Articles: sars-cov-2.
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This study aims to examine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general population in Cyprus. ⋯ Public health policymakers can use national campaigns and long-term planning to build public trust in national healthcare authorities and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination. Such strategies could pave the way for adequate vaccine uptake and prepare the public for unfavourable scenarios, such as future pandemics.
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Review
Ultrasound assessment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a literature review for the primary care physician.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is considered one of the most critical global health emergencies in the last century. The diagnostic approach to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its possible complications through a point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) evaluation could represent a good solution in the primary care setting. POCUS is a non-invasive technique that can be used outside hospitals to screen COVID-19 patients and their complications safely. ⋯ Key MessagesPOCUS is an important tool for the diagnostic approach in the primary care setting already before the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Portable devices are useful in monitoring the clinical evolution of patients with infection from SARS-CoV-2 at home. The ultrasonographic features can help the general practice physicians to evaluate the presence of lung involvement and to diagnose complications from the SARS-CoV-2 infection involving districts such as the cardiovascular system.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION AND PROGNOSTIC UTILITY OF NEURONAL INJURY BIOMARKERS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.
Background : COVID-19 disease severity markers include mostly molecules related to not only tissue perfusion, inflammation, and thrombosis, but also biomarkers of neural injury. Clinical and basic research has demonstrated that SARS-COV-2 affects the central nervous system. The aims of the present study were to investigate the role of neural injury biomarkers and to compare them with inflammatory markers in their predictive ability of mortality. ⋯ S100b levels correlated with NSE, interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-10 (0.27 < rs < 0.37, P < 0.05), and tended to correlate with suPAR ( rs = 0.26, P = 0.05), but not with the vasopressor dose ( P = 0.62). Conclusion : Among the investigated biomarkers, s100b demonstrated the best predictive ability for death in COVID-19 patients. The overall biomarker profile of the patients implies direct involvement of the nervous system by the novel coronavirus.
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Review
Emerging COVID-19 variants and their impact on SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccines.
The emergence of novel and evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2 has fostered the need for change in the form of newer and more adaptive diagnostic methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections. On the other hand, developing rapid and sensitive diagnostic technologies is now more challenging due to emerging variants and varying symptoms exhibited among the infected individuals. In addition to this, vaccines remain the major mainstay of prevention and protection against infection. ⋯ Key messageThe emergence of novel variants of the SARS-CoV-2 in the past couple of months, highlights one of the primary challenges in the diagnostics, treatment, as well as vaccine development against the virus. Advancements in SARS-CoV-2 detection include nucleic acid based, antigen and immuno- assay-based and antibody-based detection methodologies for efficient, robust, and quick testing; while advancements in COVID-19 preventive and therapeutic strategies include novel antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs and SARS-CoV-2 targeted vaccines. The varied COVID-19 vaccine platforms and the immune responses induced by each one of them as well as their ability to battle post-vaccination infections have all been discussed in this review.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Dec 2022
Prevalence and Mechanisms of Mucus Accumulation in COVID-19 Lung Disease.
Rationale: The incidence and sites of mucus accumulation and molecular regulation of mucin gene expression in coronavirus (COVID-19) lung disease have not been reported. Objectives: To characterize the incidence of mucus accumulation and the mechanisms mediating mucin hypersecretion in COVID-19 lung disease. Methods: Airway mucus and mucins were evaluated in COVID-19 autopsy lungs by Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining, immunohistochemical staining, RNA in situ hybridization, and spatial transcriptional profiling. ⋯ Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a high prevalence of distal airspace mucus accumulation and increased MUC5B expression in COVID-19 autopsy lungs. HBE culture studies identified roles for EGFR and IL-1R signaling in mucin gene regulation after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data suggest that time-sensitive mucolytic agents, specific pathway inhibitors, or corticosteroid administration may be therapeutic for COVID-19 lung disease.