Potential inhibition of Melaleuca leucadendron L. compounds against the NSP5 SARS CoV-2 protein

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), causing a global health emergency as a pandemic disease. The lack of certain drug molecules or treatment strategies to fight this disease makes it worse. Therefore, effective drug molecules are needed to fight COVID-19. Non Structural Protein (NSP5) or called Main Protease (Mpro) of SARS CoV 2, a key component of this viral replication, is considered a key target for anti-COVID-19 drug development. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the compounds in the Melaleuca leucadendron L. plant such as 1,8-cineole, terpene, guaiol, linalol, a-selinenol, beta-eudesmol and P-eudesmol are predicted to have antiviral activity for COVID-19. Interaction of compounds with NSP5 with PDB code 6WNP analyzed using molecular docking with Molegro Virtual Docker. Based on binding affinity, the highest potential as an anti-viral is Terpineol with binding energy (-119.743 kcal/mol). The results of the interaction showed that terpinol has similarities in all three amino acid residues namely Cys 145, Gly 143, and Glu 166 with remdesivir and native ligand. Melaleuca leucadendron L. may represent a potential herbal treatment to act as: COVID-19 NSP5, however these findings must be validated in vitro and in vivo.

The influence on the fermentation process of bread with the addition of almond chestnut (Terminalia catappa L.): practical experiment in a domestic environment

This study verified the influence of the addition of castanets almond flour (Terminalia catappa L.) in the fermentation process of bread, analyzing attributes such as volume, weight, color, and flavor. The actions were coordinated remotely, in a domestic environment, in the city of Fortaleza (Ceara, Brazil) due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). About 2 kg of castanets were collected and the processing process included washing, pulp extraction, drying, roasting, and endocarp breaking. The ingredients were placed in a bowl and homogenized until completely incorporated, following the process of kneading, resting, kneading, shaping, fermentation and cooking. For the study, the evaluation was carried out in quadruplicate, with four samples of each dough, these being named Basic Bread (PB) and Chestnut Bread (PC). The dough showed growth between minutes 0 to 60, however, there was a regression between minutes 90 to 120. It is possible to observe that the dough reached its peak of fermentation between 30 and 60 minutes. The PB samples showed an external golden color and white crumb caused by the Maillard Reaction, possibly from the added butter, and had small alveoli. The PB sample had a neutral taste but was salty. No interference was observed in the bread fermentation process with the addition of castanets flour.

Lagerstroemia, Euphorbia hirta, and Kleinhovia hospita as inhibitors of heptad repeat (HR) SARS-CoV-2 spike protein based on an in silico study

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), has become a global health issue. Spike proteins from the virus have a vital role in infection. Herbal medicines such as Lagerstroemia, Euphorbia hirta, and Kleinhovia hospita have several pharmacological functions such as anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant because of their bioactive compound content. Based on an in silico study, this research was conducted on the possibility of phytochemicals from herbal Lagerstroemia, E. hirta, and K. hospita to inhibit spike protein SARS-CoV-2. A three-dimensional (3D) compound structure of each herbal medicine was docked with HR protein using AutoDock Vina software. The docking result, which has the best binding energy value, is continued with the analysis of molecular dynamics simulation. Lagerine, rutin, and nicotiflorin compounds might bind to proteins with lower binding energy. Protein was unstable when complexed with compounds compared with control, as seen from the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) value. Therefore, this research is pre-experimental to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins by herbal medicines.

Special Issue: Health promoting activities of phytochemicals. (Special Issue: Health promoting activities of phytochemicals.)

This issue contains 17 papers providing information on the newly discovered biological activities of phytochemicals and plant extracts that can be potentially developed as treatments for various disorders (COVID-19, cancer, skin disorders, allergies and inflammation, among others) and the underlying mechanisms by which they affect biological systems.

Evaluation study of some benzo (b) thiophene derivatives against the lysosomal protease of SAR-CoV-2

A contagious respiratory disease caused by COVID19 has spread out from China to worldwide, on 30 January 2020;World Health Organization (WHO) declared officially the COVID19 is pandemic disease. In this study, computational study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical compounds (M1 & M2) against lsysomal protease of SAR-CoV-2. The molecular docking results showed that the two molecules (M1& M2) have pretty good potential affinity to bind with preferred active site of A1 subunit of lysosomal protease of SAR-CoV-2, where the compounds (M1, M2) showed highest functional score (-12.5, -21.6 Kcal/mol) with appropriate orientation and full fitness (-1271, -1308) inside of the active site compared with Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine (-12.3, -10.5 Kcal/mol) respectively. The results of ADME toxicity profile of compounds (M1, M2) were computed and compared with Chloroquine and Hydroxy chroloquine. Table (1) showed the two molecules (M1, M2) meet the drug likeness parameters Both compounds have high Pharmacokinetics with ability to inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 with high ability to absorption in gastrointestinal (GIA), effluated in central nerve system (CNS) and brain-blood barrier permeability (BBB). Based on the computational study results, the molecules (M1 & M2) have pretty potential inhibitor candidate for Lysosomal protease of SAR-CoV-2. Two benzo (b) thiophene containing triazole moity especially 3-(3-chloro-1-benzothien-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-N-piperidine (M1) and 3-(chloro-1-benzothien-2-yl)4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-N-pyrole (M2) were synthesized and succefully characterized by FT-IR spectrum.

D-dimer, an important pathophysiological factor of deadly diseases including SARS

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease with high grade of infectivity, caused by SARS (COV-2). COVID 19 infection was the first reported in Wuhan China. D-dimer is an important predictive tool often recommended for patients with severe Corona virus (COVID19) infection. In this systematic review, we aim to investigate the significance of D-dimer prediction in patients with COVID -19. We used research materials from PubMed, Medline, Embase to learn about D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients and their effect on mortality.

Caring for pregnant patients with COVID-19 pandemic

Pandemics are simultaneous global transmission of emerging and re-emerging infectious disease epidemics affecting large amounts of people, often resulting in substantial deaths and social and economic disruption. The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by the novel beta coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is currently prevalent all over the world, causing thousands of deaths with relatively high virulence. Like two other notable beta coronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 can lead to severe contagious respiratory disease. [Mei et al,2020]. Due to impaired cellular immunity and physiological changes, pregnant women are susceptible to respiratory disease and are more likely to develop severe pneumonia. COVID-19 pneumonia in pregnancy are milder and with good recovery. [ICMR].

Knowledge, awareness and perception about Ayurveda as an immunity booster against COVID 19 among general population - a cross sectional survey

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, awareness and perception levels of the general public on the immune boosting effects of Ayurveda against Covid 19. Background: Ayurveda is a traditional medicine that is usually followed in India. Ayurveda has the power and strength to build up an immunity system to fight against the Covid 19. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the general public visiting a private dental institution. Random sampling was employed. Closed ended, a structured questionnaire was prepared and circulated through google forms. The data collected was tabulated and analyzed by SPSS software (version 23).

Correlation of smoking habit and COVID-19 infection assist prof. Dr. Abbas F. Hlaihel, assist prof Dheyaa Khalf Al-Omer

Background: Covid-19 is an acute infection caused by novel corona virus called SARS-Cov2 and is consider a major global health disaster causing millions of infected and dead people all over the world The age, gender and smoking habit is well recognized risk factors for many diseases including respiratory disease Their relation to COVID -10 infection is still controversy a though there is a lot of studies that try to clarify theses relatinship Aim of Study: Study of correlation of smoking habit with COVID-19 infection in Thi-Qar province in the south of Iraq and evaluate sex and age in studied group Patients and Methods: Retrospective analytic study of smoking habit in of 325 patients with COVID -19 in thi-Qar province in different centers of isolation prove by PCR testing and or CT findings consist with diagnosis of COVID-19. The control group include 329 healthy persons with PCR negative Result and Discussion: In our study two third of patients with COVID-19 are men [66.5%] this difference can explain by small number of size and social factors that limited the movement of female in community. In our study two third of severe COVID-19 are men [81:41] this go with most of studies that showed that the outcomes of illness were worse for men than women. In our study the mean age of COVID-19 patients in 46 which little pit less than mean age reported at early months COVID pandemic but later the mean start to dropping reaching in USA 34 In our study mean age of patients with severe COVID-19 is 53.2439 while for moderate one is 49.0256 and for mild COVID-19 patients is 36.8871 with highly significant P value 0.000. Active smoking seen in 81 [24,6] of control group while seen only in 43 [13.2%] in patients with covid-19 with highly significant value P value 0.0001 In this study most of cases of severe COVID are non smokers 84 and 26 are x-smoker while only 13 are active smoking with highly significant difference P value 0.000.A lot of studies revealed an unexpected low number of current smokers among subjects tested for SARS-CoV-2 infections. The prevalence of current smokers suffering from symptomatic COVID-19 was frequently significantly lower than in the general population. Current smokers were at reduced risk of being tested positive compared to former smokers and never smokers, which might have been caused by different testing frequencies, but were at higher risk for severe symptomatic COVID-19. This low prevalence of current smokers among COVID-19 patients led to the hypothesis that smoking/nicotine uptake might have a preventive effect.

Awareness related to healthy food habits during COVID-19 pandemic - a cross-sectional survey

AIM: To assess the impact of COVID outbreak on food lifestyle among the general population. BACKGROUND: Documentation of the changes in food habits and knowledge about healthy food options creates awareness about better ways of improving immunity during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among the general population. Random sampling is used to minimize the sampling bias. The standard questionnaire is used and circulated through online mode. SPSS software was used to tabulate and analyze the collected data. The Pearson chi-square test was used to correlate the gender and questions relating to healthy food habits. RESULTS: A total of 103 people were involved in the study. 65% of the participants were males and 35% were females. Majority(90.36%) of the population was aware of a healthy lifestyle and diet;only 9.64% weren't aware. 48.19% of participants agreed that they had reduced their intake of fat or oil related foods and 46.99% to a decrease in intake of fat or oil related foods. On the other hand 46.99% responded to an increase in intake of fat or oil related foods. CONCLUSION: The overall awareness of the study participants were good. It was found that intake of junk foods, stress was increased during covid pandemic which shows that covid pandemic had a negative effect on a healthy food lifestyle.

Adaptation of the COVID-19 fear scale method: psychometric characteristics of the Russian version

In scientific and practical terms, the comparison of methods based on different theoretical and methodological foundations is of particular relevance. It should be noted that most of the globally recognized methods do not have a reliable and valid Russian-language version, which sets the task of validating the corresponding tools. The work is devoted to the development and testing of the Russian-language version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, which makes it possible to identify the severity of anxiety about coronavirus infection. Testee: 463 people, including patients of medical institutions repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 (66 people) Methods: Fear of COVID-19 Scale (Ahorsu, Lin, Imani, et al., 2020), Impact of Event Scale by M. Horowitza, adapted in Russia in 1998 by M. Sh. Magomed-Eminov (Magomed-Eminov, 2008).

Self-care strategies for COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought many changes to how you live your life, and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures and social isolation. You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last, whether you'll lose your job, and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen. Surveys show a major increase in the number of U.S. adults who report symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression during the pandemic, compared with surveys before the pandemic. Some people have increased their use of alcohol or drugs, thinking that can help them cope with their fears about the pandemic. In reality, using these substances can worsen anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession have negatively affected many people's mental health and created new barriers for people already suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, a share that has been largely consistent, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019 (Figure 1). A KFF Health Tracking Poll from July 2020 also found that many adults are reporting specific negative impacts on their mental health and well-being, such as difficulty sleeping (36%) or eating (32%), increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and worsening chronic conditions (12%), due to worry and stress over the corona virus. As the pandemic wears on, ongoing and necessary public health measures expose many people to experiencing situations linked to poor mental health outcomes, such as isolation and job loss. People with substance use disorders, notably those addicted to tobacco or opioids, are likely to have worse outcomes if they get COVID-19. That's because these addictions can harm lung function and weaken the immune system, causing chronic conditions such as heart disease and lung disease, which increase the risk of serious complications from COVID-19. For all of these reasons, it's important to learn self-care strategies and get the care you need to help you cope.

Oxygen therapy and its relevance in ongoing COVID 19 pandemic

It was in 1850s that scientists realised that Earth is a closed system where even Oxygen and Carbon dioxide are exchanged between animals and plants for their co-existence and survival. Humans need Oxygen to be used for cellular respiration. It is the process by which human cells break down sugar to produce energy. This energy is stored to fuel life. This can be easily compared to a burning wood which uses oxygen to produce heat and carbon dioxide as waste. The current Covid pandemic made us realise the importance of oxygen. Corona virus hampers the process of absorption of oxygen by lungs by damaging alveolar-capillary membranes. In absence of an effective therapy to counter the virus, the management of patient is essentially symptomatic, basics of which revolves around oxygen therapy. The mere size of the pandemic has exhausted all medical facilities and many patients were treated at home, the knowledge of oxygen therapy for healthcare personnels and common people has become pertinent. Here we have tried to explain the basics about oxygen therapy in relation to Covid 19 pandemic, which is not static and expected change with time.

Syzygium aromaticum as a possible source of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors: evidence from a computational investigation

SARS-CoV-2, a new and fast circulating coronavirus strain, infected over 214 countries and territories worldwide and caused global health emergencies. The absence of appropriate medicines and vaccinations has further complicated the condition. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is crucial for its propagation, and it is considered a striking target. This study used several computational approaches to determine the probable antagonist of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro from bioactive phytochemicals of Syzygium aromaticum. A total of 20 compounds were screened through in silico approach. The molecular dynamics simulation studies were then carried out for further insights. We found crategolic acid, oleanolic acid, and kaempferol have considerable binding affinity and important molecular contacts with catalytic pocket residues, His41-Cys145. The pharmacological properties through ADMET analysis also showed that these compounds could be used as safe drug candidates. The molecular dynamics simulation study further confirmed these compound's stability with Mpro. However, further detailed in-vitro and in-vivo analyses are compulsory to evaluate the real potentiality of identified compounds.

Mucormycosis and COVID-19: a dual curse

Mucormycosis is a serious, but rare opportunistic, invasive and life-threatening fungal infection primarily caused by Rhizopus arrhizus with very high case fatality. Recently, its alarming rise in the number among COVID-19 patients mostly with uncontrolled diabetes and those who received excessive administration of steroids for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has raised interest among the scientific community to learn more about the said disease. The current review describes, its epidemiology, clinical presentation, risk factors, warning signs, diagnostic test and available preventive and treatment modalities for its effective management.

Survey on the level of knowledge of medicinal plants used against Coronavirus disease, influenza and colds among travelers who came for the COVID-19 test at the Institut Pasteur de C..te d'Ivoire

Objective: This study was conducted to identify medicinal plants in the fight against Coronavirus disease, influenza and colds cited by travelers who came for their Covid test at the Institut Pasteur of C..te d'Ivoire. Methodology and Results: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 527 travelers from April 1 to June 30, 2021. The interviewed travelers were predominantly male (69.4%). Travelers going to France (28.46%) were the most numerous. The most represented age groups were 41-64 (43.83%) and 25-40 (43.26%). When the level of education is considered, the surveyed travelers have a higher level of education (89.94%). Entrepreneurs (13.85%), traders (12.66%), company directors (12.33%), students (8.54%) and health workers (6.45%) are the majority. Only 21.63% of travelers used traditional medicine in the last 12 months prior to the survey. Various plants are used to fight (33.43%) or prevent (56.57%) Coronavirus disease (7.02%), influenza (3.60%) and colds (2.84%). In total, 13 species of medicinal plants divided into 13 genera and 13 families were cited. Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) with citation frequencies (cf) of 22%, Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) with cf of 21% and Citrus limon (Rutaceae) with cf of 14% were the most cited species. Conclusion and application of results: These plants could be used for research and development of phytomedicines against Coronavirus, influenza and cold.

Potential immunomodulatory and antiviral food effect in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Up to date drug-based treatments for COVID-19 have not been approved. The most effective way to face this public health problem is prevention with adequate nutrition, hygiene, and protection measures. Food has historically been used by people to improve their nutrition and complement the treatment or prevention of diseases. The various bioactive compounds of some foods are known, which in experimental studies demonstrated their antiviral and immunomodulatory action.