Immunogenic potential of DNA vaccine candidate, ZyCoV-D against SARS-CoV-2 in animal models.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), initially originated in China in year 2019 and spread rapidly across the globe within 5 months, causing over 96 million cases of infection and over 2 million deaths. Huge efforts were undertaken to bring the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical development, so that it can be made available at the earliest, if found to be efficacious in the trials. We developed a candidate vaccine ZyCoV-D comprising of a DNA plasmid vector carrying the gene encoding the spike protein (S) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The S protein of the virus includes the receptor binding domain (RBD), responsible for binding to the human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor. The DNA plasmid construct was transformed into E. coli cells for large scale production. The immunogenicity potential of the plasmid DNA has been evaluated in mice, guinea pig, and rabbit models by intradermal route at 25, 100 and 500 µg dose. Based on the animal studies proof-of-concept has been established and preclinical toxicology (PCT) studies were conducted in rat and rabbit model. Preliminary animal study demonstrates that the candidate DNA vaccine induces antibody response including neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and also elicited Th-1 response as evidenced by elevated IFN-γ levels.

A Rare Case of Hyperhomocysteinemia-associated Thrombotic Stroke in the Pediatric Age Group.

Association between hyperhomocysteinemia and stroke has been well documented in the literature. However, there are limited reports revealing stroke events in the pediatric population affected by hyperhomocysteinemia. Herein, we present a case which shows genetically inherited hyperhomocysteinemia leading to a stroke event in a 14-year-old child. The patient presented to the outpatient clinic with dizziness and nonprojectile vomiting since the previous day without any history of weakness in the extremities or unconsciousness. The preliminary neurologic examination showed positive right-sided cerebellar signs like ataxia on physical examination and the final diagnostic workup confirmed acute non-hemorrhagic bilateral cerebellar and medullary infarction with hyperhomocysteinemia. We discuss the case presentation, diagnostic workup, and management strategies.

Portal vein aneurysms: imaging manifestations and clinical significance.

This article will review the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with portal vein aneurysms (including presentation of several case examples) and discuss imaging criteria and management options. Given the extreme rarity of portal vein aneurysms, as well as a lack of familiarity with the entity on the part of radiologists, the diagnosis can often be overlooked. Appreciation of the most commonly used diagnostic criteria, as well as the role of CT in the appropriate follow-up of these patients, is critical in ensuring appropriate management. In particular, the significance of these aneurysms must be appreciated in the emergency setting, as portal vein aneurysms can rarely present with symptoms of abdominal pain and other complications (such as thrombosis, portal hypertension, rupture, embolism, and compression of the duodenum and inferior vena cava) making surgical repair necessary.