisms from aerobic glycolysis to Beta cells regeneration. BCG is a multi-face vaccine that has been used extensively in protection from TB and leprosy and has been repositioned for treatment of bladder cancer, diabetes & multiple sclerosis. Recently, the COVID-19 epidemiological study confirmed that universal BCG vaccination reduced morbidity and mortality in certain geographical areas. Countries without universal policies of BCG vaccination (Italy, Nederland, USA) have been more severely affected compared to countries with universal and long-standing BCG policies that have shown low numbers of reported COVID-19 cases. Some countries have started clinical trials that included a single dose BCG vaccine as prophylaxis from COVID-19 or an attempt to minimize its side effects. This proposed research aims to use BCG vaccine as a double-edged weapon countering both COVID-19 & diabetes, not only as protection but also as therapeutic vaccination. The work includes a case study of regenerated pancreatic beta cells based on improved C-peptide & PCPRI laboratory findings after BCG vaccination for a 9 years’ patient. The patient was re-vaccinated based on a negative tuberculin test & no scar at the site of injection of the 1st BCG vaccination at birth. Furthermore, the authors in the present article described a prospective BCG multi-dose clinical study in full details that they will apply in case of acceptance of their submitted grant & the ethical committee approval. The aim of the clinical study is to check if double dose BCG (4 weeks apart) will show a significant difference in the protection of health care professionals in Egypt. The authors suggest and invite the scientific community to take into consideration the concept of direct BCG re-vaccination (after 4 weeks) because of the reported gene expressions & exaggerated innate immunity consequently. As the diabetic MODY-5 patient (mutation of HNF1B, Val2Leu) was on low dose Riomet® while eliminating insulin gradually, a simple analytical method for metformin assay was recommended to ensure its concentration before use as it is not approved yet by the Egyptian QC labs.