Category Archives: Nano Medicine

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) affirmed COVID-19 as a pandemic on 11 March 2020 but earlier to this the Chinese government confirmed the first outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan on 31December 2019. The state-wise lockdown, which was imposed in India due to the second wave of the novel coronavirus pandemic, affected people belonging to every economic stratum. In India, till now (9 July 2021), there have been 30,752,950 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 405,939 deaths reported to the WHO. COVID-19 cases are rapidly rising globally of which the first case was registered on 21February 2020 in Italy. Meanwhile in India, case numbers have risen, and community transmission was officially declared by government in October 2020. Life is deeply affected by COVID-19 even for the ones who are not infected as isolation, contact restrictions and economic shutdown have changed the social and economic scenario of India. Vast populations and crowded settlements have increased the number of cases in China, Europe, USA and India. Countries with dense populations and robust travel history will increase the problem of decision-making authorities if testing is limited or disproportionate. The WHO has made projections of 3.5 beds per 1000 population1 but many countries have only 1.3 beds per 1000 population in hospitals which is again the concern of government. As the pandemic is growing in stages, this review assesses the prospects these stages might have on the Indian population as it highlights some key challenges for treatment and research related to antiviral drugs.

Cases were initially spread by migrants, overseas visitors, and some others who were in contact with these infected persons, and to control this spread lockdowns were called by various countries including India. The situation seemed to be under control due to the lockdown, but due to a religious gathering in New Delhi, which led to the human-to-human transmission of COVID-19, a sudden horrific increase in COVID-19 cases occurred. Initially, most individuals who came into contact with such infected individuals were unaware of the effects of the virus in their bodies. To sustain the countrys economy, unlocks were called by the Indian Government in multiple phases, therefore, the persons who were unaware that they were carrying the virus spread it many more healthy persons. However, preventive measures including social distancing, quarantine and isolation techniques had been taken globally and have proven effective in the absence of drug treatments and other approaches. Adults (ages 50 and over), and people with comorbidities can have higher chances of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 and contribute to the largest portion of all deaths worldwide among infected cases.2,3

In India, the overall numbers dying constantly increased, amongst them a lot of the demise circumstances pointed to a particular age-group of aged folks.4 In India, among the total COVID-19 cases (30,752,950) and total deaths (405,939) till 9 July 2021, 90% were older than 40 years. Overall, people in the age group of 40 years and greater, have suffered the major impact of the current COVID-19 eruption and are more vulnerable.5,6 The massive loss of people in the workforce is likely to have devastating social and economic consequences.

The basic measures adopted worldwide include maintenance of hand hygiene, avoiding close contact, using face masks, disinfection and monitoring health.7 The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has once again brought the benefits of appropriate hand hygiene (hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand-sanitizers) to the centre stage. Since hand washing is not a feasible and available option at all times, the use of alcohol-based hand-sanitizers (hand rubs) has been recommended by health organizations, when hands are not visibly soiled. These sanitizers act as a powerful, fast acting and effective solution with broad antimicrobial range.7 Hands act as a medium for exchange of microbes between the organism and its environment. The skin of the hands harbours a variety of organisms ranging from commensal to potential pathogens. Therefore, adequate hand hygiene can greatly reduce disease transmission. The most commonly used agents for hand disinfection are hand-sanitizers. There are two major types of preparations available: alcohol-based and alcohol-free. The alcohol-based ones, known as alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs), typically have ethyl alcohol (ethanol), isopropanol, or n-propanol at concentrations between 60 to 95% alcohol.8 The alcohol-free preparations usually contain quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chloride or benzethonium chloride). However, these have been found to be less effective and have a risk of contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), hence are not recommended by CDC.

The CDC has recommended the use of ABHRs and hand washing to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to the structural characteristics of coronaviruses, which are enveloped viruses with lipid bilayer and are easily inactivated by alcohol. A combination of factors such as inappropriate formulations, excessive/repeated usage of hand sanitizers during this pandemic will have far reaching consequences. These may range from emergence of situation like alcohol tolerance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), disturbance of normal microflora, and product toxicity. Similar to antibiotics, excessive or repetitive application of alcohol through hand-sanitizers has the potential to act as a selection pressure for the emergence of new microbial species tolerant to high alcohol concentrations.9

Taking note of the repetitive use of ABHRs, Professor Tim Stinear from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity remarked

Anywhere we repeat a procedure over and over again, whether its in a hospital or at home or anywhere else, youre giving bacteria an opportunity to adapt, because thats what they do, they mutate. The ones that survive the new environment better then go on to thrive.

He further added that the risk increases when appropriate guidelines are not followed.10

Eliminating the normal microflora of the skin by repeated use of hand-sanitizers may eventually deprive the skin of the protection offered by these commensals. Long term use of personal protective equipment along with frequent hand hygiene was responsible for high rate of skin damage in 97% of respondents while frequent hand hygiene was attributed with increased risk of hand skin damage.11

The world has joined hands with parallel efforts for the production of vaccines in opposition to COVID-19 pandemic.

A densely populated area like Ladakh has set an example for implementation in the Guidelines for hygiene and sanitation during the era of COVID-19 pandemic by setting up Foot-Operated Washing Station, implemented at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle. Having one of the worlds highest located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, IAO12 has one in all the worlds highest set sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.

Antiviral nano-coating and new nano-based material for use in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was invited by The Department of Science and Technology (DST) using the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) portal, scale up for which could be done by partnering industry or start-up. India could be supported greatly by such nano-coatings technology to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. N-95 respirator, PPEs kits and triple-layer medical masks could be prepared from antiviral nano-coatings for safeguarding healthcare workers.13

Patients that showed flu-like symptoms was screened and detected for COVID-19 through indigenous company Mylab Discovery Solutions through the development of PCR-based molecular diagnostic kit.

TDB will try to boost the production process of kits so that present capacity could increase from 30,000 tests per day to one lakh tests per day. This automation by company could be achieved within the next few months. Considering the national emergency COVID-19 kit will be deployed by ICMR and CDSCO.14

As the demand increased, production of sanitizers have seen a boom amid coronavirus outbreak. Owing to which alcohol-based herbal sanitizer was developed by NBRI under Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Aroma Mission as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Apart from having 60% of isopropyl alcohol for killing germs it has essential oil from Tulsi as natural antimicrobial agent. It is not only last for 25 minutes but also prevents skin from dehydrating. Herbal sanitizer has been found to be effective against the pathogen (Staphylococcus epidermidis).15

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is leaving no stone unturned in the battle against novel coronavirus. Repurposing of existing drugs is one of the strategies deployed by CSIR. The Council is implementing this strategy by evaluating an existing drug (Sepsivac, that available commercially) that is used for treating gram-negative sepsis patients. Both Gram-negative sepsis patients and critically ill COVID-19 patients, exhibit the altered immune response and a massive change in the cytokine profiles. Cytokines are produced in response to an infection and they are essential for host defence against pathogens. There are six types of cytokines, which belong to different families and the mixtures of cytokines, called cytokine profiles. One of the significant contributors to death by COVID-19, has shown the heightened immune response, called a cytokine storm. The immune system starts attacking both infected as well as uninfected cells and unable to discriminate between a friend and a foe, leading to tissue damage which resulting in sepsis. This drug (Sepsivac) modulates the immune system of the body and thereby inhibits the cytokine storm leading to reduced mortality and faster recovery.16

ICMR releases advisory for use of Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) using Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2, effective from 19 April 2020.17

Indias first antibody-based testing kit was developed by NuLife Consultants and Distributors Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi which takes only fifteen minutes to yield accurate results. It is launched in two weeks and regular production has also started it was approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).18 The new finger prick kit will provide adequate access to cost-effective testing.

Home screening test kit for COVID-19 was launched by Bione with easy-to-use kit displays after approval from the requisite medical regulatory authorities.

In a get through development, the Company has devised the screening kit which can provide respite from the impending fear of the contagion. It will foster timely detection of the disease while acting as a preventive tool for others in proximity to the user, by isolating the carrier immediately. The kit is priced between `20003000 depending upon the global supply, to increase its affordability for the masses. Under normal circumstances, the ready-to-use kits can be received within 23 days of placing the order at their platform. To initiate an effective screening tool for mass screening, the organisation is also in talks to provide bulk orders for early detection.19

Against COVID-19 drugs and experimental molecule are being prepared. SARS-CoV-2 is a single stranded RNA enveloped virus. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of the host cell binds to the spike (S) protein of the viral structure. The host type 2 transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2 facilitates the S protein.20 Once the virus enters the host, it starts synthesizing RNA through its RNA dependent RNA polymerase enzyme, which is then translated to products. Structural proteins facilitate the assembly and release of viral particles.21,22

During viral life cycle, chemotherapy is available of various potential targets. There are many non-structural protein promising drug targets which resembles with other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) such as 3-chymotrypsin like protease, papain like protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Various molecules and their targets are represented in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Mechanism of various drugs/molecules on COVID-19 disease.

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine used in prevention and treatment of malaria and chronic inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).23 CQ and HCQ are reliable anti-malarial drugs approved by FDA, which shows positive response against SARS-CoV-2 infections and hence used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients by clinicians.2426 It inhibits the entry of the virus by either altering the configuration of structure of cell receptors or by compete to bind with cellular receptors.27 The glycosylation of ACE-2 cellular receptors can amend by CQ/HCQ which is needed for entry of SARS-CoV-2. Apart from that CQ/HCQ can also prevent the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cells by decrease the synthesis of sialic acid.

The binding affinity of these drugs is better as compared to the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore it prevents attachment and entry of virus because of competitive binding of sialic acid and gangliosides present on surface pf target cell.28

In addition to the antiviral activity of CQ/HCQ, they have anti-inflammatory activity that may contribute to its efficacy in treating COVID-19 patients. Through the attenuation of cytokine production, these drugs also have immunomodulatory effects and inhibition of lysosomal and autophagy activity in host cells.24,29 In vitro activity of HCQ with lower EC50 for SARS-CoV-2 as compared to CQ after the growth of 24 hours (HCQ: EC50=6.14 M and CQ: EC50=23.90 M).30

A study from China reported which results in improved radiologic findings, enhanced viral clearance, and reduced disease progression by treating successfully with CQ on 100 COVID-19 cases.31 When treatment given to 6 patients, then it is observed that as compared to HCQ monotherapy (8/14, 57%) the combination of azithromycin with HCQ (6/6, 100%) results in numerically superior viral clearance.32

Other than these positive results, this study has many limitations like intolerance of medication, different viral loads between HQC combination and monotherapy and no safety outcomes are reported.

Another study of 30 patients in China shows there was no difference in virologic outcomes to HCQ plus standard of care (supportive care, interferon, and other antivirals). At 7th day virologic clearance was similar with clearance for the HCQ plus standard of care group and standard care group ie 86.7% vs 93.3% respectively, (P>.05).33 Currently, for COVID-19 treatment several RCTs of both CQ and HCQ examining their roles. To treat COVID 19 500 mg dose of CQ orally once or twice daily is advised.8,9

However, there is shortage of data regarding the optical dose to ensure efficiency of CQ For HCQ, daily dose of 400 mg taken orally is recommended.34

Both the agents are well tolerated by patients with SLE and malaria as demonstrated by their experiences and they can cause rare and serious adverse effect (>10%) such as hypoglycemia, neuropsychiatric effects, and retinopathy.

Lopinavir/ritonavir is FDA approved for treating HIV and it shows in vitro activity against coronavirus by inhibiting 3-chymotrypsin like protease.35 The therapy during early peak viral replication phase (initial 710 days) is important because delayed medication with lopinavir/ritonavir had no effective outcomes.36,37

Although many RCTs of lopinavir/ritonavir examine their role, limited role for lopinavir/ritonavir in COVID-19 treatment is suggested through current data.38

Recent RCT shows that approximately 50% of patients experienced an adverse effect under the lopinavir/ritonavir therapy and 14% of patients stop therapy due to adverse effects on gastrointestinal region. In several COVID-19 investigational trials, alanine transaminase elevations are exclusion criterion. Hepatotoxicity induced by lopinavir/ritonavir could limit patients ability to access these drugs.39

The activity of darunavir is demonstrated in vitro cell models against SARS-CoV-2. With these drugs there is no clinical data is available in COVID 19, but in China RCT of darunavir/cobicistat is going on.40,41 Ribavirin is a analogue to guanine which inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and used as best candidate for treatment of COVID 19.

However, it has limited in vitro activity against SARS-CoV and high doses is required to prevent viral replication (e.g., 1.2 g to 2.4 g orally every 8 hours) and combination therapy. For nCoV treatment no evidence exists for inhaled ribavirin..42 Generally ribavirin is used in combination with interferons in the treatment of MERS, no visible effect is shown on clinical outcomes. A lack of clinical data with ribavirin for treatment of COVID 19, means its therapeutic role must be extrapolated from other nCoV data.43,44 The high doses used during trials SARS resulted in hematologic toxicity and hemolytic anemia in more than 60% of patients. Similar safety concerns were seen in MERS trial, with 40% of patients taking ribavirin with interferon requiring blood transfusions. 75% of patients experienced transaminase elevations while taking ribavirin for SARS. Ribavirin is a teratogen and prescribed as not to be used pregnancy.45,46

It is a nucleoside reverse - transcriptase inhibitor that is worthy in clinical trial against COVID-19. It acts as an inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)47 and in SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infections its pharmacokinetics and characteristics have been studied.48 It inhibits the viral genomic replication and production by disturbed reading due to alteration in the function of viral exonuclease.49

Therefore it can suggested for COVID 19 patients to prevent severity of disease progression such patients are taken to phase 3 trials to check the therapeutic efficiency of remdesivir.50

Favipiravir (T705) is considered as RdRp inhibitor as it is an analog to guanine nucleotide (a derivative of pyrazine carboxamide).51 Initially it was used against influenza but because of its large spectrum antiviral properties, it attracted more attention for treatment of COVID 19.52

An in silico study showed that as compared to lopinavir, atazanavir bound more strongly to the active site of SARS-CoV-2 MPro and an in vitro study found that replication of SARS-CoV-2 inhibited by atazanavir.53

Oseltamivir is used for treatment of influenza because it acts as a neuraminidase inhibitor. It has no data against SARS-CoV-2. Initially in China during the COVID-19 outbreak until the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 as the cause of COVID-19 a large proportion of patients were treated with oseltamivir therapy because outbreak occurred in influenza season.

Once influenza has been excluded this agent has no role in the management of COVID-19.54 Umifenovir has a unique mechanism of action targeting the S protein interaction and inhibiting membrane fusion of the viral envelope. This agent is approved for treatment of influenza in Russia and China and treatment of COVID 19 patients started on the basis of in vitro data which shows its activity against SARS.

A study shows that 67 patients treated with Umifenovir for 9 days had a lower mortality rate and higher discharge rate compared with the patients who were not treated with this medication. This data cannot proof the efficiency of umifenovir, but for evaluating this agent further RCTs are going on in China.55.

For SARS-CoV-2 interferon- and - have been studied, due to their demonstrating activity against MERS by interferon-. Some interferons are listed as an alternative for combination therapy by Chinese guidelines. Traditionally other agents are used to demonstrate in vitro activity to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, but not limited to baricitinib, dasatinib, and cyclosporine. However it should be seen whether it provide protection for COVID 19 patients or not.56

Nitazoxanide has in vitro antiviral activity against MERS and SARS-CoV-2. It is used traditionally as an antihelminthic agent. More studies are required to check the antiviral activity and immunomodulatory effects of this agent. For treatment option for SARS-CoV-2 nitazoxanide is recommended.57 In Japan camostat mesylate is used for treatment of pancreatitis, it prevents cell entry through the host serine protease, TMPRSS2. For future research this mechanism provides an additional drug target.58

The ACE2 receptor is used by SARS-CoV-2 for entry into the host cell. This discovery has increased questions about whether ACE inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers may efficiently treat COVID-19 or either worsen disease. There are some conflicts if these provide protective effect to COVID-19 patients. Further research is pending for recommending therapy for patients already taking one of these agents.59,60

One of the main challenges in this pandemic is to develop multiple technology platforms for evaluation of agents/molecules against SARS-CoV-2 as this virus shows similarity with various other (Figure 1) corona viruses and shares similar binding receptors (ACE2) in humans (host).61 SARS-CoV-2 has ss-RNA genome of approximately 30 Kbp size and exhibits approximately 89% nucleotide similarly to SARS-CoV found in Chinese bats.20

For SARS-CoV 2 various technologies are being developed such as nucleic acid, replicating viral vector and non-replicating viral vector. New methods based on nucleic acid can facilitate rapid production because they do not need to be fermented. Experiments are conducted to ensure vaccination of larger population without any reduction in efficacy but also with improved immune response along with low dosages.62,63

As of January 2021, more than 200 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are being tested. Among these almost 52 vaccines are approved for human trials and many other vaccines are in phases I/II and will soon enter phase III trials. Certain national regulatory authorities have nine authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

It represents a classic strategy for viral vaccinations. Finally, a codon deoptimization technology to attenuate the viruses is employed by Codagenix64 and is testing to develop vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, CodaVax-COVID. The inherent immunogenicity and ability to stimulate toll-like receptors (TLRs) is a major advantage of whole virus vaccines. This is especially an issue for coronavirus vaccines, given the findings of increased infectivity following immunization with live or killed whole virus SARS coronavirus vaccines.65

Subunit vaccines depend on producing immune response against S protein to inhibit its binding with host ACE2 receptor.65 Immunogenic virus-like nanoparticles produced by Novavax are based on recombinant expression of the S-protein66 while subunit vaccine consisted of a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 S-protein is developed by Clover Biopharmaceuticals by using their patented Trimer-Tag technology.67

For development of COVID-19 vaccines several major biotech industries have advanced nucleic acid vaccine platforms. Some modifications and formulation have improved nucleic acid performance in humans. This approach may lead to the first licensed nucleic acid based vaccine for humans.

Developing vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 can cause distinct challenges. Various proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are used for developing proteins like S protein, N protein, M protein is the initial challenge. Developing a vaccine is a long process, starting from product development to the completion of phase III and clinical trials before marketing which takes several years.

Vaccine against COVID-19, known as CoroFlu is under process and its development and testing is done by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with international virologists and vaccine makers. One-drop COVID-19 nasal vaccine named CoroFlu, it is well tolerated in human trials during phase I and phase II. On the backbone of FluGens flu vaccine, CoroFlu has built a candidate known as M2SR. M2SR induces an immune response against the flu; it is a self-limiting version of the influenza virus. To induce immunity against the coronavirus in new virus, Kawaokas lab is trying to insert the gene sequences from SARS-CoV-2 into M2SR.68

To develop a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, Zydus Cadila, an innovation-driven global pharmaceutical company, initiated a research program along with multiple teams. By reverse genetics the recombinant measles virus (rMV) is produced. It would express codon optimised proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 and provide long-term neutralising antibodies for protection from infection. The plasmid DNA vaccine, also has wide ranging capabilities in developing and manufacturing different vaccines for unmet needs. This is under supervision of the groups Vaccine Technology Centre in India.69

To develop a lead vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2 the Vaccine manufacturer Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) has a research collaboration agreement with Australias Griffith University. As part of the cross-continental collaboration, using the latest codon de-optimisation technology Live Attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could be developed by scientists from IIL and the Griffith University. with a single dose administration this vaccine is expected to provide long protection with an anticipated safety profile for active immunization.70

Now the SII (Serum Institute of india) is preparing its mass production against the coronavirus, mixing out doses of the Covishield candidate vaccine which is being developed by the University of Oxford and the international biopharma company AstraZeneca. In India stage III clinical trials of Covishield are continuing. In the US, Brazil and South Africa the candidate vaccine is also being tested in various stages. Two million doses of the vaccine candidate has already produced over for use in testing by the SII. Recently SII announced a deal with Codagenix, US-based Biotech Company to help develop a vaccine candidate and it is expected that its trials starts by the end of 2020. Nasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by Codagenix Inc. Dubbed the DX-005, manufacturing by SII has started.

After completing preclinical animal studies the coronavirus vaccine entered phase I clinical trials in the United Kingdom by the end of 2020. Bharat Biotech, a private firm collaborated with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing Covaxin. Covaxin has shown good efficacy is said by task force scientist Dr. Rajni Kant ICMR-COVID-19. Bharat Biotech is approved by The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to perform Phase III clinical trials of Covaxin with certain conditions.

Russias president Vladimir Putin endorsed approval of SPUTNIK V (COVID-19 vaccine) that has not passed rigorous medical tests and could have numerous consequences. The effectiveness of the vaccine in response to providing active acquired immunity against COVID-19 and its possible adverse effects remain unknown. Therefore, the fear of vaccination in this particular case may be justified. However, endorsement of a potentially harmful vaccine will inevitably fuel public fears of other existing and future, properly developed, controlled and safe vaccines. Current level of public acceptability of immunization is already worrying, putting at serious risk the effectiveness of any future anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programs, as it has been pointed out by Cornwall 2 and the French COCONEL Group 3. Independently from each other these groups provide evidence that it is a transatlantic phenomenon. Regardless of the suggested correlations between vaccination hesitancy and specific socioeconomic factors, it is clear that anti-vaccination movements are increasingly influential.71 Moreover, the problem is internationally valid, and the rise in the number of adults openly hesitant about routine childhood vaccination in many Western countries justifies the concern about public participation once the COVID-19 vaccine is available.72

In terms of collective immunity, vaccination effectiveness is based on its mass implementation; this may seriously undermine the efforts to protect societies against COVID-19 in the near future. High levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are reported even from countries severely affected by the pandemic. Only 49% of American respondents plan to vaccinate when the vaccine becomes available.73

Polish research confirms the strong COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and its international character which is not directly related to the level of confidence in vaccination safety in general. Results of this Polish study show that 28% of adults would not vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2 if the vaccine became available. Alarmingly, a majority (51%) of the reluctant respondents indicated that their minds would not be changed if given information regarding vaccine safety or efficacy, or if threatened with heavy fines. Significantly fewer respondents (37%) supported COVID-19 vaccinations specifically than supported childhood vaccinations in Poland in general (78% in 2018).74 The vaccine hesitancy for the anticipated COVID-19 vaccine varied from very low (26% China) to very high (43%, Czechia, and 44%, Turkey). Surprisingly, the level of unwillingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 is in most countries much higher than regular vaccination reluctance, which varies between 3% (Egypt) and 55% (Russia). Such high levels of vaccination hesitancy may be detrimental to public health. According to current estimates, the benefits of herd immunity are achievable if 67% of the population is vaccinated.75,76

The most effective vaccination programs in the past effectively eradicated certain deadly diseases, such as smallpox which was achieved by combining the mandatory preventive vaccination programs with coordinated education efforts.77 Coronaviruses mortality rate is the highest among elders and people with comorbidities or conditions that affect their immune system. Some occupations have been identified as being the riskiest in terms of contracting COVID-19 such as health-care workers (dental hygienists, family practitioners, and nurses), transportation personnel (flying attendants, and school bus drivers), kindergarten, school teachers, fire fighters and restaurant personnel.78 Highest risk of death and highest risk of contraction should constitute the main criteria for mandatory vaccination. Mandatory vaccination will definitely trigger massive opposition especially bearing in mind the massive protests against social distancing measures and face masks. Focusing at the beginning only on some groups with transparent justification may help weaken the opposition to it.79

The high share of the population unwilling to vaccinate along with the number of people who are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to certain medical reasons suggests herd immunity may be out of reach. Information about the high death tolls and hospital overflows from the COVID-19 pandemic has recently flooded onto online media, but has apparently not convinced much of the worlds population to plan to be vaccinated. If the disturbing images being streamed live on social media cannot convince a fair share of the population to protect themselves from lethal risk, then educational or social campaigns may be limited in their effect. Educational efforts would be further undermined by the lack of trust in public authority figures, which fuels conspiracy theories and validates medical fake news. In this focused review we have discussed the challenges and opportunities faced during the management of COVID-19 in India.

Health-care systems across developed and developing nations are under tremendous pressure. The majority of this responsibility is being shouldered by frontline health-care workers to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. They put their lives on the line in order to do so. Here we highlight some challenges faced by frontline HCW and propose certain recommendations to reduce the burden.

The exposure to the virus causes severe illness and mortality to a significant extent and also leads to physical and psychological exhaustion. This pandemic leads to health departments calling retired and experienced medical staff and clinical scientist back to work. Deficient supplies of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other vital necessities is reported in various news channels all over the world. Majorly WHCs are affected and they are working in the emergency, they need PPEs and other vital necessities most.

In this pandemic, battling endless hours, staff shortages and deficient supplies, most are isolated from their families, affecting them physically, mentally, and emotionally, which will increase the morbidity and ill health.80 These mental health problems will not only affect decision making ability, judgement and attention of HCWs, but also affect the understanding the disease and have a long-lasting impact on their overall well-being.80

A few recommendations are proposed which are listed from all the information received around this issue.

Health-care staff/HCWs are also the most important resource as hospitals, equipments and PPEs in this pandemic situation. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is reported in many health-care workers who have no time to protect themselves as well as their families. If any staff gets infected then they should be quarantined themselves, which leads to a shortage of staff and then healthy workers are stretched further for endless duties with lack of sleep and anxiety. For frontline health workers testing kits must be prioritized, as well as for weak communities (senior citizens) more susceptible to the virus and those who have many pre-existing diseases.81,82

Health-care workers face a high risk of getting infected as they take care of patients who are already infected. Protective clothing, sufficient hand sanitizers, washing paraphernalia and head covers are essential commodities which have to be provided to them in sufficient amount. Along with providing PPEs in adequate amount, its disposal methodology is also an important step across all the clinical areas since it can be one of the reasons of spreading infection.31

These are key phrases which provide the adequate time for the systems to gather resources and capacity to help in breaking the chain of transmission. The virus infects exponentially which is very clear and many will contract it very soon. State should provide premises to serve as isolation ward and quarantine spaces. All hospitals should use their full area to create control committees to monitor activities to ensure protocols are implemented for effective control. The loop has to be complete, involving community systems, governments and primary health-care workers are key, since not everyone will report to hospitals, if community transmission will be rampant.

The comfort and willingness in working for a health system which has an effective plan, magnifies many times in a pandemic. Protocols in local languages for better understanding and awareness material based on science research have been useful. Offering free transport service between work and home, childcare support and meal vouchers can reduce domestic stress and allow single-minded effort towards the health service.83

Apart from the various negative effect imposed by the pandemic, positive vibes of it cannot be neglected. The pandemic situation significantly improves air quality in different cities across the country, reduces GHGs emission, lessens water pollution and noise, and reduces the pressure on the tourist destinations, which may assist with the restoration of the ecological systems.84 These changes may be short term but are important for maintenance of environmental balance. Apart from this, various successful models like that of Dharavi and Kerala model were implemented which restricted the cases to a minimum through observing the spread in the localities, studying the prototype of spread, and strict use of methods to control the disease in Kerala. Dharavi restricted the coronavirus cases with a strategy of attack not defence and elucidated triumphant results in 2 months.85

There are more than 56 COVID-19 candidate vaccines in clinical evaluation of which 13 are in phase III trials and another 166 candidate vaccines are in preclinical evaluation (Table 1). All top candidate vaccines will be delivered through intra-muscular injection and are designed for a two-dose schedule.86 More recently our group has suggested the combinatorial use of childhood vaccines (BCG, MMR and OPV) along with the COVID-19 dedicated vaccines could be a potential strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.87

Table 1 Prospective Therapeutic Representative Against COVID-19 Disease

Strain B.1.1.7 was first detected in the United States in December 2020 followed by B.1.351, in South Africa P.1, in Brazil and Japan, B.1.427 and B.1.429. These two variants were first identified in California in February 2021. COVID-19 variant from India is B.1.617; one of the lineages is B.1.617.2, which has been detected most frequently in the US and the U.K.88 Recently the black fungus is now maiming COVID-19 patients in India. Mucormycosis is an invasive infection caused by a class of molds called mucormycetes. It has an overall mortality rate of 50%, and may be being triggered by the use of unhygienic oxygen cylinders and steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients.89

In this review, we have been discussed the stories related to prevention strategies, chemotherapeutics and vaccines strategies to manage COVID-19. Apart from that we have discussed the challenges faced by HCWs and their prevention. Combating COVID-19 is still a challenge also due to the poorly-based counsel for using an experimental amalgamation of antimalarials and antimicrobials as treatment; the use of steroids; and antihypertensive drugs during the course of the disease. Interruption of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through engineered vaccines is top in the priority followed by the intense research to find out the potential treatment to control this viral infection.

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

There is no funding to report.

Divakar Sharma and Dileep Tiwari were associated with Hericure Healthcare Pvt Ltd. Currently, Divakar Sharma is working in Maulana Azad Medical College at the time of this review. The authors reported no other potential conflicts of interest for this work.

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2. Fischer F, Raiber L, Boscher C, et al. COVID-19 and the elderly: who cares? Front Public Health. 2020;8:151. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00151

3. Vahia IV, Blazer DG, Smith GS, et al. COVID-19, mental health and aging: a need for new knowledge to bridge science and service. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020;28(7):695. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2020.03.007

4. COVID-19. Tracker India; 2020. Available from: https://www.COVID19india.org/. Accessed April 15, 2020.

5. Census-India. 2011. Available from: https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-Common/CensusData2011.html. Accessed April 15, 2020.

6. Mishra VK. Indias projected aged population (65?), projected life expectancy at birth and insecurities faced by aged population. Ageing International. 2020;45:7284.

7. De Witt Huberts J, Greenland K, Schmidt W-P, et al. Exploring the potential of antimicrobial hand hygiene products in reducing the infectious burden in low-income countries: an integrative review. Am J Infect Control. 2016;44(7):764771. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2016.01.045

8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Temporary policy for preparation of certain alcoholbased hand sanitizer products during the public health emergency (COVID-19). Guidance for Industry; March, 2020. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/media/136289/download. Accessed July 21, 2021.

9. Edwards J, Patel G, Wareham DW. Low concentrations of commercial alcohol hand rubs facilitate growth of and secretion of extracellular proteins by multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii. J Med Microbiol. 2007;56(12):15951599. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.47442-0

10. healthcare-in-europe.com [Internet]. Will resistant bacteria be the end of alcohol hand sanitizers? 2018. Available from: https://healthcare-in-europe.com/en/news/will-resistant-bacteria-be-the-end-of-alcohol-hand-sanitizers.html#. Accessed July 21, 2021.

11. Lan J, Song Z, Miao X, et al. Skin damage among health care workers managing coronavirus disease-2019. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(5):12151216. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.014

12. The Government of India issues simple guidelines, for controlling spread of COVID-19 in densely populated areas. Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1614064. Accessed July 21, 2021.

13. TIFAC explores best methods to revive Indian economy post COVID-19.Available from: https://dst.gov.in/tifac-explores-best-methods-revive-indian-economy-post-COVID-19. Accessed July 21, 2021.

14. TDB approves support for indigenous company for ramping up production of COVID-19 diagnostic kits.Available from: https://dst.gov.in/tdb-approves-support-indigenous-company-ramping-production-COVID-19-diagnostic-kits. Accessed July 21, 2021.

15. NBRI scientists develop herbal hand-sanitiser.Available from: https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/isw/NBRI-scientists-develop-herbal-hand-sanitiser.html. Accessed July 21, 2021.

16. Indian researchers to go for clinical trial of sepsis drug against novel coronavirus.Available from: https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/Indian-researchers-to-go-for-clinical-trial-of-sepsis-drug-against-novel-coronavirus-21apr20.pdf. Accessed July 21, 2021.

17. Advisory_on_Cepheid_Xpert_Xpress_SARS_CoV2_testing.Available from: https://icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/Advisory_on_Cepheid_Xpert_Xpress_SARS_CoV2_testing.pdf. Accessed July 21, 2021.

18. AMU alumnus develops COVID-19 testing kit, approved by ICMR. Available from: https://www.amu.ac.in/about3.jsp?did=2495. Accessed July 21, 2021.

19. Bione launches rapid COVID-19 at-home screening test kit after ICMR approval.Available from: https://zeenews.india.com/india/bione-launches-rapid-COVID-19-at-home-screening-test-kit-after-icmr-approval-2273752.html. Accessed July 21, 2021.

20. Wu F, Zhao S, Yu B, et al. Complete genome characterisation of a novel coronavirus associated with severe human respiratory disease in Wuhan, China. bioRxiv. 2020;2020:919183. doi:10.1101/2020.01.24.919183

Excerpt from:
Challenges and Successes of Dealing with COVID-19 in India | RRTM - Dove Medical Press

The Latest research study released by DBMR Global Nanotechnology Market with 350+ pages of analysis on business Strategy taken up by key and emerging industry players and delivers know how of the current market development, landscape, technologies, drivers, opportunities, market viewpoint and status. Understanding the segments helps in identifying the importance of different factors that aid the market growth. The report shows market share, size, trends, growth, trends, applications, competition analysis, development patterns, and the correlations between the market dynamics and forecasts for 2020 to 2027 time-frames. The report aims to provide an overview of global Nanotechnology Market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The report provides key statistics on the Market status of the players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market. Research report has been compiled by studying the market in-depth along with drivers, opportunities, restraints & other strategies as well as new-developments that can help a reader to understand the exact situation of the market along with the factors that can limit or hamper the market growth and the report also has been updated with Impacts & effects of Coronavirus pandemic and how it has influenced consumer behavior& the growth of the market as well as industries.

The Global Nanotechnology Market is expected to reach USD 24.56 billion by 2025, from USD 7.24 billion in 2017 growing at a CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period of 2020 to 2025

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Nanoscience is the study of extremely small things. The development of nanotechnology is being growing in many fields, as it has various applications, such as in chemistry, biology, physics, materials science and engineering. Nanotechnology deals with the use of nanoparticle of size of 1 to 100 nm to be used in all major field of medical. Materials designed from nanotechnology are lighter, stronger and more durable. In oncology research, nanotechnology assists in cancer eradication. Nanotechnology based device are also used in fitness monitoring. Smartphone apps and bracelets are developed based on nanotechnology concept. A nano based device is used to sense the body temperature, heartbeat and others which are sent back to the reader. After analysing the temperature and heartbeat, medical staff monitors the condition. All these nano based devices helps to drive the market. For elder people, battery-free printed graphene sensors are also developed which helps in gathering the health condition of the elder population, enables remote healthcare and improves the quality of life. In diagnostic and prevention, nanotechnology plays a vital role in cancer diagnostics. Nanotechnology based devices can detects the biomarker produced by the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) on the onset of cancer. Based on nanotechnology, two main methods of circulating tumor cells (CTC) isolations are magnetic and microfluidic methods. In clinical development fluorescent nano sensors are used for in-vivo monitoring of biomarkers. Another application of nanotechnology is nanomedicine which has potential application in diagnosis and therapy medicine for regeneration of tissues and organs.

This Nanotechnology Market 2020 Reportencompasses an infinite knowledge and information on what the markets definition, classifications, applications, and engagements are and also explains the drivers and restraints of the market which is obtained from SWOT analysis. By applying market intelligence for this Nanotechnology Market report, industry expert measure strategic options, summarize successful action plans and support companies with critical bottom-line decisions. Additionally, the data, facts and figures collected to generate this market report are obtained forms the trustworthy sources such as websites, journals, mergers, newspapers and other authentic sources. Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, price, cost, revenue and gross margins.

According to this reportGlobal Nanotechnology Marketwill rise from Covid-19 crisis at moderate growth rate during 2020 to 2027. Nanotechnology Market includes comprehensive information derived from depth study on Nanotechnology Industry historical and forecast market data. Global Nanotechnology Market Size To Expand moderately as the new developments in Nanotechnology and Impact of COVID19 over the forecast period 2020 to 2027.

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Nanotechnology Market report provides depth analysis of the market impact and new opportunities created by theCOVID19/CORONAVirus pandemic. Report covers Nanotechnology Market report is helpful for strategists, marketers and senior management, And Key Players in Nanotechnology Industry.

List of Companies Profiled in the Nanotechnology Market Report are:

Complete Report is Available (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Graphs, and Chart) @https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-nanotechnology-market&Ab

Nanotechnology Reportdisplays data on key players, majorcollaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies. The report highlights current and future market trends and carries out analysis of the effect of buyers, substitutes, new entrants, competitors, and suppliers on the market. The key topics that have been explained in this Nanotechnology market report include market definition, market segmentation, key developments, competitive analysis and research methodology. To accomplish maximum return on investment (ROI), its very essential to be acquainted with market parameters such as brand awareness, market landscape, possible future issues, industry trends and customer behavior where this Nanotechnology report comes into play.

The Segments and Sub-Section of Nanotechnology Market are shown below:

By Type (Nano composites, Nano materials, Nano tools, Nano devices, Others)

By Applications (Healthcare, Environment, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Information & Technology, Others)

By Industry (Electronics, Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Others

Market Size Segmentation by Region & Countries (Customizable):

Key questions answered

What impact does COVID-19 have made on Global Nanotechnology Market Growth & Sizing?

Who are the Leading key players and what are their Key Business plans in the Global Nanotechnology market?

What are the key concerns of the five forces analysis of the Global Nanotechnology market?

What are different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Nanotechnology market?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?

Market Segmentation: Global Nanotechnology Market

The global nanotechnology market is segmented based on product type, application, industry and geographical segments.

By Product Type (Nano Composites, Nano Materials, Nano Tools, Nano Devices, Others), By Applications (Healthcare, Environment, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Information & Technology, Others), By Industry (Electronics, Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Others), By Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa)

Based on product type , the market is segmented into nano-composites and nano materials, nano tools, nano devices, and others. Nano-composites are further sub segmented into nanoparticles, nanotubes and nano clays. Nano materials are further sub-segmented into nano fibers, nano ceramic products and nano magnetics. Nano tools are further sub-segmented into nanolithography tools and scanning probe microscopes. Nanodevices are further sub-segmented into nanosensors and nanoelectronics.

On the basis of application, the market is further segmented into healthcare, environment, energy, food & agriculture, information & technology and others.

Based on industries, the market is segmented into electronics, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and others.

Based on geography, the market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies namely North America & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and, Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and, Brazil among others.

Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Nanotechnology Market:

Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Nanotechnology market

Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary the basic information of the Nanotechnology Market.

Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges of the Nanotechnology

Chapter 4: Presenting the Nanotechnology Market Factor Analysis Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis.

Chapter 5: Displaying market size by Type, End User and Region 2010-2019

Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Nanotechnology market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile

Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries (2020-2027).

Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source

Finally, Nanotechnology Market is a valuable source of guidance for individuals and companies in decision framework.

Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.

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Nanotechnology Market Share, Industry Size, Leading Companies Outlook, Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities till 2028 - The Market Writeuo - The...

MORGANTOWN Whether behind the hotel front desk or the restaurant counter, hospitality and customer service employees come face-to-face with guests from all walks of life for hours on end.

With the delta variant on the rise and an upswing in COVID-19 cases, the hospitality business faces the challenge of staffing positions as people weigh their personal safety against their employment as the pandemic rages on.

Masking up remains one safe precaution.

But its also an uncomfortable gesture, as some masks may inflict wear and tear on the face or not provide an adequate level of protection for the worker, explained Ajay Aluri, founding director of the Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab at West Virginia University.

As a native of India, where copper is king and touted for its antimicrobial properties, Aluri thought, Why not make a safer, more comfortable mask infused with copper when using for a longer period of time?

Copper has a special place in the culture and tradition of India, said Aluri, also associate professor of hospitality and tourism management in the Chambers College of Business and Economics. People wear copper bracelets and use copper utensils for cooking. And theres a notion, from the COVID standpoint, that copper is antimicrobial.

From the HIT Lab was born Hygenmask, a three-layered facemask containing a copper-infused nano-coated fabric, a sustainable bamboo fabric and an ePTFE (a biomaterial) filter. Wearers also dont have to worry about elf ears since the masks lack ear loops. Elastic head loops go over the head and can be tightened for a customized fit.

WVU HIT Lab is a platform for both industry and academia to come together to solve the problems of the hospitality and tourism industry. Before Hygenmask, Aluri and his students created Hygenkey, a copper touch tool with antiviral and antibacterial qualities, in response to the pandemic in 2020.

The mask is ideally for people who are always at the front desk or talking to people six to eight hours at a time, whether in restaurants, resorts, airports, or any hospitality and tourism industry, Aluri said. Some of these masks out there, if you wear them for a long time, it can be really rough on your skin. So we strived to make it more hygienic and sustainable from a fabric standpoint.

One of Aluris partners recommended a sustainable bamboo fabric, which offers a smooth feel but still fits tight around the face, he said.

But you dont have to take his word for it. Aluri reached across campus to ask scientists with the WVU School of Medicines Center for Inhalation Toxicology (iTOX) to test the product. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Center has been at the forefront of testing all sorts of masks from N95 alternatives to WVU gaiters to the Singers Mask to double masks.

The Center found that Aluris mask blocked up to 93% of droplets being respired.

The Hygenmask offers good protection to its users, said Timothy R. Nurkiewicz, director of the Center and E.J. Van Liere Endowed Professor and chair of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Combined with physical distancing, good HVAC, limiting time in a crowd and limiting the crowd size, the mask should afford the users some confidence.

Researchers conducted fit testing, which evaluates how well a mask protects the person wearing the mask. A score of 100 is necessary to pass a N95 mask. Gaiters and saggy disposable masks typically score a one.

Aluris mask ranged from six-to -15 on the study participants.

Those numbers are substantially better than what you would find with your average cloth masks, which usually gets a fit factor of two, said Karen Woodfork, a teaching associate professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology who was part of the research team.

People send us all kinds of masks and most of them get ones or twos, Nurkiewicz said. When we saw Ajays mask scoring in that range, that tells you theres a bit of protection there.

Nurkiewiczs lab did not test the copper properties of the mask.

Perhaps theres no better way to test a product than actually using it.

Aluri donned the mask during a 14-hour flight to India.

Im only taking it down when Im eating or drinking, Aluri said. I had no marks on my face and Hygenmask was quite comfortable.

Most of all, Nurkiewicz and his team believe that Aluris mask accomplishes its purpose and will be of benefit to its target audience those who serve the public day-to-day.

The mask sits away from your mouth enough so you can articulate better, Nurkiewicz said. Also, in terms of regular breathing, you will labor more with a mask that sits right on your lips. Theres some space there, making it more comfortable and making the wearer more likely to keep it on for a longer period of time.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

Read more here:
A copper-infused COVID-19 mask is making its way out of a WVU lab - Times-West Virginian

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VentureBeat caught up with NTT Research Medical & Health Informatics Lab director Dr. Joe Alexander, who elaborated on his view of the future of bio digital twins, which promise to improve precision medicine and bring digital transformation to the health care industry.

Japanese telecom giant NTT has launched a major initiative to improve digital health through precision medicine using digital twin technology. This project is part of NTT Research, a new R&D hub focused on basic research. The goal is to address long-term technological challenges with solutions that, once achieved, can positively impact wider ranges of businesses and many parts of our lives. These projects are not tied to specific product roll-out plans but could lead to much more significant long-term improvements than conventional incremental research conducted by enterprises.

VentureBeat: What exactly is medical and health informatics where does it fit into the landscape of other enterprise medical software like EHRs, diagnostics, telemedicine, and research?

The acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use of health care information to foster better collaboration among a patients various health care providers is the study of health informatics. It plays a critical role in the push toward health care reform. Health informatics is an evolving specialization that links information technology, communications, and health care to improve the quality and safety of patient care. EHRs help providers better manage care for patients and are an important part of health informatics.

Telemedicine has more to do with the access and sharing of medical information for the purpose of treating patients remotely. The term diagnostics can be applied to any process or device that involves techniques for (medical) diagnoses.

One current area of research that is of particular interest to our team is precision cardiology. This includes the cardiovascular bio digital twin as well as heart-on-a-chip technologies.

Research at MEI Labs does not currently target EHR software development or telemedicine per se. Our work does support remote monitoring, diagnostics, and advanced therapeutics.

VentureBeat: What is the bio digital twin initiative, and how do you plan to advance it?

Alexander: A bio digital twin is an up-to-date virtual representation (an electronic replica) which provides real-time insights into the status of a real-world asset to enable better management and to inform decision-making. This concept has been applied to the preventive maintenance of jet engines and may be applied as well to the predictive maintenance of health.

The Bio Digital Twin (BioDT) initiative aims to individualize and revolutionize health care by use of BioDT technologies. We will first realize precision cardiology on multiple scales through development of a cardiovascular BioDT (CV BioDT) and heart-on-a-chip platforms. The CV BioDT is at the whole organ physiological system level, whereas the heart-on-a-chip is at a microfluidics level, making use of an individuals stem cells to make in vitro organs.

For the CV BioDT, we will begin with acute conditions (acute myocardial infarction and acute heart failure) and progress to chronic cardiovascular conditions and their co-morbidities and complications. The latter requires heavy dependence on organ systems other than the heart. Ultimately, based on our accumulating knowledge of underlying physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms (together with advanced sensing technologies), we will be able to move into wellness and prevention.

VentureBeat: What is the value of a digital twin, and how does it build upon other technologies for capturing and managing medical data or simulating things?

Alexander: We expect that our bio digital twin will best enable individualized care. By reproducing an individuals entire physiology based on causal mechanisms, we should be able to predict health issues as well as provide recommendations for therapies in complex patients through what if scenario testing.

Autonomous therapies delivered by the bio digital twin become possible, where the physician would simply monitor autonomous devices. Virtual clinical trials in populations of bio digital twins also become feasible and would dramatically accelerate drug (or vaccine) development.

What we are proposing is not evolutionary, but revolutionary. An ambitious project of this scope and scale will take time. We will certainly need continuously to inventory the evolving trajectories of clinical and technology landscapes for facilitatory impact points.

VentureBeat: Why did you decide to start with the heart, and how will this complement other, similar efforts?

Alexander: We started with cardiovascular disease because it is the global leading cause of death. One of the principal missions of NTT Research is to provide long-term benefits to humanity; this is fundamental to deciding what projects to pursue.

Our immediate cardiovascular disease targets will be acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute heart failure (acute HF). We will pursue chronic heart failure and other conditions afterwards.

VentureBeat: Whats next in digital twins and why?

Alexander: Following development of the CV BioDT, our next pursuit will be neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease. Our reasoning here is similar: neurodegenerative diseases are the 2nd leading cause of death, at least in the U.S.

VentureBeat: What kinds of things are you working on with nano and microscale sensors and electrodes?

Alexander: MEI Lab is developing organ-on-a-chip microfluidics platforms as well as three-dimensionally transformable and implantable electrodes. This work involves the exploration and examination of new materials that include nanofibers and nanofiber-based paper electrodes.

VentureBeat: Which ones show the most promise in the short term and possibility in the long term?

Alexander: This is a difficult question for me to answer since I am not directly involved in the research. However, all our targets tend to be long term. Based on current progress, microscale three-dimensionally transformable electrodes for sensing are more promising in the shorter term, followed by similar types of electrodes for both stimulating and sensing. Organ-on-a-chip platforms will likely mature in the longer term.

VentureBeat: What are some of the key developments in digital biomarkers, wearable technologies, and remote sensing you are exploring?

Alexander: While we are in an ongoing background process of doing a clinical and technical landscape inventory of such devices, we have not yet developed a strategy within the MEI Lab to point us in any particular directions. Our focus right now is on acute conditions where patients are hospitalized and well-instrumented for access to the directly observable data necessary for early model building, verification, and validation.

Read more here:
Using digital twins in health care to stave off the grim reaper - VentureBeat

Detailed research added by Adroit Market Research offering a comprehensive analysis of the developments, growth outlook, driving factors, and key players of the 3d Cell Culture market in the latest research report. The research study concisely dissects the 3d Cell Culture and unearths valuable estimations pertaining to the profit projections; market size, sales capacity, and numerous other crucial parameters. Also, the 3d Cell Culture Market report appraises the industry fragments as well as the driving factors impacting the remuneration scale of this industry.

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Competition landscape

-Business Strategies of Leading and prominent market players in 3d Cell Culture.

-Product offering and development analysis.

-Market share & positioning analysis.

-SWOT analysis of the prominent market players.

-Industry-wide business strategies and trends.

Competitive Landscape Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nanofiber Solutions, Advanced Biomatrix, Dickinson and Company

The 3d Cell Culture Market has been segregated into various crucial divisions including applications, types, and regions. Each market segment is intensively studied in the report contemplating its market acceptance, worthiness, demand, and growth prospects. The segmentation analysis will help the client to customize their marketing approach to have a better command of each segment and to identify the most prospective customer base.

Market Analysis by Applications:By Application,(Regenerative medicine,Drug discovery,Stem cell research,Cancer research)

Market Analysis by Type:By End-User, (Academic institutes,Contract research laboratories,Pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies), By Product Type, (Services,Microchips,Bioreactors,Gels,Scaffold-based platforms,Scaffold-free platforms,Solid scaffolds,Nano-porous scaffolds,Micro-porous scaffolds,Macro-porous scaffolds)

1. Which end-user is likely to play a crucial role in the development of the 3d Cell Culture market?

2. Which regional market is expected to dominate the 3d Cell Culture market in 2020?

3. How are consumer trends impacting the operations of market players in the current scenario of the 3d Cell Culture market?

4. Why are market players eyeing opportunities in region 1?

5. What are the growth prospects of the 3d Cell Culture market in region 1 and region 2?

6. What impact does COVID-19 have made on 3d Cell Culture Market Growth & Sizing?

(1) The information presented in the report helps your decision-makers to become prudent and make the best business choices.

(2) The report enables you to see the future of the 3d Cell Culture market and accordingly take decisions that will be in the best interest of your business.

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(4) It provides a SWOT analysis of the 3d Cell Culture market along with useful graphics and detailed statistics providing quick information about the markets overall progress throughout the forecast period.

(5) It also assesses the changing competitive dynamics of the 3d Cell Culture market using pin-point evaluation.

6. Impact Analysis of COVID-19 on 3d Cell Culture Market

To conclude, the 3d Cell Culture Market report will provide the clients with a high-yielding market analysis assisting them to understand the market status and come up with new market avenues to capture hold of the market share.

If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report at customized price.

Chapter 1 Market Overview

Chapter 2 Industry Chain

Chapter 3 Environmental Analysis

Chapter 4 Market Segmentation by Type

Chapter 5 Market Segmentation by Application

Chapter 6 Market Segmentation by Region

Chapter 7 Market Competitive

Chapter 8 Major Vendors

Chapter 9 Conclusion

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3d Cell Culture Market: How Leading Companies Respond to New Market Drivers by Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nanofiber Solutions, Advanced Biomatrix,...

Vaccinated citizens can still transmit the COVID-19 virus and its variants to other people. Salvacion USA Inc. is therefore excited to introduce the development of a complementary product, designed for adults 18 and older, it hopes could accompany COVID-19 vaccines to offer additional protection: a nasal spray to shield the nasal passages and prevent further viral transmission. (However, CDC guidelines should still be followed, and those who are eligible should receive the COVID-19 vaccination.)

COVID-19 vaccination numbers in the U.S. have now reached nearly 50 percent, and Americans are eager to resume life post-pandemic. However, as flu season approaches and the COVID-19 vaccines' efficacy and longevity have come under question, communities are increasingly concerned about the virus and its Delta and unknown variantsespecially as children return to school this fall. Experts have also speculated this pandemic could become endemic, cycling from season to season. For these reasons, we must continue to stay ahead of the rapidly updating situation and arrive at innovative strategies.

Salvacion's new technology is gaining momentum among the scientific community. The National Cancer Instituteestablished Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) recently selected Salvacion USA Inc. as one of its Assay Cascade awardees for Salvacion's nasal spray, trade name: COVIXYL-V. The announcement appeared in NCL's June 2021 quarterly newsletter, in which Salvacion noted, "COVIXYL-V is intended to reduce SARS-CoV-2 in nasal passages, a main point of entry for the virus in humans. Our unique virus-blocking product, optimized in collaboration with NCL, contains agents which block the virus from attaching to tissue and reducing the viral load in the tissue milieu."

According to NCL's announcement, "Nanomedicines accepted into the program will undergo a rigorous evaluation that may include sterility and endotoxin testing, physicochemical characterization, in vitro hemato- and immunotoxicity, and in vivo studies to evaluate safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics. The studies are tailored to each individual nanomedicine and are designed to promote the clinical translation of these novel therapies."

Among Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory's's five awardees, Salvacion is the only one working on a product intended to avert the spread of COVID-19. As an Assay Cascade awardee, NCL commits to funding Salvacion studies free of charge.

Ryan Hwang, a Salvacion spokesman, said, "Our product is preventative and protects nasal passages, halting transmission. Vaccines are developed to protect against COVID-19, but they are not designed to stop transmission. Our strategy is complementary to the effectiveness of vaccines by deterring COVID-19 infection by blocking the transmission."

Salvacion's clinical human trials are currently underway. In vitro and in vivo testing performed thus far suggested that the nasal spray inhibited 99.99 percent of COVID-19. This spray effectively blocked COVID-19 activity in the nasal passages of hamsters, the prime entry points for the virus. One study, performed by an independent BSL-3 laboratory (which, according to Public Health Emergency, is a lab "used to study infectious agents or toxins that may be transmitted through the air and cause potentially lethal infections"), showed that COVID-19 was 99.99 percent inactivated post-spray, with no clinical symptoms experienced by Syrian hamsters from the treatment. No adverse reactions were reported in the hamsters following administration. The data developed in this study showed that the nasal spray product was effective in neutralizing the virus within low concentrations. An additional barrier effect animal study undertaken at an independent laboratory also assessed the COVID-19 blocking effects of the nasal spray. It concluded that the spray created a physical barrier to block the viral particles from taking hold on the surface of the nasal passages. The testing was to prove the mechanism of the nasal spray is capable of blocking the transmission of COVID-19 by creating a physical barrier. The next step is the conducting of a human clinical trial, which is now underway. Salvacion is currently seeking an Emergency Use Authorization (EAU) for its COVIXYL-V nasal spray from the FDA.

This nasal spray is made of ingredients listed as GRAS, or "Generally Recognized As Safe," by the FDA. Unlike other products based on isopropyl alcohol currently being tested, it appears Salvacion's nasal spray could offer a unique blocking system with enhanced effectiveness at a very low concentration. A worldwide patent has been filed for this technology.

"Our nasal spray product may well be the key to moving back to a world that some have thought lost forever to the 'new normalcy,'" said Abdul Gaffar, a Salvacion chemist and recipient of the American Chemistry Society's Heroes of Chemistry Award, who invented this nasal spray.

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. It's important to consult with your medical providers and the CDC before making any medical decisions or changes to your health plan, particularly with regard to COVID-19 and its variants.

Read more from the original source:
Complementary Protection May Be at Hand With a COVID-19-Preventing Nasal Spray - Newsweek