Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings provide a valuable, noninvasive method for measuring human brain activity. This protocol modi es our general protocol for EEG recording (Farrens et al., 2019) for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was created with the help of numerous experts, and it speci es a clear set of steps for interacting with research participants, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disinfecting equipment, all with the goal of reducing the COVID-19 risks for both laboratory personnel and participants. It focuses on the use of EEG in relatively simple research studies of adults who can easily understand and follow instructions, yet can be readily adapted for studies using other types of EEG experiments or other participant populations.

Objective The purpose of this article was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the diagnostic test accuracy of chest CT for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 . Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched up to March 12, 2020. We included studies providing information regarding diagnostic test accuracy of chest CT for COVID-19 detection. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Sensitivity and specificity were pooled. Results Sixteen studies (n = 3186 patients) were included. The risks of bias in all studies were moderate in general. Pooled sensitivity was 92% (95% CI = 86-96%), and two studies reported specificity (25% [95% CI = 22-30%] and 33% [95% CI = 23-44%], respectively). There was substantial heterogeneity according to Cochran's Q test (p < 0.01) and Higgins I 2 heterogeneity index (96% for sensitivity). After dividing the studies into two groups based on the study site, we found that the sensitivity of chest CT was great in Wuhan (the most affected city by the epidemic) and the sensitivity values were very close to each other (97%, 96%, and 99%, respectively). In the regions other than Wuhan, the sensitivity varied from 61 to 98%. Conclusion Chest CT offers the great sensitivity for detecting COVID-19, especially in a region with severe epidemic situation. However, the specificity is low. In the context of emergency disease control, chest CT provides a fast, convenient, and effective method to early recognize suspicious cases and might contribute to confine epidemic. Key Points• Chest CT has a high sensitivity for detecting COVID-19, especially in a region with severe epidemic, which is helpful to early recognize suspicious cases and might contribute to confine epidemic.

The gut microbiota is comprised of a diverse array of microorganisms that interact with immune system and exert crucial roles for the health. Changes in the gut microbiota composition and functionality are associated with multiple diseases. As such, mobilizing a rapid and appropriate antimicrobial response depending on the nature of each stimulus is crucial for maintaining the balance between homeostasis and inflammation in the gut. Major players in this scenario are antimicrobial peptides (AMP), which belong to an ancient defense system found in all organisms and participate in a preservative co-evolution with a complex microbiome. Particularly increasing interactions between AMP and microbiota have been found in the gut. Here, we focus on the mechanisms by which AMP help to maintain a balanced microbiota and advancing our understanding of the circumstances of such balanced interactions between gut microbiota and host AMP. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the interplay of diverse antimicrobial responses with enteric pathogens and the gut microbiota, which should have therapeutic implications for different intestinal disorders.

Objectives: Neutrophils are thought to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to form in response to exogenous bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. However, the mechanisms underlying NET formation during sterile inflammation are still unclear. In this study, we would like to identify neutrophil extracellular traps formation during sterile inflammation and tissue injury and associated pathways and its mechanism. Materials and methods:We identified different injuries such as chemical-induced and trauma-induced formation of NETs and investigated mechanism of the formation of NETs in vitro and in vivo during the treatment of mtDNA. Results:Here, we find the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and oxidized mtDNA in acute peripheral tissue trauma models or other chemically induced lung injury, and moreover, endogenous mtDNA and oxidized mtDNA induce the formation of NETs and sterile inflammation. Oxidized mtDNA is a more potent inducer of NETs.Mitochondrial DNA activates neutrophils via cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING and the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) pathways and increases the production of neutrophil elastase and extracellular neutrophil-derived DNA in NETs. Mitochondrial DNA also increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of the NET-associated proteins Rac 2 and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). Conclusions:Altogether, these findings highlight that endogenous mitochondrial DNA inducted NETs formation and subsequent sterile inflammation and the mechanism associated with NET formation.