ABSTRACT
Aim: Although most patients with COVID-19 experience respiratory tract infections, severe reactions to the virus may cause coagulation abnormalities that mimic other systemic coagulopathies associated with severe infections, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombotic microangiopathy. Fluctuations in platelet markers, which are an indicator of the acute phase response for COVID-19, are of clinical importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between disease severity and Platelet Mass Index (MPI) parameters in COVID-19 patients. Material(s) and Method(s): This retrospective observational study was conducted with patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital. The study was continued with the remaining 280 patients. All laboratory data were scanned retrospectively from patient files and hospital information system. Result(s): A very high positive correlation was found between PMI and PLT. The PMI value in women was significantly higher than in men. It was observed that PMI did not differ significantly in terms of mortality, intubation, CPAP and comorbidity. PMI vs. Pneumonia Ct Severity Score, biochemistry parameters (AST, CRP), hemogram parameters (WBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, LYM, MPV EO) and coagulation factors (aPTT and FIB) at various levels of positive/negative, weak and strong, and significant relationship was found. There was no significant relationship between hormone and D-dimer when compared with PMI. Discussion(s): Although platelet count alone does not provide information about the prognosis of the disease, PMI may guide the clinician as an indicator of lung damage in seriously ill patients.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Compared to other respiratory viruses, the proportion of hospitalizations due to SARS-CoV-2 among children is relatively low. While severe illness is not common among children and young individuals, a particular type of severe condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been reported. The aim of this prospective cohort study, which followed a group of individuals under the age of 19, was to examine the characteristics of patients who had contracted SARS-CoV-2, including their coexisting medical conditions, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and outcomes. The study also aimed to investigate the features of children who met the WHO case definition of MIS-C, as well as those who required intensive care. A total of 270 patients were included between March 2020 and December 2021. The eligible criteria were individuals between 0-18 with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at the Infectious Disease Hospital "Prof. Ivan Kirov"in Sofia, Bulgaria. Nearly 76% of the patients were <= 12 years old. In our study, at least one comorbidity was reported in 28.1% of the cases, with obesity being the most common one (8.9%). Less than 5% of children were transferred to an intensive care unit. We observed a statistically significant difference in the age groups, with children between 5 and 12 years old having a higher likelihood of requiring intensive care compared to other age groups. The median values of PaO2 and SatO2 were higher among patients admitted to the standard ward, while the values of granulocytes and C-reactive protein were higher among those transferred to the intensive care unit. Additionally, we identified 26 children who met the WHO case definition for MIS-C. Our study data supports the evidence of milder COVID-19 in children and young individuals as compared to adults. Older age groups were associated with higher incidence of both MIS-C and ICU admissions.Copyright © 2023 P. Velikov et al., published by Sciendo.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To design an optimal formulation for quercetin and vitamin C nano-phytosome. Method(s): Nano-phytosomes are prepared by the thin layer hydration technique using a 2-level-5-factor design experimental. A total of 32 experimental formulas were used for data analysis. The ratio of quercetin: soy lecithin (X1), the ratio of quercetin: cholesterol (X2), stirring speed (X3), stirring temperature (X4), and stirring time (X5) were used as independent factors, while globule size as a dependent factor. Data analysis was carried out by Design Expert12 application. Characterization of the optimal formula included physicochemical evaluation, globule size analysis, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, Transition Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis, and FTIR analysis. Result(s): The optimal formula consisted of quercetin: vitamin C: lecithin: cholesterol ratio of 1: 1: 1.046: 0.105 mol;stirring speed 763.986 rpm;stirring time of 59 min, at temperature 51.73 degreeC which produced 59.26 nm average globule size, PDI value 0.66;zeta potential value-35.93+/-0.95 mV and average SPAN value 0.61. This formulation showed entrapment efficiency of quercetin 91.69+/-0.18 % and vitamin C 90.82+/-0.13 %. The TEM and FITR analysis showed the morphological of the globules and interactions between the drugs, soy lecithin, and cholesterol to form nano-phytosomes. Conclusion(s): The conditions to obtain the optimal formula for quercetin vitamin C nano-phytosome consisted of quercetin: vitamin C: lecithin: cholesterol ratio of 1: 1: 1.046: 0.105 mol;stirring speed 763.986 rpm;stirring time of 59 min, and at temperature 51.73 degreeC.Copyright © 2023 The Authors.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) causes the severe contagious acute respiratory syndrome. Therefore, massive vaccination campaign is mandatory to control the spread. Sputnik COVID-19 vaccines induce immunity through different mechanisms involving antibody response that bind to the spike protein to neutralize the viral entry into the cells. AIM: This study aims to compare the titers of specific antibodies in the pre-and post-vaccination sera in the vaccinated Egyptian population to evaluate the efficacy of the sputnik vaccine. METHOD(S): Samples were collected from 205 adult volunteers receiving the Sputnik vaccine in the Reference Laboratory of Egyptian University Hospitals. Samples were collected before vaccination and within 1, 2, or 3 months after receiving two doses of Sputnik SARS-CoV-2 vaccines from August to October 2021, serum samples collected were tested by quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay using (Mindray CL-960i chemiluminescence analyzer, India) at the Reference laboratory of Egyptian University Hospitals for neutralizing antibodies, anti-spike antibodies, and total antibody levels before and after vaccination. RESULT(S): The results of the 205 paired samples illustrated that there was a statistically significant difference between pre-and post-vaccination antibody levels with a p-value of (< 0.001) indicating that the vaccine produced significantly high levels of antibodies. CONCLUSION(S): COVID-19 Sputnik vaccines induce immunity through an antibody response that binds to the virus to neutralize its entry into cells. Our study showed a significant increase in the measured post-vaccination levels of the three antibodies among the enrolled volunteers compared to the basal pre-vaccination level and thus sputnik vaccine protects against SARS-CoV-2 infections.Copyright © 2023 Ghada Ismail, Dalia Abdelhamid, Marwa Salah Mostafa, Noha Alaa Eldin Fahim, Ahmed Elshafei, Hossam Abdelghaffar, Nashwa Naguib, Omnia Taher, Menna Asker.
ABSTRACT
Background & Aim: Liposomes are spherical-shaped vesicles composed of one or more lipid bilayers. The ability of liposomes to encapsulate hydro- or lipophilic drugs allowed these vesicles to become a useful drug delivery system. Natural cell membranes, such as Bioxome, have newly emerged as new source of materials for molecular delivery systems. Bioxome are biocompatible and GMP-compliant liposome-like membrane that can be produced from more than 200 cell types. Bioxome self-assemble, with in-process self-loading capacity and can be loaded with a variety of therapeutic compounds. Once close to the target tissue, Bioxome naturally fuse with the cell membrane and release the inner compound. Orgenesis is interested in evaluating the potential of Bioxome as new drug delivery system for treatment of several diseases, including skin repair, local tumour or COVID19. Methods, Results & Conclusion(s): Bioxome were obtained from adipose- derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, with a process of organic- solvent lipid extraction, followed by lyophilization and sonication assemblage. During the sonication process, Bioxome were charged or not with several cargos. Size distribution of empty Bioxome was detected by Particle Size Analyzer (NanoSight). Electron Microscopy (EM) was performed to assess Bioxome morphology. Lipid content was evaluated by electrospray ionization system. Dose response in vitro test on human lung fibroblasts treated or not with Bioxome encapsulating a specific cargo (API) against COVID19 were performed. NanoSight analysis showed that nanoparticle size in Bioxome samples ranged between 170+/-50 nm, with a concentration ranging between 109-1010+/-106 particles/mL. EM clearly showed the double phospholipid layers that composes the Bioxome. Stability study demonstrated that Bioxome are stable in size and concentration up to 90 days at +4Cdegree or even at RT. No change in size between encapsulated Bioxome with small size (~340 Da) cargo vs empty Bioxome was observed up to 30 days storage. Lipidomic analysis approach revealed that the yield of lipids and their composition are satisfactory for a therapeutic product using Bioxome. Lastly, in the in vitro model of COVID19, Bioxome encapsulating API effectively saved cells from death (20x vs untreated cells) and at lower doses of API than these of non-encapsulated cargo (0.005 microM vs 0.1 microM). Bioxome seems to be an excellent candidate for liposome mimetic tool as drug delivery system for targeting specific organs and diseases treatment.Copyright © 2023 International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy
ABSTRACT
The COVID pandemic is causing outrageous interference in everyday life and financial activity. Close to two years after the presence of COVID, WHO allotted the variety B.l.l.529 a variety of concern, named 'Omicron'. Online diversion data assessment is created and transformed into a more renowned subject of investigation. In this paper, a sizably voluminous heap of appraisals and assessments are culminated with online redirection information. The evaluations and appearances of Twitter electronic diversion stage clients are summarised and researched by considering sentiment analysis by utilising various natural language processing techniques based on positive, negative, and neutral tweets. All potential outcomes are considered for investigating the feelings of Twitter clients. For the most part, tweets are assessed clearly, and this assessment ensures the headway of this investigation study. Different kinds of analyzers are utilised and measured. The 'TextBlob Sentiment Analyzer' has given the highest polarity score based on positivity, negativity, and neutrality rates in terms of inspiration, pessimism, and impartiality. A total dataset is fully determined and classified with all the analyzers, and a comparative result is also measured to find the ideal analyzer. It is intended to apply boosting machine learning methods to increase the accuracy of the proposed architecture before further implementation. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Background and objective: Millions of people worldwide have died from COVID-19, which has caused the failure of the lungs and other organs. The research assessed biochemical anomalies in COVID-19 patients to comprehend the illness and its effect better. Study Design: Retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis Place of study: ABWA Medical College Faisalabad Methods: A total of 150 adult patients (n=150) who tested positive for COVID-19 via RT-PCR were included in the study. A Roche Diagnostics Cobas C501 used spectrophotometry to measure calcium, magnesium, phosphate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, creatinine, ferritin, and chloride in the blood. A NOVA electrolytic analyzer used Ion-selective electrodes to measure sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate. Result(s): In the study, 33.6% of patients had elevated urea levels, and 22.4% had elevated creatinine levels. Furthermore, 88.8% of patients had elevated ferritin levels, and 93.5% had elevated LDH levels. After 44 weeks, there was a drop in sodium-containing electrolytes, with 9% of patients experiencing a decrease in sodium, 22.4% in potassium, 53.3% in bicarbonate, 48.6% in calcium, and 23.4% in phosphorus. These changes in electrolyte levels suggest a long-term trend in electrolyte depletion among the patient population. There was no significant difference in biochemical anomalies between age groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion(s): These results suggest that COVID-19 patients have lung illness and multi-organ involvement, which should be considered when managing these patients. These biochemical alterations warrant careful monitoring for organ failure by healthcare practitioners. More study is required to comprehend the processes causing these biochemical anomalies in COVID-19 patients.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Intro: With the first case of COVID-19 in Cuba on March 11, 2020, the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana began an extensive vaccine program. Two vaccines based on RBD recombinant protein were developed, one for systemic administration "Abdala" and one mucosal vaccine "Mambisa". Abdala received the EUA in July 2021 and "Mambisa" completed its clinical development as a booster dose for convalescent subjects. Method(s): Two doses (25 and 50 microg) and two schedules (0-14-28 and 1-28-56 days) were evaluated in phase I clinical trials with volunteers 19 to 54 years old. The phase II and III clinical trials were also double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled, and included respectively 660 and 48,000 volunteers from 19 to 80 years. The anti-RBD titers were evaluated using a quantitative ELISA system developed at the Center for Immunoassay, Havana Cuba, and ELECSYS system from Roche. The RBD to ACE2 plate-based binding competitive ELISA was performed to determine the inhibitory activity of the anti-RBD polyclonal sera on the binding of the hFc-ACE2 coated plates. The neutralization antibody titers were detected by a traditional virus microneutralization assay (MN50). Finding(s): The Abdala vaccine reached 92.28% efficacy. The epidemic was frankly under control in Cuba after the vaccine introduction having reached the highest levels of cases and mortality in July 2021 with the dominance of the Delta strain. The peak of the Omicron wave, unlike other countries, did not reach half of the cases of the Delta wave with a significant reduction in mortality. The mucosal vaccine candidate "Mambisa" completed its clinical development as a booster dose for convalescent subjects reaching the trial end-point. Conclusion(s): Vaccine composition based on RBD recombinant antigen alone is sufficient to achieve high vaccine efficacy comparable to mRNA and live vaccine platforms. The vaccine also protects against different viral variants including Delta and Omicron strains.Copyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
Intro: Performance of SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests is described relative to RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values. However, Ct values may not be consistent between tests from different manufacturers, or even between runs. Here we correlate the Roche Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen assay results to a quantitative RT-PCR readout as a more reproducible measure of viral load. Additionally, we look at the relationship between the antigen test results, viral load and infectious titer. Method(s): Longitudinal nasopharyngeal swab samples from patients (N=452) with severe Covid-19 pneumonia collected between 03 April and 28 May 2020 in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tocilizumab (COVACTA), were assessed for SARS-CoV-2 viral load (RNA copies/ mL) and a qualitative and semi-quantitative readout of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen assay. Viral culture experiments were performed to determine the infectious titer (TCID50/ mL) in a subset of samples. Agreement analysis was performed to compare the results of the assays. Please note that the current intended use of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen assay is the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Finding(s): We observed high negative percent agreement between the Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen assay results and the RT-PCR results, while the positive percent agreement was only high in samples exceeding a certain viral load and at earlier time points from symptom onset. Infectious titer values and both the antigen assay semi-quantitative readout and the quantitative RT-PCR results correlated well. Positive percent agreement of RT-PCR and antigen results in relation to infectious titer was very high in both cases, while negative percent agreement was moderate to low. Conclusion(s): These data show that in patients with high viral load the Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen assay correlates well qualitatively and quantitatively with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and infectious virus as determined by RT-PCR and viral culture, respectively.Copyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
The article describes the experimental measurements made at a low-voltage residential and educational power substation, in a point of common coupling. Two groups of experiments were carried out, in normal conditions and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Measurements were made using a power quality analyzer and include phase RMS voltages and line currents, total harmonic distortion and unbalance of phase voltages and line currents, neutral current, active, reactive and apparent powers, power factors and displacement power factors, Fresnel diagrams, and harmonic spectra. Measurements indicate significant differences of power quality indicators between the two measurement groups. © 2023 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Intro: Malaria is one of Ghana's most frequent illnesses and the most common cause of febrile sickness. Most infectious diseases including COVID-19 and arboviral infections mimic malaria due to the overlapping of non-specific symptoms they both share.This study investigated COVID-19 in patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms at the Korle Bu Polyclinic, Accra. Method(s): This study enrolled 300 patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms aged <= 18. After consent was obtained from study patients, two to three millilitres of whole blood, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples was collected for screening of Plasmodium falciparum using malaria rapid diagnostic test, microscopy and nested PCR and SARS-CoV-2 using SARSCoV-2 antigen test and Real-time PCR respectively. The whole blood sample was also used for COVID-19 antibody test and full blood count using hematological analyser. Finding(s): The detection of SARS-CoV-2 by COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test and Real-time PCR were 60/300 (20%) and 26/300 (8.7%) respectively. Delta variant was reported in most SARS-CoV-2 positives with CT values below 30. The prevalence of malaria by microscopy, RDT and nested PCR were 7/300 (2.3%), 7/300 (2.3%) and 8/300 (2.7%) respectively. The most common symptom experienced by the study patients at the polyclinic was headache (95%;57/60). Comorbidities reported were hypertension, diabetes, Asthma, hypertension and diabetes. Most of the study patients had been previously exposure to SARS CoV-2 (113/300) and 66.7% (34/51) of AstraZeneca vaccinated patients had no antibody. Conclusion(s): Due to the synergy of symptoms, screening for COVID-19 in patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms is vital for immediate diagnosis and treatment.Copyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims Since the COVID-19 outbreak the rheumatology community have been concerned about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients prescribed immunosuppressing medications. Data suggests that patients receiving Rrtuximab are at increased risk of developing severe outcomes from COVID-19 (1). In our unit all patients receiving rituximab were selected to receive a targeted vaccination and booster programme with all patients receiving at least 2 vaccinations and up to 3 booster vaccinations. We studied the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in rituximab patients, by checking the the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2-S (Spike) IgG/IgM total antibody levels post vaccination. Our aim was to assess the vaccination response in patients receiving rituximab and to offer advice on continued shielding or alternatively passive immunization with tixagevimab/cilgavimab in those patients who did not mount a response. Methods Taking 39 patients currently on rituximab therapy, we measured Anti- SARS-CoV-2-S (Spike) antibody levels post vaccination. We recorded whether the test was positive or negative, and the numerical result. We recorded rituximab dates of administration and dates of vaccines. We also recorded diagnosis, co-prescribed DMARDs, immunoglobulin levels, white cell and lymphocyte counts. We took record of whether or not the patient subsequently contracted COVID-19, required a hospital admission, ICU or died. Results Of our 39 patients, 21 had Anti-SARS-CoV-2-S (Spike) antibody levels checked. Of these patients, 7 (33%) had a negative spike protein result. Of the patients with a positive result, 8 (38%) had an antibody level between 0-250U/ML, and only 6 (28.6%) had a level >250U/ML (The manufacturer advises that a level above 0.8U/ML is a positive result). Of patients with a negative result, 1 patient had received 3 vaccines, 5 patients had received 4, and 1 patient had 5. All of the patients had received a vaccine >4 weeks prior to receiving the drug. Two patients were co-prescribed Belimumab, 3 were co-prescribed low-dose methotrexate and 2 were not on additional disease modifying agents. The diagnoses of these patients were, 2 patients with SLE, 4 with SPRA, and 1 MPO Vasculitis. There were no significant findings in lymphocyte count, white cell count or immunoglobulin levels. Conclusion These findings suggest that our current COVID-19 vaccination and booster programme may not provide adequate response in patients receiving rituximab therapy. Despite this being a small cohort, these results show that 33% of patients have not mounted a vaccine response and this is concerning. We suggest that vaccine response should be checked in all patients receiving rituximab therapy and those patients who do not mount a vaccine response should be offered passive immunity and advised of possible additional risks regarding COVID-19 exposure.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has significantly affected human health around the world, causing many complications. However, it is not fully understood how the body compositions of individuals affected in the short or long term after disease. In this study, we aimed to show the effects of Covid-19 on body composition and phase angle values, using Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer. Methods: Subjects were selected from individuals in the 18-60 age group, who had survived COVID-19 disease. 33 individuals who had survived it 1-3 months ago, and 30 individuals who had survived it 3-6 months ago were included in the study. Results: Effects of COVID-19 on basal metabolism and body composition and the ratio of damaged cells in the body after the disease were determined. Basal metabolic rate, lean body mass, body cell mass, total body fluid, intracellular fluid, and phase angle values were found to be significantly changed in the 3-6 months range compared to that of 1-3 months. Conclusions: These results indicate that the basal metabolism and body composition parameters of the body become better, and the proportion of damaged cells decreases as time goes on after suffering COVID-19, reaching values close to normal in 1-3 months and quite better values in 3-6 months. It can be concluded that, although covid-19 influences body composition parameters and cell integrity in survivors of Covid 19 disease, these effects are limited to 3-6 months.
ABSTRACT
Intro: Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 are highly contagious, currently dominating the globe and recognized as variant of concern (VOC). The transmissibility efficiency of viruses, disease symptoms, and severity of COVID- 19 is highly heterogeneous. Therefore, testing at the community level is essential to identify the infected people at an early stage-carrying VOC to reduce the spread of virus and combat the pandemic. Method(s): In this study, we analysed thousands of genome sequences representing 30 different SARS-CoV-2 variants and identified Delta and Omicron variants specific nucleic acid signatures in the spike gene. Based on the variant specific nucleic acid sequences we synthesized different oligos and optimized a mPCR assay that can specifically differentiate the Delta and Omicron variants. We further translated our work into a dipstick assay (Tohoku Bio-array, Japan) by adding tag linker sequence to 5' end of the forward primer and adding biotin in 3' end of the oligos. Finding(s): A total of 250 samples were subjected to WGS using MiSeq platform and these confirmed samples were processed for validation of our specific designed probes using PCR assay and the readout was found to be 100% specific to Delta, BA.1 & BA.2 of SARS-CoV-2 variants which were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The dipstick was used to screen these samples, and specific signals were observed. WGS and Sanger sequencing were used to validate our PCR and dipstick assay results, and the readout was found to be 100% specific. The results can be visualised by the naked eye and interpreted easily. Conclusion(s): This study developed a rapid point-of-care test of SARS-CoV-2 patients, which can differentiate Delta, BA.1 and BA.2 variants at the same time of confirmation of the infection in patient. The current nucleic-acid chromatography-based dipstick assay is highly specific and can work even in the case of low viral load as well.Copyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine affects sperm morphokinetics using a computer-assisted semen analyzer and other semen parameters using a sperm chromatin structure assay. Method(s): Healthy male volunteers in two Japanese clinics between May 2021 and December 2021 were prospectively analyzed. Participants donated sperm twice, two days apart, in the following phases: before vaccination, 2 weeks after the first vaccine dose, and 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the second dose. Basic sperm parameters, sperm motility characteristics, and the percentage of DNA-damaged sperm were compared among the different phases. Result(s): Ninety-six semen samples from ten volunteers, who were vaccinated with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, were evaluated. There were no significant differences between any phases in basic semen findings and parameters of the sperm chromatin structure assays. Regarding sperm motion characteristics, the average linear velocity, beat-cross frequency, and sperm motility index significantly decreased after the second vaccine dose (P=0.018, P=0.003, and P=0.027, respectively), with no significant differences between any two phases by post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Conclusion(s): After COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, while sperm motion characteristics might fluctuate, no apparent deterioration of basic sperm parameters or sperm DNA integrity was observed. Given the adverse effects of COVID-19 on sperm, our findings suggest that there might be no reason to refrain from vaccination for healthy individuals.Copyright © 2023 Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction Produced by Wolters Kluwer- Medknow.
ABSTRACT
Background: We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 antibody binding and neutralization responses at delivery among pregnant persons with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection by vaccine status. Method(s): We enrolled participants with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection detected in pregnancy (anti-nucleocapsid [anti-N] IgG+ on enrollment or prior RT-PCR+ or antigen+) and followed them through delivery. Maternal delivery and cord blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies to spike (anti-S) (from vaccination and/or infection) and anti-N (from infection only) IgG by Abbott Architect followed by neutralizing antibodies (classified as neutralizing if serum dilution inhibited infection by 50% [ND50 heat] >=20 and R2 >=0.9) if sample volume allowed. Positive IgG thresholds were Abbott index >=1.4 for anti-N and >=50 AU/mL for anti-S. Chi-squared test was used to compare differences in proportions between groups. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare medians. Result(s): Among 71 participants with delivery and cord samples, median age was 33 years (interquartile range [IQR] 30-35) and median gestational age was 31.7 weeks (IQR 18.0-37.9) at enrollment in pregnancy. By delivery, 17 (24%) participants were unvaccinated, 21 (30%) were partially vaccinated or had completed a primary series, and 33 (46%) were boosted. Median time from infection (RT-PCR+ or antigen+ result) to delivery was 16.7 weeks (IQR 9.7- 24.3). At delivery, 33 (46%) of maternal (median 3.2 index) and 37 (52%) of cord samples (median 3.1 index) were anti-N IgG+. Participants with >=1 vaccine were more likely to be anti-S IgG+ than those unvaccinated (100% vs. 82%, p< 0.01), have higher median anti-S IgG+ (25,000 vs 1,019 AU/ml, p< 0.01), and have neutralizing antibodies (100% vs. 81%, p< 0.01) with higher median log10 neutralization (1:4.00 vs 1:2.41, p< 0.01) at delivery. Similarly, cord blood from participants with >=1 vaccine was more likely to be anti-S IgG+ than those unvaccinated (100% vs. 82%, p< 0.01), have higher median anti-S IgG+ (25,000 vs 1,188 AU/ml, p< 0.01), and have neutralizing antibodies (100% vs. 75%, p< 0.01) with higher median log10 neutralization (1:4.00 vs 1:2.41, p< 0.01) at delivery. Conclusion(s): Among pregnant people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection detected during pregnancy, maternal and cord blood antibody binding and neutralization responses were higher among those receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccination prior to delivery. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Background: The usefulness of leukocyte cell population data (CPD) is currently being investigated. In COVID-19 pandemic several reports showed the clinical importance of hematological parameters. Our study aimed to assess CPDs in Sars CoV-2 patients as new disease markers. Method(s): From February to April 2020 (1st wave) 540 and from September to December 2020 (2nd wave) 2821 patients respectively were enrolled. SARS CoV-2 infection diagnosis was carried out by Multiplex rRT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs. CPDs were detected by XN 2000 hematology analyzer (Sysmex Corporation). A comparison between two disease waves was performed. Additionally, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assayed. Result(s): CPDs were classified into: cell complextity, DNA/RNA content and abnormal sized cells. We detected parameters increased from the reference population for all cell types for both 1st and 2nd wave (p<0.05). However, in the 2nd vs 1st wave 5 CPDs vs 9 CPDs were found. In addition we observed higher CPD values of the 1st compared to 2nd wave: (NE-SFL) (p<0.001), (LY-Y) (p<0.0001), (LY-Z) (p<0.0001), (MO-X) (p<0.0001), (MO-Y) (p<0.0001). These findings were confirmed by the higher concentrations of CRP and LDH in the 1st vs 2nd wave: 17.3 mg/L (8.5-59.3) vs 6.3 mg/L (2.3-17.6) (p<0.001) and 241.5 IU/L (201-345) vs 195 IU/L (174-228) (p< 0.001) (median, interquartile range) respectively. Conclusion(s): CPDs showed increased cell activation in 1st wave patients confirmed by clinical and biochemical data, associated with worse clinical conditions. Results highlighted the CPDs as disease characterization markers or useful for a risk model.Copyright © 2023 Sciendo. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background ACE is a potent pro-inflammatory modulator that controls chemokines and adhesion molecules, and elevated ACE activity associated with immunoinflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes. The ACE inhibitors are recommended as primary treatment for these illnesses. ACE is a peptidyl-dipeptidase that catalyses Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II, whilst inactivating bradykinin during blood pressure regulation via the Renin-Angiotensin System. The purpose of this study is to establish a reference interval (RI) for ACE in the Irish population after COVID, and to examine if there is an underlying correlation between ACE concentrations and a range of biomarkers. Methods Serum samples of 200 randomly selected patients were obtained from several Irish hospitals in March 2022 (in compliance withGuidance on Anonymisation and Pseudonymisation, June 2019). We analysed for ACE (Buhlmann reagents), HBA1C, 25OHD and other biomarkers on the Abbott Architect ci8200. Full Blood Count was measured on Sysmex CS-2500. The statistical analysis used the EP Evaluator 11.3.0.23 and SPSS 22.0 software. Results The RI based on the central 95% of data was 8-78 U/L. This is higher than the RI proposed by the manufacturer (20-70 U/L) but is very close to our RI (5-79 U/L) from 2019. We found a significant positive correlation between ACE concentration and HBA1c, Urea, Creatinine, White Blood Cells (p<0.0001), Glucose (p=0.02), LDL (p=0.03), Neutrophils (p=0.003), Lymphocytes (p=0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed with 25OHD (p<0.0001). Conclusions This study did not show any notable change in the RI for ACE after COVID in Ireland. The significant positive correlations with HBA1c and other biomarkers may indicate the importance for ACE testing for diabetic management and progression, but further studies will be needed. Patients' overall health and medical history should always be considered when evaluating ACE results, including Vitamin D levels.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: We aimed to compare biomarkers of COVID-19 patients with the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), the Delta variant (B.1.617), and no mutation detected in our study. Method(s): A total of 600 patients with positive COVID PCR test and Alpha, Delta variant and no mutation detected with Covid PCR mutation test were included in the study. Troponin I, creatinine, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen, D-dimer, ferritin, number of lymphocytes, lymphocytes (%), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), trombosite ratio in the blood (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) values were analyzed retrospectively. The age, gender, and hospitalization of the patients were evaluated concurrently. Result(s): Age, troponin, creatinine, LDH, PLT, MPV, and D-dimer were laboratory parameters that vary significantly with COVID-19 virus mutation. Age, troponin, LDH, and MPV values were lower in patients with Delta variant according to patients with the Alpha variant. Lymphocytes (N) and lymphocytes (%) values were lower in hospitalized patients relative to outpatients while age, troponin, LDH, CRP, and D-dimer values were higher in hospitalized patients than outpatients irrespective of mutation. Creatinine values were higher only in hospitalized patients with no mutation detected while ferritin and fibrinogen values were higher in hospitalized patients with Delta variant and no mutation detected. Conclusion(s): Age, troponin, creatinine, LDH, PLT, MPV, D-dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin, CRP, lymphocytes (N), and lymphocytes (%) values can guide to evaluate the diagnosis and hospitalization of patients with future different mutations.Copyright © 2023 by Prusa Medical Publishing.