ABSTRACT
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 tropism for the ACE2 receptor, along with the multifaceted inflammatory reaction, is likely to drive the generalized hypercoagulable state seen in patients with COVID-19. Methodology: Using the original bioinformatic workflow and network medicine approaches we reanalyzed four coronavirus-related expression datasets and performed co-expression analysis focused on thrombosis and ACE2 related genes. We identified microRNAs (miRNAs) which play role in ACE2-related thrombosis in coronavirus infection and further, we validated the expressions of those miRNAs in 79 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 32 healthy volunteers by PCR and monitored miRNAs patterns during the acute phase of COVID-19, as well as the prognostic potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers. Result(s): We identified EGFR, HSP90AA1, APP, TP53, PTEN, UBC, FN1, ELAVL1 and CALM1 as regulatory genes which could play a pivotal role in COVID-19 related thrombosis. We also found miR-16-5p, miR-27a-3p, Let- 7b-5p and miR-155-5p as regulators in coagulation and thrombosis process. We observed in separate cohort of COVID-19 patients and healthy controls that (i) expression of miR-16-5p, miR-27a-3p and miR-155-5p increased during observation, compared to the baseline measurement;(ii) a low baseline miR-16-5p expression presents predictive utility in assessment of the hospital length of stay or death in follow-up as a composite endpoint (AUC: 0.810, 95% CI, 0.71-0.91, p<0.0001);(iii) low baseline expression of miR-16-5p and diabetes mellitus are independent predictors of increased length of stay or death according to a multivariate analysis (OR: 9.417;95% CI, 2.647-33.506;p=0.0005 and OR: 6.257;95% CI, 1.049- 37.316;p=0.044, respectively). Conclusion(s): This study enabled us to better characterize changes in gene expression and signaling pathways related to COVID-19 thrombosis. In this study we identified, characterized and validated miRNAs which could serve as novel, thrombosis-related biomarkers of the COVID-19, can be used for early stratification of patients and prediction of severity of infection development in an individual. (Figure Presented) .
ABSTRACT
Background: Various miRNAs, as well as their target genes are involved in the complex pathophysiology of inflammation, immune response, coagulation and CVDs. Thus, they may be useful for diagnosis, prognosis and as a potential therapeutic strategy in multiple pathologies. Aim(s): According to our previously published bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to analyze the diagnostic and predictive utility of miRNAs regulating ACE2 network (miR-26b-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-302c-5p, hsa-miR-200b-3p, hsa-miR-124-3p) in patients with COVID-19. Result(s): The expression levels of miR-26b-5p in COVID-19 patients were found lower at the baseline, 7 and 21-days after admission. compared to the healthy controls (p<0.0001 for all time points). Similarly, miR-10b-5p expression levels were lower at the baseline and 21-days post admission in COVID-19 patients when compared to the healthy individuals (p=0.001 in both time points). Moreover, expression levels of this miRNA were higher 7- days post-admission when compared to the baseline (p=0.003). According to the ROC curve analysis, low miR-200b-3p expression presents predictive utility in assessment of the hospital length of stay and/or death (AUC: 0.730, p=0.002). According to the multivariable logistic regression model, low delta miR-200p expression, together with diabetes mellitus (DM), are independent predictors of increased hospital length of stay and/or death (OR: 5.775;95% CI, 1.572-21.214;p=0.008 and OR: 4.888;95% CI, 1.001-23.858;p=0.050, respectively). Conclusion(s): This study enabled us to better characterize changes in gene expression and signaling pathways related to COVID-19 thrombosis. In this study we identified, characterized and validated miRNAs which could serve as novel, thrombosis-related biomarkers of the COVID-19, can be used for early stratification of patients and prediction of severity of infection development in an individual. (Figure Presented) .
ABSTRACT
Background: SARS-CoV- 2 tropism for the ACE2 receptor, along with the multifaceted inflammatory reaction, is likely to drive the generalized hypercoagulable state seen in patients with COVID-19. Aim(s): According to our previously published bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to analyze the diagnostic and predictive utility of miRNAs regulating ACE2 network (miR-26b- 5p, miR-10b- 5p, miR-302c- 5p, hsa-miR- 200b- 3p, hsa-miR- 124- 3p) in patients with COVID-19 Methods: We determined the expressions of ACE2-related- miRNAs in 79 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 32 healthy volunteers by PCR and monitored miRNAs patterns during the acute phase of COVID-19, as well as the prognostic potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers. Result(s): The expression levels of miR-26b- 5p in COVID-19 patients were found lower at the baseline, 7 and 21-days after admission. compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.0001 for all time points). Similarly, miR-10b- 5p expression levels were lower at the baseline and 21-days post admission in COVID-19 patients when compared to the healthy individuals (p = 0.001 in both time points). Moreover, expression levels of this miRNA were higher 7-days post-admission when compared to the baseline (p = 0.003). According to the ROC curve analysis, low miR-200b- 3p expression presents predictive utility in assessment of the hospital length of stay and/or death (AUC:0.730, p = 0.002). According to the multivariable logistic regression model, low delta miR-200p expression, together with diabetes mellitus (DM), are independent predictors of increased hospital length of stay and/or death (OR: 5.775;95% CI, 1.572-21.214;p = 0.008 and OR: 4.888;95% CI, 1.001-23.858;p = 0.050, respectively). Conclusion(s): This study enabled us to better characterize changes in gene expression and signaling pathways related to COVID-19 thrombosis. In this study we identified, characterized and validated miRNAs which could serve as novel, thrombosis-related biomarkers of the COVID-19, can be used for early stratification of patients and prediction of severity of infection development in an individual. (Figure Presented).
ABSTRACT
Background: SARS-CoV- 2 tropism for the ACE2 receptor, along with the multifaceted inflammatory reaction, is likely to drive the generalized hypercoagulable state seen in patients with COVID-19. Aim(s): We aimed identify microRNAs (miRNAs) play role in ACE2-related thrombosis in coronavirus infection and validated the expressions of those miRNAs in 79 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 32 healthy volunteers and monitored miRNAs patterns during the acute phase of COVID-19, as well as the prognostic potential biomarker. Method(s): Using the original bioinformatic workflow and network medicine approaches we reanalyzed four coronavirus-related expression datasets and performed co-expression analysis focused on thrombosis and ACE2 related genes. Blood RNA;quality RNA was assessed: Fluorometric assay;RT-PCR for miRNAs expression measurement. Result(s): We identified EGFR, HSP90AA1, APP, TP53, PTEN, UBC, FN1, ELAVL1 and CALM1 as regulatory genes which could play a pivotal role in COVID-19 related thrombosis. We also found miR-16- 5p, miR-27a- 3p, Let-7b- 5p and miR-155- 5p as regulators in coagulation and thrombosis process. We observed in separate cohort of COVID-19 patients and healthy controls that (i) expression of miR-16- 5p, miR-27a- 3p and miR-155- 5p increased during observation, compared to the baseline measurement;(ii) a low baseline miR-16- 5p expression presents predictive utility in assessment of the hospital length of stay or death in follow-up as a composite endpoint (AUC:0.810, 95% CI, 0.71-0.91, p < 0.0001);(iii) low baseline expression of miR-16- 5p and T2DM are independent predictors of increased length of stay or death according to a multivariate analysis (OR: 9.417;95% CI, 2.647-33.506;p = 0.0005 and OR: 6.257;95% CI, 1.049-37.316;p = 0.044). Conclusion(s): This study enabled us to better characterize changes in gene expression and signaling pathways related to COVID-19 thrombosis. In this study we identified, characterized and validated miRNAs which could serve as novel, thrombosis-related biomarkers of the COVID-19, can be used for early stratification of patients and prediction of severity of infection development in an individual. (Figure Presented).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The first patient with COVID-19 in Portugal was diagnosed on March 2. There was a lack of knowledge concerning the risks of COVID-19 infection in lung cancer patients, prognostic factors, the influence of cancer treatments and cure criteria. Treatments and consultations were readjusted in order to maintain the ones that increase patients’ survival, while reducing the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. International and national “guidelines” were followed, but each hospital had its own strategies to reduce COVID-19 risk. Purpose: The Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group launched a survey in order to study the early impact of COVID-19 in lung cancer patients, changes in treatments and the way of implementation of COVID-free circuits. Methods: A survey was sent to lung cancer doctors of all the Portuguese hospitals. Results: At the data cut-off, information from twenty one hospitals was collected, corresponding to about 66% (n=3.446) of each year new diagnoses of lung cancer in Portugal. In March and April there was a reduction in newly lung cancer diagnosed patients while comparing with 2019: in March, 86% had a reduction;in April, 90% of the hospitals reported a reduction and it was greater than 40% in eight hospitals (38%). About 62% of the doctors considered less referral from primary care as a cause, and 33% delayed biopsies or other imaging exams. The most difficult exams to obtain were CT guided biopsies and EBUS for 48%. The majority of the hospitals (57%) were also referral for COVID-19 patients’ treatment. In 48% of the lung cancer treating departments’ there were doctors reallocated to COVID-19 treatment areas. In 48% the assistance teams were divided into teams that weren’t previously working together. The majority of doctors (90%) reported having individual protection equipment available. Hospitals performed teleconsultation (100%), and, in seven hospitals (33%), more than half of the consultations were done using communication technology. All the hospitals were able to perform SARS-CoV-2 testing. It was done before every cycle of chemotherapy in 90% of the hospitals. In the majority (67%) it was only performed before day D1, in D1 and D8 chemotherapy protocols. About 19% reported changes in prescription of adjuvant chemotherapy and in maintenance chemotherapy, 33% increased the prescription of oral chemotherapy, 33% changed the periodicity, 29% reported reduction in inclusion in clinical trials. In 33% there was an earlier end of chemotherapy in ECOG2 and vulnerable patients. In 38% the prescription of G-CSF (Granulocity-colony stimulating factor) increased, being used for prophylaxis if the risk of febrile neutropenia was more than 10-15%. The periodicity of consultations was changed for patients under TKI treatment in 86%, and 67% hospitals reported changes in immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment schedule. In 29% oral drugs could be delivered at patients’ home. All the patients admitted for surgery were tested for SARS-CoV-2, and 86% performed SARS-COV-2 testing before radiotherapy. Conclusion: Portuguese hospitals responded to the sudden need of creation of COVID-free circuits, change protocols and even teleconsultation. With a larger follow up we will study the late consequences of COVID-19 pandemic in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: COVID-19, survey, Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group
ABSTRACT
Brazil has made international headlines for the government’s inept and irresponsible response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, sex worker activists have once again taken on an essential role in responding to the pandemic amidst State absences and abuses. Drawing on the theoretical framework of necropolitics, we trace the gendered, sexualized, and racialized dimensions of how prostitution and work have been (un)governed in Brazil and how this has framed sex worker activists’ responses to COVID-19. As a group of scholars and sex worker activists based in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, we specifically explore the idea of sex workers as “essential workers”, but also of sex work as, essentially, work, demonstrating complicities, differences, and congruencies in how sex workers see what they do and who their allies in the context of the 21st century’s greatest health crisis to date. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.