ABSTRACT
Recent interest in nanomedicine has skyrocketed because of mRNA vaccine lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) against COVID-19. Ironically, despite this success, the innovative nexus between nanotechnology and biochemistry, and the impact of nanoparticles on enzyme biochemical activity is poorly understood. The studies of this group on zinc nanoparticle (ZNP) compositions suggest that nanorod morphologies are preferred and that ZNP doped with manganese or iron can increase activity against model enzymes such as luciferase, DNA polymerase, and 6- galactosidase (6-Gal), with the latter previously being associated with antimicrobial activity. SARS-CoV-2 encodes several of these types of oxido-reductase, polymerase, or hydrolase types of enzymes, and while metamaterials or nanoparticle composites have become important in many fields, their application against SARS-CoV-2 has only recently been considered. Recently, this group discovered the antiviral activity of manganese-doped zinc sulfide (MnZnS), and here the interactions of this nanoparticle composite with 6-Gal, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and human ACE2 (hACE2), the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, are demonstrated. Low UV, circular dichroism, and zeta potential results confirm their enzyme interaction and inhibition by fluorometric area under the curve (AUC) measurements. The IC50 of enzyme activity varied depending on the manganese percentage and surface ranging from 20 to 50 mu g/mL. MnZnS NPs give a 1-2 log order inhibition of SARS-CoV-2;however, surface-capping with cysteine does not improve activity. These data suggest that Mn substituted ZNP interactions to hACE2 and potentially other enzymes may underlie its antiviral activity, opening up a new area of pharmacology ready for preclinical translation.
ABSTRACT
As human knowledge has increased, the efficacy and precision of tools to solve clinical problems have also increased. The challenge of COVID-19 has posed a significant threat to human life and reflects the need to upgrade existing technologies and make treatments more precise. Since the corona virus particle is in the nanometer range, the need for a device with accuracy beyond the nanometer range is apparent to control and eliminate it. Using Picosecond Pulsed Electric Fields (PPEF) could be a good antiviral picotechnology candidate. PPEF energy can (1) increase the innate immunity function of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, (2) destroy bacteria and other pathogens, and (3) potentially inactivate viral particles. This characteristic of PPEFs has already been used in the food industry. Both PPEF and nanosecond PEF technology is being used to treat cancer in research animals and has reached the stage of pre-clinical and clinical human trials with use in clinical practice soon to follow. Applying advanced PPEF technology against COVID-19 should provide new opportunities for effective human antiviral treatment. .
ABSTRACT
Almost as soon as the NCAA announced the cancelation its 2020 "March Madness" basketball tournament, college administrators began moving to cut sports from their schools' portfolios. This study explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on college athletics. It examines the historical and sociological context surrounding the decisions to eliminate athletic programs (affecting nearly 2,500 athletes at the time of writing) at universities across the country. Drawing on research surrounding the implementation of Title IX, the authors examine how college athletics' most recent crisis caused university leaders to once again cut sports in the name of gender equity.