Expression map of entry receptors and infectivity factors for pan-coronaviruses in preimplantation and implantation stage human embryos.

PURPOSE: To predict if developing human embryos are permissive to multiple coronaviruses. METHOD: We analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA-seq datasets of human embryos for the known canonical and non-canonical receptors and spike protein cleavage enzymes for multiple coronaviruses like SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, hCoV-229E, and hCoV-NL63. We also analyzed the expression of host genes involved in viral replication, host proteins involved in viral endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT), genes of host proteins that physically interact with proteins of SARS-CoV-2, and the host genes essential for coronavirus infectivity. RESULTS: Of the known receptors of SARS viruses, ACE2, BSG, GOLGA7, and ZDHHC5 were expressed in different proportions in the zygote, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula, and blastocysts including the trophectoderm. The MERS-CoV receptor, DPP4, and hCoV-229E receptor, ANPEP, were expressed mainly from the compact morula to the blastocyst stages. Transcripts of the MERS-CoV alternate receptor LGALS1 were detected in most cells at all stages of development. TMPRSS2 transcripts were detected in the epiblast, primitive endoderm, and trophectoderm, while transcripts of the endosomal proteases CTSL, CTSB, and FURIN were expressed in most cells at all stages of development. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were co-expressed in a proportion of epiblast and trophectoderm cells. The embryonic cells expressed genes involved in ESCRT, viral replication, SARS-CoV-2 interactions, and coronavirus infectivity. The ACE2 and TMPRSS2 co-expressing cells were enriched in genes associated with lipid metabolism, lysosome, peroxisome, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. CONCLUSION: Preimplantation and implantation stage human embryos could be permissive to multiple hCoVs.

Psychometric validation of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in Head and Neck Cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a 20-item tool developed to screen for depression in the general population. To psychometrically evaluate and validate the CES-D scale for use in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. METHODS: The CES-D was applied to 130 subjects at onset of radiation treatment and 3-months following treatment. Analysis was conducted via face and content validity using two expert raters, internal consistency was applied using Cronbach's alpha, test retest reliability comparing baseline to 3-month application, concurrent validity was performed against the FACT-H&N and Pain Disability Index, construct validity was conducted via exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly male receiving chemo radiation. Face validity was strong (α = 0.85). Significant difference was found in the mean score between depressed (CES-D cut point ≥ 16) vs. non-depressed (t = -15.84, p = .00) (95% CI = -17.18, -13.33). Internal consistency of the scale was high (α = 0.84). Test retest reliability (p < .001) showed moderate-strong correlations (0.51), however was not sensitive to change in this sample across the study time period. Concurrent validity was strong (r = -0.77, 0.51). Factor analysis at baseline explained 54.92% of variance, with 3 distinct factors; depressed affect, somatic/retarded activity, and positive affect. In contrast to general populations, the factor 'disturbed interpersonal skill' was not retained. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the reliability and validity of the CES-D as a measure of depression in HNC populations. Proposed cut off scores remain stable but scale responsiveness suggests caution when evaluating change over time in this population.