Neurosurgery at the crossroads of immunology and nanotechnology. New reality in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Ljubimov VA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8604570 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:The current COVID-19 pandemic presents one of the greatest challenges in human history. There is a consensus that the rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 directly affects procedures to avoid dissemination, promote treatments, and favor the prognosis of infected patients. This interdisciplinary study aims at designing new synthetic peptides inspired by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SARS-CoV-2S) to produce rapid detection tests relying on nanomaterial-based colorimetric properties. Hence, in silico analyses of SARS-CoV-2S were performed using advanced bioinformatic simulation tools and algorithms. Five novel peptide sequences were proposed, and three were selected (P2, J4, and J5) based on their prospective reactivity against positive serum from naturally COVID-19-infected humans. Next, hyperimmune sera against the selected peptides were produced in rabbits. Concurrently, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were synthesized using a green aqueous method under mild conditions through in situ reduction by trisodium citrate salt. They were extensively characterized by their morphological, physicochemical, and optical properties. The AuNPs demonstrated colloidal chemical stability in aqueous media, with an average size of approximately 29 nm (metallic core), and zeta potential before and after bioconjugation of -43 mV and -31 mV, respectively. Moreover, they presented an intense reddish-bluish color due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, with maxima at λ = 525 nm and 536 nm, before and after bioconjugation, respectively, evidencing their applicability as colorimetric biomarkers for antigen-antibody immunoassay detection. To develop a rapid COVID-19 diagnosis test using lateral flow assay (LFA), semi-purified anti-SARS-CoV-2S sera against the three selected peptides were bioconjugated to the AuNPs as the highly optically sensitive agents using a considerably low antibody concentration (0.2 mg mL-1). All tested peptide sequences (P2, J4, and J5) induced antibodies capable of identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus inactivate suspensions (1 : 10, 1 : 100, or 1 : 1000 dilutions). For LFA positive test control, an anti-rabbit antibody was used. In summary, this research comprises several contributions and advances to the broad and multidisciplinary field of nanomaterials-based immunodiagnosis tools, encompassing: (a) the novelty of designing and synthesizing new immunogenic peptides inspired by SARS-CoV-2 virus epitopes using in silico bioinformatics; (b) the peptides induced the immune response in rabbit animal model producing hyperimmune serum; (c) the semi-purified hyperimmune serum rendered effective antibodies to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell suspension; (d) colloidal gold nanoparticles were produced and bioconjugated to the antibodies for qualitative colorimetric detection. As the overall result of this study, it was designed, developed, produced, and validated a new simple, rapid, and sensitive LFA diagnostic test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus using a nanotechnology-based qualitative colorimetric assay, which can be envisioned as promising nanoplatforms for detecting other diseases.
| S-EPMC9635439 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The COVID-19 outbreak has fueled a global demand for effective diagnosis and treatment as well as mitigation of the spread of infection, all through large-scale approaches such as specific alternative antiviral methods and classical disinfection protocols. Based on an abundance of engineered materials identifiable by their useful physicochemical properties through versatile chemical functionalization, nanotechnology offers a number of approaches to cope with this emergency. Here, through a multidisciplinary Perspective encompassing diverse fields such as virology, biology, medicine, engineering, chemistry, materials science, and computational science, we outline how nanotechnology-based strategies can support the fight against COVID-19, as well as infectious diseases in general, including future pandemics. Considering what we know so far about the life cycle of the virus, we envision key steps where nanotechnology could counter the disease. First, nanoparticles (NPs) can offer alternative methods to classical disinfection protocols used in healthcare settings, thanks to their intrinsic antipathogenic properties and/or their ability to inactivate viruses, bacteria, fungi, or yeasts either photothermally or via photocatalysis-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Nanotechnology tools to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in patients could also be explored. In this case, nanomaterials could be used to deliver drugs to the pulmonary system to inhibit interaction between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and viral S protein. Moreover, the concept of "nanoimmunity by design" can help us to design materials for immune modulation, either stimulating or suppressing the immune response, which would find applications in the context of vaccine development for SARS-CoV-2 or in counteracting the cytokine storm, respectively. In addition to disease prevention and therapeutic potential, nanotechnology has important roles in diagnostics, with potential to support the development of simple, fast, and cost-effective nanotechnology-based assays to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and related biomarkers. In summary, nanotechnology is critical in counteracting COVID-19 and will be vital when preparing for future pandemics.
| S-EPMC7299399 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC9388278 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-BSST1055 | biostudies-other
Project description:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continually poses a significant threat to the human race, and prophylactic vaccination is the most potent approach to end this pandemic. Nanotechnology is widely adopted during COVID-19 vaccine development, and the engineering of nanostructured materials such as nanoparticles has opened new possibilities in innovative vaccine development by improving the design and accelerating the development process. This review aims to comprehensively understand the current situation and prospects of nanotechnology-enabled vaccine development against the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on the interplay between nanotechnology and the host immune system.
| S-EPMC9349967 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the postponement of a large proportion of neurosurgical cases with an accordant radical change in resident experiences. As residents rely upon operative exposure and in-person didactic lectures for education, the disruptions caused by the pandemic have forced programs to revise how they educate residents. Here we surveyed program directors (PDs) to ascertain how they have altered the education and clinical care responsibilities of residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS:Surveys were sent to the PDs of all ACGME-accredited neurosurgery programs. Survey questions targeted changes in resident staffing and coverage, changes in didactic material delivery, and changes in resident wellness initiatives. PD concerns were also elicited. RESULTS:Of the 116 program PDs invited, 57 responded (49.1%). We found that most programs have reduced resident work weeks (65%) and in-hospital resident shift census (95%). Few have redeployed residents and most are increasingly relying on teleconferencing solutions for meetings and resident education. Most commonly programs are using faculty- (91%) or resident-led (65%) lectures, though nearly 75% are supplementing resident education with materials from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). Continuing education in spite of decreased case volume and maintaining resident morale are cited as the most common concerns of PDs. CONCLUSION:Here we find that there is great homogeneity in the responses of neurosurgical residency programs to the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs are increasingly incorporating teleconferencing platforms and third-party education materials, most commonly materials from the CNS. Additionally, most respondents indicated that their program has not redeployed residents in the care of COVID-19 positive patients. The results of the present study may assist program directors in developing a uniform resident curriculum and consider wellness initiatives during this time of crisis.
| S-EPMC7243785 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a life-threatening illness, which represents a challenge to all health care workers. Neurosurgeons worldwide are affected in different ways.ObjectiveThis is the first study regarding the readiness of neurosurgery residents for the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact. The aim is to identify the level of knowledge and readiness and the impact of this virus among neurosurgery residents in different programs.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed in which 52 neurosurgery residents from different centers were selected to complete a questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire comprised 3 sections and 27 questions that ranged from knowledge to impact of the pandemic on various features.ResultsThe median knowledge score was 4 out of 5. The proportion of participants with a satisfactory level of knowledge was 60%. There was a statistically significant difference between the knowledge score and location of the program. Around 48% of the neurosurgery residents dealt directly with patients with COVID-19. Receiving a session about personal protective equipment was reported by 57.7%. Neurosurgery training at the hospital was affected. About 90% believed that this pandemic had influenced their mental health.ConclusionsNeurosurgery residents have a relatively good knowledge about COVID-19. The location of the program was associated with knowledge level. Most participants did not receive sufficient training about personal protective equipment. Almost all responders agreed that their training at the hospital had been affected. Further studies are needed to study the impact of this pandemic on neurosurgery residents.
| S-EPMC7229445 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveWe aim to define national practice patterns to assess current clinical practice, anticipated delays and areas of concern that potentially could lead to deviations from the normal standard of care.MethodsAnonymous surveys were emailed to members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO). The spread of COVID-19 and its impact on gynecologic oncology care in terms of alterations to normal treatment patterns and anticipated challenges were assessed. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed to determine risk factors for COVID-19 infection.ResultsWe analyzed the responses of 331 gynecologic oncology providers. COVID-19 is present in 99.1% of surveyed communities with 99.7% reporting mitigation efforts in effect. The infection rate differs significantly between regions (p≪0.001) with the Northeast reporting the highest number of COVID-19 cases. Practice volume has dropped by 61.6% since the start of the pandemic with most cancellations being provider initiated. A majority of responders (52.8%) believed that ovarian cancer will be the most affected cancer by COVID-19. >94% of responders are proceeding with gynecologic cancer surgeries with exception of grade 1, endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (36.3%). Surgical backlog (58.6%), delayed cancer diagnosis (43.2%) and re-establishing normal care with delayed patient (37.8%) were identified as the top 3 challenges after COVID-19 has abated.ConclusionsCOVID-19 is widespread and has radically altered normal practice patterns. Despite COVID-19 related concerns, most gynecologic oncology care is proceeding. However, the steep decline in clinical volume shows there is a large group of patients who are not being diagnosed or are deferring care.
| S-EPMC7245245 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The COVID-19 pandemic is shining a spotlight on the field of immunology like never before. To appreciate the diverse ways in which immunologists have contributed, Nature Reviews Immunology invited the president of the International Union of Immunological Societies and the presidents of 15 other national immunology societies to discuss how they and their members responded following the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
| S-EPMC7483049 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine utilization was mostly used for postoperative visits only in neurosurgery. Shelter-in-place measures led the rapid expansion of telemedicine to address the needs of the neurosurgical patient population. Our goal is to determine the extent of adoption of telemedicine across tumor, vascular, spine, and function neurosurgery and utilization for new patient visits.MethodsA single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who received neurosurgical care at a tertiary academic center from February to April 2020 was conducted. Patients evaluated from March to April 2019 were included for comparison. A total of 10,746 patients were included: 1247 patients underwent surgery, 8742 were seen in clinic via an in-person outpatient visit, and 757 were assessed via telemedicine during the study period.ResultsA 40-fold increase in the use of telemedicine was noted after the shelter-in-place measures were initiated with a significant increase in the mean number of patients evaluated via telemedicine per week across all divisions of neurosurgery (4.5 ± 0.9 to 180.4 ± 13.9, P < 0.001). The majority of telemedicine appointments were established patient visits (61.2%), but the proportion of new patient visits also significantly increased to an average of 8.2 ± 5.3 per week across all divisions.ConclusionsUse of telemedicine drastically increased across all 4 divisions within neurosurgery with a significant increase in online-first encounters in order to meet the needs of our patients once the shelter-in-place measures were implemented. We provide a detailed account of the lessons learned and discuss the anticipated role of telemedicine in surgical practices once the shelter-in-place measures are lifted.
| S-EPMC7274123 | biostudies-literature