Hybrid Model Teaching in the Postepidemic Period: From Nucleic Acid to Antigen for the Fluorescence Analysis of SARS-CoV-2

Owing to the global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), education has shifted to distance online learning, whereas some face-to-face courses have been resumed with the improvement of the outbreak prevention and management situation, including a laboratory course for senior undergraduate students in chemical biology. Here, we present an innovative chemical biology experiment covering COVID-19 topics, which was created for third-year undergraduates. The basic principles of two nucleic-acid- and antigen-based diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2 are demonstrated in detail. These experiments are designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of COVID-19 and related diagnoses in daily life. Crucially, the biosafety of this experimental manipulation was ensured by using artificial nucleic acids and recombinant protein. Furthermore, an interactive hybrid online-facing teaching model was designed to cover the key mechanism regarding PCR and serological tests of COVID-19. Finally, a satisfactory evaluation was obtained through a questionnaire, and simultaneously, reasonable improvements to the course design were suggested. The proposed curriculum provides all the necessary information for other instructors to create new courses supported by research. © 2023 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc.

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy based analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to ACE2 receptor

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is still a challenge because of its diversity and mutations. The binding interactions of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the spike protein are relevant for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter the cell. Consequently, it is important and helpful to analyze binding activities and the changes in the structure of the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is able to analyze small concentrations of the proteins without contact, non-invasively and label-free. In this work, we present a SERS based approach in the visible wavelength range to analyze and study the binding interactions of the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein. SERS measurements of the ACE2 receptor, the spike protein and the ACE2-spike complex were performed. Additionally, an inhibitor was used to prevent the spike protein from binding to ACE2 and to compare the results. The analysis of the measured SERS spectra reveals structural differences and changes due to binding activities. Thus, we show that the performed SERS based approach can help for rapid and non-invasive analysis of binding interactions of the ACE2-spike complex and also of protein binding in general. © 2023 SPIE.

Effects of Porcine deltacoronavirus on the transduction pathway of the innate immune signal

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCOV) is a new type of pig intestinal coronavirus, which targets pig small intestinal epithelial cells to cause severe enteritis. After infecting the host, PDCoV finishes its proliferation in the host cell by antagonism or escape the innate immune signaling transduction pathway. In order to understand the action mechanism of PDCOV 0n the congenital immune signal transduction pathways, this paper reviews the effects of PDCOV on RLR, Jak-STAT, MAPK and mitochondrial signaling pathway to clarify the relationship between PDCOV and host innate immune signaling transduction pathways in order to provide help for the prevention and treatment of PDCOV infection.

Clinical and laboratory markers of severity of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The aim of the research. To study clinical and laboratory features of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in order to develop a model that would allow, taking the publicly available research methods into account, to carry out early diagnosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia against the background of the new coronavirus infection. Material and methods. A total of 82 COVID-19 patients who complied with inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Depending on the clinical severity, three study groups were formed: group 1 included 13 patients with uncomplicated COVID-19, group 2 consisted of 39 patients with non-severe forms of pneumonia that developed against COVID-19 and group 3 was comprised of 30 patients with COVID-19 complicated by severe pneumonia. The groups were comparable in age and gender. All patients underwent general clinical examination, laboratory tests, including general and biochemical blood analysis, as well as chest computed tomography. Results. The clinical picture in COVID-19 patients differed depending on the disease severity. Coughing and shortness of breath were more often observed in patients with severe pneumonia;sore throat, on the contrary, was more often noted in patients with uncomplicated COVID-19. On admission to the inpatient facility, patients with severe pneumonia had higher body temperature and respiratory rate, with simultaneous decrease in blood oxygen saturation. One half of the patients with severe pneumonia had hypertensive disease in medical history, and one third had ischaemic heart disease. As a rule, uncomplicated COVID-19 patients did not have ischaemic heart disease. It was found through laboratory analysis of blood that groups of patients significantly differed in the levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. Conclusion. The use of such clinical and laboratory data as acute respiratory failure, fever, the levels of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils makes it possible to identify patients with more severe pneumonia against the background of COVID-19 even before chest computed tomography. Key words:.Copyright © 2022, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University. All rights reserved.

Effect of Drebrin protein on the proliferation of PEDV in Vero cells

Previous studies have revealed that developmental regulated brain protein (Drebrin) is involved in cell- to-cell communication, nerve transmission, tumor metastasis, spermatogenesis and other life activities, but there are few studies on viruses. The aim of the current research was therefore, to study the function of Drebrin and its effect on the proliferation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). The Drebrin gene was cloned according to the Drebrin gene sequence (XM_008015438.2) of Chlorocebus sabaeus registered by GenBank, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed to analyze its homology. The results showed that the CDS region of Vero cells Drebrin gene was 2088 bp long, encoding 695 amino acids, and was relatively conserved and had high homology with all species. To investigate the effect of Drebrin on the proliferation of PEDV in Vero cells, the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-Drebrin-Flag was constructed. After transfection of Vero cells with different concentrations of pcDNA3.1-Drebrin-Flag, cells were infected with PEDV. Our results showed that overexpression of Drebrin in Vero cells could significantly inhibit the intracellular PEDV mRNA level and N protein expression, reduce the extracellular virus titer and inhibit the proliferation of PEDV. Further study on the interaction between Drebrin and PEDV S proteins by laser confocal technique was also performed. The results showed that Drebrin and S protein were co-located in the cytoplasm, suggesting that the two proteins may interact with each other. This study demonstrated for the first time that Drebrin can inhibit PEDV proliferation in Vero cells, laying a foundation for further research in to Drebrin function and provides a valuable information for anti-PEDV research.

Emerging technology as an essential factor in changing lifestyles and reshaping exercise behaviour in Taiwan. (Special issue on 2023 Asia Pacific sport and social science.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced various aspects of people's lives;for instance, restrictions during the pandemic have forced people to think about sports participation and physical activity in new ways. There has been growing interest in technological interventions to support exercise-related behavioural changes in daily life;in particular, exergames designed to induce full-body movement offer alternatives to physical activity. Since Taiwan has a high rate of ownership of exergame-related equipment, it is worth examining players' perceptions of using exergames for exercise. This study utilised a Means-End Chain analysis with in-depth laddering interviews to investigate Taiwanese perceptions of certain attributes of exergames as most likely to produce desired consequences in accordance with their values. The findings provide researchers and practitioners interested in the use of technology for exercise with valuable implications of Means-End Chain theory and structuration theory and suggestions for exergame design and promotion.

EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF NEUTRALIZING MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH COVID-19.

Therapy with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is particularly relevant during COVID-19 outbreaks in patients at high risk of severe disease, including kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Objective(s): to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neutralizing mAbs in KTRs with mild to moderate COVID-19. Materials and methods. The retrospective study included 99 KTRs who received inpatient treatment for COVID-19 between September 1 and December 31, 2021. Patients were 52.0 +/- 11.5 years old (M, 47.5%). Bamlanivimab/etesevimab combination drug at a dose of 700/1400 mg was used as mAbs. To evaluate the efficacy of mAbs therapy, two groups of patients were identified. Group 1 consisted of 33 KTRs who received mAbs as one of the therapy components, while group 2 consisted of 66 patients who received no mAbs. Discharge from the hospital or death was considered as the endpoint of follow-up. Results. In group 1, after the use of mAb, progression of pulmonary process was observed less frequently than in the control group with CT1-2 transformation to CT3-4 (9.1% vs. 30.3%, respectively, p < 0.01). Group 1 KTRs differed significantly from group 2 - lower need for ICU and ventilator care (6.1% vs. 27.3% and 3% vs. 19.8%, respectively). The groups were comparable by sex, age, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and time after kidney transplant (KTx) at the onset of the disease and by aseline blood biochemistry parameter values at the time of hospitalization. Only C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen values were higher in the non-mAbs patients who were hospitalized later in the course of the disease (7.7 +/- 3.2 days versus 4.6 +/- 1.6 days in group 1, p < 0.001). The frequency of prescription of other therapies did not differ between the compared groups. Use of mAbs significantly reduced mortality from 19.7% in KTRs in group 2 to 3% in group 1 without adverse effect on graft function. Conclusion. The use of mAbs therapy in the early stages of COVID-19 in KTRs is safe, it prevents severe COVID-19, and reduces the incidence of adverse outcomes.Copyright © 2023 Russian Transplant Society. All rights reserved.

Characterization of varieties biofortified in iron and zinc and local varieties of common bean

Iron and zinc are important minerals in humans in sub Saharan Africa, whose deficiency is known as "hidden hunger" due to the lack of recognised symptoms in the early stages. Although iron deficiency is the most prevalent, zinc is also involved in inhibition of replication of viruses, including the corona virus (COVID-19). In North Kivu and South Kivu provinces where more than 50% of common bean is produced and consumed in Democratic Republic of Congo, 36% and 47% of preschool children are anemic due to iron deficiency. This paradox is mainly due to insufficiency of iron-rich foods. The aim of this study is to characterise 59 iron and zinc biofortified varieties together with six local varieties of common bean for a potential selection programme in Butembo town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We focused on 15 qualitative and five quantitative parameters. The qualitative parameters were helpful to distinguish the different morphotypes and for cluster analysis. In addition to the descriptive statistics, the quantitative data were used for Pearson correlation and for principal component analysis, PCA. Qualitative parameters enabled grouping of the study genotypes into 14 morphotypes according to the aspect and colour of the seed coat, the colour around the hilum and the size of seeds. Clustering grouped the 65 genotypes into 12 clusters with the most similar genotypes grouped in the same cluster. Quantitative parameters showed that the study genotypes were dissimilar (P=0.00). A positive correlation was obtained between the days to flowering and the days to maturity (P<0.05) and between the number of pods per plant and the days to flowering. A strong correlation was found between the number of pods per plant and seeds per pod (P<0.01). In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the 100 seed weight and the number of seeds per pod. The PCA represented on two perpendicular axes showed 64.1% of the total variance of which the 42.3% is explained by the first axis and 21.8% by the second axis. Overall, the study genotypes are morphologically and quantitatively different and thus can be used in a selection programme.

Analyses of kidney biomarkers in patients with sars-cov-2 (Covid-19)

The new coronavirus was first reported in China and caused a widespread global outbreak of pneumonia that spread rapidly across this country and many other countries. Acute kidney injury is one of the important complications of COVID-19, which has been shown in some cases. Exploring the diagnostic features of biomarkers of kidney function in COVID-19 patients may lead to better patient management. We collected laboratory data from 206 people with confirmed COVID-19 disease and evaluated their renal biomarkers, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. The age range of the patients was almost 62 years old. The mean age in the dead patients and recovered patients was 71 and 54 years old, respectively. The average LDH value was 755 U/L, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was 267 U/L in the patients. The average BUN was 59.1 U/L, and creatinine was 1.5 U/L in COVID-2019 patients. Among all 193 patients, laboratory results revealed that 163 (85.4%) patients had an elevated BUN level. Based on creatinine levels for total patients, laboratory results revealed that 49 (25.4%) patients had an elevated value. The average BUN value in dead patients was 85 mg/dL, while in recovered patients was 40.5 mg/dL (P<0.0001). Also, the average creatinine level in dead patients was 1.86 mg/dL, while in recovered patients was 1.24 mg/dL (P=0.0004). Inflammation following COVID-19 disease causes kidney damage and elevated urea and creatinine levels, which may increase the risk of death in these patients.Copyright © 2023 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Teaching biochemistry and metabolism using a YouTube channel during COVID-19 pandemic.

YouTube is a widely recognized video-sharing platform that students often use to search for videos that explain ideas and concepts related to their courses, seminars, or research. With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, education has undergone a dramatic shift toward virtual learning, leading to a surge in the number of YouTube viewers and video creators. This article discusses the launch of a Spanish-language YouTube channel focused on biochemistry and metabolism, which was found to be useful by the author's students enrolled in Nutritional Biochemistry course at Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima Perú. This innovation has also benefited students and teachers across Peru and other Spanish-speaking countries. Based on this experience, teachers and professionals should be encouraged to share their knowledge on this platform, making it a reliable source of information during challenging situations.

Online practical assessment in biochemistry designed on Bloom's taxonomy to assess the student's competency: Prior exposure of the students to online tools beneficial.

Online assessments are needed during the prevailing pandemic situation to continue educational activities while ensuring safety. After conducting the online practical assessment (OPrA) in Biochemistry, we analyzed the students' responses. The blueprint of the OPrA was prepared by the faculty, referring to the various levels and domains of Bloom's taxonomy. Four components were chosen for the online assessment: digital spotters, enumerating the steps of objective structured practical examination, interpretation of quantitative estimation, and case discussion. Each faculty assessed about 12-13 students in separate breakout rooms over 15-20 min on all four components. Feedback on the conduct of the examination was collected from the students and faculty anonymously and analyzed. Out of the 200 students who attended the online assessment, only one scored less than 50%, majority of them scored between 71% and 90%. Under the individual exercises, the average score of students in "Spotters" was 9.8 out of 10; in "OSPE," 8.7 out of 10; in "Quantitative experiments," 15.2 out of 20 and in "Case discussion," 22.4 out of 30. Around 20% had previous experience attending the OPrA. They differed in their opinion from the rest of the students on five aspects; time allotted for the assessment (p value = 0.02, χ2  = 5.07), students using unfair means during the online viva (p value = 0.02, χ2  = 5.57), their computing skills (p value = 0.001, χ2  = 19.82), their performance (p value = 0.001, χ2  = 8.84), and overall conduct of the examination (p value = 0.001, χ2  = 15.55). OPrA tools may be designed referring to Bloom's taxonomy, and prior exposure to the online tools may benefit the students.

Glycyrrhizin inhibits swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus infection via the HMGB1/TLR4/JNK signal pathway

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), a newly discovered enteric coronavirus, is the etiological agent that causes severe clinical diarrhea and intestinal pathological damage in piglets. In this study, Vero E6 and IPI-2I cells were pretreated with different concentrations of glycyrrhizin (GLY) for 2 hours, and then infected with different concentrations of SADSCoV, aiming to investigate the inhibitory effect of GLY on SADS-CoV. Western blot and TCID50 results revealed a significantly decreased N protein expression and viral titer, indicating that GLY can inhibit the infection of SADS-CoV. Vero E6 and IPI-2I cells were pretreated with different concentrations of GLY for 2 hours and infected with SADS-CoV. Western blot results showed that when the concentration of GLY was 0.8 mmol/L, the expression of N protein decreased significantly, indicating that GLY inhibited the invasion of the virus. At first, cells were treated with 0.4 mmol/L GLY, and cell samples were collected at 2 hours, 6 hours and 12 hours after being infected with SADS-CoV for analysis, and the expression of N protein were found to be significantly reduced at all points, indicating that GLY had a significant inhibitory effect on the replication of the virus. GLY is a competitive inhibitor of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and the receptors of HMGB1 mainly include TLR4 and RAGE. Based on this fact, the mutant plasmid at the key sites of HMGB1 (C45S, C106S, C45/106S) and the siRNA of the RAGE receptor were transfected to Vero E6 cells and infected with SADS-CoV, and the cell supernatant and samples were harvested. The western blot and TCID50 results showed that the expression of N protein and the virus titer were decreased, suggesting that GLY exerts its function by affecting the binding of HMGB1/TLR4/RAGE during SADS-CoV infection. To further explore the signaling pathway through which GLY functions, Vero E6 and IPI-2I cells were inoculated with SADS-CoV, and cell samples were harvested, western blot was used to detect the changes of MAPK proteins. The results showed that the protein expression levels of p-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK were up-regulated in the early and late stages, indicating that the MAPK pathway was activated by SADS-CoV infection. Vero E6 and IPI-2I were pretreated with different concentrations of GLY and TLR4 inhibitor TAK for 2 hours and infected with SADS-CoV. Protein samples were harvested and analysed by western blot which showed a decreased p-JNK and N proteins, while other proteins showed no significant changes. These results indicated that GLY and TAK regulated the phosphorylation of JNK but did not regulate the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK. Also, Vero E6 cells were treated with HMGB1 antibody, the siRNA of HMGB1 and HMGB1 mutants plasmid, and infected with SADS-CoV. Protein samples were harvested, western blot results showed that phosphorylation of JNK decreased, indicating that HMGB1 affected JNK phosphorylation. Finally, Vero E6 and IPI-2I cells were pretreated with different concentrations of JNK inhibitor SP600125 to infect SADS-CoV, western blot, TCID50 and IFA results showed that the expression of N protein and virus titer, as well as virus replication were reduced, indicating that SP600125 inhibited virus replication. In conclusion, our results revealed that GLY can inhibit in vitro replication of SADS- CoV, mainly through the HMGB1/TLR4/JNK signaling pathway. The discovery of this pathway provides theoretical support for the research of novel anti-SADS-CoV drugs.

The chemical and biological nonproliferation regime after the Covid-19 Pandemic: Dealing with the scientific revolution in the life sciences

This book offers an analysis of how the Chemical and Biological Weapons (CBW) regime has responded in the immediate aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Coronavirus has highlighted the need to better protect modern societies from natural, accidental and deliberate disease affecting humans, animals and plants. Within that context preventing the deliberate hostile use of biological and chemical agents will be of increasing importance. Dando asks to what extent there has been a significant strengthening to the CBW non-proliferation regime in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic using an analysis focused on two proposals to strengthen the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention which aim to constrain advances in science and technology developments that could be misused. On this basis he concludes that it would be hard to argue that to date there has been a significant strengthening of the CBW regime. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. All rights reserved.

Effect of Covid-19 on nasal allergies: A study from hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) designated SARS-CoV-2 infection as coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).Due to the government implication of Covid-19 specific guideline of using mask, there could be a significant decrease in the allergic rhinitis. Objective(s): Present study aims to analyze the changes in the trends of nasal allergies from hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh following Covid-19 pandemic. Method(s): The prospective data obtained from January 2022 to November 2022 was compared from the retrospective data available between January 2019 to November 2019. Prospectively, a total of 596 patients were included in the study. All these patients underwent Skin prick tests for common allergens. All these patients also underwent testing for total IgE levels in biochemistry lab of the hospital by chemiluminescence method.The results were compared with retrospective dataof 728 age sex match patients. Result(s): A significant difference in the allergen sensitivity was observed. The number of patients who were sensitized during Covid was comparatively less than those during Pre covid period.Dust mite, Cockroach, Peanut and Wheat revealed a non-significant odds ratio indicating that they were not true predictors for sensitization and non-sensitization. Whereas Grass pollen, Mould mix and Pine mix revealed a significant odds ratio. Usage of mask found to have an impact on improvement in symptoms. Majority of the patients who did not use mask had no improvement in symptoms. Majority of the patients had high IgE levels in pre covid period whereas it was normal for majority of them during covid. Conclusion(s): In our study, allergic rhinitis incidence decreased throughout the pandemic period. After pandemic, there was a noticeably decreased level of sensitivity to grass pollen, mould, and pine mix. Use of face masks lead to significant decrease in symptoms of allergic rhinitis.Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

The Biochemistry Behind Covid-19: Webquest Development and Application for Emergency Remote Teaching

THE BIOCHEMISTRY BEHIND COVID-19: WEBQUEST DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION FOR EMERGENCY REMOTE TEACHING. WebQuests are inquiry-oriented activities structured in such a way that almost all resources used come from the web. The present study aims to investigate to what extent a WebQuest focusing on Biochemistry and COVID-19 can be used as an instructive tool to enhance undergraduate students' media and information literacy (MIL). Students' opinions on the use of the WebQuest were also discussed. The WebQuest was implemented in a BSc in Physical and Biomolecular Sciences course in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the results of this study, the WebQuest has improved the MIL competence of students and motivated them towards learning Biochemistry.

THE STUDY OF THE DYNAMICS OF CLINICAL AND LABORATORY-INSTRUMENTAL PARAMETERS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH OBESITY WHO UNDERWENT COVID-19-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA

BACKGROUND: According to the results of the ESSE-RF study, the frequency of obesity in the population reached 29.7%. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Features of the course of COVID-19 in patients with obesity is a very urgent problem. AIM: The aim of the study was a comparative investigation of clinical and laboratory-instrumental parameters in AH patients with or without obesity who had COVID-19 associated pneumonia, to identify the role of obesity as a potential predictor of post-COVID cardiovascular complications 3 months after discharge from the hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials and methods. The study included 174 patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Group 1 included 78 patients with AH without obesity, group 2 - 96 patients with AH and obesity. All patients were tested with a blood sample at the time of admission and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. We assessed parameters of general blood test, biochemistry, hemostasis, inflammation biomarkers - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine, IL-6, etc. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest. In both groups, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed using BPLaB device, according to the standard protocol;echocardiography using an expert class ultrasound diagnostic system Vivid S70. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov database Identifier: NCT04501822. RESULT(S): Results. The biomarker that significantly distinguished the both groups of patients, as well as subgroups according to the degree of obesity was the concentration of maxCRP and hs-CRP, which was significantly higher in group 2. In addition, the registered maximum values of MPO, NT-proBNP, IL-1,6, TNA-alpha and NRL parameters in group 2 of patients with 2-3 degrees of obesity, may indicate the highest probability of developing delayed adverse cardiovascular complications in this group of patients. Mean systolic blood pressure, variability of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate at night were significantly higher in AH patients with obesity. Numerous correlations of obesity with laboratory and instrumental parameters have been registered, which may indicate an increased likelihood of delayed unwanted cardiovascular complications in this particular group of patients. Multiple regression showed that obesity is an independent predictor of an increase in LDH, hs-CRP and right atrium. CONCLUSION(S): Dynamic control of the studied parameters in patients with AH and OB registered an increased concentration of CRP at the initial stage and 3 months after treatment, with a general trend towards a decrease in the increased initial structural parameters of ECHO CG. The logistic regression method showed that the presence of OB in patients with AH is an independent factor causing increased levels of immune inflammation (CRP), a marker of tissue destruction (LDH), and load on the right atrium.Copyright © Endocrinology Research Centre, 2022.

Biochemical changes in patients with COVID-19 / Alterações bioquímicas de pacientes com COVID-19 / Alteraciones bioquímicas de pacientes con COVID-19

Resumo Objetivo identificar as alterações bioquímicas dos pacientes com apresentação moderada e grave da doença Covid-19 e as preditivas de gravidade nos que evoluíram do estagio moderado para o grave. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo com 709 pacientes internados com diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19 e apresentação moderada e grave da doença. Foi realizado em um hospital universitário de média e alta complexidade do estado de São Paulo, no período de abril de 2020 a dezembro de 2021. Os dados coletados dos prontuários foram exames laboratoriais e evolução clínica dos pacientes. Na análise descritiva, foi utilizado frequência absoluta, percentual, média e desvio padrão. Os Testes do Qui-Quadrado de Pearson, Exato de Fisher, Mann-Whitney ou t de Student foram utilizados para comparar as diferenças entre os grupos dos moderados e graves. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05. Resultados A média de idade foi significantemente maior nos pacientes graves em relação aos moderados (p<0,001). Os valores da hemoglobina e plaquetas foram estatisticamente menores na internação no grupo dos pacientes graves, proteína C-reativa e D-Dímero, maiores (p<0,001). O número de óbitos foi significantemente maior nos pacientes que foram internados em estado grave (p<0,001) e verificamos também que a hemoglobina e plaquetas estavam abaixo dos valores de referência na internação deste grupo. Dos 533 pacientes que internaram em estado moderado, 38 evoluiram para quadro grave. Conclusão Os resultados mostram a importância da avaliação clínica das variáveis bioquímicas no momento da internação como preditivas de gravidade. Os achados reportados nesta investigação corroboram com dados da literatura e podem elucidar intervenções precoces para melhor manejo dos pacientes desde o momento da internação.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar las alteraciones bioquímicas de los pacientes con cuadro moderado y grave de la enfermedad de COVID-19 y las predictivas de gravedad en los que evolucionaron de nivel moderado a grave. Métodos Estudio de cohorte prospectivo con 709 pacientes internados con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19 y cuadro moderado y grave de la enfermedad. Fue realizado en un hospital universitario de complejidad mediana y alta en el estado de São Paulo, durante el período de abril de 2020 a diciembre de 2021. Los datos obtenidos a partir de las historias clínicas fueron pruebas de laboratorio y evolución clínica de los pacientes. En el análisis descriptivo se utilizó frecuencia absoluta, porcentaje, promedio y desviación típica. Para comparar las diferencias entre los grupos de los moderados y graves se utilizaron las pruebas χ2 de Pearson, exacta de Fisher, Mann-Whitney o t de Student. El nivel de significación adoptado fue de 0,05. Resultados El promedio de edad fue considerablemente más alto en los pacientes graves en relación con los moderados (p<0,001). Los valores de la hemoglobina y de las plaquetas fueron estadísticamente inferiores en la internación en el grupo de los pacientes graves, proteína C reactiva y dímero D, superiores (p<0,001). El número de defunciones fue considerablemente más alto en los pacientes que ingresaron en estado grave (p<0,001) y verificamos también que la hemoglobina y las plaquetas estaban por debajo de los valores de referencia en la internación de este grupo. De los 533 pacientes que ingresaron en estado moderado, 38 evolucionaron hacia cuadros graves. Conclusión Los resultados muestran la importancia de la evaluación clínica de las variables bioquímicas en el momento de la internación como predictivas de gravedad. Los resultados informados en esta investigación confirman los datos de la literatura y pueden esclarecer intervenciones tempranas para un mejor manejo de los pacientes desde el momento de la internación.

Abstract Objective To identify the biochemical alterations of patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 and the predictors of severity in those who progressed from the moderate to the severe stage. Methods This is a prospective cohort study with 709 patients hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and moderate and severe illness. It was carried out in a university hospital of medium and high complexity, in the state of São Paulo, from April 2020 to December 2021. Data collected from medical records were laboratory tests and clinical progression of patients. In the descriptive analysis, absolute frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used. Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney or Student's t tests were used to compare the differences between the moderate and severe groups. The significance level adopted was 0.05. Results The mean age was significantly higher in severe patients than in moderate ones (p<0.001). Hemoglobin and platelet values were statistically lower upon admission in the group of critically ill patients, C-reactive protein and D-dimer higher (p<0.001). The number of deaths was significantly higher in patients who were hospitalized in a serious condition (p<0.001) and we also found that hemoglobin and platelets were below the reference values at hospitalization in this group. Of the 533 patients who were hospitalized in a moderate condition, 38 progressed to a severe condition. Conclusion The results show the importance of clinical assessment of biochemical variables at the time of admission as predictors of severity. The findings reported in this investigation corroborate data from the literature and can elucidate early interventions for better management of patients from the moment of hospitalization.

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), C-reactive protein (CRP) and other biomarkers in the early identification of disease progression in patients with COVID-19 in the acute NHS setting.

AIMS: There is a lack of biomarkers validated for assessing clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19 on presentation to secondary or tertiary care. This evaluation looked at the potential clinical application of C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and white cell count to support prediction of clinical outcomes. METHODS: 135 patients presenting to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between April and June 2020 confirmed to have COVID-19 via reverse-transcription-qPCR were included. Biomarkers from within 24 hours of presentation were used to predict disease progression by Cox regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves. The endpoints assessed were 30-day all-cause mortality, intubation and ventilation, critical care admission and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) use. RESULTS: Elevated MR-proADM was shown to have the greatest ability to predict 30-day mortality adjusting for age, cardiovascular disease, renal disease and neurological disease. A significant association was also noted between raised MR-proADM and CRP concentrations and the requirement for critical care admission and NIV. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of MR-proADM and CRP in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection on admission shows significant potential to support clinicians in identifying those at increased risk of disease progression and need for higher level care, subsequently enabling prompt escalation in clinical interventions.

Perspective of dental medicine students learning in remote biochemistry laboratories during COVID-19.

Students at the Monastir Faculty of Dental Medicine were required to remain inside during the COVID-19 pandemic for their own safety and in accordance with official directives. It is evident that learners' perceptions are a recognized indicator of the efficiency of any teaching approach. Therefore, we focused on students' input on the validity of online biochemistry laboratories to assure their preferences with the finest teaching approaches. The study included 116 undergraduate dental students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir. The survey has 40 questions. This investigation covered (i) information technology tool accessibility, (ii) course presentation, interactions in a virtual classroom, teachers' availability, and (iii) preferred learning styles. The percentages were then determined for each item and assessed. Our results showed that almost students were equipped with computers, smartphones and tablets but have encountered some connectivity issues. Moreover, participants find courses well presented, approved class interactions, and were satisfied with teachers' availability. Nevertheless, students were not already prepared for entirely online learning. Despite, the overall positive perception among students toward remote education during the COVID-19 outbreak; they preferred considering shared learning between face-to-face and online once the pandemic is over.

Lipid-dependent assembly and budding of emerging viral pathogens

Lipid enveloped viruses replicate and bud from the host cell where they acquire their lipid coat. Lipid-enveloped viruses include dangerous pathogens such as coronaviruses (SARSCoV-2, etc.), filoviruses (Ebola virus and Marburg virus) and paramyxoviruses (Nipah virus, Hendra virus, etc.). Despite understanding some of the basics of how these viruses cause disease and enter host cells, not much is known on how these dangerous pathogens interact with host cell lipids to achieve new virion formation. The viral matrix or membrane protein regulates assembly and budding from the host cell membrane, connecting the viral lipid envelope to the viral nucleocapsid. Depending on the virus family, this assembly and budding may occur at the plasma membrane or the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment. This presentation will detail the biophysical and biochemical basis of how these emerging pathogens hijack host lipid membrane and metabolic networks to form new virus particles that undergo release from the host cell. These studies were funded in part by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01AI081077, AI158220, AI169896).Copyright © 2023 The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.