mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: A future hope for cancer treatment

Background: mRNA vaccines have a strong potential for a possible cancer therapy platform. They express tumor antigens in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) after immunization, facilitating innate/adaptive immune stimulation. Because of its high effectiveness, safe administration, rapid development potential, and cost-efficient manufacturing, the mRNA cancer vaccine surpasses other traditional vaccination platforms. Conclusion: Careful evaluation of promising mRNA vaccines to supervise as carriers of lipids for cancer patients needs to be done. In addition, a possible revaluation for optimal protection is required. However, the extent to which solid tumours might take a significant part of the vaccine doses is still unknown.

The Omicron variant of COVID-19: Is it the final nail in the coffin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic?

No abstract available.

Role of epidermal growth factor receptor and microbial infections in polycystic kidney disease

Background: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a frequently inherited diseases associated with the presence of fluid-filled cysts. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) plays role in cysts development Material and methods: The following tools (PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline Search Engine, Locate and Google Scholar) were used in literature search. Key words used to search for relevant literature are: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Renal Cyst Formation and Renal Cyst Infection. The studies beyond 10 years were not included in present study. Analysis: The cross-examination of research papers allowed to analyse literature around role of EGFR in ADPKD pathophysiology, EGFR TKI as treatment of ADPKD and role of microbial cyst infections in disease progression. Results: There is a small body of literature that look at EGFR, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) and cyst infection in ADPKD over the last decade. The ‘crosstalk’ between Src and EGFR was observed to have an impact on cyst development and progression. Therefore, the combined treatment with different compounds can be a desirable approach in the treatment of ADPKD. There has been observed relationship between cyst infections, decrease in kidney function and PKD gene mutation. Endotoxins of Gram-negative bacteria could be involved in disease development. Conclusion: The understanding of mechanisms of ADPKD and several cancers has led to the identification of molecular targets, and one of these is EGFR. The further study could establish the role of endotoxin in ADPKD development and its interaction with EGFR.

Effects of Etlingera elatior inflorescence extract on beneficial bacteria of the healthy human gut

Background: Etlingera species is an enduring plant in the Zingiberaceae family, with more than 100 species local to many countries. It has been utilized commonly as a culinary spice or eaten crude for its therapeutic impacts. This research is intended to study the effects of E. elatior inflorescence, which is commonly known as bunga kantan in Peninsular Malaysia, upon the microbiota of healthy human gut. Material and methods: The closed bud E. elatior inflorescence was cleaned and dried in the hot air oven and grounded into fine powder. The extract from the E. elatior inflorescence was obtained using hot water extraction method. The effects of the inflorescence extract on L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus were studied through micro-broth dilution process where different concentration of sample was incorporated into a broth medium followed by the application of a standardized volume of Lactobacillus sp. into the medium of the 96 well plate. Results: Growth was seen in both L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus, indicating that E. elatior inflorescence acted like a prebiotic towards L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus Conclusion: E. elatior inflorescence concentrate acts like a prebiotic towards L. acidophilus incomparable to L. rhamnosus

Patient with false negative RT-PCR for COVID-19 referred to cancer hospital for lung cancer screening: A case report

Background: Even though RT-PCR tests are generally considered the gold standard for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2, they are not without flaws, and the likelihood of detecting an infection varies depending on when the test is performed. There is chance of false negative due to different pitfalls. So there is essential of correlation of radiological characteristics, abnormalities in biochemical tests and symptoms of suspected patient during COVID-19 epidemic. Case presentation: Herein, we report a 42-year-old male patient with high-grade fever, dry cough, headache and dizziness. He went for the RT-PCR test two times and reported negative. On the chest X-Ray, there was opacity on both lungs and referred to cancer-hospital for lung-cancer screening. The patient underwent chest-HRCT and laboratory tests for further evaluation and was identified as typical COVID-19 findings. Then the patient was isolated and treatment of given according to COVID-19 treatment guidelines Conclusion: It is concluded that a clinically symptomatic patient with typical chest HRCT and abnormal lab findings for COVID-19 should be considered as a COVID-19 patient and isolated even with two negative RT-PCR tests.

Study of dynamic changes in the parameters of liver function tests in COVID-19 patients: A hospital-based study in Eastern Nepal

Background: COVID-19 has become a focus of healthcare practitioners worldwide after it was declared as a global pandemic. Although SARS-CoV-2 is primarily affecting the respiratory system, numerous studies have documented its impact on other organ systems, including the liver. This study aims to assess liver function in COVID-19 patients in light of SARS-CoV-2's extremely infectious and pathogenic character. Material and methods: It was a hospital-based retrospective study conducted between January 1, 2021, and July 31, 2021, using data from the Department of Biochemistry at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital in Nepal. Age, gender, total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, and the AST/ALT ratio were all measured. Results: The median age of COVID-19 patients was 36 years (CI, 25–51), 60 patients (60.0%) were male, 31 patients (31.0%) were obese, and 20 patients (20%) had comorbidities, such as hypertension (14%) and diabetes mellitus (6.0 %). Compared to the non-critical group, the mean values of ALT, AST, ALP, GT, LDH, TBIL, and DBIL were significantly higher in the severe group. On the other hand, total protein and albumin were significantly lower in the severe group than the non-severe group. Conclusion: In COVID-19, aberrant liver function, primarily AST increase, appears to be common. Therefore, direct viral hepatotoxicity during a systemic viral infection must be considered, as well as the possibility of sepsis or worsening of existing liver disease.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice on COVID-19 among undergraduate students of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal: An online cross-sectional survey

Background: COVID-19, a global health crisis of the 21st century, has threatened possibly every aspect of human life. Since the pandemic is not yet over, this study was carried out among undergraduate students of a medical institute in Nepal to assess and boost their KAP status on the disease. Material and methods: It was an online cross-sectional census survey performed among consenting undergraduate healthcare students of BPKIHS. A self-made and validated questionnaire assessing KAP on COVID-19 was prepared in Google form and distributed online among target students. The study population was 745. Both descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was performed. Student’s T-Test and one-way ANOVA were applied for which level of statistical significance was kept at p<0.05. Results: Ninety-six students participated in a pilot-study (Cronbach α= 0.792). The response rate was 76.27%. Most participants (76.76%) were from Nepal. The male/female ratio was 0.76. Most (59.2%) had not participated in such studies before. For 93.54%, the source of information was the internet. Assessed by questionnaire, right Knowledge (n=16) was 85.06% ± 8.81%; right Attitude (n=6) was 65.00% ± 16.16 and right Practice (n=6) was 82.88%± 8.50%. Male were more knowledgeable about the disease (p=0.011). However, females secured higher in practical aspects (p=0.000). Indian students possessed better knowledge (p=0.005) and a better attitude (p=0.033). MBBS students had better knowledge (p=0.000), but Nursing students secured higher in Practice (p=0.012). Attitude is better in the earlier years (p=0.045). Conclusion: We assessed KAP related to COVID-19 via score among healthcare undergraduate students. Different co-factors do impact students’ overall KAP status.

Epileptic seizures in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review of early evidences

Background: Global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 surfaced neurological complications amongst the patients. COVID-19 resembles with other coronavirus strains follows a trend of neurological complication, damage and encephalopathy, which entails considerable risks, requires attention for the neurologists. This is, to our knowledge, the first systematic review of the literature to investigate solely to elucidate the seizure spectrum by unfolding epileptogenicity of the SARS CoV-2 and potential pathways of neuroinvasion. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase database following standard guidelines, using specific keywords based on epileptic seizure onset described from December 01, 2019, to July 17, 2020 Results: A total of 17 studies were included ranging from case reports, series of cases, multicentre cross-sectional study with the first-time onset of seizure associated with an epileptic origin. We excavated causes of complex COVID-19 related neurological manifestations, e.g., cerebrovascular diseases, encephalitis, demyelinating lesions, cytokine storm and proposed routes of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the nervous system to understand the mechanism of an epileptic seizure. Conclusion: COVID-19 is a potent neuropathogen which causes the new onset of epileptic seizures should get diagnostic recognition to evade possible deterioration of neurological conditions. However, more shreds of evidence from the future will further elucidate the epileptogenic potential of the pandemic.

Viral infections and saliva as a potential diagnostic tool

No abstract available.

Novel drug for COVID-19: Virafin a therapeutic breakthrough

Background: Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b is synthesized via the use of PEG (polyethylene glycol). It is formulated via attaching a 12kDa mono methoxy polyethylene glycol moiety to the recombinant human Interferon Alpha-2b protein. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b acts via binding to the (JAK/STAT) Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of the transcription interferon receptor. The Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b /Virafin binds to the (IFNAR1/2) alpha interferon receptor 1 and 2. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b better known as Virafin has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India. This therapeutic agent is currently under a multicentric phase 3 trial with very promising results being reported. A single subcutaneous dose of Virafin has been shown to decrease the need for oxygen therapy in patients. This reduction in the need for oxygen therapy is a vital factor needed to provide relief to the Indian medical system in light of the recent oxygen shortages faced due to India’s worst wave of COVID-19 cases since the onset of the global pandemic. Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b/ Virafin confers enhanced viral clearance and bolsters the immune response to induce a quicker recovery in patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Conclusion: It is of paramount importance that further research on Virafin is undertaken as it can hinder the progression of COVID-19, reduce pressure on the inundated health systems, and save countless lives.