Unraveling Exciton-Plasmon Coupling and the PIRET Mechanism in Decorated Silicon Nanowires.

Exciton-plasmon coupling is a fascinating physical phenomenon that has been investigated in various metal semiconductor systems. Intentionally chosen silicon nanowires (SiNWs) systems act as a host material for providing exciton as well as silicon oxide as a thin dielectric. A clear blue-shift in photoluminescence (PL) peak and a significant increase in visible range absorption were observed for metal nanoparticle (MNP) decorated SiNWs (D-SiNWs) which signifies the presence of exciton-plasmon coupling. A further investigation reveals that the possibility of the occurrence of the plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) mechanism is higher. The PL intensity enhancement in Au-decorated SiNWs is higher (∼38 times) in comparison to that in Pt due to the presence of a strong and localized electric field of plasmons near the interface of metal and semiconductors. Moreover, splitting in PL for gold-decorated SiNWs might be due to the presence of dipole-quadrupole coupling along with dipole-dipole coupling, which further increases the strength of the PIRET mechanism.

WSV2023 - The second meeting of the world society for virology: One health - One world - One virology.

The Second International Conference of the World Society for Virology (WSV), hosted by Riga Stradins University, was held in Riga, Latvia, on June 15-17th, 2023. It prominently highlighted the recent advancements in different disciplines of virology. The conference had fourteen keynote speakers covering diverse topics, including emerging virus pseudotypes, Zika virus vaccine development, herpesvirus capsid mobility, parvovirus invasion strategies, influenza in animals and birds, West Nile virus and Marburg virus ecology, as well as the latest update in animal vaccines. Discussions further explored SARS-CoV-2 RNA replicons as vaccine candidates, SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals, and the significance of plant viruses in the 'One Health' paradigm. The presence of the presidents from three virology societies, namely the American, Indian, and Korean Societies for Virology, highlighted the event's significance. Additionally, past president of the American Society for Virology (ASV), formally declared the partnership between ASV and WSV during the conference.

Comparative analysis of salivary microbiota in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals of North India using metagenomics.

Background: Saliva, an oral secretion is considered an essential biological modulator involved in maintaining oral homeostasis. Increased glucose levels in diabetic patients' saliva may have an impact on diversity of microbes. Comparing the salivary microflora of diabetic and non-diabetic cohorts will help in diagnosis and risk assessment of oral health complications. This will provide greater knowledge about the contribution of oral microbes to the development of oral illnesses. The association between salivary microbiota and diabetic state is less explored in the North Indian population, hence current observational study was performed to analyze the salivary microflora of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals using metagenomic analysis. Materials and methods: This single-center non-randomized observational trial was conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India. Participants were enrolled into either diabetic (n = 68) or non-diabetic groups (n = 68) based on their diabetes status. Following saliva collection, DNA was extracted and metagenomic sequencing was performed. Results: Phylum Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria were significantly abundant in diabetic individuals (p < 0.0001), while Proteobacteria was significantly higher among non-diabetic individuals (p < 0.0001). No statistical difference in phylum Actinobacteria and Firmicutes among diabetics and non-diabetics. Veillonella, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Leptotrichia, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus were greater in diabetics whereas the abundance of Capnocytophaga and Neisseria was more among non-diabetics (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The genera Veillonella, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Leptotrichia, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus were comparatively over the odds with the diabetics in India. The association between microbiota in diabetic population and risk related to increase in occurrence of caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis in diabetic population prevalence should be investigated.

Near-Temperature-Independent Electron Transport Well beyond Expected Quantum Tunneling Range via Bacteriorhodopsin Multilayers.

A key conundrum of biomolecular electronics is efficient electron transport (ETp) through solid-state junctions up to 10 nm, often without temperature activation. Such behavior challenges known charge transport mechanisms, especially via nonconjugated molecules such as proteins. Single-step, coherent quantum-mechanical tunneling proposed for ETp across small protein, 2-3 nm wide junctions, but it is problematic for larger proteins. Here we exploit the ability of bacteriorhodopsin (bR), a well-studied, 4-5 nm long membrane protein, to assemble into well-defined single and multiple bilayers, from ∼9 to 60 nm thick, to investigate ETp limits as a function of junction width. To ensure sufficient signal/noise, we use large area (∼10-3 cm2) Au-protein-Si junctions. Photoemission spectra indicate a wide energy separation between electrode Fermi and the nearest protein-energy levels, as expected for a polymer of mostly saturated components. Junction currents decreased exponentially with increasing junction width, with uniquely low length-decay constants (0.05-0.5 nm-1). Remarkably, even for the widest junctions, currents are nearly temperature-independent, completely so below 160 K. While, among other things, the lack of temperature-dependence excludes, hopping as a plausible mechanism, coherent quantum-mechanical tunneling over 60 nm is physically implausible. The results may be understood if ETp is limited by injection into one of the contacts, followed by more efficient charge propagation across the protein. Still, the electrostatics of the protein films further limit the number of charge carriers injected into the protein film. How electron transport across dozens of nanometers of protein layers is more efficient than injection defines a riddle, requiring further study.

Transforming clinical virology with AI, machine learning and deep learning: a comprehensive review and outlook.

In the rapidly evolving field of clinical virology, technological advancements have always played a pivotal role in driving transformative changes. This comprehensive review delves into the burgeoning integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning into virological research and practice. As we elucidate, these computational tools have significantly enhanced diagnostic precision, therapeutic interventions, and epidemiological monitoring. Through in-depth analyses of notable case studies, we showcase how algorithms can optimize viral genome sequencing, accelerate drug discovery, and offer predictive insights into viral outbreaks. However, with these advancements come inherent challenges, particularly in data security, algorithmic biases, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges head-on, we discuss potential remedial measures and underscore the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration between virologists, data scientists, and ethicists. Conclusively, this review posits an outlook that anticipates a symbiotic relationship between AI-driven tools and virology, heralding a new era of proactive and personalized patient care.

Understanding HIV-associated neurocognitive and neurodegenerative disorders (neuroAIDS): enroute to achieve the 95-95-95 target and sustainable development goal for HIV/AIDS response.

The world's sustained commitment to the HIV/AIDS response and to reaching the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "ending AIDS" as a public health issue is indicated by the ambitious 95-95-95 targets for all relevant populations. Neurological conditions of AIDS (neuroAIDS) are the most significant and severe central nervous system complication associated with HIV infection in which viral antigens can enter in the brain by breaching the blood brain barrier and cause dementia, neuroinflammation and encephalopathy. The prevalence of neuroAIDS is 10-50% in people with advanced HIV disease, whereas 5-25% in people on ART. Currently, MRI, CT and other tools are used to diagnose the neuroAIDS/ HIV-associated dementia and antiretroviral therapy is widely used to treat the neuroAIDS. In spite of many advanced tools and pathogenesis of neuroAIDS, developing therapeutics remains a formidable challenge. Long acting cabotegravir type of therapeutics is an advanced stage of research which shows good results for the treatment of neuroAIDS. Therefore, here we are discussing the recent insights of the pathogenesis, possible therapeutics and current strategies and treatment to overcome the neuroAIDS.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Inflammation, Immunonutrition, and Pathogenesis of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has claimed millions of lives worldwide in the past two years. Fatalities among the elderly with underlying cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and diabetes have particularly been high. A bibliometrics analysis on author's keywords was carried out, and searched for possible links between various coronavirus studies over the past 50 years, and integrated them. We found keywords like immune system, immunity, nutrition, malnutrition, micronutrients, exercise, inflammation, and hyperinflammation were highly related to each other. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the human immune system is a multilevel super complex system, which employs multiple strategies to contain microorganism infections and restore homeostasis. It was also found that the behavior of the immune system is not able to be described by a single immunological theory. However, one main strategy is "self-destroy and rebuild", which consists of a series of inflammatory responses: 1) active self-destruction of damaged/dysfunctional somatic cells; 2) removal of debris and cells; 3) rebuilding tissues. Thus, invading microorganisms' clearance could be only a passive bystander response to this destroy-rebuild process. Microbial infections could be self-limiting and promoted as an indispensable essential nutrition for the vast number of genes existing in the microorganisms. The transient nutrition surge resulting from the degradation of the self-destroyed cell debris coupled with the existing nutrition state in the patient may play an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Finally, a few possible coping strategies to mitigate COVID-19, including vaccination, are discussed.

Tracking the COVID-19 vaccines: The global landscape.

ABBREVIATIONS: COVID-19: Coronavirus disease 2019; SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; VLPs: Virus like particles; WHO: World Health Organization; E: Envelope; M: Membrane; S: Spike; N: Nucleocapsid; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; LNP: lipid-nanoparticle; AZD1222: ChAdOx1 nCoV-19; BNT162b2: Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine; mRNA-1273: Moderna vaccine; Ad26.COV2.S: Johnson and Johnson - Janssen's vaccine; Gam-COVID-Vac: Sputnik Vaccine; NVX-CoV2373: Novavax vaccine with Matrix-M™ adjuvant.

Antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of natural compounds against Japanese encephalitis virus via inhibition of NS5 protein and regulation of key immune and inflammatory signaling pathways.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the foremost cause of viral encephalitis in Southeast Asia and Australia leading to approximately 68 000 clinical cases and about 13 600-20 400 deaths annually. Vaccination is not completely sure and safe. Despite this, no specific antiviral has been available or approved for JEV infection yet and treatment is generally symptomatic. Therefore, this study aims to examine the antiviral activity of natural compounds against JEV proteins. The antiviral activity of natural compounds was investigated via molecular docking, cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay, western blotting, and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Physiochemical, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity analysis were evaluated for the safety and efficacy of natural compounds. Network pharmacology-based approaches have been used to study the molecular mechanisms of drug-target interactions. Molecular docking results suggested that the NS5 protein of JEV is the major target for natural compounds. Network pharmacology-based analysis revealed that these drugs majorly target IL6, AKT1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and PTGS2 to regulate key immune and inflammatory pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B, PI3K-Akt, and TNF signaling, during JEV infection. Our in vitro results show that among the natural compounds, curcumin provides the highest protection against JEV infection via reducing the JEV-induced CPE (IC50 = 5.90 ± 0.44 µM/mL), and reduces the expression of NS5 protein, IL6, AKT1, TNF-α, and PTGS2. However, other natural compounds also provide protection to some extent but their efficacy is lower compared to curcumin. Therefore, this study shows that natural compounds, mainly curcumin, may offer novel therapeutic avenues for the treatment of JEV via inhibiting key viral proteins and regulating crucial host pathways involved in JEV replication.

Antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of novel belladonna formulation against Japanese encephalitis virus via inhibition of p65 nuclear translocation and TNF-α mediated NF-kB signaling.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus infection, a major cause of viral encephalitis in South-East Asia with a CFR of ~30% and no specific treatment. Therefore, a novel belladonna formulation (BCT) was prepared and its antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity was elucidated during Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. Anti-JEV role of BCT was investigated aiming to prevent the infection in the peripheral immune cells. Antiviral activity of BCT was evaluated by plaque reduction assay, cell survival and apoptosis assay. BCT-mediated reduction in JEV-envelope expression was measured by indirect immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western blot assays. NF-κB expression and p65 nuclear translocation assays were determined to explore the mechanism of the action of BCT. TNF-α level was measured to evaluate the anti-inflammatory role of BCT during JEV infection. Consequently, molecular docking was performed with the TRAF2-TRADD complex. Our data suggested that BCT treatment reduces the JEV-plaque formation, JEV-induced cytopathic effects and increases cell survival. The antiviral effect of BCT was confirmed by reduction in the JEV-envelope protein expression. Moreover, BCT treatment and prevents the NF-κB activation via preventing the nuclear translocation of p65 and reduces the TNF-α levels. Our molecular docking analysis suggested that belladonna alkaloids interfere with the TRAF2-TRADD complex that results in inhibition of TNF-induced NF-κB signaling. For the first time, our data suggested that BCT reduces JEV expression and interferes with TNF-induced NF-κB signaling, thereby increasing cell survival via preventing the p65 nuclear translocation and may be used for the treatment and prevention of JE.Abbreviation: CFR: Case fatality rate; CAM: Complementary and alternative medicines; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2; IκB: Inhibitor kappa B; JE: Japanese encephalitis; JEV: Japanese encephalitis virus; NF-κB: Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; ORF: Open reading frame; TNFR: Tumor necrosis factor receptor; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α; TRADD: TNFR1-associated death domain protein; TRAF2: TNF Receptor Associated Factor 2.

Re-emerging human monkeypox: A major public-health debacle.

A multicountry outbreak of the monkeypox virus has gained global attention. As of May 25, 250 confirmed human monkeypox cases have been reported globally. Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus and Poxviridae family. Monkeypox is often a self-limiting infection, with symptoms lasting 2-4 weeks with the case fatality ratio around 3%-6%. Monkeypox is transmitted to humans by direct contact with an infected person or animal or contact with virus-contaminated material. Human monkeypox infections may lead to various medical complications such as fever, rash, and lymphadenopathies. Pneumonitis, encephalitis, sight-threatening keratitis, and subsequent bacterial infections are all possible complications of monkeypox. An antiviral agent developed to treat smallpox has also been approved for use in the treatment of monkeypox in the United States. Vaccines used in the smallpox eradication program also provided immunity to monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed, one of which has been approved for monkeypox prevention. In this study, we provide information about the recent outbreaks of human monkeypox, epidemiology, transmission pattern, possible diagnosis techniques, therapeutics, and available preventive strategies.

Pre-clinical investigation of protective effect of nutraceutical D-glucosamine on TNBS-induced colitis.

OBJECTIVE: The level of precursors involved in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), glucosamine synthase, and N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), are significantly reduced in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This results in deficient GAG content in mucosa, which eventually disrupt the gut wall integrity, provoking abnormal immunological responses. This is characterized by colossal liberation of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (ILs), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) provoking colonic inflammation. D-glucosamine (D-GLU) is reported to suppress oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and acts as a starting material for biosynthesis of NAG. The potential of D-GLU and its combination with mesalamine (5-ASA) was investigated in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-instigated IBD in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard and test drugs were given orally for 5 d to separate groups of rats. Colonic inflammation was evaluated by disease activity score rate (DASR), colon/body weight ratio, colon length, diameter, colon pH, histological injury, and score. Inflammatory biomarkers IL-1ß, TNF-α, along with reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. RESULTS: Combination of D-GLU + 5-ASA significantly ameliorated severity of colonic inflammation by lowering DASR (p < 0.001) and colon/body weight ratio (p < 0.001), restored the colonic architecture and suppressed the histopathological score (p < 0.001), along with the absence of major adverse reactions. The combination suppressed the levels of inflammatory markers (p < 0.001) and MDA (p < 0.001) while enhancing GSH level (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In comparison to individual 5-ASA and D-GLU, combination of drugs significantly diminished colitis severity through their combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by acting on multiple targets simultaneously. The combination holds remarkable potential in the management of IBD.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Basil Essential Oil-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes in Chitosan Nanocomposite Film and Its Application in Food Packaging.

Increasing health concerns regarding the use of plasticware have led to the development of ecofriendly biodegradable packaging film from natural polymer and food additives. In the present study, basil essential oil (BEO) loaded halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composite films were synthesized using a solution casting method. The effects of BEO and nanotube concentration on the mechanical, physical, structural, barrier, and antioxidant properties of films were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) demonstrated well-dispersed HNTs and BEO in tailored composite films. The addition of BEO in Chitosan (Ch) film caused darkening of the film color; furthermore, the incorporation of HNTs in varied concentrations increased opaqueness in Ch/BEO film. The Ch/BEO film, upon adding HNTs 5-30 wt%, exhibited a corresponding increase in the film thickness (0.108-0.135 mm) when compared with the Ch/BEO film alone (0.081 mm). The BEO-loaded HNTs composite films displayed reduced moisture content and characteristic barrier and UV properties. The Ch/BEO film with 15 wt% HNTs was found to have enhanced antioxidant activity. The Ch/BEO/HNTs composite also managed to prevent broccoli florets from losing weight and firmness during storage. The enhanced barrier and antioxidant qualities of the nanocomposite film suggest its potential application in the food processing and packaging sector. This is the first ever report on the fabrication of nanocomposite film using BEO and HNTs for food packaging. The low production cost and ecofriendly approach make the film acceptable for further research and commercialization thereafter.

Tracing the origin of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2): A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

The aim of the study was to trace and understand the origin of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through various available literatures and accessible databases. Although the world enters the third year of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health and socioeconomic impacts continue to mount, the origin and mechanisms of spill-over of the SARS-CoV-2 into humans remain elusive. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was performed that showcased the integrated information obtained through manual searches, digital databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE) searches, and searches from legitimate publications (1966-2022), followed by meta-analysis. Our systematic analysis data proposed three postulated hypotheses concerning the origin of the SARS-CoV-2, which include zoonotic origin (Z), laboratory origin (L), and obscure origin (O). Despite the fact that the zoonotic origin for SARS-CoV-2 has not been conclusively identified to date, our data suggest a zoonotic origin, in contrast to some alternative concepts, including the probability of a laboratory incident or leak. Our data exhibit that zoonotic origin (Z) has higher evidence-based support as compared to laboratory origin (L). Importantly, based on all the studies included, we generated the forest plot with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk ratio estimates. Our meta-analysis further supports the zoonotic origin of SARS/SARS-CoV-2 in the included studies.

Transmission dynamics and mutational prevalence of the novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 Omicron Variant of Concern.

The novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, Omicron (PANGO lineage B.1.1.529) is being reported from all around the world. The WHO has categorized Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VOC) considering its higher transmissibility and infectivity, vaccine breakthrough cases. As of January 6, 2022, Omicron has been reported in at least 149 countries. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the transmission dynamics and mutational prevalence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The transmission dynamics and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 divergence was studied using GISAID and Nextstrain which provides information about the genetic sequences, epidemiological, geographical, and species-specific data of human, avian, and animal viruses. Further, the mutation prevalence in spike glycoprotein of Omicron was studied, and the frequency of the crucial mutations was compared with the other prevalent VOCs. The transmission dynamics suggest that the Omicron was first identified in South Africa and then it was reported in the United Kingdom followed by the United States and Australia. Further, our phylogenetic analysis suggests that Omicron (BA.1) was clustered distinctly from the other VOCs. In the Spike glycoprotein, the Omicron (B.1.1.529) demonstrates critical 32 amino acid changes. This study may help us to understand mutational hotspots, transmission dynamics, phylogenetic divergence, effect on testing and immunity, which shall promote the progress of the clinical application and basic research.

Raman Spectroscopy as a Simple yet Effective Analytical Tool for Determining Fermi Energy and Temperature Dependent Fermi Shift in Silicon.

The Fermi energy is known to be dependent on doping and temperature, but finding its value and corresponding thermal Fermi shift experimentally is not only difficult but is virtually impossible if one attempts their simultaneous determination. We report that temperature dependent Raman spectromicroscopy solves the purpose easily and proves to be a powerful technique to determine the position and temperature associated Fermi shift in an extrinsic semiconductor as demonstrated for silicon in the present study. The typical asymmetrically broadened Raman spectral line-shape from sufficiently doped n- and p-type silicon contains the information about the Fermi level position through its known association with the Fano coupling strength. Thus, Raman line-shape parameters, the terms quantify the Fano-coupling, have been used as experimental observables to reveal the value of the Fermi energy and consequent thermal Fermi shift. A simple formula has been developed based on existing established theoretical frameworks that can be used to calculate the position of the Fermi level. The proposed Raman spectroscopy-based formulation applies well for n- and p-type silicon. The calculated Fermi level position and its temperature dependent variation are consistent with the existing reports.

Antiviral activity of traditional medicinal plants from Ayurveda against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of COVID-19 and responsible for more than 6 million cases globally, for which no vaccine or antiviral is available. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the antiviral role of the active constituents against spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 as well as its host ACE2 receptor. Structure-based drug design approach has been used to elucidate the antiviral activity of active constituents present in traditional medicinal plants from Ayurveda. Further, parameters like drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity were determined to ensure the safety and efficacy of active constituents. Gene network analysis was performed to investigate the pathways altered during COVID-19. The prediction of drug-target interactions was performed to discover novel targets for active constituents. The results suggested that amarogentin, eufoliatorin, α-amyrin, caesalpinins, kutkin, ß-sitosterol, and belladonnine are the top-ranked molecules have the highest affinity towards both the spike glycoprotein and ACE2. Most active constituents have passed the criteria of drug-likeness and demonstrated good pharmacokinetic profile with minimum predicted toxicity level. Gene network analysis confirmed that G-protein coupled receptor, protein kinase B signaling, protein secretion, peptidyl-serine phosphorylation, nuclear transport, apoptotic pathway, tumor necrosis factor, regulation of angiotensin level, positive regulation of ion transport, and membrane protein proteolysis were altered during COVID-19. The target prediction analysis revealed that most active constituents target the same pathways which are found to be altered during COVID-19. Collectively, our data encourages the use of active constituents as a potential therapy for COVID-19. However, further studies are ongoing to confirm its efficacy against disease. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Characterization of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern and its global perspective.

As the latest identified novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant of concern (VOC), the influence of Omicron on our globe grows promptly. Compared with the last VOC (Delta variant), more mutations were identified, which may address the characteristics of Omicron. Considering these crucial mutations and their implications including an increase in transmissibility, COVID-19 severity, and reduction of efficacy of currently available diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, Omicron has been classified as one of the VOC. Notably, 15 of these mutations reside in the receptor-binding domain of spike glycoprotein, which may alter transmissibility, infectivity, neutralizing antibody escape, and vaccine breakthrough cases of COVID-19. Therefore, our present study characterizes the mutational hotspots of the Omicron variant in comparison with the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, detailed information was analyzed to characterize the global perspective of Omicron, including transmission dynamic, effect on testing, and immunity, which shall promote the progress of the clinical application and basic research. Collectively, our data suggest that due to continuous variation in the spike glycoprotein sequences, the use of coronavirus-specific attachment inhibitors may not be the current choice of therapy for emerging SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Hence, we need to proceed with a sense of urgency in this matter.

Altered pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory plasma cytokines levels in children with Down's syndrome: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the commonest chromosomal anomalies at birth. DS is portrayed by the event of extra complete/deficient duplicate of chromosome number 21 (trisomy 21). Around the world, this disordered influencing roughly 1 out of 1000 infants. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines engaged with a few physiological procedures involving the guideline of inflammatory reactions. In DS kids, the creation of few important inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is altered. Different investigations shows that the cytokines are dysregulated in patients with DS. In this study, we led a meta-analysis to evaluate the connections of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine changes in youngsters with DS patients. METHODOLOGY: We searched PubMed, Google and Web of Science for studies in exploring the association of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory serum level with DS patients. Total 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The random effects were used to analyze the pooled data. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: High circulating level of serum MCP-1 was significantly associated with DS [Cohen's d = 143.91 95% confidence interval (CI) =110.38-177.43]. However, the other circulating cytokines IL-2 and IL-17 level were lower whereas IL-13 level was higher but not significantly different in DS as contrasted to healthy controls. The heterogeneity level was higher in IL-2, IL-13 and IL-17 cytokines. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that the higher circulating level of MCP-1 was associated with DS.