Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are viral sequences integrated into the human genome, resulting from the infection of human germ‐line cells by ancient exogenous retroviruses. Despite losing their replication and retrotransposition abilities, HERVs appear to have been co‐opted in human physiological functions while their aberrant expression is linked to human disease. The role of HERVs in multiple malignancies has been demonstrated, however, the extent to which HERV activation and expression participate in the development of cancer is not yet fully comprehended. In this review article, we discuss the presumed role of HERVs in carcinogenesis and their promising diagnostic and prognostic implications. Additionally, we explore recent data on the HERVs in cancer therapeutics, either through the manipulation of their expression, to induce antitumor innate immunity responses or as cancer immunotherapy targets. Finally, more precise and higher resolution high‐throughput sequencing approaches will further elucidate HERV participation in human physiological and pathological processes.

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019 in China, causing a global pandemic. Severe COVID-19 is characterized by intensive inflammatory responses, and older age is an important risk factor for unfavorable outcomes.

Multiple studies report reductions in air pollution associated with COVID-19 lockdowns. We performed a systematic review of the changes observed in hazardous air pollutants known or suspected to be harmful to health, including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃) and particulate matter (PM). We searched PubMed and Web of Science for studies reporting the associations of lockdowns with air pollutant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe and North America. One hundred nine studies were identified and analyzed. Several pollutants exhibited marked and sustained reductions. The strongest was NO₂ (93% of 89 estimated changes were reductions) followed by CO (88% of 33 estimated pollutant changes). All NO_x and benzene studies reported significant reductions although these were based on fewer than 10 estimates. About three-quarters of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ estimates showed reductions and few studies reported increases when domestic fuel use rose during COVID-19 lockdowns. In contrast, O₃ levels rose as NO_x levels fell. SO₂ and ammonia (NH₃) had mixed results. In general, greater reductions appeared when lockdowns were more severe, as well as where baseline pollutant levels were higher, such as at low-elevation and in densely populated areas. Substantial and robust reductions in NO₂, NO, CO, CO₂, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, benzene and air quality index pollution occurred in association with COVID-19 lockdowns. O₃ levels tended to increase, while SO₂ and NH₃ had mixed patterns. Our study shows the profound impact of human activity levels on air pollution and its potential avoidability.

Background: Restrictions on movement and lockdown are measures taken in many nations, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. University students are additionally burdened by the transition to distance e-learning. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in university students and to identify associated risk factors. Design and methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 2,009 students in the University of Patras, Greece, during the national lockdown. Socio-demographic, academic data, and the forced disruption of daily life were assessed along with the Greek version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Anxiety and depression prevalence was 35.8% and 51.2% respectively. Age, school of study, financial status, self-perceived health status, level of satisfaction with the state's and university's response and specific aspects in the daily routine were associated with both anxiety and depression scores. At higher odds of both depression and anxiety were students with low income, bad health status, annoyed at staying home and those who encountered difficulties with the online education system. Additional risk factors for depression were studies in humanities and social sciences, and low satisfaction with the university's response, while for anxiety were studies in agricultural sciences and absence of information about COVID-19. Conclusions: The proportion of Greek students showing depression and anxiety, during the restrictive measures, is alarming. Mental health in university students should be monitored. Mitigation strategies should focus on specific personal, academic and social variables that have been identified as protective factors.

Gokdemir O, et al. Infect Chemother. 2020 Dec;52(4):539-549. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2020.52.4.539