Follow

• 

  Nanomedicine as a promising therapeutic approach for COVID-19

  Noura H , Abd Ellah; Sheryhan F Gad; Khalid Muhammad; Gaber E Batiha; and Helal F Hetta

  The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) puts the world in an unprecedented crisis, leaving behind huge human losses and deep socioeconomic damages. Due to the lack of specific treatment against SARS-CoV-2, effective vaccines and antiviral agents are urgently needed to properly restrain the COVID-19 pandemic. Repositioned drugs such as remdesivir have revealed a promising clinical efficacy against COVID-19. Interestingly, nanomedicine as a promising therapeutic approach could effectively help win the battle between coronaviruses (CoVs) and host cells. This review discusses the potential therapeutic approaches, in addition to the contribution of nanomedicine against CoVs in the fields of vaccination, diagnosis and therapy.

• 

  Impact of COVID19 on Mental Health and Quality of life in the MENA Region A cross Sectional Study

  Ayesha Salm Obaid al Dhaheri and Leila Cheikh Ismail

  A research team from the United Arab Emirates University led by Prof. Ayesha Salm Obaid al Dhaheri and Doctor Leila Cheikh Ismail from the University of Sharjah. At the MENA region to examine the COVID19 pandemic on mental health and Quality of life.

• 

  Challenges for Cancer Patients Returning Home Dur ing COVID-19 Pandemic after Medical Tourism - A Consensus Report

  Humaid O. Al-Shamsl and Ibrahim Abu-Ghelda

  The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global health crisis. Numerous cancer patients from non-Western Countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seek cancer care outside their home countries and many are sponsored by their governments for treatment. Many patients interrupted their cancer treatment abruptly and returned to their home countries with unique challenges. Prepared by the Emirates Oncology Task Force and the Research Team:

• 

  Investigating Virological, Immunological, and Pathological Avenues to Identify Potential Targets for Developing COVID-19 Treatment and Prevention Strategies

  Zafar Mahmood, Hani Alrefai Alrefai, Helal F. Hetta, and Hidaya A. Kader

  Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging coronavirus causing respiratory disease commonly known as COVID-19. This novel coronavirus transmits from human to human and has caused profound morbidity and mortality worldwide leading to the ongoing pandemic. Moreover, disease severity differs considerably from individual to individual. Investigating the virology of COVID-19 and immunological pathways underlying its clinical manifestations will enable the identification and design of effective vaccines and potential therapies. In this review, we explore COVID-19 virology, the contribution of the immune system (innate and adaptive) during infection and control of the virus. Finally, we highlight vaccine development and implications of immune system modulation for potential therapeutic interventions to design better therapeutic strategies to guide future cure.

• 

  Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19?

  Hira Shakoor, Jack Feehan, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, and Habiba I. Ali

  The world is currently in the grips of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has mutated to allow human-to-human spread. Infection can cause fever, dry cough, fatigue, severe pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome and in some instances death. COVID-19 affects the immune system by producing a systemic inflammatory response, or cytokine release syndrome. Patients with COVID-19 have shown a high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. There are currently no effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 viral drugs or vaccines. COVID-19 disproportionately affects the elderly, both directly, and through a number of significant age-related comorbidities. Undoubtedly, nutrition is a key determinant of maintaining good health. Key dietary components such as vitamins C, D, E, zinc, selenium and the omega 3 fatty acids have well-established immunomodulatory effects, with benefits in infectious disease. Some of these nutrients have also been shown to have a potential role in the management of COVID-19. In this paper, evidence surrounding the role of these dietary components in immunity as well as their specific effect in COVID-19 patients are discussed. In addition, how supplementation of these nutrients may be used as therapeutic modalities potentially to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of patients with COVID-19 is discussed.

• 

  Public perceptions, anxiety, and the perceived efficacy of health-protective behaviors to mitigate The spread of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic Public Health (Royal Society of Public Health) (In press)

  Dr. Zahir Vally

  T

  This study examined the behavioral and psychological predictors of compliance with Health-protective behaviors in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE. 44.8% of the 634 participants who responded to the online survey reported the consistent use of all recommended behaviors (i.e. spatial distancing, wearing facemask, frequent handwashing, avoidance of public spaces). Submitted by the Department of Cognitive Sciences, United Arab Emirates University