The Efficacy of Tocilizumab as a Therapeutic Treatment for SARS-CoV-2 Infections: An Integrative Literature Review

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and resulting COVID-19 infection has spread from a cluster of unidentified pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, into an ongoing global health crisis. The strain on the healthcare systems and loss of human life has made finding ways to treat severe COVID-19 infections of the utmost importance. Mortality from COVID-19 has been shown to result from an overwhelming inflammatory response similar to the cytokine release syndrome seen in certain autoimmune reactions (Tleyjeh et al., 2020). It also can be seen after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for certain cancers. It is hypothesized that treatments targeting the prevention of the “cytokine storm” would improve patient outcomes. One of the specific intended targets is that of interleukin 6 (IL-6), one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines found in the cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Tocilizumab is a medication that is potentially given post CAR-T therapy to prevent CRS (Campochiaro et al., 2020) This medication works by inhibiting IL-6 and halting the immune response that triggers the inflammatory cascade. This review of the literature examines the efficacy of tocilizumab in the treatment of severe COVID-19 infections

Orphanhood and the Search for Home in L. Frank Baum\u27s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Boris Pasternak\u27s Doctor Zhivago

Defining home is not an easy task. Protagonists Dorothy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Yuri of Doctor Zhivago are alike in their search for home. They journey through the texts learning what home means to them, which leads to their own discoveries of home. Through these discoveries, they also learn about finding place within space, and how attachments to and love for other people can help to transform the enormity of space into a place of comfort

Mathematical Modeling of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Humans

Tick-Borne Encephalitis is a virus that affects ones nervous system and is transmitted from tick to human through tick bite. In recent years, the number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis in Europe has been increasing. This mathematical biological model of Tick-Borne Encephalitis was created in order to further our understanding of such phenomenon, as well as study the relationship between vectors and their hosts. Specifically, we will investigate the population model of ticks in certain regions and its correlation to tick-borne encephalitis infections in the region

Mathematical Modeling of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Humans

Tick-Borne Encephalitis is a virus that affects ones nervous system and is transmitted from tick to human through tick bite. In recent years, the number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis in Europe has been increasing. This mathematical biological model of Tick-Borne Encephalitis was created in order to further our understanding of such phenomenon, as well as study the relationship between vectors and their hosts. Specifically, we will investigate the population model of ticks in certain regions and its correlation to tick-borne encephalitis infections in the region

The Spray-On Bio-Bandage

Fibrin is a natural polymer already used in extreme clinical settings as an adhesive and for shallow wounds when activated by the enzyme thrombin. However, current formations contain irritants, are slow drying, and are not easily washed off. This study used a spray-on bandage composed of thrombin and fibrinogen on a monolayer of 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells to test the enhancement of the body\u27s natural healing without the risks of current formulations. The viability and growth of scratched cells were analyzed using live/dead stain assays 0, 1, and 3 days post-treatment. The results of this study showed cell growth, fibrinogen formation, and scratching were successful. The bottles\u27 spray exerted too much force and caused additional cell death compared to untreated cells. Additionally, the cells migrated too quickly through the scratch, resulting in rapid gap closure. Further research on cell scaffolding, bandage application, and cell viability is required for a successful spray-on bio-bandage.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/fsrs2022/1001/thumbnail.jp