scholarly journals Nanotechnology-Based Weapons: A Potential Approach for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-152
Author(s):  
Fahima Dilnawaz ◽  
Ranjita Misra ◽  
Sarbari Acharya
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Potential Approach ◽  
Medical Sector ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World

In the last few decades, viral infections have caused a greater number of health constraints worldwide. This havoc has created challenges for the healthcare system. Since the pandemic began, COVID-19 has killed more than 2.5 million people across the world. We are still witnessing deaths daily due to the deadly virus SARS-CoV-2 which is the causative agent for COVID-19. Thus, there is an increasing concern about finding an apt way to control the spread of this virus. Recently, the application of nanotechnology-based approaches has emerged as a ground-breaking step in the medical sector owing to their potential for accurate diagnosis and specific treatment in a wide range of health problems, including viral diseases. Therefore, the implementation of nanotechnology can be an articulate strategy to confront the rising distress of COVID-19. The present review particularly emphasizes the perception of several nanoformulation-based approaches as an appropriate means to safeguard mankind against COVID-19.

Drug Repurposing: A Strategy for Discovering Inhibitors against Emerging Viral Infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor José dos Santos Nascimento ◽  
Thiago Mendonça de Aquino ◽  
Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Drug Repurposing ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Exclusion Criterion ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
The World ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Emerging Viral Diseases

Background: Viral diseases are responsible for several deaths around the world. Over the past few years, the world has seen several outbreaks caused by viral diseases that for a long time seemed to possess no risk. These are diseases that have been forgotten for a long time and, until nowadays, there are no approved drugs or vaccines, leading the pharmaceutical industry and several research groups to run out of time in the search for new pharmacological treatments or prevention methods. In this context, drug repurposing proves to be a fast and economically viable technique, considering the fact that it uses drugs that have a well-established safety profile. Thus, in this review, we present the main advances in drug repurposing and their benefit for searching new treatments against emerging viral diseases. Methods: We conducted a search in the bibliographic databases (Science Direct, Bentham Science, PubMed, Springer, ACS Publisher, Wiley, and NIH’s COVID-19 Portfolio) using the keywords "drug repurposing", "emerging viral infections" and each of the diseases reported here (CoV; ZIKV; DENV; CHIKV; EBOV and MARV) as an inclusion/exclusion criterion. A subjective analysis was performed regarding the quality of the works for inclusion in this manuscript. Thus, the selected works were those that presented drugs repositioned against the emerging viral diseases presented here by means of computational, high-throughput screening or phenotype-based strategies, with no time limit and of relevant scientific value. Results: 291 papers were selected, 24 of which were CHIKV; 52 for ZIKV; 43 for DENV; 35 for EBOV; 10 for MARV; and 56 for CoV and the rest (72 papers) related to the drugs repurposing and emerging viral diseases. Among CoV-related articles, most were published in 2020 (31 papers), updating the current topic. Besides, between the years 2003 - 2005, 10 articles were created, and from 2011 - 2015 there were 7 articles, portraying the outbreaks that occurred at that time. For ZIKV, similar to CoV, most publications were during the period of outbreaks between the years 2016 - 2017 (23 articles). Similarly, most CHIKV (13 papers) and DENV (14 papers) publications occur at the same time interval. For EBOV (13 papers) and MARV (4 papers), they were between the years 2015 - 2016. Through this review, several drugs were highlighted that can be evolved in vivo and clinical trials as possible used against these pathogens showed that remdesivir represent potential treatments against CoV. Furthermore, ribavirin may also be a potential treatment against CHIKV; sofosbuvir against ZIKV; celgosivir against DENV, and favipiravir against EBOV and MARV, representing new hopes against these pathogens. Conclusions: The conclusions of this review manuscript show the potential of the drug repurposing strategy in the discovery of new pharmaceutical products, as from this approach, drugs that could be used against emerging viral diseases. Thus, this strategy deserves more attention among research groups and is a promising approach to the discovery of new drugs against emerging viral diseases and also other diseases.

scholarly journals Current Arboviral Threats and Their Potential Vectors in Thailand

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Chadchalerm Raksakoon ◽  
Rutcharin Potiwat
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
African Horse Sickness ◽  
African Horse Sickness Virus ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Duck Tembusu Virus ◽  
Target Control ◽  
The World

Arthropod-borne viral diseases (arboviruses) are a public-health concern in many regions of the world, including Thailand. This review describes the potential vectors and important human and/or veterinary arboviruses in Thailand. The medically important arboviruses affect humans, while veterinary arboviruses affect livestock and the economy. The main vectors described are mosquitoes, but other arthropods have been reported. Important mosquito-borne arboviruses are transmitted mainly by members of the genus Aedes (e.g., dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus) and Culex (e.g., Japanese encephalitis, Tembusu and West Nile virus). While mosquitoes are important vectors, arboviruses are transmitted via other vectors, such as sand flies, ticks, cimicids (Family Cimicidae) and Culicoides. Veterinary arboviruses are reported in this review, e.g., duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), Kaeng Khoi virus (KKV), and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). During arbovirus outbreaks, to target control interventions appropriately, it is critical to identify the vector(s) involved and their ecology. Knowledge of the prevalence of these viruses, and the potential for viral infections to co-circulate in mosquitoes, is also important for outbreak prediction.

scholarly journals Proposal of a Screening MIRU-VNTR Panel for the Preliminary Genotyping ofMycobacterium bovisin Mexico

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Bolado-Martínez ◽  
Iliana Benavides-Dávila ◽  
Maria del Carmen Candia-Plata ◽  
Moisés Navarro-Navarro ◽  
Magali Avilés-Acosta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Bovis ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Bovine Tuberculosis ◽  
Allelic Diversity ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Allelic Variability ◽  
High Discriminatory Power ◽  
Geographic Regions

Mycobacterium bovisis the major causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, one of the most relevant zoonoses in the world, and affects a wide range of wild and domesticated animals. Development of screening panels in mycobacterial genotyping, according to specific geographical regions, is strongly needed. The aim of this study is to select a panel, constituted by highly polymorphic MIRU-VNTRloci, to discriminate clinical isolates ofM. bovisin Mexico. In this study, 65 isolates ofM. bovisobtained from clinical bovine samples proceeding from different geographic regions of Mexico were identified by phenotypic and genotypic tests and subsequently genotyped by a 24-locusMIRU-VNTR panel. The most polymorphiclociwere selected to build a panel with a high discriminatory power similar to the 24-locuspanel results. A panel of seven elements (QUB 11a, MIRU 26, ETR-A, QUB 26, MIRU 16, MIRU 27, and MIRU 39) with the highest allelic diversity showed an appropriate differentiation. The selected MIRU-VNTR elements, according to the regional allelic variability, may be used in the preliminary genotyping ofMycobacterium bovisisolates in Mexico.

scholarly journals Diagnosis of Viral Diseases in Sudan: Coronaviruses Unveil the Concealed Venues

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wadie M Y Elmadhoun ◽  
Nadir Abuzeid ◽  
Shahinaz Bedri ◽  
M H Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Laboratory Methods

Establishing the diagnosis of viral diseases often needs sophisticated settings, equipment, expertise, and strict laboratory methods.  In Sudan, as in most developing countries, viral diseases are mostly diagnosed by clinical presentation. As most viral infections are self-limiting and there is no specific treatment for most of them, laboratory diagnosis has not been a focus for improvement, particularly in public sector until the current pandemic of COVID-19. During this pandemic, the vital need for well-equipped clinical virology laboratories is urged. The aim of this work is to highlight the various diagnostic methods and to describe the current situation of clinical virology diagnostics in Sudan.

Omega-3 fatty acids as component of nutritional and metabolic treatment of patients with COVID-19 and other viral diseases (literature review)

2021 ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
A. V. Dmitriev ◽  
I. A. Machulina ◽  
A. E. Shestopalov
Keyword(s):  
Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Nutritional Deficit ◽  
Analytical Review ◽  
Enteral And Parenteral Nutrition

Nutritional deficit in patients with viral diseases, including COVID-19, can reduce the efficacy of specific treatment, decrease the survival rate, and increase medical expenses. According to international guidelines, timely correction of nutritional status with supplemental enteral and parenteral nutrition containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid from fish oil (omega-3 PUFAs: ЕРА and DHA) is able to improve clinical outcomes of specific antiviral treatment. The authors conducted an analytical review to assess the results from the study of clinical use of omega-3 PUFAs for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and other viral infections. Supplementation of clinical (enteral and parenteral) nutrition with omega-3 PUFAs allows for symptom reduction, shorter stay in hospital, and quicker recovery of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. When used in combination with adequate macronutrient support, it can reverse nutritional deficit and improve clinical outcomes.

scholarly journals Study on IoT for SARS-CoV-2 with healthcare: present and future perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 9697-9726
Author(s):  
Anichur Rahman ◽  
◽  
Muaz Rahman ◽  
Dipanjali Kundu ◽  
Md Razaul Karim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Iot Applications ◽  
Contagious Nature ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Rapid Pace

<abstract><p>The ever-evolving and contagious nature of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has immobilized the world around us. As the daily number of infected cases increases, the containment of the spread of this virus is proving to be an overwhelming task. Healthcare facilities around the world are overburdened with an ominous responsibility to combat an ever-worsening scenario. To aid the healthcare system, Internet of Things (IoT) technology provides a better solution—tracing, testing of COVID patients efficiently is gaining rapid pace. This study discusses the role of IoT technology in healthcare during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics. The study overviews different research, platforms, services, products where IoT is used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, we intelligently integrate IoT and healthcare for COVID-19 related applications. Again, we focus on a wide range of IoT applications in regards to SARS-CoV-2 tracing, testing, and treatment. Finally, we effectively consider further challenges, issues, and some direction regarding IoT in order to uplift the healthcare system during COVID-19 and future pandemics.</p></abstract>

scholarly journals Emergence of Viral Infections through Food Supply Chain: A Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 83-90
Author(s):  
Rafiya Munshi ◽  
Afsah Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Human Body ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Wet Market

All living organisms may act as host to a wide range of viruses, and can infect the human body causing severe illness or even death. Viruses have often been important in burdening infections and other illnesses and require special attention because of their different behaviour as compared to bacteria. Two highly pathogenic corona-viruses—severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)—supposed to be emerged from an wet market in china resulted in a global epidemic which took a tool on human lives and currently also the world is fighting a deadliest viral infection caused by a small pathogen possibly transmitted through the food chain in a wet market again in china. The environment is the reservoirs for many of these viruses and any human handling of animals carrying such viruses finds an easy route into human body. Besides, there had been various food borne outbreaks throughout the world due to contaminated agricultural produce, packaging, processed foods or through infected food handlers. Such incidents have prioritized the need for effective control measures, intensified research and risk assessment measures in controlling such outbreaks. This review highlights a brief description of viral transmissions, virus and human gut response and preventable strategies in the food chain to contain such infections.

scholarly journals Discovery and Development of Safe-in-Man Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petter I. Andersen ◽  
Aleksandr Ianevski ◽  
Hilde Lysvand ◽  
Astra Vitkauskiene ◽  
Valentyn Oksenych ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
The World ◽  
Additional Protection ◽  
Emerging Viral Diseases ◽  
World Virus

Viral diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Virus-specific vaccines and antiviral drugs are the most powerful tools to combat viral diseases. However, broad-spectrum antiviral agents (BSAAs) could provide additional protection of general population from emerging and re-emerging viral diseases reinforcing the arsenal of available antiviral options. Here, we reviewed discovery and development of BSAAs and summarized the information on 119 safe-in-man agents in freely accessible database (https://drugvirus.info/). Future and ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies will increase the number of BSAAs, expand spectrum of their indications, and identify drug combinations for treatment of emerging and re-emerging viral infections as well as co-infections.

scholarly journals Discovery and Development of Safe-in-Man Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petter I. Andersen ◽  
Aleksandr Ianevski ◽  
Hilde Lysvand ◽  
Astra Vitkauskiene ◽  
Valentyn Oksenych ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
The World ◽  
Additional Protection ◽  
Emerging Viral Diseases ◽  
World Virus

Viral diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Virus-specific vaccines and antiviral drugs are the most powerful tools to combat viral diseases. However, broad-spectrum antiviral agents (BSAAs, i.e. compounds targeting viruses belonging to two or more viral families) could provide additional protection of general population from emerging and re-emerging viral diseases reinforcing the arsenal of available antiviral options. Here, we reviewed discovery and development of BSAAs and summarized the information on 120 safe-in-man agents in freely accessible database (https://drugvirus.info/). Future and ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies will increase the number of BSAAs, expand spectrum of their indications, and identify drug combinations for treatment of emerging and re-emerging viral infections as well as co-infections.

scholarly journals Discovery and Development of Safe-in-Man Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petter I. Andersen ◽  
Aleksandr Ianevski ◽  
Hilde Lysvand ◽  
Astra Vitkauskiene ◽  
Valentyn Oksenych ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
The World ◽  
Additional Protection ◽  
Emerging Viral Diseases ◽  
World Virus

Viral diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Virus-specific vaccines and antiviral drugs are the most powerful tools to combat viral diseases. However, broad-spectrum antiviral agents (BSAAs, i.e. compounds targeting viruses belonging to two or more viral families) could provide additional protection of general population from emerging and re-emerging viral diseases reinforcing the arsenal of available antiviral options. Here, we reviewed discovery and development of BSAAs and summarized the information on 120 safe-in-man agents in freely accessible database (https://drugvirus.info/). Future and ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies will increase the number of BSAAs, expand spectrum of their indications, and identify drug combinations for treatment of emerging and re-emerging viral infections as well as co-infections.

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