Community-acquired respiratory viral infections (CARV) significantly impact patients with hematological malignancies (HM), leading to high morbidity and mortality. However, large-scale, real-world data on CARV in these patients is limited. This study analyzed data from the EPICOVIDEHA-EPIFLUEHA registry, focusing on patients with HM diagnosed with CARV during the 2023-2024 autumn-winter season. The study assessed epidemiology, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes. The study examined 1312 patients with HM diagnosed with CARV during the 2023-2024 autumn-winter season. Of these, 59.5% required hospitalization, with 13.5% needing ICU admission. The overall mortality rate was 10.6%, varying by virus: parainfluenza (21.3%), influenza (8.8%), metapneumovirus (7.1%), RSV (5.9%), or SARS-CoV-2 (5.0%). Poor outcomes were significantly associated with smoking history, severe lymphopenia, secondary bacterial infections, and ICU admission. This study highlights the severe risk CARV poses to patients with HM, especially those undergoing active treatment. The high rates of hospitalization and mortality stress the need for better prevention, early diagnosis, and targeted therapies. Given the severe outcomes with certain viruses like parainfluenza, tailored strategies are crucial to improving patient outcomes in future CARV seasons.
- MeSH
- Influenza, Human epidemiology mortality complications MeSH
- COVID-19 * epidemiology mortality complications MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Hematologic Neoplasms * mortality epidemiology MeSH
- Hospitalization MeSH
- Respiratory Tract Infections * epidemiology virology MeSH
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections epidemiology mortality complications MeSH
- Community-Acquired Infections epidemiology mortality MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Metapneumovirus isolation & purification MeSH
- Registries MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Seasons * MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) autocatalytically releases itself out of the viral polyprotein to form a fully active mature dimer in a manner that is not fully understood. Here, we introduce several tools to help elucidate differences between cis (intramolecular) and trans (intermolecular) proteolytic processing and to evaluate inhibition of precursor Mpro. We found that many mutations at the P1 position of the N-terminal autoprocessing site do not block cis autoprocessing but do inhibit trans processing. Notably, substituting the WT glutamine at the P1 position with isoleucine retains Mpro in an unprocessed precursor form that can be purified and further studied. We also developed a cell-based reporter assay suitable for compound library screening and evaluation in HEK293T cells. This assay can detect both overall Mpro inhibition and the fraction of uncleaved precursor form of Mpro through separable fluorescent signals. We observed that inhibitory compounds preferentially block mature Mpro. Bofutrelvir and a novel compound designed in-house showed the lowest selectivity between precursor and mature Mpro, indicating that inhibition of both forms may be possible. Additionally, we observed positive modulation of precursor activity at low concentrations of inhibitors. Our findings help expand understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle and may facilitate development of strategies to target precursor form of Mpro for inhibition or premature activation of Mpro.
- MeSH
- Antiviral Agents * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- COVID-19 Drug Treatment MeSH
- HEK293 Cells MeSH
- Protease Inhibitors pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Coronavirus 3C Proteases * metabolism antagonists & inhibitors chemistry genetics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mutation MeSH
- Drug Discovery * methods MeSH
- Proteolysis MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * enzymology drug effects metabolism genetics MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
This scoping review summarizes evidence regarding the impact of civic and community engagement of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that the global pandemic not only brought challenges but also new opportunities to take a stance and to actively engage in communities and society, this review assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's civic engagement across different cultural contexts and identifies key factors and processes that enable young people to engage with their community or society at large. We summarize evidence from 27 original research papers, one thought piece, and four reports conducted by global organizations such as the United Nations and OECD. Relevant research was conducted in the United States, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and New Zealand, addressing the development of leadership skills, civic responsibility, critical consciousness, civic and community engagement, as well as social integration. Key factors that facilitated civic engagement include national investments in online learning facilities, support for basic needs (such as education, health, and employment), and promotion and encouragement of local initiatives. The studies differed in their focus depending on the socio-cultural context encountered and future research needs to consider cultural variations and different demands on young people to inform effective practices for supporting young people's active engagement in society.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * epidemiology psychology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * MeSH
- Social Responsibility MeSH
- Community Participation MeSH
- Leadership MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor, with several detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. Contrasting results have been reported so far on its prognostic role in patients admitted for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Therefore, we investigated the impact of hypertension on short-term mortality in a large multicenter contemporary registry of STEMI patients, including patients treated during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 was a retrospective registry that included STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between March and June of 2019 and 2020 in 109 high-volume primary PCI centers from 4 continents. We collected data on baseline, clinical and procedural characteristics, in-hospital outcome and 30-day mortality. For this analysis patients were grouped according to history of hypertension at admission. RESULTS: A total of 16083 patients were assessed, including 8813 (54.8%) with history of hypertension. These patients were more often elderly, with a worse cardiovascular risk profile, but were less frequently active smoker. Some procedural differences were observed between the two groups, including lower rate of thrombectomy and use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or cangrelor but more extensive coronary disease in patients with hypertension. Between patients with and without hypertension, there was no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Hypertensive patients had a significantly higher in-hospital and 30-day mortality, similarly observed in both pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era, and confirmed after adjustment for main baseline differences and propensity score (in-hospital mortality: adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] =1.673 [1.389-2.014], P < 0.001; 30-day mortality: adjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI] = 1.418 [1.230-1.636], P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest and contemporary study assessing the impact of hypertension in STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty, including also the COVID-19 pandemic period. Hypertension was independently associated with significantly higher rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * complications mortality MeSH
- Hypertension * complications mortality MeSH
- ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction * mortality complications therapy MeSH
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Hospital Mortality MeSH
- Registries * MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
In 2019, Pantoea piersonii was initially isolated from the interior surfaces of the International Space Station. This microorganism is a species within the genus Pantoea in the family Erwiniaceae, belonging to the order Enterobacterales. Recent literature has documented four cases of its isolation. Despite initial predictions suggesting the non-pathogenicity of P. piersonii strains, evidence from observed cases indicates potential pathogenicity. According to documented evidence in the literature, this microorganism is capable of causing severe and life-threatening conditions, including sepsis. Traditional tests, as well as automated systems, may fail to provide complete differentiation due to these similarities. While MALDI-TOF MS is a valuable tool for identification in clinical diagnostic microbiology, sequencing may be necessary for precise identification. To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile, various methods can be utilized, including minimum inhibitory concentration determination, disk diffusion testing (Kirby-Bauer test), genotypic resistance assays (PCR and sequencing), and automated systems. The literature reports a limited number of cases associating P. piersonii with human infection. This study contributes to this body of knowledge by reporting a novel case in which P. piersonii was isolated from a tissue sample for the first time. In this case report, the patient achieved recovery following the administration of appropriate antibiotic treatment based on the diagnosis. It underscores the need for precise identification and understanding of its pathogenicity.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology therapeutic use MeSH
- Enterobacteriaceae Infections * microbiology diagnosis drug therapy MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests * MeSH
- Pantoea * isolation & purification genetics pathogenicity MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Case Reports MeSH
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship among the professional role (student or professor), geographic location, and mental health in the university community after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: . Quantitative cross-sectional study conducted at universities in Spain, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Non-probability convenience sampling was used, obtaining a sample of 449 participants (372 students and 77 professors). Mental health was assessed using the Scale for Mood Evaluation (EVEA), measuring sadness-depression, anxiety, anger-hostility, and happiness. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between students and professors, with students reporting higher levels of sadness-depression (3.8 vs. 2.4; p<0.001), anxiety (4.6 vs. 2.9; p<0.001), and anger-hostility (3.4 vs. 2.5; p<0.01). Professors showed higher levels of happiness (6.7 vs. 5.4; p<0.001). In addition, differences among countries were observed: participants from Spain showed higher levels of sadness-depression and anxiety compared to Germany and the Czech Republic. CONCLUSION: University students have greater emotional vulnerability than professors, highlighting the need for differentiated psy-chosocial support strategies in the academic setting.
- MeSH
- Faculty * psychology statistics & numerical data MeSH
- COVID-19 * psychology epidemiology MeSH
- Depression epidemiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Mental Health * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Cross-Cultural Comparison MeSH
- Happiness MeSH
- Students * psychology statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Universities MeSH
- Anxiety epidemiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
- Germany MeSH
- Spain MeSH
Background: COVID is described as having not only medical but also wider social consequences for society. Individuals may experience persistent health problems after infection. We aimed to find out whether people with chronic neurodegenerative disease (multiple sclerosis - MS) still perceive any complications after this infection. And the secondary aim was to offer them a physiotherapy. Methods: In this single-centre study, people with MS who experienced COVID-19 between January and March 2022 were contacted and structurally asked about the occurrence of any post-COVID symptoms. Results: In March 2023, 251 (75 men) people responded to the survey. The mean age of these people was 43.8 years (SD 8.9), and the mean disease duration 14.1 years (SD 8.3). A total of 76 people (22%) suffered from post-COVID symptoms lasting 12 weeks or longer. Most common symptoms included fatigue (55%), dyspnoe (26%), neurological deterioration (20%), and joint and muscle pain (18%).A total of 6 people participated in a pilot physiotherapy program. Conclusion: Based on subjective reports, a considerable number of people with MS can suffer from post-COVID symptoms Our experience from a small pilot study showed that individual physiotherapy could probably relieve some of these difficulties. However, this would need to be verified in a larger sample. Knowledge of any persistent post-COVID difficulties can also help other health and social care professionals.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 complications MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pilot Projects MeSH
- Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome * epidemiology complications pathology rehabilitation MeSH
- Interviews as Topic MeSH
- Multiple Sclerosis * complications MeSH
- Physical Therapy Modalities MeSH
- Self Report MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
V kazuistickém sdělení prezentujeme případ patnáctileté dívky s hepatopatií nejasné etiologie. V klinickém nálezu dominovala horečka a laboratorní alterace jaterních enzymů. Extenzivní vyšetřovací program neprokázal infekci hepatotropními ani non-hepatotropními viry, autoimunitní nebo jiné méně časté neinfekční příčiny. Díky upřesnění anamnézy kontaktu s laboratorní myší bylo vyšetření zaměřeno na zoonózy, z nichž byla potvrzena leptospiróza. Ačkoli se jedná o relativně vzácnou bakteriální příčinu hepatopatie, bude nutné na tuto infekci častěji pomýšlet i v kontextu proběhlých povodní z podzimu roku 2024.
In the case report, we present a case of a 15-year-old girl with hepatopathy of unclear aetiology. Fever and laboratory alteration of liver enzymes dominated the clinical findings. The extensive investigation program did not show infection with hepatotropic or non-hepatotropic viruses, autoimmune or other less common non-infectious causes. By clarifying the history of contact with the laboratory mouse, the examination focused on zoonoses from which leptospirosis was found. Although this is a relatively rare bacterial cause of hepatopathy, it will be necessary to consider this infection in the context of the floods of autumn 2024.
- MeSH
- Diagnosis, Differential MeSH
- Pets * microbiology MeSH
- Enzymes analysis classification blood MeSH
- Hepatitis Antibodies analysis MeSH
- Fever of Unknown Origin diagnosis etiology MeSH
- Leptospirosis * diagnosis etiology blood MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Liver Diseases diagnosis etiology microbiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Case Reports MeSH
Allodiploid hybrid species, Aspergillus latus, belonging to section Nidulantes, is a hybrid of A. spinulosporus and an unknown species closely related to A. quadrilineatus and A. sublatus. This hybrid has often been misidentified as the species in section Nidulantes, such as A. nidulans, A. spinulosporus, A. sublatus, or other cryptic species. Aspergillus latus has not been reported in Japan as well as Asia so far. In this study, we screened 23 clinical strains identified as A. spinulosporus isolated in Japan from 2012 to 2023 and found seven A. latus strains. To characterize the A. latus strains, we conducted comprehensive phenotyping including morphological observation, whole genome sequences, and phylogenetic analysis based on calmodulin (CaM) gene. In addition, we conducted antifungal susceptibility testing for A. latus strains. As a result, the morphological characters of A. latus were more similar to those of A. spinulosporus compared to A. sublatus. However, the ascospore of A. latus differed from that of A. spinulosporus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that different CaM alleles from the same isolate clustered separately with A. spinulosporus and A. sublatus, consistent with its hybrid origin. Furthermore, A. latus strains showed reduced susceptibility to caspofungin and amphotericin B compared to A. spinulosporus, while they were susceptible to azoles. Our results suggest that A. latus has been a causative pathogen of aspergillosis in Japan since 2013.
- MeSH
- Antifungal Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Aspergillus * genetics classification isolation & purification drug effects MeSH
- Aspergillosis * microbiology epidemiology MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Calmodulin genetics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Whole Genome Sequencing MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Japan MeSH
BACKGROUND: The manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is more complex than that of pulmonary infection, and neuropsychiatric symptoms play a role in this complexity. In this paper, we present the case of a 29-year-old schizophrenic patient who suffered from neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) that developed during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, with an emphasis on the possible connection between these two conditions. Additionally, we provide an overview of published NMS cases in patients with COVID-19 or after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old patient treated for schizophrenia, treated with paliperidone palmitate (150 mg every four weeks) and cariprazine (6 mg daily), was admitted to the hospital for agitation and aggressivity; shortly after arrival at the hospital, laryngospasm and hypoxia occurred. The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and later, he developed pneumonia. During hospitalization, olanzapine (20 mg daily) was added to his regimen. However, due to continuing restlessness, haloperidol was administered (20 mg over the course of one day). A few days later, neuroleptic malignant syndrome occurred. He was treated with bromocriptine (15 mg daily) and clonazepam (2 mg daily) and recovered. CONCLUSIONS: As SARS-CoV-2 is known to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and DOPA-decarboxylase is known to be coexpressed with this receptor, we hypothesized that COVID-19 infection might play a substantial role in the development of NMS.
- MeSH
- Antipsychotic Agents therapeutic use adverse effects MeSH
- COVID-19 * complications virology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome * diagnosis drug therapy virology MeSH
- Olanzapine therapeutic use MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * pathogenicity MeSH
- Schizophrenia * drug therapy complications MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Case Reports MeSH
- Review MeSH
