ABSTRACT
Purpose: Organic food consumption decreases the risk of becoming obese or overweight. This study intends to see the influence of customer perceived value, COVID-19 fear, food neophobia, effort and natural content on the intention to purchase organic food (IPOF) that leads to the actual purchase of organic food (APOF). Moreover, organic food availability is a moderator between IPOF and APOF. Design/methodology/approach: PLS-SEM is used for hypothesis testing. A purposive sampling technique was followed to gather data from organic food consumers in Lahore, Gujranwala and Islamabad and a total of 479 questionnaires were part of the analysis. Findings The outcomes show that customer perceived value, effort and natural content is positively related to IPOF. Despite this, COVID-19 fear and food neophobia are negatively associated with IPOF. IPOF and organic food availability are positively related to APOF. Finally, organic food availability significantly moderated between IPOF and APOF. Practical implications: This study outcome reveals that companies of organic food can recognize customer perceived value, COVID-19 fear, food neophobia, effort, natural content and organic food availability in their decision-making if they determine the actual purchase of organic food. This study offers a valuable policy to companies of organic food to enhance customer's behavior in purchasing organic food in Pakistan. Besides, practitioners and academicians can benefit from this study finding. Originality/value: This initial research integrates customer perceived value, COVID-19 fear, food neophobia, effort, natural content, IPOF and organic food availability to determine APOF in the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, consumption value theory is followed to develop the framework.
ABSTRACT
For the third time in the past few decades, the novel coronavirus has been named the most lethal ever, able to infect animals and humans all over the world. Healthcare policy uses advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI), deep machine learning, and big data to combat and forecast emerging diseases. AI is increasingly being used to aid in disease detection, prevention, response, rehabilitation, and clinical analysis. Since these developments are still in the early stages, minimum development is being made in their application for significant deliberation at the local and international strategy levels. Nonetheless, a new example demonstrates that AI-driven systems are becoming more reliable. Companies like BlueDot and Metabiota used AI to predict the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in China before it shocked the world in late 2019 by monitoring its effects and spread. Using computational techniques to discover new target drugs and vaccines in silico is one approach. Drug repurposing is a method for discovering new applications for existing or experimental drugs. A drug repurposing approach is a viable option for novel diseases like COVID-19. Drug discovery and vaccination, biological research, remote video diagnosis, tracking patient contacts, COVID-19 recognition and therapy via smart robots, and identification of noncontact infection are all areas where AI will be used in the future. This chapter aims to look at AI-based technology for coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome and the Middle East respiratory syndrome diagnosis, management, drug repurposing medications, novel drug discovery, and vaccines, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Phytonutrients (plant chemicals) called flavonoids may be detected in almost all fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the brilliant colors of fruits and vegetables, together with carotenoids. Flavonoids, like other phytonutrients, are potent antioxidants with antiinflammatory and immune-enhancing characteristics. Polyphenols may diminish severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection by linking to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) linking site and limiting viral entrance, as well as regulating the severity of COVID-19 lung destruction by controlling ACE-2 expression. A new potential relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the co-receptor dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) may induce the expansion of newer COVID-19 treatment methods, in addition to ACE-2. After glycosylation, flavonoids' solubility in water is significantly enhanced, which increases their pharmacological actions. Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects have been discovered in resveratrol (RSV). Quercetin was discovered to have a possible repressing consequence against SARS-CoV-2 in a computer simulation. Main protease (Mpro) had a significant preference for quercetin. According to a computer study, the flavonoids icariin, myricitrin, naringin, quercitrin, and neohesperidin have a significant interaction potential for transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). The bioavailability improvement of quercetin has also been shown in vivo. The novel nanovesicles exhibited extended drug durability and significant therapeutic impact compared to uncoated ones due to chitosan resistance to stomach acid. This chapter aims to explain the use of flavonoids and other polyphenols against SARS-CoV-2. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Vaccines and antiviral treatments for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are progressing at an incredible rate. To protect further lives, the world is eager for treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral peptides (AVPs), also termed antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), have antiviral properties, although little is known. AVPs are a group of small polycationic antivirals (8–40 amino acids long) having strong wide-range antiviral activity. Surprisingly, AVPs have been shown to have preventive and therapeutic actions against coronaviruses (CoVs). Peptides and proteins contain significant therapeutic potential. More research is needed to explore the possibilities of a wide range of lipidated (and non-lipidated) peptide medications;lipidation is a helpful tool for reducing drug degradation and extending half-life, with some of these benefits likely due to self-assembly. This chapter aims to use peptides and lipopeptides against SARS-CoV-2. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Vitamins are very important to stay healthy. Taking macronutrients and micronutrients based on the body's needs prevents us from diseases and can treat them. Vitamins have proven to help deal with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) patients. Vitamin C intake seems to boost immunity. Several studies suggested that vitamin C intake can lower the extent of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) besides its other biological functions such as collagen formation and wound healing. Vitamin C works as an anti-oxidant, counteracting the free radicals during an infection. Whenever an infection or disease occurs, it causes the production of reactive oxygen species, or such oxidizing agents help in the inactivation of viruses. Vitamin D is another important micronutrient to treat and prevent URTIs. Commonly, it is recommended for bone and teeth health, but it has also been used for regulating and boosting the immune system. Nutraceutical applications of vitamins are inevitable. Different natural products and foods are good sources of vitamins that can be taken for improved functions of the human body and treatment of diseases. Besides the oral route, vitamins C and D can also be supplied via micro or nanoparticles through other routes. An adequate intake of vitamins positively affects the body in the fight against infections. So, it can also help reduce the severity of illness and morbidity of patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) are the most common acute complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Crizanlizumab, an anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody, is an FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for SCD patients (pts) aged ≥16 yrs to reduce the frequency of VOC. To better understand its use and impact, the National Alliance for Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) conducted a retrospective study of pts prescribed crizanlizumab from 11/2019-6/30/2021. NASCC is a non-profit organization formed to support SCD centers in delivering quality comprehensive care by setting and adopting specific standards and advocating for improved health outcomes in SCD. This study describes the largest real-world cohort of pts treated with crizanlizumab. Methods: This is a two-part study. Part 1 was to evaluate NASCC center crizanlizumab practice and to summarize data on insurance approval and the frequency of drug discontinuation. Part 2 includes pt level data to evaluate reasons for discontinuation and acute care utilization pre and post therapy. Acute care use includes day hospital/infusion, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations for VOC (excluding COVID-19). The index date for each pt is defined as the 1st crizanlizumab infusion date. Chart review (electronic health records) was used to identify all acute care visits 12 months pre-index and ≤12 months post index. Acute care data will be analyzed in aggregate. Evaluation of center-specific use of crizanlizumab, time to initial site level formulary approval and drug discontinuation were analyzed. Pt level data collection is ongoing to include sufficient time post index date. VOC characteristics will be summarized using medians, median differences (pre/post treatment), and 95% confidence intervals. Additional evaluation of effectiveness of crizanlizumab will include analysis based on number of doses received, pre-treatment VOC burden, concomitant hydroxyurea (HU) use and genotype. Results: Data includes pts prescribed crizanlizumab at 11 NASCC centers. Site- formulary approvals to use crizanlizumab varied from 12/2019-12/2020. As a result, the 1st pt to receive treatment at each site varied from 1/15/2020-1/20/2021. Mean time from site-level approval to first infusion was 77 days (range: 0-394). Over 50% of sites received insurance denials mainly due to “insufficient medical necessity” or “medication not covered by the prescription plan.” Sites were able to successfully appeal denials for 71% of pts (Table 1). Treatment Delivery: Each site gives infusions over 30 minutes and the majority (64%) do not use pre-medication unless pts had reactions. Some sites use diphenhydramine/acetaminophen (3) or normal saline and ketorolac (1). All sites prescribe crizanlizumab to pts of all SCD genotypes. Pts Treated: 297 pts were prescribed crizanlizumab of whom 238 received ≥ 1 infusion. There was variation in number of pts/site (range 6-73, mean 21) due to time to site-level approval, insurance and pt population. Of these 238, 75 pts (32%) discontinued treatment (0-17 pts/site). Sites reported pts perceived lack of improvement or feeling their overall pain was increased, transportation issues and infusion related reactions (IRRs) characterized by pain as some of the reasons for discontinuation. Evaluation of real-world efficacy measured by changes in acute care utilization, including sub-analysis by genotype, pre-treatment VOC burden and concomitant HU use, are pending sample size dependent feasibility. Discussion: This is the first multi-center real-world analysis of crizanlizumab. Findings demonstrate some insurance barriers to therapy. The majority of pts who initiated crizanlizumab have remained on therapy;however, 1/3 of pts had lack of effect or barriers to care. Pt level data will include characteristics related to treatment failure or IRR. Improving the understanding of phenotype-specific response to novel therapies is essential in SCD. Conclusion: Post-approval therapies for rare diseases must undergo real-world evaluation to ensure study results transla e to the community. NASCC uses defined criteria for multidisciplinary care for Alliance inclusion and findings reflect the use of DMT in such centers. This is the first NASCC study of DMT in SCD. Part 2 of the study will give early insights into the effectiveness of crizanlizumab;long term follow-up is needed for a full understanding of its utility in SCD. [Formula presented] Disclosures: Kanter: Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy;Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Forma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Agios: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Beam: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Graphite Bio: Consultancy;GuidePoint Global: Honoraria;Fulcrum Tx: Consultancy. Manwani: Novartis: Consultancy. Idowu: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;Pfizer: Research Funding;Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding;Ironwood: Research Funding. Treadwell: National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers: Other: Early Evaluation of the Use of Crizanlizumab in Sickle Cell Disease. Clay: GBT: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Novartis: Honoraria. Little: Hemex Health, Inc.: Patents & Royalties;Biochip Labs: Patents & Royalties. Desai: Global Blood Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding;Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Pfizer: Other: Publication Fee, Research Funding;Forma: Consultancy;Foundation for Sickle Cell Research: Honoraria. Lanzkron: Shire: Research Funding;Pfizer: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company;Bluebird Bio: Consultancy;Teva: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company;Novo Nordisk: Consultancy;GBT: Research Funding;Imara: Research Funding;CSL Behring: Research Funding;Novartis: Research Funding.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infection of the respiratory system caused by single standard RNA viruses named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease appeared as a serious problem and the leading cause of death in human beings throughout the world. The main source of different phytochemicals are plants, which helps in the development of new drugs against various ailments. Islam is comprehensive religion and a complete code of life for Muslims. The teaching of Islam, according to the Holy Quran and Hadith are universal for the benefit of humanity. Islam believes that every ailment is from God and who made the disease definitely made its medication. There is a complete guideline with regard to taking measures against infectious diseases such as quarantine and seeking medicinal treatment. The research objective is to gather the knowledge of medicinal plants described in the Holy Quran or utilized by the Prophet (SAW) for the treatment of different ailments or advised to use them to boost immunity and strengthen the body. Scientists across the globe have found these plants beneficial for many diseases and have antiviral potential. In present study, the six plant species including Olea europaea , Nigella sativa, Allium Sativum, Allium cepa, Zingiber officinale and Cassia senna were selected which contain phytochemicals like Calcium Elenolate, Thymoquinone, S-Allylcysteine, Dipropyl Disulfide, Sesquiterpene, Monoterpene, Pelargonidin 3-Galactoside ion and Kaempferol. The phytochemicals monoterpene (from Zingiber officinale) shows best interaction with target proteins RdRP, 3CLPro, ACE2. Calcium Elonate (from olive) bonds with 3CLPro, ACE2 and Kemoferol and Pelargomidine (from Senna Makki) bonds with RdRP, ACE2. The ligands show a unique set of intersections i.e. hydrogen bonding, and alkyl interaction. These medicinal plants can be utilized immediately for the treatment of COVID-19 as their safety is already established. This treatment can enhance recovery when combined with other treatments. Furthermore, the screening of bioactive compounds or phytochemicals found in these plants can be utilized to design new therapeutic drug to treat COVID-19 pandemic.