Based on the three-dimensional elasticity theory, the free vibration of functionally graded porous (FGP) sandwich rectangular plates is studied, and a unified solution for free vibration of the plates is proposed in this study. The arbitrary boundary conditions of FGP sandwich rectangular plates are simulated by using the Rayleigh–Ritz method combined with artificial spring theory. The calculation performances of the unified solution for FGP sandwich rectangular plates such as convergence speed and computational efficiency are compared extensively under different displacement functions. In addition, three kinds of elastic foundation (Winkler/Pasternak/Kerr foundations) and three porosity distributions are considered. Some benchmark results and accurate values for the free vibration of FGP sandwich rectangular plates resting on elastic foundations are given. Finally, the effects of diverse structural parameters, elastic foundations with different parameters, and boundary conditions on the free vibration of the FGP sandwich rectangular plates are analyzed. Full article

The developments in manufacturing technologies are expected to reduce energy input without compromising product quality. Regarding the material densification process, numerical simulation methods are applied to achieve this goal. In this case, relevant material models are built using functions that describe the variation in mechanical parameters of the material in question due to its deformation. The literature review conducted for this research has revealed a shortage of experimental research methods allowing a determination of the coefficient of friction at low temperatures, approximately 200 K. This article proposes a method for determining the friction coefficient of dry ice sliding against steel. The experimental results were analysed to obtain several functions describing the variation in the coefficient of friction. These functions were then compared using goodness-of-fit indexes. Finally, two functions with similar goodness-of-fit values were chosen. The findings of this research project will complement the already available information and may be used in various research and implementation projects related to the development or improvement of currently used crystallised carbon dioxide conversion processes. Full article

The orientation-dependent mechanical behaviors of metallic alloys are governed by deformation mechanisms, but the underlying physics remain to be explored. In this work, the mechanical responses along different orientations and behind the mechanisms of BCC-Fe are investigated by performing molecular dynamic simulations. It is found that the mechanical properties of BCC-Fe exhibit apparent anisotropic characteristics. The <100>-oriented BCC-Fe presents a Young’s modulus of E = 147.56 GPa, a strength of σ_y = 10.15 GPa, and a plastic strain of ε_y = 0.084 at the yield point, whereas the <111> orientation presents E = 244.84 GPa, σ_y = 27.57 GPa, and ε_y = 0.21. Based on classical dislocation theory, the reasons for such orientation-dependent mechanical behaviors are analyzed from the perspective of thermo-kinetic synergy upon deformation. It turns out that the anisotropic mechanical responses of BCC-Fe are associated with the magnitude of the thermodynamic driving force (ΔG) and kinetic energy barrier (Q) for dislocation motion, which dominate the corresponding deformation mechanism. Compared with the low ΔG (6.395 GPa) and high Q (11.95 KJ/mol) of the <100>-oriented BCC-Fe dominated by deformation twinning, the <111> orientation governed by dislocation slip presents a high ΔG (17.37 GPa) and low Q (6.45 KJ/mol). Accordingly, the orientation-dependent deformation behaviors of BCC-Fe are derived from the thermo-kinetic synergy for dislocation motion. Full article

Wood, a natural material with versatile industrial applications, faces limitations such as low dimensional stability and decay resistance. To address these issues, there has been significant progress in wood modification research. Oil heat treatment has emerged as an effective method among environmentally friendly wood treatment options. Studies have indicated that treating wood with hot vegetable oils yields superior properties compared to traditional methods involving gaseous atmospheres, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of oils and heat. This comprehensive review investigates the physical, chemical, and mechanical modifications induced by the oil heat treatment of wood, along with its impact on biological durability against biotic agents. The review synthesizes recent research findings, elucidates underlying mechanisms, and discusses the implications for wood material science and engineering. Full article

A crimping and pultruding forming process for truss rods using Carbon Fiber (CF)/Polyether–Ether–Ketone (PEEK) prepreg tape as the raw material is proposed to address the problem of continuous manufacturing of space trusses on orbit. The proposed process provides material rods for continuous truss manufacturing. Through numerical simulation and experimental verification, the effects of relevant parameters on the forming process are determined, an efficient method of rod curl pultrusion, in-rail, equal material forming is proposed, and the structural configuration of the rod curl pultrusion forming mold is determined. The equivalent macroscopic mechanical properties of unidirectional CF/PEEK prepreg strips are considered, and the rod-forming process is investigated. Rod samples with different process parameters are prepared, and several tests are conducted on them. The results show that the forming load pull is negatively correlated with the temperature at the same forming speed, and forming speed is positively correlated with the forming load pull at a certain temperature. Temperature and speed affect the surface quality of the rod, the density of the material filling, and the mechanical properties of the rod. The optimal forming process parameters are determined through numerical simulation and experimental verification. The developed molding technology has the advantages of high efficiency, low energy consumption, and high integration. It reduces manufacturing costs and improves manufacturing efficiency, so it can serve as a new and effective solution for the manufacturing of high-performance truss rods in the aerospace field. Full article

The development of an advanced dye adsorbent that possesses a range of beneficial characteristics, such as high adsorption capacity, swift adsorption kinetics, selective adsorption capability, and robust reusability, remains a challenge. This study introduces a facile method for fabricating an amine-rich porous adsorbent (ARPA), which is specifically engineered for the adsorptive removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions. Through a comprehensive assessment, we have evaluated the adsorption performance of ARPA using two benchmark dyes: amaranth (ART) and tartrazine (TTZ). Our findings indicate that the adsorption process reaches equilibrium in a remarkably short timeframe of just 20 min, and it exhibits an excellent correlation with both the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, ARPA has demonstrated an exceptional maximum adsorption capacity, with values of 675.68 mg g⁻¹ for ART and 534.76 mg g⁻¹ for TTZ. In addition to its high adsorption capacity, ARPA has also shown remarkable selectivity, as evidenced by its ability to selectively adsorb TTZ from a mixed dye solution, a feature that is highly desirable for practical applications. Beyond its impressive adsorption capabilities, ARPA can be efficiently regenerated and recycled. It maintains a high level of original removal efficiency for both ART (76.8%) and TTZ (78.9%) even after five consecutive cycles of adsorption and desorption. Considering the simplicity of its synthesis and its outstanding adsorption performance, ARPA emerges as a highly promising material for use in dye removal applications. Consequently, this paper presents a straightforward and feasible method for the production of an effective dye adsorbent for environmental remediation. Full article

The development of offshore wind farms requires robust bonding solutions that can withstand harsh marine conditions for the easy integration of secondary structures. This paper investigates the durability performance of two adhesives: Sikadur 30 epoxy resin and Loctite UK 1351 B25 urethane-based adhesive for use in offshore wind environments. Tensile tests on adhesive samples and accelerated aging tests were carried out under a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions, including both dry and wet conditions. The long-term effects of aging on adhesive integrity are investigated by simulating the operational life of offshore installations. The evolution of mechanical properties, studied under accelerated aging conditions, provides an important indication of the longevity of structures under normal conditions. The results show significant differences in performance between the two adhesives, highlighting their suitability for specific operating parameters. It should also be noted that for both adhesives, their exposure to different environments (seawater, distilled water, humid climate) over a prolonged period showed that (i) Loctite adhesive has a slightly faster initial uptake than Sikadur adhesive, but the latter reaches an asymptotic plateau with a lower maximum absorption rate than Loctite adhesive; and (ii) a progressive deterioration in the tensile properties occurred following an exponential function. Therefore, aging behavior results showed a clear correlation with the Arrhenius law, providing a predictive tool for the aging process and the aging process of the two adhesives followed Arrhenius kinetics. Ultimately, the knowledge gained from this study is intended to inform best practice in the use of adhesives, thereby improving the reliability and sustainability of the offshore renewable energy infrastructure. Full article

This paper introduces an algorithm to tackle the boundary condition (BC) problem, which has long persisted in the numerical and computational treatment of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). Central to the BC problem is a need for an effective method to reconcile a numerical representation of particles with 2D or 3D geometry. We describe and evaluate an algorithmic solution—boundary SPH (BSPH)—drawn from a novel twist on the mesh-based boundary method, allowing SPH particles to interact (directly and implicitly) with either convex or concave 3D meshes. The method draws inspiration from existing works in graphics, particularly discrete signed distance fields, to determine whether particles are intersecting or submerged with mesh triangles. We evaluate the efficacy of BSPH through application to several simulation environments of varying mesh complexity, showing practical real-time implementation in Unity3D and its high-level shader language (HLSL), which we test in the parallelization of particle operations. To examine robustness, we portray slip and no-slip conditions in simulation, and we separately evaluate convex and concave meshes. To demonstrate empirical utility, we show pressure gradients as measured in simulated still water tank implementations of hydrodynamics. Our results identify that BSPH, despite producing irregular pressure values among particles close to the boundary manifolds of the meshes, successfully prevents particles from intersecting or submerging into the boundary manifold. Average FPS calculations for each simulation scenario show that the mesh boundary method can still be used effectively with simple simulation scenarios. We additionally point the reader to future works that could investigate the effect of simulation parameters and scene complexity on simulation performance, resolve abnormal pressure values along the mesh boundary, and test the method’s robustness on a wider variety of simulation environments. Full article

Medulloblastomas (MBs) represent the most prevalent malignant solid tumors in kids. The conventional treatment regimen for MBs includes surgical removal of the tumor, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. However, this approach is associated with significant morbidity and detrimental side effects. Consequently, there is a critical demand for more precise and less harmful treatments to enhance the quality of life for survivors. CEP-18770, a novel proteasome inhibitor that targets the 20S subunit, has emerged as a promising candidate, due to its anticancer activity in metastatic solid tumors and multiple myeloma, coupled with an acceptable safety profile. In this study, we aimed to assess the anticancer efficacy of CEP-18770 by employing a variety of MB patient-derived cells and cell lines. Our preclinical investigations revealed that CEP-18770 effectively inhibits proteasome activity and induces apoptosis in MBs cells. Furthermore, we discovered that CEP-18770 and cisplatin, a current component of MB therapy, exhibit a synergistic apoptotic effect. This paper shows that CEP-18770 holds potential as an adjunctive treatment for MB tumors, thereby paving the way for more targeted and less toxic therapeutic strategies. Full article

The literature data emphasize that nanoparticles might improve the beneficial effects of near-infrared light (NIR) on wound healing. This study investigates the mechanisms of the synergistic wound healing potential of NIR light and silver metal–organic frameworks combined with nitrogen- and sulfur-doped carbon dots (AgMOFsN-CDs and AgMOFsS-CDs, respectively), which was conducted by testing the fibroblasts viability, scratch assays, biochemical analysis, and synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) cell spectroscopy and imaging. Our findings reveal that the combined treatment of AgMOFsN-CDs and NIR light significantly increases cell viability to nearly 150% and promotes cell proliferation, with reduced interleukin-1 levels, suggesting an anti-inflammatory response. SR-FTIR spectroscopy shows this combined treatment results in unique protein alterations, including increased α-helix structures and reduced cross-β. Additionally, protein synthesis was enhanced upon the combined treatment. The likely mechanism behind the observed changes is the charge-specific interaction of N-CDs from the AgMOFsN-CDs with proteins, enhanced by NIR light due to the nanocomposite’s optical characteristics. Remarkably, the complete wound closure in the in vitro scratch assay was achieved exclusively with the combined NIR and AgMOFsN-CDs treatment, demonstrating the promising application of combined AgMOFsN-CDs with NIR light photodynamic therapy in regenerative nanomedicine and tissue engineering. Full article

In recent years, biopolymer-based nano-drug delivery systems with antioxidative properties have gained significant attention in the field of pharmaceutical research. These systems offer promising strategies for targeted and controlled drug delivery while also providing antioxidant effects that can mitigate oxidative stress-related diseases. Generally, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating the continual development of innovative therapeutic approaches and drug delivery systems (DDSs). DDSs play a pivotal role in enhancing treatment efficacy, minimizing adverse effects, and optimizing patient compliance. Among these, nanotechnology-driven delivery approaches have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, such as improved solubility, controlled release, and targeted delivery. Nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanotubes, etc., offer versatile platforms for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Additionally, biopolymer-based DDSs hold immense promise, leveraging natural or synthetic biopolymers to encapsulate drugs and enable targeted and controlled release. These systems offer numerous advantages, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. The utilization of polysaccharides, polynucleotides, proteins, and polyesters as biopolymer matrices further enhances the versatility and applicability of DDSs. Moreover, substances with antioxidative properties have emerged as key players in combating oxidative stress-related diseases, offering protection against cellular damage and chronic illnesses. The development of biopolymer-based nanoformulations with antioxidative properties represents a burgeoning research area, with a substantial increase in publications in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments within this area over the past five years. It discusses various biopolymer materials, fabrication techniques, stabilizers, factors influencing degradation, and drug release. Additionally, it highlights emerging trends, challenges, and prospects in this rapidly evolving field. Full article

A general procedure to prepare gold nanourchins (GNUs) via a seed-mediated method was followed using dopamine hydrochloride as a reducing agent and silver nitrate salt (AgNO₃) as a shape-directing agent. The novelty of this study comes from the successful incorporation of the prepared gold urchins as an aqueous suspension in a nasal pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) formulation and the investigation of their potential for olfactory targeting for direct nose-to-brain drug delivery (NTBDD). The developed pMDI formulation was composed of 0.025% w/w GNUs, 2% w/w Milli-Q water, and 2% w/w EtOH, with the balance of the formulation being HFA134a propellant. Particle integrity and aerosolization performance were examined using an aerosol exposure system, whereas the nasal deposition profile was tested in a sectioned anatomical replica of human nasal airways. The compatibility of the gold dispersion with the nasal epithelial cell line RPMI 2650 was also investigated in this study. Colloidal gold was found to be stable following six-month storage at 4 °C and during the lyophilization process utilizing a pectin matrix for complete re-dispersibility in water. The GNUs were intact and discrete following atomization via a pMDI, and 13% of the delivered particles were detected beyond the nasal valve, the narrowest region in the nasal cavity, out of which 5.6% was recovered from the olfactory region. Moreover, the formulation was found to be compatible with the human nasal epithelium cell line RPMI 2650 and excellent cell viability was observed. The formulated GNU-HFA-based pMDI is a promising approach for intranasal drug delivery, including deposition in the olfactory region, which could be employed for NTBDD applications. Full article

Worldwide cancer statistics have indicated about 20 million new cancer cases and over 10 million deaths in 2022 (according to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer). One of the leading cancer treatment strategies is chemotherapy, using innovative drug delivery systems (DDSs). Self-immolative domino dendrimers (SIDendr) for triggered anti-cancer drugs appear to be a promising type of DDSs. The present review provides an up-to-date survey on the contemporary advancements in the field of SIDendr-based anti-cancer drug delivery systems (SIDendr-ac-DDSs) through an exhaustive analysis of the discovery and application of these materials in improving the pharmacological effectiveness of both novel and old drugs. In addition, this article discusses the designing, chemical structure, and targeting techniques, as well as the properties, of several SIDendr-based DDSs. Approaches for this type of targeted DDSs for anti-cancer drug release under a range of stimuli are also explored. Full article

Biological nanoparticles (NPs), such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (EMNVs) and nanoghosts (NGs), are perspective non-viral delivery vehicles for all types of therapeutic cargo. Biological NPs are renowned for their exceptional biocompatibility and safety, alongside their ease of functionalization, but a significant challenge arises when attempting to load therapeutic payloads, such as nucleic acids (NAs). One effective strategy involves fusing biological NPs with liposomes loaded with NAs, resulting in hybrid carriers that offer the benefits of both biological NPs and the capacity for high cargo loads. Despite their unique parameters, one of the major issues of virtually any nanoformulation is the ability to escape degradation in the compartment of endosomes and lysosomes which determines the overall efficiency of nanotherapeutics. In this study, we fabricated all major types of biological and hybrid NPs and studied their response to the acidic environment observed in the endolysosomal compartment. In this study, we show that EMNVs display increased protonation and swelling relative to EVs and NGs in an acidic environment. Furthermore, the hybrid NPs exhibit an even greater response compared to EMNVs. Short-term incubation of EMNVs in acidic pH corresponding to late endosomes and lysosomes again induces protonation and swelling, whereas hybrid NPs are ruptured, resulting in the decline in their quantities. Our findings demonstrate that in an acidic environment, there is enhanced rupture and release of vesicular cargo observed in hybrid EMNVs that are fused with liposomes compared to EMNVs alone. This was confirmed through PAGE electrophoresis analysis of mCherry protein loaded into nanoparticles. In vitro analysis of NPs colocalization with lysosomes in HepG2 cells demonstrated that EMNVs mostly avoid the endolysosomal compartment, whereas hybrid NPs escape it over time. To conclude, (1) hybrid biological NPs fused with liposomes appear more efficient in the endolysosomal escape via the mechanism of proton sponge-associated scavenging of protons by NPs, influx of counterions and water, and rupture of endo/lysosomes, but (2) EMNVs are much more efficient than hybrid NPs in actually avoiding the endolysosomal compartment in human cells. These results reveal biochemical differences across four major types of biological and hybrid NPs and indicate that EMNVs are more efficient in escaping or avoiding the endolysosomal compartment. Full article

Background: The threat of antibiotic resistance of fungal pathogens and the high toxicity of the most effective drugs, polyene macrolides, force us to look for new ways to develop innovative antifungal formulations. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine how the sterol, phospholipid, and flavonoid composition of liposomal forms of polyene antibiotics, and in particular, amphotericin B (AmB), affects their ability to increase the permeability of lipid bilayers that mimic the membranes of mammalian and fungal cells. Methods: To monitor the membrane permeability induced by various polyene-based lipid formulations, a calcein leakage assay and the electrophysiological technique based on planar lipid bilayers were used. Key results: The replacement of cholesterol with its biosynthetic precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol, led to a decrease in the ability of AmB-loaded liposomes to permeabilize lipid bilayers mimicking mammalian cell membranes. The inclusion of plant flavonoid phloretin in AmB-loaded liposomes increased the ability of the formulation to disengage a fluorescent marker from lipid vesicles mimicking the membranes of target fungi. I–V characteristics of the fungal-like lipid bilayers treated with the AmB phytosomes were symmetric, demonstrating the functioning of double-length AmB pores and assuming a decrease in the antibiotic threshold concentration. Conclusions and Perspectives: The therapeutic window of polyene lipid formulations might be expanded by varying their sterol composition. Polyene-loaded phytosomes might be considered as the prototypes for innovative lipid antibiotic formulations. Full article

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has significantly impacted the global pork industry for over three decades. Its high mutation rates and frequent recombination greatly intensifies its epidemic and threat. To explore the fidelity characterization of Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV JXwn06 and the NADC30-like strain CHsx1401, self-recombination and mutation in PAMs, MARC-145 cells, and pigs were assessed. In vitro, CHsx1401 displayed a higher frequency of recombination junctions and a greater diversity of junction types than JXwn06. In vivo, CHsx1401 exhibited fewer junction types yet maintained a higher junction frequency. Notably, JXwn06 showed more accumulation of mutations. To pinpoint the genomic regions influencing their fidelity, chimeric viruses were constructed, with the exchanged nsp9-10 regions between JXwn06 and CHsx1401. The SJn9n10 strain, which incorporates JXwn06’s nsp9-10 into the CHsx1401 genome, demonstrated reduced sensitivity to nucleotide analogs compared to CHsx1401. Conversely, compared with JXwn06, the JSn9n10 strain showed increased sensitivity to these inhibitors. The swapped nsp9-10 also influences the junction frequency and accumulated mutations as their donor strains. The results indicate a propensity for different types of genetic variations between these two strains and further highlight the nsp9-10 region as a critical determinant of their fidelity. Full article

In recent years, an increasing number of viruses have triggered outbreaks that pose a severe threat to both human and animal life, as well as caused substantial economic losses. It is crucial to understand the genomic structure and epidemiology of these viruses to guide effective clinical prevention and treatment strategies. Nanopore sequencing, a third-generation sequencing technology, has been widely used in genomic research since 2014. This technology offers several advantages over traditional methods and next-generation sequencing (NGS), such as the ability to generate ultra-long reads, high efficiency, real-time monitoring and analysis, portability, and the ability to directly sequence RNA or DNA molecules. As a result, it exhibits excellent applicability and flexibility in virus research, including viral detection and surveillance, genome assembly, the discovery of new variants and novel viruses, and the identification of chemical modifications. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the development, principles, advantages, and applications of nanopore sequencing technology in animal and human virus research, aiming to offer fresh perspectives for future studies in this field. Full article

Avian reovirus (ARV) infection can cause significant losses to the poultry industry. Disease control has traditionally been attempted mainly through vaccination. However, the increase in clinical outbreaks in the last decades demonstrated the poor effectiveness of current vaccination approaches. The present study reconstructs the evolution and molecular epidemiology of different ARV genotypes using a phylodynamic approach, benefiting from a collection of more than one thousand sigma C (σC) sequences sampled over time at a worldwide level. ARVs’ origin was estimated to occur several centuries ago, largely predating the first clinical reports. The origins of all genotypes were inferred at least one century ago, and their emergence and rise reflect the intensification of the poultry industry. The introduction of vaccinations had only limited and transitory effects on viral circulation and further expansion was observed, particularly after the 1990s, likely because of the limited immunity and the suboptimal and patchy vaccination application. In parallel, strong selective pressures acted with different strengths and directionalities among genotypes, leading to the emergence of new variants. While preventing the spread of new variants with different phenotypic features would be pivotal, a phylogeographic analysis revealed an intricate network of viral migrations occurring even over long distances and reflecting well-established socio-economic relationships. Full article

The emergence of new virulent genotypes and the continued genetic drift of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) implies that distinct genotypes of NDV are simultaneously evolving in different geographic locations across the globe, including throughout Africa, where NDV is an important veterinary pathogen. Expanding the genomic diversity of NDV increases the possibility of diagnostic and vaccine failures. In this review, we systematically analyzed the genetic diversity of NDV genotypes in Africa using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Information published between 1999 and 2022 were used to obtain the genetic background of different genotypes of NDV and their geographic distributions in Africa. The following genotypes were reported in Africa: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, XI, XIII, XIV, XVII, XVIII, XX, and XXI. A new putative genotype has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, of 54 African countries, only 26 countries regularly report information on NDV outbreaks, suggesting that this number may be vastly underestimated. With eight different genotypes, Nigeria is the country with the greatest genotypic diversity of NDV among African countries. Genotype VII is the most prevalent group of NDV in Africa, which was reported in 15 countries. A phylogeographic analysis of NDV sequences revealed transboundary transmission of the virus in Eastern Africa, Western and Central Africa, and in Southern Africa. A regional and continental collaboration is recommended for improved NDV risk management in Africa. Full article

The Nipah virus (NiV) and the Hendra virus (HeV) are highly pathogenic zoonotic diseases that can cause fatal infections in humans and animals. Early detection is critical for the control of NiV and HeV infections. We present the development of two antigen-detection ELISAs (AgELISAs) using the henipavirus-receptor EphrinB2 and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to detect NiV and HeV. The NiV AgELISA detected only NiV, whereas the NiV/HeV AgELISA detected both NiV and HeV. The diagnostic specificities of the NiV AgELISA and the NiV/HeV AgELISA were 100% and 97.8%, respectively. Both assays were specific for henipaviruses and showed no cross-reactivity with other viruses. The AgELISAs detected NiV antigen in experimental pig nasal wash samples taken at 4 days post-infection. With the combination of both AgELISAs, NiV can be differentiated from HeV. Complementing other henipavirus detection methods, these two newly developed AgELISAs can rapidly detect NiV and HeV in a large number of samples and are suitable for use in remote areas where other tests are not available. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a serious public health problem globally. During winter influenza seasons, more aggressive SARS-CoV-2 infections and fatalities have been documented, indicating that influenza co-infections may significantly impact the disease outcome of COVID-19. Both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses share many similarities in their transmission and their cellular tropism for replication in the human respiratory tract. However, the complex intricacies and multi-faceted dynamics of how the two pathogens interact to ensure their survival in the same lung microenvironment are still unclear. In addition, clinical studies on influenza co-infections in COVID-19 patients do not provide conclusive evidence of how influenza co-infection mechanistically modifies disease outcomes of COVID-19. This review discusses various viral as well as host factors that potentially influence the survival or synergism of these two respiratory pathogens in the infected lung microenvironment. Full article

Given the World Health Organization’s target to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030, we assessed the impact of French public policies and the COVID-19 pandemic on HCV testing and initiation of direct-antiviral agents (DAAs). Using the French National Health Data System, we identified individuals living in metropolitan France with at least one reimbursement for an anti-HCV test and those with a first delivery of DAAs between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2021. During this period, the annual number of people tested increased each year between 3.3 (in 2015) and 9.3% (in 2021), except in 2020, with a drop of 8.3%, particularly marked in April (−55.0% compared to February 2020). A return to pre-pandemic testing levels was observed in 2021. The quarterly number of patients initiating DAAs presented an upward trend from Q1-2014 until mid-2017, with greater increases in Q1-2015, and Q1- and Q2-2017, concomitant with DAA access policies and availability of new therapies. Then, quarterly numbers decreased. A 65.5% drop occurred in April compared to February 2020. The declining DAA initiations since mid-2017, despite new measures improving access and screening efforts, could be due to the shrinking pool of patients requiring treatment and a need to increase awareness among undiagnosed infected people. Further action is needed to eliminate HCV in France. Full article