ORF10: Molecular Insights into the Contagious Nature of Pandemic Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

Molecular Insights into the Contagious Nature of Pandemic Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

10.26434/chemrxiv.12118839.v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Seema Mishra

Keyword(s):

Contagious Nature ◽

Structural Conservation ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

High Degree

This article stems from the author's observations that ORF10, a protein with no sequence and structural conservation, provides with a high number of potentially immunogenic, promiscuous epitopes. With high degree of epitope conservation across CTL and HTL epitopes of ORF10, its existence in the 2019-nCoV genome is largely seen as particularly contributing to the highly contagious nature of this virus.<br>

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ORF10: Molecular Insights into the Contagious Nature of Pandemic Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

10.26434/chemrxiv.12118839 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Seema Mishra

Keyword(s):

Contagious Nature ◽

Structural Conservation ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

High Degree

This article stems from the author's observations that ORF10, a protein with no sequence and structural conservation, provides with a high number of potentially immunogenic, promiscuous epitopes. With high degree of epitope conservation across CTL and HTL epitopes of ORF10, its existence in the 2019-nCoV genome is largely seen as particularly contributing to the highly contagious nature of this virus.<br>

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Molecular Insights into the Contagious Nature of Pandemic Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

10.26434/chemrxiv.12118839.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Seema Mishra

Keyword(s):

Contagious Nature ◽

Structural Conservation ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

High Degree

This article stems from the author's observations that ORF10, a protein with no sequence and structural conservation, provides with a high number of potentially immunogenic, promiscuous epitopes. With high degree of epitope conservation across CTL and HTL epitopes of ORF10, its existence in the 2019-nCoV genome is largely seen as particularly contributing to the highly contagious nature of this virus.<br>

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The RpfC (Rv1884) atomic structure shows high structural conservation within the resuscitation-promoting factor catalytic domain

Acta Crystallographica Section F Structural Biology Communications ◽

10.1107/s2053230x1401317x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 70 (8) ◽

pp. 1022-1026 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Francois-Xavier Chauviac ◽

Giles Robertson ◽

Doris H. X. Quay ◽

Claire Bagnéris ◽

Christian Dumas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽

Catalytic Domain ◽

Anomalous Scattering ◽

Molecular Replacement ◽

Catalytic Domains ◽

Domain Composition ◽

Resuscitation Promoting Factors ◽

Structural Conservation ◽

High Degree ◽

Very High

The first structure of the catalytic domain of RpfC (Rv1884), one of the resuscitation-promoting factors (RPFs) fromMycobacterium tuberculosis, is reported. The structure was solved using molecular replacement once the space group had been correctly identified as twinnedP21rather than the apparentC2221by searching for anomalous scattering sites inP1. The structure displays a very high degree of structural conservation with the previously published structures of the catalytic domains of RpfB (Rv1009) and RpfE (Rv2450). This structural conservation highlights the importance of the versatile domain composition of the RPF family.

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Development and Evaluation of A CRISPR-based Diagnostic For 2019-novel Coronavirus

10.1101/2020.02.22.20025460 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Tieying Hou ◽

Weiqi Zeng ◽

Minling Yang ◽

Wenjing Chen ◽

Lili Ren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Copy ◽

Health Concern ◽

The Novel ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Clinical Sensitivity ◽

Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽

Technology Platforms ◽

Novel Virus ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

High Degree

BackgroundThe recent outbreak of infections by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the third zoonotic CoV has raised great public health concern. The demand for rapid and accurate diagnosis of this novel pathogen brought significant clinical and technological challenges. Currently, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) are the most widely used molecular diagnostics for 2019-nCoV.Methods2019-nCoV infections were confirmed in 52 specimens by mNGS. Genomic information was analyzed and used for the design and development of an isothermal, CRISPR-based diagnostic for the novel virus. The diagnostic performance of CRISPR-nCoV was assessed and also compared across three technology platforms (mNGS, RT-PCR and CRISPR)Results2019-nCoVs sequenced in our study were conserved with the Wuhan strain, and shared certain genetic similarity with SARS-CoV. A high degree of variation in the level of viral RNA was observed in clinical specimens. CRISPR-nCoV demonstrated a near single-copy sensitivity and great clinical sensitivity with a shorter turn-around time than RT-PCR.ConclusionCRISPR-nCoV presents as a promising diagnostic option for the emerging pathogen.

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The value of indicators characterizing the state of the cardiovascular system in assessing the hospital prognosis of COVID-19 patients

Kardiologiia ◽

10.18087/cardio.2021.10.n1553 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 61 (10) ◽

pp. 26-35

Author(s):

I. V. Kovtyukh ◽

G. E. Gendlin ◽

I. G. Nikitin ◽

A. M. Baymukanov ◽

A. E. Nikitin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Mortality ◽

Troponin I ◽

Fatal Outcome ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Hospital Death ◽

The Novel ◽

Blood Oxygen Saturation ◽

Coronavirus Infection ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

High Degree

Background Heart damage is one of complications of the novel coronavirus infection. Searching for available predictors for in-hospital death and survival that determine the tactic of managing patients with COVID-19, is a challenge of the present time.Aim To determine the role echocardiographic (EchoCG) parameters in evaluation of the in-hospital prognosis for patients with the novel coronavirus infection, COVID-19.Material and methods The study included 158 patients admitted for COVID-19. EchoCG was performed for all patients. The role of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) was analyzed in various age groups. EchoCG data were compared with the clinical picture, including the severity of respiratory failure (RF), blood oxygen saturation (SрО2), data of computed tomography (CT) of the lungs, and blood concentration of troponin. Comorbidity was analyzed, and the highest significance of individual pathologies was determined.Results LV EF ≤40 % determined the worst prognosis of patients with COVID-19 (p<0.0001), including the age group older than 70 years (р=0.013). LV EF did not correlate with the degree of lung tissue damage determined by CT upon admission (р=0.54) and over time (р=0.23). The indexes that determined an adverse in-hospital prognosis to a considerable degree were pericardial effusion (p<0.0001) and pulmonary hypertension (p<0.0001). RV end-diastolic dimension and LV end-diastolic volume did not determine the in-hospital mortality and survival. Blood serum concentration of troponin I higher than 165.13 µg/l was an important predictor for in-hospital death with a high degree of significance (р<0.0001). Th degree of RF considerably influenced the in-hospital mortality (р<0.0001). RF severity was associated with LV EF (р=0.024). The SpO2 value determined an adverse immediate prognosis with a high degree of significance (р=0.0009). This parameter weakly correlated with LV EF (r=0.26; p=0.0009). Patients who required artificial ventilation (AV) constituted a group with the worst survival rate (р<0.0001). LV EF was associated with a need for AV with a high degree of significance (р=0.0006). Comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease, postinfarction cardiosclerosis and oncologic diseases, to the greatest extent determined the risk of fatal outcome.Conclusion EchoCG can be recommended for patients with COVID-19 at the hospital stage to determine the tactics of management and for the in-hospital prognosis.

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Relationship between betacoronaviruses and the endocrine system: a new key to understand the COVID-19 pandemic—A comprehensive review

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ◽

10.1007/s40618-020-01486-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

T. Piticchio ◽

R. Le Moli ◽

D. Tumino ◽

F. Frasca

Keyword(s):

Endocrine System ◽

Well Being ◽

Potential Effect ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

System A ◽

Pituitary Glands ◽

One Year ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

High Degree ◽

Predominant Expression

Abstract Background A new harmful respiratory disease, called COVID-19 emerged in China in December 2019 due to the infection of a novel coronavirus, called SARS-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which belongs to the betacoronavirus genus, including SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. SARS-CoV-2 shares almost 80% of the genome with SARS-CoV-1 and 50% with MERS-CoV. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 proteins share a high degree of homology (approximately 95%) with SARS-CoV-1 proteins. Hence, the mechanisms of SARS-Cov-1 and SARS-Cov-2 infection are similar and occur via binding to ACE2 protein, which is widely distributed in the human body, with a predominant expression in endocrine tissues including testis, thyroid, adrenal and pituitary. Purpose On the basis of expression pattern of the ACE2 protein among different tissues, similarity between SARS-Cov-1 and SARS-Cov-2 and the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease, we aimed at discussing, after almost one-year pandemic, about the relationships between COVID-19 infection and the endocrine system. First, we discussed the potential effect of hormones on the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection; second, we examined the evidences regarding the effect of COVID-19 on the endocrine system. When data were available, a comparative discussion between SARS and COVID-19 effects was also performed. Methods A comprehensive literature search within Pubmed was performed. This review has been conducted according to the PRISMA statements. Results Among 450, 100 articles were selected. Tissue and vascular damages have been shown on thyroid, adrenal, testis and pituitary glands, with multiple alterations of endocrine function. Conclusion Hormones may affect patient susceptibility to COVID-19 infection but evidences regarding therapeutic implication of these findings are still missing. SARS and COVID-19 may affect endocrine glands and their dense vascularization, impairing endocrine system function. A possible damage of endocrine system in COVID-19 patients should be investigated in both COVID-19 acute phase and recovery to identify both early and late endocrine complications that may be important for patient’s prognosis and well-being after COVID-19 infection.

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An Evaluation of the Potential of Heparin to Inhibit the Viral Entry of SARS-CoV-2

10.33844/cjm.2021.60513 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Viral Entry ◽

The Body ◽

Ligand Docking ◽

Binding Potential ◽

Docking Simulations ◽

Binding Domains ◽

Wide Range ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Viral Components ◽

High Degree

Heparin is an anticoagulant medicine that prevents the formation of harmful blood clots in the vessels. Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), heparin has helped to improve the health of affected patients beyond its anticoagulant effects. The potential antiviral activity of heparin has attracted speculation due to its highly sulfated profile, which allows it to have a high binding affinity to a wide range of viral components. Heparin’s successful binding to the ZIKA virus, human immunodeficiency virus, as well as the SARS CoV and MERS CoV spike proteins have demonstrated its potential to inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the body. A high degree of sequence homology also enables heparin to have inhibitory binding potential on viral components. The SARS-CoV-2 virus exhibits significant differences in its spike glycoprotein (SGP) sequence compared to other coronaviruses. The SGP sequence in SARS-CoV-2 contains additional potential glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding domains that may drive differences in the attachment and entry process of the virus. Findings from unbiased computational ligand docking simulations, pseudotyped spike protein experiments, and cell to cell fusion assays have also opened possibilities to investigate the antiviral properties of heparin in clinical trials

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Fear, Anxiety, Stress, and Depression of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic among patients and their healthcare workers

10.1101/2021.05.28.21258006 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ashwin Parchani ◽

K Vidhya ◽

Prasan Kumar Panda ◽

Vikram Singh Rawat ◽

Yogesh Arvind Bahurupi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Care Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Psychological State ◽

Health Issues ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽

High Degree

Background Disease pandemics are known to cause psychological distress. The ensuing mental health issues are not only restricted to the patients and their relatives/friends but affect the healthcare workers (HCWs) as well. Our study aims to assess these psychological trends during the COVID-19 pandemic between the two most affected population groups, that is, patients and frontline healthcare workers. Methods A survey questionnaire including scales to assess fear, anxiety, stress, depression - PSS 10, and DASS 21 was distributed and sent to all COVID-19 suspected/confirmed individuals and healthcare workers at a tertiary care center along with a second visit after 14 days of answering the first questionnaire and this continued as follow up. Data were analyzed with the SPSS Version 23 using various tests of significance. Results In the community, COVID-19 patients in the age group 41-50 with respiratory tract symptoms and those who were home isolated/quarantined experienced a greater tendency of mental health problems. Healthcare workers posted in COVID-19 designated areas of the hospital displayed higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion The high degree of uncertainty associated with novel pathogens has a profound effect on the psychological state of suspected/confirmed cases as well as healthcare workers. Within the community, individuals suspected of having COVID-19 display a significant mental health burden, while HCWs also experience an unprecedented amount of stress during such enduring situations.

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