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Malcangi G, Inchingolo AD, Inchingolo AM, Piras F, Settanni V, Garofoli G, Palmieri G, Ceci S, Patano A, Mancini A, Vimercati L, Nemore D, Scardapane A, Rapone B, Semjonova A, D’Oria MT, Macchia L, Bordea IR, Migliore G, Scarano A, Lorusso F, Tartaglia GM, Giovanniello D, Nucci L, Maggialetti N, Parisi A, Domenico MD, Brienza N, Tafuri S, Stefanizzi P, Curatoli L, Corriero A, Contaldo M, Inchingolo F, Dipalma G. COVID-19 Infection in Children and Infants: Current Status on Therapies and Vaccines. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:249. [PMID: 35204969 PMCID: PMC8870718 DOI: 10.3390/children9020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak appeared to affect mostly the adult population, sparing the vast majority of children who only showed mild symptoms. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the status on the mechanisms that give children and infants this variation in epidemiology compared to the adult population and its impact on therapies and vaccines that are aimed towards them. A literature review, including in vitro studies, reviews, published guidelines and clinical trials was performed. Clinical trials concerned topics that allowed a descriptive synthesis to be produced. Four underlying mechanisms were found that may play a key role in providing COVID-19 protection in babies. No guidelines are available yet for therapy due to insufficient data; support therapy remains the most used. Only two vaccines are approved by the World Health Organization to be used in children from 12 years of age, and there are currently no efficacy or safety data for children below the age of 12 years. The COVID-19 clinical frame infection is milder in children and adolescents. This section of the population can act as vectors and reservoirs and play a key role in the transmission of the infection; therefore, vaccines are paramount. More evidence is required to guide safely the vaccination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Malcangi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Alessio Danilo Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Angelo Michele Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Fabio Piras
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Vito Settanni
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Grazia Garofoli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Giulia Palmieri
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Sabino Ceci
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Assunta Patano
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Antonio Mancini
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Damiano Nemore
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Arnaldo Scardapane
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Biagio Rapone
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Alexandra Semjonova
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Maria Teresa D’Oria
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze, 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Ioana Roxana Bordea
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Antonio Scarano
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Felice Lorusso
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Martino Tartaglia
- UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy;
| | - Delia Giovanniello
- Department of Toracic Surgery, Hospital “San Camillo Forlanini”, 00152 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ludovica Nucci
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Luigi de Crecchio, 6, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Nicola Maggialetti
- Department of Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonio Parisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Marina Di Domenico
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Nicola Brienza
- Unit of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Department of Emergencies and Organ Transplantations, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (N.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (P.S.)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (S.T.); (P.S.)
| | - Luigi Curatoli
- Department Neurosciences & Sensory Organs & Musculoskeletal System, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Alberto Corriero
- Unit of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Department of Emergencies and Organ Transplantations, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (N.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria Contaldo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Luigi de Crecchio, 6, 80138 Naples, Italy; (L.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesco Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
| | - Gianna Dipalma
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.I.); (A.M.I.); (F.P.); (V.S.); (G.G.); (G.P.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.); (L.V.); (D.N.); (A.S.); (B.R.); (A.S.); (M.T.D.); (G.D.)
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Brondani M, Donnelly L. A preparedness model for the provision of oral health care during unfolding threats: the case of the covid-19 pandemic. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:254. [PMID: 33980235 PMCID: PMC8114663 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01627-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to appraise a recently developed preparedness model for the provision of oral health care during a threat such as the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of oral health care providers, administrators/staff, and patients. METHODS An exploratory qualitative inquiry via at-a-distance semi-structured interviews and group discussions engaged a purposefully selected sample of oral health care workers and patients in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Participants were asked to appraise a preparedness model by considering how to prepare for oral care during a pandemic, while answering open-ended questions about the model content and visual presentation. Interviews and group discussions occurred between April 2020 and January 2021, were audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. An inductive coding process was used to identify themes, subthemes, and categories of information until saturation was achieved. RESULTS Seventy-four participants, including 19 dentists, 15 dental hygienists, 10 certified dental assistants, 9 administrators, and 21 patients, suggested modifications to the recently developed preparedness model. Individual interviews (41 participants) and group discussions (33 participants in groups ranging from 2 to 9 attendees each) lasted for an average of 53 min. Eighty-four hours of audio recordings led to more than 1110 single-spaced pages of transcripts. The thematic analysis identified 82 codes, 12 categories, and four main themes: life-long learning, critical thinking, personal and professional risk, and patient-centred care. These themes were understood within provider characteristics and social and environmental contexts. Participants highlighted the need for the model to focus on information and communication, developing awareness and understanding, inferring risks, and performing oral health care during a threat such as a pandemic or disease outbreak. A modified portrayal of the model was suggested to better represent participants' perspectives. CONCLUSION A recently developed preparedness model for the provision of dental care during an unfolding threat like the COVID-19 pandemic was appraised and modified by oral health care workers. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the modified model for use in the event of another unfolding threat collaboratively with providers, patients and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Brondani
- Director - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Chair - Dental Public Health, Department of Oral Health Sciences, 116/2199 Wesbrook Mall, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Leeann Donnelly
- Director - Community Engagement; Department of Oral Health and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells: The Secret Children’s Weapons against the SARS-CoV-2 Lethal Infection. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11041696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to the promising effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of various diseases, this commentary aimed to focus on the auxiliary role of MSCs to reduce inflammatory processes of acute respiratory infections caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since early in 2020, COVID-19, a consequence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly affected millions of people world-wide. The SARS-CoV-2 infection in children appears to be an unusual event. Despite the high number of affected adult and elderly, children and adolescents remained low in amounts, and marginally touched. Based on the promising role of cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches in the treatment of several life-threatening diseases, it seems that applying MSCs cell-based approaches can also be a hopeful strategy for improving subjects with severe acute respiratory infections caused by COVID-19.
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Shibabaw T, Teferi B. Knowledge and Practice Toward Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Among Healthcare Workers at Delghi Primary Hospital During a Massive Test Campaign in Northwest Gondar, Ethiopia: Institution-Based Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:381-390. [PMID: 33564246 PMCID: PMC7866916 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s289965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since December 29, 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading and is associated with notoriously increased morbidity and mortality of populations worldwide, including Ethiopia. Medicine and the healthcare system have been challenged by both first and second-waves of SARS-CoV-2. During this entire crisis, the main purpose of this study was to determine the current evidence on the level of awareness and prevention practice of healthcare workers (HCWs) at the district primary hospital, Delghi Primary Hospital (DPH) regarding COVID-19 in the overall effort to control the spread of the virus. METHODS Institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional analysis was performed between late August and September 20, 2020. Participants of the study were HCWs with various occupations at DPH, North West Gondar, Ethiopia. In this study, among 112 health professions, we included a total of 104 HCWs. Written consent was obtained for willingness of the study participants from the DPH administrative office. Then, using a pre-tested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire, data were collected. The questionnaire included socio-demographics, sources of information, knowledge, and practice measures regarding COVID-19. The collected data were analyzed through IBM SPSS version 20. As a cut-off value, ≥8 out of 15 knowledge questions and ≥7 out of 14 practice questions were considered good knowledge and practice, respectively. RESULTS The result of this study showed the majority of the respondents were male (71/104, (68.3%)), with a median age of 28 (minimum age 20 and maximum age 50) years. Thus, 94.2% (n=98/104) was the overall rate of correctly answered questions out of 15 knowledge questions. However, 40.6% of them had poor prevention practices. 73.1% of participants used regular hand-washing with soap and 64.4% used hand sanitizer and handshake avoidance equally for prevention purposes. Whereas, social distancing rule and mask-wearing were reported as impracticable by 55.8% and 44.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION 94.2% of HCWs had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19; in contrast, lack of preventive practice was observed. This implies that there is a gap between knowledge and implementation of preventive measures toward the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Shibabaw
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Banchamlak Teferi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Brondani M, Cua D, Maragha T, Shayanfar M, Mathu-Muju K, von Bergmann H, Almeida F, Villanueva J, Alvarado AAV, Learey S, Donnelly L. A Pan-Canadian narrative review on the protocols for reopening dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Oral Health 2020; 20:352. [PMID: 33267811 PMCID: PMC7708888 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-020-01340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting the way in which dental services are provided. The aim of this narrative review was twofold: to summarize key areas from the Canadian protocols available for the reopening and restructuring of dental services across the country and to critically review these protocols based on existing evidence. A narrative review of the existing Canadian protocols, written in English and French, was undertaken between April 15 and July 13, 2020. The protocols were obtained by searching through regulatory bodies and websites from professional organizations, and from personal contacts through academic institutions and policy leaders. The data extraction form focused only on protocols related to dentistry, and the information was compiled by a hired assistant. Content was categorized via group discussions with the research team on eight areas: office management and procedures, patient and staff screening, treatment procedures, office layout, risk reduction, personal protective equipment, supporting information, and length and readability. Thirteen protocols were identified and offered substantial variation in the level of details provided. All but two protocols specified proper donning/doffing of personal protective equipment, while all protocols recommended daily monitoring of COVID-19 related signs and symptoms in staff and patients. They varied in terms of recommended mask types, eye and face shield protection, and head coverings. While all protocols aimed at restructuring emergency dental services, their recommendations were often not based on the published evidence. This narrative review summarized key areas from 13 provincial and territorial protocols in Canada to help oral health care providers plan the reopening of their services. The information conveyed across all documents was clear, but variance highlights the need for a coordinated effort to develop an evidence-based document for dental practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Brondani
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 116/2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Denise Cua
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tala Maragha
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 116/2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Melody Shayanfar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kavita Mathu-Muju
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 116/2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - HsingChi von Bergmann
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 116/2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Fernanda Almeida
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 116/2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Leeann Donnelly
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Schirinzi A, Cazzolla AP, Lovero R, Lo Muzio L, Testa NF, Ciavarella D, Palmieri G, Pozzessere P, Procacci V, Di Serio F, Santacroce L. New Insights in Laboratory Testing for COVID-19 Patients: Looking for the Role and Predictive Value of Human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) and the Innate Immunity of the Oral Cavity and Respiratory Tract. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1718. [PMID: 33147871 PMCID: PMC7692217 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a viral pandemic caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, an enveloped positive stranded RNA virus. The mechanisms of innate immunity, considered as the first line of antiviral defense, is essential towards viruses. A significant role in host defense of the lung, nasal and oral cavities is played by Human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) HE4 has been demonstrated to be serum inflammatory biomarker and to show a role in natural immunity at the level of oral cavity, nasopharynx and respiratory tract with both antimicrobial/antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. Several biomarkers like IL-6, presepsin (PSP), procalcitonin (PCT), CRP, D-Dimer have showed a good function as predictor factors for the clinical evolution of COVID-19 patients (mild, severe and critical). The aim of this study was to correlate the blood levels of CRP, IL-6, PSP, PCT, D-Dimer with He4, to identify the predictive values of these biomarkers for the evolution of the disease and to evaluate the possible role of HE4 in the defense mechanisms of innate immunity at the level of oral cavity, nasopharynx and respiratory tract. Of 134 patients admitted at COVID hospital of Policlinico-University of Bari, 86 (58 men age 67.6 ± 12.4 and 28 women age 65.7 ± 15.4) fulfilled the inclusion criteria: in particular, 80 patients (93%) showed prodromal symptoms (smell and/or taste dysfunctions) and other typical clinical manifestations and 19 died (13 men age 73.4 ± 7.7 and 6 women age 74.8 ± 6.7). 48 patients were excluded because 13 finished chemotherapy and 6 radiotherapy recently, 5 presented suspected breast carcinoma, 5 suspected lung carcinoma, 6 suspected ovarian carcinoma or ovary cyst, 1 cystic fibrosis, 3 renal fibrosis and 9 were affected by autoimmune diseases in treatment with monoclonal antibodies. The venous sample was taken for each patient on the admission and during the hospital stay. For each patient, six measurements relating to considered parameters were performed. Significant correlations between He4 and IL-6 levels (r = 0.797), between He4 and PSP (r = 0.621), between He4 and PCT (r = 0.447), between He4 and D-Dimer (r = 0.367), between He4 and RCP (r = 0.327) have been found. ROC curves analysis showed an excellent accuracy for He4 (AUC = 0.92) and IL-6 (AUC = 0.91), a very good accuracy for PSP (AUC = 0.81), a good accuracy for PCT (AUC = 0.701) and D-Dimer (AUC = 0.721) and sufficient accuracy for RCP (AUC = 0.616). These results demonstrated the important correlation between He4, IL6 and PSP, an excellent accuracy of He4 and IL6 and showed a probable role of He4 in the innate immunity in particularly at the level of oral cavity, nasopharynx and respiratory tract. Besides He4 together with IL6 might be involved in the onset of smell and/or taste disorders and it might be used as innovative biomarker to monitor clinical evolution of COVID-19 because He4 could indicate a multi-organ involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Schirinzi
- AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari—Ospedale Giovanni XXIII, Clinical Pathology Unit, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.S.); (R.L.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Angela Pia Cazzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.P.C.); (L.L.M.); (N.F.T.); (D.C.)
| | - Roberto Lovero
- AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari—Ospedale Giovanni XXIII, Clinical Pathology Unit, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.S.); (R.L.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Lo Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.P.C.); (L.L.M.); (N.F.T.); (D.C.)
| | - Nunzio Francesco Testa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.P.C.); (L.L.M.); (N.F.T.); (D.C.)
| | - Domenico Ciavarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.P.C.); (L.L.M.); (N.F.T.); (D.C.)
| | | | - Pietro Pozzessere
- AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari—Ospedale Giovanni XXIII, Emergency Medicine and Surgery Unit, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Vito Procacci
- AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari—Ospedale Giovanni XXIII, Emergency Medicine and Surgery Unit, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Francesca Di Serio
- AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari—Ospedale Giovanni XXIII, Clinical Pathology Unit, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.S.); (R.L.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Ionian Department (DJSGEM), Microbiology and Virology Lab, Università Degli Studi di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Santacroce L, Charitos IA, Ballini A, Inchingolo F, Luperto P, De Nitto E, Topi S. The Human Respiratory System and its Microbiome at a Glimpse. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:318. [PMID: 33019595 PMCID: PMC7599718 DOI: 10.3390/biology9100318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic promoted efforts to better understand the organization of the respiratory microbiome and its evolution from birth to adulthood and how it interacts with external pathogens and the host immune system. This review aims to deepen understanding of the essential physiological functions of the resident microbiome of the respiratory system on human health and diseases. First, the general characteristics of the normal microbiota in the different anatomical sites of the airways have been reported in relation to some factors such as the effect of age, diet and others on its composition and stability. Second, we analyze in detail the functions and composition and the correct functionality of the microbiome in the light of current knowledge. Several studies suggest the importance of preserving the micro-ecosystem of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microbes of the respiratory system, and, more recently, its relationship with the intestinal microbiome, and how it also leads to the maintenance of human health, has become better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Santacroce
- Ionian Department, Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, University of Elbasan, Rruga Ismail Zyma, 3001 Elbasan, Albania;
| | | | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Paolo Luperto
- ENT Service, Brindisi Local Health Agency, Via Dalmazia 3, 72100 Brindisi, Italy;
| | - Emanuele De Nitto
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Skender Topi
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, University of Elbasan, Rruga Ismail Zyma, 3001 Elbasan, Albania;
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Charitos IA, Ballini A, Bottalico L, Cantore S, Passarelli PC, Inchingolo F, D'Addona A, Santacroce L. Special features of SARS-CoV-2 in daily practice. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:3920-3933. [PMID: 33024749 PMCID: PMC7520789 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i18.3920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (commonly known as SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus (designated as 2019-nCoV), which was isolated for the first time after the Chinese health authorities reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Optimal management of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 disease is evolving quickly and treatment guidelines, based on scientific evidence and experts' opinions with clinical experience, are constantly being updated. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak as a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern". The total lack of immune protection brought about a severe spread of the contagion all over the world. For this reason, diagnostic tools, patient management and therapeutic approaches have been tested along the way, in the desperate race to break free from the widespread infection and its fatal respiratory complications. Current medical knowledge and research on severe and critical patients' management and experimental treatments are still evolving, but several protocols on minimizing risk of infection among the general population, patients and healthcare workers have been approved and diffused by International Health Authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Charitos
- Department of Emergency and Urgency, National Poisoning Centre, Riuniti University Hospital of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University Campus "E. Quagliariello", University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari 70125, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Bottalico
- Interdepartmental Research Center for Pre-Latin, Latin and Oriental Rights and Culture Studies (CEDICLO), University of Bari, Bari 70121, Italy
| | - Stefania Cantore
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari 70124, Italy
- Sorriso & Benessere - Ricerca e Clinica S.R.L, Bari 70129, Italy
| | - Pier Carmine Passarelli
- Department of Head, Neck and Sense Organs, Division of Oral Surgery and Implantology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Francesco Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Section of Dental Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Addona
- Department of Head and Neck and Sensory Organs, Division of Oral Surgery and Implantology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Interdepartmental Research Center for Pre-Latin, Latin and Oriental Rights and Culture Studies (CEDICLO), University of Bari, Bari 70121, Italy
- Ionian Department, Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Policlinico University Hospital, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari 70124, Italy
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Santacroce L, Passarelli PC, Passarelli G, Charitos IA, Rella E, D’Addona A. COVID-19 and Oral Diseases: How can we Manage Hospitalized and Quarantined Patients while Reducing Risks? ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/7945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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