Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic and high mortality rate among severe or critical COVID-19 is linked with SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced hyperinflammation of the innate and adaptive immune systems and the resulting cytokine storm. This paper attempts to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles, to evaluate the association of inflammatory parameters with the severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
 
  A comprehensive systematic literature search of medical electronic databases including Pubmed/Medline, Europe PMC, and Google Scholar was performed for relevant data published from January 1, 2020 to June 26, 2020. Observational studies reporting clear extractable data on inflammatory parameters in laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included. Screening of articles, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by two authors independently. Standardized mean difference (SMD)/mean difference (MD/WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calrs could help the physicians to rapidly identify severe COVID-19 patients, hence facilitating the early initiation of effective treatment.
 
  CRD42020193169.
 CRD42020193169.The spike (S) protein mutations of SARS-CoV-2 are of major concern in terms of viral transmission and pathogenesis. Hence, we developed a PCR-based method to rapidly detect the 6 mutational hotspots (H49Y, G476S, V483A, H519Q, A520S, and D614G) in the S protein and applied this method to analyze the hotspots in the viral isolates from different geographical origins. Here, we identified that there was only the D614G mutation in the viral isolates. As of September 30, 2020, the analysis of 113,381 sequences available from the public repositories revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 variant carrying G614 has become the most prevalent form globally. Our results support recent epidemiological and genomic data demonstrating that the viral infectivity and transmission are enhanced by the S protein D614G mutation.
  To report a clinically challenging case of a choroidal nevus with retinal invasion with accompanying ancillary testing.
 
  A 60-year-old Caucasian female was referred for a suspicious melanocytic choroidal lesion in her left eye. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a melanocytic choroidal lesion, measuring 10mm×10mm in basal diameter. The lesion had a clinically evident area of retinal invasion seen as a protruding choroidal mass at its center, darker in appearance compared to the rest of the lesion, obscuring retinal vessels. The choroidal nevus had associated chronic retinal changes and the absence of overlying orange pigment or subretinal fluid. On fundus autofluorescence, there was a hypoautofluorescent area showing the site of retinal invasion. Fluorescein angiography at the lesion site exhibited central blocked perfusion corresponding to the area of retinal invasion. Ultrasonography showed a dome-shaped choroidal lesion that was optically dense with a medium-high internal reflectivity measuring 3.3mm in thickness. The optical coherence tomography showed a choroidal mass extruding through a break in Bruch's membrane with inner retinal invasion. A watchful waiting strategy was adopted, and at 28 months follow-up, the choroidal lesion did not show growth or presence of new suspicious features of malignant transformation.
 
  This case highlights the importance of recognizing the key features of choroidal nevi with retinal invasion, which can prevent the treatment of a benign condition and assist in the arrival of a correct diagnosis. These lesions should be monitored for long-term.
 This case highlights the importance of recognizing the key features of choroidal nevi with retinal invasion, which can prevent the treatment of a benign condition and assist in the arrival of a correct diagnosis. These lesions should be monitored for long-term.
  Tacrolimus is a commonly used immunosuppressant medication after lung transplantation. In rare cases, tacrolimus causes a medication-induced optic neuropathy (TON) that can lead to significant vision loss.
 
  In this series, we describe three cases of TON, 1-10 years after medication use. Two patients were young (22yr and 33yr) females with cystic fibrosis. The last case was a 65yr male with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In 2/3 cases tacrolimus serum levels were normal. Visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/300, and vision loss occurred acutely to sub-acutely, over a span of 2-3 months.
 
  As presented here, TON can be highly variable. MRI findings are often non-specific, from normal brain findings to extensive white matter changes. There remains an unclear association with graft-versus-host disease and reduced kidney function. Visual findings are often subtle, including color vision aberration and peripheral visual field deficits, both of which usually require an ophthalmologic evaluation. When diagnosed in a timely fashion, TON is at least partially reversible in up to half of all cases. While rare, the cases described here support post-lung transplant ophthalmologic evaluation in those taking high-risk medications.
 As presented here, TON can be highly variable. MRI findings are often non-specific, from normal brain findings to extensive white matter changes. There remains an unclear association with graft-versus-host disease and reduced kidney function. Visual findings are often subtle, including color vision aberration and peripheral visual field deficits, both of which usually require an ophthalmologic evaluation. When diagnosed in a timely fashion, TON is at least partially reversible in up to half of all cases. While rare, the cases described here support post-lung transplant ophthalmologic evaluation in those taking high-risk medications.SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility is higher than that of other human coronaviruses; therefore, it poses a threat to the populated communities. We investigated mutations among envelope (E), membrane (M), and spike (S) proteins from different isolates of SARS-CoV-2 and plausible signaling influenced by mutated virus in a host. We procured updated protein sequences from the NCBI virus database. Mutations were analyzed in the retrieved sequences of the viral proteins through multiple sequence alignment.  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/Temsirolimus.html  Additionally, the data was subjected to ScanPROSITE to analyse if the mutations generated a relevant sequence for host signaling. Unique mutations in E, M, and S proteins resulted in modification sites like PKC phosphorylation and N-myristoylation sites. Based on structural analysis, our study revealed that the D614G mutation in the S protein diminished the interaction with T859 and K854 of adjacent chains. Moreover, the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 consists of an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptide sequence, which could potentially interact with various members of integrin family receptors.