Novel Applications of Nanotechnology in Controlling HIV and HSV Infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sai Akilesh M ◽  
Ashish Wadhwani
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Multi Drug Resistance ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Pharmaceutical Properties ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
The Impact

: Infectious diseases have been prevalent since many decades and viral pathogens have caused global health crisis and economic meltdown on a devastating scale. High occurrence of newer viral infections in the recent years, in spite of the progress achieved in the field of pharmaceutical sciences defines the critical need for newer and more effective antiviral therapies and diagnostics. The incidence of multi-drug resistance and adverse effects due to the prolonged use of anti-viral therapy is also a major concern. Nanotechnology offers a cutting edge platform for the development of novel compounds and formulations for biomedical applications. The unique properties of nano-based materials can be attributed to the multi-fold increase in the surface to volume ratio at the nano-scale, tunable surface properties of charge and chemical moieties. Idealistic pharmaceutical properties such as increased bioavailability and retention times, lower toxicity profiles, sustained release formulations, lower dosage forms and most importantly, targeted drug delivery can be achieved through the approach of nanotechnology. The extensively researched nano-based materials are metal and polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers and micelles, nano-drug delivery vesicles, liposomes and lipid based nanoparticles. In this review article, the impact of nanotechnology on the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) viral infections during the last decade are outlined.

scholarly journals The role of nanotechnology in the treatment of viral infections

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavanya Singh ◽  
Hendrik G. Kruger ◽  
Glenn E.M. Maguire ◽  
Thavendran Govender ◽  
Raveen Parboosing
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Nanosized Materials ◽  
Enhanced Solubility

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses in particular making global impact on healthcare and socioeconomic development. In addition, the rapid development of drug resistance to currently available therapies and adverse side effects due to prolonged use is a serious public health concern. The development of novel treatment strategies is therefore required. The interaction of nanostructures with microorganisms is fast-revolutionizing the biomedical field by offering advantages in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Nanoparticles offer unique physical properties that have associated benefits for drug delivery. These are predominantly due to the particle size (which affects bioavailability and circulation time), large surface area to volume ratio (enhanced solubility compared to larger particles), tunable surface charge of the particle with the possibility of encapsulation, and large drug payloads that can be accommodated. These properties, which are unlike bulk materials of the same compositions, make nanoparticulate drug delivery systems ideal candidates to explore in order to achieve and/or improve therapeutic effects. This review presents a broad overview of the application of nanosized materials for the treatment of common viral infections.

scholarly journals Impact of Wearing Masks, Hand Hygiene, and Social Distancing on Influenza, Enterovirus, and All-Cause Pneumonia During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Retrospective National Epidemiological Surveillance Study

10.2196/21257 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. e21257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan-Chang Chiu ◽  
Hsin Chi ◽  
Yu-Lin Tai ◽  
Chun-Chih Peng ◽  
Cheng-Yin Tseng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Impact

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an important health crisis worldwide. Several strategies were implemented to combat COVID-19, including wearing masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing. The impact of these strategies on COVID-19 and other viral infections remains largely unclear. Objective We aim to investigate the impact of implemented infectious control strategies on the incidences of influenza, enterovirus infection, and all-cause pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We utilized the electronic database of the Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System and extracted incidences of COVID-19, influenza virus, enterovirus, and all-cause pneumonia. We compared the incidences of these diseases from week 45 of 2016 to week 21 of 2020 and performed linear regression analyses. Results The first case of COVID-19 in Taiwan was reported in late January 2020 (week 4). Infectious control strategies have been promoted since late January. The influenza virus usually peaks in winter and decreases around week 14. However, a significant decrease in influenza was observed after week 6 of 2020. Regression analyses produced the following results: 2017, R2=0.037; 2018, R2=0.021; 2019, R2=0.046; and 2020, R2=0.599. A dramatic decrease in all-cause pneumonia was also reported (R2 values for 2017-2020 were 0.435, 0.098, 0.352, and 0.82, respectively). Enterovirus had increased by week 18 in 2017-2019, but this was not observed in 2020. Conclusions Using this national epidemiological database, we found a significant decrease in cases of influenza, enterovirus, and all-cause pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing may contribute not only to the prevention of COVID-19 but also to the decline of other respiratory infectious diseases. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the causal relationship.

scholarly journals The importance of reliable social media information during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Bernardino ◽  
L Bacelar Nicolau
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Media Analytics ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
First Case ◽  
Total Interaction ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Source Of Information

Abstract On December 2019, in Wuhan-China, SARS-Cov2 coronavirus emerged, causing the COVID-19 pandemic, responsible by June 29 2020, for 10.112.754 cases, and 501.562 deaths, in over 213 countries. Our research aims to study the impact of COVID-19 on Facebook and Instagram posting activity, regarding publications with word ‘Coronavirus', their total interaction and source, as well as an analysis of possible fake news A sample of 4.000 posts (3.025 Facebook and 975 Instagram posts) was extracted through a web-based social media analytics tool, over two periods: January 10-February 27 (P1) and 01 May-June 28 (P2). Data were analysed using Microsoft tools. The 2.000 P1 posts generated 77.654.161 interactions - 70% likes, 4% comments and 27% shares. However, the 2.000 P2 posts prompted more than four times engagement, with 330.930.859 interactions - 92% likes, 2% comments and 6% shares. From January to February, likes increased 59%, but comments and shares decreased by 27% and 57%, respectively: users are generally more engaged but at a less profound level. From May to June, likes, comments and shares decreased 41%, 43% and 51%, as users gradually come out of confinement. Certain events boosted engagement: on January 21, as the first case in the United States was announced, 767.280 interactions were reported, a 21-fold increase from the previous day; February 16 was the day with more monthly engagement when the first case in France was announced. January 25, CNN posted the Facebook post with more interactions of the month (2.510.695). On February, the post with most interactions was from Real Madrid Football Club. On P2, the two most popular posts were from The United Nations International Children's Fund Facebook page (May post had 4.153.981 interactions). Social media is nowadays the most used source of information in the world. In a health crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic, quality information is necessary to keep the population calm and informed on the correct steps to take. Key messages Study the impact of the COVID-19 on Facebook and Instagram, regarding the evolution of publications related to word “Coronavirus”. The importance of Social Media during a Health Crisis.

scholarly journals The Association of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection of Male Genital Tract and Male Infertility

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 51-57
Author(s):  
Ahmed Sahib Abdulamir ◽  
Salah Mahdi Hassen
Keyword(s):  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
The Impact

Background: The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widely distributed virus among humans and is included within the sexually transmitted viruses. Because of its low detection rate in semen, the impact of HCMV on sperm formation and its vertical transmission within the sperm cells have not been studied sufficiently.                                                                                                      Objectives: To investigate the association of viral infections present in the lower genital tract of males and relationship among males infertility. Methods: ELISA and RT-PCR technique of 100 semen and serum specimens, collected over 8 months from males investigated for infertility, were retrospectively assessed, by screening anti-human Herpes Simplex Virus (HCMV) IgM and IgG in the serum and detection of HSV DNA in seminal fluid.                                                                                         Results: One hundred seminal fluid and blood samples were taken from men and investigated for infertility over a period of 8 months from July 2016 to February 2017. The seminal fluids and serum of patients mentioned to the laboratory from the fertility clinics of Kamal AL-samarai hospital and outer clinics. The investigations were conducted to find the HCMV detection rate in the seminal fluid of infertile men and to evaluate the impact of the viral infection on the major sperm parameters. Blood and seminal fluid were collected from 100 infertile males. The results were shown that 24/100 (24.0%) were positive for IgM and 86/100 (86.0%) were positive for IgG of HCMV. In case of the control group, results were (1.0%) positive for anti-HCMV IgM antibodies, while (20.0%) positive for anti-HCMV IgG antibodies in a control group, using ELISA test.                            The PCR showed that out of 100 samples 24 (24.0%) gave positive results for HCMV patients, while 7 (7.0%) positive for HCMV in the control group. Conclusions: Using sensitive procedures for assays, seminal samples of asymptomatic infertile patients showed an unexpectedly high incidence of the sexually transmitted pathogens.                                                  

scholarly journals Impact of Wearing Masks, Hand Hygiene, and Social Distancing on Influenza, Enterovirus, and All-Cause Pneumonia During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Retrospective National Epidemiological Surveillance Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan-Chang Chiu ◽  
Hsin Chi ◽  
Yu-Lin Tai ◽  
Chun-Chih Peng ◽  
Cheng-Yin Tseng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an important health crisis worldwide. Several strategies were implemented to combat COVID-19, including wearing masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing. The impact of these strategies on COVID-19 and other viral infections remains largely unclear. OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate the impact of implemented infectious control strategies on the incidences of influenza, enterovirus infection, and all-cause pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We utilized the electronic database of the Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System and extracted incidences of COVID-19, influenza virus, enterovirus, and all-cause pneumonia. We compared the incidences of these diseases from week 45 of 2016 to week 21 of 2020 and performed linear regression analyses. RESULTS The first case of COVID-19 in Taiwan was reported in late January 2020 (week 4). Infectious control strategies have been promoted since late January. The influenza virus usually peaks in winter and decreases around week 14. However, a significant decrease in influenza was observed after week 6 of 2020. Regression analyses produced the following results: 2017, R<sup>2</sup>=0.037; 2018, R<sup>2</sup>=0.021; 2019, R<sup>2</sup>=0.046; and 2020, R<sup>2</sup>=0.599. A dramatic decrease in all-cause pneumonia was also reported (R<sup>2</sup> values for 2017-2020 were 0.435, 0.098, 0.352, and 0.82, respectively). Enterovirus had increased by week 18 in 2017-2019, but this was not observed in 2020. CONCLUSIONS Using this national epidemiological database, we found a significant decrease in cases of influenza, enterovirus, and all-cause pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing may contribute not only to the prevention of COVID-19 but also to the decline of other respiratory infectious diseases. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the causal relationship.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Control: An Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kefyalew Addis Alene ◽  
Kinley Wangdi ◽  
Archie C A Clements
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Endemic Diseases ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Throughout history, pandemics of viral infections such as HIV, Ebola and Influenza have disrupted health care systems, including the prevention and control of endemic diseases. Such disruption has resulted in an increased burden of endemic diseases in post-pandemic periods. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could cause severe dysfunction in the prevention and control of tuberculosis (TB), the infectious disease that causes more deaths than any other, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of TB is high. The economic and health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the public health measures currently taken to stop the spread of the virus may have an impact on household TB transmission, treatment and diagnostic services, and TB prevention and control programs. Here, we provide an overview of the potential impact of COVID-19 on TB programs and disease burden, as well as possible strategies that could help to mitigate the impact.

Strategies for Conjugation of Biomolecules to Nanoparticles as Tumor Targeting Agents

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (37) ◽  
pp. 3917-3926
Author(s):  
Sajjad Molavipordanjani ◽  
Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Iron Oxide ◽  
Medical Imaging ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Carbon Nanoparticles ◽  
Tumor Targeting ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Inorganic Nanoparticles ◽  
Active Targeting ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis And Therapy

Combination of nanotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry and biotechnology provides the opportunity to design unique nanoparticles for tumor targeting, drug delivery, medical imaging and biosensing. Nanoparticles conjugated with biomolecules such as antibodies, peptides, vitamins and aptamer can resolve current challenges including low accumulation, internalization and retention at the target site in cancer diagnosis and therapy through active targeting. In this review, we focus on different strategies for conjugation of biomolecules to nanoparticles such as inorganic nanoparticles (iron oxide, gold, silica and carbon nanoparticles), liposomes, lipid and polymeric nanoparticles and their application in tumor targeting.

Exploring siRNA Umpired Nanogels: A Tale of Barrier Combating Carrier

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (27) ◽  
pp. 3234-3250
Author(s):  
Sushil K. Kashaw ◽  
Prashant Sahu ◽  
Vaibhav Rajoriya ◽  
Pradeep Jana ◽  
Varsha Kashaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Biomedical Engineering ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Release Kinetics ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Release Process ◽  
Rapid Release ◽  
Wide Range

Potential short interfering RNAs (siRNA) modulating gene expression have emerged as a novel therapeutic arsenal against a wide range of maladies and disorders containing cancer, viral infections, bacterial ailments and metabolic snags at the molecular level. Nanogel, in the current medicinal era, displayed a comprehensive range of significant drug delivery prospects. Biodegradation, swelling and de-swelling tendency, pHsensitive drug release and thermo-sensitivity are some of the renowned associated benefits of nanogel drug delivery system. Global researches have also showed that nanogel system significantly targets and delivers the biomolecules including DNAs, siRNA, protein, peptides and other biologically active molecules. Biomolecules delivery via nanogel system explored a wide range of pharmaceutical, biomedical engineering and agro-medicinal application. The siRNAs and DNAs delivery plays a vivacious role by addressing the hitches allied with chronic and contemporary therapeutic like generic possession and low constancy. They also incite release kinetics approach from slow-release while mingling to rapid release at the targets will be beneficial as interference RNAs delivery carriers. Therefore, in this research, we focused on the latest improvements in the delivery of siRNA loaded nanogels by enhancing the absorption, stability, sensitivity and combating the hindrances in cellular trafficking and release process.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Brain Drug Delivery - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 649-660
Author(s):  
Subashini Raman ◽  
Syed Mahmood ◽  
Ayah R. Hilles ◽  
Md Noushad Javed ◽  
Motia Azmana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Surface Modification ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Drug Loading ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Brain Drug Delivery ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticle ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain

Background: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a most hindering role in drug delivery to the brain. Recent research comes out with the nanoparticles approach, is continuously working towards improving the delivery to the brain. Currently, polymeric nanoparticle is extensively involved in many therapies for spatial and temporal targeted areas delivery. Methods: We did a non-systematic review, and the literature was searched in Google, Science Direct and PubMed. An overview is provided for the formulation of polymeric nanoparticles using different methods, effect of surface modification on the nanoparticle properties with types of polymeric nanoparticles and preparation methods. An account of different nanomedicine employed with therapeutic agent to cross the BBB alone with biodistribution of the drugs. Results: We found that various types of polymeric nanoparticle systems are available and they prosper in delivering the therapeutic amount of the drug to the targeted area. The effect of physicochemical properties on nanoformulation includes change in their size, shape, elasticity, surface charge and hydrophobicity. Surface modification of polymers or nanocarriers is also vital in the formulation of nanoparticles to enhance targeting efficiency to the brain. Conclusion: More standardized methods for the preparation of nanoparticles and to assess the relationship of surface modification on drug delivery. While the preparation and its output like drug loading, particle size, and charge, permeation is always conflicted, so it requires more attention for the acceptance of nanoparticles for brain delivery.

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