Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern by Genomic Surveillance Techniques.

This chapter describes the application of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic methods in the study of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. We also describe the important role of machine learning tools to identify the most significant biomarker signatures and discuss the latest point-of-care devices that can be used to translate these findings to the physician's office or to bedside care. The main emphasis is placed on increasing our diagnostic capacity and predictability of disease outcomes to guide the most appropriate treatment strategies.

Long-Term Vaccination and Treatment Strategies for COVID-19 Disease and Future Coronavirus Pandemics.

The appearance of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with increased infectivity and immune escape capabilities has allowed continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic for the foreseeable future. This review describes the worldwide efforts aimed at developing new vaccination and treatment strategies to keep pace with these variants as they emerge. In the case of vaccines and monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, we describe the development of variant-specific, multivalent, and universal coronavirus directed approaches.

X-ray-induced bio-acoustic emissions from cultured cells.

Purpose: We characterize for the first time the emission of acoustic waves from cultured cells irradiated with X-ray photon radiation.

Methods And Materials: Human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HL-60) and control cell-free media were exposed to 1 Gy X-ray photons while recording the sound generated before, during and after irradiation using custom large-bandwidth ultrasound transducer. The effects of dose rate and cell viability were investigated.

Photosensitized and Photothermal Stimulation of Cellular Membranes by Organic Thin Films and Nanoparticles.

Conjugated polymers are increasingly exploited for biomedical applications. In this work, we explored the optical characteristics of conjugated polymers of variable chemical structures at multiple levels relevant to biological interfacing, from fluorescence yield to their influence on cellular membrane potential. We systematically compared the performance of conjugated polymer as cast thin films and as nanoparticles stabilized with amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-poly lactic acid-co-glycolic acid (PEG-PLGA).

Point-of-Care Device for Assessment of Blood Coagulation Status in COVID-19 Patients.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent driving the current COVID-19 pandemic. The acute respiratory distress that occurs in some severe COVID-19 cases has been linked with hypercoagulation or thrombotic events as well as a worse prognosis and increased risk of death. Thus, point-of-care devices that can be used for early detection of coagulation abnormalities would assist in COVID-19 management.

COVID-19 Detection Using the NHS Lateral Flow Test Kit.

Approximately one in three people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. However, these individuals can still spread the virus. Regular self-testing can help to detect these individuals and thereby slow the spread and protect the more vulnerable members of society.

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients.

COVID-19 disease is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is associated with a cytokine storm effect in some patients. This can lead to decreased ability of the host to cope with the infection and result in severe disease outcomes. Here, we present a protocol for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from COVID-19 patients followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) profiling to identify the affected molecules and molecular pathways.

Antibody-Based Affinity Capture Combined with LC-MS Analysis for Identification of COVID-19 Disease Serum Biomarkers.

Blood serum or plasma proteins are potentially useful in COVID-19 research as biomarkers for risk prediction, diagnosis, stratification, and treatment monitoring. However, serum protein-based biomarker identification and validation is complicated due to the wide concentration range of these proteins, which spans more than ten orders of magnitude. Here we present a combined affinity purification-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry approach which allows identification and quantitation of the most abundant serum proteins along with the nonspecifically bound and interaction proteins.

Inborn Errors of Immunity in Algerian Children and Adults: A Single-Center Experience Over a Period of 13 Years (2008-2021).

Background: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) predispose patients to various infectious and non-infectious complications. Thanks to the development and expanding use of flow cytometry and increased awareness, the diagnostic rate of IEI has markedly increased in Algeria the last decade.

Aim: This study aimed to describe a large cohort of Algerian patients with probable IEI and to determine their clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Innate Immune Invisible Ultrasmall Gold Nanoparticles-Framework for Synthesis and Evaluation.

Nanomedicine is seen as a potential central player in the delivery of personalized medicine. Biocompatibility issues of nanoparticles have largely been resolved over the past decade. Despite their tremendous progress, less than 1% of applied nanosystems can hit their intended target location, such as a solid tumor, and this remains an obstacle to their full ability and potential with a high translational value.

Disaccahrides-Based Cryo-Formulant Effect on Modulating Phospho/Mitochondrial Lipids and Biological Profiles of Human Leukaemia Cells.

Background/aims: The use of novel cryo-additive agents to increase cell viability post-cryopreservation is paramount to improve future cell based-therapy treatments. We aimed to establish the Human Leukemia (HL-60) cells lipidomic and biological patterns when cryo-preserved in DMSO alone and with 300 µM Nigerose (Nig), 200 µM Salidroside (Sal) or a combination of Nig (150 µM) and Sal (100 µM).

Methods: HL-60 cells were pre-incubated with Nig/Sal prior, during and post cryopreservation, and subjected to global lipidomic analysis.

Under 5 Child Mortality in the Maghreb countries.

Introduction: Mortality, particularly at younger ages, is a key measure of population health.

Aim: To describe under 5 children mortality trends and its related factors in the Great Maghreb countries over the last three decades 1994-2019.

Methods: We conducted an observational descriptive study to clarify the situation in the Maghreb countries with regard to the under-five death rates and the various causes related to them during the last three decades (1990-2019).

Early Diagnosis and Targeted Treatment Strategy for Improved Therapeutic Outcomes in Alzheimer's Disease.

There have been repeated failures of clinical studies in the development of new efficacious treatments for Alzheimer's disease. This may be due to the fact that Alzheimer's disease is a heterogeneous disorder caused by person-to-person differences in genetic background, epigenetic profiles, environmental triggers, or the presence of other diseases. Furthermore, most Alzheimer's disease patients are diagnosed in the middle to late stages of the illness, when irreversible damage to the brain has already occurred.

Proteomic Analysis of Rat Hippocampus for Studies of Cognition and Memory Loss with Aging.

This chapter describes a protocol for proteomic profiling of the rat hippocampal proteome using a combination of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and data analysis to determine the cellular location of the identified proteins. In the example given, many of these proteins were localized in the plasma membrane and nucleus. These could be of interest in further studies of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders linked with hippocampal dysfunction, such as aging, major depression, and Alzheimer's disease.

Breastfeeding for Primary Prevention of Stroke.

A recent review by Zhang et al. published in the "Journal of the National Medical Association" focused on the major and emerging strategies for the prevention of stroke. We would highlight the evolving role of breastfeeding as an efficient intervention in primary prevention of such cardiovascular disease, including in black women.

"3M": Migraine, Microbiota and Melatonin.

We read with deep interest the recent article published on "Medical Hypotheses" about migraine and associated gastrointestinal disorders. Beyond the exhaustive pathophysiological explanations, we would address some relevant points to the role of melatonin as well as the high potential of intestinal microbiota in such conditions.