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Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Algeria
To explore the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Algeria, a dataset comprising ninety-five genomes originating from SARS-CoV-2 sampled from Algeria and other countries worldwide, from 24 December 2019, through 4 March 2021, was thoroughly examined. 
  • 949
  • 24 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Dexamethasone in Treatment of COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread globally, becoming a huge public health challenge. Even though the vast majority of patients are asymptomatic, some patients present with pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, and death. It has been shown in several studies that the severity and clinical outcomes are related to dysregulated antiviral immunity and enhanced and persistent systemic inflammation. Corticosteroids have been used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, as they are reported to elicit benefits by reducing lung inflammation and inflammation-induced lung injury. Dexamethasone has gained a major role in the therapeutic algorithm of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring supplemental oxygen or on mechanical ventilation. Its wide anti-inflammatory action seems to form the basis for its beneficial action, taming the overwhelming “cytokine storm”. Amid a plethora of scientific research on therapeutic options for COVID-19, there are still unanswered questions about the right timing, right dosing, and right duration of the corticosteroid treatment.
  • 947
  • 04 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Baricitinib in COVID-19 Therapy
During the current pandemic, the vast majority of COVID-19 patients experienced mild symptoms, but some had a potentially fatal aberrant hyperinflammatory immune reaction characterized by high levels of IL-6 and other cytokines. Modulation of this immune reaction has proven to be the only method of reducing mortality in severe and critical COVID-19. The anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib (Olumiant) has recently been strongly recommended by the WHO for use in COVID-19 patients because it reduces the risk of progressive disease and death. It is a Janus Kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor approved for rheumatoid arthritis which was suggested in early 2020 as a treatment for COVID-19.
  • 946
  • 01 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Enhanced understanding of the phylogenetic species concept and molecular variations has led to changes in this genus’ taxonomic classification. Although the impact of the new species on clinical presentation and treatment remains unclear, they can influence diagnosis when serological methods are employed. Brazil accounts for 80% of PCM cases worldwide, and its incidence is rising in the northern part of the country (Amazon region), owing to new settlements and deforestation, whereas it is decreasing in the south, owing to agriculture mechanization and urbanization. Clusters of the acute/subacute form are also emerging in areas with major human intervention and climate change. Advances in diagnostic methods (molecular and immunological techniques and biomarkers) remain scarce, and even the reference center’s diagnostics are based mainly on direct microscopic examination. 
  • 944
  • 10 Nov 2022
Topic Review
HBV Reactivation in Hemato-Oncologic Patients with COVID-19
Onco-hematologic patients are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and, once infected, frequently develop COVID-19 due to the immunosuppression caused by tumor growth, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, COVID-19 has also been recognized as a further cause of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, since its treatment includes the administration of corticosteroids and some immunosuppressive drugs.
  • 943
  • 27 May 2022
Topic Review
SPR Biosensing of SARS-CoV-2 Entry Inhibitors
This work compiles recent advancements on the discovery of SARS-CoV2 inhibitors by SPR analysis. One of the major benefits of SPR biosensing is the possibility of easily investigating molecular interactions. Owing to this quality, SPR biosensor technology has become a first-line tool for analyzing the binding properties of potential drug candidates against COVID-19. Overall, SPR biosensors seem to offer a single methodology for attaining full kinetic profiles while providing the screening of fragment libraries and the validation of fragment hits.
  • 940
  • 06 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Risk of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer accounts for approximately 18.4% of the total cancer-related deaths, the highest of all cancer types. The prognosis of lung cancer is relatively unfavorable compared to that of other malignancies, and as a prognosis largely depends on the stage of onset, thus, the early diagnosis of lung cancer is very important. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a known risk factor for lung cancer.
  • 940
  • 16 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Biomarkers for a COVID-19 Electrical Biosensing Platform
The race towards the development of user-friendly, portable, fast-detection, and low-cost devices for healthcare systems has become the focus of effective screening efforts since the pandemic attack in December 2019, which is known as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Currently existing techniques such as RT-PCR, antigen–antibody-based detection, and CT scans are prompt solutions for diagnosing infected patients. However, the limitations of currently available indicators have enticed researchers to search for adjunct or additional solutions for COVID-19 diagnosis. Meanwhile, identifying biomarkers or indicators is necessary for understanding the severity of the disease and aids in developing efficient drugs and vaccines. Therefore, clinical studies on infected patients revealed that infection-mediated clinical biomarkers, especially pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, are highly associated with COVID-19. These biomarkers are undermined or overlooked in the context of diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of infected patients.
  • 940
  • 08 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Medicinal Fungi with Antiviral Effect
Medicinal fungi are not only crude extracts, but also that some single components, such as proteins, polysaccharides and terpenoids, can effectively combat viral infection. Some of these medicinal fungi also have inhibitory effects on a variety of viruses. The complex components are closely related to its multi-target and multi-link action mechanism. Some medicinal fungi, including Poria cocos and Polyporus umbellatus, have been widely used in clinical practice. Because of the special properties of medicinal fungi, it is better than that of traditional medicine, which is more beneficial to be used as a kind of health food.
  • 940
  • 22 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Complications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination
SARS-CoV-2 has dramatically spread worldwide and emerged as a major pandemic which has left an unprecedented mark on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. As the understanding of the virus and its epidemiology continues to grow, the acute phase clinical symptoms and long-term and vaccine-related complications are becoming more apparent. With heterogeneity in presentations, comparisons may be drawn between COVID-19-related sequelae and vaccination related adverse events. 
  • 940
  • 17 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection
The recent viral pandemic in Wuhan, Hubei, China has led to the identification of a new species of beta-coronaviruses, able to infect humans, the 2019-nCoV, later named SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 causes a clinical syndrome named COVID-19, which presents with a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe pneumonia, with acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. All age groups are susceptible to the infection, but children, especially infants, seem to be partially spared, having a more favorable clinical course than other age groups. There is currently no clear evidence showing vertical transmission and intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 infection in fetuses of women developing COVID-19 pneumonia in late pregnancy, and even if transmission is possible, the SARS-CoV2 positivity of the mother does not require delivery by caesarean section, does not contraindicate the management of the infant in rooming-in and allows breastfeeding.
  • 939
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Biomedical Application of AMPs
In a report by WHO (2014), it was stated that antimicrobial resistance is an arising challenge that needs to be resolved. This resistance is a critical issue in terms of disease or infection treatment and is usually caused due to mutation, gene transfer, long-term usage or inadequate use of antimicrobials, survival of microbes after consumption of antimicrobials, and the presence of antimicrobials in agricultural feeds. One of the solutions to this problem is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are ubiquitously present in the environment. These peptides are of concern due to their special mode of action against a wide spectrum of infections and health-related problems. The biomedical field has the highest need of AMPs as it possesses prominent desirable activity against HIV-1, skin cancer, breast cancer, in Behcet’s disease treatment, as well as in reducing the release of inflammatory cells such as TNFα, IL-8, and IL-1β, enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and GM-CSF, and in wound healing properties. This review has highlighted all the major functions and applications of AMPs in the biomedical field and concludes the future potential of AMPs. 
  • 938
  • 24 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Oral Manifestations of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients
The oral cavity represents a target of SARS-CoV-2, and oral lesions are observed in both non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients. Oral ulcers, cheilitis, and tongue lesions were more common in patients before hospitalization, while perioral pressure ulcers, macroglossia, blisters, and oral candidiasis were more recurrent in patients during hospitalization.  An accurate oral examination during the hospital admission of all confirmed COVID-19 cases is encouraged to recognize oral early manifestations and to apply appropriate treatments.
  • 938
  • 13 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis in the MENA Region
Mycobacterium bovis is the etiologic agent of bovine tuberculosis (BTB), a serious infectious disease in both humans and animals. BTB is a zoonotic disease primarily affecting cattle and occasionally humans infected through close contact with infected hosts or the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Zoonotic tuberculosis is strongly associated with poverty and poor hygiene, and low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of the disease. The epidemiologic trends of M. bovis infection varied across the MENA countries, likely influenced by the population size, characteristics of the targeted population, the geographical region, and the rigor of the adopted diagnostic tools and investigation methods. Additionally, the heterogeneity of BTB prevalence has been also associated with other factors such as Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status, the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, and the efficiency of national surveillance programs and BTB control measures.
  • 938
  • 15 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Application of Proteomics in Giardia duodenalis
Giardia duodenalis remains a neglected tropical disease. A key feature of the sustained transmission of Giardia is the ability to form environmentally resistant cysts. Valuable information from proteomics analyses of G. duodenalis has been discovered in terms of the pathogenesis and virulence of Giardia, which may provide guidance for the development of better means with which to prevent and reduce the impacts of giardiasis.
  • 937
  • 18 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Technologies for Plasmon-Based Fluorescence Enhancement
Fluorescence is a widely used phenomenon in various scientific and technological fields, including biology, chemistry, medicine, and materials science. The fluorescence signal provides valuable information about molecular interactions, concentrations, and structural changes. Fluorescence exhibits numerous valuable applications, encompassing the detection of single molecules, fluorescence nanoscopy, biological labeling, and optoelectronic device functionality, among many others. Fluorescence enhancement is imperative for enhancing the sensitivity and precision of a wide range of scientific and technological applications that heavily rely on fluorescence detection. It is a crucial requirement to elevate the performance and reliability of these applications.
  • 937
  • 11 Mar 2024
Topic Review
FimH and Anti-Adhesive Therapeutics
Chaperone-usher fimbrial adhesins are powerful weapons against the uropathogens that allow the establishment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). As the antibiotic therapeutic strategy has become less effective in the treatment of uropathogen-related UTIs, the anti-adhesive molecules active against fimbrial adhesins, key determinants of urovirulence, are attractive alternatives. The best-characterized bacterial adhesin is FimH, produced by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Hence, a number of high-affinity mono- and polyvalent mannose-based FimH antagonists, characterized by different bioavailabilities, have been reported. Given that antagonist affinities are firmly associated with the functional heterogeneities of different FimH variants, several FimH inhibitors have been developed using ligand-drug discovery strategies to generate high-affinity molecules for successful anti-adhesion therapy. As clinical trials have shown d-mannose’s efficacy in UTIs prevention, it is supposed that mannosides could be a first-in-class strategy not only for UTIs, but also to combat other Gram-negative bacterial infections. 
  • 936
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Henoch–Schönlein Purpura
Henoch–Schönlein purpura or IgA vasculitis is the most common type of pediatric vasculitis that may affect adults as well. It is classified as a type of small-vessel vasculitis. It can cause cutaneous and systemic symptoms with a minority of patients developing kidney failure.
  • 935
  • 23 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Nucleoside Analogs and Coronaviruses
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are positive-sense RNA enveloped viruses, members of the family Coronaviridae, that cause infections in a broad range of mammals including humans. Several CoV species lead to mild upper respiratory infections typically associated with common colds. However, three human CoV (HCoV) species: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-1, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, are responsible for severe respiratory diseases at the origin of two recent epidemics (SARS and MERS), and of the current COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19), respectively.
  • 932
  • 24 May 2021
Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2 and Cancer Cross-Talk
Since the pandemic’s onset, a growing population of individuals has recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection and its long-term effects in some of the convalescents are gradually being reported. Although the precise etiopathogenesis of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PACS) remains elusive, the mainly accepted rationale is that SARS-CoV-2 exerts long-lasting immunomodulatory effects, promotes chronic low-grade inflammation, and causes irreversible tissue damage. Several viruses have been causally linked to human oncogenesis, whereas chronic inflammation and immune escape are thought to be the leading oncogenic mechanisms. Excessive cytokine release, impaired T-cell responses, aberrant activation of regulatory signaling pathways (e.g., JAK-STAT, MAPK, NF-kB), and tissue damage, hallmarks of COVID-19 disease course, are also present in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the intersection of COVID-19 and cancer is partially recognized and the long-term effects of the virus on oncogenesis and cancer progression have not been explored yet.
  • 925
  • 03 Nov 2022
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