scholarly journals The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Development of Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Dziedzic ◽  
Joanna Saluk-Bijak ◽  
Elzbieta Miller ◽  
Marcin Niemcewicz ◽  
Michal Bijak
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global challenge. Currently, there is some information on the consequences of COVID-19 infection in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, as it is a newly discovered coronavirus, but its far-reaching effects on participation in neurodegenerative diseases seem to be significant. Recent cases reports showed that SARS-CoV-2 may be responsible for initiating the demyelination process in people who previously had no symptoms associated with any nervous system disorders. It is presently known that infection of SARS-CoV-2 evokes cytokine storm syndrome, which may be one of the factors leading to the acute cerebrovascular disease. One of the substantial problems is the coexistence of cerebrovascular disease and MS in an individual’s life span. Epidemiological studies showed an enhanced risk of death rate from vascular disabilities in MS patients of approximately 30%. It has been demonstrated that patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection usually show increased levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and overactivation of blood platelets, which are essential elements of prothrombotic events. In this review, the latest knowledge gathered during an ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the neurodegeneration processes in MS is discussed.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of acute appendicitis in China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZhiXue Zheng ◽  
Jing Tao Bi ◽  
Ya Qi Liu ◽  
Xuan Cai
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Onset Time ◽  
The Novel ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Hospital Visits ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective This research aims to analyze the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the hospital visits of patients with acute appendicitis. Methods The retrospective analysis was designed to look at the treatment of acute appendicitis in the Department of General Surgery in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2020). Data was analyzed by the numbers of patients, sex, age, onset time, fever or not, laboratory examination, imaging test, and treatment. And we analyzed the differences between the “pre-COVID group” and “during-COVID group”. Results Compared with the year 2019, the number of acute appendicitis patients has diminished substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), but the number elevated with the control of the pandemic. Even if we did not find the differences of the treatment before and during the pandemic (P = 0.932), the onset time to emergency was significantly longer (P < 0.001), and more patients had showed fever (P < 0.001) during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the total number of white blood cells and C reactive protein level were significantly higher in 2020 than those in 2019 (P = 0.006, 0.003). And the same result was found in patients with appendiceal fecalith (P = 0.047). Conclusion During the pandemic of the new coronavirus pneumonia, the number of patients with acute appendix treatment dropped significantly, mainly because it took longer than before, and the condition was more severe. It can be seen that the new coronary pneumonia has a great impact on the patients’ medical treatment behavior, and the active prevention and treatment of the new coronavirus pneumonia is currently an important and urgent issue.

scholarly journals Increased Pro-Thrombotic Platelet Activity Associated with Thrombin/PAR1-Dependent Pathway Disorder in Patients with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7722
Author(s):  
Angela Dziedzic ◽  
Elzbieta Miller ◽  
Michal Bijak ◽  
Lukasz Przyslo ◽  
Joanna Saluk-Bijak
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Apolipoprotein A1 ◽  
Platelet Activity ◽  
Activation Markers

Epidemiological studies confirm the high risk of ischemic events in multiple sclerosis (MS) that are associated with increased pro-thrombotic activity of blood platelets. The most potent physiological platelet agonist is thrombin, which activates platelets via cleavage of specific protease-activated receptors (PARs). Our current study is aimed to determine the potential genetics and proteomic abnormalities of PAR1 in both platelets and megakaryocytes, which may have thromboembolic consequences in the course of MS. The obtained results were correlated with the expression level of platelet and megakaryocyte transcripts for APOA1 and A2M genes encoding atherosclerosis biomarkers: apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and α-2-macroglobulin (α2M), respectively. Moreover, PAR1 functionality in MS platelets was assessed by flow cytometry, determining the level of platelet–platelet and platelet–leukocyte aggregates, platelet microparticles and surface expression of P-selectin. As a PAR1 agonist, the synthetic TRAP-6 peptide was used, which made it possible to achieve platelet activation in whole blood without triggering clotting. Comparative analyses showed an elevated level of platelet activation markers in the blood of MS patients compared to controls. The mRNA expression of gene coding α2M was upregulated, whilst ApoA1 was down-regulated, both in platelets and megakaryocytes from MS patients. Furthermore, we observed an increase in both mRNA expression and surface density of PAR1 in platelets and megakaryocytes in MS compared to controls. Both the level of platelet activation markers and PAR1 expression showed a high correlation with the expression of transcripts for APOA1 and A2M genes.

Turning Calamity into Opportunity: COVID-19 & Dental Practice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpit Sikri
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Preventive Methods ◽  
Viable Treatment

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global challenge. Even after extensive research going on globally, an effective vaccine and other viable treatment options have eluded investigators. Therefore, guidelines by the higher authorities and following the precautions as well as protocols provide the best approach in controlling the spread of the disease. In this article, various treatment modalities, preventive methods, and transmission routes of COVID-19 are discussed along with the impact of COVID-19 in dental practice and remedial measures to fight against the same.

scholarly journals The impact of calcitriol and estradiol on the SARS-CoV-2 biological activity: a molecular modeling approach

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Mansouri ◽  
Rasoul Kowsar ◽  
Mostafa Zakariazadeh ◽  
Hassan Hakimi ◽  
Akio Miyamoto
Keyword(s):  
Active Site ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Computational Data ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently a big concern around the world. Recent reports show that the disease severity and mortality of COVID-19 infected patients may vary from gender to gender with a very high risk of death for seniors. In addition, some steroid structures have been reported to affect coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, function and activity. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells depends on the binding of coronavirus spike protein to angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). Viral main protease is essential for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. It was hypothesized that steroid molecules (e.g., estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone and calcitriol) could occupy the active site of the protease and could alter the interaction of spike protein with ACE2. Computational data showed that estradiol interacted more strongly with the main protease active site. In the presence of calcitriol, the binding energy of the spike protein to ACE2 was increased, and transferring Apo to Locked S conformer of spike trimer was facilitated. Together, the interaction between spike protein and ACE2 can be disrupted by calcitriol. Potential use of estradiol and calcitriol to reduce virus invasion and replication needs clinical investigation.

scholarly journals Impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic wave on the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Register population

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 276
Author(s):  
Peter M. Fernandes ◽  
Martin O'Neill ◽  
Patrick K.A. Kearns ◽  
Sinforosa Pizzo ◽  
Chrissie Watters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Alert System ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
The Past ◽  
Disease Modifying Therapy ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Scottish Population ◽  
Clinical Diagnoses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pandemic Wave

Background: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major current concern, in particular the risk of death. Here we describe the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 infections (Mar 2020-July 2020) on the Scottish MS Register (SMSR) population, a cohort of 4702 individuals with MS, all newly diagnosed in the past decade. Methods: We established a clinician alert system, linking the SMSR with the Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS). This allows identification of patients within this cohort who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. The SMSR was also linked to death records from National Records Scotland. Results: Of 4702 people with MS, 246 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR tests were performed, of which 17 were positive. The proportion of positive tests were similar to the general Scotland population (Observed PCR confirmed cases = 17, expected = 17.5, O/E = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.60 – 1.56, p=.90). Between 1st March – 31st July 2020 12 individuals on the SMSR died, 5 of which were linked to COVID-19 (1 PCR confirmed, 4 clinical diagnoses without PCR confirmation). This number of COVID-19-related deaths was higher than expected (observed deaths = 5, expected deaths = 1.2, O/E = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.48 – 8.94, p=.01). All COVID-19-related deaths in the SMSR occurred in individuals with advanced disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≥7), and no deaths occurred in patients receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT) therapies. Conclusion: In this nationally comprehensive cohort of MS patients diagnosed in Scotland within the past 10 years, we observed similar rates of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general Scottish population, but a small number of excess COVID-19 related deaths. These deaths occurred in individuals with advanced disability who were not receiving DMTs.

scholarly journals MS, pregnancy and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1137-1146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charmaine Yam ◽  
Vilija Jokubaitis ◽  
Kerstin Hellwig ◽  
Ruth Dobson
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Pregnant Woman ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Relative Paucity ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Current Advice

Concerns regarding infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 leading to COVID-19 are particularly marked for pregnant women with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). There is currently a relative paucity of information to guide advice given to and the clinical management of these individuals. Much of the limited available data around COVID-19 and pregnancy derives from the obstetric literature, and as such, neurologists may not be familiar with the general principles underlying current advice. In this article, we discuss the impact of potential infection on the pregnant woman, the impact on her baby, the impact of the current pandemic on antenatal care, and the interaction between COVID-19, MS and pregnancy. This review provides a framework for neurologists to use to guide the individualised advice given to both pregnant women with MS, and those women with MS who are considering pregnancy. This includes evidence derived from previous novel coronavirus infections, and emerging evidence from the current pandemic.

scholarly journals Focusing on the Efficacy of Tizanidine in the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic

2001 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Author(s):  
Thomas F. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Improved Function ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT The use of tizanidine is well established in spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury, and cerebrovascular disease. Refinement of the use oftizanidine in these areas is ongoing. To date, most large studies have focused primarily on measurement of changes in abnormalities of tone and spasm frequency rather than changes related to improved function. More detailed studies may help to better elucidate the impact of tizanidine and other spasticity treatments on activities of daily living and overall quality of life of MS patients. (Int J MS Care. 2001; 3(1): 29–31)

scholarly journals Pro-Thrombotic Activity of Blood Platelets in Multiple Sclerosis

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Saluk-Bijak ◽  
Angela Dziedzic ◽  
Michal Bijak
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Vascular Integrity ◽  
Oxidative Processes ◽  
Specific Membrane

The available data, including experimental studies, clearly indicate an excessive intravascular activation of circulating platelets in multiple sclerosis (MS) and their hyper-responsiveness to a variety of physiological activators. Platelet activation is manifested as an increased adhesion and aggregation and is accompanied by the formation of pro-thrombotic microparticles. Activated blood platelets also show an expression of specific membrane receptors, synthesis many of biomediators, and generation of reactive oxygen species. Epidemiological studies confirm the high risk of stroke or myocardial infarction in MS that are ischemic incidents, strictly associated with incorrect platelet functions and their over pro-thrombotic activity. Chronic inflammation and high activity of pro-oxidative processes in the course of MS are the main factors identified as the cause of excessive platelet activation. The primary biological function of platelets is to support vascular integrity, but the importance of platelets in inflammatory diseases is also well documented. The pro-thrombotic activity of platelets and their inflammatory properties play a part in the pathophysiology of MS. The analysis of platelet function capability in MS could provide useful information for studying the pathogenesis of this disease. Due to the complexity of pathological processes in MS, medication must be multifaceted and blood platelets can probably be identified as new targets for therapy in the future.

scholarly journals Hypertension is the major predictor of poor outcomes among inpatients with COVID-19 infection in the UK: a retrospective cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e047561
Author(s):  
Ansu Basu ◽  
Juliana Chizo Agwu ◽  
Nicola Barlow ◽  
Brian Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Social Deprivation ◽  
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽  
Inpatient Mortality ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases on inpatient mortality from COVID-19, and its relationship to ethnicity and social deprivation.DesignRetrospective, single-centre observational studySettingBirmingham, UK.Participants907 hospitalised patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from a multi-ethnic community, admitted between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020.Main outcome measuresThe primary analysis was an evaluation of cardiovascular conditions and diabetes in relation to ethnicity and social deprivation, with the end-point of inpatient death or death within 30 days of discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate HRs while adjusting for confounders.Results361/907 (39.8%) died in hospital or within 30 days of discharge. The presence of diabetes and hypertension together appears to confer the greatest mortality risk (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.80 to 4.21; p<0.001) compared with either condition alone. Age >65 years (OR 3.32; 95% CI 2.15 to 5.11), male sex (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.82), hypertension (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.61) and cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.31 to 2.68) were independently associated with increased risk of death. The mortality risk did not differ between the quintiles of deprivation. High-sensitivity troponin I was the best predictor of mortality among biomarkers (OR 4.43; 95% CI 3.10 to 7.10). Angiotensin-receptor blockers (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.96) and ACE inhibitors (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97) were not associated with adverse outcome. The Charlson Index of Comorbidity scores were significantly higher in non-survivors.ConclusionsThe combined prevalence of hypertension and diabetes appears to confer the greatest risk, where diabetes may have a modulating effect. Hypertension and cerebrovascular disease had a significant impact on inpatient mortality. Social deprivation and ethnicity did not have any effect once the patient was in hospital.

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