ABSTRACT
In-silico Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) significantly relies on cybernetic screening of Plant Based Natural Products (PBNPs) as a prime source of bioactive compounds/ drug leads due to their unique chemical structural scaffolds and distinct functional characteristic features amenable to drug design and development. In the Post-COVID-Era a large number of publications have focused on PBNPs. Moreover, PBNPs still remain as an ideal source of novel therapeutic agents of GRAS standard. However, a well-structured, in-depth ADME/Tox profile with deeper dimensions of PBNPs has been lacking for many of natural pharma lead molecules that hamper successful exploitation of PBNPs. In the present study, ADMET-informatics of Octadecanoic Acid (Stearic Acid - SA) from ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves has been envisaged to predict ADMET and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) outcomes. This work contributes to the deeper understanding of SA as major source of drug lead from Moringa oleifera with immense therapeutic potential. The data generated herein could be useful for the development of SA as plant based natural product lead (PBNPL) for drug development programs.
ABSTRACT
In-silico Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) often comprehends virtual screening (VS) of datasets of natural pharmaco-active compounds for drug discovery protocols. Plant Based Natural Products (PBNPs) still, remains to be a prime source of pharmaco-active compounds due to their unique chemical structural scaffolds and functionalities with distinct chemical characteristic feature from natural source that are much acquiescent to drug metabolism and kinetics. In the Post-COVID-Era number of publications pertaining to PBNPs and publicly accessible plant based natural product databases (PBNPDBs) has significantly increased. Moreover, PBNPs are important sources of inspiration or starting points to develop novel therapeutic agents. However, a well-structured, indepth ADME/Tox profile of PBNPs has been limited or lacking for many of such compounds, this hampers the successful exploitation of PBNPs by pharma industries. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties play key roles in the discovery/ development of drugs, pesticides, food additives, consumer products, and industrial chemicals. In the present study, ADMET-informatics of Tetradecanoic Acid (Myristic Acid) from ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves to predict drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) outcomes has been taken up. This work contributes to the deeper understanding of Myristic acid as major source of drug from commonly available medicinal plant - Moringa oleifera with immense therapeutic potential. The data generated herein could be useful for NP based lead generation programs.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised unprecedented challenges for all types of medical personnel and health care workers. The avidity of the novel coronavirus for oropharynx and nasopharynx renders otolaryngologists at particular risk of infection. Therefore, the resumption of elective otological care requires personal protective equipment (PPE), thorough (pre)screening and irrefutable hand hygiene. A literature search was conducted on May 5th, 2020. All recommendations concerning otological ENT (Ear Nose Throat), both during outpatient consultation and in the operating theatre, were scored for abundance. Highly recurrent advice was using PPE during each patient encounter, social distancing in the waiting room and teleconsultation before each consultation. Concerning audiological testing, most articles advised social distancing during testing and remote hearing screeners. For resumption of elective otological surgery, preoperative screening, adequate PPE, and minimal staffing to reduce the contamination risk were most frequently advised. Awaiting an effective vaccination for the novel coronavirus, all elective otological health care requires critical appraisal of each case to assess the infectious risks for both patient and health care personnel.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Disruption of daily routines (employment, social interaction, health behaviors) during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to psychological distress (worry, rumination), likely impacting sleep-related behaviors. This study evaluated change in psychological adjustment and insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The sample included 192 adults from Utah who completed three data collection cycles across 9 consecutive months to assess self-reported depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed via the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8). Insomnia was measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Data were analyzed using mixed-effect modeling and adjusted for anxiety and depression to determine their independent effects on insomnia symptoms. Spaghetti plots examined mean changes over time and significance was set at p<0.05. Average anxiety, depression, and insomnia severity scores were aggregated for each month. Results: As participants' symptoms of anxiety and depression increased in severity, insomnia symptoms increased similarly. Over half of participants reported clinically significant ISI scores (59.38%). In both the random intercept and random slope models, there were significant independent effects of anxiety on insomnia severity (F=20.69;p<0.0001) and significant effects of depression on insomnia severity (F=87.44, p<0.0001). While the change in insomnia severity over time was on the boundary of statistical significance (F=3.54;p=0.0618), dropping from 15.17 (April) to 12.58 (December), our longitudinal analyses revealed no significant difference for the effect of anxiety or depression in predicting insomnia severity over time. Participants' monthly averages varied for sleep and psychological scores (ISI) from 12.58 to 16.07 (SD=3.76 to 6.34 for December and September, respectively), (GAD-7) from 3.47 to 6.39 (SD=3.36 to 5.26 for December and June, respectively), and (PHQ-8) 4.47 to 6.10 (SD=4.65 to 4.39 for December and June, respectively). Conclusion: Results demonstrate high prevalence of insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and underscore the importance of examining mental health functioning and psychological resiliency on sleep in order to enhance prevention efforts in response to a significant stressor.