Identification of 3 key genes as novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for OA and COVID-19.

Background: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are diseases that seriously affect the physical and mental health and life quality of patients, particularly elderly patients. However, the association between COVID-19 and osteoarthritis at the genetic level has not been investigated. This study is intended to analyze the pathogenesis shared by OA and COVID-19 and to identify drugs that could be used to treat SARS-CoV-2-infected OA patients. Methods: The four datasets of OA and COVID-19 (GSE114007, GSE55235, GSE147507, and GSE17111) used for the analysis in this paper were obtained from the GEO database. Common genes of OA and COVID-19 were identified through Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to screen key genes, which were analyzed for expression patterns by single-cell analysis. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking were carried out using the Drug Signatures Database (DSigDB) and AutoDockTools. Results: Firstly, WGCNA identified a total of 26 genes common between OA and COVID-19, and functional analysis of the common genes revealed the common pathological processes and molecular changes between OA and COVID-19 are mainly related to immune dysfunction. In addition, we screened 3 key genes, DDIT3, MAFF, and PNRC1, and uncovered that key genes are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of OA and COVID-19 through high expression in neutrophils. Finally, we established a regulatory network of common genes between OA and COVID-19, and the free energy of binding estimation was used to identify suitable medicines for the treatment of OA patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: In the present study, we succeeded in identifying 3 key genes, DDIT3, MAFF, and PNRC1, which are possibly involved in the development of both OA and COVID-19 and have high diagnostic value for OA and COVID-19. In addition, niclosamide, ciclopirox, and ticlopidine were found to be potentially useful for the treatment of OA patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

A high-throughput microsphere-based immunoassay of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM testing for COVID-19 diagnostics.

The pandemic of novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 is rapidly expanding across the world. A positive result of antibody tests suggests that the individual has potentially been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, thus allowing to identify asymptomatic infections and determine the seroprevalence in a given population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of a newly developed high throughput immunoassay for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody detection on the Luminex MAGPIX platform. Clinical agreement studies were performed in 42 COVID-19 patient serum samples and 162 negative donor serum/plasma samples. Positive percent agreement (PPA) was 42.86% (95% CI: 9.90% to 81.59%), 71.43% (95% CI: 29.04% to 96.33%), and 28.57% (95% CI: 13.22% to 48.67%) for samples collected on 0-7 days, 8-14 days, and 2-8 weeks from symptom onset, respectively. Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) was 97.53% (95% CI: 93.80% to 99.32%). There was no cross-reactivity with the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody. Hemoglobin (200 mg/dL), bilirubin (2 mg/dL), triglyceride (250 mg/dL) and EDTA (10 mM) showed no significant interfering effect on this assay. In conclusion, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody assay with high sensitivity and specificity has been developed. With the high throughput, this assay will speed up the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM testing.

Efficacy and safety of a self-developed home-based enhanced knee flexion exercise program compared with standard supervised physiotherapy to improve mobility and quality of life after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: This randomized controlled study compared standard supervised physiotherapy (SPT) with a self-developed, home-based, enhanced knee flexion exercise program involving a low stool (KFEH) in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Patients were recruited from July 2014 to December 2015 and randomly assigned to one of two groups: KFEH (n = 60) and SPT (n = 59). Outcomes (joint function) were evaluated according to the Knee Society Score (KSS), visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and range of motion (ROM) assessment at selected time points (preoperatively; 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and 1 year after surgery). RESULTS: Pain and functional improvement were observed in both groups. Non-inferiority of KFEH was evident 12 months postoperatively; however, patients in the KFEH group exhibited better ROM at 1 month (P < 0.01). Absolute WOMAC and KSS scores were slightly better in the KFEH group, although the difference was not statistically significant. There was no difference in VAS scores and complication rates between the two groups. Additionally, the home program would save patient time and decrease the economic burden associated with in-hospital SPT. CONCLUSION: Considering rehabilitation and economic efficiency as well as the COVID pandemic, a home-based enhanced knee flexion exercise program for TKA rehabilitation is recommended.