Treatment Of COVID-19 Research Articles

Uncovering the Role of Indian Medicinal Botanicals in COVID-19 Prevention and Management: A Review

Uncovering the Role of Indian Medicinal Botanicals in COVID-19 Prevention and Management: A Review

Characteristics of patients with non-severe infections of different SARS-CoV-2 omicron subvariants in China

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of patients infected with different Omicron subvariants presenting non-severe disease, evaluate the safety and efficacy of Azvudine for treatment of COVID-19, in order to broaden understanding of Omicron subvariant infections.MethodA total of 244 individuals with Omicron subvariant (BA.2.76, n = 158; BA.5.1, n = 86) were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the study participants were collected and analyzed.ResultPatients infected with BA.5.1 exhibited a higher incidence of clinical symptoms like fatigue (25.58% vs. 2.53%, p < 0.001), headache/dizziness (12.79% vs. 4.43%, p = 0.017), nausea/vomiting (10.47% vs. 1.27%, p = 0.002), viral loads and inflammatory factors, and shorter virus shedding time than those with BA.2.76. There are 28.1% patients reporting mild adverse events following Azvudine administration. After treatment, the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM, white blood cell, and lymphocyte obviously increased, while C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and D-dimer reduced. Azvudine speeded up the time for virus clearance compared to control treatment (10 vs. 11 days, p = 0.032). Low lymphocyte counts (odd ratio (OR) = 0.607, p = 0.001) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titer (OR = 0.990, p = 0.028) were the independent risk factors for long nucleic acid negativization duration after infection. Patients with pneumonia were often accompanied by dyspnea, fatigue and high level of D-dimer. Dyspnea (OR = 10.176, p = 0.019) could be used to identify the occurrence of pneumonia in patients infected with Omicron.ConclusionThe study demonstrated the difference in clinical and laboratory parameters between patients infected with Omicron BA.2.76 and BA.5.1, as well as the safety and efficacy of Azvudine therapy. Our study linked patient manifestations to Omicron subvariant, treatment, and clinical outcomes, which is conducive to healthcare providers/policymakers to revise and implement appropriate countermeasures, facilitating appropriately advise for individuals with Omicron subvariant infections.

Before and After COVID-19 Outbreak: Indonesia as a Successful Story of WHO Global Health Diplomacy

After the Spanish flu pandemic in 1920s, the world experienced another one named the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. It has significantly impacted human life in various aspects. In response to this, not only countries but all actors in international relations take part including the World Health Organization (WHO). One of its moves was the formation of the ACT-Accelerator, which includes four pillars of COVID-19 management namely diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and the health systems and response connector. In this case, WHO formed a multilateral cooperation called COVID-19 Global Access (COVAX). This collaboration incorporates several international organizations and agencies; namely, GAVI, CEPI, and UNICEF. COVAX aims to provide equal access for countries that need vaccines, especially developing countries. This study examines the global health diplomacy strategy carried out by the World Health Organization in procuring world vaccines through the COVAX program in Indonesia. The authors used a descriptive qualitative method with secondary sources to analyze the phenomenon in this study. Based on the conceptual framework, namely international organizations and global health diplomacy, the authors analyze the strategies pursued by WHO in realizing global health in Indonesia. This study found that the efforts of WHO global health diplomacy through the COVAX program to Indonesia include conducting vaccine research and development and raising funds and negotiating vaccine purchases. This study finally argues that the COVAX program serves as a concrete example of how WHO’s global health diplomacy strategies are implemented, offering a detailed case study of international cooperation in vaccine distribution.

A fractional-order model for the effects of expansions in hospitals on the applicability of performance certificate programme

This study explores the impact of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system on healthcare services in private hospitals in North Cyprus using a fractional-order system of equations. The Near East Hospital (NEH) earned Gold-level certification with 79 points, while Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital (BNH) obtained 31 points. Through sensitivity analysis of indoor air quality and sustainable land criteria, the study demonstrates that hospitals adopting LEED certification provide superior service quality. The findings suggest that government hospitals could benefit from aligning with green certification criteria, potentially improving patient outcomes. Data collected from NEH and BNH support a positive relationship between green certification and increased patient and employee satisfaction, with significant evidence ( p < 0.05 ) distinguishing LEED-certified hospitals from non-certified ones. The study also evaluates how hospital expansions affect the applicability of certification programs and the management of COVID-19, focusing on criteria such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. The analysis provides insights for healthcare administrators and policymakers seeking to enhance hospital infrastructure to meet certification standards, improve healthcare services, and better manage future pandemics. The research underscores the importance of green certification in improving patient care, employee satisfaction, and overall hospital performance.

Lupus and SARS-CoV-2: What have we learned after the pandemic?

After the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we analysed the relationship between Systemic Lupus Erythematosous (SLE) and COVID-19 from the virologist's perspective based on recent findings. SLE and COVID-19 co-morbidity present unique challenges, as individuals with SLE may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to immune system abnormalities and ongoing therapies. Effective management of both diseases requires careful monitoring, adherence to vaccination programs, preventive measures and approved and patient-tailored therapies. This review covers various aspects, including the clinical outcome of SLE patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, the impact of this infection on SLE onset or flare-ups and the benefits of vaccination for this population. Furthermore, this review presents the most recent recommendations on clinical management of COVID-19 in rheumatic patients, including those with SLE, discussing the currently available therapeutic options. Finally, we explore the most effective tools for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in autoimmune conditions and examine prognostic biomarkers in COVID-19 rheumatic patients with potential implications on their clinical oversight. By adopting a comprehensive approach, we address these complexities from the virologist's perspective, aiming to improve health care for this vulnerable population.

Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Molnupiravir Against Covid-19

The most stable conformation of molnupiravir (C13H19N3O7), which is frequently used in the COVID-19 treatment, was elucidated by the Spartan06 program. Using the CAVER program, the potential active binding sites that belong to the spike glycoprotein, ACE2 receptor, and both the apo and holo forms of the main protease enzyme(Mpro) of COVID-19 were identified. To determine the binding affinity of molnupiravir to target receptors, molecular docking analyses were carried out using Autodock Vina. The results of molecular docking calculations of the molnupiravir with the spike glycoprotein (PDB ID:6VXX), ACE2 (PDB ID:6M0J;1R42), the apo form (PDB ID: 6M03) and the holo form of COVID-19 Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) showed strong binding affinities at -7.8, -7.7, -7.7, -7.1, and -7.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Moreover, top-scoring ligand-receptor complex of the molnupiravir with ACE2 (1R42) were subjected to 50 ns all-atom MD simulations to investigate the ligand-receptor interactions in more detail.

Enhanced targeting efficacy of baicalein analogues on the dimeric state of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease compared to monomeric state

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been a global threat affecting the entire world. It is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the coronavirus family. In SARS-CoV2, the 3CL protease protein significantly contributes to viral replication and is responsible for viral polyprotein cleavage. These factors make 3CL protease a promising drug target to inhibit the growth of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, using in silico approaches, we have targeted the 3CL protease of SARS-CoV-2 to identify promising antiviral candidates for COVID-19 treatment. Here, 463 structural analogs of Baicalein compounds were collected initially, and by employing the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) technique on 76 antiviral compounds, screening was done against monomeric and dimeric versions of the target protein. Further, based on the molecular interaction studies and MD simulation, followed by validation of the obtained simulation trajectories using PCA and MM/PBSA calculation, it was observed that ligands showed better binding stability with dimeric proteins than monomeric proteins and can be used as suitable therapeutic candidates for SARS-CoV2 treatment. The MD simulation showed a favorable, robust outcome for the 46885476 when bound to the dimeric state. It matched the control in the number of hydrogen bonds and conformational stability. This molecule also directly impacted the catalytic dyads of the protein, suggesting potential inhibitory action. In addition, this study helps to accelerate the drug development process against SARS-CoV2 through the observed in-silico results, which need to be validated using clinical experiments in future studies.

Monitoring Cleaning and Disinfection in a Respiratory Syndrome Unit Amid the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Introduction: This study aimed to monitor the cleaning and disinfection processes of surfaces in a respiratory syndrome unit. Design: A cross-sectional study conducted in a respiratory syndrome unit specialized in the treatment of COVID-19. High-touch surfaces were monitored using the following methods: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), Colony-Forming Units (CFU), and Visual Inspection. Monitoring lasted for 30 days, with samples collected both before and after the team performed the cleaning and disinfection procedures. Results: The results showed that most surfaces had microbial counts above 2.5 CFU/cm² both before and after cleaning, thus failing the test. Only one surface showed significant differences in relation to the adenosine triphosphate method: the patients' chair (P=0.014). Regarding visual inspection, it was observed that defects in the structure of the monitored surfaces impacted non-compliance rates. Additionally, a lack of standardization in the use of cleaning products was noted. Implications: The study highlighted the need for improvements in the process to meet the values proposed in the literature, ensuring a safe environment in all healthcare services. It also underscored the complexity of patients with respiratory syndrome.

Do Incentives Mediate the Willingness of Civil Defence Force Volunteer Members to Respond in Pandemic and Stay as Volunteers?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia opened over thirty Low-Risk COVID-19 Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC). These PKRCs needed many volunteers to help first responders with non-medical services and patient management. Luckily many new volunteers signed up for this risky work. These volunteer hours were paid. How willing are they to volunteer? Will they stay? Did the incentive mediate volunteering and staying? To illuminate, this research was done. 391 respondents involved. They were the volunteers registered with the Civil Defence Force (the Force). They were chosen by voluntary sampling technique. An online survey was used for data collection. The survey instrument contains two main variables: willingness to respond and intention to stay, and a mediator: incentives. The instrument adapted the Expectancy Theory of Motivation and the Extended Parallel Process Model. The study found that their willingness to respond during pandemics was at a moderate level. Their intention to stay, however, is low. The availability of incentives has been identified as a significant mediator in influencing volunteers' willingness to respond during pandemics and retain them as Civil Defence Force volunteer members. This was significant because many people lost their jobs when the pandemic occurred. Their job alternative at that time was paid volunteering. Thus, it is relevant for the government to offer incentives if a huge number of volunteers is required during a long-term disaster.

Retraction notice to "Can use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment of COVID-19 affect aquatic wildlife? A study conducted with neotropical tadpole" [Sci. Total Environ. 780 (2021) 146553

Retraction notice to "Can use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment of COVID-19 affect aquatic wildlife? A study conducted with neotropical tadpole" [Sci. Total Environ. 780 (2021) 146553

Shared Medical Appointments to Improve Equitable Access to Rehabilitative Care for Long COVID

Long COVID is an infection-associated chronic condition that can cause a wide variety of symptoms and long-term functional impairments. Although investigation into curative treatment is ongoing, current standard management of long COVID relies heavily on rehabilitative care by physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Unfortunately, many persons with long COVID encounter financial barriers to receiving rehabilitative care, especially because some state Medicaid programs and safety net health insurance plans do not cover one-on-one rehabilitation visits. Shared medical appointments are group visits that can deliver multidisciplinary care, and they are widely reimbursed by health insurance plans. Shared medical appointments also offer the added benefit of peer support and camaraderie, and they are an efficient method for clinicians to deliver care to many patients at once. Shared Medical appointments can serve as an innovative method of delivering rehabilitative care for persons with long COVID who cannot access individual appointments with a physical, occupational, and/or speech therapist. The purpose of this clinical perspective is to present the rationale, development, and organization and content of a six-session curriculum of shared medical appointments, which was created to deliver rehabilitation principles for long COVID management. The curriculum covers physical activity, daily living activities, and thinking and speaking. It includes identification of functional concerns and goals, instruction in rehabilitative strategies and tools, and troubleshooting challenges that are encountered as patients implement strategies. The content in this clinical perspective is intended to be easily adapted and delivered by other clinicians to facilitate more equitable access to long COVID rehabilitative care.

Personalized Smartphone-Enabled Assessment of Blood Pressure and Its Treatment During the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients From the CURE-19 Study: Longitudinal Observational Study.

The use of digital interventions by patients for remote monitoring and management of health and disease is increasing. This observational study examined the feasibility, use, and safety of a digital smartphone app for routine monitoring of blood pressure (BP), medication, and symptoms of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to deploy and test electronic data recording using a smartphone app developed for routine monitoring of BP in patients with primary hypertension. We tested the app for ease of data entry in BP management and tracking symptoms of new-onset COVID-19 to determine if participants found this app approach useful and sustainable. This remote, decentralized, 12-week, prospective, observational study was conducted in a community setting within the United States. Participants were approached and recruited from affiliated sites where they were enrolled in an ongoing remote decentralized study (CURE-19) of participants experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential participants were asked to complete a digital screener to determine eligibility and given informed consent forms to read and consent to using the Curebase digital platform. Following enrollment, participants downloaded the digital app to their smartphones for all data collection. Participants recorded daily BP, associated medication use, and emergent symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, usability (adherence, acceptability, and user experience) was assessed using standard survey questions. Adverse events were collected based on participant self-report. Compliance and engagement were determined from user data entry rates. Feasibility and participant feedback were assessed upon study completion using the User Experience Questionnaire. Of the 389 participants who enrolled in and completed the study, 380 (98%) participants downloaded and entered BP routines in week 1. App engagement remained high; 239 (62.9%) of the 380 participants remained in the study for the full 12-week observation period, and 201 (84.1%) of the 239 participants entered full BP routines into the digital app 80% or more of the time. The smartphone app scored an overall positive evaluation as assessed by the User Experience Questionnaire and was benchmarked as "excellent" for domains of perspicuity, efficiency, and dependability and "above average" for domains of attractiveness and stimulation. Highly adherent participants with hypertension demonstrated well-controlled BP, with no significant changes in average systolic or diastolic BP between week 1 and week 12 (all P>.05). Participants were able to record BP medications and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. No adverse events attributable to the use of the smartphone app were reported during the observational period. The high retention, engagement and acceptability and positive feedback in this study demonstrates that routine monitoring of BP and medications using a smartphone app is feasible for patients with hypertension in a community setting. Remote monitoring of BP and data collection could be coupled with hypertensive medication in a combination product (drug+digital) for precision management of hypertension.

Identification of RdRp-NiRAN/JAK1 Dual-Target Drugs for COVID-19 Treatment.

Inhibition of virus replication and inflammatory response is important for the treatment of severe COVID-19 patients. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is indispensable for SARS-CoV-2 replication, and Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitors exert immunosuppressive effects. RdRp/JAK1 dual-target drugs are expected to ameliorate the severity of the COVID-19 disease. The N-terminal nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase (NiRAN) domain of RdRp is a pseudokinase, and it has structural similarities with JAK1. Herein, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of triphosphate forms of 31 nucleoside drugs in the DrugBank database on the NiRAN domain and JAK1 through a combination of theoretical and experimental methods. By analyzing the three properties of 31 nucleoside drugs (total hydrophobic surface area, number of hydrophobic atoms, and molecular weight), these drugs met the application rule of our developed molecular docking with conformer-dependent charges (MDCC). Based on the MDCC method combined with molecular dynamics simulations, Azvudine and Citicoline among these 31 drugs showed stronger predicted binding affinities with the NiRAN domain as well as JAK1 compared to the reference drug Remdesivir. Further experimental verification, including a thermal shift assay and homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assay, demonstrated that Azvudine was an RdRp-NiRAN/JAK1 dual-target drug. This work provided a previously unexplored mechanism of Azvudine for COVID-19 treatment and proposed a design concept for RdRp-NiRAN/JAK1 dual-target nucleoside drugs.

Retraction notice: Association of vaccine medication for the efficacious COVID-19 treatment

Retraction notice: Association of vaccine medication for the efficacious COVID-19 treatment

Joint extented Kalman filter-based parameter estimation in networked SEIR models with stochastic variability: analysis using COVID-19 daily data from southern India

Graph Laplacian diffusion is utilised to augment the susceptible-infected-removed (SEIR) epidemic model by integrating a weighted network and introducing variability in the transmission rate parameter to simulate population movement across network nodes. Employing the Joint Extended Kalman filter (JEKF), our objective is to derive three critical parameters: the transmission rate (β), recovery rate (γ), and latent period rate (α). The JEKF's iterative approach continuously anticipates and updates the system state based on current parameter estimations, making it adaptable for parameter estimation in dynamic systems. Integration of model predictions with observed data further enhances accuracy. Subsequently, we offer visual insights and demonstrate our methodology through experiments conducted on a simple tree network and a small-world Watts-Strogatz graph. Our ultimate aim is to precisely determine optimal parameter values to formulate effective COVID-19 management plans tailored for South India.

Topological Invariants for the Chemical Structures Used in Treatment of COVID-19

A topological index is a quantity expressed as a number that help us to catch symmetry of chemical compounds. With the help of quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR), we can guess physical and chemical properties of several chemical compounds. Here, we will compute Shingali &amp; Kanabour, Gourava and hype Gourava indices for the chemical compounds, used in treatment of COVID-19, namely Remdesivir, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine Theaflavin.

Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Niuxi-Mugua Formula in Treating Coronavirus Disease 2019 via Network Pharmacology, Computational Biology, and Surface Plasmon Resonance Verification.

In China, Niuxi-Mugua formula (NMF) has been widely used to prevent and treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the mechanism of NMF for treating COVID-19 is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of NMF for treating COVID- 19 by network pharmacology, computational biology, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) verification. The NMF-compound-target network was constructed to screen the key compounds, and the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) tool was used to screen the preliminary key genes. The overlapped genes (OGEs) and the preliminary key genes were further analyzed by enrichment analysis. Then, the correlation analysis of immune signatures and the preliminary key genes was performed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation assays were applied to clarify the interactions between key compounds and key genes. Moreover, the SPR interaction experiment was used for further affinity kinetic verification. Lipid and atherosclerosis, TNF, IL-17, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways were the main pathways of NMF in the treatment of COVID-19. There was a positive correlation between almost the majority of immune signatures and all preliminary key genes. The key compounds and the key genes were screened out, and they were involved in the main pathways of NMF for treating COVID-19. Moreover, the binding affinities of most key compounds binding to key genes were good, and IL1B-Quercetin had the best binding stability. SPR analysis further demonstrated that IL1B-Quercetin showed good binding affinity. Our findings provided theoretical grounds for NMF in the treatment of COVID-19.

Croton cajucara: Patents and Nanotechnological Advances.

Croton cajucara Benth showed several pharmacological properties such as: antiinflammatory, antinociceptive hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, antiulcer, antiestrogenic, antitumor, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, and cardiovascular. The 19-nor-clerodane diterpene transdehydrocrotonin (t-DCTN or DCTN) is the major bioactive constituent extracted from the bark of this Croton. Patents for Croton cajucara Benth in the period 2015 to 2022 comprises 14 published documents. Among them 4 patents are colloidal systems (SM/SNEDDS) loading t-DCTN for pharmacological applications. Patent registrations highlighted the huge promising biotechnological potential of Croton cajucara Benth especially in the phytotherapy field, and the correlation with its bioactive constituents of which t-DCTN showed the foremost results, so this herbal could become an alternative in the treatment of COVID-19. However, investigation of more recently published patents for clerodane diterpenes with similar chemical structure of t-DCTN, who previously showed antiviral property must be carried out and should be searched on several patent data bases.

Opportunities and Regulatory Challenges of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals During COVID-19 Pandemic

: The novel Coronavirus has brought global mortality, disruption, and a significant loss of life. A compromised immune system is a known risk factor for all viral influenza infections. Due to the perceived “immune-boosting” properties of nutraceutical products, sales of dietary supplements have grown globally. In recent years, consumers have increasingly demanded nutraceutical products rather than curative synthetic medicines for preventive therapies for the coronavirus disease outbreak of 2019 (COVID-19). Healthy foods and nutraceuticals have become daily diet plans for consumers. Although there has been an increase in demand, there is no such regulation and harmonized process, which stands as a barrier to the approval of these products. Therefore, many misbranded and spurious products are entering the market, which may harm consumers. This article focuses on the role of functional foods and nutraceutical in the management of COVID-19 also focuses on the different nutraceutical regulations in each country and compare the similarities and differences of the following countries: India, the USA (United States of America), the EU (European Union), and China. The comparative study of nutraceutical regulations in India, the USA, Europe, and China shows that there is a difference regarding the nutraceutical regulations; however, despite the differences, it is observed that it has the same underlying objective, i.e., ensuring the safety of the consumers by maintaining the product quality.

Plasma Metabolomic Signatures after Oral Administration of Ritonavir in COVID-19 Treatment via Chemometrics-Assisted UPLC/Q-TOF/MS/MS

Plasma Metabolomic Signatures after Oral Administration of Ritonavir in COVID-19 Treatment via Chemometrics-Assisted UPLC/Q-TOF/MS/MS