scholarly journals To Correlate Serum Ferritin Levels with Clinical Outcome in Covid-19 Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 25-29
Author(s):  
Avinash Hanbe Rajanna ◽  
Ravi Krishnegowda ◽  
Rohith Maraludevanapura Govindaiah
Keyword(s):  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male Preponderance ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background: COVID-19 a pandemic, affecting worldwide causing significant morbidity and to some extent mortality needs to be evaluated and urgently identify reliable predictors of disease severity and outcome. The fatal outcomes by COVID-19 are accompanied by cytokine storm syndrome. The cytokine storm is determined by serum ferritin. Aims and Objective: To determine the role of Serum ferritin in assessing the severity and outcome of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients from March 2020 to May 2020. The diagnosis was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum ferritin levels were compared with the treatment outcomes of COVID-19 positive patients. Results: A total of 1977 COVID-19 patients were studied. The mean age was 43.89±15.58 years and had male preponderance of 61.56% of the total subjects. The mean serum ferritin levels among recovered and expired patients were 1225.6 ± 2502.91 ng/ml and 285.71 ± 391.99 ng/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Serum ferritin was markedly increased in COVID-19 patients who could not survive as compared to the patients who finally recovered from the infection, proving it as a useful marker for assessing the severity of COVID-19.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 in Conjunctiva and Tears and Ocular Symptoms of Patients with COVID-19

Vision ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Teresa Rodríguez-Ares ◽  
David Lamas-Francis ◽  
Mercedes Treviño ◽  
Daniel Navarro ◽  
María Cea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocular Surface ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Ocular Surface Disease Index ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ocular Symptoms ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Polymerase Chain

This study investigates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival secretions and tears and evaluates ocular symptoms in a group of patients with COVID-19. We included 56 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in this cross-sectional cohort study. Conjunctival secretions and tears were collected using flocked swabs and Schirmer strips for SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Assessment of ocular surface manifestations included an OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. Patients had been admitted to hospital for an average of 2.4 days (range 0–7) and had shown general symptoms for an average of 7.1 days (range 1–20) prior to ocular testing. Four (7.1%) of 56 conjunctival swabs and four (4%) of 112 Schirmer strips were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The mean E-gene cycle threshold values (Ct values) were 31.2 (SD 5.0) in conjunctival swabs and 32.9 (SD 2.7) in left eye Schirmer strips. Overall, 17 (30%) patients presented ocular symptoms. No association was found between positive ocular samples and ocular symptoms. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on the conjunctiva and tears of patients with COVID-19. Contact with the ocular surface may transmit the virus and preventive measures should be taken in this direction.

Accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect Schistosoma mansoni – infected individuals from an endemic area with low parasite loads

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (10) ◽  
pp. 1140-1148
Author(s):  
Fernanda do Carmo Magalhães ◽  
Samira Diniz Resende ◽  
Carolina Senra ◽  
Carlos Graeff-Teixeira ◽  
Martin Johannes Enk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Schistosomiasis ◽  
Polymerase Chain

AbstractDue to the efforts to control schistosomiasis transmission in tropical countries, a large proportion of individuals from endemic areas present low parasite loads, which hinders diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis by the Kato-Katz (KK) method. Therefore, the development of more sensitive diagnostic methods is essential for efficient control measures. The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect Schistosoma mansoni DNA in fecal samples of individuals with low parasite loads. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in a rural community (n = 257) in Brazil. POC-CCA® was performed in urine and feces were used for RT-PCR. In addition, fecal exams were completed by 18 KK slides, saline gradient and Helmintex techniques. The combined results of the three parasitological tests detected schistosome eggs in 118 participants (45.9%) and composed the consolidated reference standard (CRS). By RT-PCR, 117 out of 215 tested samples were positive, showing 91.4% sensitivity, 80.2% specificity and good concordance with the CRS (kappa = 0.71). RT-PCR identified 86.9% of the individuals eliminating less than 12 eggs/g of feces, demonstrating much better performance than POC-CCA® (50.8%). Our results showed that RT-PCR is a valuable alternative for the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis in individuals with very low parasite loads.

A study of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunming Zhu ◽  
Gong Cheng ◽  
Huolan Zhu ◽  
Gongchang Guan
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Adipocyte Differentiation ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Redox Status ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Lipid Droplet Formation ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Microarray Technique

AbstractWith the use of the microarray technique, genes expressed in the late phase of adipocyte differentiation were investigated. These genes play an important role in stimulating adipocyte growth and lipid droplet formation. Therefore, they contribute a great deal to the onset of obesity.With the use of SW872 adipocytes and the microarray technique, genes related to adipocyte differentiation were tested and compared with undifferentiated preadipocytes 14 days after induction. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for confirmation.More than 21,329 transcriptors were expressed and determined, of which 1326 increased and 687 decreased undifferentiated adipocytes. Among them, 21 were highly expressed by more than 10-fold. With RT-PCR, 12 were confirmed, including apelin, CIDEC, PID1, LYRM1, ADD1, PPARγ2, ANGPTL4, ADIPOQ, ACOX1, FIP1L1, MAP3K2 and PEX14. Furthermore, genes involved in lipid metabolism, signal transduction, DNA replication, redox status and transcription factors were determined as well. Novel genes involved in adipogenesis (e.g., apelin) were detected.A variety of genes were discovered and validated with RT-PCR at the late phase of adipocyte differentiation. This may help us better understand the onset of obesity and the potential role of adipocytes in other organs.

scholarly journals Association of Myeloid Aberrant Antigens and the Presence of BCR-ABL Gene Re-arrangements in ALL Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-15
Author(s):  
Md. Shafiul Azam ◽  
Khaza Amirul Islam ◽  
Sharmin Mafruha ◽  
Mirza Golam Sarwar ◽  
Md. Salahuddin Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Genetic Abnormality ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Made In

Background: BCR-ABL translocation is the most common genetic abnormality associated with adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) with poor outcome. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the association of myeloid aberrant antigens and the presence of BCR-ABL gene rearrangements in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients in our context. Method: A total of 38 ALL patients were included in this cross-sectional study from August 2018 to July 2019 according to selection criteria. BCR-ABL was detected by Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The median age at diagnosis was 27.5 years with male (76.3%) predominance. Aberrant myeloid markers, e.g.CD13 was present in 9(64.3%) patients who were BCR-ABL positive which was statistically significant (p:<0.05). Conclusion: Early suspicion about BCR-ABL positivity can be made in ALL patients who show aberrant myeloid expression.

Elucidating the Pivotal Role of Immune Players in the Management of COVID-19: Focus on Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Inflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seidu A. Richard ◽  
Sylvanus Kampo ◽  
Marian Sackey ◽  
Maite Esquijarosa Hechavarria ◽  
Alexis D. B. Buunaaim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Paracrine Secretion ◽  
Polymerase Chain

: The world is currently engulfed with a viral disease with no cure. So, far, millions of people are infected with the virus across the length and breadth of world with thousand losing their lives each passing day. The WHO is February 2020 classified the virus as a coronavirus and the name Coronavirus-19 (CoV-19) was offered to the virus. The disease caused by the virus was termed coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is associated with elevation of several immune plays as well as inflammatory factors which contributes to cytokine storms. Currently, the detection of CoV-19 RNA is through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of suppressing several kinds of cytokines via the paracrine secretion system. Therefore, MSCs therapy could be game charges in the treatment of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Also, intravenous IG may be capable of suppressing the high expression of IL-6 by the CoV-19 resulting in lessen disease burden. Anti-inflammatory medications like, corticosteroids, tocilizumab, glycyrrhetinic acid, as well as etoposide may be very advantageous in decreasing the COVID-19 burden because, their mode of action targets the cytokine storms initiated by the CoV-19. It is important to indicate that, these medication does not target the virus itself. Therefore, potent CoV-19 anti-viral medications are needed to completely cure patients with COVID-19. Also, a vaccine is urgently needed to stop the spread of the virus. This review therefore elucidates the immune players in the management of COVID-19; focusing principally on MSCs and inflammatory mediators.

Detection of blaVIM and blaIMP Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Clinical Samples in Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
High Level

Background and Aims: The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains has been recently reported worldwide. Therefore, accurate and rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing isolates is essential. So, this study aimed to detect blaVIM and blaIMP carbapenemase-producing strains using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, P. aeruginosa  strains were collected from clinical samples (blood, urine, wound, and other liquids body) in Firoozgar and Shahid Motahari Hospitals in Tehran and Velayat Hospital in Rasht Province, from May to December 2018. After identifying the isolates using the standard microbial tests, carbapenemase-producing strains were isolated by the modified hodge test. After that, the detection of blaVIM and blaIMP genes was performed by RT-PCR technique. Results: One hundred P. aeruginosa were isolated from different clinical samples. Among these, 74 (74%) isolates were considered as carbapenemase positive using MHT. The frequencies of blaVIM and blaIMP genes were obtained as 83% and 11%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a high level of resistance to most of the antibiotics tested and a high prevalence of blaVIM gene in P. aeruginosa strains.

scholarly journals Endothelin-1–Mediated Alteration of Metallothionein and Trace Metals in the Liver and Kidneys of Chronically Diabetic Rats

2002 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Cai ◽  
Shali Chen ◽  
Terry Evans ◽  
M. George Cherian ◽  
Subrata Chakrabarti
Keyword(s):  
Trace Metals ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Endothelin 1 ◽  
Liver And Kidney ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Age And Sex

In the present study, the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on alterations of hepatic and renal metallothionein (MT) and trace metals (Zn, Cu, and Fe) were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats, age- and sex-matched controls, as well as control and diabetic animals on a dualETA/ETBreceptor blocker, bosentan, were investigated after 6 months of follow-up. MT was measured by cadmium-heme assay. Metals were measured by atomic absorption spectrometer. ET-1 mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Hepatic and renal ET-1 mRNA was increased in diabetic rats as compared to control rats, along with an increase in both hepatic and renal MT proteins. The increased hepatic MT protein level was associated with decreases in hepatic Cu and Fe, whereas increased renal MT was associated with increases in renal Cu and Fe accumulation. Zn levels were unaltered in both organs in diabetic rats. Bosentan treatment partially prevented the increase in MT levels in both liver and kidney, along with reduced serum creatinine and increased urinary creatinine levels. Further bosentan treatment corrected the increased Cu and Fe levels in the kidney in diabetic rats, but reduced hepatic Cu and Fe levels. No significant effects of bosentan treatment on nondiabetic rats were observed. The data suggest that the possible effects of ET antagonism in diabetes may be mediated via changes in MT and trace metals.

scholarly journals Headache associated with COVID-19: Frequency, characteristics and association with anosmia and ageusia

Cephalalgia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (13) ◽  
pp. 1443-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Augusto Sampaio Rocha-Filho ◽  
João Eudes Magalhães
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Severe Intensity ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Objectives To assess the frequency and characteristics of headache in patients with COVID-19 and whether there is an association between headache and anosmia and ageusia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Consecutive patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, were assessed by neurologists. Results Seventy-three patients were included in the study, 63% were male; the median age was 58 years (IQR: 47–66). Forty-seven patients (64.4%) reported headaches, which had most frequently begun on the first day of symptoms, were bilateral (94%), presenting severe intensity (53%) and a migraine phenotype (51%). Twelve patients (16.4%) presented with headache triggered by coughing. Eleven (15%) patients reported a continuous headache. Twenty-eight patients (38.4%) presented with anosmia and 29 (39.7%) with ageusia. Patients who reported hyposmia/anosmia and/or hypogeusia/ageusia experienced headache more frequently than those without these symptoms (OR: 5.39; 95% CI:1.66–17.45; logistic regression). Patients with anosmia and ageusia presented headache associated with phonophobia more often compared to those with headache without these complaints (Chi-square test; p < 0.05). Headache associated with COVID-19 presented a migraine phenotype more frequently in those experiencing previous migraine ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Headaches associated with COVID-19 are frequent, are generally severe, diffuse, present a migraine phenotype and are associated with anosmia and ageusia.

scholarly journals Comparing SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Anterior Nasal Vestibular Swabs vs. Oropharyngeal Swabs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meiyan Li ◽  
Ruoyan Wei ◽  
Yaling Yang ◽  
Taiwen He ◽  
Yinzhong Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nasal Vestibule ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Clinical Center ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Sectional Analysis

PurposeTo investigate the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 testing in specimens collected from the anterior nasal vestibules of COVID-19 patients.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed on 30 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from March 14, 2020 to March 21, 2020. Paired specimens were collected from both the anterior nasal vestibule and the oropharynx from all patients. All specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays.ResultsOf the 30 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 17 patients (56.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 when oropharyngeal specimens were used, while 20 patients (66.7%) tested positive when nasal swab specimens were used. There was no statistically significant difference in sensitivity between the two methods.ConclusionsRespiratory swabs collected from the nasal vestibule offer a less invasive alternative to oropharyngeal swabs for specimen collection in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and have adequate sensitivity.

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