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  1. Article ; Online: The Performance of Diagnostic Tests for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the South African Population: A Scoping Review.

    Samsunder, Natasha / Devnarain, Nikita / Sivro, Aida / Kharsany, Ayesha B M

    Tropical medicine and infectious disease

    2023  Volume 8, Issue 12

    Abstract: To determine the performance and reliability of diagnostic tests for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection in South Africa, we conducted a scoping review to identify published studies undertaken in the English language from March 2020 to August 2022 ...

    Abstract To determine the performance and reliability of diagnostic tests for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection in South Africa, we conducted a scoping review to identify published studies undertaken in the English language from March 2020 to August 2022 that evaluated the performance of antigen- and antibody-based diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa. We identified 17 relevant peer-reviewed articles; six reported on SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen detection whilst 11 reported on antibody detection. Of the SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen-based tests, sensitivity ranged from 40% to 100%, whilst for the antibody-based tests, sensitivity ranged from 13% to 100%. All tests evaluated were highly dependent on the stage of infection and the timing of sample collection. This scoping review demonstrated that no single SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen- or antibody-based assay was sufficiently sensitive and specific simultaneously. The sensitivity of the tests was highly dependent on the timing of sample collection with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen detection, the earlier the collection of samples, the greater the sensitivity, while antibody detection tests showed better sensitivity using samples from later stages of infection.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-12-01
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ISSN 2414-6366
    ISSN (online) 2414-6366
    DOI 10.3390/tropicalmed8120514
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Time to Stop Using Ineffective Covid-19 Drugs.

    Abdool Karim, Salim S / Devnarain, Nikita

    The New England journal of medicine

    2022  Volume 387, Issue 7, Page(s) 654–655

    MeSH term(s) COVID-19/drug therapy ; Humans ; Treatment Failure
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-09-05
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Editorial ; Comment
    ZDB-ID 207154-x
    ISSN 1533-4406 ; 0028-4793
    ISSN (online) 1533-4406
    ISSN 0028-4793
    DOI 10.1056/NEJMe2209017
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article ; Online: Exploring the applications of hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections.

    Mohammed, Mahir / Devnarain, Nikita / Elhassan, Eman / Govender, Thirumala

    Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology

    2022  Volume 14, Issue 4, Page(s) e1799

    Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a topic of significant interest in drug delivery research due to its excellent properties, including biosafety, biodegradability, and nonimmunogenicity. Moreover, due to its ease of modification, HA can be used to prepare ... ...

    Abstract Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a topic of significant interest in drug delivery research due to its excellent properties, including biosafety, biodegradability, and nonimmunogenicity. Moreover, due to its ease of modification, HA can be used to prepare several HA-based nanosystems using various approaches. These approaches involve conjugating/grafting of hydrophobic moieties, polyelectrolytes complexation with cationic polymers, or surface modification of various nanoparticles using HA. These nanoparticles are able to selectively deliver antibacterial drugs or diagnostic molecules into the site of infections. In addition, HA can bind with overexpressed cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) receptors in macrophages and also can be degraded by a family of enzymes called hyaluronidase (HAase) to release drugs or molecules. By binding with these receptors or being degraded at the infection site by HAase, HA-based nanoparticles allow enhanced and targeted antibacterial delivery. Herein, we present a comprehensive and up-to-date review that highlights various techniques of preparation of HA-based nanoparticles that have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, we also discuss and critically analyze numerous types of HA-based nanoparticles that have been employed in antibacterial delivery to date. This article offers a critical overview of the potential of HA-based nanoparticles to overcome the challenges of conventional antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. Moreover, this review identifies further avenues of research for developing multifunctional and biomimetic HA-based nanoparticles for the treatment, prevention, and/or detection of pathogenic bacteria. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
    MeSH term(s) Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Bacterial Infections/diagnosis ; Bacterial Infections/drug therapy ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry ; Nanomedicine ; Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Nanoparticles/therapeutic use
    Chemical Substances Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Hyaluronic Acid (9004-61-9)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-04-29
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Review ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2502698-7
    ISSN 1939-0041 ; 1939-5116
    ISSN (online) 1939-0041
    ISSN 1939-5116
    DOI 10.1002/wnan.1799
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: Potential Role of Polyphenolic Flavonoids as Senotherapeutic Agents in Degenerative Diseases and Geroprotection.

    Mbara, Kingsley C / Devnarain, Nikita / Owira, Peter M O

    Pharmaceutical medicine

    2022  Volume 36, Issue 6, Page(s) 331–352

    Abstract: Cellular senescence, a hallmark of ageing, contributes to tissue or organ dysfunction and the pathophysiology of diverse age-related diseases (ARD) by various mechanisms. Targeting it by selective elimination of senescent cells (SCs) or blocking ... ...

    Abstract Cellular senescence, a hallmark of ageing, contributes to tissue or organ dysfunction and the pathophysiology of diverse age-related diseases (ARD) by various mechanisms. Targeting it by selective elimination of senescent cells (SCs) or blocking senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP) with natural or synthetic compounds has been suggested to improve lifespan. Dietary phytochemicals possess a broad spectrum of biochemical and pharmacological effects that are beneficial to human health. Flavonoids, which are widely consumed in fruits and vegetables worldwide, are emerging as potential therapeutic agents to mitigate senescence. Naringenin, hesperetin, hesperidin, quercetin, fisetin, kaempferol, rutin, apigenin, luteolin, nobiletin, tangeretin, genistein, wogonin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF2A), and procyanidin C1 possess potent antisenescence effects. A single biochemical process may not explain their pleiotropic pharmacological impact. Flavonoids directly modulate underlying cellular senescence processes or interact with molecular targets that regulate ageing-related pathways. This review discusses the potential use of flavonoids to mitigate senescence and consequently delay the onset of ageing-related diseases. We also highlight the underlying mechanisms of action of flavonoids as potential senotherapeutics and reflect on future perspectives and possible strategies to optimize and increase the translatability from bench to bedside in senotherapy.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Senotherapeutics ; Flavonoids/pharmacology ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use ; Flavonoids/chemistry ; Quercetin/chemistry ; Quercetin/pharmacology ; Cellular Senescence
    Chemical Substances Senotherapeutics ; Flavonoids ; Quercetin (9IKM0I5T1E) ; theaflavine gallate (31629-79-5)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-09-13
    Publishing country New Zealand
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2415165-8
    ISSN 1179-1993 ; 1178-2595
    ISSN (online) 1179-1993
    ISSN 1178-2595
    DOI 10.1007/s40290-022-00444-w
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article ; Online: Synergism Potentiates Oxidative Antiproliferative Effects of Naringenin and Quercetin in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

    Rhman, Mahasin Abdel / Devnarain, Nikita / Khan, Rene / Owira, Peter M O

    Nutrients

    2022  Volume 14, Issue 16

    Abstract: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also ...

    Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also known that the bioactive effects of these flavonoids are more pronounced in whole fruit than in isolation. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of Que and Nar (CoQN) in MCF-7 BC cells. MCF-7 cells were treated with a range of concentrations of Que, Nar or CoQN to determine cell viability. The IC
    MeSH term(s) Apoptosis ; Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy ; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism ; Caspase 3/genetics ; Caspase 3/metabolism ; Female ; Flavanones ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; Oxidative Stress ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism ; Quercetin/pharmacology ; Quercetin/therapeutic use
    Chemical Substances Flavanones ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; Quercetin (9IKM0I5T1E) ; Caspase 3 (EC 3.4.22.-) ; naringenin (HN5425SBF2)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-08-21
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2518386-2
    ISSN 2072-6643 ; 2072-6643
    ISSN (online) 2072-6643
    ISSN 2072-6643
    DOI 10.3390/nu14163437
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: Biomimetic strategies for enhancing synthesis and delivery of antibacterial nanosystems.

    Ibrahim, Usri H / Devnarain, Nikita / Govender, Thirumala

    International journal of pharmaceutics

    2021  Volume 596, Page(s) 120276

    Abstract: The identification of bacterial infections as a significant human-life threatening challenge is driving several research efforts toward generating new strategies to treat bacterial infections and associated resistance issues. Biomimicry is an emerging ... ...

    Abstract The identification of bacterial infections as a significant human-life threatening challenge is driving several research efforts toward generating new strategies to treat bacterial infections and associated resistance issues. Biomimicry is an emerging field demonstrating great potential for application in the war against bacterial infection and their associated diseases. Recently, nanotechnology combined with biomimetic concepts has been identified as an innovative strategy to combat bacterial infections. Herein, we present an up-to-date review of biomimetic antibacterial nanosystems, with a focus on the different biomimetic approaches involved in the synthesis and delivery of antibacterial nanosystems. Biomimetic synthesis and nanosystems involved in mimicking cellular structures, extracellular matrix structures and biological surfaces are critically reviewed. Their advantages achieved in biocompatibility, biodegradability, improvement of pharmacokinetics parameters and antibacterial efficiency are highlighted. Current challenges and recommendations for amplifying the potential of these systems are also identified. This review illustrates the significant impact and potential of biomimetic antibacterial nanosystems in the field of bacterial infection treatment.
    MeSH term(s) Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Bacterial Infections ; Biomimetics ; Humans ; Nanotechnology
    Chemical Substances Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Anti-Infective Agents
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-01-21
    Publishing country Netherlands
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 428962-6
    ISSN 1873-3476 ; 0378-5173
    ISSN (online) 1873-3476
    ISSN 0378-5173
    DOI 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120276
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article ; Online: Stimuli-responsive and biomimetic delivery systems for sepsis and related complications.

    Ismail, Eman A / Devnarain, Nikita / Govender, Thirumala / Omolo, Calvin A

    Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society

    2022  Volume 352, Page(s) 1048–1070

    Abstract: Sepsis, a consequence of an imbalanced immune response to infection, is currently one of the leading causes of death globally. Despite advances in the discoveries of potential targets and nanotechnology, sepsis still lacks effective drug delivery systems ...

    Abstract Sepsis, a consequence of an imbalanced immune response to infection, is currently one of the leading causes of death globally. Despite advances in the discoveries of potential targets and nanotechnology, sepsis still lacks effective drug delivery systems for optimal treatment. Stimuli-responsive and biomimetic nano delivery systems, specifically, are emerging as advanced bio-inspired nanocarriers for enhancing the treatment of sepsis. Herein, we present a critical review of different stimuli-responsive systems, including pH-; enzyme-; ROS- and toxin-responsive nanocarriers, reported in the delivery of therapeutics for sepsis. Biomimetic nanocarriers, utilizing natural pathways in the inflammatory cascade to optimize sepsis therapy, are also reviewed, in addition to smart, multifunctional vehicles. The review highlights the nanomaterials designed for constructing these systems; their physicochemical properties; the mechanisms of drug release; and their potential for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of their cargo. Current challenges are identified and future avenues for research into the optimization of bio-inspired nano delivery systems for sepsis are also proposed. This review confirms the potential of stimuli-responsive and biomimetic nanocarriers for enhanced therapy against sepsis and related complications.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Biomimetics ; Drug Liberation ; Nanotechnology ; Sepsis/drug therapy ; Drug Carriers/chemistry ; Nanoparticles/chemistry
    Chemical Substances Drug Carriers
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-11-17
    Publishing country Netherlands
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 632533-6
    ISSN 1873-4995 ; 0168-3659
    ISSN (online) 1873-4995
    ISSN 0168-3659
    DOI 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.11.013
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  8. Article: Synergism Potentiates Oxidative Antiproliferative Effects of Naringenin and Quercetin in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

    Rhman, Mahasin Abdel / Devnarain, Nikita / Khan, Rene / Owira, Peter M. O.

    Nutrients. 2022 Aug. 21, v. 14, no. 16

    2022  

    Abstract: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also ...

    Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also known that the bioactive effects of these flavonoids are more pronounced in whole fruit than in isolation. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of Que and Nar (CoQN) in MCF-7 BC cells. MCF-7 cells were treated with a range of concentrations of Que, Nar or CoQN to determine cell viability. The IC₅₀ of CoQN was then used to investigate caspase 3/7 activity, Bcl-2 gene expression, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential to evaluate oxidative stress and apoptosis. CoQN treatment produced significant cytotoxicity, reduced Bcl-2 gene expression and increased caspase 3/7 activity compared to either Nar or Que. Furthermore, CoQN significantly increased lipid peroxidation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to either Nar or Que. Therefore, CoQN treatment has potential pharmacological application in BC chemotherapy by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in MCF-7 BC cells. The results of this study support the increased consumption of whole fruits and vegetables to reduce cell proliferation in cancer.
    Keywords Citrus ; apoptosis ; breast neoplasms ; caspases ; cell proliferation ; cell viability ; cytotoxicity ; drug therapy ; fruits ; gene expression ; lipid peroxidation ; membrane potential ; mitochondrial membrane ; naringenin ; oxidative stress ; quercetin ; synergism
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2022-0821
    Publishing place Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 2518386-2
    ISSN 2072-6643
    ISSN 2072-6643
    DOI 10.3390/nu14163437
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  9. Article ; Online: A panoptic uncovering of the dynamical evolution of the Zika Virus NS5 methyltransferase binding site loops-zeroing in on the molecular landscape.

    Devnarain, Nikita / Soliman, Mahmoud E S

    Chemical biology & drug design

    2018  Volume 92, Issue 5, Page(s) 1838–1850

    Abstract: The global threat of the Zika virus to humanity is real. Innovative and potent anti-Zika virus drugs are still at large, due to the lack of anti-Zika virus drugs that have passed phase 1 trials. Experimental research has revealed novel inhibitors of Zika ...

    Abstract The global threat of the Zika virus to humanity is real. Innovative and potent anti-Zika virus drugs are still at large, due to the lack of anti-Zika virus drugs that have passed phase 1 trials. Experimental research has revealed novel inhibitors of Zika virus NS5 methyltransferase enzyme. This study has taken a step further to provide insight into the molecular dynamics of Zika virus and inhibitor binding, which have not been established experimentally. Movements of the methyltransferase binding site loops have a large role to play in the methylation of the viral mRNA cap, which is essential for Zika virus replication. Here, we pinpoint the binding interactions between each potential inhibitor and the methyltransferase, residues that are responsible for binding, as well as which inhibitor-bound complex renders the methyltransferase more stable. We also highlight the conformational changes that occur within the methyltransferase to accommodate binding of inhibitors and consequences of those changes upon the RNA- and cap-binding sites in the methyltransferase. This research will improve the understanding of the Zika virus NS5 methyltransferase enzyme, and will be beneficial in driving the development of anti-Zika virus drugs.
    MeSH term(s) Adenosine/analogs & derivatives ; Adenosine/chemistry ; Adenosine/metabolism ; Binding Sites ; Databases, Protein ; Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry ; Enzyme Inhibitors/metabolism ; Hydrogen Bonding ; Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors ; Methyltransferases/metabolism ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Protein Structure, Tertiary ; Thermodynamics ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism ; Zika Virus/enzymology
    Chemical Substances Enzyme Inhibitors ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; Methyltransferases (EC 2.1.1.-) ; Adenosine (K72T3FS567) ; sinefungin (W2U467CIIL)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2018-07-13
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2216600-2
    ISSN 1747-0285 ; 1747-0277
    ISSN (online) 1747-0285
    ISSN 1747-0277
    DOI 10.1111/cbdd.13353
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article ; Online: Engineering hybrid nanosystems for efficient and targeted delivery against bacterial infections.

    Elhassan, Eman / Devnarain, Nikita / Mohammed, Mahir / Govender, Thirumala / Omolo, Calvin A

    Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society

    2022  Volume 351, Page(s) 598–622

    Abstract: Hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as superior alternatives to conventional nanocarriers for enhancing the delivery of antibiotics and improving their targeting at the infection site, resulting in the eradication of bacterial infections and ... ...

    Abstract Hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as superior alternatives to conventional nanocarriers for enhancing the delivery of antibiotics and improving their targeting at the infection site, resulting in the eradication of bacterial infections and overcoming antimicrobial resistance. They can specifically control the release of antibiotics when reaching the targeted site of infection, thus enhancing and prolonging their antimicrobial efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and an up-to-date overview of the recent advances and contributions of lipid-polymer hybrid NPs; organic-inorganic hybrid NPs; metal-organic frameworks; cell membrane-coated hybrid NPs; hybrid NP-hydrogels; and various others, that have been reported in the literature for antibacterial delivery, with emphasis on their design approaches; the nanomaterials constructed; the mechanisms of drug release; and the enhanced antibacterial efficacy of the reported hybrid nanocarriers. This review also highlights future strategies that can be used to improve the potential of hybrid nanosystems to treat bacterial infections and overcome antibiotic resistance.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Bacterial Infections/drug therapy ; Nanoparticles ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Drug Liberation ; Polymers/therapeutic use ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods
    Chemical Substances Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Polymers ; Anti-Infective Agents
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-10-06
    Publishing country Netherlands
    Document type Journal Article ; Review ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 632533-6
    ISSN 1873-4995 ; 0168-3659
    ISSN (online) 1873-4995
    ISSN 0168-3659
    DOI 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.052
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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