Synthesis and physicochemical studies of a series of mixed-ligand transition metal complexes and their molecular docking investigations against Coronavirus main protease

A novel series of mixed-ligand complexes of the type, [M(L1)(L2)Cl]·2H2O [L1 = 2-(α-methyl salicylidene hydrazine) benzimidazole (primary ligand), L2 = 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy; secondary ligand), M = Co(ii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii) and Zn(ii)], were based on the physicoanalytical studies. The spectroscopic findings revealed tridentate nature of the Schiff base ligand (L1) and its coordination to the metal ions via azomethine nitrogen, ring nitrogen and the deprotonated phenolic oxygen atoms. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi microorganisms. In addition, molecular docking studies were carried out against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (PDB ID: 4ZS6) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease (PDB ID: 6W63).

Transmission dynamics, complications and mitigation strategies of the current mpox outbreak: A comprehensive review with bibliometric study

As the mankind counters the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), it simultaneously witnesses the emergence of mpox virus (MPXV) that signals at global spread and could potentially lead to another pandemic. Although MPXV has existed for more than 50 years now with most of the human cases being reported from the endemic West and Central African regions, the disease is recently being reported in non-endemic regions too that affect more than 50 countries. Controlling the spread of MPXV is important due to its potential danger of a global spread, causing severe morbidity and mortality. The article highlights the transmission dynamics, zoonosis potential, complication and mitigation strategies for MPXV infection, and concludes with suggested 'one health' approach for better management, control and prevention. Bibliometric analyses of the data extend the understanding and provide leads on the research trends, the global spread, and the need to revamp the critical research and healthcare interventions. Globally published mpox-related literature does not align well with endemic areas/regions of occurrence which should ideally have been the scenario. Such demographic and geographic gaps between the location of the research work and the endemic epicentres of the disease need to be bridged for greater and effective translation of the research outputs to pubic healthcare systems, it is suggested.

Analyzing the emerging patterns of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants for the development of next-gen vaccine: An observational study

Background and Aim

Understanding the prevalence and impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants has assumed paramount importance. This study statistically analyzed to effectively track the emergence and spread of the variants and highlights the importance of such investigations in developing potential next-gen vaccine to combat the continuously emerging Omicron subvariants.

Methods

Transmission fitness advantage and effective reproductive number (R e) of epidemiologically relevant SARS-CoV-2 sublineages through time during the study period based on the GISAID data were estimated.

Results

The analyses covered the period from January to June 2023 around an array of sequenced samples. The dominance of the XBB variant strain, accounting for approximately 57.63% of the cases, was identified during the timeframe. XBB.1.5 exhibited 37.95% prevalence rate from March to June 2023. Multiple variants showed considerable global influence throughout the study, as sporadically documented. Notably, the XBB variant demonstrated an estimated relative 28% weekly growth advantage compared with others. Numerous variants were resistant to the over-the-counter vaccines and breakthrough infections were reported. Similarly, the efficacy of mAB-based therapy appeared limited. However, it's important to underscore the perceived benefits of these preventive and therapeutic measures were restricted to specific variants.

Conclusion

Given the observed trends, a comprehensive next-gen vaccine coupled with an advanced vaccination strategy could be a potential panacea in the fight against the pandemic. The findings suggest that targeted vaccine development could be an effective strategy to prevent infections. The study also highlights the need of global collaborations to rapidly develop and distribute the vaccines to ensure global human health.

The microbiota-related coinfections in COVID-19 patients: a real challenge

BACKGROUND

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected millions of people around the world, especially the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The infection transmission rate is considered more rapid than other deadly pandemics and severe epidemics encountered earlier, such as Ebola, Zika, Influenza, Marburg, SARS, and MERS. The public health situation therefore is really at a challenging crossroads.

MAIN BODY

The internal and external and resident microbiota community is crucial in human health and is essential for immune responses. This community tends to be altered due to pathogenic infections which would lead to severity of the disease as it progresses. Few of these resident microflora become negatively active during infectious diseases leading to coinfection, especially the opportunistic pathogens. Once such a condition sets in, it is difficult to diagnose, treat, and manage COVID-19 in a patient.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the various reported possible coinfections that arise in COVID-19 patients vis-à-vis other serious pathological conditions. The local immunity in lungs, nasal passages, oral cavity, and salivary glands are involved with different aspects of COVID-19 transmission and pathology. Also, the role of adaptive immune system is discussed at the site of infection to control the infection along with the proinflammatory cytokine therapy.