Enzyme-mediated synthesis of Molnupiravir: paving the way for the application of biocatalysis in pharmaceutical industry

Molnupiravir (Lagevrio (R)) is an orally-administered anti-COVID-19 agent. Due to the urgency to meet the worldwide demand and the growing environmental concern, there is a need for speed in the industrial implementation of novel and efficient bioprocesses for Molnupiravir synthesis. This concept paper aims to review the most relevant milestones that have guided important developments in the enzyme-mediated synthesis of Molnupiravir, including detailed comments on the advantages and drawbacks of the different synthetic routes. Finally, based on a personal perspective, new greener processes for Molnupiravir manufacturing are proposed and discussed.

Gender Differences in the COVID-19 Pandemic Risk Perception, Psychology, and Behaviors of Spanish University Students

The actual COVID-19 pandemic scenario has generated a context of uncertainty, helplessness, and inequality. Yet, the perception of COVID-19 risk has influenced nutritional, psychological, and physical activity patterns depending on gender. We conducted the present research with the aim of studying gender differences of university students in the perceived risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in psychological, nutritional, oral health, and physical activity habits. To reach the study's aim, 300 volunteer university students completed an online questionnaire which analyzed variables of perceived risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological profiles, and nutritional, oral health, and physical activity habits. Results showed that females presented a higher perception of danger to the COVID-19 virus than males but showed no differences in how the pandemic has affected personal lives. Females showed higher values of anxiety, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience, while males presented higher values of extraversion. Nutritionally, males presented greater consumption of soft drinks, meat, and pasta or rice, and lower buccal hygiene. Yet, no differences were found regarding physical activity patterns. Results from the present study could be used by various educational institutions to implement multidisciplinary interventions to reduce the stress and risk perception.