Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qin Liu, Qi Su, Fen Zhang, Hein M. Tun, Joyce Wing Yan Mak, Grace Chung-Yan Lui, Susanna So Shan Ng, Jessica Y. L. Ching, Amy Li, Wenqi Lu, Chenyu Liu, Chun Pan Cheung, David S. C. Hui, Paul K. S. Chan, Francis Ka Leung Chan, Siew C. Ng
Summary: By integrating clinical features and multi-omics data, the authors identified specific gut microbiome patterns associated with disease severity and development of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. These findings highlight the potential utility of host phenotype and multi-kingdom microbiota profiling as a prognostic tool for patients with COVID-19.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Reza Varzandeh, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global challenge. Recent studies have found a significant association between gut microbiota and SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the exact mechanism is unknown. This paper aims to introduce a possible molecular mechanism based on the association between circadian rhythm and gut flora in COVID-19 patients, providing new insights into the potential mechanism of melatonin in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Kalliopi D. Synodinou, Maroulla D. Nikolaki, Konstantinos Triantafyllou, Arezina N. Kasti
Summary: The human gastrointestinal tract ecosystem, known as gut microbiota, is extensively studied and is associated with various diseases. The interaction between gut and lung microbiota affects immune and inflammatory responses. COVID-19 disrupts gut microbiota, leading to increased inflammation and lung damage. Probiotics can modulate cytokine secretion, stimulate immune response, and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in COVID-19 infection.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Yang, Weishan Huang, Yubo Fan, Guo-Qiang Chen
Summary: COVID-19 patients commonly experience gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating a close association between the digestive tract and the disease severity. Understanding the role of intestinal microenvironment in COVID-19 immunopathology is crucial for improving disease control. Probiotics show potential as an alternative medicine to prevent or alleviate severe outcomes of COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ziqi Chen, Yiwen Lv, Huachong Xu, Li Deng
Summary: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a virus, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. Some patients also experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Herbal medicine may play a role in recovering intestinal flora structure and modulating immune function for the treatment and recovery of COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This article reviews the protective effects of vaccination and prior infection on severe Covid-19, and proposes future research directions.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Gislane Lelis Vilela de Oliveira, Camilla Narjara Simao Oliveira, Camila Figueiredo Pinzan, Larissa Vedovato Vilela de Salis, Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affects respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, with prolonged gastrointestinal manifestations possibly linked to alterations in gut microbiota and immune responses; the bidirectional interactions between respiratory mucosa and gut microbiota may play a crucial role in immune responses to the virus.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Mehrnoush Hadaddzadeh Shakiba, Ioanna Gemuend, Marc Beyer, Lorenzo Bonaguro
Summary: This mini-review examines the role of T cells in COVID-19, with a particular focus on the local immune response in the lung. The study discusses the reported T cell phenotypes in mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19, highlighting the protective and damaging roles of the T cell response in lung inflammation and pointing out some unanswered questions in the field.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mysoon M. Al-Ansari, Samer A. Sahlah, Lateefah AlHumaid, A. J. Ranjit Singh
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing focus on microorganisms in the digestive system that provide prophylactic and therapeutic benefits to the host. Probiotics have gained wide applications in pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, and foods, playing diverse roles in improving health and reducing risks of certain diseases. Although probiotics are being explored for their potential in COVID-19 prevention and management, their efficacy against coronavirus-induced respiratory syndromes is still debated among researchers.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minh Tan Pham, Albert Jackson Yang, Ming-Shan Kao, Uuganbayar Gankhuyag, Enkhbat Zayabaatar, Shiow-Lian Catherine Jin, Chun-Ming Huang
Summary: The membrane glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 can induce IL-6 production in mice, but this effect can be reduced by down-regulating PDE4B expression with butyric acid from the fermentation of L. rhamnosus EH8. Supplementing mice with L. rhamnosus and mycelia can significantly decrease membrane glycoprotein-induced PDE4B expression and IL-6 secretion, showing potential for probiotics in treating the cytokine storm in COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Rustom Antia, M. Elizabeth Halloran
Summary: The article discusses the basic concepts underlying the transition from an epidemic to an endemic state, as well as the implications of this transition for COVID-19.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marcia C. Castro, Sun Kim, Lorena Barberia, Ana Freitas Ribeiro, Susie Gurzenda, Karina Braga Ribeiro, Erin Abbott, Jeffrey Blossom, Beatriz Rache, Burton H. Singer
Summary: The study found that COVID-19 in Brazil is spreading rapidly across municipalities with distinct spatial and temporal patterns of clustering, trajectories, and speed. Analysis shows that inadequate policy measures have led to high transmission and mortality burdens. The current surge in cases and deaths, along with the circulation of concerning variants, highlights the need for government to strengthen prevention and control measures.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Viktoria Hawrylkowicz, Danuta Lietz-Kijak, Karolina Kazmierczak-Siedlecka, Joanna Solek-Pastuszka, Laura Stachowska, Marcin Folwarski, Milosz Parczewski, Ewa Stachowska
Summary: This study highlights the nutritional consequences of COVID-19 and the potential benefits of probiotics in immune modulation. Adequate intake of micronutrients and protein in the diet is crucial for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Long H. Nguyen, Daniel Okin, David A. Drew, Vincent M. Battista, Sirus J. Jesudasen, Thomas M. Kuntz, Amrisha Bhosle, Kelsey N. Thompson, Trenton Reinicke, Chun-Han Lo, Jacqueline E. Woo, Alexander Caraballo, Lorenzo Berra, Jacob Vieira, Ching-Ying Huang, Upasana Das Adhikari, Minsik Kim, Hui-Yu Sui, Marina Magicheva-Gupta, Lauren McIver, Marcia B. Goldberg, Douglas S. Kwon, Curtis Huttenhower, Andrew T. Chan, Peggy S. Lai
Summary: The gut microbiome is linked to the severity of COVID-19, with specific microbial taxa and metabolites associated with severe disease. These findings suggest the potential of using the gut microbiome as a biomarker for disease severity and as a target for therapeutic intervention in COVID-19.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sazada Siddiqui, Heba Waheeb Saeed Alhamdi, Huda Ahmed Alghamdi
Summary: COVID-19 is highly contagious and has caused major disruptions around the world. Prevention is crucial through measures such as self-isolation and vaccination.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Francesco Alessandri, Tommaso Tonetti, Laura Pistidda, Stefano Busani, Cristian Borrazzo, Vito Fanelli, Mauro Polzoni, Ornella Piazza, Luca Lorini, Sergio Cattaneo, Davide Ricci, Andrea Zanoni, Massimo Girardis, Pierpaolo Terragni, Michele Tempesta, Marina Di Luca, Francesco Pugliese, V. Marco Ranieri
Summary: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of a combined ECCO2R-plus-RRT system in COVID-19 patients with ARDS and AKI. The treatment effectively reduced VT and delta P, while maintaining stable PaCO2, pH, and decreasing plasma creatinine. No patient-related events associated with the extracorporeal system were reported. These findings highlight the effectiveness of ECCO2R-plus-RRT in maintaining ultraprotective ventilator settings and renal function support in COVID-19 patients.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Roberto Carnevale, Vittoria Cammisotto, Simona Bartimoccia, Cristina Nocella, Valentina Castellani, Marianna Bufano, Lorenzo Loffredo, Sebastiano Sciarretta, Giacomo Frati, Antonio Coluccia, Romano Silvestri, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Alessandra Oliva, Mario Venditti, Francesco Pugliese, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Ombretta Turriziani, Martina Leopizzi, Giulia D'Amati, Pasquale Pignatelli, Francesco Violi
Summary: This study identified two pathways, TLR4-dependent and independent, that promote platelet-dependent thrombus growth. It suggests that inhibiting TLR4 or p47phox could be a strategy to counteract thrombosis in SARS-CoV-2.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniele De Meo, Gianluca Cera, Roberta Pica, Fabiano Perfetti, Paolo Martini, Beatrice Perciballi, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Pietro Persiani, Ciro Villani
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antibiotic-coated implants in preventing fracture-related infections (FRIs) after surgical treatment in patients with increased infectious risk. A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients with upper and lower limb fractures treated with internal fixation or prosthetic replacements, using a gentamicin coated nail (CN) and/or antibiotic-loaded hydrogel applied to the implant of choice (ALH). The study found that local antibiotic prophylaxis by coating resulted in a reduction in the incidence FRI, as compared to the estimated preoperative risk.
Article
Microbiology
Francesco Alessandri, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Giuseppe Migliara, Valentina Baccolini, Alessandro Russo, Carolina Marzuillo, Mariateresa Ceparano, Giovanni Giordano, Pierfrancesco Tozzi, Gioacchini Galardo, Giammarco Raponi, Claudio Mastroianni, Mario Venditti, Francesco Pugliese, Gabriella d'Ettorre
Summary: This study analyzed the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSI) due to Candida in COVID-19 patients supported with ECMO, and found that the incidence of candidemia was significantly higher in the ECMO group compared to the control group. This result was confirmed by survival analysis and multivariable analyses.
Article
Microbiology
Letizia Santinelli, Alessandro Lazzaro, Francesca Sciarra, Luca Maddaloni, Federica Frasca, Matteo Fracella, Sonia Moretti, Alessandra Borsetti, Ginevra Bugani, Francesco Alessandri, Veronica Zullino, Franco Ruberto, Francesco Pugliese, Leonardo Sorrentino, Daniele Gianfrilli, Andrea Isidori, Mary Anna Venneri, Claudio M. M. Mastroianni, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Gabriella d'Ettorre
Summary: By analyzing the immune cell profiles of COVID-19 patients, this study found that survivors and non-survivors had similar immune cellular characteristics in the blood and pulmonary compartments. However, non-survivors had lower levels of T lymphocytes in the lung tissue, which were highly immune-activated and associated with fatal outcomes in COVID-19.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Beatrice Perciballi, Alessandro Russo, Paolo Martini, Francesco Marchetti, Marco Rivano Capparuccia, Giancarlo Iaiani, Silvia Fabris, Massimo Ciccozzi, Ciro Villani, Mario Venditti, Gabriella D'Ettorre, Daniele De Meo
Summary: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and fracture-related infection (FRI) are challenging conditions in high-risk patients. For those not eligible for standard treatment, combination therapy of debridement, long-term antibiotics, and chronic oral antimicrobial suppression (COAS) can be a reasonable option. This study retrospectively analyzed 16 patients who underwent COAS after debridement and antibiotic treatment, with a median follow-up of 15 months. The monitoring of patients included clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and radiolabeled leukocyte scintigraphy (LS). The results showed that 62.5% of patients had no relapse after cure at the last evaluation, while side effects led to COAS discontinuation in 50% of the patients who experienced a relapse.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Francesco Alessandri, Giuseppe Migliara, Valentina Baccolini, Giovanni Giordano, Gioacchino Galardo, Carolina Marzuillo, Corrado De Vito, Alessandro Russo, Massimo Ciccozzi, Paolo Villari, Mario Venditti, Claudio M. Mastroianni, Francesco Pugliese, Gabriella d'Ettorre
Summary: The study aimed to assess the accuracy of procalcitonin levels as a diagnostic tool and found that elevated levels may not always indicate bacterial superinfections or coinfections in severe COVID-19 cases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Patrizia Pasculli, Christian Barbato, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Federica Dominelli, Tiziana Latronico, Federica Ciccone, Michele Antonacci, Grazia Maria Liuzzi, Giuseppina Talarico, Giuseppe Bruno, Gioacchino Galardo, Francesco Pugliese, Miriam Lichtner, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Antonio Minni, Maria Rosa Ciardi
Summary: High levels of NfL, GFAP, and sCD163 in COVID-19 patients are associated with CNS damage and inflammatory response. Patients with neurological symptoms show higher plasma biomarker levels at baseline, which decrease after hospital discharge.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Tiziana Latronico, Patrizia Pasculli, Giorgio Maria Masci, Roberta Merz, Federica Ciccone, Federica Dominelli, Cosmo Del Borgo, Miriam Lichtner, Franco Iafrate, Gioacchino Galardo, Francesco Pugliese, Valeria Panebianco, Paolo Ricci, Carlo Catalano, Maria Rosa Ciardi, Grazia Maria Liuzzi, Claudio Maria Mastroianni
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the association between MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and chest radiological findings in COVID-19 patients. The results showed that COVID-19 patients had higher plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 compared to healthy donors, and the ARDS group had higher levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 compared to the non-ARDS group. There was a positive correlation between TIMP-1 levels and chest CT scores. After three months of discharge, TIMP-1 levels decreased while MMP-9 levels increased.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriele Brecchia, Gerald Muca, Albana Munga, Laura Menchetti, Livio Galosi, Giacomo Rossi, Olimpia Barbato, Grazia Pastorelli, Stella Agradi, Valentina Serra, Majlind Sulce, Enkeleda Ozuni, Luigj Turmalaj, Marta Castrica, Maria Rachele Ceccarini, Federica Riva, Bernard Fioretti, Alda Quattrone, Maria Laura Marongiu, Giulio Curone, Alessandra Napolitano
Summary: This study found that dietary supplementation of goji berry improves semen quality and reproductive tract histology in rabbits, but further research is needed to understand its effect on oxidative stress.
Article
Microbiology
Fabio Scarpa, Chiara Locci, Ilenia Azzena, Marco Casu, Pier Luigi Fiori, Alessandra Ciccozzi, Marta Giovanetti, Miriana Quaranta, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Stefano Pascarella, Massimo Ciccozzi, Daria Sanna
Summary: Recombination events are common in RNA viruses and the XBF SARS-CoV-2 lineage is a recent recombinant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Genetic analyses show that XBF does not have significant expansion potential or a higher contagion rate compared to other lineages. Cautionary measures should still be taken and genome-based monitoring remains important for detecting changes in viral genome composition.
Review
Microbiology
Marta Giovanetti, Eleonora Cella, Sonia Moretti, Fabio Scarpa, Alessandra Ciccozzi, Svetoslav Nanev Slavov, Francesca Benedetti, Davide Zella, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Massimo Ciccozzi, Alessandra Borsetti
Summary: Monkeypox has emerged as a significant global threat, highlighting the importance of global monitoring and rapid response. The unpredictable nature of its transmission, potential for human-to-human spread, and high morbidity rate underscore the need for proactive surveillance and international collaboration.
Review
Microbiology
Eleonora Cella, Marta Giovanetti, Francesca Benedetti, Fabio Scarpa, Catherine Johnston, Alessandra Borsetti, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Taj Azarian, Davide Zella, Massimo Ciccozzi
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health concern that requires a collaborative One Health approach. It poses a threat to human and animal health, as well as the effectiveness of medical treatments and veterinary interventions.