scholarly journals Effects of Selected Inherited Factors on Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Progression

2021 ◽  
pp. s125-S134
Author(s):  
J Hubacek
Keyword(s):  
Host Immune System ◽  
Functional Link ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Virus Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Deficit ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
In Silico Studies ◽  
Interethnic Differences ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Many

Genetic predispositions may influence geographical and interethnic differences in COVID-19 prevalence and mortality in affected populations. Of the many genes implicated in COVID-19 progression, a substantial number have no direct functional link on virus transfer/viability or on the host immune system. To address this knowledge deficit, a large number of in silico studies have recently been published. However, the results of these studies often contradict the findings of studies involving real patients. For example, the ACE2 has been shown to play an important role in regulating coronavirus entry into cells, but none of its variations have been directly associated with COVID-19 susceptibility or severity. Consistently was reported that increased risk of COVID-19 is associated with blood group A and with the APOE4 allele. Among other genes with potential impacts are the genes for CCR5, IL-10, CD14, TMPRSS2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme. Variants within the protein-coding genes OAS1 and LZTFL1 (transferred to the human genome from Neanderthals) are understood to be among the strongest predictors of disease severity. The intensive research efforts have helped to identify the genes and polymorphisms that contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity.

scholarly journals Evaluating of the association between ABO blood groups and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iraqi patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali H. Ad’hiah ◽  
Risala H. Allami ◽  
Raghdan H. Mohsin ◽  
Maha H. Abdullah ◽  
Ali J. R. AL-Sa’ady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Groups ◽  
Abo Blood Groups ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fluorescence Probing ◽  
Group A ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Polymorphic System ◽  
Made In

Abstract Background Susceptibility to the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recently been associated with ABO blood groups in patients of different ethnicities. This study sought to understand the genetic association of this polymorphic system with risk of disease in Iraqi patients. Two outcomes of COVID-19, recovery and death, were also explored. ABO blood groups were determined in 300 hospitalized COVID-19 Iraqi patients (159 under therapy, 104 recovered, and 37 deceased) and 595 healthy blood donors. The detection kit for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) RNA (PCR-Fluorescence Probing) was used in the diagnosis of disease. Results Mean age was significantly increased in patients compared to controls (49.8 ± 11.7 vs. 28.9 ± 6.6 years; p < 0.001). A similar observation was made in recovered (42.1 ± 10.4 vs. 28.9 ± 6.6 years; p < 0.001) and deceased (53.6 ± 9.7 vs. 28.9 ± 6.6 years; p < 0.001) cases. The mean age was also significantly increased in deceased cases compared to recovered cases (53.6 ± 9.7 vs. 42.1 ± 10.4 years; p < 0.001). There were gender-dependent differences in COVID-19 prevalence. The percentage of COVID-19 was higher in males than in females (all cases: 59.7 vs. 40.3%; recovered cases: 55.8 vs. 44.2%). Such male-gender preponderance was more pronounced in deceased cases (67.6 vs. 32.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that groups AB and B + AB were significantly associated with increased risk to develop COVID-19 (OR = 3.10; 95% CI 1.59–6.05; pc = 0.007 and OR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.28–3.63; pc = 0.028, respectively). No ABO-associated risk was observed in recovered cases. On the contrary, groups A (OR = 14.60; 95% CI 2.85–74.88; pc = 0.007), AB (OR = 12.92; 95% CI 2.11–79.29; pc = 0.042), A + AB (OR = 14.67; 95% CI 2.98–72.33; pc = 0.007), and A + B + AB (OR = 9.67; 95% CI 2.02–46.24; pc = 0.035) were associated with increased risk of death in deceased cases. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that group AB may be a susceptibility biomarker for COVID-19, while group A may be associated with increased risk of death.

Paediatric empyema: worsening disease severity and challenges identifying patients at increased risk of repeat intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (9) ◽  
pp. 886-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Haggie ◽  
Hasantha Gunasekera ◽  
Chetan Pandit ◽  
Hiran Selvadurai ◽  
Paul Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Group A Streptococcus ◽  
Thoracoscopic Surgery ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Fibrinolytic Therapy ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group A ◽  
Single Intervention

ObjectiveEmpyema is the most common complication of pneumonia. Primary interventions include chest drainage and fibrinolytic therapy (CDF) or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We describe disease trends, clinical outcomes and factors associated with reintervention.Design/setting/patientsRetrospective cohort of paediatric empyema cases requiring drainage or surgical intervention, 2011–2018, admitted to a large Australian tertiary children’s hospital.ResultsDuring the study, the incidence of empyema increased from 1.7/1000 to 7.1/1000 admissions (p<0.001). We describe 192 cases (174 CDF and 18 VATS), median age 3.0 years (IQR 1–5), mean fever duration prior to intervention 6.2 days (SD ±3.3 days) and 50 (26%) cases admitted to PICU. PICU admission increased during the study from 18% to 34% (p<0.001). Bacteraemia occurred in 23/192 (12%) cases. A pathogen was detected in 131/192 (68%); Streptococcus pneumoniae 75/192 (39%), S. aureus 25/192 (13%) and group A streptococcus 13/192 (7%). Reintervention occurred in 49/174 (28%) and 1/18 (6%) following primary CDF and VATS. Comparing repeat intervention with single intervention cases, a continued fever postintervention increased the likelihood for a repeat intervention (OR 1.3 per day febrile; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4, p<0.0001). Younger age, prolonged fever preintervention and previous antibiotic treatment were not associated with initial treatment failure (all p>0.05).ConclusionWe report increasing incidence and severity of empyema in a large tertiary hospital. One in four patients required a repeat intervention after CDF. Neither clinical variables at presentation nor early investigations were able to predict initial treatment failure.

Risk of Damaging Anatomical Structures During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Correction (Bösch Technique): An Anatomical Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1355-1359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Kaipel ◽  
Lukas Reissig ◽  
Lukas Albrecht ◽  
Stefan Quadlbauer ◽  
Joachim Klikovics ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Metatarsal Osteotomy ◽  
Anatomical Structures ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Background: Percutaneous, transverse distal metatarsal osteotomy with K-wire fixation (the Bösch technique) is an established technique for hallux valgus correction. Nevertheless, the risk of damaging the anatomical structures during the operation is unknown. Methods: Forty fresh-frozen anatomical foot specimens with hallux valgus deformity underwent a percutaneous corrective procedure. Specimens of group A (n = 20) were operated by an experienced surgeon while specimens of group B (n = 20) were done by untrained residents. Results: The dorsal cutaneous nerve was injured in 1 of 20 cases in group A and 6 of 20 cases in group B ( P = .037). There was a significant difference in overall complication rate between specimens of group A and group B ( P = .043). Conclusions: The results show an increased risk of perioperative injury of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the deep peroneal nerve as well as a significant effect of the surgeon’s experience on the overall complication rate. Clinical Relevance: Results of this study are highly relevant for all surgeons who perform percutaneous, minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery to avoid damage to the peripheral nerves. In addition, the data suggest an intensive training for surgeons before minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery is performed without supervision.

scholarly journals Is Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter–Related Thrombosis Associated With ABO Blood Group? A Case–Control Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1297-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raad A. Haddad ◽  
Yanal Alnimer ◽  
Ahmed Abdalla ◽  
Carlos F. Ríos-Bedoya ◽  
Ghassan Bachuwa
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Blood Group ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Abo Blood Group ◽  
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter ◽  
Central Catheter ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group A ◽  
Meta Analyses

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use is associated with many complications including line-related thrombosis. Several studies and meta-analyses confirmed the increased risk to develop venous thromboembolism in non-O blood group individuals. Our pilot study aimed to examine whether PICC-related thrombosis is influenced by ABO blood group. We identified patients admitted to Hurley Medical Center between March 2012 and March 2016 who had PICC placed during their admission, had their ABO blood group identified in their medical record, and had upper extremity venous Doppler ultrasound performed on the same side of PICC. We excluded pregnant women, patients on anticoagulation initiated before PICC insertion, and patients with active cancer. Data of 227 patients who met our criteria were analyzed. Of these patients, 140 (61.7%) patients had PICC-related thrombosis (cases) and 86 (37.9%) patients had O blood group. Controls were patients who had PICC and did not develop PICC-related thrombosis. Multivariate logistic regression revealed no association between PICC-related thrombosis and ABO blood group (adjusted odds ratio: 1.1; 95% confidence interval: 0.6-2.0; P = .733). Therefore, our data suggest that non-O blood group does not increase the odds of having PICC-related thrombosis.

Group A Streptococcal Infections Are Associated With Increased Risk of Pediatric Neuropsychiatric Disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (07) ◽  
pp. e848-e854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han-Cheng Wang ◽  
Chi-Ieong Lau ◽  
Che-Chen Lin ◽  
Anna Chang ◽  
Chia-Hung Kao
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Streptococcal Infections ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group A

Framing of Climate Change in United States Science Education

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.C. Busch
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Science ◽  
Next Generation Science Standards ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Science Standards ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Climate Change Education ◽  
Knowledge Deficit ◽  
Literature Base ◽  
The Many

Although future generations—starting with today’s youth—will bear the brunt of negative effects related to climate change, some research suggests that they have little concern about climate change nor much intention to take action to mitigate its impacts. One common explanation for this indifference and inaction is lack of scientific knowledge. It is often said that youth do not understand the science; therefore, they are not concerned. Indeed, in science educational research, numerous studies catalogue the many misunderstandings students have about climate science. However, this knowledge-deficit perspective is not particularly informative in charting a path forward for climate-change education. This path is important because climate science will be taught in more depth as states adopt the Next Generation Science Standards within the next few years. How do we go about creating the educational experiences that students need to be able to achieve climate-science literacy and feel as if they could take action? First, the literature base in communication, specifically about framing must be considered, to identify potentially more effective ways to craft personally relevant and empowering messages for students within their classrooms.

scholarly journals 1891. Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infections Among Residents of Multiple Nursing Homes—Denver, Colorado, 2017–2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S55-S56
Author(s):  
Osatohamwen Idubor ◽  
Nisha B Alden ◽  
Srinivas Nanduri ◽  
Abimbola Ogundimu ◽  
Sukarma S S Tanwar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Group A Streptococcus ◽  
Multiple Infection ◽  
Invasive Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group A ◽  
Sterile Site ◽  
Colorado Department ◽  
Emm Type

Abstract Background Older adults residing in nursing homes (NH) are at increased risk for invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections due to advanced age, presence of wounds, and comorbidities; approximately one-third of infected patients die. Beginning in 2015, increasing numbers of GAS infections in NH residents and several NH clusters were reported from the Denver metropolitan area. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and CDC investigated to characterize cases and assess if outbreaks resulted from interfacility transmission. Methods We reviewed data from Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) in the 5-county Denver area from January 2017 to June 2018. We defined a case as isolation of GAS from a normally sterile site in an NH resident. GAS isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) at CDC’s Streptococcus Laboratory to determine emm types for genotyping. Among isolates with the same emm type, pairwise single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) distances were calculated using Nucmer software. In October 2018, a CDPHE-CDC team assessed infection control at NHs with cases of the most common emm type. Results Over 18 months, among >100 NHs in the Denver area, ≥1 GAS case was identified in 29 NHs, with 6 having ≥3 cases. During this period, 68 cases in NH residents were identified. WGS identified 17 emm types among isolates from these cases; most common was emm11.10 (34%, n = 22), a rare subtype in ABCs. All emm11.10 isolates had nearly identical genomes (average pairwise SNP distance: 3.2), and were isolated from 10 NHs, with 2 NHs having ≥ 4 cases. Multiple infection control lapses were noted during site visits to 8 NHs. Conclusion Multiple outbreaks due to GAS were noted in 5-county Denver area NHs in 2017–2018. WGS of surveillance isolates identified a rarely seen emm subtype 11.10 from multiple facilities with temporal and genomic clustering suggesting interfacility GAS transmission. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

scholarly journals Unifocalization cannot rely exclusively on native pulmonary arteries: the importance of recruitment of major aortopulmonary collaterals in 249 cases†

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J Barron ◽  
Ramesh S Kutty ◽  
John Stickley ◽  
Oliver Stümper ◽  
Phil Botha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Borderline Cases ◽  
Collateral Arteries ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group A ◽  
Aortopulmonary Collaterals ◽  
Group B ◽  
Late Survival

Abstract OBJECTIVES: We sought to define the early and late outcomes of unifocalization based on a classification of the native pulmonary artery (nPA) system and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) with a policy of combined recruitment and rehabilitation and to analyse the role of unifocalization by leaving the ventricular septal defect (VSD) open with a limiting right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit in borderline cases. METHODS: An analysis of 271 consecutive patients assessed for unifocalization at a single institution between 1988 and 2016 was performed. Patients were classified according to the pulmonary blood supply: group A, unifocalization based on nPA only; group B, based on nPA and MAPCAs; group C, MAPCAs only (absent nPAs). RESULTS: Unifocalization was achieved in 249 (91.9%) cases with an early mortality of 2.8%. Group A included 72 (28.9%) patients, group B 119 (47.8%) patients and group C 58 (23.3%) patients with no difference in early survival between groups. Survival at 5, 10 and 15 years was 90.0% (85.9–94.3), 87.2% (83.5–91.2) and 82.3% (75.2–89.9), respectively. Late survival in groups A and B was similar but 10- and 15-year survival in group C decreased to 79.2% (68.2–92.1) and 74.3% (61.1–90.4) (P = 0.02), respectively. A mean of 1.9 (±0.6) MAPCAs were recruited per patient (range 0–6). The VSD was left open with a limiting RV-PA conduit in 97 (39.0%) cases, but subsequently closed in 48 patients, giving a total of 200 (80.3%) patients achieving VSD closure (full repair). Delaying VSD closure was not associated with increased risk for early or late survival. A central shunt to rehabilitate the nPAs was used in 56 (22.5%) cases. This was associated with a reduction in the number of MAPCAs recruited, but still required a mean of 1.8 (±0.5) MAPCAs recruited per patient to achieve unifocalization. In multivariate risk analysis, those suitable for single-stage full repair had the best long-term outcomes. Group C anatomy was associated with poor late survival compared to groups A and B (hazard ratio 2.7). CONCLUSIONS: Survival is maximized by a combined approach of rehabilitation and recruitment. MAPCAs should always be recruited if they supply areas with absent nPA supply. A strategy of leaving the VSD open with a limiting RV-PA conduit is a safe and effective way of managing borderline cases.

scholarly journals Oncolytic Virotherapy with Myxoma Virus

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masmudur M. Rahman ◽  
Grant McFadden
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Myxoma Virus ◽  
Oncolytic Viruses ◽  
Oncolytic Virotherapy ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Cancer Models ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Specific Antigens ◽  
The Many

Oncolytic viruses are one of the most promising novel therapeutics for malignant cancers. They selectively infect and kill cancer cells while sparing the normal counterparts, expose cancer- specific antigens and activate the host immune system against both viral and tumor determinants. Oncolytic viruses can be used as monotherapy or combined with existing cancer therapies to become more potent. Among the many types of oncolytic viruses that have been developed thus far, members of poxviruses are the most promising candidates against diverse cancer types. This review summarizes recent advances that are made with oncolytic myxoma virus (MYXV), a member of the Leporipoxvirus genus. Unlike other oncolytic viruses, MYXV infects only rabbits in nature and causes no harm to humans or any other non-leporid animals. However, MYXV can selectively infect and kill cancer cells originating from human, mouse and other host species. This selective cancer tropism and safety profile have led to the testing of MYXV in various types of preclinical cancer models. The next stage will be successful GMP manufacturing and clinical trials that will bring MYXV from bench to bedside for the treatment of currently intractable malignancies.

scholarly journals Aging, hematopoiesis, and the myelodysplastic syndromes

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (26) ◽  
pp. 2572-2578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen S. Chung ◽  
Christopher Y. Park
Keyword(s):  
Myelodysplastic Syndromes ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Relative Increase ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Clonal Hematopoiesis ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The aging hematopoietic system undergoes numerous changes, including reduced production of red blood cells and lymphocytes as well as a relative increase in the production of myeloid cells. Emerging evidence indicates that many of these changes are due to selection pressures from cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors that result in clonal shifts in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) pool, resulting in predominant HSC clones that exhibit the functional characteristics associated with HSC aging. Given the recent descriptions of clonal hematopoiesis in aged populations, the increased risk of developing hematologic malignancies in individuals with clonal hematopoiesis, and the many similarities in hematopoietic aging and acquired bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), this raises significant questions regarding the relationship between aging hematopoiesis and MDS, including the factors that regulate HSC aging, whether clonal hematopoiesis is required for the development of MDS, and even whether BMF is an inevitable consequence of aging. In this article, we will review our current understanding of these processes and the potential intersections among them.

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