scholarly journals Non-Uniform Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Intraspecies Evolution Reopen Questions on Its Origin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sk Sarif Hassan ◽  
Vaishnavi Kodakandla ◽  
Elrashdy M. Redwan ◽  
Kenneth Lundstrom ◽  
Pabitra Pal Choudhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Uneven Distribution ◽  
Conserved Residues ◽  
Unique Protein ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Invariant Regions ◽  
Functional Units ◽  
Almost All ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Protein Variants

Several hypotheses have been presented on the origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from its identification as the agent causing the current coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. So far, no hypothesis has managed to identify the origin, and the issue has resurfaced. Here we have unfolded a pattern of distribution of several mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 proteins across different continents comprising 24 geo-locations. The results showed an evenly uneven distribution of unique protein variants, distinct mutations, unique frequency of common conserved residues, and mutational residues across the 24 geo-locations. Furthermore, ample mutations were identified in the evolutionarily conserved invariant regions in the SARS-CoV-2 proteins across almost all geo-locations we have considered. This pattern of mutations potentially breaches the law of evolutionary conserved functional units of the beta-coronavirus genus. These mutations may lead to several novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with a high degree of transmissibility and virulence. A thorough investigation on the origin and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 needs to be conducted in the interest of science and to be prepared to meet the challenges of potential future pandemics.

scholarly journals Thromboses and Hemostasis Disorders Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019: The Possible Causal Role of Cross-Reactivity and Immunological Imprinting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darja Kanduc
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Active Immunization ◽  
Thromboembolic Complications ◽  
Human Proteins ◽  
Almost All

AbstractBy examining the issue of the thromboses and hemostasis disorders associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) through the lens of cross-reactivity, it was found that 60 pentapeptides are shared by SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (gp) and human proteins that— when altered, mutated, deficient or, however, improperly functioning— cause vascular diseases, thromboembolic complications, venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathies, and bleeding, inter alia. The peptide commonality has a relevant immunological potential as almost all of the shared sequences are present in experimentally validated SARS-CoV-2 spike gp-derived epitopes, thus supporting the possibility of cross-reactions between the viral gp and the thromboses-related human proteins. Moreover, many of the shared peptide sequences are also present in pathogens to which individuals have previously been exposed following natural infection or vaccinal routes, and of which the immune system has stored imprint. Such an immunological memory might rapidly trigger anamnestic secondary cross-reactive responses of extreme affinity and avidity, in this way explaining the thromboembolic adverse events that can associate with SARS-CoV-2 infection or active immunization.

scholarly journals Stoichiometry and compositional plasticity of the yeast nuclear pore complex revealed by quantitative fluorescence microscopy

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (17) ◽  
pp. E3969-E3977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasikumar Rajoo ◽  
Pascal Vallotton ◽  
Evgeny Onischenko ◽  
Karsten Weis
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Pore Complex ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Copy Numbers ◽  
Quantitative Image ◽  
Multiple Copies ◽  
Almost All ◽  
High Degree

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is an eightfold symmetrical channel providing selective transport of biomolecules across the nuclear envelope. Each NPC consists of ∼30 different nuclear pore proteins (Nups) all present in multiple copies per NPC. Significant progress has recently been made in the characterization of the vertebrate NPC structure. However, because of the estimated size differences between the vertebrate and yeast NPC, it has been unclear whether the NPC architecture is conserved between species. Here, we have developed a quantitative image analysis pipeline, termed nuclear rim intensity measurement (NuRIM), to precisely determine copy numbers for almost all Nups within native NPCs of budding yeast cells. Our analysis demonstrates that the majority of yeast Nups are present at most in 16 copies per NPC. This reveals a dramatic difference to the stoichiometry determined for the human NPC, suggesting that despite a high degree of individual Nup conservation, the yeast and human NPC architecture is significantly different. Furthermore, using NuRIM, we examined the effects of mutations on NPC stoichiometry. We demonstrate for two paralog pairs of key scaffold Nups, Nup170/Nup157 and Nup192/Nup188, that their altered expression leads to significant changes in the NPC stoichiometry inducing either voids in the NPC structure or substitution of one paralog by the other. Thus, our results not only provide accurate stoichiometry information for the intact yeast NPC but also reveal an intriguing compositional plasticity of the NPC architecture, which may explain how differences in NPC composition could arise in the course of evolution.

scholarly journals Rocky pine forests in the High Coast Region in Sweden: structure, dynamics and history

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 101-130
Author(s):  
Jennie Sandström ◽  
Mattias Edman ◽  
Bengt Gunnar Jonsson
Keyword(s):  
Human Impact ◽  
Fire History ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Pine Forests ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Natural Dynamics ◽  
Almost All ◽  
High Degree

Almost all forests in Sweden are managed and only a small fraction are considered natural. One exception is low productive forests where, due to their limited economical value, natural dynamics still dominate. One example is the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests occurring on rocky and nutrient-poor hilltops. Although these forests represent a regionally common forest type with a high degree of naturalness, their dynamics, structure and history are poorly known. We investigated the structure, human impact and fire history in eight rocky pine forests in the High Coast Area in eastern Sweden, initially identified as good representatives of this forest type. This was done by sampling and measuring tree sizes, -ages, fire-scarred trees, as well as dead wood volumes and quality along three transects at each site. The structure was diverse with a sparse layer of trees (basal area 9 m2 and 640 trees larger than 10 cm ha-1) in various sizes and ages; 13 trees ha-1 were more than 300 years old. Dead wood (DW), snags and logs in all stages of decay, was present and although the actual DW (pine) volume (4.4 m3 ha-1) and number of units (53 ha-1) was low, the DW share of total wood volume was 18% on average. Dead wood can be present for several centuries after death; we found examples of both snags and logs that had been dead more than 300 years. Frequent fires have occurred, with an average cycle of 40 years between fires. Most fires occurred between 1500-1900 and many of them (13) during the 1600s. However, fires were probably small since most fire years were only represented at one site and often only in one or a few samples. The rocky pine forests in the High Coast Area are representative of undisturbed forests with low human impact, exhibiting old-growth characteristics and are valuable habitats for organisms connected to sun-exposed DW. Management of protected rocky pine forests may well include small-scale restoration fires and the limited DW volumes should be protected.

scholarly journals Respiratory Care in Corona

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 613-620
Author(s):  
Mustafa Amdani, Dr. Swaroopa Chakole
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Human Life ◽  
The Body ◽  
Respiratory Care ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Specific Therapy ◽  
History Of ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The expanse of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is huge. The impact is multispectral and affected almost all aspects of human life. SUMMARY Respiratory impact of the COVID-19 is the most felt and widely reported impact. As the novel coronavirus maintained its history of affecting lungs as seen previously in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. Ventilators and oxygen support system are required mostly in comorbid patients particularly amongpatientsbearing illnesses like asthma, bronchial impairment and so on. CONCLUSION More study needs to be done in order to assess the impact on the respiratory functioning of the body. Respiratory care must be including proper instruments so that more efficient result can be obtained. Research is needed to promote the invention of specific therapy for targeted action for respiratory functioning improvement.

Colonization of depopulated crinoids by symbionts: who comes from the bottom and who from the water column?

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (8) ◽  
pp. 1607-1612 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.S. Mekhova ◽  
P.Y. Dgebuadze ◽  
V.N. Mikheev ◽  
T.A. Britayev
Keyword(s):  
Water Column ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sandy Substrate ◽  
Limited Dispersal ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Almost All ◽  
High Degree

Previous experiments with the comatulid Himerometra robustipinna (Carpenter, 1881) demonstrated intensive host-to-host migration processes for almost all symbiotic species both within host aggregations and among hosts separated by several metres. The aim of this study was to check the ability of symbionts to complete long-distance migrations, by means of two in situ experiments which depopulated the crinoid host. Two different sets of field experiments were set up: exposure of depopulated crinoids (set 1) on stony ‘islands’ isolated from native crinoid assemblages by sandy substrate, and (set 2) in cages suspended in the water column. Hosts from set 1 were exposed for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks to assess whether substrate has an influence on the symbionts' long-distance migrations. In set 2 cages were exposed for 10–11 days, aiming to check whether symbionts were able to disperse through the water column with currents. These experiments allow the conclusion that post-settled symbionts can actively migrate among their hosts. Symbionts are able to reach their hosts by employing two different ‘transport corridors’, by drifting or swimming in water column, and by moving on the bottom. Comparison of experimental results allows the division of symbionts into two conventional groups according to the dispersal ability of their post-settled stages: (1) species able to complete long-distance migrations, (2) species unable to migrate or having limited dispersal ability. The finding of the free-living shrimp Periclimenes diversipes Kemp, 1922 in set 2 raises the question about the factors that affect such a high degree of specialization of crinoid assemblages.

Coronavirus and Fingerprint Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Gabriel B. Iwasokun
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
The World ◽  
Almost All

The corona virus disease, otherwise known as COVID-19, is an extremely communicable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has spread to almost all the countries in the world. The transmission of the virus is through touching of the nose, eyes, or mouth by a finger that has been contaminated through droplets on a surface when a carrier sneezes or coughs. Since the existing fingerprint devices are predominantly contact based, it implies that they can aid in the transmission of the virus. This paper discusses the application of fingerprint devices in notable places with high rate of COVID-19 infection as well as the threats to fingerprint technologies and the countermeasures. The need to change focus and orientation towards contactless biometric technologies as sure solution to the fear and animosity expressed towards contact-based fingerprint technology is also expatiated.

scholarly journals Effect of Convalescent Plasma Therapy on Viral Shedding and Survival in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing-Lei Zeng ◽  
Zu-Jiang Yu ◽  
Jian-Jun Gou ◽  
Guang-Ming Li ◽  
Shu-Huan Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Plasma Therapy ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Almost All ◽  
End Stage

Abstract Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been reported in almost all countries globally. No effective therapy has been documented for COVID-19, and the role of convalescent plasma therapy is unknown. In the current study, 6 patients with COVID-19 and respiratory failure received convalescent plasma a median of 21.5 days after viral shedding was first detected, all tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA within 3 days after infusion, and 5 eventually died. In conclusion, convalescent plasma treatment can end SARS-CoV-2 shedding but cannot reduce the mortality rate in critically ill patients with end-stage COVID-19, and treatment should be initiated earlier.

scholarly journals Is hydroxychloroquine beneficial for COVID-19 patients?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Li ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Patrizia Agostinis ◽  
Arnold Rabson ◽  
Gerry Melino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Emergency Care ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Effective Drugs

Abstract The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in December 2019. As similar cases rapidly emerged around the world1–3, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020 and pronounced the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 20204. The virus has reached almost all countries of the globe. As of June 3, 2020, the accumulated confirmed cases reached 6,479,405 with more than 383,013 deaths worldwide. The urgent and emergency care of COVID-19 patients calls for effective drugs, in addition to the beneficial effects of remdesivir5, to control the disease and halt the pandemic.

scholarly journals COVID-19 infection presenting with acute epiglottitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Fondaw ◽  
Muzamil Arshad ◽  
Saba Batool ◽  
Brenton Robinson ◽  
Toral Patel
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Neural Tissue ◽  
Haemophilus Influenzae Type ◽  
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Type B ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Acute Epiglottitis ◽  
High Degree

Abstract In this case report, we present a novel presentation of acute epiglottitis in a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome—coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who presented to the emergency room in extremis and respiratory failure requiring emergent cricothyrotomy. Epiglottitis has become less common since the introduction and widespread use of the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine. This reduction in cases has shifted demographics of the disease from the pediatric population towards adults with comorbid conditions. Interestingly there is a high degree of overlap between many of the comorbidities between epiglottitis and COVID-19. The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome—coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also referred to as coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), has been reported to affect the gastrointestinal tract and neural tissue and has been implicated in necrotizing encephalitis. We report the first known case of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus presenting with acute epiglottitis.

scholarly journals Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic: Future Challenges for Dental Practitioners

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioana Roxana Bordea ◽  
Edit Xhajanka ◽  
Sebastian Candrea ◽  
Simion Bran ◽  
Florin Onișor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Medical System ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Degree Of Contamination ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
High Degree

In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic, the medical system has been subjected to many changes. Face-to-face treatments have been suspended for a period of time. After the lockdown, dentists have to be aware of the modalities to protect themselves and their patients in order not to get infected. Dental practitioners are potentially exposed to a high degree of contamination with SARS-CoV-2 while performing dental procedures that produce aerosols. It should also be noted that the airways, namely the oral cavity and nostrils, are the access pathways for SARS-CoV-2. In order to protect themselves and their patients, they have to use full personal protective equipment. Relevant data regarding this pandemic are under evaluation and are still under test. In this article, we made a synthesis about the way in which SARS-CoV-2 spreads, how to diagnose a novel corona virus infection, what the possible treatments are, and which protective personal equipment we can use to stop its spreading.

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