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The role of platelets in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) severity requires further exploration. To determine whether the platelet index is useful in predicting COVID-19 severity, we compared the platelet index in patients with higher and lower oxygen requirements (≥ 4 L/min vs. < 4 L/min) and patients without COVID-19. We also analyzed the time course of the platelet index in each group. A total of 285 patients with COVID-19 and 36 without COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Fussa Hospital were analyzed. After matching for oxygen requirement at admission, multivariate analysis was performed. Platelets (≤ 16.6 × 10 4 /μL) and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) (≥ 27.8%) were significant factors influencing severity. Based on these factors, we created the Fussa platelet score, and the group with a Fussa platelet score ≥ 2 was significantly more likely to reach the 4 L/min oxygen requirement (event-free survival: Fussa platelet score ≥ 2 versus < 2, P < 0.00000001). Analysis of platelet index by time period showed a significant increase from 6-10 days after onset. The Fussa platelet score can be measured quickly, easily, and inexpensively in a clinic and may be useful in determining need for transfer to a critical care hospital., (© 2024. Japanese Society of Hematology.)

Background: A high incidence of thromboembolic complications is one of the hallmarks of COVID-19. However, there may be a difference in the incidence of thromboembolic complications between Asian and Western people. In addition, few prospective studies have been conducted to determine the incidence of thromboembolic complications in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in medical wards in Japan., Methods: A single-center retrospective and prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of thromboembolic complications in symptomatic COVID-19 patients in a medical ward in a Japanese hospital. All 1116 consecutive COVID-19 patients who were admitted to our hospital from November 1, 2020, to October 26, 2021, were included. The primary outcome was any thromboembolic complications, which included venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and other arterial embolisms., Results: The median patient age was 50 (IQR, 37-61), 402 (36.0%) were women, 1005 (90.1%) were Japanese, the median body mass index was 24.1 (IQR, 21.6-27.2), and 43 (3.9%) had Padua scores of at least 4 points at admission. Regarding the severity of COVID-19, 543 (48.7%), 315 (28.2%), 204 (18.3%), and 54 (4.8%) patients had mild, moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19, respectively. Nine patients (0.8%) died, and 47 patients (4.2%) were transferred to other hospitals for intensive care. The primary outcome occurred in only 5 patients (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8) and consisted of 3 ischemic strokes, 2 limb ischemia events, and one asymptomatic pulmonary embolism. Even in the 204 patients with severe COVID-19, the prevalence of thromboembolic complications was only 2.5% (95% CI, 0.3-4.6)., Conclusion: Thromboembolic complications of COVID-19 are rare even in severe cases in a medical ward in a Japanese hospital. Further studies are needed to identify severe COVID-19 patients with a higher risk for thromboembolic complications in Japan., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding or conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

To date, few data are available regarding Adverse events (AEs) in cancer patients who are vaccinated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while being actively treated with Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to assess the safety of COVID-19 vaccines approved in Germany. Specifically, we investigated the frequency of general side effects and immune-related AEs of COVID-19 vaccination. A triage survey was used to collect the following information for patients with metastatic skin cancer: vaccine type, date of receipt of each dose of vaccine, and self-reported side effects. Clinical data were retrieved from the patients' medical records. Of 130 patients with metastatic skin cancer, 89 patients were on immunotherapy and received COVID-19 vaccination. Of these 89 patients (median age: 64 years; 57 [64%] men), 89% had melanoma, and 71% received ICI therapy with a PD-1 antibody. Eighty-eight percent received an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. The median follow-up time was 125 days after the first vaccination, and 84 days after the second. The most common observed side effects were mild to moderate pain at the injection site (40%), followed by fatigue (24%). Grade 3 irAEs were reported in eight patients, seven of whom were on nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination treatment. Of the 19 patients vaccinated within 72 h before/after ICI, five developed irAEs within 17 days (1-17 days). This small cohort study suggests that approved COVID-19 vaccinations are safe for use in cancer patients receiving ICIs. However, some precautions should be taken, especially regarding the timing of vaccination and ICI treatment., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction and Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly impacting the management of critical non-COVID conditions such as myocardial infarction (MI). This review aims to explore the alterations in the management of MI during the pandemic and assess how these changes have influenced patient outcomes. State of Knowledge: Numerous studies have reported delays in MI treatment during the pandemic due to healthcare resource reallocation towards COVID-19 care and patient hesitance in seeking timely medical help. Innovations such as telemedicine have been integrated into patient care to overcome barriers. However, these changes have varied impacts on clinical outcomes, including increased mortality and complication rates among MI patients during the pandemic. This review consolidates findings from recent studies focusing on altered treatment protocols, patient care strategies, and overall health system response during this period. Summary: The management of myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed substantial shifts, leading to both challenges and innovations in cardiac care. While some adjustments have provided temporary solutions, the overall impact on MI outcomes has highlighted the need for more resilient healthcare strategies that ensure the continuity of care for acute cardiac events during global health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition is a significant concern affecting the elderly, necessitating a complex assessment. This study aims to deepen the understanding of factors associated with the assessment of malnutrition in the elderly by comparing single- and multi-parameter approaches. In this cross-sectional study, 154 individuals underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Malnutrition risk was determined using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA). Additional factors assessed included sarcopenia, polypharmacy, depression, appetite, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Phase angle (PA) and body composition were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The MNA identified a malnutrition risk in 36.8% of individuals. The geriatric depression scale (GDS) and PA demonstrated moderate effectiveness in assessing malnutrition risk, with AUC values of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.60–0.78) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.54–0.72), respectively. A logistic regression model incorporating handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, depression, specific antidepressant use, mobility, appetite, and smoking achieved superior performance in predicting malnutrition risk, with an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77–0.91). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that integrating multiple parameters into a composite model provides a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of malnutrition risk in elderly adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dexamethasone (DEX) is a synthetic analogue of cortisol commonly used for the treatment of different pathological conditions, comprising cancer, ocular disorders, and COVID-19 infection. Its clinical use is hampered by the low solubility and severe side effects due to its systemic administration. The capability of peptide-based nanosystems, like hydrogels (HGs) and nanogels (NGs), to serve as vehicles for the passive targeting of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the selective internalization into leukemic cells has here been demonstrated. Peptide based HGs loaded with DEX were formulated via the "solvent-switch" method, using Fmoc-FF homopeptide as building block. Due to the tight interaction of the drug with the peptidic matrix, a significant stiffening of the gel (G′ = 67.9 kPa) was observed. The corresponding injectable NGs, obtained from the sub-micronization of the HG, in the presence of two stabilizing agents (SPAN®60 and TWEEN®60, 48/52 w/w), were found to be stable up to 90 days, with a mean diameter of 105 nm. NGs do not exhibit hemolytic effects on human serum, moreover they are selectively internalized by RS4;11 leukemic cells over healthy PBMCs, paving the way for the generation of new diagnostic strategies targeting onco-hematological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have an increased risk of thrombosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thrombosis is often attributed to increases in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and a shut-down of fibrinolysis (blood clot dissolution). Decreased urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a protease necessary for cell-associated plasmin generation, and increased tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and PAI-1 levels have been reported in COVID-19 patients. Because these factors can occur in free and complexed forms with differences in their biological functions, we examined the predictive impact of uPA, tPA, and PAI-1 in their free forms and complexes as a biomarker forCOVID-19 severity and the development of ARDS. In this retrospective study of 69 Japanese adults hospitalized with COVID-19 and 20 healthy donors, we found elevated free, non-complexed PAI-1 antigen, low circulating uPA, and uPA/ PAI-1 but not tPA/PAI-1 complex levels to be associatedwith COVID-19 severity and ARDS development. This biomarker profile was typical for patients in the complicated phase. Lack of PAI-1 activity in circulation despite free, noncomplexed PAI-1 protein and plasmin/a2anti-plasmin complex correlated with suPAR and sVCAM levels, markers indicating endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, uPA/PAI-1 complex levels positively correlated with TNFa, a cytokine reported to trigger inflammatory cell death and tissue damage. Those levels also positively correlated with lymphopenia and the pro-inflammatory factors interleukin1b (IL1b), IL6, and C-reactive protein, markers associated with the anti-viral inflammatory response. These findings argue for using uPA and uPA/PAI-1 as novel biomarkers to detect patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19, including ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the global aging, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected the place of death (PoD) in Japan, where hospital deaths have dominated for decades. We analyzed the PoD trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Methods: This nationwide observational study used vital statistics based on death certificates from Japan between 1951 and 2021. The proportion of PoD; deaths at home, hospitals, and nursing homes; and annual percentage change (APC) were estimated using joinpoint regression analysis. Analyses were stratified by age groups and causes of death. Results: After 2019, home deaths exhibited upward trends, while hospital death turned into downward trends. By age, no significant trend change was seen in the 0–19 age group, while hospital deaths decreased in the 20–64 age group in 2019. The trend change in home death in the ≥65 age group significantly increased since 2019 with an APC of 12.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.0 to 15.7), while their hospital death trends decreased by −4.0% (95% CI: −4.9 to −3.1) in 2019−2021. By cause of death, home death due to cancer and the old age increased since 2019 with an APC of 29.3% (95% CI: 25.4 to 33.2) and 8.8% (95% CI: 5.5 to 12.2), respectively. Conclusion: PoD has shifted from hospital to home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The majority of whom were older population with cancer or old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is driven by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which has led to an enormous burden on patient morbidity and mortality. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a significant role in various pulmonary diseases. Since SARS-CoV-2 utilizes the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 receptor to exert its virulence and pathogenicity, the RAAS is of particular importance in COVID 19. Methods: Our preliminary study investigates retrospectively the influence of selected ACE-polymorphisms (I/D location at intron 16 in the B-coding sequence (rs4646994) and A-240T (rs 4291) at the A-promoter) as well as ACE1 and ACE2 serum levels on disease severity and the inflammatory response in inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19. Results: Our study included 96 outpatients and 88 inpatients (65.9% male, mean age 60 years) with COVID-19 from April to December 2020 in four locations in Germany. Of the hospitalized patients, 88.6% participants were moderately ill (n = 78, 64% male, median age 60 years), and 11.4% participants were severely ill or deceased (n = 10, 90% male, median age 71 years). We found no polymorphism-related difference in disease, in age distribution, time to hospitalization and time of hospitalization for the inpatient group. ACE1 serum levels were significantly increased in the DD compared to the II polymorphism and in the TT compared to the AA polymorphism. There was no significant difference in ACE 1 serum levels l between moderately ill and severely ill patients. However, participants requiring oxygen supplementation had significantly elevated ACE1 levels compared to participants not requiring oxygen, with no difference in ACE2 levels whereas females had significantly higher ACE2 levels. Conclusions: Although there were no differences in the distribution of ACE polymorphisms in disease severity, we found increased proinflammatory regulation of the RAAS in patients with oxygen demand and increased serum ACE2 levels in women, indicating a possible enhanced anti-inflammatory immune response. Clinical trial registration: PreBiSeCov: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS-ID: DRKS00021591, Registered on 27th April 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation and inflammasomes have been proposed as important regulators of the host–microorganism interaction, playing a key role in morbidity and mortality due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in subjects with chronic conditions and compromised immune system. The inflammasome consists of a multiprotein complex that finely regulates the activation of caspase-1 and the production and secretion of potent pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18. The pyrin containing NOD (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) like receptor (NLRP) is a family of intracellular receptors, sensing patterns associated to pathogens or danger signals and NLRP3 inflammasome is the most deeply analyzed for its involvement in the innate and adaptive immune system as well as its contribution to several autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It is highly expressed in leukocytes and up-regulated in sentinel cells upon inflammatory stimuli. NLRP3 expression has also been reported in B and T lymphocytes, in epithelial cells of oral and genital mucosa, in specific parenchymal cells as cardiomyocytes, and keratinocytes, and chondrocytes. It is well known that a dysregulated activation of the inflammasome is involved in the pathogenesis of different disorders that share the common red line of inflammation in their pathogenetic fingerprint. Here, we review the potential roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular events, liver damage, pulmonary diseases, and in that wide range of systemic inflammatory syndromes named as a cytokine storm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 was initially considered a primary respiratory disorder associated with various short- and long-term complications, affecting many patients and imposing a significant burden. Patients who have dementia are especially vulnerable to the SARS-CoV2 infection, which is associated with an increased risk for neuropsychiatric complications. These patients need a unique approach to managing ethical issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including autonomy, veracity, non-maleficence, justice, compassion, and dignity. The latter is one of the most elusive and misunderstood concepts in medical ethics and is extremely important in debates surrounding the proper management of patients with dementia. However, it is often left out of ethical analysis, as most clinicians, when debating issues associated with clinical practice, often evaluate only the "classical" principles of biomedical ethics. In this article, we aim to assess the unique features of dignity in treating this group of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will briefly analyze dignity as a bioethical concept. We will further explore its principal axes, namely compassion, creating a humane and purposeful environment, employing persuasion to meet the person's essential needs, exerting a certain degree of mild restraint to meet the person's critical needs, minimizing harm in terminal care, and justice, through the lens of people who had dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying this principle in clinical practice requires significant commitment from all healthcare workers. New approaches to the analysis of dignity, such as through the Ring Theory of Personhood, may facilitate its understanding by practitioners and aid its implementation in populations with multiple vulnerabilities, such as dementia patients, during an infectious outbreak that generates significant social and medical changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread, with thrombotic complications being increasingly frequently reported. Although thrombosis is frequently complicated in septic patients, there are some differences in the thrombosis noted with COVID-19 and that noted with bacterial infections. The incidence (6–26%) of thrombosis varied among reports in patients with COVID-19; the incidences of venous thromboembolism and acute arterial thrombosis were 4.8–21.0% and 0.7–3.7%, respectively. Although disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is frequently associated with bacterial infections, a few cases of DIC have been reported in association with COVID-19. Fibrin-related markers, such as D-dimer levels, are extremely high in bacterial infections, whereas soluble C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (sCLEC-2) levels are high in COVID-19, suggesting that hypercoagulable and hyperfibrinolytic states are predominant in bacterial infections, whereas hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolytic states with platelet activation are predominant in COVID-19. Marked platelet activation, hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolytic states may cause thrombosis in patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although it is common knowledge that the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and other viral infections have an uneven impact globally, the reasons for this are still indistinct. The absence of equivalent capacities worldwide in screening, testing, and reporting of cases is one of the ideas put forward to explain this discrepancy. The molecular developments are noteworthy, particularly the role played by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACEs (ACE1 and ACE2). The virus can enter the host cell thanks to the transmembrane protein ACE2, which is a homolog of ACE1. Objectives. With a focus on the I/D genotype of ACE1 and the rs2285666 SNV of ACE2, we elucidated the prevalence of SNPs in ACE1 and ACE2 in various geographic locations. We examined the relationship between these SNPs and the global patterns of COVID-19 prevalence. Methods. 66 of the 127 articles obtained using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google directly conformed to the search terms; geographical distribution of viral infections, the prevalence of COVID-19, ACE1, ACE2, SNPs, and prevalence of the DD genotype, and rs2285666. Results. The DD genotype of ACE1 and the rs2285666 SNV of ACE2 are vital in their gene expression and contribute greatly to viral disease susceptibility, development, and severity. There was generally a high prevalence of the DD genotype in Europe and America, where COVID-19 had a more devastating effect than in Asia and Africa. The prevalence of the SNV rs2285666 varied in the following order: East Asia> South Asia >America>Europe >Africa. However, there were conflicting agreements in the association of rs2285666 with COVID-19 susceptibility and prevalence. Conclusion. The ACE1 DD genotype and COVID-19 prevalence have been positively linked in a number of studies. The ACE2 rs2285666 SNV, however, has yielded no definitive results. To determine the relationship between these SNVs and COVID-19 incidence, more research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are the consequence of a breach in immune tolerance, leading to the inability to sufficiently differentiate between self and non-self. Immune reactions that are targeted towards self-antigens can ultimately lead to the destruction of the host's cells and the development of autoimmune diseases. Although autoimmune disorders are comparatively rare, the worldwide incidence and prevalence is increasing, and they have major adverse implications for mortality and morbidity. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be the major factors contributing to the development of autoimmunity. Viral infections are one of the environmental triggers that can lead to autoimmunity. Current research suggests that several mechanisms, such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and bystander activation, can cause viral-induced autoimmunity. Here we describe the latest insights into the pathomechanisms of viral-induced autoimmune diseases and discuss recent findings on COVID-19 infections and the development of AIDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 that emerged in late 2019 causes a respiratory tract infection and has currently resulted in more than 627 million confirmed cases and over 6.58 million deaths worldwide up to October 2022. The highest death rate caused by COVID-19 is in older people, especially those with comorbidities. This evidence presents a challenge for biomedical research on aging and also identifies some key players in inflammation, including mast cells and platelets, which could represent important markers and, at the same time, unconventional therapeutic targets. Studies have shown a decrease in the diversity of gut microbiota composition in the elderly, particularly a reduced abundance of butyrate-producing species, and COVID-19 patients manifest faecal microbiome alterations, with an increase in opportunistic pathogens and a depletion of commensal beneficial microorganisms. The main purpose of this narrative review is to highlight how an altered condition of the gut microbiota, especially in the elderly, could be an important factor and have a strong impact in the lung homeostasis and COVID-19 phenomenon, jointly to the activation of mast cells and platelets, and also affect the outcomes of the pathology. Therefore, a targeted and careful control of the intestinal microbiota could represent a complementary intervention to be implemented for the management and the challenge against COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical health systems continue to be challenged due to newly emerging COVID-19, and there is an urgent need for alternative approaches for treatment. An increasing number of clinical observations indicate cytokine storms to be associated with COVID-19 severity and also to be a significant cause of death among COVID-19 patients. Cytokine storm involves the extensive proliferative and hyperactive activity of T and macrophage cells and the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Stem cells are the type of cell having self-renewal properties and giving rise to differentiated cells. Currently, stem cell therapy is an exciting and promising therapeutic approach that can treat several diseases that were considered incurable in the past. It may be possible to develop novel methods to treat various diseases by identifying stem cells' growth and differentiation factors. Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in medicine is anticipated to be highly effective. The present review article is organized to put forward the positive arguments and implications in support of mesenchymal stem cell therapy as an alternative therapy to cytokine storms, to combat COVID-19. Using the immunomodulatory potential of the MSCs, it is possible to fight against COVID-19 and counterbalance the cytokine storm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric materials are used for personal protective equipment (PPE), which is mandatory for clinicians to use when handling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The development of diagnostic tools and vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is also dependent on polymer technology. This current report aims to provide readers with the trend of polymer research regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, by employing bibliometric analysis. A literature search on the Scopus database (31 January 2022) was carried out using predetermined terms. Using Scopus database features, the publications were filtered based on the year of publication (2020–2022), types of articles (original research and review), and language (English). The metadata were extracted in a CSV (.csv) file, to be later used in VOSviewer software. The data were presented in a table, graph, and network visualization. As many as 512 publications were included, consisting of 66.4% original research articles and 33.6% review articles. Most of the publications were written by authors whose affiliation was in the United States (n = 118, 23%) and covering the Materials Science subject area (n = 142, 27.7%). The Ministry of Education of China was the most productive organization, publishing 11 articles. The National Science Foundation of China was the top funding source, supporting 45 publications. Heinz C. Schröder was the most prolific author, publishing nine articles. Science of the Total Environment was the leading journal publishing the included studies. The trend of polymer technology related to COVID-19 mostly covers PPE and waste-management themes. The use of polymer technology as a delivery system for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 vaccine is also among the frequently researched areas. We encourage more research in the field of polymer technology be carried out, to overcome the global pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While thrombosis is a well-known complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, reports on intestinal necrosis due to intestinal ischemia caused by thrombosis are extremely rare. We herein report a case of intestinal necrosis due to multiple thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient. Case presentation: The patient was a 64-year-old man. He was admitted to hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the severity was classified as moderate II. Nasal High Flow™ management was conducted along with treatment with tocilizumab, remdesivir, and dexamethasone. Heparin was also administered due to high D-dimer values. As abdominal pain appeared from the 6th day of hospitalization, contrast-enhanced CT was performed, which confirmed multiple thrombosis in the aorta. However, no obvious intestinal ischemia was found. On the 10th day of hospitalization, the patient's abdominal pain was exacerbated. Upon re-evaluation by CT, he was diagnosed with perforative peritonitis due to ileal ischemic necrosis and emergency surgery was performed. Intraoperative examination revealed perforation due to necrosis at multiple sites in the ileum; thus, partial ileectomy was carried out. Pathological findings also revealed discontinuous multiple intestinal necrosis due to the frequent occurrence of thrombosis. Following surgery, the patient recuperated and was discharged after ventilator management and multimodal therapy at the ICU. Conclusions: Thrombosis due to COVID-19 complications is rare in the intestinal tract, but also occur. Its initial symptoms might not be captured by CT images, therefore caution is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use and outcomes of cardiac procedures among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain. (2) Methods: We used national hospital discharge data to select patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of COPD from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. (3) Results: The number of COPD patients hospitalized in 2019 who underwent a cardiac procedure was 4483, 16.2% higher than in 2020 (n = 3757). The length of hospital stay was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2019 (9.37 vs. 10.13 days; p = 0.004), and crude in-hospital mortality (IHM) was significantly higher (5.32% vs. 4.33%; p = 0.035). Multivariable logistic regression models to assess the differences in IHM from 2019 to 2020 showed Odds Ratio (OR) values over 1, suggesting a higher risk of dying in 2020 compared to in 2019. However, the ORs were only statistically significant for "any cardiac procedure" (1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.47). The Charlson comorbidity index increased IHM for each of the procedures analyzed. The probability of IHM was higher for women and older patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft or open valve replacement procedures. Suffering a COVID-19 infection was associated with significantly higher mortality after cardiac procedures. (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic limited the access to healthcare for patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: One of the most common laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients has been observed to be hypercoagulability with elevated D-dimer levels. An activation of thrombosis may be generated by hyperglycemia. We aimed to explore the association between D-dimer and in-hospital outcomes, and evaluate the synergistic effect between elevated D-dimer and hyperglycemia on COVID-19 prognosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken with 2467 COVID-19 inpatients. D-dimer and fasting blood glucose (FBG) on admission and adverse in-hospital outcomes (events of death and aggravated severity) were collected. Cox proportional risk model was performed to assess the association of D-dimer and adverse in-hospital outcomes, and the combined effects of D-dimer and FBG. Results: Among these COVID-19 patients, 1100 (44.6%) patients had high D-dimer (≥ 0.50 mg/L). Patients with high D-dimer were older, with higher FBG (≥ 7.00 mmol/L), and had significantly higher adjusted risk of adverse in-hospital outcomes when comparing with those who with D-dimer< 0.50 mg/L (hazard ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.46– 5.11). Moreover, patients with high FBG and D-dimer levels had an increasing risk (hazard ratio, 5.72; 95% confidence interval: 2.65– 12.34) than those with normal FBG and D-dimer. Conclusion: Risk of adverse in-hospital outcomes is higher among patients with high D-dimer levels. Additionally, this study found for the first time that elevated D-dimer and hyperglycemia had a synergistic effect on COVID-19 prognosis, and this risk was independent of diabetes history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusion in a patient infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who was treated by endovascular thrombectomy. The patient was a 41-year-old man hospitalized with moderately severe COVID-19. Fourteen days after the onset of COVID-19, dysarthria and right hemiplegia were observed, and acute occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery was diagnosed. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed with a stent retriever while the patient was under local anesthesia and sedation. The staff involved in the intervention was as minimal as possible. The interventional surgeon wore a disposable surgical gown, an N95 mask, a face shield, and two pairs of gloves, while the patient was fitted with a surgical mask. The intervention involved the usual procedures, such as sheath insertion, catheter manipulation, and stent deployment, and the thrombus was removed with the stent retriever. The time from puncture to recanalization was within 30 minutes. No infection was observed in our staff or inpatients after the intervention. Thus, we were able to perform neuroendovascular treatment without spreading COVID-19 by taking appropriate measures to prevent infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Limited data are available regarding the prevalence of thrombotic/cardiovascular disease and treatment patterns for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan. In this study we describe patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Japan. Methods: This retrospective database study analyzed the Japan Medical Data Vision database (416 acute care hospitals) for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 during the identification period from 1 January 1 to 30 September 2020. Results: Among 9282 eligible patients, 832 (9%) had developed thrombotic disease including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, deep vein thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. Intriguingly, 171(1.8%) had two thrombotic events and 25 (0.3%) had three or four thrombotic events at the same time. The data also showed that arterial thrombotic events accounted for 77% of total thrombotic events. Anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medication was provided to 3312 patients. Even with antithrombotic medication, 21.2% of patients suffered from thrombotic diseases. Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 could experience thrombotic complications in every blood vessel. Further optimization of medication is crucial for preventing thrombotic complications and improving prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Obesity is epidemiologically and likely, causally related to various hematological cancers, while both conditions may predispose to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a variety of obstacles with respect to numerous aspects in the management of hematological malignancies. In the present overview, the evidence linking obesity with the development of hematological cancers and their role as risk factors for severe COVID-19 is critically appraised. Furthermore, the various challenges which emerged during the the pandemic are reviewed, regarding not only the treatment of the underlying hematological malignancies themselves, but also the prevention and therapeutic management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this patient group. Lastly, we discuss further unresolved issues which need to be addressed in order to optimize the management of patients with hematologic cancers in the course of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an unprecedented societal and healthcare system crisis, considerably affecting healthcare workers and patients, particularly those with chronic diseases. Patients with hematologic malignancies faced a variety of challenges, pertinent to the nature of an underlying hematologic disorder itself as well as its therapy as a risk factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, suboptimal vaccine efficacy and the need for uninterrupted medical observation and continued therapy. Obesity constitutes another factor which was acknowledged since the early days of the pandemic that predisposed people to severe COVID-19, and shares a likely causal link with the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of hematologic cancers. We review here the epidemiologic and pathogenetic features that obesity and hematologic malignancies share, as well as potential mutual pathophysiological links predisposing people to a more severe SARS-CoV-2 course. Additionally, we attempt to present the existing evidence on the multi-faceted crucial challenges that had to be overcome in this diverse patient group and discuss further unresolved questions and future challenges for the management of hematologic malignancies in the era of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and aid restoration to prepandemic normality, global mass vaccination is urgently needed. Inducing herd immunity through mass vaccination has proven to be a highly effective strategy for preventing the spread of many infectious diseases, which protects the most vulnerable population groups that are unable to develop immunity, such as people with immunodeficiencies or weakened immune systems due to underlying medical or debilitating conditions. In achieving global outreach, the maintenance of the vaccine potency, transportation, and needle waste generation become major issues. Moreover, needle phobia and vaccine hesitancy act as hurdles to successful mass vaccination. The use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination could act as a major paradigm shift in attaining the desired goal to vaccinate billions in the shortest time possible. In addressing these points, we discuss the potential of the use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination based on the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that the appropriate production of serum anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) neutralizing antibody (nAb) plays a critical role in the recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the role of nAb production in the recovery from a flare-up of chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has been unknown. We here report the first retrospectively investigated case of serum anti-SARS-Cov-2 nAb production during chronic ITP flare-up triggered by COVID-19. A 79-year-old woman with a history of corticosteroid-refractory ITP visited our hospital complaining of fever, cough, and sore throat for 4 days. Although chronic ITP was controlled by 12.5 mg of eltrombopag (EPAG) every other day, laboratory tests showed a decreased peripheral blood platelet count of 15.0 × 109/L, which indicated worsening thrombocytopenia. Meanwhile, PCR testing of a nasopharyngeal swab revealed that the patient was positive for SARS-Cov-2, and a computed tomography scan revealed bilateral pneumonia. On the basis of the flare-up of chronic ITP associated with COVID-19 pneumonia which was determined as a moderately severe status according to the WHO clinical progression scale, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for 5 days (days 0– 4) and antiviral therapy were added on top of EPAG, which only resulted in a transient increase in the platelet count for several days. After decreasing to 8.0 × 109/L on day 13, the platelet count increased from day 16, coinciding with a positive detection for serum nAb against SARS-Cov-2. Although the increased dose up to 50 mg/day of EPAG was challenged during the clinical course, rapid dose reduction did not cause another relapse. In addition, no thrombotic or bleeding event was seen. These collectively suggest the vital role of the production of anti-SARS-Cov-2 nAb and improvement of clinical symptoms for recovery from a flare-up of chronic ITP in our case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is frequently complicated by thrombosis. In some cases of severe COVID-19, fibrinolysis may be markedly enhanced within a few days, resulting in fatal bleeding. In the treatment of COVID-19, attention should be paid to both coagulation activation and fibrinolytic activation. Various thromboses are known to occur after vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) can occur after adenovirus-vectored vaccination, and is characterized by the detection of anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and thrombosis in unusual locations such as cerebral venous sinuses and visceral veins. Treatment comprises high-dose immunoglobulin, argatroban, and fondaparinux. Some VITT cases show marked decreases in fibrinogen and platelets and marked increases in D-dimer, suggesting the presence of enhanced-fibrinolytic-type disseminated intravascular coagulation with a high risk of bleeding. In the treatment of VITT, evaluation of both coagulation activation and fibrinolytic activation is important, adjusting treatments accordingly to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing experimental evidence that many respiratory viruses—including influenza and SARS-CoV-2—can interact, such that their epidemiological dynamics may not be independent. To assess these interactions, standard statistical tests of independence suggest that the prevalence ratio—defined as the ratio of co-infection prevalence to the product of single-infection prevalences—should equal unity for non-interacting pathogens. As a result, earlier epidemiological studies aimed to estimate the prevalence ratio from co-detection prevalence data, under the assumption that deviations from unity implied interaction. To examine the validity of this assumption, we designed a simulation study that built on a broadly applicable epidemiological model of co-circulation of two emerging or seasonal respiratory viruses. By focusing on the pair influenza–SARS-CoV-2, we first demonstrate that the prevalence ratio systematically underestimates the strength of interaction, and can even misclassify antagonistic or synergistic interactions that persist after clearance of infection. In a global sensitivity analysis, we further identify properties of viral infection—such as a high reproduction number or a short infectious period—that blur the interaction inferred from the prevalence ratio. Altogether, our results suggest that ecological or epidemiological studies based on co-detection prevalence data provide a poor guide to assess interactions among respiratory viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) harboring nucleotide changes (mutations) in the spike gene have emerged and are spreading rapidly. These mutations are associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility, virulence, or resistance to some neutralizing antibodies. Thus, the accurate detection of spike mutants is crucial for controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission and identifying neutralizing antibody-resistance caused by amino acid changes in the receptor-binding domain. Here, we developed five SARS-CoV-2 spike gene primer pairs (5-SSG primer assay; 69S, 144S, 417S, 484S, and 570S) and verified their ability to detect nine key spike mutations (ΔH69/V70, T95I, G142D, ΔY144, K417T/N, L452R, E484K/Q, N501Y, and H655Y) using a Sanger sequencing-based assay. The 5-SSG primer assay showed 100% specificity and a conservative limit of detection with a median tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) values of 1.4 × 102 TCID50/mL. The accuracy of the 5-SSG primer assay was confirmed by next generation sequencing. The results of these two approaches showed 100% consistency. Taken together, the ability of the 5-SSG primer assay to accurately detect key SARS-CoV-2 spike mutants is reliable. Thus, it is a useful tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 spike gene mutants in a clinical setting, thereby helping to improve the management of patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cardiovascular system and the central nervous system (CNS) closely cooperate in the regulation of primary vital functions. The autonomic nervous system and several compounds known as cardiovascular factors, especially those targeting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), the vasopressin system (VPS), and the oxytocin system (OTS), are also efficient modulators of several other processes in the CNS. The components of the RAS, VPS, and OTS, regulating pain, emotions, learning, memory, and other cognitive processes, are present in the neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels of the CNS. Increasing evidence shows that the combined function of the RAS, VPS, and OTS is altered in neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases, and in particular in patients with depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, autism, and schizophrenia. The altered function of the RAS may also contribute to CNS disorders in COVID-19. In this review, we present evidence that there are multiple causes for altered combined function of the RAS, VPS, and OTS in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as genetic predispositions and the engagement of the RAS, VAS, and OTS in the processes underlying emotions, memory, and cognition. The neuroactive pharmaceuticals interfering with the synthesis or the action of angiotensins, vasopressin, and oxytocin can improve or worsen the effectiveness of treatment for neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases. Better knowledge of the multiple actions of the RAS, VPS, and OTS may facilitate programming the most efficient treatment for patients suffering from the comorbidity of neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, over-activation of innate immunity in response to viral or bacterial infections often causes severe illness and death. Furthermore, similar mechanisms related to innate immunity can cause pathogenesis and death in sepsis, massive trauma (including surgery and burns), ischemia/reperfusion, some toxic lesions, and viral infections including COVID-19. Based on the reviewed observations, we suggest that such severe outcomes may be manifestations of a controlled suicidal strategy protecting the entire population from the spread of pathogens and from dangerous pathologies rather than an aberrant hyperstimulation of defense responses. We argue that innate immunity may be involved in the implementation of an altruistic programmed death of an organism aimed at increasing the well-being of the whole community. We discuss possible ways to suppress this atavistic program by interfering with innate immunity and suggest that combating this program should be a major goal of future medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]