ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Due to the migratory flow of infected people with severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS COV-2), the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is accelerating globally; preclinical evidence of antiviral agents that can combat this pandemic is still elusive. We identified published articles on SARS-COV efficacy experiments in which some selected compounds were used to test the reduction of the virus load in mice. METHODS: A systematic search of articles was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. We then developed a combined model based on a systematic review, meta-analyses, and molecular docking studies to evaluate the effect size of preclinical studies of compounds that have been tested against SARS-COV. Because substantial heterogeneity was expected, random effect model meta-analyses were carried out to estimate the overall pooled disease's prevalence. All meta-analyses were performed with Stata version 15.0. Subgroup analyses on therapies were conducted as well. Molecular docking studies of the inhibitors in the active pocket of COVID-19 protease were also performed. RESULTS: From all screened articles, six studies were appropriate for ultimate meta-analysis and systematic review. The residual amount of heterogeneity was high (τ2 =0.02; heterogeneity I2 =85.5 % with heterogeneity chi-square =103.57, a degree of freedom =15, and p <0.001). The overall random pooled prevalence of infected mice treated with the selected compounds was 78.1 % [95 % Confidence Interval (CI): 14.7-17.0 %]. Prophylactic has a significantly higher pooled prevalence than therapeutic, with 21.8 % (95 % CI: 16.4 % to 28.8 %). Our results indicated that most of the SARS-COV inhibitors analyzed were less effective in reducing the lung virus titer of SARS-COV infection in animal models. The findings from molecular docking studies also identified COVID-19 inhibitors that are good for optimization and drug development to fight against COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the review showed that studies on the preclinical compounds targeting SARS-COV and COVID-19 are limited. Furthermore, molecular docking studies and meta-analysis results substantiated three compounds, i.e., EIDD-2801, GS-5734, and amodiaquine. HIPPOKRATIA 2020, 24(3): 99-106.
ABSTRACT
This study was designed to determine the extent to which alluvial and bedrock gold mining activities in the Kette-Batouri region of Eastern Cameroon are responsible for the discharge of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) into natural water bodies. This is considered to be of great public concern, since elevated levels of PHEs in these water bodies, which are widely used for domestic purposes, could have adverse health and environmental effects on the population and nearby ecosystems. The investigation into the levels of PHEs in natural water bodies of this area was conducted to ascertain the toxicity posed by mine waste stockpiles as data from the literature on this subject are scarce. Forty-two water samples from the region were analysed for some 60 PHEs by ICP-OES, of which 22 that were not below the detection limit were considered for further data analysis. Maximum total concentrations in water of As, Cr, Pb, and V and Zn are above the World Health Organization (WHO) maximum allowable concentration (MAC) levels and are as follows (µg l-1): As (21.90-50.9); Cr (1.80-57.30); Pb (0.50-34.70); V (24.70-77.20) and Zn (3.10-481.70). This information is consistent with that of our recent research efforts which have indicated moderate pollution by heavy metals in the soils with a slight deterioration of site quality in this region. The data generated from this investigation is important in the formulation of water management strategies and recommendations for remediation of water bodies at abandoned mine sites for meeting water quality standards.
