Coronaviruses - Volume 2, Issue 6, 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly created unbearable psychological pressure on our minds such as anxiety, fear, worry, changing sleep patterns, changing eating patterns, worsening of existing chronic or mental health conditions, etc. There is an urgent need for the adoption of an effective coping strategy. We propose that yoga-based intervention may aid in improving mental and physical health with its multi-faceted dimensions.

This perspective provides an insight or viewpoint about the current and future way of doing research. The opinion includes the limitations of the research in the current scenario and the possible ways to improve it.

Background: Today, the world is facing COVID-19 mutant, which was declared as a pandemic disease by the World Health Organization. COVID- 19 has spread rapidly to 203 countries and up to 31st March 2020, 36405 people had lost their lives. We aimed to study the impact of three parameters, i.e., weather, life expectancy, and travel, either due to tourism or business purposes on the transmission of the COVID-19. Methods: The data of infected cases and deaths of different countries and territories related to the 2019-nCoV are studied. These data are collected from the situation reports issued by WHO. Results: The Temperature-Time trajectory shows that the dissemination of coronavirus has a high tendency in cold climate countries. Most of the cases are observed in the temperature range of 40°F to 60°F. Also, we analyzed the dependence of 2019-nCoV transmission and death cases on life expectancy. Most of the cases related to COVID-19 in the entire world were adult and old patients. The global connectivity between China as a “Manufacturing Hub” and other counties also plays a vital role in the transmission of COVID-19. Conclusion: The spread pattern of COVID-19 cases is in good agreement with our study, but this does not mean that it will not spread in warm areas. The precautionary measure provided by WHO and health departments of various countries should be followed to slow down the transmission rate of COVID-19.

The new coronavirus was first reported in 2019 (China) and officially announced by the World Health Organization as a pandemic in March 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pneumonia-associated illnesses and shares structural homology with the related Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV- -1). One of the mechanisms for SARS-Cov-1 and -2 infection is mediated by the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) cell receptor, enabling the virus to enter the host cells. ACE2 is an isoform of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE). The actions of ACE2 counterbalance the classic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) axis through the production of Ang 1-7, which promotes cardiovascular, renal, and lung-protective effects. The ACE2 is not the only route for SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cells. However, due to its roles in the RAS and its participation in the SARS-CoV-2 virulence, ACE2 has gained attention regarding viral mechanisms of pathogenesis, effects of drugs that interfere with the RAS, and as a potential target for therapeutic strategies for the damages caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among other tissues, ACE2 gene expression seems to be increased in the lungs upon SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, amid other variables, expression and/or activity of ACE2 is shown as a disease, sex, and age-dependent. The present review covers critical aspects for a comprehensive understanding of ACE2 and its current involvement in SARSCoV- 2 infection and the development of COVID-19.

Background: A novel coronavirus disease, 2019-nCoV (COVID-19), was reported first in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, in late December 2019 and subsequently reached pandemic level affecting around 213 countries. As of 24th May 2020, the total number of positive cases confirmed is 5,446,514 and 344,754 death reports worldwide. COVID-19 infection causes pneumonialike severe respiratory infection and acute lung failure. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA beta coronavirus that is a confirmed causative agent of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 may use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), unlike the receptor utilized by SARS-CoV (emerged in 2002) to infect humans. People with a history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Objective: The purpose of this review was to help the society to distinguish and deal with SARSCoV- 2, and make available a reference for forthcoming studies. Methods: Recently, diagnostic primer sets on the SARS-CoV-2 genome have been identified. The receptor-binding domain of SARS-COV-2 highlighted the mode by which beta-CoV recognizes ACE2. Various diagnostic tools are available to differentiate and identify SARS-CoV-2 infection as RT-PCR, antigen detection assay, and antibody detection assay. Different strategies have been employed to control the SARS-CoV-2, considering various drug targets like the main protease (3- CLPro), papain-like protease (PLpro), helicase (NSP13), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and viral envelope (E) protein. Conclusion: In the present review, we have updated details of transmission, pathogenesis, genome structure, diagnostic criteria, clinical characteristics, therapeutics, and vaccine development of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may be significant in the control and response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 has been identified as a major international concern and global challenge for public health. We have discussed COVID-19 as an infectious disease creating a pandemic situation aross the globe and various tests that have been carried out to detect and treat the infection along with the possibility of finding a vaccination and its results. We have reviewed diagnostic tests such as serological detection, rapid antibody test, nucleic acid test, polymerase chain reaction test, high sophistication molecular-based laboratory testing (USA) and blood gas analyzer aiding. We have reviewed effective drug therapies and their results along with various drugs like Hydroxychloroquine in combination with azithromycin and other drugs like remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir and ritonavir tried individually. We have discussed in detail the current research on vaccination conducted by the Oxford University, UK. Our review highlights the success of drug therapy and vaccine trials conducted on sample human populations giving a hope to control the pandemic in the future.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared the outbreak and spread of the new strain of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-- CoV-2) a global pandemic. In this regard, a lot of scientific investigations and clinical trials on some existing antiviral and antibiotic drugs have been ongoing to combat this menace. Methods: In the past, conventional drug therapy has shown irregular drug distribution, poor solubility, and low permeability to target cells, organs, and tissues. However, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine Remdesivir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, etc. have attracted several investigations in monotherapeutic approaches and a combination of therapy have shown promising effects in reducing viral loading in some SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Nevertheless, the advent of nanomedicine has triggered serious attention on drug-loaded nanoparticle as nanocarriers to deliver bioactive drug molecules to target organs with increased circulation and controlled release. Therefore, the application of nanoparticles as nanocarriers for the controlled release of antiviral drugs would improve the ease of drug administration and care of patients admitted at various health care facilities worldwide. Conclusion: Owing to their small sizes, biocompatibility, and high encapsulation properties, nanoparticles can be utilized as potential nanocarrier of antiviral drugs for the SARS-CoV-2 management at a reduced cost with minimal side effect in the body system. In addition, some noticeable concerns on the ongoing management of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in developing nations have been presented for concerted attention.

Background: The recent serious outbreak of Covid-19 has required urgent medical treatments for numerous patients. No clinically active vaccines or antiviral agents are available for Covid-19. According to several studies, Chloroquine (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have shown potential as Covid-19 antivirals, especially when administered with Azithromycin (AZM). Objective: Here, we review the rationale behind this use. CQ/HCQ is effective against Covid-19 in- -vitro and in-vivo laboratory studies. Therapy in Covid-19 infected patients with CQ/HCQ is supported by evidence of trials and field experiences from multiple sources. Methods: The relevant works are reviewed. The presence or absence of conflict of interest is weighed against the conclusions. Results: CQ/HCQ has been used with success in mild cases or medium severity cases. No randomized controlled trial has, however, been conducted to support the safety and efficacy of CQ/HCQ and AZM for Covid-19. Prophylaxis with CQ/HCQ is more controversial but generally not having side effects and supported by pre-clinical studies. The mechanism of action against Covid-19 is unclear. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of actions CQ/HCQ has against Covid-19 infection, and this requires investigations with nanoscale imaging of viral infection of host cells. Conclusion: Most of the published works indicate CQ/HCQ is likely effective against Covid-19 infection, almost 100% in prophylaxis and mild to medium severity cases, and 60% in late infection cases. The percentage of positive works is larger if works conducted under a probable conflict of interest are excluded from the list.

Introduction: Till date, no proven therapy exists for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), though different types of treatment modalities are being practiced around the world. Different studies regarding Convalescent Plasma (CP) therapy from COVID-19 recovered donors have shown favorable results with fewer adverse consequences. In this systematic review, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of CP as a therapy for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: The English language databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched up to 22 May 2020. Eligibility for inclusion, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction from the included studies were determined and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: A total of 12 studies were selected for review. The overall risks of bias were moderate to high. The results revealed significance in the initiation of CP therapy during the early stages of viremia from a safety and efficacy viewpoint. The patients also received concomitant drugs and other supportive therapies in most cases. Some cases of mortality were reported in 3 studies. Viral loads were documented to decrease and become negative in 8 studies within 3-26 days post-transfusion. The improvement in clinical symptoms following CP therapy was demonstrated in 9 studies. Most of the patients experienced very few adverse effects. Conclusion: The rational practice of CP therapy based on a risk-benefit judgment can prove to be an efficacious therapeutic option as a last resort until the approval of any therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent(s). The substantial randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to validate the effectiveness of such therapy.

Introduction: Coronaviruses (CoV) is a diverse group of viruses that has been described in the literature since 1960, SARS, MERS, and the most recent SARS-CoV-2. This new virus is causing a worldwide pandemic outbreak in the first half of 2020, thousands of deaths, and a significant economic crisis. Objective: Due to this new context, the present study aimed to conduct a systematic study review of the new Coronavirus's global status (COVID-2019) and its aspects compared to the previous SARS-CoV infections MERS-CoV. Methods: The study was conducted from January to September 2020, 89 clinical cases were submitted to further analysis, and 77 studies were selected for systematic review under the PRISMA guidelines. Conclusion: In some countries, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic appears to be out of control. In case of suspicion, tests are essential to identify the early stages of infection. If necessary, patients need to go into quarantine, and other public health measures should be taken following the World Health Organization guidelines. Advanced support is needed to identify and isolate infected patients, especially vaccines and medicines that help control the virus and the epidemiological situation in each country. These measures are expected to reduce the rate of new cases of SARS-CoV-2.