Chapters authored
Myths: Barriers to Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic
Myths are widely dispersed but false ideologies or misconceptions. With the thousands of deaths recorded daily and the negative toll of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on public health, national economy, and human interaction, it remains surprising how people are still being swayed by conspiracy theories. Due to the novelty of the disease, the quest for an answer, what works, and what does not work gave room for the propagation of misinformation, especially on social media. Identifying and debunking myths is very important in managing disease outbreak, since myths can negatively influence the response of people to preventive and containment strategies. Major proponents of COVID-19 myths have promoted their falsehood on the guise that it is a biological weapon engineered to control the world population. Others have also falsely claimed the use of antibiotics or other antiviral drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 and that COVID-19 is no worse than the common flu or it is just the disease of the elderly. This has promoted refusal to take up the COVID-19 vaccine and increased non-adherence to the preventive guidelines. Myths have been a major stumbling block to curtailing the menace of COVID-19. All hands must be on deck to fight this.
Part of the book: Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic
Neurological Effects of COVID-19 and Its Treatment/Management
The impact of COVID-19 is significant in the body system, one of which is the central nervous system (CNS) involved in controlling all aspects of human behavior and coordination. This shows the need to assess from various studies in human and animal models the neurological effects of this virus. Some of the reported effects include loss of taste and smell, headaches, delirium, dizziness, ischemic stroke, and brain inflammation. It is essential to review the acute, chronic or transient neurological effects. This will enhance and/or improve treatment designs and management modalities for the COVID-19. We critically revise the literature and contribute to the body of knowledge in this line of research. Here in this chapter, we highlighted the various neurological disorders caused by COVID-19 and examined the relationship between the neurological systems and COVID-19. As well as evaluate current treatment/management modalities including vaccines and prospects for the future.
Part of the book: COVID-19 Pandemic, Mental Health and Neuroscience
Perspective Chapter: Appraisal of Paclitaxel (Taxol) Pros and Cons in the Management of Cancer – Prospects in Drug Repurposing
Paclitaxel (Taxol) is potent natural anticancer drug that has evolved over the years. It has been useful in the management of many cancers. Hence, this review aims to appraise the pros and cons of paclitaxel in the management of cancers using literature. Paclitaxel acts by obstructing mitotic spindle formation attributed to clampdown of mitotic clampdown hence arresting the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Some of the notable side effects of paclitaxel usage include: hair loss, numbness, bone marrow suppression, muscle pain, allergic reactions, diarrhea, etc. Among the mechanism of paclitaxel resistance are P-glycoprotein efflux pumps, mutation in tubulin and alterations in binding regions of β-tubulin, altered function of cytokine expression as well as apoptotic Bcl-2 and p53. Combination of paclitaxel with cisplatin clearly improves the duration of progression-free survival and of overall survival of breast cancer. Paclitaxel which is a valuable natural anticancer drug seems promising in the management of non-cancer diseases such as COVID-19, renal and hepatic fibrosis, inflammation, skin disorders, axon regeneration, limb salvage, and coronary artery restenosis. With the advancement of technology, it is expected that the biosynthesis, chemo-resistance as well as its targeted delivery would unfold and perhaps open new uses and vista to the old drug of about five decades ago.
Part of the book: Drug Repurposing