Ebolaviruses are highly pathogenic in humans and nonhuman primates and pose a severe threat to public health. The interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins can restrict entry of ebolaviruses, influenza A viruses, and other enveloped viruses. However, the breadth and mechanism of the antiviral activity of IFITM proteins are incompletely understood. Here, we employed ebolavirus glycoproteinCpseudotyped vectors and ebolavirus-like particles to address this question. We show that IFITM proteins inhibit the cellular entry of diverse ebolaviruses and demonstrate that type I interferon induces IFITM protein expression in macrophages, major viral targets. Moreover, we show that IFITM proteins block entry of influenza A viruses and ebolaviruses by different mechanisms and provide evidence that antibodies and IFITM proteins can synergistically inhibit cellular entry of ebolaviruses. These results provide insights into the role of IFITM proteins in infection by ebolaviruses and suggest a mechanism by which antibodies, though poorly neutralizing in vitro, might contribute to viral control in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Voluntary individual quarantine and voluntary active monitoring of contacts are core disease control strategies for emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 Given the impact of quarantine on resources and individual liberty, it is vital to assess under what conditions individual quarantine can more effectively control COVID-19 than active monitoring As an epidemic grows, it is also important to consider when these interventions are no longer feasible, and broader mitigation measures must be implemented METHODS: To estimate the comparative efficacy of these case-based interventions to control COVID-19, we fit a stochastic branching model to reported parameters for the dynamics of the disease Specifically, we fit to the incubation period distribution and each of two sets of the serial interval distribution: a shorter one with a mean serial interval of 4 8 days and a longer one with a mean of 7 5 days To assess variable resource settings, we consider two feasibility settings: a high feasibility setting with 90% of contacts traced, a half-day average delay in tracing and symptom recognition, and 90% effective isolation;and low feasibility setting with 50% of contacts traced, a two-day average delay, and 50% effective isolation FINDINGS: Our results suggest that individual quarantine in high feasibility settings where at least three-quarters of infected contacts are individually quarantined contains an outbreak of COVID-19 with a short serial interval (4 8 days) 84% of the time However, in settings where this performance is unrealistically high and the outbreak continues to grow, so too will the burden of the number of contacts traced for active monitoring or quarantine When resources are prioritized for scalable interventions such as social distancing, we show active monitoring or individual quarantine of high-risk contacts can contribute synergistically to mitigation efforts INTERPRETATION: Our model highlights the urgent need for more data on the serial interval and the extent of presymptomatic transmission in order to make data-driven policy decisions regarding the cost-benefit comparisons of individual quarantine vs active monitoring of contacts To the extent these interventions can be implemented they can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19

The 23 June 2020 La Crucecita earthquake occurred at 10:29 hr on the coast of Oaxaca in an Mw 7 4 megathrust event at 22 6 km depth and triggered a tsunami recorded at tide gauge stations and a Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis off the coast of Mexico Immediately after the earthquake, a rapid response effort was coordinated by members of the Tsunami and Paleoseismology Laboratory, Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico Despite the challenges posed by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic crisis, a postearthquake and post-tsunami field survey went ahead two days after the event We describe here the details of the rapid response survey of the vertical coseismic deformation, tsunami, geologic effects, and lessons from working in the field during the COVID-19 crisis We surveyed 44 km along the coast of Oaxaca Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some local communities enforced rules of confinement We solved most of the challenges faced during this crisis by rapidly networking with local organizations prior to surveying We assessed coseismic uplift by means of mortality caused by vertical displacement of intertidal organisms and resurveying of benchmarks, and we measured tsunami runup Our results show coastal uplift of 0 53 m near the epicenter and decreasing farther away from it;uplift was up to 0 8 m in areas related to exposure of the coast Of our values of coastal uplift, about 0 53 m fit well with the 0 55 m of uplift reported by tide gauge data at Huatulco Coastal uplift and low tide at the time of the event limited the tsunami inundation and runup on the Oaxaca coast Nevertheless, we found tsunami inundation evidence at four confined coastal sites reaching a maximum runup of 1 5 m The enclosed morphology of these sites determined higher runup and tsunami inundation Local coastal morphology effects are not detected in tsunami models lacking detailed bathymetry and topography This issue needs to be addressed during tsunami hazard assessments ? Seismological Society of America

The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is associated with inflammation, coagulopathy, and organ damage found in severe cases of COVID-19. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the release of NETs in COVID-19 remain unclear. Using a single-cell transcriptome analysis we observed that the expression of GSDMD and inflammasome-related genes were increased in neutrophils from COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, high expression of GSDMD was found associated with NETs structures in the lung tissue of COVID-19 patients. The activation of GSDMD in neutrophils requires live SARS-CoV-2 and occurs after neutrophil infection via ACE2 receptors and serine protease TMPRSS2. In a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the treatment with GSDMD inhibitor (disulfiram) reduced NETs release and organ damage. These results demonstrated that GSDMD-dependent NETosis plays a critical role in COVID-19 immunopathology, and suggests that GSDMD inhibitors, can be useful to COVID-19 treatment. In BriefHere, we showed that the activation of the Gasdermin-D (GSDMD) pathway in neutrophils controls NET release during COVID-19. The inhibition of GSDMD with disulfiram, abrogated NET formation reducing lung inflammation and tissue damage. These findings suggest GSDMD as a target for improving the COVID-19 therapy.

Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) is a sporadic, relatively rare disease. In serious cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death. The correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and the risk of GBS is not yet known. COVID-19-associated prolonged pulmonary complications could be worsened by the potential airway interference caused by GBS. The literature is inconsistent whether SARS-CoV-2 virus has direct or indirect effect on the onset of GBS. The authors describe the medical history of the first published GBS patient in Hungary with a preceding confirmed COVID-19 infection. The trigger role of COVID-19 infection is assumed because of the subsequent development of GBS after COVID-19 infection. So far none of the patients in the literature (including this patient) had positive PCR of SARS-CoV-2 virus from the cerebrospinal fluid.

Current international experience has shown the vulnerability of health-care systems of developed nations, and of developing nations such as India, to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster with mass casualties. International experience has revealed that, even in the countries where mass disasters are less frequent and not involved in conflicts, they are overwhelmed with COVID-19 deaths. Although, in the current scenario with fewer deaths, Indias health-care system can handle the situation of COVID-19 but should be prepared for the worst in terms of appropriate management, and adequate infection prevention measures including handling the dead without hampering the dignity of the deceased and of the surviving family. Before any crisis overwhelms responders and resources, emergency response plans should be established and activated to ensure the reliable identification and documentation of the dead. The current review was carried out to recommend the proper management of dead bodies in the COVID-19 mass disaster with a particular focus on resource-poor countries, such as India.

Early descriptions of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy identified it as a disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). However, recent studies have highlighted the potential role of endothelial cell injury in its pathogenesis, and other possible underlying mechanisms are being explored. This study aimed to analyse the coagulation parameters of critically and noncritically ill patients with COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia, determine if coagulation factors consumption occurs and explore other potential mechanisms of COVID-19 coagulopathy. Critically and noncritically ill patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia were recruited. For each patient, we performed basic coagulation tests, quantification of coagulation factors and physiological inhibitor proteins, an evaluation of the fibrinolytic system and determination of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and ADAMTS13. Laboratory data were compared with clinical data and outcomes. The study involved 62 patients (31 ICU, 31 non-ICU). The coagulation parameters assessment demonstrated normal median prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in our cohort and all coagulation factors were within normal range. PAI-1 median levels were elevated (median 52.6 ng/ml; IQR 37.2C85.7), as well as vWF activity (median 216%; IQR 196C439) and antigen (median 174%; IQR 153.5C174.1). A mild reduction of ADAMTS13 was observed in critically ill patients and nonsurvivors. We demonstrated an inverse correlation between ADAMTS13 levels and inflammatory markers, D-dimer and SOFA score in our cohort. Elevated vWF and PAI-1 levels, and a mild reduction of ADAMTS13 in the most severe patients, suggest that COVID-19 coagulopathy is an endotheliopathy that has shared features with thrombotic microangiopathy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection has been reported in vaccination. In the current article, we try to elucidate various causes behind COVID-19 infection and mortality following COVID-19 vaccination and suggest possible strategies to counteract this threat. METHODS: We carried out a comprehensive review of the literature using suitable keywords such as COVID-19, Pandemics, Vaccines, Mortality, deaths, infections, and India on the search engines of PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate in from January to May 2021. Epidemiology, risk factors, Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) and mortality after COVID-19 vaccination were assessed. RESULTS: A number of factors have been associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection reported after vaccination. A high viral load, comorbidities, mutant strains, Variants of Concern (VOC) leading to Vaccine escape and casual attitude towards COVID Appropriate Behaviors appear to be the most important factors for infection and deaths after COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 Infection and mortality after COVID-19 vaccination are of great concern. Application of COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) before and after vaccination is essential for the population. Effective Vaccines against mutant strains and enhanced vaccination drive are key strategies to avoid this quintessential threat. Early medical intervention in high-risk groups can prevent overall mortality.

Seasonal influenza epidemics represent a significant global health threat. The exacerbated immune response triggered by respiratory influenza virus infection causes severe pulmonary damage and contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality. Regulator of G-protein signaling 10 (RGS10) belongs to the RGS protein family that act as GTPase activating proteins for heterotrimeric G proteins to terminate signaling pathways downstream of G protein-coupled receptors. While RGS10 is highly expressed in immune cells, in particular monocytes and macrophages, where it has strong anti-inflammatory effects, its physiological role in the respiratory immune system has not been explored yet. Here, we show that Rgs10 negatively modulates lung immune and inflammatory responses associated with severe influenza H1N1 virus respiratory infection in a mouse model. In response to influenza A virus challenge, mice lacking RGS10 experience enhanced weight loss and lung viral titers, higher mortality and significantly faster disease onset. Deficiency of Rgs10 upregulates the levels of several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and increases myeloid leukocyte accumulation in the infected lung, markedly neutrophils, monocytes, and inflammatory monocytes, which is associated with more pronounced lung damage. Consistent with this, influenza-infected Rgs10-deficent lungs contain more neutrophil extracellular traps and exhibit higher neutrophil elastase activities than wild-type lungs. Overall, these findings propose a novel, in vivo role for RGS10 in the respiratory immune system controlling myeloid leukocyte infiltration, viral clearance and associated clinical symptoms following lethal influenza challenge. RGS10 also holds promise as a new, potential therapeutic target for respiratory infections.

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease 2019 patients are currently overwhelming the world's healthcare systems. This article provides practical guidance to front-line physicians forced to make critical rationing decisions. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Medline search for scientific literature, reviews, and guidance documents related to epidemic ICU triage including from professional bodies. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical studies, reviews, and guidelines were selected and reviewed by all authors and discussed by internet conference and email. DATA EXTRACTION: References and data were based on relevance and author consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: We review key challenges of resource-driven triage and data from affected ICUs. We recommend that once available resources are maximally extended, triage is justified utilizing a strategy that provides the greatest good for the greatest number of patients. A triage algorithm based on clinical estimations of the incremental survival benefit (saving the most life-years) provided by ICU care is proposed. "First come, first served" is used to choose between individuals with equal priorities and benefits. The algorithm provides practical guidance, is easy to follow, rapidly implementable and flexible. It has four prioritization categories: performance score, ASA score, number of organ failures, and predicted survival. Individual units can readily adapt the algorithm to meet local requirements for the evolving pandemic. Although the algorithm improves consistency and provides practical and psychologic support to those performing triage, the final decision remains a clinical one. Depending on country and operational circumstances, triage decisions may be made by a triage team or individual doctors. However, an experienced critical care specialist physician should be ultimately responsible for the triage decision. Cautious discharge criteria are proposed acknowledging the difficulties to facilitate the admission of queuing patients. CONCLUSIONS: Individual institutions may use this guidance to develop prospective protocols that assist the implementation of triage decisions to ensure fairness, enhance consistency, and decrease provider moral distress.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading at a rapid pace throughout the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as pandemic on March 11, 2020. We present a case of COVID-19 patient whose reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) initially was false negative and later turned positive, which will stress the importance of a comprehensive approach while evaluating a patient with a differential of COVID-19. The clinicians should be aware of the sensitivity and specificities of these tests which can have grave implications on the patient and community if the diagnosis is missed just based on the laboratory tests due to the highly contagious nature of the disease.

The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and resultant mortality and social disruption have highlighted the need to better understand coronavirus immunity to expedite vaccine development efforts. Multiple candidate vaccines, designed to elicit protective neutralising antibodies targeting the viral spike glycoprotein, are rapidly advancing to clinical trial. However, the immunogenic properties of the spike protein in humans are unresolved. To address this, we undertook an in-depth characterisation of humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 spike in humans following mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection. We find serological antibody responses against spike are routinely elicited by infection and correlate with plasma neutralising activity and capacity to block ACE2/RBD interaction. Expanded populations of spike-specific memory B cells and circulating T follicular helper cells (cTFH) were detected within convalescent donors, while responses to the receptor binding domain (RBD) constitute a minor fraction. Using regression analysis, we find high plasma neutralisation activity was associated with increased spike-specific antibody, but notably also with the relative distribution of spike-specific cTFH subsets. Thus both qualitative and quantitative features of B and T cell immunity to spike constitute informative biomarkers of the protective potential of novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Our study aimed to assess the existing evidence on whether severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with elevated inflammatory markers. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and China Science and Technology Journal databases were searched to identify studies published between January 1 and April 21, 2020 that assayed inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients. Three reviewers independently examined the literature, extracted relevant data, and assessed the risk of publication bias before including the meta-analysis studies. Fifty-six studies involving 8719 COVID-19 patients were identified. Meta-analysis showed that patients with severe disease showed elevated levels of white blood cell count (WMD: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.78C1.52), C-reactive protein (WMD: 38.85, 95% CI: 31.19C46.52), procalcitonin (WMD: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.06C0.11), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (WMD: 10.15, 95% CI: 5.03C15.46), interleukin-6 (WMD: 23.87, 95% CI: 15.95C31.78), and interleukin-10 (WMD: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.97C2.28). Similarly, COVID-19 patients who died during follow-up showed significantly higher levels of white blood cell count (WMD: 4.11, 95% CI: 3.25C4.97), C-reactive protein (WMD: 74.18, 95% CI: 56.63C91.73), procalcitonin (WMD: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11C0.42), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (WMD: 10.94, 95% CI: 4.79C17.09), and interleukin-6 (WMD: 59.88, 95% CI: 19.46C100.30) than survivors. Severe COVID-19 is associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers than a mild disease, so tracking these markers may allow early identification or even prediction of disease progression.

We present a previously healthy man in his 30s who presented with typical viral prodrome symptoms and worsening abdominal pain. He was found to have portal vein thrombosis, with extensive hypercoagulability workup performed. It was determined that the aetiology of thrombus was secondary to acute cytomegalovirus infection. The patient was started on anticoagulation therapy, with later clot resolution demonstrated on abdominal Doppler ultrasound and abdominal CT scan. Given the atypical presentation of this common virus, we performed a literature review of cytomegalovirus-associated portal vein thrombosis in healthy individuals; we found that most patients present with non-specific symptoms of fever and abdominal pain in the setting of a viral prodrome. This case and literature review suggest physicians must consider cytomegalovirus-associated portal vein thrombosis as a potential diagnosis when patients present with abdominal pain and viral symptoms. The literature highlights the need for a consensus on anticoagulation and antiviral therapy.

COVID-19 pandemic may affect children's mental health. Children <18 years in-patiently admitted for mental health emergencies between March 2020 and June 2021 were compared to those admitted in the same period of 2018C2019 in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. There were 49 admissions in the pre-pandemic period and 60 in the pandemic period (IRR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.84C1.79), with the latter more likely to have a family history of psychiatric disorders, a personal history of physical disturbances, present with suicidal risk, and being diagnosed with an externalizing disorder. This study underscores the increased need for pediatric mental health services.

The value of the Tree of Life to human well-being and survival is enormousour species simply cannot thrive without a biodiverse planet; that is, a healthy Tree of Life. The vast importance of the Tree of Life falls into several general categories. First, the immense overall importance of biodiversity not only involves providing food, medicines, and ecosystem services such as clean air and water, but also a second major theme of this chapter is the importance to human well-being of knowledge of how species are related. Knowledge of how organisms are related has predictive value. We all know from our own family trees that relationships matter. For example, if a close relative has a disease or cancer that is genetically inherited, we realize that there is a chance we may have inherited that trait. Similarly, broad knowledge of relationships is fundamental, providing crucial new information regarding the discovery of medicines, combatting disease, crop improvement, while also providing insight into the study of ecosystem function and services (clean air and water). Knowledge of species relationships and the Tree of Life can help in the discovery of new medicinesclosely related organisms produce similar chemicals; similarly, that knowledge of relationships is essential to improve crops by identifying close wild relatives that may have important traits (disease resistance, drought tolerance). Knowledge of the Tree of Life can also aid in the study of ecology and conservation efforts. As closely related species will often respond in similar ways to environmental factors such as temperature and moisture availability, the Tree of Life can also provide critical information in predicting how species may respond to climate change.

The situation with the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on the development of tourism. It imposes restrictions on both tourism supply and tourism demand. Government lockdowns travel businesses and, at the same time, restricts the freedom of movement. Thus, the supply and demand sides have to cope with the exogenous shocks. The first evidence of experience and reactions of travel businesses was presented in early March 2020. Data from bookings describes how visitors start to adapt their travel behavior to the exit strategies. Even rural tourism is affected by the worldwide spread crisis. To highlight the impacts on rural tourism, this research focuses on middle and small-sized entrepreneurs (e.g., farmers, winemakers, local private rural museums, local accommodation providers;local providers of hippotherapy) and on local tourist organizations (e. g. DMO, tourist information centers) involved in rural tourism. The aim of this study is to show how they overcame the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, the study describes the changes in visitor behavior from the perspective of rural tourism providers. The research is based on a case study of South Moravia and applies both qualitative (a questionnaire survey) and quantitative (interviews) methods. The research data shows that rural tourism providers manage to cope with the government restrictions and tailor their services to new customers requirements as well. Besides the loss of incomes, tourism service providers face a decrease in the number of visitors, and thus they suffer a slump in sales. The majority of all rural tourism providers responded that their segment of visitors had changed. More specifically, the absence of foreign visitors was replaced by domestic ones. ? 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Objectives: Compartmental models are helpful tools to simulate and predict the spread of infectious diseases In this work we use the SEIR model to discuss the spreading of COVID-19 pandemic for countries with the most confirmed cases up to the end of 2020, i e the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and India The simulation considers the susceptible, exposed, infective, and the recovered cases of the disease Method: We employ the order RungeCKutta method to solve the SIER model equations-for modelling and forecasting the spread of the new coronavirus disease The parameters used in this work are based on the confirmed cases from the real data available for the countries reporting most cases up to December 29, 2020 Results: We extracted the coefficients of the exposed, infected, recovered and mortality rate of the SEIR model by fitting the collected real data of the new coronavirus disease up to December 29, 2020 in the countries with the most cases We predict the dates of the peak of the infection and the basic reproduction number for the countries studied here We foresee COVID-19 peaks in January-February 2021 in Brazil and the United Kingdom, and in February-March 2021 in France, Russia, and India, and in March-April 2021 in the United States Also, we find that the average value of the SARS-CoV-2 basic reproduction number is 2 1460 Conclusion: We find that the predicted peak infection of COVID-19 will happen in the first half of 2021 in the six considered countries The basic SARS-CoV-19 reproduction number values range within 1 0158C3 6642 without vaccination

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has become a pandemic affecting every country in the world. In the province of Bergamo, Italy, more than 2,200 cases of COVID-19 have been reported, which include more than 300 deaths. Most hospitalisations have been at the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital. This has imposed a significant burden on our hospital in terms of healthcare personnel, dedicated spaces (including intensive care areas) and time spent by clinicians, who are committed to assisting COVID-19 patients. In this short expert opinion, the authors will focus on new insights related to COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system, and try to investigate the grey areas and uncertainties in this field.

Background/Case Studies: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has left more than 650 000 diseased worldwide, without a specific treatment nor vaccine, leaving patients with risk factors, like cancer or severe illness, without therapeutic options Convalescent plasma, previously described in viral infections, has proved to be safe and effective Here, we describe our findings in specific donor population studied Study Design/Methods: Across social media, a call was made for COVID-19 recovered patients to donate convalescent plasma There were considered male donors and female donors with and without pregnancy records Volunteers were tested for IgG anti SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titers, HIV, HCV, HBV, Chagas disease, HTLV I and II, syphilis and were performed NAT for HIV, HBV and HCV All women and men with blood transfusions records had anti HLA antibodies measured The characteristics of age, sex, antibody titers, anti HLA antibodies, blood group, and its relationship with the severity of the infection are described Results/Findings: Data analysis included 864 patients tested 22,7% had IgG titers less than 1:320, while 31% had titers of 1:320, and 31% had titer at least 1:640 15,3% was deferred because microbiologic studies (8 donors) or anti HLA antibodies (124 patients) From group with less than 1:320, the average age was 37,5 years, 44,3% were women, and 100% had mild infection requiring no hospitalization, while the 1:320 titers group had an average age of 34 years, with a 50% of women For group with at least 1:640 titers, average age was 38 years, with a 44% of women The major proportion of donors with severe illness were fromO (+) factor From all tested women, a 26,6% had anti HLA (+) antibodies From 4 male donors with history of transfusion, 1 had anti HLA (+) antibodies Conclusions: In our population, 73% of potential donors had enough IgG antibodies to be collected Including women with pregnancy record, makes possible increase the universe of convalescent plasma donors