Antiviral activity of the human endogenous retrovirus-R envelope protein against SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus-induced disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is still a major global health challenge. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) represent retroviral elements that were integrated into the ancestral human genome. HERVs are important in embryonic development as well as in the manifestation of diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and viral infections. Here, we analyze the expression of several HERVs in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and observe increased activity of HERV-E, HERV-V, HERV-FRD, HERV-MER34, HERV-W, and HERV-K-HML2. In contrast, the HERV-R envelope is downregulated in cell-based models and PBMCs of COVID-19 patients. Overexpression of HERV-R inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication, suggesting its antiviral activity. Further analyses demonstrate the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in regulating HERV-R antiviral activity. Lastly, our data indicate that the crosstalk between ERK and p38 MAPK controls the synthesis of the HERV-R envelope protein, which in turn modulates SARS-CoV-2 replication. These findings suggest the role of the HERV-R envelope as a prosurvival host factor against SARS-CoV-2 and illustrate a possible advantage of integration and evolutionary maintenance of retroviral elements in the human genome.Copyright © 2023 The Authors.

Potential antiviral effects of pantethine against SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 interacts with cellular cholesterol during many stages of its replication cycle. Pantethine was reported to reduce total cholesterol levels and fatty acid synthesis and potentially alter different processes that might be involved in the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle. Here, we explored the potential antiviral effects of pantethine in two in vitro experimental models of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in Vero E6 cells and in Calu-3a cells. Pantethine reduced the infection of cells by SARS-CoV-2 in both preinfection and postinfection treatment regimens. Accordingly, cellular expression of the viral spike and nucleocapsid proteins was substantially reduced, and we observed a significant reduction in viral copy numbers in the supernatant of cells treated with pantethine. In addition, pantethine inhibited the infection-induced increase in TMPRSS2 and HECT E3 ligase expression in infected cells as well as the increase in antiviral interferon-beta response and inflammatory gene expression in Calu-3a cells. Our results demonstrate that pantethine, which is well tolerated in humans, was very effective in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection and might represent a new therapeutic drug that can be repurposed for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 and long COVID syndrome.

The Role of Industrial Policy in Market-friendly Economies Case of COVID-19 Vaccine R&D and Its Manufacturing in India and Its Contrast with the US-II

The paper surveys the status of vaccine research and development and its manufacture in India and discusses the fact that the country has used industrial policy instruments rather sparingly in jump-starting R&D and manufacturing of vaccines for COVID-19 vaccines. This is despite India's acknowledged innovation capability. The paper also contrasts the Indian case with that of the United States case discussed in Part 1 of this two-part paper. © 2022 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved.

The Role of Industrial Policy in Market-friendly Economies Case of COVID-19 Vaccine R&D and Its Manufacturing in India and the US - I

Given the public good characteristics of new technologies and especially those contributing to improved health, there is a strong case for state support for research and development and indeed for converting those research results to commercialise products and processes. The state support to the market is even more vital in developing vaccines for the COVID-19 pandemic, which has engulfed the whole world and has shattered the economies of countries and lives of ordinary citizens. The paper, in two parts, analyses how the state and the market have responded to the development of vaccines for this pandemic in two countries, India and the United States. India is chosen as it is one of the leading manufacturers of low-cost vaccines, and the US is selected as it is the top country where systematic R&D on vaccines is carried out. In this part, the focus is on the renewed debate on the use of industrial policy and surveys the specific policy instruments used by one of the leading market-friendly economies in the world, namely the US, in successfully developing within a short period of time a number of highly effective vaccines for COVID-19. © 2022 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved.

Impact of COVID-19 on risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients: A single institution analysis

Background: Cancer is known to increase the risk of VTE when compared to the non-cancer population. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with hypercoagulability and VTE. A study by Patell et al noted similar cumulative incidence of thrombotic events (arterial and venous) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with active cancer than those without cancer (14.2% vs 18.2%). Data from the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) Registry reported incidence of VTE of 7.6% in cancer patients within 90 days of hospitalization for COVID-19. However, it is unknown whether patients with cancer are at significantly higher risk for VTE in the setting of COVID-19 compared to cancer patients without COVID-19. Our study objectives were to: 1) determine the overall incidence of VTE in patients with cancer with and without COVID-19, regardless of hospitalization status;2) assess the relative risk of VTE due to COVID-19 in cancer patients;3) examine risk for VTE in cancer patients with COVID-19 based on certain demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Methods: An institutional retrospective cohort analysis was performed from March 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021. 228 patients with COVID-19 and cancer were identified and compared to matched controls without COVID-19 (n = 448) during the same study period based on age, gender, and BMI. Results: Incidence of VTE in cancer patients with COVID-19 was significantly higher than in cancer patients without COVID-19 (11% vs 3.1%) [RR 3.45, 95% CI 1.85-6.67]. There was no significantly increased risk of VTE in cancer patients with COVID-19 based on the following characteristics: non-White race, male gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis. However, patients with any history of smoking (including current smokers) had increased risk of VTE compared to never-smokers (RR 2.2756, 95% CI 1.0498-4.9326). Conclusions: COVID-19 further increases the risk of VTE in cancer patients, a population with an independent risk factor for VTE at baseline. Whether the increased risk is additive or synergistic is currently unknown. Demographic factors and comorbidities that have been associated with increased severity of COVID-19 in other studies do not appear to significantly increase risk of VTE in cancer patients with COVID-19, with the exception of smoking status (either current or past). Given the impact on morbidity and mortality, further analyses, including with larger datasets, are warranted.

In-silico STUDIES ON DIFFERENT THIAZOLIDINONE DERIVATIVES OF BENZILIC ACID TOWARDS COVID MAIN PROTEASE

In today’s world wide viral diseases caused by viruses cause severe morbidity and mortality. Most of the viral infections do not have any proper medications including corona viruses caused infection. The present work emphasises the development of potent inhibitors towards the Covid-19 virus using a hybrid pharmacophore approach. The benzilic acid thiazolidinone derivatives were prepared by reaction of alkyl/ar-ylthiosemicarbazides with 2-bromopropionate in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate in absolute ethanol from benzilic acid hydrazide. Compound which consists of (–C=N–N–), the two interlinked nitrogen atoms have been found to possess many biological activities. The compound (Z)-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-N′-(3-ethyl-5-methyl-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)-2-hydroxyacetohydrazide (TZD-7) showed good docking score –10.21 kcal/mol when compared to the reference ligand used for the study. Also the compounds has good interaction with the active site of the protein with the aminoacids His41, Tyr54, Phe140, Leu141, Asn142, Gly143, Ser144, Cys145, His163, His164, Met165, Glu166, Leu167, Pro168, His172, Asp187, Arg188, Gln189, Thr190, Gln192 which makes the molecule more potent. By improving the discovery of new potent inhibitors with new mechanisms, the mutant viruses can be neglected and with new antiviral agents with new mechanisms the drug resistant pathogens can be eradicated. © 2022, Scibulcom Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Potential antiviral effects of pantethine against SARS-CoV-2 (preprint)

SARS-CoV-2 interacts with cellular cholesterol during many stages of its replication cycle. Pantethine was reported to reduce total cholesterol levels and fatty acid synthesis and potentially alter different processes that might be involved in the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle. Here, we explored the potential antiviral effects of pantethine in two in vitro experimental models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Pantethine reduced the infection of cells by SARS-CoV-2 in both preinfection and postinfection treatment regimens. Accordingly, cellular expression of the viral spike and nucleocapsid proteins was substantially reduced, and we observed a significant reduction in viral copy numbers in the supernatant of cells treated with pantethine. In addition, pantethine inhibited the infection-induced increase in TMPRSS2 and HECT E3 ligase expression in infected cells as well as the increase in antiviral interferon-beta response and inflammatory gene expression in Calu-3a cells. Our results demonstrate that pantethine, which is well tolerated in humans, was very effective in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection and might represent a new therapeutic drug that can be repurposed for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 and long COVID syndrome.

IoT temperature and mask scan entry for covid prevention

Currently humans are employed for temperature screening and mask identification in public places to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We have temperature testing systems for all scanning entrances, but manual temperature scanning has numerous drawbacks. The staff isn't well-versed in the use of temperature scanners. When reading values, there is space for human error. People are often allowed entry despite higher temperature readings or the lack of masks. For large crowds, a manual scanning device is ineffective. Hence there arises a need to have an automatic system that checks for temperature and mask. We propose a fully automated temperature scanner and entry provider system to solve this issue. The system uses a contactless temperature scanner and a camera to capture image. If a high temperature or the absence of a mask is observed, the scanner is connected to a gate like structure that prevents entry. To monitor the entire process, the device uses a temperature sensor and camera connected to a Raspberry Pi system. The main theme of this paper is to automate the entire covid scanning process for reducing risk of spread COVID-19 in highly crowded places such as malls, schools and colleges. © 2021 Author(s).

A systematic approach to improving oral chemotherapy consent compliance in a rural cancer center

Background: Ensuring quality and comprehensive cancer care for our patients,families and our communities have been goals for the Cancer Center since its inception. To achieve these goals we must encourage collaborative decision-making, patient autonomy and promote a culture of patient safety with regards to all aspects of care, including treatment planning. Oral chemotherapy consent compliance has been a measured monthly Quality metric by the Cancer Center since 2018. A steady decline in compliance began in June 2019. 38% of all patients prescribed new oral chemotherapy did not sign an Informed Consent prior to beginning therapy. Lack of compliance may compromise patient safety and autonomy. In order to ensure our patients are fully informed regarding recommended treatment options, we evaluated our compliance to ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) Core Module, Measure 14 which requires a signed patient consent for chemotherapy. This project was initiated during the 2020 Quality Training Program (QTP) in Alexandria, Virginia and progressed through the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using the systematic approach and quality improvement tools taught during the QTP, we engaged a multidisciplinary Quality Improvement (QI) team to assist in gathering, organizing and interpreting data. The QI team sought input from all providers, their associated teams and Navigators regarding current processes and barriers. Process maps were created for each team;with both variables and percent of consent compliance being compared. The QI team identified common barriers to obtaining consent. A Cause and Effect Diagram, Pareto Chart and Prioritization Matrix were used narrowing the focus for the changes developed for improvement. Two quarterly Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were conducted from March through September 2020. Results: PDSA cycle one was implemented in March of 2020 immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting our area. Despite the competing priority of COVID Pandemic, results improved to 76% compliance over a 4 month period. PDSA cycle 2 was implemented at the end of July 2020. Following PDSA cycle 2, compliance rates improved to 91%. With no additional process changes, compliance continues to maintain through April of 2021 at 92%. Conclusions: The use of the QTP systematic approach improved oral chemotherapy consent compliance to just short of our 92% improvement goal. In spite of the obstacles brought about by COVID-19, compliance rates for August-October 2020 increased to 91%. As a result of the study process, we are now more cognizant of the variability in practices among our providers. This awareness will aid us in development and success of future processes. We continue to monitor compliance and adjust processes related to oral chemotherapy informed consent to accommodate on-going COVID-19 implications, staffing variances and everchanging approved chemotherapy regimens.

A Framework for Enabling Safe and Resilient Food Factories for Public Feeding Programs

Public feeding programs continue to be a major source of nutrition to a large part of the population across the world. Any disruption to food factories that support these activities, like the one during the Covid-19 pandemic, can lead to adverse health outcomes, especially among children. Policymakers and other stakeholders must balance the need for continuing food-factory operations while ensuring the health and safety of workers. This has led to several innovations that leverage advanced technologies like AI and IoT to monitor the health and safety of workers and ensure hygienic operations. However, there are practical challenges in its implementation on a large scale.This paper presents an implementation framework to build resilient food factories for public feeding using a combination of intelligent technologies. The framework is a result of piloting the technology solution at a facility run as part of a large mid-day meal feeding program in India. Using existing resources like CCTV cameras and new technologies like AI and IoT, hygiene and safety compliance anomalies can be detected and reported in a resource-efficient manner. It will guide stakeholders running food factories for public feeding as they seek to restart suspended operations and build systems that better adapt to future crises. © 2021 IEEE.

Malaysian dentists' self-reported experience towards continuing clinical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study assessed the self-reported symptoms/signs and precautionary measures towards continuing clinical practice during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among Malaysian dentists. An online questionnaire was administered using Google Form distributed via social networks, email lists and social media pages to Malaysian dentists in both private and government sectors. Respondents were required to report their clinical activity during the three phases of the various Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed by the Malaysian government: namely the MCO, Conditional-MCO and the Recovery-MCO. Data was analysed with SPSS using descriptive and Chi-square tests. A total of 1548 dentists completed the survey. Five dentists reported being tested positive for COVID-19 test while 48 had one/more symptoms related to the disease. The majority perceived a real risk of COVID-19 transmission to dentists and more than 80% limited their clinical services to emergency/selective care during the MCO and C-MCO. About 17% of the dentists suspended face-to-face clinical activities during the MCO period but this figure dropped to 3.4% during the R-MCO. Clinical activities were limited mainly due to closure of workplaces (88.6%). Precautionary measures adopted at dental clinics included recording body temperature (54.2%), physical distancing in waiting rooms (84.6%) and hand washing prior to and after dental procedures (77.5%). The findings demonstrate that most dentists limited their clinical services during the MCO and resumed work once restrictions were lifted during the C-MCO and R-MCO. Many reported adopting appropriate precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. © 2021 Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All rights reserved.

Newly formed empowered 'Technology group' and COVID-19

The role of the empowered “Technology Group” with respect to building and promoting health technologies is discussed and a possible road map is charted out.. © 2020 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 and orthodontic treatment: current perspectives

INTRODUCTION: A pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization on 30th January 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged, and led to standstill of Dentistry and Orthodontics. DESCRIPTION: The COVID-19 is a very multivariant disease. It affects in many different ways;the most reported symptoms resemble very much to that of a seasonal flu. Patients feel rising fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. There are two ways to handle them, the first being remotely guiding and helping them with aid of telecommunication, and second you can prepare the clinic by following all sanitization protocols and keep the clinic open only for such patients. Usage of Environment Protection agents, N95 masks, PPE kits and HEPA filters are some of the basic things to go about. CONCLUSION: With the non-stop change of scenario of the COVID-19, meticulous monitoring of the local situation and one eye on the latest instructions given by the WHO and Health ministry should be followed.