Nano-based methods for novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) diagnosis: A review

Using an untargeted metabolomics approach to analyze serum metabolites in COVID-19 patients with nucleic acid turning negative

Background: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe public health issue that has infected millions of people. The effective prevention and control of COVID-19 has resulted in a considerable increase in the number of cured cases. However, little research has been done on a complete metabonomic examination of metabolic alterations in COVID-19 patients following treatment. The current project pursues rigorously to characterize the variation of serum metabolites between healthy controls and COVID-19 patients with nucleic acid turning negative via untargeted metabolomics.

Methods: The metabolic difference between 20 COVID-19 patients (CT ≥ 35) and 20 healthy controls were investigated utilizing untargeted metabolomics analysis employing High-resolution UHPLC-MS/MS. COVID-19 patients’ fundamental clinical indicators, as well as health controls, were also collected.

Results: Out of the 714 metabolites identified, 203 still significantly differed between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, including multiple amino acids, fatty acids, and glycerophospholipids. The clinical indexes including monocytes, lymphocytes, albumin concentration, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin have also differed between our two groups of participators.

Conclusion: Our results clearly showed that in COVID-19 patients with nucleic acid turning negative, their metabolism was still dysregulated in amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism, which could be the mechanism of long-COVID and calls for specific post-treatment care to help COVID-19 patients recover.

BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS: NANOTECHNOLOGY AND COVID-19

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic information is critical in order to study it further, but the virus has still not been confined. In addition, even if there is no longer any threat, more knowledge may be gathered from these resources.

METHODS

The data used in this study was gathered from several scientific areas and the links between them. Due to the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has not been fully contained and additional information can be gleaned from these references, bibliometric analysis of it is important.

RESULTS

In total 155 publications on the topic of "COVID-19" and the keyword "nanotechnology" were identified in the Scopus database between 2020 and 2021 in a network visualization map.

CONCLUSION

As a result, our analysis was conducted at the appropriate time to provide a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 and nanotechnology and prospective research directions for medicinal chemistry.

Water Extract of Gallnut Reduces the Injury of Alveolar Epithelial Cells Induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae by Up-Regulating miRNA-338-3p

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the primary pathogen causing pneumonia, in addition to lobar pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and other diseases. Inhibiting the apoptosis and inflammation of alveolar epithelial cells is essential for the treatment of pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae. Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of multiple components, multiple targets, and few adverse reactions. It is recognized by doctors and patients in the treatment of pneumonia and other diseases. We conducted this study to explore the effect of the water extract of gallnut on alveolar epithelial cells affected by S. pneumoniae. Studies have found that the water extract of gallnut can increase the optical density value, Bcl-2 protein expression, IL-10 content, and miRNA-338-3p levels of alveolar epithelial cells affected by S. pneumoniae. Additionally, it can reduce the rate of cell apoptosis, Bax protein expression, and IL-6 content. Further, its effect is dose-dependent: the higher the concentration of gallnut water extract, the more evident its effect on alveolar epithelial cells. Through nano PCR detection, it was found that overexpression of miRNA-338-3p can increase the activity of alveolar epithelial cells affected by S. pneumoniae and promote cell growth. Knockdown of miRNA-338-3p reduced the impact of the water extract of gallnut on the growth of alveolar epithelial cells and the expression of inflammatory factors affected by S. pneumoniae. Therefore, our findings suggest that the water extract of gallnut could inhibit the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells affected by S. pneumoniae by up-regulating the expression of miRNA-338-3p.

Nano-Gold PCR in Detection of TERT Methylation and Its Correlation with Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This study aimed to introduce nano-gold PCR for detection of TERT methylation, and explore the correlation between TERT methylation and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From March 2016 to March 2018, 154 HBV carriers treated in our hospital were enrolled in the study and divided into HCC (68 cases), cirrhosis (45 cases) and chronic hepatitis (CH) groups (41 cases) based on clinical disease. HCC patients were further divided into methylation (30 cases) and non-methylation (38 cases) subgroup based on methylation status of the TERT. TERT methylation of HCC specimens were 44.12% and 35.24% by nano-PCR and conventional PCR, respectively. The TERT methylation and TERT expression in HCC specimens were higher than for cirrhosis and CH specimens. A significant positive correlation was observed between TERT methylation and TERT expression. AFP, Edmondson classification, tumor size, hilar lymph node and intrahepatic metastasis, and TNM staging in the methylation group were higher than in non-methylation group. Further, overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly shorter. Nano-gold PCR is more sensitive in detecting TERT methylation. As CHB progresses, TERT methylation increases. Greater methylation of the gene is associated with worse prognosis in HCC patients.

Immunomodulatory extracellular vesicles: an alternative to cell therapy for COVID-19

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 induces a cytokine storm and can cause inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity the associated to COVID-19, and the cytokine storm is a prominent etiological factor. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are an alternative therapy for the management of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions due to their immunosuppressive properties. The immunomodulatory and tissue regeneration capabilities of extracellular vesicles may support their application as a prospective therapy for COVID-19.Areas Covered: We explored the clinical evidence on extracellular vesicles as antiviral agents and in mitigating ARDS, and their therapeutic potential in COVID-19.Expert Opinion: Clinical trials using extracellular vesicles are registered against COVID-19 associated complications, with some evidence of safety and efficacy. Extracellular vesicles present an alternative potential for cell therapy for COVID-19 management, but further preclinical and clinical investigations are needed.