Exhaled Bioaerosols from Asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers- A Potential Risk in Orthodontics? Comment

The current manuscript sheds light on the possible role of bioaerosols (from mouth breathing) that may serve as vectors for transmitting COVID-19 in asymptomatic carriers reporting to dental hospitals and, hence, may pose a great challenge for even a simple orthodontic diagnosis. Further, we would like to add a few preventive considerations for containment of this novel disease spread via bioaerosols emitted, particularly during mouth breathing.

In silico exploration of enzymes involved in sialic acid biosynthesis and their possible role in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Salivary glands are considered important targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Recent evidence suggests that along with angiotensin converting enzyme 2, certain cell surface sialic acids (Sia) may function as receptors for binding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Over 50 forms of Sia have been identified in nature, with N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) being the most abundant. We explored the Human Protein Atlas repository to analyze important enzymes in Neu5Ac biosynthesis and propose a hypothesis that further highlights the significance of salivary glands in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). This work may facilitate research into targeted drug therapies for COVID-19.