Review
Virology
Yajuan Ren, Guizuo Wang, Dong Han
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of statins in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria, but there was no significant difference in mortality, length of hospital stay, ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation between the statin group and the control group. Statins may not be effective in reducing adverse outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lalita Subedi, Stephanie Tchen, Bhakta Prasad Gaire, Bingren Hu, Kurt Hu
Summary: The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, has become a global pandemic, affecting people of all ages. Nutraceuticals and phytochemicals, such as vitamins C, D, E, zinc, melatonin, and other functional foods, may have potential therapeutic efficacies in fighting the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Narjes Riahi Kashani, Javid Azadbakht, Hassan Ehteram, Hamed Haddad Kashani, Hassan Rajabi-Moghadam, Ejaz Ahmad, Hossein Nikzad, Elahe Seyed Hosseini
Summary: This review provides up-to-date knowledge on the origin and evolution, structure, genetic diversity, route of transmission, pathogenesis, new diagnostic, and treatment strategies of SARS-CoV-2 (Alpha to Omicron), as well as the psychological and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and their lives worldwide.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongmin Tang, Xingcai Zhang, Yiqing Shu, Ming Guo, Han Zhang, Wei Tao
Summary: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nanotechnology plays a significant role in antiviral research, particularly in drug and vaccine delivery, interference in the virus life cycle, and pneumonia treatment.
Review
Cell Biology
Hao Ying, Mohsen Ebrahimi, Mona Keivan, Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam, Sarvenaz Salahi, Maryam Farzaneh
Summary: COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus, can lead to respiratory symptoms and other complications in infected individuals. Current treatment options such as oxygen therapy and antiviral therapy may not be the most effective. miRNA-based therapies show promise in inhibiting virus replication and improving patient outcomes in the treatment of COVID-19.
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Virology
Jennie H. Best, Amanda M. Kong, Emma Kaplan-Lewis, Otis W. Brawley, Rachel Baden, James L. Zazzali, Karen S. Miller, James Loveless, Krutika Jariwala-Parikh, Shalini V. Mohan
Summary: This study describes the baseline characteristics and treatment patterns of US patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and pulmonary involvement. Differences were seen in medication use between different races, geographic regions, and months of hospitalization.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nicolas Ripari, Arthur Alves Sartori, Mariana da Silva Honorio, Fernanda Lopes Conte, Karen Ingrid Tasca, Karina Basso Santiago, Jose Mauricio Sforcin
Summary: Propolis is a safe bee-made product with antiviral and immunomodulatory activity. Clinical trials are needed to investigate its effects on individuals with viral diseases, either alone or in combination with antiviral drugs or vaccines. Specific research on the effects of propolis on COVID-19, either in vitro or in infected individuals, should also be conducted to explore its potential as a treatment option.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Virology
Teresa Ng, Ivan Correia, Jane Seagal, David A. DeGoey, Michael R. Schrimpf, David J. Hardee, Elizabeth L. Noey, Warren M. Kati
Summary: The COVID-19 vaccines have been successful in protecting against infection and reducing disease severity, but they face challenges such as waning immunity and reduced effectiveness against variants. Therefore, the discovery of antiviral drugs is crucial in addressing this pandemic.
Article
Immunology
Alok Sharma, Mili Shah, Satya Lakshmi, Hemangi Sane, Jignasha Captain, Nandini Gokulchandran, Pallavi Khubchandani, M. K. Pradeep, Prakash Gote, Balaji Tuppekar, Pooja Kulkarni, Amruta Paranjape, Radhika Pradhan, Ritu Varghese, Sushil Kasekar, Vivek Nair, Ummeammara Khanbande
Summary: Intravenous ozonised saline treatment showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms, oxygenation, radiological findings, and biomarkers in COVID-19 patients within a short period, with none progressing to severe stage. This suggests that it is a safe and effective novel therapeutic tool for preventing disease progression.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Majambu Mbikay, Michel Chretien
Summary: Isoquercetin and quercetin are secondary metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, and anticoagulant activities. Isoquercetin is more easily absorbed in vivo, providing favorable pharmacokinetics compared to quercetin. They exhibit broad-spectrum antiviral activities and may be useful in preventing or treating Covid-19.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Bhoomika Patel, Supriya Sharma, Nisha Nair, Jaseela Majeed, Ramesh K. Goyal, Mahaveer Dhobi
Summary: The global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has posed a significant challenge to mankind, with no effective remedy currently available. Traditional plant-based ethno-medicines may offer a promising alternative therapy for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sibei Lei, Xiaohua Chen, Jieping Wu, Xingmei Duan, Ke Men
Summary: This review discusses the current progress in the development of small molecules for the treatment of COVID-19. Various strategies, including computer-aided compound design, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy, have been employed. Some small molecules, such as remdesivir and paxlovid, have shown efficacy against COVID-19 and have been authorized for emergency use in multiple countries. However, novel strategies are still needed due to the epidemiological characteristics and variability of SARS-CoV-2.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yongliang Yuan, Baihai Jiao, Lili Qu, Duomeng Yang, Ruijuan Liu
Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is the greatest global public health threat of this century. Recent studies have revealed many mysteries of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, greatly enhancing the research on COVID-19 vaccines and therapies. However, significant questions remain regarding its treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Amer Harky, Vaibhav Mishra, Daniyal Matin Ansari, Naomi Melamed
Summary: Different approaches, such as open collaboration and closed market-driven methods, can be used for drug discovery against the COVID-19 virus. In the rapidly evolving nature of this virus, organizations should collaborate with each other to ensure timely approval of satisfactory treatment.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Hsin-Kuo Ko, Wen-Kuang Yu, Sheng-Wei Pan, Wei-Chih Chen, Kuang-Yao Yang, Yi-Tsung Lin, Fu-Der Wang, Muh-Hwa Yang, Yuh-Min Chen
Summary: This article discusses the treatment of COVID-19, including antiviral and non-antiviral drugs, and critical care. By systematically reviewing peer-reviewed literature, recommendations for COVID-19 treatment are proposed, and the effects of treatment on mortality and clinical improvement are summarized.
JOURNAL OF THE CHINESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yi Zhang, Jun Heng Chong, Amer Harky
Summary: This study is the first systematic review on the efficacy of ERAS in cardiac surgery, showing significant improvements in hospital stay, ICU stay, and postoperative opioid consumption. However, the evidence is limited by the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials.
Review
Pediatrics
Ahmad Salha, Tasnim Chowdhury, Saloni Singh, Jessica Luyt, Amer Harky
Summary: This article evaluates and summarizes the complications of ECMO postcardiotomy in the pediatric population, including renal, cardiovascular, hematological, infection, neurological, and hepatic complications. The incidence, risk factors, potential predictors, and scoring systems for the development of these complications have been explored.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Anusha Yoganathan, Teresa Sandinha, Mohith Shamdas, Asterios Diafas, David Steel
Summary: This review systematically examines the use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in Vitreoretinal surgery and recommends a preferred PROM-tool for clinical practice. The adoption of PROMs in Vitreoretinal surgery is lagging behind other ophthalmic subspecialties. The review considers the precision and responsiveness of generic-health PROMs and vision-related PROMs following vitreoretinal surgery and also emphasizes the importance of standardizing clinical outcomes in vitreoretinal clinical trials.
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kofi Cox, Ritika Dilip Sundaram, Mara Popescu, Kiran Pillai, Muhammed Kermali, Amer Harky
Summary: This review provides an overview of infection and inflammation of the thoracic aorta, discussing its causes, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation. Diagnostic methods such as MRI and multi-slice CT imaging are important for determining disease extent and planning surgical intervention. However, due to the rarity of the condition, there is a lack of large-scale comparative research on management options. Early diagnosis, advances in surgical options, and specific microbial therapy have improved post-treatment outcomes significantly.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Sundas Butt, Meera Shankar, Bothayna Amien, Oleg Fedevici, Amer Harky
ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Bejoy Philip, Anchal Jain, Milosz Wojtowicz, Inayat Khan, Calum Voller, Roshni S. K. Patel, Darbi Elmahdi, Amer Harky
Summary: This narrative review compares the advantages and drawbacks of various imaging and investigation modalities in diagnosing and staging lung cancer. It discusses the use of plain film radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and newer techniques such as image-guided bronchoscopy (IGB) and robotic bronchoscopy (RB). The review finds that while a chest X-ray has high positive predictive value, its role in national screening programmes is questionable. CT is effective in lowering mortality for high-risk patients, and PET-CT is recommended for diagnosing malignant nodules and assessing small cell lung cancer spread. MRI is only recommended for isolated distant metastases, and ultrasound can be useful in assessing lymph node involvement. Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) is often used for tissue sampling, but its diagnostic value varies. RB offers an alternative way to biopsy lesions, but further research is needed. Thoracic surgical biopsies, particularly minimally invasive techniques, have been increasingly used for diagnosis and staging.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Surgery
Bejoy Philip, Anchal Jain, Pranav Ramesh, Naomi Melamed, Mashal Qureshi, Iqra Ahmed, Amer Harky
Summary: This narrative review compared current guidelines on follow-up for lung cancer patients and evaluated the optimal imaging modality. The study found that there are differences in the frequency and breadth of investigations in current guidelines. CT is considered the most commonly used imaging modality for surveillance, but its high dose radiation poses risks to patients. There is scope for further research to explore these factors.
VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Fausto Biancari, Angelo M. Dell'Aquila, Giuseppe Gatti, Andrea Perrotti, Amelie Herve, Joseph Touma, Matteo Pettinari, Sven Peterss, Joscha Buech, Konrad Wisniewski, Tatu Juvonen, Mikko Jormalainen, Caius Mustonen, Andreas Rukosujew, Till Demal, Lenard Conradi, Marek Pol, Petr Kacer, Francesco Onorati, Cecilia Rossetti, Igor Vendramin, Daniela Piani, Mauro Rinaldi, Luisa Ferrante, Eduard Quintana, Robert Pruna-Guillen, Javier Rodriguez Lega, Angel G. Pinto, Metesh Acharya, Zein El-Dean, Mark Field, Amer Harky, Manoj Kuduvalli, Francesco Nappi, Sebastien Gerelli, Dario Di Perna, Enzo Mazzaro, Stefano Rosato, Antonio Fiore, Giovanni Mariscalco
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of individual institutions on the outcome of surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection. The results showed that certain hospitals had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality, while others had a lower risk. Hospitals with lower in-hospital mortality rates also had a decreased rate of stroke and/or global brain ischemia. The study concluded that hospital volume may be a determinant of poor outcome in surgery for aortic dissection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jeffrey Shi Kai Chan, Francesco Perone, Yasmin Bayatpoor, Gary Tse, Amer Harky
Summary: SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in patients with both heart failure and chronic kidney disease, and should be initiated early to slow declines in renal function. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing for initiating these agents, improve cost-effectiveness, and ensure equity of access. Prognostic implications of changes in biomarker levels and the potential of SGLT1 inhibition should also be explored.
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Bleri Celmeta, Amer Harky, Antonio Miceli
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Bejoy Philip, Prerona Mukherjee, Yuti Khare, Pranav Ramesh, Sara Zaidi, Haytham Sabry, Amer Harky
Summary: COVID-19 can have potentially serious cardiovascular sequelae, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan failure, and myocardial damage. Existing heart disease, medication usage, and age are risk factors for exacerbating cardiovascular complications. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of the virus and our ability to anticipate heart-related symptoms.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mohammed Al-Tawil, Sundas Butt, Sophie Reap, Bea Duric, Tinotenda Harahwa, Ashwini Chandiramani, Mohamed Zeinah, Amer Harky
Summary: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is a useful alternative for high-risk patients with failed mitral prosthesis or annuloplasty rings. This study compared the clinical outcomes of transseptal and transapical approaches in transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring implantation. The transseptal approach was associated with lower mortality, shorter hospital stays, and a trend towards lower complication rates.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Amer Harky, Avesta Ala'Aldeen, Sundas Butt, Bea Duric, Sakshi Roy, Mohamed Zeinah
Summary: In late December 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in Wuhan, China, causing a cluster of pneumonia cases. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed in 2020, it became clear that the virus had the potential to affect multiple organ systems. Through extensive research on over 750 million cases worldwide, it has been found that COVID-19 is a complex disease with various theories on its pathophysiology and impact on the body, including direct viral infection, coagulation dysfunction, cytokine storm, and complement system activation. This paper focuses on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, and vascular systems, as well as the changes in clinical management. Clearer guidelines are needed for the pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and psychological management of COVID-19 patients to improve survival rates and long-term outcomes.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Surgery
Michael Shackcloth, Amer Harky
VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abdul Badran, Youssef Elghazouli, Manasi Mahesh Shirke, Mohammed Al-Tawil, Amer Harky, Sunil K. Ohri
Summary: This study aimed to summarize the preoperative data and operative outcomes of 234 patients who underwent TAA repair at University Hospital Southampton. The study found a 30-day mortality rate of 5.13%, which was associated with female gender, aortic root surgery, and prosthetic valves. Additionally, several factors associated with complications and morbidity should be considered when discussing the risks of intervention.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
