ABSTRACT
On analyzing the results of cell-based assays, we have previously shown that perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf extract (PLE), a food supplement and orally deliverable traditional Chinese medicine approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by directly targeting virions. PLE was also found to modulate virus-induced cytokine expression levels. In this study, we explored the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of PLE in a hamster model by examining viral loads and virus-induced immunopathology in lung tissues. Experimental animals were intranasally challenged with different SARS-CoV-2 doses. Jugular blood samples and lung tissue specimens were obtained in the acute disease stage (3-4 post-infection days). As expected, SARS-CoV-2 induced lung inflammation and hemorrhagic effusions in the alveoli and perivascular areas;additionally, it increased the expression of several immune markers of lung injury - including lung Ki67-positive cells, Iba-1-positive macrophages, and myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils. Virus-induced lung alterations were significantly attenuated by orally administered PLE. In addition, pretreatment of hamsters with PLE significantly reduced viral loads and immune marker expression. A purified active fraction of PLE was found to confer higher antiviral protection. Notably, PLE prevented SARS-CoV-2-induced increase in serum markers of liver and kidney function as well as the decrease in serum high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent fashion. Differently from lung pathology, monitoring of serum biomarkers in Syrian hamsters may allow a more humane assessment of the novel drugs with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Our results expand prior research by confirming that PLE may exert an in vivo therapeutic activity against SARS-CoV-2 by attenuating viral loads and lung tissue inflammation, which may pave the way for future clinical applications.
ABSTRACT
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has changed the human habit worldwide since 2019. Everyone wears face mask as an important personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves away from the virus after leaving home for work, social activity or study. Epidemic-prevention might only be relaxed until the vaccine for coronavirus have developed successfully. Non-woven fabric face mask (NFM) have played the important role for public to defense from infection of coronavirus through air, NFM is commonly used because it costs with low price, light weight, disposable and easy-to-use. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the plastic materials and applied as a core mask filter and needed a lifespan of 450 years for partially degradable. Most of researchers are focusing on the new mask materials development and seldom to tackle the NFM recycling problem. This research paper aims to (1) investigate an existing disposal method of NFM;(2) conduct a feasibility study on recycling method;(3) design an IoT-based smart NFM recycling machine for collecting and sterilising the disposed NFM. Opportunities in recycling NFM will also be addressed. © 2020 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Global civilization confronts the threat of global warming issues in terms of spatial and economic contexts for the growth of the planet. In addition, a specific ingredient, polyethene, is used by various factories, which has confronted the globe with a major emission problem as the material needs time to decompose. Moreover, because of COVID-19, the dumping of polymer-based facemasks has caused the tremendous problem of plastic waste worldwide. Non-degradable, causing waste and environmental damage, billions of plastic facemasks are. A specific substance, polyethene, which has worried the environment as it takes time to decompose, is used by producers. The epidemic culminated in the construction and construction industry taking steps, including the reuse of asphalt polyethene to be included in their projects, to avert the crisis. One of the possible solutions to mitigate the problem is to use treated polymer-modified asphalt for pavement, parking lots and concrete. However, existing knowledge and experience in the recycled polyethene building and construction industries is limited but increasing. The goal of the research was to review the recycling of polyethene asphalt waste in the building and construction industries. Overall, recycled polyethene waste has been found to have major benefits in improving productivity in manufacturing, facilities and the global environment. © 2020 IEEE.