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Aman Mohammadi M, Farshi P, Ahmadi P, Ahmadi A, Yousefi M, Ghorbani M, Hosseini SM. Encapsulation of Vitamins Using Nanoliposome: Recent Advances and Perspectives. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:48-68. [PMID: 36721823 PMCID: PMC9871282 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays the importance of vitamins is clear for everyone. However, many patients are suffering from insufficient intake of vitamins. Incomplete intake of different vitamins from food sources due to their destruction during food processing or decrease in their bioavailability when mixing with other food materials, are factors resulting in vitamin deficiency in the body. Therefore, various lipid based nanocarriers such as nanoliposomes were developed to increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Since the function of nanoliposomes containing vitamins on the body has a direct relationship with the quality of produced nanoliposomes, this review study was planned to investigate the several aspects of liposomal characteristics such as size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency on the quality of synthesized vitamin-loaded nanoliposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Aman Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, Nutritional and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,These authors contributed equally in this Article
| | - Parastou Farshi
- Food Science Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS, USA.,These authors contributed equally in this Article
| | - Parisa Ahmadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azam Ahmadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yousefi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marjan Ghorbani
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Corresponding Authors: Marjan Ghorbani, Tel: +98 41 33378165, Fax: +98 41 33378165, , and Seyede Marzieh Hosseini, Tel: +98 21 22622322, Fax: +98 21 22622322,
| | - Seyede Marzieh Hosseini
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Corresponding Authors: Marjan Ghorbani, Tel: +98 41 33378165, Fax: +98 41 33378165, , and Seyede Marzieh Hosseini, Tel: +98 21 22622322, Fax: +98 21 22622322,
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Jirjees F, Barakat M, Shubbar Q, Othman B, Alzubaidi H, Al-Obaidi H. Perceptions of COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, and treatment strategies among people in seven Arab countries: A cross-sectional study. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1108-1117. [PMID: 36137360 PMCID: PMC9462932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUP the widespread COVID-19 infection worldwide has resulted in the inability of healthcare facilities to receive all infected patients; therefore, most are treated at home. In addition, factors such as high mortality, types and severity of symptoms, and the prevalence of unreliable information have prompted patients to resort to self-treatment. OBJECTIVES To assess prevention, treatment, degree of symptoms, and sources of information among patients with COVID-19 in Arab countries METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven Arab countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia, and the United Arab of Emirates. People who have recovered from COVID-19 completed the study questionnaire. Score of symptoms during and after COVID-19 infection has been calculated by giving the participants a list of 13 symptoms. RESULTS A total of 3519 participants completed the survey. Mostly females (68.3%), and aged between 18 and 40 years old (59.4%). Prophylaxis treatments, including vaccines and antibiotics, have been used in around 40% of the participants. The total average score of symptoms during the infection period was found 7.31 ± 3.66 out of 13. However, the symptoms score upon recovery was low (0.48 ± 1.11 score). The significant associations with increased incidence of symptoms during infection were reported with older people, married, divorced or widowed, people with chronic diseases, and obese. Moreover, significant associations with decreased symptoms were reported with those who worked in the health sector, non- or ex-smokers, and vaccinated people. CONCLUSION The use of medication and other treatments to prevent infection with COVID-19 was common among the participants in the seven countries. Taking the vaccine was the only effect on the number of symptoms experienced by patients. Although nearly two years have passed since the onset of the disease, there is still a need to raise treatment awareness among patients at home.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muna Barakat
- School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Jordan
| | | | - Bayan Othman
- School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Jordan
| | | | - Hala Al-Obaidi
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, UAE
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Fath MK, Naderi M, Hamzavi H, Ganji M, Shabani S, Ghahroodi FN, Khalesi B, Pourzardosht N, Hashemi ZS, Khalili S. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects of different vitamins and minerals in COVID-19 patients. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 73:127044. [PMID: 35901669 PMCID: PMC9297660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading disease, which has caught the world by surprise. Millions of people suffer from illness, and the mortality rates are dramatically high. Currently, there is no specific and immediate treatment for this disease. Remedies are limited to supportive regiments and few antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. The lack of a definite cure for COVID-19 is the reason behind its high mortality and global prevalence. COVID-19 can lead to a critical illness with severe respiratory distress and cytokine release. Increased oxidative stress and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines are vital components of severe COVID-19. Micronutrients, metalloids, and vitamins such as iron, manganese, selenium, Zinc, Copper, vitamin A, B family, and C are among the essential and trace elements that play a pivotal role in human nutrition and health. They participate in metabolic processes that lead to energy production. In addition, they support immune functions and act as antioxidants. Therefore, maintaining an optimal level of micronutrients intake, particularly those with antioxidant activities, is essential to fight against oxidative stress, modulate inflammation, and boost the immune system. Therefore, these factors could play a crucial role in COVID-19 prevention and treatment. In this review, we aimed to summarize antiviral properties of different vitamins and minerals. Moreover, we will investigate the correlation between them and their effects in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malihe Naderi
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran; Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hosna Hamzavi
- Department of Biology, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ganji
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Shabani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Noorabad Ghahroodi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran. Iran.
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.
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Firouzi S, Pahlavani N, Navashenaq JG, Clayton ZS, Beigmohammadi MT, Malekahmadi M. The effect of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation on the immune system and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. CLINICAL NUTRITION OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 44:144-154. [PMID: 35783349 PMCID: PMC9233349 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutos.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2) is the most dangerous form of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. In patients with severe COVID-19, the immune system becomes markedly overactive. There is evidence that supplementation with select micronutrients may play a role in maintaining immune system function in this patient population. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, significant emphasis has been placed on the importance of supplementing critical micronutrients such as Vitamin C and Zinc (Zn) due to their immunomodulatory effects. Viral infections, like COVID-19, increase physiological demand for these micronutrients. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide comprehensive information regarding the potential effectiveness of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation during viral infection and specifically COVID-19. This review demonstrated a relation between Vitamin C and Zn deficiency and a reduction in the innate immune response, which can ultimately make patients with COVID-19 more vulnerable to viral infection. As such, adequate intake of Vitamin C and Zn, as an adjunctive therapeutic approach with any necessary pharmacological treatment(s), may be necessary to mitigate the adverse physiological effects of COVID-19. To truly clarify the role of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation in the management of COVID-19, we must wait for the results of ongoing randomized controlled trials. The toxicity of Vitamin C and Zn should also be considered to prevent over-supplementation. Over-supplementation of Vitamin C can lead to oxalate toxicity, while increased Zn intake can reduce immune system function. In summary, Vitamin C and Zn supplementation may be useful in mitigating COVID-19 symptomology.
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Key Words
- COVID-19
- Dietary supplement
- HIF-1α, Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α
- IFN-α, Intererferon alfa
- INF-β, Interferon beta
- Immune system
- NK, Natural killer
- PUFAs, Polyunsaturated fatty acids
- RCTs, Randomized controlled trials
- RDA, Recommended Dietary Allowance
- SARS-CoV-2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2
- TNF-α, Tumor necrosis factor alpha
- Vitamin C
- Zn
- Zn, Zinc
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Affiliation(s)
- Safieh Firouzi
- Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Naseh Pahlavani
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Taghi Beigmohammadi
- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author
| | - Mahsa Malekahmadi
- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jahromi AM, Solhjoo A, Ghasemi M, Khedri M, Maleki R, Tayebi L. Atomistic insight into 2D COFs as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS 2022; 276:125382. [PMID: 34725529 PMCID: PMC8550915 DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2021.125382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic of COVID-19 has raised global health concerns. Preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity in the body is a very promising method to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the prevention methods is constraining the binding process among the human cell receptor-ACE2 and coronavirus spike protein. In the research done, the effect of deformation of the spike protein structure, due to the covalent organic frameworks (COFs), in reducing the interactions of ACE2 and the spike protein by the computational method was investigated. In this regard, atomic analysis of the interactions of ACE2 and the spike protein is provided using a molecular dynamics simulation. First, we investigated the interactions of the three different COFs, including COF-78, DAAQ-TFP, and COF-OEt, with the spike protein by analyzing the bond energies, as well as structural changes of the spike protein. Then, intermolecular interactions of the deformed spike protein along with ACE2 were assessed to clarify the protein's fusion after the deformation. As indicated by the results, although all introduced COFs deformed the spike protein in an effective way, COF-78 showed the best performance in the prevention of spike protein-ACE2 interactions by changing the molecular structure of the protein. Indeed, the interaction analysis of the deformed spike protein by COF-78 with the ACE2 showed that their interactions had the lowest absolute value of energy, along with the least amount of hydrogen bonds, in which the compaction of the protein was lower compared to the other deformed proteins. Moreover, having a high contact area with an aqueous media as well as severe fluctuations during the simulation time confirmed the positive performance of COF-78. In the current study, we aimed to introduce novel materials and COVID-19 prevention methodology that can be used in face masks and for surface disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Miri Jahromi
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Group (CBCG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Solhjoo
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Group (CBCG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Group (CBCG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khedri
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Group (CBCG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Maleki
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Group (CBCG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
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Dragelj J, Mroginski MA, Ebrahimi KH. Hidden in Plain Sight: Natural Products of Commensal Microbiota as an Environmental Selection Pressure for the Rise of New Variants of SARS-CoV-2. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2946-2950. [PMID: 34265150 PMCID: PMC8427076 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, little attention has been paid to the interplay between the interaction of virus and commensal microbiota. Here, we used molecular docking and dynamics simulations to study the interaction of some of the known metabolites and natural products (NPs) produced by commensal microbiota with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. The results predict that NPs of commensal microbiota such as bile acids and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs), of which some are siderophores, bind to the wild-type RBD and interfere with its binding to the ACE2 receptor. N501Y mutation, which is present in many of the emerging variants of the virus, abolishes the predicted binding pocket of bile acids and NRPs. Based on these findings, available experimental data showing that bile acids reduce the binding affinity of wild-type RBD to the ACE2 receptor, and the data suggesting that the respiratory tract microbiota affect viral infection we put forward the following proposal: mutations such as N501Y enable the RBD to bind to the ACE2 receptor more effectively in the presence of NPs produced by the respiratory tract bacteria thereby, increasing the infectivity rate of the virus. We hope our data stimulate future works to better understand the interactions of NPs produced by commensal microbiota with respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovan Dragelj
- Institute of ChemistryTechnische Universität BerlinStraße des 17. Juni 13510623BerlinGermany
| | - Maria Andrea Mroginski
- Institute of ChemistryTechnische Universität BerlinStraße des 17. Juni 13510623BerlinGermany
| | - Kourosh H. Ebrahimi
- Chemistry Research LaboratoryDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
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Ofoedu CE, Iwouno JO, Ofoedu EO, Ogueke CC, Igwe VS, Agunwah IM, Ofoedum AF, Chacha JS, Muobike OP, Agunbiade AO, Njoku NE, Nwakaudu AA, Odimegwu NE, Ndukauba OE, Ogbonna CU, Naibaho J, Korus M, Okpala COR. Revisiting food-sourced vitamins for consumer diet and health needs: a perspective review, from vitamin classification, metabolic functions, absorption, utilization, to balancing nutritional requirements. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11940. [PMID: 34557342 PMCID: PMC8418216 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The significant attention gained by food-sourced vitamins has provided insights into numerous current researches; for instance, the potential reversal of epigenetic age using a diet and lifestyle intervention, the balance between food and dietary supplements in the general population, the role of diet and food intake in age-related macular degeneration, and the association of dietary supplement use, nutrient intake and mortality among adults. As relevant literature about food-sourced vitamin increases, continuous synthesis is warranted. To supplement existing information, this perspective review discussed food-sourced vitamins for consumer diet and health needs, scoping from vitamin absorption, metabolic functions, utilization, to balancing nutritional requirements. Relevant literatures were identified through a search of databases like Google Scholar, Web of Science, the Interscience Online Library, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. We demonstrated that vitamins whether from plant- and animal-based sources are prerequisites for the metabolic functions of the human body. The fat- and water-soluble classification of vitamins remains consistent with their respective absorption and dissolution potentials, underpinned by numerous physiological functions. Vitamins, largely absorbed in the small intestine, have their bioavailability dependent on the food composition, its associated interactions, as well as alignment with their metabolic functions, which involves antioxidants, coenzymes, electron acceptor/donor, and hormones. Moreover, vitamin deficiencies, in every form, pose a serious threat to human health. Vitamin toxicities remain rare, but can still occur mainly from supplementation, although it appears much less in water-soluble vitamins of which some excesses get readily removed by the human body, different from the fat-soluble ones that are stored in tissues and organs. Besides discussions of absorption, transport, and cellular uptake of vitamins, this perspective review also included approaches to meeting vitamin requirements and therapeutic strategies against micronutrient deficiency and COVID-19. We have also attempted on how to strike the balance between food-sourced vitamins and dietary supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigozie E. Ofoedu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Jude O. Iwouno
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Ebelechukwu O. Ofoedu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Chika C. Ogueke
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Victory S. Igwe
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Ijeoma M. Agunwah
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Arinze F. Ofoedum
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - James S. Chacha
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Consumer Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Onyinye P. Muobike
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Adedoyin O. Agunbiade
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Food Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Njideka E. Njoku
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Angela A. Nwakaudu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Nkiru E. Odimegwu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Onyekachi E. Ndukauba
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuka U. Ogbonna
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Joncer Naibaho
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Korus
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Determining the nutritional immunity information-seeking behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: a Google Trends data analysis. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:5338-5349. [PMID: 34348829 PMCID: PMC8438499 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021003232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: During COVID-19, the Internet was a prime source for getting relevant updates on guidelines and desirable information. The objective of the present study was to determine the nutritional immunity information-seeking behaviour during COVID-19 in India. Design: Google Trends (GTs) data on relevant COVID-19 and nutritional topics were systematically selected and retrieved. Data on newly reported COVID-19 cases were also examined on a daily basis. The cross-correlation method was used to determine the correlation coefficient between the selected terms and daily new COVID-19 cases, and the joinpoint regression models were utilised to measure monthly percent change (MPC) in relative search volumes (RSV). Setting: Online. Participants: People using Google search during the period 1 January 2020–31 August 2020 in India. Results: The date of peak searches can be attributed to the COVID-19 guidelines announcement dates. All the nutritional terms showed a significant increase in average monthly percentage change. The higher than the average daily rise in COVID-19 cases leads to a higher than average increase in RSV of nutritional terms with the greatest association after 14–27 d. The highest mean relative search volume for nutritional terms was from Southern India (49·34 ± 7·43), and the lowest was from Western India (31·10 ± 6·30). Conclusion: There was a significant rise in the Google searches of nutritional immunity topics during COVID-19 in India. The local/regional terms can be considered for better outreach of public health guidelines or recommendations. Further automation of Google Trends using programming languages can help in real-time monitoring and planning various health/nutritional events.
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Clinical Management of COVID-19: A Review of Pharmacological Treatment Options. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060520. [PMID: 34071185 PMCID: PMC8229327 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak and subsequent declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic in March 2020, concerted efforts have been applied by the scientific community to curtail the spread of the disease and find a cure. While vaccines constitute a vital part of the public health strategy to reduce the burden of COVID-19, the management of this disease will continue to rely heavily on pharmacotherapy. This study aims to provide an updated review of pharmacological agents that have been developed and/or repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19. To this end, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Google Scholar, and LitCovid databases. Relevant clinical studies on drugs used in the management of COVID-19 were identified and evaluated in terms of evidence of efficacy and safety. To date, the FDA has approved three therapies for the treatment of COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorization: convalescent plasma, remdesivir, and casirivimab/imdevimab (REGN-COV2). Drugs such as lopinavir/ritonavir, umifenovir, favipiravir, anakinra, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, interferons, tissue plasminogen activator, intravenous immunoglobulins, and nafamosat have been used off-label with mixed therapeutic results. Adjunctive administration of corticosteroids is also very common. The clinical experience with these approved and repurposed drugs is limited, and data on efficacy for the new indication are not strong. Overall, the response of the global scientific community to the COVID-19 pandemic has been impressive, as evident from the volume of scientific literature elucidating the molecular biology and pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and the approval of three new drugs for clinical management. Reviewed studies have shown mixed data on efficacy and safety of the currently utilized drugs. The lack of standard treatment for COVID-19 has made it difficult to interpret results from most of the published studies due to the risk of attribution error. The long-term effects of drugs can only be assessed after several years of clinical experience; therefore, the efficacy and safety of current COVID-19 therapeutics should continue to be rigorously monitored as part of post-marketing studies.
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