scholarly journals Scrutinizing Coronaviruses Using Publicly Available Bioinformatic Tools: The Viral Structural Proteins as a Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Beeckmans ◽  
Edilbert Van Driessche
Keyword(s):  
Structural Biology ◽  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Molecular Graphics ◽  
Bioinformatic Tools ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Lung Infections

Since early 2020, the world suffers from a new beta-coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, that has devastating effects globally due to its associated disease, Covid-19. Until today, Covid-19, which not only causes life-threatening lung infections but also impairs various other organs and tissues, has killed hundreds of thousands of people and caused irreparable damage to many others. Since the very onset of the pandemic, huge efforts were made worldwide to fully understand this virus and numerous studies were, and still are, published. Many of these deal with structural analyses of the viral spike glycoprotein and with vaccine development, antibodies and antiviral molecules or immunomodulators that are assumed to become essential tools in the struggle against the virus. This paper summarizes knowledge on the properties of the four structural proteins (spike protein S, membrane protein M, envelope protein E and nucleocapsid protein N) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its relatives, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, that emerged few years earlier. Moreover, attention is paid to ways to analyze such proteins using freely available bioinformatic tools and, more importantly, to bring these proteins alive by looking at them on a computer/laptop screen with the easy-to-use but highly performant and interactive molecular graphics program DeepView. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate non-bioinformaticians and non-specialists in structural biology to scrutinize these and other macromolecules and as such will contribute to establishing procedures to fight these and maybe other forthcoming viruses.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 vaccines strategies: a comprehensive review of phase 3 candidates

npj Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos C. Kyriakidis ◽  
Andrés López-Cortés ◽  
Eduardo Vásconez González ◽  
Alejandra Barreto Grimaldos ◽  
Esteban Ortiz Prado
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The World

AbstractThe new SARS-CoV-2 virus is an RNA virus that belongs to the Coronaviridae family and causes COVID-19 disease. The newly sequenced virus appears to originate in China and rapidly spread throughout the world, becoming a pandemic that, until January 5th, 2021, has caused more than 1,866,000 deaths. Hence, laboratories worldwide are developing an effective vaccine against this disease, which will be essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Currently, there more than 64 vaccine candidates, most of them aiming to induce neutralizing antibodies against the spike protein (S). These antibodies will prevent uptake through the human ACE-2 receptor, thereby limiting viral entrance. Different vaccine platforms are being used for vaccine development, each one presenting several advantages and disadvantages. Thus far, thirteen vaccine candidates are being tested in Phase 3 clinical trials; therefore, it is closer to receiving approval or authorization for large-scale immunizations.

scholarly journals Role of Structural and Non-Structural Proteins and Therapeutic Targets of SARS-CoV-2 for COVID-19

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 821
Author(s):  
Rohitash Yadav ◽  
Jitendra Kumar Chaudhary ◽  
Neeraj Jain ◽  
Pankaj Kumar Chaudhary ◽  
Supriya Khanra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Cell ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Molecular Assembly ◽  
The Body ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Coronavirus belongs to the family of Coronaviridae, comprising single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome (+ ssRNA) of around 26 to 32 kilobases, and has been known to cause infection to a myriad of mammalian hosts, such as humans, cats, bats, civets, dogs, and camels with varied consequences in terms of death and debilitation. Strikingly, novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), later renamed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and found to be the causative agent of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), shows 88% of sequence identity with bat-SL-CoVZC45 and bat-SL-CoVZXC21, 79% with SARS-CoV and 50% with MERS-CoV, respectively. Despite key amino acid residual variability, there is an incredible structural similarity between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. During infection, spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 compared to SARS-CoV displays 10–20 times greater affinity for its cognate host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), leading proteolytic cleavage of S protein by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Following cellular entry, the ORF-1a and ORF-1ab, located downstream to 5′ end of + ssRNA genome, undergo translation, thereby forming two large polyproteins, pp1a and pp1ab. These polyproteins, following protease-induced cleavage and molecular assembly, form functional viral RNA polymerase, also referred to as replicase. Thereafter, uninterrupted orchestrated replication-transcription molecular events lead to the synthesis of multiple nested sets of subgenomic mRNAs (sgRNAs), which are finally translated to several structural and accessory proteins participating in structure formation and various molecular functions of virus, respectively. These multiple structural proteins assemble and encapsulate genomic RNA (gRNA), resulting in numerous viral progenies, which eventually exit the host cell, and spread infection to rest of the body. In this review, we primarily focus on genomic organization, structural and non-structural protein components, and potential prospective molecular targets for development of therapeutic drugs, convalescent plasm therapy, and a myriad of potential vaccines to tackle SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals MANAGEMENT OF TAMAKA SHWASA WITH GHRITA BHRISHTA HARIDRA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2262-2266
Author(s):  
Shridharaiah M.H ◽  
Venkatesh P
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Proper Time ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Not Given ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Air Passage

Shwasa is a chronic condition that developed as a result of Pranavaha sroto dushti, here the shwasa roga is developed due to two types of srodo dushti i.e. sangha (Due to kapha avarodha) and vimarga gamana (of the udana vata). Asthma is a condition that affects the quality of life of an individual. Especially this condition aggravates and worsens in the cold season. Depending on the sign and symptoms Shwasa roga can be compared with Asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airway of lungs and leads to narrowing of air passage, it is an episodic disease manifested clinically by paroxysms of dyspnoea, tightness of chest along with wheezing sound and coughing usually more at night or early morning. Asthma rapidly increasing in India due to pollution, Among India’s 1.31 billion people, about 6% of children and 2% of adults are suffering from asthma.[1] Tamaka shwasa is one among the Shwasaroga and it is predominantly Vatakaphajavyadhi. This disease is maintainable by giving proper medication like shodhana (Vmana, Virechana, etc...) and shamana chikitsa (Swasa kutara rasa, swasamrita etc...), if the proper treatment is not given to the patient is proper time, then this condition gets worse and become life-threatening. So, the following case study is explaining about the management of Swasa roga of 8 years history with Ayurvedic medications. Keywords: Tamaka Shwasa, Deppana, Paachana, Shodhana, Shamana.

scholarly journals Amoxicillin Induced Steven Johnson’s Syndrome: A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4-s) ◽  
pp. 220-222
Author(s):  
R Mahendra Kumar ◽  
Sanatkumar Nyamagoud ◽  
Krishna Deshpande ◽  
Ankitha Kotian
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Drug Reaction ◽  
Drug Reaction ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stevens Johnson Syndrome ◽  
Hypersensitivity Reactions ◽  
Johnson Syndrome ◽  
Oral Consumption ◽  
Life Threatening

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a very rare, potentially fatal skin reaction that is typically the result of reaction to the drug. In particular, SJS is characterized by extensive skin and mucous membrane lesions (i.e. mouth, nose, esophagus, anus, and genitalia), epidermis detachment, and acute skin blisters. In 95 % of case reports, drugs were found to be an important cause for the development of SJS. This story is a case of A 42 year old male hospitalized with rashes all over the body and fever, after oral consumption of Amoxicillin drug for sore throat. This case study discusses the possibility that serious hypersensitivity reactions with Amoxicillin can rarely occur and can be extremely harmful and life-threatening Menacing. Keywords: Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Adverse drug reaction, Nikolsky’s sign

scholarly journals An analysis of early morning acth levels in the first case of pembrolizumab-induced adrenalitis as a delayed immune-related event (dire) – case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 396-400
Author(s):  
Igor Alexander Harsch ◽  
Anastasiia Gritsaenko ◽  
Peter Christopher Konturek
Keyword(s):  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Related Event ◽  
Special Situation ◽  
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone ◽  
First Case ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Dual Release ◽  
One Year

The aim: The levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) are elevated in primary adrenal failure (Addison’s disease) with a peak in the early morning hours. This also occurs under hydrocortisone replacement therapy due to the unphysiological substitution regime. The aim was to study ACTH levels under two different replacement regimens. This is exemplified in a patient with adrenalitis after immunotherapy for malignant melanoma (MM), since (elevated) levels of ACTH and its cleavage product alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) raise concerns since receptors for both hormones can be expressed in melanoma cells. Material and methods: A female with MM had immunotherapy with pembrolizumab and developed adrenalitis with Addison crisis about one year after discontinuation of this therapy (delayed immune-related event = DIRE). ACTH levels were measured hourly (4-8 a.m.) during a “conventional” hydrocortisone replacement therapy and during a therapy with dual-release hydrocortisone. Results: Salient differences between the morning ACTH profiles under the “conventional” hydrocortisone replacement regimen with 10-5-5 mg/die compared to the single-dose regimen with 20 mg dual-release hydrocortisone were not discernible. Conclusion: DIRE could be an underestimated problem in immunotherapy and could put the patients at hazard. Especially in case of an endocrinological DIRE concerning the adrenocorticotrophic axis, life-threatening situations can arise for the patients. As for the special situation with M. Addison and MM, where hormonal feedback mechanisms may cause further problems beyond the normal hormonal replacement therapy, we observed no salient differences in the early morning ACTH profiles under different hydrocortisone replacement regimens.

scholarly journals FALSE DIAGNOSIS IS A THREAT - A CASE STUDY

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
JAYASWAL RP
Keyword(s):  
Family Environment ◽  
Case History ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Technical Errors ◽  
Test Parameters ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
False Diagnosis

Objective: To explore the possibility of false diagnosis and threat to health. Methods: In  the  present  study,  a  case  history  of  23-year–old  lactating  woman  was  taken.  Seventy-two  test  parameters  were  examined  at  SRL  Lab Gurugram and Thyrocare Mumbai on alternative days from different location under variable climatic and family environment. Results: The tests report of SRL lab was abnormal in range in compare to the reports of Thyrocare Lab. Conclusion: The present study is expected to attract the attention of people who may be in the position of acquiring health services. In such approach,  incidence  of  false-positive  laboratory  reports  either  due  to  technical  errors  or  patient  own  conditions  is  thought  to  misguide  a  clinician  who  may  prescribe wrong medicines to the patient. This type of mistake may invite unwanted and life-threatening threats to the patients’ body if inappropriate  or wrong drugs are given to the patient. Through this study, it is now suggested to be cautious and should verify before taking any drugs suggested by  clinicians.  Once  a  diagnosis  is  confirmed  and  considered  repeatedly,  the  development  of  adverse  health  effects due  to  unwanted  drugs  can  be minimized. Keywords: Diagnosis, Treatment, Drugs, Laboratory reports.

UNEXPLAINED DELIRIUM : THINK OF THYROID STORM

2021 ◽  
pp. 23-25
Author(s):  
Soni Namita ◽  
Shruti A ◽  
Soni Anand ◽  
Nikalje A ◽  
Bharadwaj M
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
Thyroid Storm ◽  
Rare Entity ◽  
Thyroid Medication ◽  
Malignant Arrhythmia ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Systemic Condition ◽  
Very High ◽  
Serum Tsh

Background: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening Endocrine emergency with an incidence rate of 1% to 2% all over the world. It is a systemic condition leading to increased production of Thyroid Hormone and its release leading to Thermoregulatory, Adrenergic, Neuropsychiatric, Cardiovascular, and Abdominal Manifestations. Thyroid storm with Malignant Arrhythmia and delirium both together is rare entity, but the mortality rate is very high. The presentation of Malignant Arrhythmias and delirium together in the initial phase of the disease is much less common with only a few isolated cases described in the scientic literature. Objective: To present a case in which a patient had two simultaneous complication of thyroid storm i.e. delirium and ventricular tachycardia. Case Study: We report a 65 years-year-old man who came with complaints of Diarrhea, Fever, Breathlessness and psychosis. His serum tsh was <0.015 and anti tpo antibodies was 83. He was diagnosed to be in Thyroid storm and later had complications including Ventricular Tachycardia and delirium in an undiagnosed case of Hyperthyroidism. He was started on anti thyroid medication and slowly as his condition improved he was discharged. Conclusion: Patients with Thyrotoxicosis need to be closely monitored for complications since its early diagnosis and treatment may save lives.

Sino-Western rivalry in the COVID-19 “vaccine wars”–A race to the bottom?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Kia Onn Wong
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Great Powers ◽  
Equitable Access ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Depressed Regions

PurposeThis paper analyses the escalating Sino-Western race to develop a safe, efficacious and durable vaccine (i.e. “Goldilocks COVID-19 vaccine”). It argues that such efforts would be considerably more effective if there is greater international cooperation instead of the corrosive rivalry driven by misplaced nationalism.Design/methodology/approachThis study deploys a case-study approach, supported by literature on existing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine development efforts.FindingsDespite the seeming success of recent COVID-19 vaccines, their actual efficacy is far from certain. Moreover, access to these vaccines would not be equitable internationally. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that their unique properties make storage and distribution prohibitively expensive, and international mechanisms to provide distribution to economically depressed regions are non-existent. Given the significant difficulties, it would be incumbent upon the great powers (i.e. China and America) to work together not only in vaccine development but also in the establishment of a distribution platform to ensure equitable access worldwide.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few social science research papers on COVID-19 vaccine development and its implications for society at large.

Anaphylaxis in the OR—Causes, Recognition, and Treatment

2018 ◽  
pp. 199-206
Author(s):  
Surangama Sharma ◽  
Lovkesh Arora
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Anaphylaxis in the operating room is a life-threatening condition that can evolve rapidly. As an anesthesiologist, it is important to understand the pathophysiology, diagnose the condition, recognize the inciting agent/agents, and manage it appropriately. It is equally important to confirm the diagnosis for preventing a catastrophic event from happening in future. This chapter defines anaphylaxis, discusses the clinical manifestations and most common causes, and describes ways it can be diagnosed. It also considers treatment and preventative measures. The chapter uses a case study of a 55-year-old female, weighing 85 kg and a body mass index of 36 with no other known comorbidities, who is scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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