Potential of graphene-based materials to combat COVID-19: properties, perspectives, and prospects

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new virus in the coronavirus family that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerges as a big threat to the human race. To date, there is no medicine and vaccine available for COVID-19 treatment. While the development of medicines and vaccines are essentially and urgently required, what is also extremely important is the repurposing of smart materials to design effective systems for combating COVID-19. Graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs) exhibit extraordinary physicochemical, electrical, optical, antiviral, antimicrobial, and other fascinating properties that warrant them as potential candidates for designing and development of high-performance components and devices required for COVID-19 pandemic and other futuristic calamities. In this article, we discuss the potential of graphene and GRMs for healthcare applications and how they may contribute to fighting against COVID-19.

Essential functional molecules associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: Potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19

The whole world is still suffering substantially from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Several protein-based molecules that are associated with the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which are essential for its functionality, survival, and pathogenesis have been identified and are considered as potential therapeutic targets. These protein-based molecules are either structural/non-structural components of SARS-CoV-2 or host factors, which play a crucial role in this infection. Developing drug molecules against these essential functional molecules to hinder their regular functioning and associated physiological pathways could be promising for successful clinical management of this novel coronavirus infection. The review aims to highlight the functional molecules that play crucial roles in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. We have emphasized how these potential druggable targets could be beneficial in tackling the COVID-19 crisis.

An intimate alliance of DNA-damage response network with cell-cycle checkpoints amid events of uncontrolled cellular proliferation- a minireview

There is close interdependence between cell survival, cell senescence, events of the cell cycle, apoptosis, malignancy development, and tumor responses to cancer treatment. Intensive studies and elaborate researches have been conducted on the functional aspects of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, apoptotic genes, and members guiding cell cycle regulation. These disquisitions have put forward the existence of a highly organized response pathway termed as a DNAdamage response network. The pathways detecting DNA damage and signaling are intensively linked to the events of cellcycle arrest, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell senescence. DNA damage responses are complex systems that incorporate specific "sensor' and 'transducer" proteins, for assessment of damage and signal transmission, respectively. These signals are thereafter relayed upon various "effector' proteins involved in different cellular pathways. It may include those governing cell-cycle checkpoints, participating in DNA repair, cell senescence, and apoptosis. This review discusses about the role of tumour suppressor gene, oncogenes, cell cycle checkpoint regulators during DNA damage response and regulation.

Convalescent plasma therapy: a promising coronavirus disease 2019 treatment strategy

The world is passing through a very difficult phase due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has disrupted almost all spheres of life. Globally, according to the latest World Health Organization report (10 August 2020), COVID-19 has affected nearly 20 million lives, causing 728 013 deaths. Due to the lack of specific therapeutic drugs and vaccines, the outbreak of disease has spawned a corpus of contagious infection all over the world, day by day, without control. As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a very rapid infection rate, it is essential to develop a novel ameliorative and curative strategy as quickly as possible. Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy is a type of adaptive immunity that has already been found to be effective in confronting several infectious diseases from the last two decades. For example, CP therapy was used in the treatment of viral-induced diseases like SARS-CoV epidemics, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) pandemics, Ebola epidemics and H1N1 pandemic. In this review, we have mainly focused on the therapeutic role of CP therapy and its neutralizing effect to fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nucleic acid-based therapy for coronavirus disease 2019

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic that originated in China has already spread into more than 190 countries, resulting in huge loss of human life and many more are at the stake of losing it; if not intervened with the best therapeutics to contain the disease. For that aspect, various scientific groups are continuously involved in the development of an effective line of treatment to control the novel coronavirus from spreading rapidly. Worldwide scientists are evaluating various biomolecules and synthetic inhibitors against COVID-19; where the nucleic acid-based molecules may be considered as potential drug candidates. These molecules have been proved potentially effective against SARS-CoV, which shares high sequence similarity with SARS-CoV-2. Recent advancements in nucleic acid-based therapeutics are helpful in targeted drug delivery, safely and effectively. The use of nucleic acid-based molecules also known to regulate the level of gene expression inside the target cells. This review mainly focuses on various nucleic acid-based biologically active molecules and their therapeutic potentials in developing vaccines for SARS-CoV-2.

Targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein of COVID-19 with naturally occurring phytochemicals: an in silico study for drug development

Spike glycoprotein, a class I fusion protein harboring the surface of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2S), plays a seminal role in the viral infection starting from recognition of the host cell surface receptor, attachment to the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cells. Spike glycoprotein engages host Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors for entry into host cells, where the receptor recognition and attachment of spike glycoprotein to the ACE2 receptors is a prerequisite step and key determinant of the host cell and tissue tropism. Binding of spike glycoprotein to the ACE2 receptor triggers a cascade of structural transitions, including transition from a metastable pre-fusion to a post-fusion form, thereby allowing membrane fusion and internalization of the virus. From ancient times people have relied on naturally occurring substances like phytochemicals to fight against diseases and infection. Among these phytochemicals, flavonoids and non-flavonoids have been the active sources of different anti-microbial agents. We performed molecular docking studies using 10 potential naturally occurring compounds (flavonoids/non-flavonoids) against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and compared their affinity with an FDA approved repurposed drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Further, our molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and energy landscape studies with fisetin, quercetin, and kamferol revealed that these molecules bind with the hACE2-S complex with low binding free energy. The study provided an indication that these molecules might have the potential to perturb the binding of hACE2-S complex. In addition, ADME analysis also suggested that these molecules consist of drug-likeness property, which may be further explored as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Targeting virus-host interaction by novel pyrimidine derivative: an in silico approach towards discovery of potential drug against COVID-19

The entire human population over the globe is currently facing appalling conditions due to the spread of infection from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) present on the surface of the virion mediates the virus entry into the host cells and therefore is targeted by several scientific groups as a novel drug target site. The spike glycoprotein binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (hACE2) cell surface receptor abundantly expressed in lung tissues, and this binding phenomenon is a primary determinant of cell tropism and pathogenesis. The binding and internalization of the virus is the primary and most crucial step in the process of infection, and therefore the molecules targeting the inhibition of this process certainly hold a significant therapeutic value. Thus, we systematically applied the computational techniques to identify the plausible inhibitor from a chosen set of well characterized diaryl pyrimidine analogues which may disrupt interfacial interaction of spike glycoprotein (S) at the surface of hACE2. Using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculation, we have identified AP-NP (2-(2-amino-5-(naphthalen-2-yl)pyrimidin-4-yl)phenol), AP-3-OMe-Ph (2-(2-amino-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidin-4-yl)phenol) and AP-4-Me-Ph (2-(2-amino-5-(p-tolyl) pyrimidin-4-yl)phenol) from a group of diaryl pyrimidine derivatives which appears to bind at the interface of the hACE2-S complex with low binding free energy. Thus, pyrimidine derivative AP-NP may be explored as an effective inhibitor for hACE2-S complex. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies will strengthen the use of these inhibitors as suitable drug candidates against SARS-COV-2.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Association of Ramadan Fasting and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis

This cohort study examines the association of Ramadan fasting with clinical outcomes in patients with myasthenia gravis.

A243 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POOR QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN CLINICAL REMISSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a substantial burden on quality of life (QoL). Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as depression and anxiety are more common in patients with IBD as compared with the general population. Although poorer QoL is correlated with IBS, depression and anxiety in individuals with IBD at times of IBD diagnosis and disease activity, it is unclear what, if any, impact these may have on overall quality of life at times of disease remission.

Aims

We aimed to identify factors associated with poor QoL among Canadian patients with IBD in clinical remission.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study to determine whether fatigue, depression, anxiety and IBS were associated with lower QoL in patients with IBD in clinical remission. We enrolled patients at a single academic tertiary care center with inactive IBD. All eligible patients completed a series of questionnaires that included questions on demographics, disease activity, anxiety, depression, and the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Stool samples for fecal calprotectin (FC) were also collected to assess for subclinical inflammation. The primary outcome measure was QoL assessed by the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ), with planned subgroup comparisons for fatigue, anxiety, depression and IBS symptoms.

Results

Ninety-three patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. The median SIBDQ scores were lower in patients with anxiety (P<0.001), depression (P=0.004), IBS symptoms (P<0.001), and fatigue (P=0.018).

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study, we found that anxiety, depression, fatigue, and IBS-like symptoms were all independently associated with lower QoL among patients with inactive IBD. Importantly, subclinical inflammation as defined by a positive fecal calprotectin in the absence of clinical symptoms did not have an adverse effect on QoL. The findings of this study suggest that patients with IBD would likely benefit from screening for depression, anxiety, fatigue and IBS. Further research is warranted to determine if targeted treatment of these conditions, specifically in patients with quiescent IBD would lead to improved outcomes.

Funding Agencies

None

A143 IMPACT OF A SIMULATION-BASED AUGMENTED REALITY CURRICULUM ON POLYPECTOMY SKILLS AMONG NOVICE ENDOSCOPISTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background

Polypectomy is an essential endoscopic skill. Training in polypectomy has been identified as a major deficiency for endoscopists worldwide as polypectomy occurs ad hoc during a colonoscopy when a polyp is detected, and a lack of standardized curricula. Augmented reality (AR), which superimposes computer-generated images on a user’s view of the world, can address these gaps by standardizing encounters with polyps while completing simulated procedures and enabling polypectomy-specific teaching.

Aims

Evaluate the impact of a simulation-based augmented reality curriculum on polypectomy performance among novice endoscopists.

Methods

This study includes two cohorts of participants from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, participants were randomized into either: (1) a control curriculum, involving 6 hours of simulation-based training (SBT) supplemented by expert feedback, interlaced with 4 hours of small group teaching on the theory of colonoscopy; or (2) the augmented reality curriculum (ARC), in involving the same curriculum with integrated AR, wherein participants engaged with an AR-enhanced video demonstrating relevant therapeutic and pathologic details during polypectomy. The SBT for all participants involved a progressive curriculum starting on a bench-top model and then moving to the EndoVR® virtual reality simulator. The primary outcome was polypectomy-specific performance using the Direct Observation of Polypectomy Skills (DOPyS) tool during a simulated polypectomy after training, with a maximum score of 100.

Results

Demographic characteristics are summarized in Table. In 2019, 21 novice endoscopists were enrolled. Immediately after training, the mean DOPyS score among ARC group participants was 76.2 (SD=17.9) compared to 71.8 (SD=13.2) among control group participants (Figure). In this interim analysis, there was no significant difference between groups. Data analysis will be completed after 2020 participants complete the study.

Conclusions

Interim results show a trend towards improved polypectomy performance with no significant difference. The results of this study have the potential to impact polypectomy education among novices. Simulation-based AR interventions may allow learners to progress towards achieving competency in polypectomy in a risk-free environment prior to first patient contact.

Funding Agencies

None

An anthropometric evaluation of the scapula, with emphasis on the coracoid process and glenoid fossa in a South African population

The exact dimensions of the scapula, including the coracoid process and glenoid fossa, are fundamental in the patho-mechanics of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ); as these structures act as initiators of shoulder movement. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anthropometric parameters of the GHJ, with emphasis on the coracoid process and glenoid fossa. The morphometric (Linear Tools 2012, 0-150mm, LIN 86500963) and morphological parameters of a total of one hundred and sixty-four (n = 164) dry bone scapulae [Right (R): 80; Left (L): 84, Male (M): 68; Female (F): 96] were recorded. Results: (i) Shape of glenoid fossa: Type 1: (R) 16.5%, (L) 11.0%; Male (M) 20.1%, Female (F) 7.3%; Type 2: (R) 14.0%, (L) 15.2%; (M) 18.3%, (F) 11.0%; Type 3: (R) 18.3%, (L) 25.0%; (M) 27.4%, (F) 15.9%. (ii) Notch type: Type 1: (R) 1.7%, (L) 7.3%; (M) 6.7%, (F) 2.4%; Type 2: (R) 47.0%, (L) 43.9%; (M) 59.2%, (F) 31.7%. (iii) Vertical diameter of glenoid fossa (VD) (mm): (R) 35.2 ± 3.1, (L) 34.9 ± 3.0; (M) 35.3 ± 3.2, (F) 34.6 ± 2.8. (iv) Horizontal diameter 1 (HD1) of glenoid fossa (mm): (R) 18.4 ± 3.3, (L) 17.5 ± 2.9; (M) 18.2 ± 3.3, (F) 17.4 ± 2.6. (v) Horizontal diameter 2 (HD2) of glenoid fossa (mm): (R) 24.5 ± 2.9, (L) 23.6 ± 2.6; (M) 24.2 ± 2.7, (F) 23.7 ± 2.8. (vi) Length of coracoid process (CL) (mm): (R) 41.7 ± 4.7, (L) 41.5 ± 4.9; (M) 42.1 ± 4.7, (F) 40.7 ± 4.8. (vii) Width of coracoid process (CW) (mm): (R) 13.3 ± 1.9, (L) 14.2 ± 11.9; (M) 13.1 ± 1.9, (F) 15.1 ± 14.5. (viii) Coracoglenoid distance (CGD) (mm): (R) 27.4 ± 8.3, (L) 28.2 ± 3.5; (M) 28.2 ± 7.4, (F) 27.0 ± 3.4. In the present study, Type 3 (oval) was observed to be the predominant glenoid fossa shape with a higher incidence in male individuals and on the right side. Although only notch Types 1 (without a notch) and 2 (with one notch) were observed in this study, Type 2 (one notch) was the most prevalent, presenting with a significant p-value (p = 0.019), suggesting that notch Type 1 (without a notch) and 2 (with one notch) are common findings in the right and left side of individuals. The findings observed in this study may provide knowledge regarding the role of the coracoid parameters in etiology of subcoracoid impingement while knowledge on the glenoid fossa parameters and variations are essential for evaluation in shoulder arthroplasty for glenoid fractures and anterior dislocations, and for glenoid prosthesis designs for the South African population.

Integral measurement of spectrum-averaged cross sections of a few threshold reactions induced by fast neutrons of a TRIGA reactor: comparison with integrated data from excitation functions given in various data libraries

Integral cross sections of the reactions 24Mg(n,p)24Na, 27Al(n,p)27Mg, 27Al(n,α)24Na, 58Ni(n,d + np)57Co and 60Ni(n,p)60Co were measured for the first time using the fast neutron spectrum of a TRIGA reactor extending from 0.5 to 20 MeV. The values obtained in this work were comparable with the recommended values for a pure 235U prompt fission spectrum. The measured integral value was utilized for integral test of excitation function of each reaction given in some data libraries, namely ENDF/B-VIII.0, TENDL-2017, IRDFF-1.05 and ROSFOND-2010. The integral measurements are generally consistent with the integrated values within 5 %, except for a few cases, e. g. the reaction 60Ni(n,p)60Co, where the data libraries appear to need improvement.

Green Synthesis of Cr3+ Doped CaIn₂O₄-Carbon Hybrid Nanostructure and Its Light Absorption and Emission Properties

In this research article, we have used a novel route for synthesis of a greenish phosphor C-CaIn₂O₄ doped with Cr³⁺ ions using green plant (aloe vera gel) and measured its light absorption and emission properties. Our main aim was to enhance the light absorption and emission properties of undoped C-CaIn₂O₄ in order to widen its applications. The introduction of CrO₃ ions can produce Cr ion defects that favor charge balance in Cr³⁺:C-CaIn₂O₄ to facilitate its photoluminescence. The effect of doping in core-shell nanostructure can effectively transfer energy from charge-transfer absorption band of optical host material to characteristic transition of Cr³⁺ ions, utilizing more energy from host absorption for the photoluminescence of Cr³⁺ ions. As-prepared Cr³⁺:C-CaIn₂O₄ exhibits two bands at 270 nm and 370 nm, which are shifted to at 265 and 370 nm when it is annealed at higher dosage of Cr³⁺ ions. These are the ligand-to-metal O^2- to Cr³⁺ charge transfer bands. The light-emission is studied in analyzing migration, transfer and recombination processes of light-induced e^--h⁺ pairs. The results are described in correlation to a Cr³⁺:C-CaIn₂O₄ core-shell nanostructure.

Long head of biceps brachii tendon and transverse humeral ligament morphometry and their associated pathology

BACKGROUND

As a dynamic stabiliser and flexor of the glenohumeral joint, the long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHBBT) is further stabilised by the retinacular activities of the transverse humeral ligament (THL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The LHBBT and THL which were obtained from a total of 40 cadaveric upper limb specimens (n = 80; females: 36, males: 44; right: 40, left: 40), were bilaterally dissected and subjected to morphometric evaluation.

RESULTS

The results are in millimetres. LHBBT length: 81.99 ± 21.28 right, 79.73 ± 17.27 left; 79.82 ± 19.66 male, 82.14 ± 19.03 female; LHBBT width: 4.28 ± 1.31 right, 4.67 ± 1.43 left; 4.35 ± 1.17 male, 4.63 ± 1.60 female; THL length: 20.91 ± 5.24 right, 21.19 ± 6.63 left; 21.52 ± 5.71 male, 20.48 ± 5.92 female; THL width: 16.65 ± 6.92 right, 16.63 ± 7.49 left; 16.83 ± 6.65 male, 16.40 ± 7.84 female. With larger LHBBT length observed on the right side and larger LHBBT width observed on the left side; both parameters appeared to be distinctly longer in female individuals. On the contrary, the THL length and width were evidently greater in male individuals, with larger lengths and widths present on the left and right sides respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may contribute to South African literature and to clinical knowledge as these parameters are important in the successful outcomes of tenotomy, tenodesis and shoulder-related procedures.