Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Full download Mutated COVID-19, May Foretells Mankind in a Great Risk in the Future Ali A. Dawood file pdf all chapter on 2024
Full download Mutated COVID-19, May Foretells Mankind in a Great Risk in the Future Ali A. Dawood file pdf all chapter on 2024
https://ebookmass.com/product/coronavirus-
disease-2019-covid-19-a-clinical-guide-1st-edition-ali-
gholamrezanezhad/
https://ebookmass.com/product/covid-19-and-the-future-of-higher-
education-in-india-saraswathi-unni/
https://ebookmass.com/product/organising-care-in-a-time-of-
covid-19-palgrave/
https://ebookmass.com/product/accelerating-diagnostics-in-a-time-
of-crisis-the-response-to-covid-19-and-a-roadmap-for-future-
pandemics-1st-edition-steven-c-schachter/
COVID-19: A promising cure for the global panic
Balachandar Vellingiri
https://ebookmass.com/product/covid-19-a-promising-cure-for-the-
global-panic-balachandar-vellingiri/
https://ebookmass.com/product/recurrence-of-positive-sars-
cov-2-rna-in-covid-19-a-case-report-dabiao-chen/
https://ebookmass.com/product/bookshelves-in-the-age-of-the-
covid-19-pandemic-corinna-norrick-ruhl/
https://ebookmass.com/product/the-lancet-commission-on-lessons-
for-the-future-from-the-covid-19-pandemic-the-lancet-commission/
https://ebookmass.com/product/mental-health-effects-of-
covid-19-ahmed-a-moustafa-editor/
Journal Pre-proof
PII: S2052-2975(20)30025-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100673
Reference: NMNI 100673
Please cite this article as: Dawood AA, Mutated COVID-19, May Foretells Mankind in a Great Risk in the
Future, New Microbes and New Infections, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100673.
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition
of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of
record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published
in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that,
during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal
disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Abstract:
Corona virus disease 2019 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic virus causing a variety of
severe of respiratory diseases. SARS-CoV-2 is closest to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV in
structure. The highly prevalence of COVID-19 is due to the lack onset of symptoms. Our study
aimed to present an overview of the virus in terms of structure, epidemiology, symptoms,
treatment, and prevention. Conduct the differences of whole genome sequence and some viral
proteins to determine the gap and the change alternation of nucleotides and amino acids
sequences. We evaluate 11 complete genome sequence of different coronavirus using BAST and
MAFFT software. We also selected 7 types of structural proteins. We were conclude that
COVID-19 might be created new mutations specifically in glycoproteins hence requires caution
and complete preparation by health authorities.
Keywords: COVID-19, MERS, outbreaks, SARS, zoonotic.
ORCID: 0000-0001-8988-5957, Email: aliadeldawood@gmail.com
Introduction:
The first emerging of novel coronavirus disease 19 was 31th, December 2019 in Wuhan city,
China. COVID-19 is classified the seventh member of the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae under
the family Coronaviridae. The most members of this family are zoonotic viruses that transmitted
to humans via contact with infected animals. Although the bats and snakes are the natural
reservoir of wide coronaviruses, there is no evidence so far that the COVID-19 was originated
and transmitted from the seafood market [1]. Previous study reported that lipid rafts of
coronaviruses have made new strain COVID-19 which is identity 80% to SARS-CoV. Lipid
molecules such as caveolins, clathrins and dynamin have a fundamental role in the
internalization of viruses. Firstly, these molecules are involved in the entry of viruses into host
cells. Second, targeting host lipids is being studied as an antiviral strategy and could have
various applications [2]. COVID-19 seems to need to bind to the ACE-2 receptor on the
membrane host cell to enable it to infect host cell upon coupled with a reliance of serine protease
TMPRSS2. This intracellular protein seems to be a determinant of the virus ability to infect cell
[3].
Mutated COVID-19, May Foretells Mankind in a Great Risk in The
Future
Abstract:
Corona virus disease 2019 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic virus causing a variety of
severe of respiratory diseases. SARS-CoV-2 is closest to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV in
structure. The highly prevalence of COVID-19 is due to the lack onset of symptoms. Our study
aimed to present an overview of the virus in terms of structure, epidemiology, symptoms,
treatment, and prevention. Conduct the differences of whole genome sequence and some viral
proteins to determine the gap and the change alternation of nucleotides and amino acids
sequences. We evaluate 11 complete genome sequence of different coronavirus using BAST and
MAFFT software. We also selected 7 types of structural proteins. We were conclude that
COVID-19 might be created new mutations specifically in glycoproteins hence requires caution
and complete preparation by health authorities.
Keywords: COVID-19, MERS, outbreaks, SARS, zoonotic.
Introduction:
The first emerging of novel coronavirus disease 19 was 31th, December 2019 in Wuhan city,
China. COVID-19 is classified the seventh member of the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae under
the family Coronaviridae. The most members of this family are zoonotic viruses that transmitted
to humans via contact with infected animals. Although the bats and snakes are the natural
reservoir of wide coronaviruses, there is no evidence so far that the COVID-19 was originated
and transmitted from the seafood market [1]. Previous study reported that lipid rafts of
coronaviruses have made new strain COVID-19 which is identity 80% to SARS-CoV. Lipid
molecules such as caveolins, clathrins and dynamin have a fundamental role in the
internalization of viruses. Firstly, these molecules are involved in the entry of viruses into host
cells. Second, targeting host lipids is being studied as an antiviral strategy and could have
various applications [2]. COVID-19 seems to need to bind to the ACE-2 receptor on the
membrane host cell to enable it to infect host cell upon coupled with a reliance of serine protease
TMPRSS2. This intracellular protein seems to be a determinant of the virus ability to infect cell
[3].
Prevalence and epidemiology:
Over the past two decades, outbreaks of coronavirus have been observed, the Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) - COV in 2003 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
– CoV previously described as a major public health threat. Nowadays, the World Health
Organization considers COVID-19 is more serious and widespread epidemic disease [4]. To
date, it seems that the mortality rate of COVID-19 is lower than the incidence of SARS or
MERS. A significant increase number of COVID-19 cases was observed due to the absence of
emerging pathological symptoms in the virus carriers. For this reason, it may foster the collapse
of local health care [4]. Some countries face an outbreak crisis and try to prevent the spread of
COVID-19 through preventing human gatherings, a curfew is imposed in cities, prevent travel
between countries and close the land borders may reduce the outbreaks.
The main transmission of COVID-19 starts with contacted human to human including relatives
and friends who intimately contacted with patients or incubation carriers. Many studies reported
that coughing and sneezing are the quicker way of the virus dispersion as well as droplet, and
airborne precautions when encountering an infected person [5].
Virus structure:
COVID-19 relates to the betacoronavirus that infects humans and likely developed from bat
origin coronaviruses. Structural analysis shows that COVID-19 probably derives from a bat
SARS-like coronavirus, which has mutated in the spike glycoprotein (protein S) and
nucleocapsid N protein The positive-sense RNA genomes of COVID-19 is differ from SARS-
CoV and MERS-CoV approximately 29.9 kb, 27.9 kb and 30.1 kb, respectively [6]. The
COVID-19 complete genome was annotated to possess 14 open reading frames ORFs encode 27
proteins. Sequence analysis revealed that COVID-19 is identity 80% more than to SARS-CoV
and 50% to the MERS-CoV which originated in bat [7, 8]. In addition to that, spherical external
spike protein displays a characteristic crown shape can be observed under an electron
microscope [9]. Current study, we have compared between novel COVID-19 complete genome
with other related corona virus to provoke the mutation and the gaps. We selected the data from
NCBI and we did the FASTA and BLAST. The comparison between genomes with alignment
has done using MAAFT-7 software. COVID-19 gene bank (MT188341.1), COVID-19
(MT066175.1), bat-SL-CoVZC45 (MG772933.1), SARS-CoV BJ182b (EU371561.1) are
identical alignment in 99%, 89%, and 82% respectively. In figure (1) shows the differences
between 4 complete genomes shows as follow:
GGTATGAGCTATTATTGTAAATCACATAAACCGCCCATTAGTTTTCCATTGTGTGCTAAT 16440
................................A........................... 16494
GGACTACCAACTCAAACTGTTGATTCATCACAGGGCTCAGAATGTGACTATGTCATATTC 17820
...........................................A................ 17874
GGACTTTTTAAAGATTGTAGTAAGGTAATCACTGGGTTACATCCTACACAGGCACCTACA 18060
.....C...................................................... 18114
CAGAACTCGAAGGCATTCAGTACGGTCGTAGTGGTGAGACACTTGGTGTCCTTGTCCCTC 539
..........T...........T..........................T.......... 592
ATGTGGGCGAAATACCAGTGGCTTACCGCAAGGTTCTTCTTCGTAAGAACGGTAATAAAG
....A..A..GG.......T........T..A............................ 652
MT188341.1 & MG772933.1 similarity 89% partial seq.
GAAAACTTGTTACT-TTATAT--TGACATTAATGGCAATCTTCATCCA-GATTCTGCCAC 4017
A.T..---......C..G.T.GC...T..C.....T..G...T.-...T......-.AGA 3997
TCTTG-TT--A-GTGACATTGACATCACTTTCTTAAAGAAAGATGCTCCATATATAGTGG 4073
A.A..C..AG.G....-.--..T..GT.....C.TG....G.....A..T..C..G..A. 4054
GTGATGTTGTTCAAGAG-GGTGTTTTAACTGCTGTGGTTATACCTACTAAAAAGGCTGGT 4132
........-A...CT..T....A.A.C...TG...T..A.....CT.C............ 4113
According to the alignment analysis, there is a closest similarity between 2 COVID-19 in 99%
compared with other 2 Bat CoV. 7 complete genomes have been alignment for different
coronavirus stains figure (2).
MT066175.1 SARS-CoV-2/NTU01/2020/TWN
MT039873.1 SARS-CoV-2 HZ-1
MN997409.1 SARS-CoV-2/USA-AZ1/2020
MN985325.1 SARS-CoV-2/USA-WA1/2020
Figure (2): MAFFT considers similarities in forward strands (red) only, but ignores similarities in reverse strands
(blue), Plot 1/2 alignment MT066175.1 + MT039873.1= 99.7%, plot 1/3: MT066175.1+ MN997409.1=99.7%, plot
1/4 MT066175.1+ MN996532.1= 89%, plot 1/5 MT066175.1+ EU371564.1= 82.4%, plot 1/6 MT066175.1+
KY938558.1= 68%, plot MT066175.1+ MN985325.1= 95%.
Upon to the result above, we revealed that all COVID-19 strains are closest similarity compared
to other strains related to the same family. In other words, we believe that COVID-19 came from
several mutations happened to other members of coronavirus relates to the same infection.
Although genomic analysis does not support the belief that COVID-19 is a laboratory construct,
currently it is impossible to disprove or prove the theories of its origin. To identify the COVID-
19 origin, obtaining virus sequences from immediate animal sources would be the most definite
method.
The first ORF (ORF1a/b) translates two polyproteins, pp1a and pp1ab, and encodes 16 non-
structural proteins (NSP) which takes two-thirds of viral RNA. The remaining ORFs encode
structural proteins including spike (S) glycoprotein, small envelope (E) protein, matrix (M)
protein, and nucleocapsid (N) protein. COVID-19 also possesses accessory proteins that interfere
with the host innate immune response [8].
We have done alignment for different strain of ORF10 COVID-19 GenBank: (QIK50446.1) with
the ORF10 COVID-19 (YP_009725255.1). The result gave similarity 100% without any
mutation in amino acid figure (3).
MGYINVFAFPFTIYSLLLCRMNSRNYIAQVDVVNFNLT 38
...................................... 38
RATRRIRGGDGKMKDLSPRWYFYYLGTGPEAGLPYGANKDGIIWVATEGALNTPKDHIGT 148
.QD.K.NT.N.-T.P.A.......T......N..FRSV.......HEN..TDA.-SVF.. 136
RNPANNAAIVLQLPQGTTLPKGFYAEGSRGGSQASSRSSSRSRNSSRNSTPGSSRGTSPA 208
.....DP...T.FAP......N.HI..TG.N..S...A....SSR.SSRNGR.NNSSRN. 196
(QIK50445.1) (QHA24694.1) similarity 61%
ORF7a protein COVID-19 GenBank: (QIK50443.1) has been aligned with NS7a Bat CoV
RaTG13 (QHR63305.1) similarity 99%, hypothetical protein SARS 7 CoV (AFR58706.1)
similarity 89% and putative uncharacterized protein 4 SARS CoV (AAX16199.1) similarity 68%
figure (6).
MKIILFLALITLATCELYHYQECVRGTTVLLKEPCSSGTYEGNSPFHPLADNKFALTCFS 60
.......V.V.................................................. 60
TQFAFACPDGVKHVYQLRARSVSPKLFIRQEEVQELYSPIFLIVAAIVFITLCFTLKRKT 120
...........................................I................ 120
(QIK50443.1) + (QHR63305.1) similarity 99%
MKIILFLALITLATCELYHYQECVRGTTVLLKEPCSSGTYEGNSPFHPLADNKFALTCFS 60
.......T..VFTS.....................P......................T. 60
TQFAFACPDGVKHVYQLRARSVSPKLFIRQEEV-QELYSPIFLIVAAIVFITLCFTLKRK 119
.H.....A..TR.T.........X.........Q......L......L..LI....I... 120
(QIK50443.1) + (AFR58706.1) similarity 89%
MKIILFLALITLATCELYHYQECVRGTTVLLKEPCSSGTYEGNSPFH-PLADNKFALTCF 59
.......T..VFTS.....................P..........AI.CFN.AYYILV. 60
STQFAFACPDGVKHVYQ 76
TRN-----.GSRRTL.. 72
(QIK50443.1) + (AAX16199.1) similarity 68%
ORF8 protein COVID-19 GenBank: (QIK50444.1) has been alignment with ORF8 protein
COVID-19 (QHN73801.1) similarity 99%, hypothetical protein Bat SARS CoV Rs806/2006
(ACU31050.1) similarity 76% and hypothetical protein Bat SARS CoV HKU3-8 (ADE34775.1)
similarity 84% figure (7).
MKFLVFLGIITTVAAFHQECSLQSCTQHQPYVVDDPCPIHFYSKWYIRVGARKSAPLIEL 60
............................................................ 60
CVDEAGSKSPIQYIDIGNYTVSCLPFTINCQEPKLGSLVVRCSFYEDFLEYHDVRVVLDF 120
.......................S.................................... 120
(QIK50444.1) + (QHN73801.1) similarity 99%
MKFLVFLGIITTVAAFHQECSLQSCTQHQPYVVDDPCPIHFYSKWYIRVGARKSAPLIEL 60
..L.IVF.LL.P.YCI.K...I.E.CEN...QIE......Y..D.F.KI.S....R.VQ. 60
CVDEAGSKSPIQYIDIGNYTVSCLPFTINCQEPKLGSLVVRCSFYEDFLEYHDVRVVLDF 120
.EGDY.KRI..H.EMF....I..E.LE....A.PV...I....YDY..V.H......... 120
(QIK50444.1) + (ACU31050.1) similarity 76%
GNYTVSCLPFTINCQEPKLGSLVVRCSFYEDFLEYHDVRVVLDFI 121
....I..E.LE....A.PV...I....YDY..V.H.......... 47
(QIK50444.1) + (ADE34775.1) similarity 84%
ORF6 protein COVID-19 GenBank: (QIK50442.1) has been aligned with ORF6 protein COVID-
19 (QIG55989.1) similarity 98%, protein 7 Rhinolophus affinis CoV (AHX37562.1) similarity
88% and NSP 6 SARS CoV ExoN1 (AGT21083.1) similarity 86% figure (8).
MFHLVDFQVTIAEILLIIMRTFKVSIWNLDYIINLIIKNLSKSLTENKYSQLDEEQPMEI 60
.............................................V.............. 60
(QIK50442.1) + (QIG55989.1) similarity 98%
MFHLVDFQVTIAEILLIIMRTFKVSIWNLDYIINLIIKNLSKSLTENKYSQLDEEQPMEI 60
...............I.......IA.....V..SS.VRQ.F.P..KKN..E..D.E.... 60
(QIK50442.1) + (AHX37562.1) similarity 88%
MFHLVDFQVTIAEILLIIMRTFKVSIWNLDYIINLIIKNLSKSLTENKYSQLDEEQPMEI 60
..............SI......RIA.....V..SS.VRQ.L.P..KKN..E..D.E...L 60
(QIK50442.1) (AGT21083.1) similarity 86%
Envelope protein COVID-19 GenBank: (QIK50440.1) has been aligned with EP COVID-19
(QHZ00381.1) similarity 98%, Chain A, Envelope small membrane protein SARS CoV
(5X29_A) similarity 90% and envelope protein Hypsugo Bat CoV HKU25 (ASL68947.1)
similarity 56% figure (10).
MYSFVSEETGTLIVNSVLLFLAFVVFLLVTLAILTALRLCAYCCNIVNVSLVKPSFYVYS 60
....................................H....................... 60
(QIK50440.1) + (QHZ00381.1) similarity 98%
FVSEETGTLIVNSVLLFLAFVVFLLVTLAILTALRLCAYCCNIVNVSLVKPSFYVYSRVK 63
.Q.M................................A..AA..........TV....... 79
(QIK50440.1) + (5X29_A) similarity 90%
MYSFVSEETGTLIVNSVLLFLAFVVFLLVTLAILTALRLCAYCCNIVNVSLVKPSFYVYS 60
.LP..Q.QI.SF...FFIFTV.CAIT...CM.F...T...MQ.AIG..TL..Q.AI...N 60
(QIK50440.1 (ASL68947.1) similarity 56%
By analyzing the series compatibility of the proteins sequences under study, we can confirm that
there is a match between strains of COVID-19. There are obvious differences with respect
compared to other species of coronavirus family. This may indicate that COVID-19 originated
from mutations happened in coronavirus family. In clearer terms, new mutations may be created
as there in a high probability, specifically in glycoproteins.
We are unable to give reasonable explanations for the significant number of amino acid
substitutions between the COVID-19 and SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV due to very limited
knowledge of this novel virus.
Clinical manifestation and symptoms:
The incubation period of the virus may dissimilar accordingly to the age and immune status. As a
general, it has been assumed that incubation period sites between 2-14 days while some cases
observed till 23 days after exposure. The main symptoms can easily seem with elderly aged
above 70 and immunocompromised and diabetic patients. The symptom starts with fever, dry
cough, dyspnea, as well as sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise and bilateral infiltrates may be
seen on chest X-ray, however some cases are detected absence of fever. Clinical features of
COVID-19 include the targeting of the lower airway as evident by upper respiratory tract
symptoms like rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and sore throat which is developed to gastrointestinal
symptoms like diarrhea [10]. Severe cases may present with sepsis, heart attack or even shock.
Conversely, some cases may show mildly ill or asymptomatic altogether.
From WHO records, the period from the symptoms onset and to death of COVID-19 ranged
from 6 - 41 days with a median of 14 days. This period depends on the age and the status of
immune system. It has been shorter with age under 70 years [11].
Preventions:
To prevent spreading virus, managed care of patients with entails early identification. Rapid
isolation, timely establishment of infection prevention and control measures, together with
symptomatic care for patients with mild disease. Supportive treatment for those with severe
COVID-19. Specific attention and spend more efforts to reduce transmission should be presented
to susceptible populations including health care providers, immunocompromised patients,
children, and elderly people [5]. Health care systems around the world must operate with more
than one maximum capacity. It is necessary to cooperate between HCS and WHO to reduce
infection. The use of international media, social media and societal culture by maintaining
personal cleaning, minimizing risk of exposure, avoiding gatherings and preventing all
phenomena that lead to contact between persons [12]. COVID-19 vaccines is under accelerated
development.
The global public health community have to consider the effects of mass gathering cancellations
on the future wellbeing of communities through economic recession as well as through the
spread, or otherwise, of COVID-19 [13].
Diagnosis:
Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most specific and
sensitive assay approved and straightforwardly used by many reference laboratories worldwide.
Other laboratory tests may help assessing disease severity and predicting the risk of evolution
such as cute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
and multiorgan failure (MOF). Moreover, C reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and D-dimer, along with diminished concentration
of serum albumin, increased values of LDH, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, creatinine, cardiac troponins, are used to enhanced and
helpful tests for organs function. Notably, a combined IgM-IgG rapid immunoassay has also
been recently developed as well as elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines detection kits such
as IL1-β, IL1RA, IL7, IL8, IL9, IL10, basic GCSF, IFNγ, TNFα,and IP10 [14]. A study revealed
that gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19 was not associated with viral RNA in the fecal
sample or extended duration of the viral RNA positivity in the feces.
COVID-19 RNA has been isolated from human saliva, nasopharynx and lower respiratory tract.
CT findings and lung abnormalities increased quickly after the onset of symptoms, and followed
by persistence of high levels in extent for a long duration. CT manifestations are important
inspected pattern over time [15]. A study was conducted that there is no evidence that TNF-α
inhibition will increase the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks, specifically [16].
Treatment:
At a moment, there is not yet any approved antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The
implementation of antiviral treatment and prophylaxis has several requirements to dip their risk.
Drugs can be administered shortly after symptom onset to reduce infectiousness and plummeting
viral shedding in the respiratory secretions. Some studied have approved hydroxychloroquine as
antiviral activity in vitro against coronaviruses, and specifically, COVID-19. Remarkably, this
drug was licensed for the chemoprophylaxis and treatment of malaria. Furthermore, drug testing
suggest that prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine at approved doses may prevent COVID-19
infection and amend viral shedding [17]. Clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine treatment for
COVID-19 pneumonia have showed positive preliminary outcomes in China.
Unfortunately, corticosteroid treatment is commonly used in clinical practice for influenza virus
such as acyclovir, ganciclovir, ribavirin, and methylprednisolone as well as neuraminidase
inhibitors including (peramivir, oseltamivir, and zanamivir,) are invalid for COVID-19 and not
recommended [18].
Conclusions:
Currently, the scientists have made progress in characterizing the new coronavirus, and there are
still many questions that need to be answered. COVID-19 is the greatest biological hazard to
assume the relevance of insidious worldwide threat today. COVID-19 is a highly contagious
during the latency period. It is necessary may adopt and invest more modern technologies both to
facilitate notification, to allow speedier data dissemination and analysis in keeping with the
principles of precision epidemiology.
We suggest that close contact with an infected person is the major factor in disease transmission.
Healthcare workers also have to follow the CDC guidelines and should not attempt to perform
any virus isolation or characterization. The effect of mass gathering cancellations on reducing the
spread of COVID-19 needs to be determined. Current study conducted that any mutation
occurred in the former protein is especially important. There is no evidence that part of COVID-
19 is synthetic.
Declaration of competing interest:
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgement:
At the end of this study, we would like to inform that all research budgets were self-supporting
without any institute donation.
References:
[1] R. Lana, F.C. Coellaho, M.F. Gomes, O.G. Cruz, L.S. Bastos, D.A. Villela, and C.T. Codeco,
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emergency and the role of timely and effective national
health surveillance, Reports in Pub. He. (2020), http://doi: 10.1590/0102-311X00019620.
[2] M. Baglivo, M. Baronio, G. Natalini, T. Beccari, P.C. Fuulcheri, P. Petralia, S. Michelini, G.
Fiorentini, GA. Miggiano, A. Morresi, G. Tonini, and M. Bertelli, Natural small molecules as
inhibitors of coronavirus lipiddependent attachment to host cells: a possible strategy for reducing
SARS-COV-2 infectivity?, Acta Biomed. (2020); Vol. 91, N. 1: 161-164, http://DOI:
10.23750/abm.v91i1.9402.
[3] G. Thomso, COVID‐19: social distancing, ACE 2 receptors, protease inhibitors and beyond?,
Int. J. Clin. Prac. (2020). http://doi.org/10.1111/ijcp.13503.
[4] G. Lippi, and M. Plebani, The critical role of laboratory medicine during coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) and other viral outbreaks, Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. (2020),
https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2020-0240.
[5] K. Karako, P. Song, Y. Chen, W. Tang, Analysis of COVID-19 infection spread in Japan
based on stochastic transition model, BioSci. Tre. (2020). http:// DOI: 10.5582/bst.2020.01482.
[6] A. Wu, Y. Peng, B. Huang, X. Ding, X. Wang, P. Niu, J. Meng, Z. Zhu, Z. Zhang, J. Wang,
J. Sheng, L. Quan, Z. Xia, W. Tan, G. Cheng, and T. Jiang. Genome Composition and
Divergence of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Originating in China, Ce. Ho. & Mic.
(2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2020.02.001.
[7] A. Cheepsattayakorn, and R. Cheepsattayakorn, Proximal Origin and Phylogenetic Analysis
of COVID-19 (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2), EC. Mic., (2020): 09-12.
[8] Y-R. Guo, Q-D. Cao, Z-S. Hong, Y-Y. Tan, S-D. Chen, H-J. Jin, K-S. Tan, D-Y. Wang and
Y. Yan. The origin, transmission and clinical therapies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
outbreak –an update on the status, Mil. Med. Res.. (2020) 7:11 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40779-
020-00240-0
[9] J-M. Kim, Y-S. Chung, H. J. Jo, N-J. Lee, M. S. Kim, S. H. Woo, S. Park, J. W. Kim, H. M.
Kim, and M-G. Han. Identification of Coronavirus Isolated from a Patient in Korea with
COVID-19. Os. Pub. He. Res Per. (2020); 11(1):3-7,
https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.1.02.
[10] H.A. Rothan, and S.N. Byrareddy. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) Outbreak. J. AutoI., (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102433
[11] K.L. Koenig, C.K. Beÿ, and E.C. McDonald. 019-nCoV: The Identify-Isolate-Inform (3I)
Tool Applied to a Novel Emerging Coronavirus. West. J. Emer. Med.,(2020). Vol. 21.no. 2, p:
184-190. http:// DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2020.1.46760.
[12] L. Dany. COVID-19: protecting health-care workers. The Lancet. (2020). Vol: 395.
https://doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(20)30627-9.
[13] L. Editor. Mass gathering events and reducing further global spread of COVID-19: a
political and public health dilemma. The Lancet. (2020). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-
6736(20)30681-4.
[14] Z. Jin, X. Du, Y. Xu, Y. Deng, M. Liu, Y. Zhao, B. Zhang, X. Li, L. Zhang, Y. Duan, J. Yu,
L. Wang, K. Yang, F. Liu, T. You, X. Liu, X. Yang, F. Bai, H. Liu, X. Liu, L.W. Guddat, G.
Xiao, C. Qin, and Z. Shi. Structure-based drug design, virtual screening and high-throughput
screening rapidly identify antiviral leads targeting COVID-19. BioRxiv, (2020).
https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.26.964882.
[15] Y. Wang, C. Dong, Y. Hu, C. Li, Q. Ren, X. Zhang, H. Shi, and M. Zhou. Temporal
Changes of CT Findings in 90Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Longitudinal Study.
Radiology. (2020). P. No. 2020kfyXGYJ007.
[16] Y. Wu, C. Guo, L. Tang, Z. Hong, J. Zhou, X. Dong, H. Yin, Q. Xiao, Y. Tang, X. Qu, L.
Kuang, X. Fang, N. Mishra, J. Lu, H. Shan, G. Jiang, and X. Huang. Prolonged presence of
SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in faecal samples. Lan. Gastr.oenterol. Hepatol. (2020),
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(20)30083-2
[17] O. Mitjà, and B. Clotet. Use of antiviral drugs to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Lancet
Glob Health. (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X (20)30114-5.
[18] A.M. Bashyam and S.R. Feldman. Should patients stop their biologic treatment during the
COVID-19 pandemic. J. Dermato. Treat. (2020).
https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1742438.
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
“Judges can be mighty nice, after all,” thought Charlie. “Still, I’d a
heap rather meet this particular one off the bench than on.”
“Now, boys,” spoke up Uncle Ralph, “a telegram must be sent to
your stout friend Brandon announcing our safe arrival. Tell Victor to
take a room at the hotel and expect me back to-morrow. Now, we’re
thirty odd miles from your motor car. Going with me in the morning,
or will——”
“Not for mine,” declared the “grind,” decidedly.
“Either Dave or Tom can drive the car,” said Bob. “So we’ll let ’em
come to us.”
“Very good.”
The hotel and restaurant which Uncle Ralph generally patronized on
his visits to the city was some distance from the wharf. As no
telegraph office was passed on the way they concluded to defer
sending the missive to Dave until after their meal. And this took
considerable time.
But the telegram was finally flashed over the wires with the request
that Dave should send an immediate response. Then nothing
remained but to see the sights and amuse themselves.
Captain Bunderley, after exacting a promise that they would meet
him at the hotel about six o’clock, returned to the yacht.
After they had wandered about the busy streets for some time
Charlie exclaimed:
“Now, what’s the program? My legs are beginning to put up a kick.”
“We are right close to that East Water Street bridge,” said Bob, as he
consulted a pocket map. “Looked like an interesting section to me.
Suppose we take it in?”
“One way is about as good as another, I s’pose,” replied Charlie,
wearily.
As the two came in sight of the bridge a tall, thin boy standing near a
little building at one end attracted Blake’s attention.
“By Jove!” he exclaimed, “I never expected to see another chap in
this part of the country with a shape just like Tom’s! What’s the
matter, Bob?”
Bob Somers’ expression had undergone such a sudden and startling
change that Charlie repeated his inquiry with a rising inflection.
“Don’t you recognize him?” demanded Bob, sharply.
“Recognize who?”
“Why, Tom—our Tom Clifton, of course!”
CHAPTER XVI
TOM SCORES
The boys didn’t turn back at the city limits as Captain Bunderley had
fully expected they would. Instead, the motor car finally passed
through South Milwaukee, and, under the cool and skilful guidance
of Bob Somers, plunged steadily along the muddy road, its lamps
throwing a strange, fantastic stream of light far in advance. Through
its magic, objects continually leaped out of the night, only to be
greedily snatched back by the mantle of gloom. Lights suggestive of
hobgoblins flitted from tree to tree, or swept across fields and
underbrush, but in the immensity of space beyond the glare
blackness held supreme control.
Heavy gusts of wind, moaning and whistling dismally in their hurried
flight, almost drowned the soft, even purring of the motor. Splashing
rain-drops hurled themselves against the wind shield and top; the
storm, long delayed, was beginning to let loose its pent-up wrath.
“Guess we’re going to have a peach of a time,” muttered Blake. “If I
hadn’t come, though, Tom would have kidded me about it for the
next six months.”
The disconsolate “grind” huddled back on the rear cushions listening
to the wind and rain and the soft swish of flying mud, as the rubber-
tired wheels occasionally plunged through pools and puddles.
“Let ’er out a bit, Bob,” encouraged Tom. “Don’t be afraid.” He pulled
the collar of his raincoat about his neck. “No constable around now
to stop our scorching. Gee! Ought to have seen me burning up the
road to-day, Bob; good you weren’t along, Charlie. Hey—asleep
back there?”
“How in thunder could a fellow be asleep with a din like this knocking
against his ear-drums?” growled Blake. “Where are we, Bob?”
“Somewhere between South Milwaukee and Racine—that’s all I
know,” answered the driver, with a laugh.
The wind blew harder; the rain, too, gradually increased in force until
sweeping torrents beat hard against the motor car, splashing its
occupants and forming tiny trickling pools in the bottom of the
tonneau.
Not a vehicle had passed them; the country seemed absolutely
deserted, and only dim points of light shining in the windows of
distant farmhouses indicated that any life existed in the seeming
wilderness.
The intense loneliness, the continual noises of the storm and the
haunting fear that hidden dangers might be lurking in their path
prevented Blake from entering into the spirit of the occasion.
“By Jove, this is certainly about the limit,” he groaned, inwardly.
From his position the forms of Bob Somers and Tom Clifton, bending
low to escape the cutting blasts, assumed a curiously unreal
appearance against the glare of acetylene light streaming ahead.
Leaning forward, he sought vainly to pierce the blackness; then, his
face becoming the target for splattering rain-drops, he hastily drew
back, to straighten up again a moment later as a shrill whistle sent a
series of wild reverberations across the landscape.
Over the air came faintly the rattle and roar of a fast express. The
road was taking them near the tracks of the Chicago and
Northwestern Railway. Charlie’s glance suddenly rested upon
something in the distance—a long row of tiny lights sweeping rapidly
toward them.
Now they disappeared; now flashed into view once more; the sound
of grinding car wheels rose higher. Then, with almost incredible
rapidity, the tiny lights became gleaming windows seeming to radiate
cheer as they sped onward through the night. In an instant more the
train was lost to view, and only a faint screech of the locomotive’s
whistle, fading quickly into the roar of wind and splash of rain, told of
its passing.
“Wish I was on board,” sighed Charlie. “Tom Clifton’s grins’ll never
drag me into any more silly adventures. This is ’most as bad as that
awful motor yacht trip. I’ve been going some to-day, all right.”
On the front seat, Tom was saying:
“Motoring in such blackness is dandy fun. The idea that you’re going
to run into something the next minute makes it kind of spicy, eh?
Gee, Bob, the rain’s coming down harder every minute. Wonder
where old Dave and Victor are now?”
“Very likely taking it easy in the hotel,” grinned Bob.
“Christopher! What’s that?”
A low rumbling sound had suddenly risen above the warring of wind
and rain.
“Thunder,” answered the chauffeur, briefly.
“Thunderation! I thought for a second it was a message from Dave
passing right over our heads,” laughed Tom. “Some weather, this,
Bob. Hello—a village beyond!—See it?”
Bob nodded.
“We’ll soon twirl that far behind us,” he said.
The faint points of light dotting the gloom gradually loomed up
stronger; the white glare from their lamps at length flashed over a
house by the roadside; then on another, and within a few minutes the
touring car was sweeping steadily through the village.
Out from the darkness a small form seemed to literally hurl itself
toward them, and, racing alongside, filled the air with vociferous
barks and yelps.
Leaning over, Bob saw a shaggy form of nondescript color, and
caught a gleam from a pair of greenish eyes.
“Nice doggie!” he chirped, soothingly.
“He’s started off every other ‘nice doggie’ in town,” chuckled Tom.
“Listen!”
The baying of numerous canines, some near at hand, others in the
distance, was rising on the air.
“Some up-to-the-minute constable may nab us for disturbing
sleeping dogs,” said Tom.
“That’s so,” grinned Bob.
He manipulated the lever. The car leaped forward, leaving their four-
footed foe far in the rear. For a few moments, his senses keenly alert
for any signs of danger, he kept up the swinging gait, slowing up as
the lights of a store and smithy close to it shot into view.
As they passed the latter a cheerful glow was spreading out over the
street from a partly-open door. The boys caught a momentary
glimpse of figures and horses within, and heard vigorous blows on
an anvil sending forth a series of musical notes.
Then the long street, silent and deserted, slipped slowly by, and,
presently, the motor car was threading its way in the zone where
human activities seemed to have ceased. Another stretch of dreary
blackness followed, with the trees, in the grip of the blasting air
currents, soughing and snapping their branches mournfully.
Pelting rain still assailed the travelers. The motor car often rolled
through deep pools, scattering sheets of muddy spray aside. The
boys could hear the oozy, sucking sound of slimy masses torn from
their resting places and spattering against the guards.
“Say, Bob, wouldn’t this be a great place for the machine to break
down?” came in a sepulchral voice from the rear.
“You’d surely lose the polish on your shoes, Charlie,” laughed Tom.
“Wonder what Vic ’ud say to this?”
“Oh, he’d let out an awful howl.”
“And no one could blame him, either,” growled the disgusted Blake.
On and on went the car, through another village and then another,
and, finally, the city of Racine was seen asserting itself strongly
against the gloom of nature.
The boys found on entering the town that most of the stores were
closed; but the brightly-lighted streets and the sight of electric cars
and an occasional pedestrian was a welcome change after their
siege of riding in the lonely country.
“Too bad we can’t stay here for a while, fellows!” exclaimed Bob, “but
it’s the long road and blackness again for us.”
“Dave and Vic are probably sound asleep by this time,” grumbled
Charlie, “never dreaming about the lovely time we’re having on their
account.” Then he added, softly, to himself: “Guess I’ll be having
nightmares about it, though, for weeks to come.”
“Speed her up, Bob,” said Tom, eagerly. “A chap can see where he’s
going out here.”
The street stretched straight ahead, with not a vehicle in sight. The
glare of electric lights flashed on steadily falling rain; the gutters ran
with miniature floods, which gurgled and splashed along, carrying on
their muddy surfaces a miscellaneous collection of rubbish. Here and
there great pools reflected the buildings and telegraph poles with
weird effect.
Bob put on more speed; the motor car leaped forward, and for
several blocks they flew ahead at a breath-taking pace. An electric
car coming from the opposite direction presently whizzed past, a
confused mass of blurred lights and shadows.
“This is simply great, Bob!” cried Tom. “Enjoying yourself, Charlie?”
he added, with a laugh.
The “grind” was not; so the only answer Tom’s query brought forth
was a dissenting grunt.
Occasionally Blake took a long, careful survey of the situation. On
looking out, a few moments later, he saw a residential section
passing before his eyes. This was quickly followed by the open
country and desolation.
The storm, which had lulled during a short period, broke forth with
renewed activity. At intervals coppery colored lightning streaked
across the heavens, or forked its way to earth. In the brief instants of
dazzling glare a series of singularly clear impressions, of dark,
twisting clouds, of distant farmhouses, of rail fences, of waving trees,
and of formless patches of shadow were imprinted upon Charlie’s
brain. It filled the boy with a curious sense of awe and dread which
refused to be shaken off.
“A bend in the road just ahead, Bob!” Tom at length sang out.
“I see it,” responded the chauffeur.
The advancing rays of light showed the broad road disappearing
around a mass of vegetation.
“Have to slow up now,” said Bob—“danger of the machine skidding
on slippery ground like this.”
“You bet.”
As the touring car slackened speed Bob sent forth a long, warning
blast of the horn.
Tom laughed.
“Gee, Bob, what was the sense of doing that?” he cried. “We haven’t
passed many drays and trucks, or——”
Blake, listening indifferently, would have continued to do so but for
the loud, startled exclamation which brought Tom’s sentence to an
abrupt close.
He looked up quickly, then, with a gasp of astonishment, he fell
forward, bringing up against the seat in front with a violent bump.
The motor car had scarcely swept around the bend when the
acetylene glare picked out from the darkness the forms of three huge
elephants advancing directly in their path. Almost stupefied with
amazement, the boys, at the same instant, saw two men walking
close beside them. Not far behind, the light shone upon a huge, red
wagon.
Before the warning cries which came from the men ceased Bob
Somers had thrown out the clutch and applied the brakes, bringing
the machine to a halt almost within its own length.
A shrill trumpet call sounded. The elephant in advance, showing
evidence of the greatest alarm, suddenly broke away from its keeper
and attempted to turn back.
Then followed a scene which made the nerves of the chauffeur and
his companions tingle with excitement. A huge pachyderm, wheeling
his body around, effectually blocked the other’s progress. Almost
immediately the third elephant got into action, while every movement
made by the men, in their efforts to pacify the animals, only added to
their fear and confusion.
“Great Scott!” breathed Charlie, grasping Bob by the arm.
The three towering forms were swinging wildly toward them, the
nearest threatening to plunge full tilt against the motor car.
CHAPTER XVIII
A ROUGH TRIP