https://www.healthdisgroup.us/journals/annals-of-antivirals-and-antiretrovirals A Peertechz Open Access Journal en-us 23 Jan, 2025 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-9-119.php A new and mysterious illness, termed Disease X, poses a potential threat to the global population of 8.2 billion people. To date, neither the causative agent of Disease X has been identified, nor has any effective cure or preventive measure been developed. 04 Jan, 2024 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-8-118.php Introduction: Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Anafelamide (B/F/TAF) is a recommended single tablet regimen with good tolerability and safety as well as durability of the virologic response. From its introduction in the country of Bulgaria in April 2021 till November 2021 it was given to 82 patients, followed up and treated in the Department for HIV at the Prof. Ivan Kirov Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, in 60 (72%) of which the therapeutic regimen was changed mainly from protease – inhibitor-containing regimens. Materials and methods: We present the initial 24-week period of the application of this therapeutic regimen. Our purpose was to analyze the main reasons for a switch of the cART among patients, in which the therapeutic regimen was switched, to analyse the dynamics of the basic immunologic and virologic values of the patients, and to try to analyse the safety and efficacy of the regimen. Results: Patients of nearly all age groups were enrolled in the study. The main therapeutic regimens, from which patients were switched to B/F/TAF were protease inhibitor-based, the main reason being suboptimal viral suppression, followed by simplification of cART. Side effects were the third leading cause for the switch, mainly due to gastrointestinal symptoms. Nearly half of the patients had CD 4+ T-cell count of > 500/mm3 at the time of the switch and undetectable viral load levels. The test statistical analyses of the immunological and virologic levels before and after the administration of B/F/TAF showed statistical significance as far as the viral load was concerned. Analyses of factors of prognostic importance for maintaining stable virologic response showed that CD + T-cell values, CD4:CD8 ratio before administration, VL before administration as well as time of intake proved to be of prognostic value. Cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia were significantly lower. Conclusion: A relatively large number of patients were enrolled for a relatively short period of time; B/F/TAF proved to be of good efficacy and safety. 13 Jun, 2023 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-7-117.php Aim: We conducted a prospective, observational study to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with moderate to severe coronavirus disease admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: The study was conducted from 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2020. The criteria for ICU admission included a positive Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and oxygen saturation of less than 90% with or without oxygen. Results: A total of 621 patients were included (median age, 59 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 48-68]; 75.8% were males. The common comorbidities were hypertension (323 [52%]), and diabetes mellitus. 96 (15.5%) patients underwent mechanical ventilation, 18 (2.9%) received renal replacement therapy, and 223 (36%) died. The median age in non-survivors was significantly higher [63 years (IQR 55-71)] vs. 57 years (IQR 46-66)] (p < 0.001). Hypoxia (oxygen saturation (SpO2 < 90%) and shortness of breath suggestive of impending respiratory failure were the most common symptoms necessitating ICU admission. A low absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), and high levels of inflammatory biomarkers which persisted for seven days after diagnosis were significantly associated with non-survival. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed shortness of breath (SOB), hypoxia (SpO2 < 90% on oxygen), use of neuromuscular blockers, and chronic kidney disease as independent risk factors associated with mortality as were the severity scores (APACHE and SOFA). Conclusion: This single-center case series provides clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease admitted to the COVID ICU. These findings are important for guiding research and preparing for future pandemics. 03 Feb, 2023 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-7-116.php Viral infections have an essential function in both humans and other organisms. The persistent rise in viral diseases has made critical damage to human well-being. The present review indicates that viral diseases are been entangled in various cancer developments. Developing safe and effective antiviral medications remains a challenge. As a result, finding therapeutic targets that would interfere with the virus without affecting the host is hard-hitting. The use of natural substances rather than chemicals in the formulation of antiviral medications could significantly minimize the risk of side effects in patients. Coastal dune vegetation is a vital resource, which plays an imperative part in biodiversity. Coastal dunes have various utilizations in restorative and drug development. The drugs from marine are vitally been utilized as medicine due to their substantial antiviral, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. Though Coastal dunes flora has numerous possessions their antiviral properties are rarely reported. Hence, in this report, we have compiled and highlighted the antiviral properties of 128 Indian coastal dune flora. This review may provide access to a profound understanding of coastal dunes’ vegetation resources and their usage in the production of antiviral and anticancer drugs. It may also help to preserve and cultivate these plants. 06 Apr, 2022 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-6-115.php Selenium (Se) is a ubiquitous element akin to sulfur (S) existing in the Earth’s crust in various organic and inorganic forms. Selenium concentration varies greatly depending on the geographic area. Consequently, the content of selenium in food products is also variable. It is known that low Se is associated with an increased incidence of cancer and heart diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to supplement your diet with this element albeit in a proper form. Although blood increased concentrations of Se can be achieved with various pharmacological preparations only one chemical form (sodium selenite) can offer true protection. Sodium selenite, but not selenate, can oxidize thiol groups in the virus protein disulfide isomerase rendering it unable to penetrate the healthy cell membrane. In this way, selenite inhibits the entrance of viruses into the healthy cells and abolishes their infectivity. Therefore, this simple chemical compound can potentially be used in the recent battle against the coronavirus epidemic. 24 Dec, 2021 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-5-114.php Exosomes are membrane vesicles that constitute a potential mode of intercellular communication. Although the scope of its role is still being discussed, the release of exosomes by tumor cells suggests their participation in pathological situations and its study will surely drive to new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. It is therefore important to be able to localize and identify these kinds of particles in transmission electron microscopy images. This preliminary work shows how a recent deep-learning algorithm available online can be applied to exosomes images to localize all the instances of the objects of interest, in any scale and several backgrounds. 12 Nov, 2021 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-5-113.php Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major concern. However, its association and rising cases of mucormycosis, also known as black fungus make the scenario even more troublesome. In addition, no specific medication against mucormycosis/black fungus makes things even worse. Objective: Garlic phytoconstituents have shown remarkable antifungal properties against various fungal species in various studies. Thus, the objective of the study was to check the potency of garlic phytoconstituents against the 1,3-beta-glucan synthase fungal protein using in-silico methods. Method: Auto Dock was used to evaluate selected garlic phytochemical molecules against 1,3-beta-glucan synthase fungal protein, and Discovery studio visualizer was used to create 3D and 2D interaction photos. Results: Five out of 9 phytoconstituents were found to form conventional hydrogen bonds, and only alliin formed the highest number of hydrogen bonds. However, the binding energy and inhibition constant of all nine phytoconstituents were determined. Interestingly, Z-ajoene showed the lowest binding energy of -5.07 kcal/mol and inhibition constant of 192.57µM. Conclusion: The results of our investigation suggested that garlic phytochemicals can have a good impact against black fungi, pertaining to the significant binding energies of phytoconstituents during blind docking. Specifically, Z-ajoene could be a good alternate against black fungi. However, detailed research is required to explore the antifungal activity of garlic against mucormycosis. 12 Nov, 2021 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-5-112.php Background: In recent times, the novel coronavirus disease is one of the most challenging public health burdens. Low-and-middle-income countries including Ghana have not been spared by the infection. Several measures are being undertaken by countries to control and prevent the future waves of the disease. Previous studies have established the importance of knowledge, attitude and practices towards an infection as a remedy for controlling the spread of such infection. However, further studies are required to ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics influencing the knowledge, attitude and preventive measures of COVID-19. Methods: This study investigated the socio-demographic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitude and preventive practices towards COVID-19 among the Ghanaian population. A cross-sectional design was adopted to recruit 369 participants for the study utilizing convenience and snowball sampling methods. With the use of an electronic semi-structured questionnaire and social media platforms, an online survey was conducted from March 26 to May 1, 2020. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression were used to analyze data. Results: The average mean percentage of good knowledge, positive attitudes and good preventive practices regarding the novel coronavirus disease was 83.2%, 88.2% and 69.2%, respectively. In relation to occupation, there was significant difference (t = -2.984, p-value = 0.0030) in COVID-19 knowledge. Income level was significantly associated with attitudes towards COVID-19. Male gender (vs female, β = -1.276, p-value = <0.00001), less than ¢500 income earners (vs above ¢1000, β = -0.845, p-value = 0.017) were associated with lower COVID-19 preventive practice score while being the 42-64 age category (vs 18–25-year group, β = 1.128, p-value = 0.028), health worker (vs non-health worker, β = 0.816, p-value = 0.001) and belonging to Ga ethnic group (vs Akan ethnic group, β = 0.89, p-value = 0.027) were associated with higher scores. Conclusion: Although this study found higher knowledge and attitudes toward the novel coronavirus disease, it did not reflect in higher preventive practices towards the infection. In our fight against this infection in Ghana, COVID-19 preventive measure educational campaigns targeting the male gender and low-income earners should be considered and implemented. 19 Jun, 2021 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-5-111.php The SARS-CoV-2 infection has led to a global pandemic which has led to almost 4 million deaths worldwide. However, to date, a specific antiviral drug does not exist to treat the disease and control the virus. Here, we focus on the potential use of bromelain in line with its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, bromelain exerts fibrinolytic, anti-invasive and antithrombotic activities that may become a therapeutic candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this paper, we focused on bromelain’s therapeutic potential concerning its potential role in reducing the severity of symptoms and the adverse effects of other antiviral drugs currently being used. The therapeutic effects of bromelain suggests that it may reduce mortality and morbidity rates in patients with CoVID-19 infections, through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator and anticoagulant effects. These positive effects leads us to propose that bromelain may be clinically valuable in the treatment of COVID-19 and that it therapeutic attributes should be fully investigated. 15 Jun, 2021 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-5-110.php Background: There is in vitro evidence that a combination of IFN-α and IFN-γ acts synergistically to inhibit SARS-CoV replication. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of administration of a combination of IFN-α and IFN-γ for COVID-19. Methods: Adults with confirmed COVID-19 were randomized to receive either subcutaneous treatment with 3.0 MIU IFN-α2b and 0.5 MIU IFN-γ (study group), twice a week for two weeks, or an intramuscular injection of 3.0 MIU IFN-α2b (control group), three times a week for two weeks. Additionally, all patients received lopinavir-ritonavir (200/50 mg orally twice daily) and chloroquine (250 mg orally twice daily). The primary endpoints were time to viral clearance and the progression to severe COVID-19. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee from the Hospital and National Regulatory Agency. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Results: A total of 79 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, including symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, met the inclusion criteria, consented to participate in the trial and underwent randomization. 30 subjects were assessed in the study group and 33 in the control group. 23 (78.6%) in study group cleared virus after 4 days of treatment versus 13 (40.6%) in the control group (p=0.004). A significant difference in average time to viral clearance (p=0.0027) was detected in favor of the study group (3.0 days). We observed direct and significant correlations between time to viral clearance and the level of circulating lymphocytes, and a significant reduction in inflammatory parameters. Worsening of symptoms was detected in 6.6% and 3.3% of patients in the study and control groups, respectively. None of the subjects in either group progressed to severe COVID-19. All patients in both cohorts recovered. Adverse events were identified in 31.5% of patients, 28.5% in the control group, and 34.4% in the study group. Conclusions: A combination treatment of IFN-α2b plus IFN-γ in COVID-19 cases accelerated viral clearance and control inflammatory response compared with treatment with IFN-α2b alone. None of the patients progressed to severe COVID-19. The early application of HeberFERON can protect the patients to enter in a more severe disease. Trial registration: The study was registered on April 2020 at: registroclinico.sld.cu/en/trials/RPCEC00000307. 30 May, 2020 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-4-109.php Background: Herpes simplex virus 1 is consistently the most common cause of sporadic encephalitis worldwide which leaves neurological deficits in more than 60% of survived patients. The immune response of a diseased person has a major impact not only on the course of the disease, but also on the response to the applied protocol, as well as the severity of brain damage. The proposed immunomodulatory therapy aims to restore the quality of the immune system, both innate and acquired to improve outcome of encephalitis. 27 Apr, 2020 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-4-108.php CORONAVIRUS is spherical or pleomorphic, single stranded, enveloped RNA and covered with club shaped glycoprotein. CORONAVIRUSES are four sub types such as alpha, beta, gamma and delta CORONAVIRUS. First case of CORONAVIRUS was notified as cold in 1960. According to the Canadian study 2001, approximately 500 patients were identified as Flu-like system. COVID-19 was first identified and isolated from pneumonia patent belongs to Wuhan, china [1]. 22 Mar, 2020 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-4-107.php Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, birds and bats. In January 2020, it causes an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. Most coronaviruses spread the same way other cold-causing viruses do: through infected people coughing and sneezing, by touching an infected person’s hands. The clinical signs displayed from infected patients include runny or stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a fever. There are no vaccines or antiviral drugs that are approved for prevention or treatment. Scientists were able to isolate a strain of the new coronavirus quickly, with the genetic sequence being made available for laboratories across the world to independently develop PCR tests that can confirm infection in a person. It can be investigated mainly by following outbreak investigation steps, health education, restriction of movement around the outbreak zone and contingency preparedness plans. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. Within short period of time following its outbreak, the 2019-nCoV causes high number of people’s death and huge international economic loss associated with health, trade and transportation. The aim of this paper is to understand the cause, identify methods for investigating or controlling it and to prevent any future occurrences. 04 Oct, 2019 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-3-106.php The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with autoimmune diseases, probably due to the interaction between HCV E2 envelope protein and CD-81 receptor of B lymphocyte and thus, can infl uence the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver diseases [1,2]. Therefore, it seems reasonable to consider the benefi cial effect of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV in patients with chronic HCV infection and autoimmune hepatitis (HAI), although evidence is scarce. 22 Jul, 2019 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-3-105.php Introduction: The main objective of our study was to analyze the effectiveness of antiviral treatment (conventional or with direct-acting antivirals (DAA)) for total eradication of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. 15 Feb, 2018 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-2-104.php Castalagin, a nonahydroxytriphenoyl-bearing C-glucosidic ellagitannin, manifested a marked virucidal effect on HSV-1. 17 Jan, 2018 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-2-103.php Docking study of few Thiolutin derivatives, which originally act as Hepatitis C Virus RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRP) inhibitor, was performed by using AutoDock Vina. The docking studies reveal that thiolutin interacted with Hepatitis C Virus RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase through hydrogen bonding as well as hydrophobic interactions. Its binding energy after modification (Thiolutin1) was -6.7 kcal/mol, which was greater than the original thiolutin affinity. 10 Oct, 2017 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-1-102.php Influenza generally known as flu is due to viruses that contaminate the respiratory region. It can result in light to cruel sickness, and may cause death. The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 took life of a lot more people than the World War 1. Peramivir that inhibits the purpose of the viral neuraminidase protein of influenza virus, therefore stopping the virus from replicating through budding from the host cell has been shown to have hindrance against virus. 28 Jan, 2017 https://www.healthdisgroup.us/articles/AAA-1-101.php Virological and immunological effectiveness of reduced doses of antiretrovirals has been shown in two randomized trials and smaller studies. We have now evaluated immune activation in patients on reduced doses of antiretroviral therapy (ART) using HLA-DR+CD8+ lymphocytes as a marker of activation.