scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and serology testing of COVID-19 convalescent plasma from donors with non-severe disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Gniadek ◽  
Joshua M. Thiede ◽  
William E. Matchett ◽  
Abigail R. Gress ◽  
Kathryn A. Pape ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Antigen Binding ◽  
Reporter Strain ◽  
Fluorescent Reporter ◽  
Neutralization Activity ◽  
Clinical Diagnostic ◽  
History Of ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Serology Testing

AbstractWe determined the antigen binding activity of convalescent plasma units from 47 individuals with a history of non-severe COVID-19 using three clinical diagnostic serology assays (Beckman, DiaSorin, and Roche) with different SARS-CoV-2 targets. We compared these results with functional neutralization activity using a fluorescent reporter strain of SARS-CoV-2 in a microwell assay. This revealed positive correlations of varying strength (Spearman r = 0.37-0.52) between binding and neutralization. Donors age 48-75 had the highest neutralization activity. Units in the highest tertile of binding activity for each assay were enriched (75-82%) for those with the highest levels of neutralization.

Corticosteroids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients: a practical guide for physicians.

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Carla Di Paolo ◽  
Cristiano Pagnini ◽  
Maria Giovanna Graziani
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
History Of Disease ◽  
Bowel Diseases ◽  
Literature Evidence ◽  
History Of ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Favorable Safety ◽  
Pass Metabolism

: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions characterized by unknown etiology and pathogenesis with deregulation of mucosal immunity. Among possible treatments, corticosteroids, already available from the 50’, are still the mainstay of treatment for moderate-severe disease. Nonetheless, the use of steroids is still largely empirical and solid evidence about therapeutic schemes are lacking. Moreover, due to the important side-effects and for the unsatisfactory impact on long-term natural history of disease, the steroid sparing has become an important therapeutic goal in IBD management. Besides conventional steroids, the so called “low bioavailability” steroids, which are steroids with high affinity for peripheral receptors and elevated hepatic first-pass metabolism, have demonstrated efficacy and more favorable safety profile. In the present review of the literature evidence of efficacy and safety of conventional and low bioavailability steroids in IBD patients are evaluated, and practical suggestions for a correct use in clinical practice are presented according to the current clinical guidelines.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in a Cohort of Patients with Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Setareh Alabaf ◽  
Karen O'Connell ◽  
Sithara Ramdas ◽  
David Beeson ◽  
Jacqueline Palace
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Neuromuscular Transmission ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome ◽  
Referral Centre ◽  
History Of ◽  
Myasthenic Syndrome ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Rare Group

Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) are a rare group of genetic disorders of neuromuscular transmission. Some subtypes of CMS can be associated with respiratory and bulbar weakness and these patients may therefore be at high risk of developing a severe disease from COVID-19. We screened 73 patients with genetically confirmed CMS who were attending the UK national referral centre for evidence of previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 infection and their clinical outcome. Of 73 patients, seven had history of confirmed COVID-19. None of the infected patients developed a severe disease, and there were no signals that CMS alone carries a high risk of severe disease from COVID-19.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in Children: Expressions of Type I/II/III Interferons, TRIM28, SETDB1, and Endogenous Retroviruses in Mild and Severe Cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7481
Author(s):  
Pier-Angelo Tovo ◽  
Silvia Garazzino ◽  
Valentina Daprà ◽  
Giulia Pruccoli ◽  
Cristina Calvi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Endogenous Retroviruses ◽  
Type I ◽  
Human Endogenous Retroviruses ◽  
Moderate Disease ◽  
Amplification Assay ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Inducible Genes ◽  
Inflammatory Syndrome

Children with the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have milder symptoms and a better prognosis than adult patients. Several investigations assessed type I, II, and III interferon (IFN) signatures in SARS-CoV-2 infected adults, however no data are available for pediatric patients. RIM28 and SETDB1 regulate the transcription of multiple genes involved in the immune response as well as of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Exogenous viral infections can trigger the activation of HERVs, which in turn can induce inflammatory and immune reactions. Despite the potential cross-talks between SARS-CoV-2 infection and TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs, information on their expressions in COVID-19 patients is lacking. We assessed, through a PCR real time Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of six IFN-I stimulated genes, IFN-II and three of its sensitive genes, three IFN-lIIs, as well as of TRIM28, SETDB1, pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W families, and of env genes of Syncytin (SYN)1, SYN2, and multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MRSV) in peripheral blood from COVID-19 children nd in control uninfected subjects. Higher expression levels of IFN-I and IFN-II inducible genes were observed in 36 COVID-19-infected children with mild or moderate disease as compared to uninfected controls, whereas their concentrations decreased in 17 children with severe disease and in 11 with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Similar findings were found for the expression of TRIM-28, SETDB1, and every HERV gene. Positive correlations emerged between the transcriptional levels of type I and II IFNs, TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs in COVID-19 patients. IFN-III expressions were comparable in each group of subjects. This preserved induction of IFN-λs could contribute to the better control of the infection in children as compared to adults, in whom IFN-III deficiency has been reported. The upregulation of IFN-I, IFN-II, TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs in children with mild symptoms, their declines in severe cases or with MIS-C, and the positive correlations of their transcription in SARS-CoV-2-infected children suggest that they may play important roles in conditioning the evolution of the infection.

scholarly journals Human rheumatoid factor crossidiotypes. I. WA and BLA are heat-labile conformational antigens requiring both heavy and light chains.

1986 ◽  
Vol 164 (5) ◽  
pp. 1809-1814 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Agnello ◽  
J L Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Factor ◽  
Primary Structure ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Light Chains ◽  
Heat Denaturation ◽  
Antigen Binding ◽  
Rheumatoid Factors ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Heat Labile

Evidence was obtained that both the WA and BLA crossidiotype (XId) groups are conformational antigens requiring both L and H chains and that with heat denaturation the antigens that define the XIds and antigen-binding activity are lost in parallel. In contrast, the primary structure-dependent crossreactive idiotype (CRI), PSL2, which is only weakly detected on native Wa and Bla monoclonal rheumatoid factors (mRFs), became prominently detected on the heated Wa and Bla mRFs. Heat denaturation may provide a simple method for distinguishing Ids determined by conformational antigen from primary structure-dependent Ids. In addition to heat denaturation, some acid conditions commonly used for preparation of RFs were also found to cause marked loss of Id antigen. The finding of PSL2-CRI on Bla mRF indicates that this Id is not unique to the WA XId.

scholarly journals Broadly Distributed Chemical Reactivity of Natural Antibodies Expressed in Coordination with Specific Antigen Binding Activity

2003 ◽  
Vol 278 (22) ◽  
pp. 20436-20443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Planque ◽  
Hiroaki Taguchi ◽  
Gary Burr ◽  
Gita Bhatia ◽  
Sangeeta Karle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Reactivity ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Natural Antibodies ◽  
Antigen Binding

Antibodies to Rotaviruses in Chickens' Eggs: A Potential Source of Antiviral Immunoglobulins Suitable for Human Consumption

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-295
Author(s):  
Robert H. Yolken ◽  
Flora Leister ◽  
Siok-Bi Wee ◽  
Robin Miskuff ◽  
Steven Vonderfecht
Keyword(s):  
Binding Activity ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Antigen Binding ◽  
Rotavirus Gastroenteritis ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Egg Products ◽  
Egg Yolks ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Infants And Young Children

The prevalence of antibodies to human rotaviruses in commercially available eggs and egg products that are suitable for human consumption was investigated. The yolks of virtually all of the individual eggs and pasteurized pooled egg preparations contain antirotavirus antibodies detectable by means of enzyme immunoassay systems. Also, the eggs and egg preparations are capable of inhibiting the growth of two strains of rotaviruses in tissue culture. Chromatographic studies indicated that the antigen-binding activity is limited largely to the immunoglobulin fractions of the egg yolks. The antibody levels in eggs can be increased by the immunization of hens with purified rotavirus preparations, and the immunoglobulins isolated from the eggs of immunized hens can prevent the development of rotavirus gastroenteritis in experimentally infected animals. Egg preparations might serve as a practical source of antiviral antibodies suitable for consumption by infants and young children.

A systematic review of principal time use research

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-232
Author(s):  
Craig Hochbein ◽  
Abby Mahone ◽  
Sara Vanderbeck
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Principal Preparation Programs ◽  
History Of ◽  
Positive Correlations

PurposeTo advance the study of principal time use (PTU), the purpose of this study is to report findings from a systematic review of PTU research. In addition to identifying common findings, this study also examined the supporting evidence and methodologies of PTU studies. From this dual approach, this study specified the evidence that supports claims about PTU, as well as identified areas requiring future examination.Design/methodology/approachA systematic reference review process considered 5,746 potential PTU manuscripts. The inclusion criteria identified 55 studies published between 1920 and 2015. This review synthesized data pertaining to the methodologies and findings of PTU research.FindingsFindings from studies conducted across decades indicated that principals worked extensive hours. Moreover, the workdays of principals consisted of brief and unrelated activities, most often focused on noninstructional tasks. Contrary to common hypotheses, studies indicated that PTU dedicated to administrative tasks exhibited positive correlations with educational outcomes. However, claims about PTU have been derived from samples overrepresented by large urban school districts and limited periods of observation.Practical implicationsFuture studies should implement diversified sampling strategies and extended observation periods. For principal preparation programs, the results indicated an opportunity for increased instruction on time management skills.Originality/valueThis systematic review identifies the overlooked history of the research and specifies the evidence that supports common claims about PTU, which provides empirically derived guidance for future PTU studies.

scholarly journals Clinico-Pathological Findings of Bangladeshi Covid 19 Patients with their Clinical Outcome: Study of A Cohort of 201 Cases

2020 ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Nasir Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Md Azizul Islam ◽  
Md Anwarul Kabir ◽  
Md Habibur Rahman ◽  
SM Anwar Sadat
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Sore Throat ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
History Of

Introduction: COVID-19 is a major threat to human beings. Clinical characterization, rapid identification of cases and isolation are vital for containments of rapidly spreading disease. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the clinico pathologic profile of Covid 19 positive Bangladeshi patients and also to see their clinical outcome within defined period. Methods: This cohort study on 201 Bangladeshi cases was done in Combined Military Hospital, a tertiary level hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh from April 2020 to May 2020. Total 201 COVID-19 cases were enrolled after getting the result positive for RT-PCR. After collection, data were analysed to show the characteristics of Covid 19 and their outcome after treatment. Results: Among 201 cases, 180 (90%) were male and 21 (10%) were female. The most prevalent affected age groups were 71 (35.5%) patients in 26-35 years age, 54 (27%) in 16- 25 years, 49 (24.5%) in 35-45 years. Mean age is 32.2±2. Among the total cases, 146 (73%) have positive history of contact, 37 (18.5%) have no history of any contact, 8 (4%) denied any contact with COVID-19 patients. Regarding clinical presentations, 67 (33.5%) patients presented with only one symptoms, 125 (62.5%) had multiple symptoms and 9 (4.5%) cases were asymptomatic. 154 (77%) patients presented with fever. Other presentations were cough 71 (35.5%), headache 27 (13.5%), myalgia 25 (12.5%), sore throat 25 (12.5%), malaise 15 (7.5%), respiratory distress 11 (5.5%). Respiratory system was the dominant domain of clinical presentation. Leukopenia was presented by 12 patients and 12 had lymphopenia. 18 patients had mild thrombocytopenia. Pulse oxymetry showed oxygen saturation below 88% in 12 cases. After oxygen therapy 7 cases were improved and 5 cases were shifted to Corona ICU as their saturation fell below 70. These 5 patients are categorised as severe disease, rest 196 patients were mild in nature. Conclusion: COVID 19 affects male more than female. Common symptoms are fever, cough, headache, myalgia, sore throat, malaise, respiratory distress. Respiratory system is the dominant domain of clinical presentation. ICU support was needed in 2.5 % cases and death rate was 1% which was associated with comorbidity of CKD. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 37-42

scholarly journals Galectin-3 as a Novel Multifaceted and Not Only Cardiovascular Biomarker in Patients with Psoriasis with Regard to Systemic Treatment—Preliminary Data

Biology ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Anna Baran ◽  
Paulina Kiluk ◽  
Julia Nowowiejska ◽  
Tomasz W. Kaminski ◽  
Magdalena Maciaszek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Role ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plaque Type ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Diagnostic Role ◽  
Galectin 3 ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cardiovascular Biomarker ◽  
Positive Correlations

Galectin-3 (gal-3) is a multifunctional regulator of various biological processes and diseases, which are common comorbidities in psoriasis. Data regarding potential diagnostic role of gal-3 in psoriasis are insufficient. Serum gal-3 levels were evaluated before and after twelve weeks of treatment with acitretin or methotrexate in 31 patients with plaque-type psoriasis and compared to 11 healthy control group. The mean serum galectin-3 level in patients with psoriasis was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01). In patients with obesity and long-lasting psoriasis (>20 years) positive relations of gal-3 and PASI were noted. In psoriatics with low gal-3 levels, positive correlations between the gal-3 and BMI, glucose level, and with the latter in short-lasting psoriasis (<20 years) were noted. In the long history of psoriasis, gal-3 was negatively correlated with lipids levels. The Gal-3 level might be a multifaceted modulator of the course of psoriasis and predictive factor of cardiometabolic comorbidities’ development, especially in patients with a long history of the disease or obesity. Patients with low serum gal-3 and short history of psoriasis are presumably at greater risk of diabetes. In patients with long-lasting psoriasis and concomitant obesity, gal-3 may exert a protective role against dyslipidemia or perhaps further CMD development.

scholarly journals P525 Patients’ Perception of Risks of biologic therapy During Covid-19 Pandemic in Israel Orly Lior, Ilia Sergeev, Nahum Ruhimovich, Michal Openheim, Fabiana Benjaminov, Dan Feldman, Yehuda Ringel, Timna Naftali Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S501-S501
Author(s):  
O Lior ◽  
I Sergeev ◽  
N Ruhimovich ◽  
M Openheim ◽  
F Benjaminov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Treatment Decision Making ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Stopping Treatment ◽  
Theoretical Question

Abstract Background Current inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapies are highly effective. However, compliance with treatment is influenced by patients’ perception of benefits versus risks. Understanding these perceptions and their influence on patients’ treatment decision-making is crucial for achieving compliance, especially during Covid-19 pandemic. Aim: to assess patients’ perception of risks of IBD exacerbation and SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their influence on patients’ decisions regarding biologic and immunosuppressive treatments during Covid-19 pandemic in Israel. Methods A prospective internet-based survey among Meir Medical Center, IBD clinic patients. Results 116 patients have responded. Mean age 42 (18–84), 44 (38%) males, 75 (64%) Crohn’s disease, 38 (32%) ulcerative colitis, 34 (29%) with history of abdominal surgery, 47 (40%) were in remission and 9(7.5%) with severe disease. 18 (15%) patients were on Immunosuppressive and 76 (66%) on biologic treatments. Concerns of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection: 56 (48%) patients considered their risk as equal to that of the general population whereas 53 (46%) considered it to be increased. 55% of the patients related the increase risk of COVID-19 infection to their IBD treatment, whereas 47% related it to having IBD. Patients treated with biologics were more concerned of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 then those who were not. There was also a significant association between depression and anxiety levels and the fear of becoming infected (r= 0.3 for depression and 0.4 for anxiety). Adherence to IBD treatment: Only 8 (7.5%) patients considered stopping their IBD treatment, and only 4 (3.7%) patients actually stopped their treatment. Patients with more severe disease were more inclined to stop their treatment compared to those with mild disease. Reasons for not stopping treatment were fear of disease exacerbation in 37 (32%) patients, and reassuring information received from medical providers, in 25 (21.5%) patients. When faced with a theoretical question of trading long-term remission versus risk of SARS-CoV-2infection, 34 (29%) patients were willing to accept a 10% infection risk for a 10-year remission Conclusion Significant portion of the patients with IBD believe that they are at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, and more than half of them related the increase risk to their IBD treatment. However, despite their fear most patients felt safe enough to continue their treatment. Patients with more severe disease and treated with biologics experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression and fear of COVID-19 infection. Identifying and addressing these fears early might increase patient’s adherence to treatment and prevent the hazardous effects of discontinuation of treatment.

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