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Saputra A, Wichaidit W, Kesuma ZM, Chongsuvivatwong V. Spatio-temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases and tuberculosis in four provinces of Sumatra Islands, Indonesia. BMC Public Health 2025; 25:529. [PMID: 39930380 PMCID: PMC11809051 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21754-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted national tuberculosis programs in high-burden countries. We hypothesize that COVID-19 occurrence had a delayed effect on tuberculosis case reports from the Indonesia Ministry of Health, also known as the tuberculosis case notification. The objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the potential effect of the reported COVID-19 cases on the spatial distribution of tuberculosis in four provinces of Sumatra Islands (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Riau Provinces), Indonesia; (2) to estimate the temporal lag effect of the occurrence of COVID-19 on tuberculosis case notifications. METHODS We retrieved data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Indonesia COVID-19 Task Force. We also examined the monthly tuberculosis and COVID-19 case notifications. We identified time series clusters of tuberculosis case notifications and used lag non-linear model to assess the delayed effect of the occurrence of COVID-19 cases on tuberculosis case notifications. RESULTS The secondary data included 217,593 tuberculosis case notifications (January 2019 to December 2022) and 373,671 reported COVID-19 cases (January 2020 to December 2022). Time series cluster analysis revealed 5 clusters each for monthly tuberculosis case notifications and monthly reported COVID-19 cases. There was a negative association with a 0-month lag in more than 10,000 reported COVID-19 cases (RR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91-0.98). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggested that Indonesia's national tuberculosis program in four provinces of Sumatra Island was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lag analysis showed that COVID-19 case occurrence had an immediate effect on tuberculosis case notifications. CLINICAL TRIAL Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Saputra
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand
| | - Wit Wichaidit
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand
| | - Zurnila Marli Kesuma
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 24415, Indonesia
| | - Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand.
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Zhang T, Wang X, Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao S, Hu J, Hu F, Peng N. A miniaturized RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-based nucleic acid diagnostic platform for rapid and simple self-testing of SARS-CoV-2. Anal Chim Acta 2025; 1338:343593. [PMID: 39832863 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.343593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2024] [Revised: 11/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleic acid testing is the most effective detection method currently available for the diagnosis of respiratory infectious diseases. However, the conventional real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR technique, which is regarded as the gold standard method for nucleic acid detection, presents significant challenges for implementation in home self-testing and popularization in underdeveloped regions due to its rigorous experimental standards. It is therefore clear that an easy-to-use, miniaturized nucleic acid testing technology and products for nonprofessionals are of great necessity to define the pathogens and assist in controlling disease transmission. (87) RESULTS: In this study, we propose a strategy for self-testing of respiratory pathogen nucleic acid that is oriented towards the public and user-friendly. The proposed system integrates the processes of extraction-free nucleic acid release, RPA isothermal amplification, and CRISPR fluorescence detection into a compact configuration. A microfluidic testing chip actuated by air pouches and a battery/USB-powered reusable device has been developed to enable simultaneous detection of internal reference genes and viral targets in a fully enclosed condition. The system allows for sample-in, and result-out testing in less than 30 min with a detection limit of 2 copies/μL. Additionally, a straightforward signal-light-based result display method has been developed to make it easy and intuitive for users to access the results. Furthermore, freeze-drying reagent is introduced to guarantee the storage and transportation of testing chips in ambient conditions. (135) SIGNIFICANCE: This work presents a miniaturized, portable, and highly sensitive nucleic acid detection system, where simple operating procedures have been designed for unskilled users. It is our belief that the testing system developed in this work is well suited for home-based self-testing and infection diagnosis in resource-limited areas, due to the above-mentioned advantages. (52).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Instrument Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi 'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yingtao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Instrument Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Yunyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Instrument Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Shuhao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Instrument Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi 'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Fei Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Instrument Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China.
| | - Niancai Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Instrument Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
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Adha SA, Afifah NN, Latarissa IR, Iftinan GN, Kusuma ASW, Febriyanti RM, Barliana MI, Lestari K. Herbal Medicines as Complementary Therapy for Managing Complications in COVID-19 Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2025; 18:135-146. [PMID: 39840393 PMCID: PMC11746946 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s498774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized and classified as a group of conditions marked by persistent high blood glucose levels. It is also an inflammatory condition that may influence concurrent disease states, including Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, no effective drug has been found to treat COVID-19, especially in DM patients. Many herbal medicines, such as the well-known Andrographis paniculata, have been explored as drugs and complementary therapies due to their antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. This study aimed to examine the potential of herbal medicines as complementary therapy in DM patients with COVID-19 complications, drawing from in-vitro and in-vivo investigations. This study analyzed articles published within the last 15 years using keywords including "herbal medicines", "COVID-19", "Diabetes Mellitus", "antidiabetics", "antiviral", and "anti-inflammatory". The results showed that several herbal medicines could serve as complementary therapy for DM patients with COVID-19 complications. These include Andrographis paniculata, Ageratum conyzoides, Artocarpus altilis, Centella asiatica, Momordica charantia, Persea gratissima, Phyllanthus urinaria, Physalis angulata, Tinospora cordifolia, and Zingiber zerumbet. Herbal medicines may serve as a complementary therapy for DM patients with COVID-19, but these claims need experimental validation in infection models and among affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syah Akbarul Adha
- Department of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Nadiya Nurul Afifah
- Department of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Irma Rahayu Latarissa
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
- Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (MTAC), Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Ghina Nadhifah Iftinan
- Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (MTAC), Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Arif Satria Wira Kusuma
- Department of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Raden Maya Febriyanti
- Department of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Melisa Intan Barliana
- Department of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Keri Lestari
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
- Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (MTAC), Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
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Tjiptaningrum A, Kurniati I, Fadilah F, Susantiningsih T, Prawiningrum AF, Utari WD, Erlina L. Protein Interaction Analysis and Molecular Simulation of the Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Melaleuca cajuputi Extract Against COVID-19. Int J Inflam 2024; 2024:5568294. [PMID: 39640429 PMCID: PMC11620808 DOI: 10.1155/ijin/5568294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is correlated to a severe condition caused by a cytokine storm during which numerous proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) are released. IL-6 is a critical driver in the COVID-19 inflammatory state, and the inhibition is considered a potential treatment approach to prevent serious complications. Meanwhile, Melaleuca cajuputi is a plant with antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Therefore, this aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of M. cajuputi in silico. Extraction of leaves was conducted by using 96% ethanol, followed by fractionation to obtain active compounds. Subsequently, LC/MS and GC/MS analyses were performed to obtain active compound profiling. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), as well as molecular docking and dynamic analyses, were performed to examine interaction of active compounds of M. cajuputi with IL-6. The results showed that 30 protein nodes played a significant role in COVID-19 cytokine storm and eight active compounds had interactions with IL-6. Among the active compounds, pinostrobin chalcone had the best delta G interaction with IL-6. In conclusion, M. cajuputi has potential activity as an anti-inflammatory agent against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustyas Tjiptaningrum
- Doctoral Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Clinical Pathology of University of Lampung, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia
| | - Intanri Kurniati
- Department of Clinical Pathology of University of Lampung, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia
| | - Fadilah Fadilah
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tiwuk Susantiningsih
- Doctoral Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Aisyah Fitriannisa Prawiningrum
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wahyu Dian Utari
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Linda Erlina
- Doctoral Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Lopes R, Sampaio F, de Carvalho HL, Garcês A, Fernandes C, Neves CV, de Brito AS, Marques T, Sousa C, Silva AR, Martins Â, Cardoso L, Coelho AC, Duarte EL. Feline Infectious Peritonitis Effusion Index: A Novel Diagnostic Method and Validation of Flow Cytometry-Based Delta Total Nucleated Cells Analysis on the Sysmex XN-1000V ®. Vet Sci 2024; 11:563. [PMID: 39591337 PMCID: PMC11598915 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11110563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2024] [Revised: 11/06/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led the medical and scientific community to explore the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of coronaviruses. In felines, a widespread coronavirus known as feline coronavirus (FCoV) can lead to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a highly fatal disease characterised by severe systemic inflammation. Diagnosing FCoV remains challenging due to the limited accuracy of the available methods. The present study introduces the FIP Effusion Index, a novel diagnostic method that combines the albumin-to-globulin (ALB/GLOB) ratio with the delta total nucleated cell (∆TNC) count obtained via flow cytometry using the Sysmex XN-1000V® analyser in effusions. Samples from cats (n = 50) with suspected FIP were analysed for ∆TNC, with findings showing that a ∆TNC ≥ 2.1 is highly indicative of FIP and a ∆TNC ≥ 4.9 can be considered diagnostic. The FIP Effusion Index enhanced diagnostic precision in our group of samples, achieving 96.3% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity for values ≥ 5.06, and reaching perfect specificity (100%) with 96.3% sensitivity for values ≥ 7.54. This combined approach surpasses the accuracy of individual parameters, establishing the FIP Effusion Index as a superior diagnostic tool for FIP, with potential applications in both veterinary and human medicine for related coronavirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.C.C.)
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- CEDIVET Veterinary Laboratories, Lionesa Business Hub, R. Lionesa 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal; (F.S.); (H.L.d.C.); (C.V.N.); (A.S.d.B.)
| | - Filipe Sampaio
- CEDIVET Veterinary Laboratories, Lionesa Business Hub, R. Lionesa 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal; (F.S.); (H.L.d.C.); (C.V.N.); (A.S.d.B.)
- Cytology and Hematology Diagnostic Services, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Lima de Carvalho
- CEDIVET Veterinary Laboratories, Lionesa Business Hub, R. Lionesa 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal; (F.S.); (H.L.d.C.); (C.V.N.); (A.S.d.B.)
| | - Andreia Garcês
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (CRAS), Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Cátia Fernandes
- Anicura Santa Marinha Veterinary Hospital, R. Dom Henrique de Cernache 183, 4400-625 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
| | - Carolina Vitória Neves
- CEDIVET Veterinary Laboratories, Lionesa Business Hub, R. Lionesa 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal; (F.S.); (H.L.d.C.); (C.V.N.); (A.S.d.B.)
| | - Alexandre Sardinha de Brito
- CEDIVET Veterinary Laboratories, Lionesa Business Hub, R. Lionesa 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal; (F.S.); (H.L.d.C.); (C.V.N.); (A.S.d.B.)
| | - Tiago Marques
- Infectious Diseases Department, Santa Maria Hospital, Northern Lisbon University Hospital Centre (CHULN), 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Carlos Sousa
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal; (C.S.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Ana Rita Silva
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal; (C.S.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Ângela Martins
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.C.C.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.C.C.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Elsa Leclerc Duarte
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Science and Technology, University of Évora, Polo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal;
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Global Change and Sustainability Institute (CHANGE), University of Évora, Polo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal
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Bhalerao KS, De Silva PIT, Hiniduma K, Grunbaum A, Rozza N, Kremer R, Rusling JF. Microfluidic Immunoarray for Point-of-Care Detection of Cytokines in COVID-19 Patients. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:29320-29330. [PMID: 39005811 PMCID: PMC11238202 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The "cytokine storm" often induced in COVID-19 patients contributes to the onset of "acute respiratory distress syndrome" (ARDS) accompanied by lung infection and damage, multiorgan failure, and even death. This large increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood may be related to severity. Rapid, on-demand cytokine analyses can thus be critical to inform treatment plans and improve survival rates. Here, we report a sensitive, low-cost, semiautomated 3D-printed microfluidic immunoarray to detect 2 cytokines and CRP simultaneously in a single 10 μL serum sample in 25 min. Accuracy was validated by analyzing 80 COVID-19 patient serum samples, with results well correlated to a commercial Meso Scale protein immunoassay. Capture antibodies immobilized in detection microwells in a flat well plate-type flow chamber facilitate the immunoassay, with a programmable syringe pump automatically delivering reagents. Chemiluminescence signals were captured in a dark box with a CCD camera integrated for 30 s. This system was optimized to detect inflammation biomarkers IL-6, IFN-γ, and CRP simultaneously in blood serum. Ultralow limits of detection (LODs) of 0.79 fg/mL for IL-6, 4.2 fg/mL for CRP, and 2.7 fg/mL for IFN-γ with dynamic ranges of up to 100 pg/mL were achieved. ROC statistical analyses showed a relatively good diagnostic value related to the samples assigned WHO COVID-19 scores for disease severity, with the best results for IL-6 and CRP. Monitoring these biomarkers for coronavirus severity may allow prediction of disease severity as a basis for critical treatment decisions and better survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketki S Bhalerao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - P I Thilini De Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Keshani Hiniduma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Ami Grunbaum
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Nicholas Rozza
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Richard Kremer
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - James F Rusling
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Institute of Material Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland at Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
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Maganga CF, Ngwira FF, Gondwe G, Nyang'wa B, Kunkumbira T. COVID-19 Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) in Malawi: Challenges and Response. Health Promot Pract 2024; 25:578-588. [PMID: 38153005 DOI: 10.1177/15248399231216725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 created a global health crisis that has impacted our everyday lives. Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) is one of the strategic pillars the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends when dealing with public health emergencies like COVID-19. In Malawi, the COVID-19 RCCE response was coordinated by the country's Ministry of Health and involved various organizations that distributed COVID-19 risk communication materials and engaged communities on important infection preventive practices. Furthermore, the Ministry of Information was involved in ensuring the messages were put across at national and subnational levels. Despite the efforts, most Malawians were reluctant to embrace set public health measures for COVID-19. Guided by a phenomenological approach, we used in-depth interviews with senior officials from 10 organizations, including the Ministry of Health, who were involved in RCCE response in Malawi, to understand the challenges that were faced in the implementation of RCCE activities in Malawi. We also reviewed project reports from three organizations, taken from the same implementing local organizations, to understand the experiences of implementing RCCE strategies in Malawi. We established that misconceptions, poor coordination, lack of political will, low-risk perceptions, and social norms undermined the response in Malawi. The results underscore the need for the authorities in Malawi to invest more in RCCE and strengthen the capacity to handle future epidemics. There is also a need to develop a national RCCE strategy with guidelines and protocols on methods of coordination, flow of communication, responsible ministry, tools for handling dis/misinformation and myths, and community engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bester Nyang'wa
- Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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Kosar A, Asif M, Ahmad MB, Akram W, Mahmood K, Kumari S. Towards classification and comprehensive analysis of AI-based COVID-19 diagnostic techniques: A survey. Artif Intell Med 2024; 151:102858. [PMID: 38583369 DOI: 10.1016/j.artmed.2024.102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The unpredictable pandemic came to light at the end of December 2019, known as the novel coronavirus, also termed COVID-19, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus first originated in Wuhan (China) and rapidly affected most of the world's population. This outbreak's impact is experienced worldwide because it causes high mortality risk, many cases, and economic falls. Around the globe, the total number of cases and deaths reported till November 12, 2022, were >600 million and 6.6 million, respectively. During the period of COVID-19, several diverse diagnostic techniques have been proposed. This work presents a systematic review of COVID-19 diagnostic techniques in response to such acts. Initially, these techniques are classified into different categories based on their working principle and detection modalities, i.e. chest X-ray imaging, cough sound or respiratory patterns, RT-PCR, antigen testing, and antibody testing. After that, a comparative analysis is performed to evaluate these techniques' efficacy which may help to determine an optimum solution for a particular scenario. The findings of the proposed work show that Artificial Intelligence plays a vital role in developing COVID-19 diagnostic techniques which support the healthcare system. The related work can be a footprint for all the researchers, available under a single umbrella. Additionally, all the techniques are long-lasting and can be used for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Kosar
- Department of Computer Science, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Department of Computer Science, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maaz Bin Ahmad
- College of Computing and Information Sciences, Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology (KIET), Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Waseem Akram
- Graduate School of Engineering Science and Technology, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Khalid Mahmood
- Graduate School of Intelligent Data Science, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Saru Kumari
- Departement of Mathematics, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
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Ramalingam G, Muthukumar A, Sivadoss R, Rajan G, Aridass D, Murugesan A, Subramani K, Ganesan ST. Genomic epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from Theni, Tamil Nadu. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1727-1733. [PMID: 38948575 PMCID: PMC11213428 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1698_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection characterized by respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The causative agent of this infection is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The genomic study helps in understanding the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies in the combat against COVID-19. Materials and Methods Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from asymptomatic and symptomatic patients during the time period of 2021-2022 for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by employing real-time reverse transcriptase, cDNA synthesis, whole-genome sequencing by next-genome sequencing, analysis of SARS-CoV-2 sequence data and lineage and variant of concern assignment along with phylogenetic analysis. Results Lineages BA.2.10 and BA.4.1.1 clustered with genomes from Senegal suggested the spread of infections. Similarly, high clustering among delta samples during the second wave showed possible importation and subsequent spread via local transmission. Conclusions Studies like these are important to understand the characteristics and origins of locally circulating SARS-CoV-2 diversity in order to prevent further spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopinath Ramalingam
- Department of Microbiology, Govt. Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arundadhi Muthukumar
- Department of Microbiology, Govt. Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raju Sivadoss
- Deputy Director (SPHL), State Public Health Laboratory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gopinathan Rajan
- Department of Microbiology, Govt. Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhanasezhian Aridass
- Department of Microbiology, Govt. Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amudhan Murugesan
- Department of Microbiology, Govt. Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
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Miller ND, Goren Gepstein N, Cohen D, Haikin Herzberger E, Shalev Ram H, Mashiach Friedler J, Sharon Weiner M, Rahav R, Indenbaum V, Lustig Y, Wiser A. Does the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine and its serum IgG levels affect fertility treatments and obstetric outcomes? An observational cohort study. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:81. [PMID: 38653875 PMCID: PMC11039503 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there are some data regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, its potential impact in terms of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels has not been evaluated prospectively. This study aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 vaccine and IgG levels on IVF outcomes. METHODS This observational, cohort study was conducted at a referral IVF unit. Couples undergoing IVF treatment during the COVID-19 vaccination period were recruited from March-April 2021. The study compared 38 women who had received the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccination to 10 women who had not and were not infected by the virus. We also compared pre- and post-vaccination IVF treatments for 24 women. The relation between serologic titers and IVF treatment outcomes was also assessed. RESULTS No significant difference was found between the vaccinated and unvaccinated/uninfected groups regarding the main outcome measures. However, there was a trend toward a higher pregnancy rate for the unvaccinated group (57% vs. 23%, p = 0.078) but no difference in delivery rate (p = 0.236), gestational week (p = 0.537) or birth rate (p = 0.671). CONCLUSION We cautiously state that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine does not affect fertility outcomes, including fertilization, pregnancy and delivery rates, obstetric outcomes, and semen parameters, regardless of measured IgG levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Netanella Danielli Miller
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nitzan Goren Gepstein
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dovev Cohen
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Einat Haikin Herzberger
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hila Shalev Ram
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jordana Mashiach Friedler
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Sharon Weiner
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Rahav
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Victoria Indenbaum
- Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Wiser
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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11
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Olumuyide E, Agwuegbo CC, Ahmed EN. Exploring the Heart Failure Connection in Long COVID Patients: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e58694. [PMID: 38774167 PMCID: PMC11108637 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we explore the relationship between long COVID patients and their risk of developing heart failure (HF). Patients with long COVID face a heightened risk of HF, a critical cardiovascular complication linked to the prolonged effects of COVID-19. Clinical manifestations of long COVID-associated HF present diagnostic challenges, complicating patient management. Multidisciplinary care is essential to address these complexities effectively. We found that long COVID can result in various cardiovascular issues including HF. The current view is long COVID leads to HF by activating systemic inflammation by causing endothelial dysfunction, which leads to activation of the complement pathways, tissue factor pathways, and Von Willebrand factor; activation of all these factors leads to venous and arterial thrombosis, which could lead to clogging of blood vessel of the heart leading to cardiovascular complications. The association between long COVID and HF can be challenging despite being recognized as comorbidity because biomarkers are not dependable in determining whether a patient had HF before or after contracting COVID-19. Emerging therapeutic modalities offer hope for improving outcomes, but further research is needed to refine management strategies and mitigate long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Olumuyide
- Internal Medicine, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Eman N Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, Alfaisal University College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
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12
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Keegan D, Heffernan E, Clarke B, Deasy C, O'Donnell C, Crowley P, Hughes A, Murphy AW, Masterson S. Tools and methods for evaluating the change to health service delivery due to pandemics or other similar emergencies: A rapid evidence review. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2024; 102:102378. [PMID: 37856938 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease COVID-19, were declared a pandemic in March 2020. Countries developed rapid response activities within their health services to prevent spread of the virus and protect their populations. Evaluating health service delivery change is vital to assess how adapted practices worked, particularly during times of crisis. This review examined tools and methods that are used to evaluate health service delivery change during pandemics and similar emergencies. Five databases were searched, including PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The SPIDER tool informed the inclusion criteria for the articles. Articles in English and published from 2002 to 2020 were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse the studies. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Many evaluation tools, methods, and frameworks were identified in the literature. Only one established tool was specific to a particular disease outbreak. Others, including rapid-cycle improvement and PDSA cycles were implemented across various disease outbreaks. Novel evaluation strategies were common across the literature and included checklists, QI frameworks, questionnaires, and surveys. Adherence practices, experience with telehealth, patient/healthcare staff safety, and clinical competencies were some areas evaluated by the tools and methods. Several domains, including patient/practitioner safety and patient/practitioner experience with telemedicine were also identified in the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Keegan
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Eithne Heffernan
- Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK; Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - Bridget Clarke
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Conor Deasy
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland; Emergency Department, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland; University College Cork, Cork, County Cork, Ireland.
| | - Cathal O'Donnell
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Philip Crowley
- National Quality Improvement Team, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Angela Hughes
- National Quality Improvement Team, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Andrew W Murphy
- Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Siobhán Masterson
- Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
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13
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Liana P, Amalia E, Fertilita S, Umar TP. Neutrophil extracellular traps, demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters in COVID-19 patients: Impact on the severity and outcome during Omicron waves in Indonesia. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2024; 25:101494. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
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Ejezie CL, Shegog R, Durand C, Cuccaro P, Savas LS. A Multivariate Probit Regression of the Uptake of Adolescent Vaccines Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:28-35. [PMID: 37804299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The uptake of adolescent vaccines has improved over the years. However, research of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this uptake among racial/ethnic minority adolescents has been limited. This study was conducted to compare the probability of uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV); tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap); and quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines among racial/ethnic minority adolescents ages 13-17 years in 2019, 2020, and 2021. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design to examine data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (2019-2021), multivariate probit regression was used to model variation in uptake of these three adolescent vaccines (n = 38,128). The outcome measures were HPV, Tdap, and MenACWY vaccine uptake. RESULTS The probability of uptake of HPV vaccine was higher in 2020 (Coef = 0.09 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.03-0.16]) and 2021 (Coef = 0.07 [95% CI, 0.00-0.15]) than in 2019. The probability of uptake of MenACWY vaccine was higher in 2020 (Coef = 0.08 [95% CI, 0.02-0.15]) than in 2019. The probability of uptake of recommended vaccines varied among racial/ethnic minorities with non-Hispanic Black adolescents exhibiting higher probability of uptake of HPV vaccine (Coef = 0.10 [95% CI, 0.01-0.19]) than Tdap vaccine. U.S. Census region and insurance status were associated with the uptake of all recommended vaccines. DISCUSSION Progress in the uptake of these recommended vaccines may not have been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, disparities in uptake of the recommended vaccines still exist despite increased uptake during the pandemic. Future research should examine the disparities as well as examine regional differences in the uptake of these three adolescent vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinenye Lynette Ejezie
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Ross Shegog
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Casey Durand
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Paula Cuccaro
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Lara S Savas
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
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15
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North A, Cloete A, Ramlagan S, Manyaapelo T, Ngobeni A, Vondo N, Sekgala D. " … [I] f I can [be] infected now that means I am going to die … ": an explorative study focusing on vulnerable, immunocompromised groups and caregivers experiences and perceptions of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. SAHARA J 2023; 20:2187446. [PMID: 36942771 PMCID: PMC10035956 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2023.2187446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this paper, we explored how vulnerable, immunocompromised groups and caregivers of the elderly experienced and perceived the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely between the 5th andthe 18th of April 2020 in the three South African provinces hardest hit by Covid-19, namely Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. In total, 60 qualitative key informant interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted. Study participants expressed concerns for elderly people and people with underlying health conditions because of their increased vulnerability to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). People living with HIV expressed an increased fear of infection following the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. The sidelining of healthcare services and stock-outs of medication proved to be an added concern in particular for vulnerable and immunocompromised groups. Overall, the data suggest that the fear of infection is ubiquitous for people who live in unstable environments such as overcrowded townships and informal settlements. Given the increased fears of infection brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental health of vulnerable communities and those caring for them becomes an added burden for people living in unstable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia North
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Registry of Older Australians (ROSA), South Australia
| | | | | | | | - Amukelani Ngobeni
- HSC Division, HSRC, Pretoria, South Africa
- University of the North West, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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16
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Ahsan N, Imran M, Mohammed Y, Al Anouti F, Khan MI, Banerjee T, Adnan M, Ashfaq F, Kieliszek M, Ashraf SA, Haq A. Mechanistic Insight into the role of Vitamin D and Zinc in Modulating Immunity Against COVID-19: A View from an Immunological Standpoint. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:5546-5560. [PMID: 36890344 PMCID: PMC9995175 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is characterized by worsened inflammation because of weakened immunity, causing the infiltration of immune cells, followed by necrosis. Consequently, these pathophysiological changes may lead to a life-threatening decline in perfusion due to hyperplasia of the lungs, instigating severe pneumonia, and causing fatalities. Additionally, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can cause mortality due to viral septic shock, resulting from unrestrained and backfiring immune reactions to the pathogen. Sepsis can cause premature organ failure in COVID-19 patients, as well. Notably, vitamin D and its derivatives and minerals, such as zinc and magnesium, have been reported to improve the immune system against respiratory illnesses. This comprehensive review aims to provide updated mechanistic details of vitamin D and zinc as immunomodulators. Additionally, this review also focuses on their role in respiratory illnesses, while specifically delineating the plausibility of employing them as a preventive and therapeutic agent against current and future pandemics from an immunological perspective. Furthermore, this comprehensive review will attract the attention of health professionals, nutritionists, pharmaceuticals, and scientific communities, as it encourages the use of such micronutrients for therapeutic purposes, as well as promoting their health benefits for a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuzhat Ahsan
- Quantum Biphotonics Division, Quantlase Laboratory LLC, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Mohammad Imran
- Therapeutic Research Group, Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - Yousuf Mohammed
- Therapeutic Research Group, Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - Fatme Al Anouti
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Mohammad Idreesh Khan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences in Ar Rass, Qassim University, Ar Rass, 51921, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanushree Banerjee
- Infosys Ltd. SEZ Unit VI, Plot No. 1, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi Phase I, Pune, Maharashtra, 57, India
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fauzia Ashfaq
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marek Kieliszek
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Syed Amir Ashraf
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia.
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17
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Ahmed FF, Das AD, Sumi MJ, Islam MZ, Rahman MS, Rashid MH, Alyami SA, Alotaibi N, Azad AKM, Moni MA. Identification of genetic biomarkers, drug targets and agents for respiratory diseases utilising integrated bioinformatics approaches. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19072. [PMID: 37925496 PMCID: PMC10625598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46455-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases (RD) are significant public health burdens and malignant diseases worldwide. However, the RD-related biological information and interconnection still need to be better understood. Thus, this study aims to detect common differential genes and potential hub genes (HubGs), emphasizing their actions, signaling pathways, regulatory biomarkers for diagnosing RD and candidate drugs for treating RD. In this paper we used integrated bioinformatics approaches (such as, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation and network-based molecular interaction analysis). We discovered 73 common DEGs (CDEGs) and ten HubGs (ATAD2B, PPP1CB, FOXO1, AKT3, BCR, PDE4D, ITGB1, PCBP2, CD44 and SMARCA2). Several significant functions and signaling pathways were strongly related to RD. We recognized six transcription factor (TF) proteins (FOXC1, GATA2, FOXL1, YY1, POU2F2 and HINFP) and five microRNAs (hsa-mir-218-5p, hsa-mir-335-5p, hsa-mir-16-5p, hsa-mir-106b-5p and hsa-mir-15b-5p) as the important transcription and post-transcription regulators of RD. Ten HubGs and six major TF proteins were considered drug-specific receptors. Their binding energy analysis study was carried out with the 63 drug agents detected from network analysis. Finally, the five complexes (the PDE4D-benzo[a]pyrene, SMARCA2-benzo[a]pyrene, HINFP-benzo[a]pyrene, CD44-ketotifen and ATAD2B-ponatinib) were selected for RD based on their strong binding affinity scores and stable performance as the most probable repurposable protein-drug complexes. We believe our findings will give readers, wet-lab scientists, and pharmaceuticals a thorough grasp of the biology behind RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fee Faysal Ahmed
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.
| | - Arnob Dip Das
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Joynab Sumi
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Zohurul Islam
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
- High Performance Computing (HPC) Laboratory, Department of Mathematics, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shahedur Rahman
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
- Bioinformatics and Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Harun Rashid
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Salem A Alyami
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), 13318, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Alotaibi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), 13318, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A K M Azad
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), 13318, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Du Y, Wu T, Zhou W, Li C, Ding C, Chen P, Xie H, Qu J. Cicada Wing-Inspired Transparent Polystyrene Film Integrating Self-Cleaning, Antifogging, and Antibacterial Properties. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:46538-46549. [PMID: 37729522 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
A transparent film integrating antifouling, antifogging, and antibacterial properties is crucial for its application as a protective mask, goggles, or lens. Herein, applying dynamic injection molding coupled with a bionic gradient template, a fast and efficient method is proposed for the preparation of the bionic polystyrene surface (BNPPS) with a cicada wing-inspired nanopillar structure. The contact angle of the BNPPS film increases continuously along the wing vein, while the sliding angle decreases continuously, mimicking the gradient wetting state of a cicada wing and providing excellent self-propelled removal properties for tiny water droplets. Notably, the BNPPS film has a transmittance higher than 90% and a reflectivity lower than 5% in the visible light range. Dyeing water, milk, juice, cola, and ink can slide smoothly from the BNPPS film surface without leaving any residue. Importantly, the nanopillars on the BNPPS film surface can penetrate and kill most of the Escherichia coli within 20 min. Therefore, the prepared BNPPS film with sufficient mechanical strength gathers the unique properties of the cicada wing together. The proposed research is expected to offer valuable guidance for fabricating self-cleaning, antifogging, and antibacterial optical devices that could be utilized in medical and vision systems operating in harsh environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure and Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure and Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Weilong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure and Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure and Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- Kingfa Science and Technology Co., LTD., Guangzhou 510663, Guangdong, China
| | - Chao Ding
- Kingfa Science and Technology Co., LTD., Guangzhou 510663, Guangdong, China
| | - Pingxu Chen
- Kingfa Science and Technology Co., LTD., Guangzhou 510663, Guangdong, China
| | - Heng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure and Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Jinping Qu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure and Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong, China
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19
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Ejezie CL, Cuccaro P, Durand C, Savas L, Shegog R. Parent-reported provider recommendation of HPV vaccination among minority adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the National Immunization Survey-Teen, 2019-2021. Prev Med Rep 2023; 35:102286. [PMID: 37361924 PMCID: PMC10282928 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Provider recommendation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among adolescents has steadily improved over the years, however, limited research has been conducted to examine if the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this positive trend in parent-reported provider recommendation among minority adolescents. Therefore, we conducted the present study to determine if there is an association between the pandemic and parent-reported provider recommendation of HPV vaccine among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adolescents. We also examined whether any changes in parent-reported provider recommendation in the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 differed by race or ethnicity. Using a cross-sectional design to examine data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (2019-2021), a moderation analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to model race-specific variation in parent-reported provider recommendation (n = 50,739). We found that Hispanic parents had lower odds (aOR = 0.80 [0.71, 0.91]) of reporting receiving a recommendation compared to non-Hispanic white parents. We also found that the odds of parent-reported provider recommendation were higher in 2020 (aOR = 1.15 [1.03-1.29]) than in 2019. Other variables-age, region, sex, health insurance status, and poverty status-were all associated with parent-reported provider recommendation. These findings demonstrated that the pandemic may not have triggered any race-related gap in the recommendation of HPV vaccines, however, more pandemic-resilient public health efforts are needed to improve parent and provider communication regarding HPV vaccination of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinenye Lynette Ejezie
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UThealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paula Cuccaro
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UThealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Casey Durand
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UThealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lara Savas
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UThealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ross Shegog
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, UThealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Muñoz-Vela FJ, Rodríguez-Díaz L, Fernández-Carrasco FJ, Allande-Cussó R, Vázquez-Lara JM, Fagundo-Rivera J, Gómez-Salgado J. Adaptation and psychometric study of the scale for the measurement of fear and anxiety of COVID-19 disease in pregnant women (AMICO_Pregnant). Front Public Health 2023; 11:1225822. [PMID: 37809001 PMCID: PMC10552539 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1225822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this research was to adapt and explore the psychometric properties of a specific scale to assess the levels of fear and anxiety of COVID-19 disease in pregnant women. Methods An adaptation phase, by a panel of experts, and a psychometric descriptive cross-sectional study were carried out on the final version of the 16-item, self-administered AMICO_Pregnant scale. Univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out, followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The consistency of the scale was assessed using the Omega coefficient and Cronbach's Alpha. Results With a sample of 1,013 pregnant women living in Spain and over 18 years of age, the mean age was 33 years. The scale showed a bifactor structure (anxiety and fear) that was confirmed with good fit parameters. Reliability was assessed in terms of internal consistency by calculating Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (0.95) and McDonald's Omega coefficient (0.94) as indicators of robustness of the scale's reliability. Conclusion The AMICO_Pregnant scale of 16 items with scores ranging from 1 to 10 is a valid and reliable tool to assess levels of anxiety and fear of COVID_19 in Spanish pregnant women. Pregnant women have shown moderate levels of anxiety and fear regarding the COVID_19 disease in the final phase of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Muñoz-Vela
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
- Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Luciano Rodríguez-Díaz
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, Ceuta, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Martins da Silva AY, Arouche TDS, Siqueira MRS, Ramalho TC, de Faria LJG, Gester RDM, Carvalho Junior RND, Santana de Oliveira M, Neto AMDJC. SARS-CoV-2 external structures interacting with nanospheres using docking and molecular dynamics. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 42:9892-9907. [PMID: 37712854 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2252930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has shown rapid proliferation and scarcity of treatments with proven effectiveness. In this way, we simulated the hospitalization of carbon nanospheres, with external active sites of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (M-Pro, S-Gly and E-Pro), which can be adsorbed or inactivated when interacting with the nanospheres. The computational procedures performed in this work were developed with the SwissDock server for molecular docking and the GROMACS software for molecular dynamics, making it possible to extract relevant data on affinity energy, distance between molecules, free Gibbs energy and mean square deviation of atomic positions, surface area accessible to solvents. Molecular docking indicates that all ligands have an affinity for the receptor's active sites. The nanospheres interact favorably with all proteins, showing promising results, especially C60, which presented the best affinity energy and RMSD values for all protein macromolecules investigated. The C60 with E-Pro exhibited the highest affinity energy of -9.361 kcal/mol, demonstrating stability in both molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Our RMSD calculations indicated that the nanospheres remained predominantly stable, fluctuating within a range of 2 to 3 Å. Additionally, the analysis of other structures yielded promising results that hold potential for application in other proteases.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Yuri Martins da Silva
- Laboratory for the Preparation and Computation of Nanomaterials (LPCN), Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
- Graduated in Chemical Engineering, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Chemical Engineering, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Tiago da Silva Arouche
- Laboratory for the Preparation and Computation of Nanomaterials (LPCN), Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
- Graduated in Chemical Engineering, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Teodorico Castro Ramalho
- Postgraduate Program in Engineering of Natural Resources of the Amazon, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo do Monte Gester
- Institute of Exact Sciences (ICE), Federal University of the South and Southeast of Pará, Maraba, Brazil
| | - Raul Nunes de Carvalho Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Chemical Engineering, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Engineering of Natural Resources of the Amazon, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Faculty of Food Engineering ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Maia de Jesus Chaves Neto
- Laboratory for the Preparation and Computation of Nanomaterials (LPCN), Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
- Graduated in Chemical Engineering, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Chemical Engineering, ITEC, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- National Professional Master's in Physics Teaching, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Diretoria, Coordenação de Botânica, Rua Augusto Corrêa, Belém, Brazil
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Muench A, Lampe EW, Boyle JT, Seewald M, Thompson MG, Perlis ML, Vargas I. The Assessment of Post-COVID Fatigue and Its Relationship to the Severity and Duration of Acute COVID Illness. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5910. [PMID: 37762851 PMCID: PMC10531744 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggests that COVID-19 is associated with fatigue well beyond the acute illness period. The present analysis aimed to: (1) characterize the prevalence and incidence of high fatigue at baseline and follow-up; (2) examine the impact of COVID-19 diagnosis on fatigue level following acute illness; and (3) examine the impact of acute COVID-19 symptom severity and duration on fatigue at follow-up. Subjects (n = 1417; 81.0% female; 83.3% White; X¯age = 43.6 years) completed the PROMIS-Fatigue during the initial wave of the pandemic at baseline (April-June 2020) and 9-month follow-up (January-March 2021). A generalized linear model (binomial distribution) was used to examine whether COVID-19 positivity, severity, and duration were associated with higher fatigue level at follow-up. Prevalence of high fatigue at baseline was 21.88% and 22.16% at follow-up, with 8.12% new cases at follow-up. Testing positive for COVID-19 was significantly associated with higher fatigue at follow-up. COVID-19 symptom duration and severity were significantly associated with increased fatigue at follow-up. COVID-19 symptom duration and severity during acute illness may precipitate longer-term fatigue, which could have implications for treatment planning and future research. Future studies should further evaluate the relationship between symptom severity, duration, and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Muench
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.S.);
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth W. Lampe
- Center for Weight Eating and Lifestyle Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Julia T. Boyle
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mark Seewald
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.S.);
| | - Michelle G. Thompson
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Michael L. Perlis
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.S.);
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ivan Vargas
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AK 72701, USA;
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23
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Deogade MS, Tahlan N, Anjum S, Parwati, Jena S, Bhati D, Acharyya A, Nesari TM. Dysmenorrhea and heavy bleeding as complications in COVID-19-positive women: An observational study. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:1849-1853. [PMID: 38024926 PMCID: PMC10657055 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1988_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological dysregulation and inflammation may play a role in the nature of menstruation. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can produce a systemic inflammatory reaction that involves extrapulmonary organs and can also affect the immune system. This study aimed to analyze changes in the menstrual cycle in coronavirus (COVID)-positive women of reproductive age. Methods The data of 35 women of reproductive age were collected telephonically from said patients admitted to the COVID Health Centre (CHC) ward of All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, during June 20, 2020, to October 31, 2020. Purposive sampling was used for data collection. Wyatt menstrual pictogram and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess the bleeding pattern and pain during menstruation, respectively. Results Clinically, changes were noted in post-COVID menstruation such as irregularity, polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, clots, and menstrual flow in days. However, all results were statistically non-significant. But significant (P = 0.003) menstrual pain was reported. Conclusion Menstrual changes were observed in COVID-19-positive women belonging to the reproductive age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena Shamrao Deogade
- Department of Dravyaguna (Ayurveda Pharmacology), All India Institute of Ayurveda, Gautampuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Nidhi Tahlan
- Department of Stree Roga and Prasuti Tanta (Gynecology), All India Institute of Ayurveda, Gautampuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Sadaf Anjum
- Department of Stree Roga and Prasuti Tanta (Gynecology), All India Institute of Ayurveda, Gautampuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Parwati
- Department of Panchakarma, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Gautampuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Swarnakant Jena
- Department of Panchakarma, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Gautampuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepak Bhati
- Senior Medical Officer and Casualty Head, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Gautampuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Amitava Acharyya
- Scheme Section (Ayush and Public Health Component of Ayurswasthya Yojana), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanuja Manoj Nesari
- Department of Dravyaguna (Ayurveda Pharmacology), All India Institute of Ayurveda, Gautampuri, New Delhi, India
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Zaher K, Basingab F, Alrahimi J, Basahel K, Aldahlawi A. Gender Differences in Response to COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1677. [PMID: 37371774 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since COVID-19 first appeared, a number of follow-up events have taken place. In an effort to find a solution to this catastrophe, a great deal of study and analysis has been conducted. Because of the high morbidity and exceptionally large losses, scientists are being pushed to conduct more research and find vaccination and treatments. The virus has a wide range of effects, one of which is how it affects sexual activity in both men and women. The impact of the cardiovascular system and susceptibility to embolism, lung stress, and infection heightens the probability of hospitalization in the intensive care unit for pregnant women who have contracted COVID-19. There is no evidence of infection being passed from mother to child. In the current review, the role of COVID-19 infection and vaccination on male and female sexual activity, hormones, and the menstrual cycle for females, as well as on male sex hormones and sexual activity during infection and after vaccination, are being investigated. There are no reports of the virus being isolated from the semen of an infected patient or recently recovered patients. A recent investigation on the influence of the virus on gender susceptibility to sexual organs and function has been uncovered throughout this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawther Zaher
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatemah Basingab
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jehan Alrahimi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kholood Basahel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alia Aldahlawi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21859, Saudi Arabia
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Gvozdjáková A, Kucharská J, Rausová Z, Lopéz-Lluch G, Navas P, Palacka P, Bartolčičová B, Sumbalová Z. Effect of Vaccination on Platelet Mitochondrial Bioenergy Function of Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051085. [PMID: 37243171 DOI: 10.3390/v15051085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox cellular imbalance indicate crucial function in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Since 11 March 2020, a global pandemic, health crisis and economic disruption has been caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccination is considered one of the most effective strategies for preventing viral infection. We tested the hypothesis that preventive vaccination affects the reduced bioenergetics of platelet mitochondria and the biosynthesis of endogenous coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in patients with post-acute COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS 10 vaccinated patients with post-acute COVID-19 (V + PAC19) and 10 unvaccinated patients with post-acute COVID-19 (PAC19) were included in the study. The control group (C) consisted of 16 healthy volunteers. Platelet mitochondrial bioenergy function was determined with HRR method. CoQ10, γ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol and β-carotene were determined by HPLC, TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS Vaccination protected platelet mitochondrial bioenergy function but not endogenous CoQ10 levels, in patients with post-acute COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 virus infection prevented the reduction of platelet mitochondrial respiration and energy production. The mechanism of suppression of CoQ10 levels by SARS-CoV-2 virus is not fully known. Methods for the determination of CoQ10 and HRR can be used for monitoring of mitochondrial bioenergetics and targeted therapy of patients with post-acute COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gvozdjáková
- Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jarmila Kucharská
- Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Rausová
- Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Guillermo Lopéz-Lluch
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-3A and CIBERER, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Plácido Navas
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-3A and CIBERER, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Patrik Palacka
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Bartolčičová
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Slovak Technical University, 811 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Sumbalová
- Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Rezaei B, Shahedi A, Keshtkaran Z, Eidi A, Delam H, Safari K, Shadmehr R, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M. Changes in incidence and mortality trend due to COVID-19 in southern Iran, from 2020 to 2021: based on Cochran-Armitage trend test. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37361263 PMCID: PMC10076376 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Background In 2020, COVID-19 spread rapidly in Iran and other parts of the world. Some of the epidemiological aspects of this disease remain unknown; therefore, the present study was designed with the aim of determining the trend of incidence and mortality of COVID-19 from February 2020 to July 2021 in southern Iran. Methods The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study that included all people who had COVID-19 in the period from February 2020 to July 2021 and whose information had been registered in the Infectious Diseases Center of Larestan city and MCMC unit. The study area included the cities of Larestan, Evaz, and Khonj, located in the south of Fars province in southern Iran. Results Since the emergence of COVID-19 until July 2021, a total of 23,246 new cases of infection were reported in the southern region of Fars province. The average age of patients was 39.90±18.30 years and the range of ages varied from 1 to 103 years. The results of the Cochran-Armitage trend test showed that the trend of the disease in 2020 was completely upward. The first positive case of COVID-19 was recorded on February 27, 2020. The incidence curve in 2021 is sinusoidal, but in general, the results of the Cochran-Armitage trend test showed that the incidence of the disease increased significantly (P-trend < 0.001). Most cases were reported in July, April, and the end of March. Conclusion In general, the incidence rate of COVID-19 has varied sinusoidally from 2020 to mid-2021. Although the incidence of the disease increased, the number of deaths has fallen. It seems that the increase in the number of diagnostic tests and the implementation of the national COVID-19 immunization program have been effective in changing the trend of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Rezaei
- Department of Surgery, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahedi
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Zahra Keshtkaran
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Shiraz University of medical sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Eidi
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Hamed Delam
- Student Research Committee, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
- Imam Reza Teaching Hospital, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Khalil Safari
- Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
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Atiku SM, Kasozi D, Campbell K. Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) of Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes (ACE1 and ACE2): A Plausible Explanation for the Global Variation in COVID-19 Prevalence. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2023; 2023:9668008. [PMID: 37051471 PMCID: PMC10085651 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9668008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Although it is common knowledge that the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and other viral infections have an uneven impact globally, the reasons for this are still indistinct. The absence of equivalent capacities worldwide in screening, testing, and reporting of cases is one of the ideas put forward to explain this discrepancy. The molecular developments are noteworthy, particularly the role played by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACEs (ACE1 and ACE2). The virus can enter the host cell thanks to the transmembrane protein ACE2, which is a homolog of ACE1. Objectives. With a focus on the I/D genotype of ACE1 and the rs2285666 SNV of ACE2, we elucidated the prevalence of SNPs in ACE1 and ACE2 in various geographic locations. We examined the relationship between these SNPs and the global patterns of COVID-19 prevalence. Methods. 66 of the 127 articles obtained using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google directly conformed to the search terms; geographical distribution of viral infections, the prevalence of COVID-19, ACE1, ACE2, SNPs, and prevalence of the DD genotype, and rs2285666. Results. The DD genotype of ACE1 and the rs2285666 SNV of ACE2 are vital in their gene expression and contribute greatly to viral disease susceptibility, development, and severity. There was generally a high prevalence of the DD genotype in Europe and America, where COVID-19 had a more devastating effect than in Asia and Africa. The prevalence of the SNV rs2285666 varied in the following order: East Asia> South Asia >America>Europe >Africa. However, there were conflicting agreements in the association of rs2285666 with COVID-19 susceptibility and prevalence. Conclusion. The ACE1 DD genotype and COVID-19 prevalence have been positively linked in a number of studies. The ACE2 rs2285666 SNV, however, has yielded no definitive results. To determine the relationship between these SNVs and COVID-19 incidence, more research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Mahjub Atiku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muni University, P. O. Box 725 Arua, Uganda
- Department of Biochemistry, Habib Medical School Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University in Uganda, P. O. Box 7689 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dennis Kasozi
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University Kampala, P. O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Katrina Campbell
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, OG.076 / O2.037, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Queen’s University Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
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Gajula SNR, Khairnar AS, Jock P, Kumari N, Pratima K, Munjal V, Kalan P, Sonti R. LC-MS/MS: A sensitive and selective analytical technique to detect COVID-19 protein biomarkers in the early disease stage. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:5-18. [PMID: 36919634 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2191845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 outbreak has put enormous pressure on the scientific community to detect infection rapidly, identify the status of disease severity, and provide an immediate vaccine/drug for the treatment. Relying on immunoassay and a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) led to many false-negative and false-positive reports. Therefore, detecting biomarkers is an alternative and reliable approach for determining the infection, its severity, and disease progression. Recent advances in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) enable the protein biomarkers even at low concentrations, thus facilitating clinicians to monitor the treatment in hospitals. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the role of LC-MS/MS in identifying protein biomarkers and discusses the clinically significant protein biomarkers such as Serum amyloid A, Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein, Lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, cardiac troponin, ferritin, Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, gelsolin and galectin-3-binding protein in COVID-19, and their analysis by LC-MS/MS in the early stage. EXPERT OPINION Clinical doctors monitor significant biomarkers to understand, stratify, and treat patients according to disease severity. Knowledge of clinically significant COVID-19 protein biomarkers is critical not only for COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus but also to prepare us for future pandemics of other diseases in detecting by LC-MS/MS at the early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Ankita Sahebrao Khairnar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Pallavi Jock
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Nikita Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Kendre Pratima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Vijay Munjal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Pavan Kalan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Rajesh Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
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Medina-Vásquez P, Romero-Romero R, Mayorga-Zambrano J. A model for the SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in a population lacking herd immunity. BIONATURA 2023. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2023.08.01.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We introduced the S-HI model, a generalized SEIR model to describe the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a community without herd immunity and performed simulations for six months. The S- HI model consists of eight equations corresponding to susceptible individuals, exposed, asymptomatic infected, asymptomatic recovered, symptomatic infected, quarantined, symptomatic recovered and dead. We study the dynamics of the infected, asymptomatic. Dead classes in 4 different networks: households, workplaces, agglomeration places and the general community, showing that the dynamics of the three compartments have the exact nature in each layer and that the speed of the disease considerably increases in the networks with the highest weight of contacts. The reproduction number, R0, is greater than 1 in all networks conforming to the theory. The variants of the SARS-Cov-2 virus are not taken into account, so the S-HI model would fit a situation similar to the first wave of contagion after the mandatory lockdown.
Keywords: SARS-Cov-2, mathematical models, SEIR, data-driven networks, simulations, basic reproduction number, lack of herd immunity.
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Lisiecka A, Chimicz D, Lewicka-Zelent A. Mental Health Support in Higher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study and Recommendations for Practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4969. [PMID: 36981877 PMCID: PMC10049581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the lives of many university students around the globe, including students at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland. Isolation, a sense of threat, and the transition to remote learning resulted in numerous, mainly psychological, negative consequences for students. The university aimed to provide students with effective assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The question now is whether it has succeeded or failed. This study demonstrates good practices in mental health support at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University during the pandemic and post-pandemic period. Methods: The study was conducted between October and December 2022. The case study method and purposive sampling were used in the study. A total of 19 participants took part in this study. Of the respondents, 16 were females, 3 were males. Ages ranged between 26 and 55 years. Results: Research has shown that the university provided students with various forms of mental health support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in the 2020/2021 academic year, students and university staff were provided with pedagogical, psychological, and/or psychotherapeutic consultations. Among the main problems reported by students and staff were anxiety, lowered mood, depressive conditions, failure to cope with stress, relationship problems at university, a spectrum of pandemic-related problems, life crises, and discrimination related to sexual orientation. Support was provided via web platforms, social networking websites, and by phone, directly and free of charge. Conclusions: The impact of the pandemic has exposed strengths and weaknesses in the management of the mental health support system at the university. It also showed new needs and directions of support. The university has new goals; one of the greatest is preparing students for the challenges of the future.
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Abi Jumaa J, Catena R, Brown E, Sanyang S, Tridico A, Weaver D. Exploring pandemic preparedness in higher education: lessons learnt from students' lived experiences during a critical time. DISCOVER HEALTH SYSTEMS 2023; 2:9. [PMID: 37520518 PMCID: PMC9980862 DOI: 10.1007/s44250-023-00024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a marked impact on educational disruption and progression of students. Linked to this, studies have demonstrated increases in depression, anxiety, and stress, with long-term outcomes yet to be understood. Students in Higher Education (HE) were at particular risk due to circumstances such as financial stress from job loss, shifting to online learning and uncertainties about the future, with many international students isolated from social support networks. This study explored lived experiences of determinants for academic disruption in HE students during the COVID-19 pandemic across Germany and the UK. Methods The study used qualitative secondary data collected from extension and mitigation claim forms from 2019 until 2021 from a university with campuses in the UK and Germany. A phenomenological perspective was utilised to draw out experiences and insights into determinants for mitigation from students to enhance our understanding of real problems encountered during a period of crisis. Thematic data analysis was used to create themes of influence for mitigation of assessments. Results Themes identified pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic included; pre-COVID: work-related commitments; bereavement; illness of a family member; mental and physical health issues; natural disasters, during 2020/21, themes created were; COVID-19 social impacts; workplace and financial demands; psychological distress; physical illness, with subthemes evolving such as family responsibilities; and caring for others; furlough and its financial impacts; heavy workload for frontline health care workers; mental health impacts; physical abuse and crime, COVID-19 physical symptoms. Conclusion We suggest an Integrated 'Determinants of Wellbeing Framework' for supporting HE students during critical times such as a pandemic. Our suggested framework was adapted from determining health inequalities and the concept of the 'flourishing student' that maps the relationship between the student, their environment and well-being. It is hoped the framework will serve to inform future theories around disruption to student progression and to explore the relevant impact on educational outcomes in HE thus assisting in appropriate support planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinan Abi Jumaa
- School of Health and Care Management, Arden University, Dessauer Str. 3-5, 10963 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rodolfo Catena
- UCL Global Business School for Health, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Elliot Brown
- School of Health and Care Management, Arden University, Dessauer Str. 3-5, 10963 Berlin, Germany
| | - Saikou Sanyang
- School of Health and Care Management, Arden University, Middlemarch Park, Coventry, CV3 4FJ UK
| | - Alessandro Tridico
- School of Health and Care Management, Arden University, Middlemarch Park, Coventry, CV3 4FJ UK
| | - Dawn Weaver
- School of Health and Care Management, Arden University, Middlemarch Park, Coventry, CV3 4FJ UK
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Alshehri NN, AlQahtani MA, Riaz F, Mahmood SE, Ahmad A, AbdelGhaffar NF, Almakfor AHA, Alahmari FM, Abdulmutal H, Rudainee MHA. Neurological Manifestations and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19 in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3848. [PMID: 36900860 PMCID: PMC10001169 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 patients also present with rheumatological problems, cardiac problems, and even neurological manifestations. However, the data are still insufficient at present to fill the gaps in our understanding of the neurological presentations of COVID-19. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to reveal the various neurological manifestations of patients with COVID-19 and to find the association between neurological manifestations and the clinical outcome. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Abha, in the Aseer region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted with the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 to the Aseer Central Hospital and Heart Center Hospital Abha. Non-probability convenient sampling was used. All the information was gathered by the principal investigator using a questionnaire including sociodemographic information, disease characteristics of COVID-19, neurological manifestations, and other complications. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A total of 55 patients were included in the present study. About half of the patients were admitted to the ICU, and 18 (62.1%) patients died after 1 month of follow-up. Patients aged over 60 years had a 75% mortality rate. About 66.66% of patients with pre-existing neurological disorders died. Statistically significant associations were found between neurological symptoms such as cranial nerve symptoms and a poor outcome. A statistically significant difference was also found between laboratory parameters such as the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), total cholesterol (TC), creatinine, urea, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and the outcome. A statistically significant difference was also found between the use of medications such as antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and statins at the baseline and after a 1-month follow-up. Neurological symptoms and complications are not uncommon among COVID-19 patients. Most of these patients had poor outcomes. Further studies are required to provide more data and knowledge about this issue, including the possible risk factors and the long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada N. Alshehri
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Medical City, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha A. AlQahtani
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Medical City, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Riaz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed E. Mahmood
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ausaf Ahmad
- Department of Community Medicine, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Nawal F. AbdelGhaffar
- Neurology Department, Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 4240310, Egypt
| | | | - Fawziah M. Alahmari
- Neurology Section, Department of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan Abdulmutal
- Neurology Section, Department of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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Demi L, Wolfram F, Klersy C, De Silvestri A, Ferretti VV, Muller M, Miller D, Feletti F, Wełnicki M, Buda N, Skoczylas A, Pomiecko A, Damjanovic D, Olszewski R, Kirkpatrick AW, Breitkreutz R, Mathis G, Soldati G, Smargiassi A, Inchingolo R, Perrone T. New International Guidelines and Consensus on the Use of Lung Ultrasound. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:309-344. [PMID: 35993596 PMCID: PMC10086956 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Following the innovations and new discoveries of the last 10 years in the field of lung ultrasound (LUS), a multidisciplinary panel of international LUS experts from six countries and from different fields (clinical and technical) reviewed and updated the original international consensus for point-of-care LUS, dated 2012. As a result, a total of 20 statements have been produced. Each statement is complemented by guidelines and future developments proposals. The statements are furthermore classified based on their nature as technical (5), clinical (11), educational (3), and safety (1) statements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libertario Demi
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer ScienceUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Frank Wolfram
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular SurgerySRH Wald‐Klinikum GeraGeraGermany
| | - Catherine Klersy
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsFondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. MatteoPaviaItaly
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsFondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. MatteoPaviaItaly
| | | | - Marie Muller
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Douglas Miller
- Department of RadiologyMichigan MedicineAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Francesco Feletti
- Department of Diagnostic ImagingUnit of Radiology of the Hospital of Ravenna, Ausl RomagnaRavennaItaly
- Department of Translational Medicine and for RomagnaUniversità Degli Studi di FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Marcin Wełnicki
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine and CardiologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | - Natalia Buda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Connective Tissue Disease and GeriatricsMedical University of GdanskGdanskPoland
| | - Agnieszka Skoczylas
- Geriatrics DepartmentNational Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and RehabilitationWarsawPoland
| | - Andrzej Pomiecko
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Hematology and OncologyUniversity Clinical CenterGdańskPoland
| | - Domagoj Damjanovic
- Heart Center Freiburg University, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Robert Olszewski
- Department of Gerontology, Public Health and DidacticsNational Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and RehabilitationWarsawPoland
| | - Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Calgary and the TeleMentored Ultrasound Supported Medical Interventions Research GroupCalgaryCanada
| | - Raoul Breitkreutz
- FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management gGmbHDepartment of Health and SocialEssenGermany
| | - Gebhart Mathis
- Emergency UltrasoundAustrian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine and BiologyViennaAustria
| | - Gino Soldati
- Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound UnitValledel Serchio General HospitalLuccaItaly
| | - Andrea Smargiassi
- Pulmonary Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCSRomeItaly
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital FoundationUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Riccardo Inchingolo
- Pulmonary Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCSRomeItaly
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital FoundationUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
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Gvozdjáková A, Sumbalová Z, Kucharská J, Rausová Z, Kovalčíková E, Takácsová T, Navas P, López-Lluch G, Mojto V, Palacka P. Mountain spa rehabilitation improved health of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:14200-14211. [PMID: 36151435 PMCID: PMC9510276 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22949-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
European Association of Spa Rehabilitation (ESPA) recommends spa rehabilitation for patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. We tested the hypothesis that a high-altitude environment with clean air and targeted spa rehabilitation (MR - mountain spa rehabilitation) can contribute to the improving platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics, to accelerating patient health and to the reducing socioeconomic problems. Fifteen healthy volunteers and fourteen patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome were included in the study. All parameters were determined before MR (MR1) and 16-18 days after MR (MR2). Platelet mitochondrial respiration and OXPHOS were evaluated using high resolution respirometry method, coenzyme Q10 level was determined by HPLC, and concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as a parameter of lipid peroxidation was determined spectrophotometrically. This pilot study showed significant improvement of clinical symptoms, lungs function, and regeneration of reduced CI-linked platelet mitochondrial respiration after MR in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. High-altitude environment with spa rehabilitation can be recommended for the acceleration of recovery of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gvozdjáková
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Sumbalová
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jarmila Kucharská
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Rausová
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory of 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Timea Takácsová
- Sanatorium of Dr. Guhr, 059 81 High Tatras, Tatranská, Polianka, Slovakia
| | - Plácido Navas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-JA, and CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Guillermo López-Lluch
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-JA, and CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Viliam Mojto
- Faculty of Medicine and UNB, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Derer’s Hospital in Bratislava, Comenius University in Bratislava, Limbová 5, 833 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Patrik Palacka
- Faculty of Medicine, 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Klenová 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
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de Sousa FDB. The impact of plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic: The point of view of the environmental science literature. MATERIALS TODAY. PROCEEDINGS 2023; 80:1448-1455. [PMID: 36743883 PMCID: PMC9889263 DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2023.01.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is the official name of the disease provoked by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Since the advent of the first cases of the new coronavirus, our society has been completely changed. Due to the changes, new environmental challenges were imposed, principally due to the considerable growth in using plastic materials in packages and personal protective equipment such as face masks. The impact of plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed in the present work from the point of view of the environmental science area. Bibliometric analysis and mapping were performed based on Scopus database search results. Emphasis was placed on analyzing the authors' keywords of the publications. The main concern of the research area concerning the use of plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic is the pollution of water bodies by plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiula Danielli Bastos de Sousa
- Technology Development Center, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rua Gomes Carneiro, 1, 96010-610 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Center of Engineering, Modeling and Applied Social Science, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, 09210-580 Santo André, SP, Brazil
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Hasanah U, Kartini A, Kadir NA, Abdullah AA. Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels as A Marker of COVID-19 Severity. INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY AND MEDICAL LABORATORY 2023; 29:81-85. [DOI: 10.24293/ijcpml.v29i1.1910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Knowing the severity of COVID-19 is important during a pandemic. Measurement of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels is a simple, quick, and widely available laboratory test in most health facilities. Lactate dehydrogenase levels change significantly in patients with tissue damage including COVID-19 disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the LDH levels as a marker of the severity of COVID-19. The research method used was a cross-sectional approach using primary data from 70 suspected COVID-19 patients from June to July 2021 at Labuang Baji Hospital, Hasanuddin University Hospital, and Makassar City Hospital. Samples were grouped into mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19. The LDH levels at the time of hospital admission were measured using an Architect device. Chi-Square, Kruskal-Wallis, and ROC curve statistical tests were used to obtain the LDH value with a significant value of p<0.05. The sample consisted of 24 mild COVID-19, 23 moderate COVID-19, and 23 severe COVID-19. The LDH levels in mild COVID-19 were 101.00 U/L (74.00-156.00 U/L) significantly different from moderate COVID-19 was 143.00 U/L (126.00-253.00 U/L) and COVID-19 were 291.00 U/L (177.00-655.00 U/L) (p<0.001) and had a very strong positive correlation (r=0.914). The ROC curve showed that LDH had a sensitivity of 91.3%, specificity of 94.7% with the cut-off >250.5 U/L, NPV of 96.4%, PPV of 87.5%, and accuracy of 91.3%. LDH levels increase along with the increasing severity of COVID-19 caused by tissue damage due to increased inflammatory response. LDH can be used as a marker of COVID-19 severity.
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Carvalho Á, Henriques AR, Queirós P, Rodrigues J, Mendonça N, Rodrigues AM, Canhão H, de Sousa G, Antunes F, Guimarães M. Persistence of IgG COVID-19 antibodies: A longitudinal analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1069898. [PMID: 36703818 PMCID: PMC9872107 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1069898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim The kinetics of antibody production in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is not well-defined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and its dynamics during 9-months in a cohort of patients infected during the first phase of the pandemic. As a secondary aim, it was intended to evaluate the factors associated with different concentrations of IgG antibodies. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2020 to January 2021. This study recruited a convenience sample of adult individuals who where recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and were living in mainland Portugal. A total of 1,695 blood samples were collected from 585 recovered COVID-19 patients up to 9 months after SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. A blood sample was collected at baseline and three, 6 and 9 months after SARS-CoV-2 acute infection to assess the concentration of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2. Results The positivity rate of IgG reached 77.7% in the first 3 months after symptom onset. The IgG persists at all subsequent follow-up time-points, which was 87.7 and 89.2% in the 6th and 9th months after symptom onset, respectively. Three distinct kinetics of antibody response were found within the 9 months after infection. Kinetic 1 (K1) was characterized by a constant low IgG antibody concentration kinetic (group size: 65.2%); kinetic 2 (K2), composed by constant moderate IgG kinetic (group size: 27.5%) and kinetic 3 (K3) characterized by higher IgG kinetic (group size: 7.3%). People with ≥56 years old (OR: 3.33; CI 95%: [1.64; 6.67]; p-value: 0.001) and symptomatic COVID-19 (OR: 2.08; CI 95%: [1.08; 4.00]; p-value: 0.031) had higher odds of a "Moderate IgG kinetic." No significant association were found regarding the "Higher IgG kinetic." Conclusion Our results demonstrate a lasting anti-spike (anti-S) IgG antibody response at least 9 months after infection in the majority of patients with COVID-19. Younger participants with asymptomatic disease have lower IgG antibody positivity and possibly more susceptible to reinfection. This information contributes to expanding knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 immune response and has direct implications in the adoption of preventive strategies and public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Rita Henriques
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,*Correspondence: Ana Rita Henriques ✉
| | | | | | - Nuno Mendonça
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Helena Canhão
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Germano de Sousa
- Germano de Sousa Group- Centro de Medicina Laboratorial, Pólo Tecnológico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco Antunes
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Shaddad AM, Hussein AARM, Tohamy AMA, Khalil WGE. Short-term evaluation of motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters in COVID-19-associated peripheral neuropathy patients. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF BRONCHOLOGY 2023; 17:15. [PMCID: PMC10000350 DOI: 10.1186/s43168-023-00189-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV‐2) is mostly associated with upper and lower respiratory tract manifestations. However, coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) can result in a wide range of other systemic symptomatology, including neuropsychiatric, psychological, and psychosocial impairments. Literature regarding neurological compromise, including neuropathy and sensory and motor affection associated with COVID-19, is still limited. This study aims to evaluate the sensory, motor neuropathy, and secondary neurological impairment among patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease associated with peripheral neuropathy within 1 month. Methods Forty participants, including 20 mild to moderate COVID-19 patients with peripheral neuropathy and 20 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers, were recruited in this case/control study. Laboratory evaluation focused on C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer levels. Oxygen saturation for all participants was recorded. The neurophysiological study included motor nerve study, sensory nerve study, and F wave study for upper and lower limbs were done. Results The two groups were similar regarding baseline data. Neurological symptoms’ onset in the COVID-19 group ranged from 4 to 24 days. Levels of CRP and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients versus the control group. Motor nerve conduction (MNC) amplitude and latency for the median nerve were significantly compromised among the COVID-19 group. The MNC latency and F wave latency for the posterior tibial nerve were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group. The CRP and D-dimer levels were associated with a significant positive correlation with a latency of median nerve MNC, sensory nerve conduction (SNC), and f-wave; latency of MNC and F wave of the posterior tibial nerve; and SNC latency for sural nerve. Conclusion neurological involvement can occur in mild to moderate cases of SARS-COV-2 infection and add to the burden of the disease. Neurological symptoms in the course of COVID-19 disease should be interpreted cautiously, and appropriate diagnosis, including nerve conduction studies and management, should be considered. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05721040.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad M. Shaddad
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XChest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515 Egypt
| | | | - Amal Mohamed Aly Tohamy
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XNeuropsychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515 Egypt
| | - Waleed Gamal Elddine Khalil
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XChest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515 Egypt
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Jain S, Bajaj A, Mohanty V, Arora S, Gangil N, Grover S. Assessing Social Distancing Strategies in Government Schools of Delhi, India: A Formative Research Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023; 16:101-106. [PMID: 37020772 PMCID: PMC10067980 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all spheres of life and work. Children have been deeply affected, with >3.34 billion affected learners in India. The present study aimed to assess the awareness regarding social distancing strategies in schools among teachers of Delhi. Further, it explores the attitudes and perceived challenges toward various practical strategies in schools. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study (formative research design) was conducted through an online survey. Teachers during the first nationwide lockdown period were contacted through the snowball method. Quantitative analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. For the qualitative responses, summative content analysis was conducted by a data coder who was blinded to the identity of the respondent. Results A total of 199 school teachers from various government schools of Delhi participated in the study. Around 49.7% of teachers suggested that online classes would be the best way for appraising children and parents about social distancing, while 24.1% (n = 48) of them insisted on the use of social media. A total of 11.05% of the respondents were of the view that preventive strategies are incredibly difficult to implement and execute. Conclusion Teacher training and sensitization of parents and children can help overcome the perceived challenges. Clinical and public health significance Appropriate COVID-19 preventive strategies implementation remains the mainstay for preventing the transmission of the pandemic among the most vulnerable group-school children. Attempts should be made to tailor-made changes required at the policy as well as school level, understanding the probable school environment and psychological impact, keeping abreast with the local challenges. How to cite this article Jain S, Bajaj A, Mohanty V, et al. Assessing Social Distancing Strategies in Government Schools of Delhi, India: A Formative Research Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):101-106.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Jain
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Annudeep Bajaj
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Mohanty
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Shipra Arora
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Neha Gangil
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Shekhar Grover
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, India
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Nisar S, Zuhaib MA, Ulasyar A, Tariq M. A robust tracking system for COVID-19 like pandemic using advanced hybrid technologies. COMPUTING 2023; 105:871-885. [PMCID: PMC8160079 DOI: 10.1007/s00607-021-00946-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In order to track patients in coronavirus (COVID-19) like pandemic, this paper proposes a novel model based on hybrid advance technologies, which is capable to trace and track COVID-19 affectees with high accuracy. The hybrid technologies include, cellular, cyber and low range wireless technologies. This technique is capable to trace patients through call data record using cellular technology, voice over Internet protocol calls using cyber technology and physical contact without having a call history using low range wireless technologies. The proposed model is also capable to trace COVID-19 suspects. In addition to tracking, the proposed model is capable to provide surveillance capability as well by geo tagging the patients. In case of any violation by the patients an alert is sent to the concerned department. The proposed model is cost effective and privacy preserved as the entire process is carried out under the umbrella of a concerned government department. The potential outcomes of the proposed model are tracking of COVID-19 patients, monitoring of isolated patients, tracking of suspected ones and inform the mass about the safest path to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibli Nisar
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali Zuhaib
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan
| | - Abasin Ulasyar
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
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van Rens T, Hanson P, Oyebode O, Walasek L, Barber TM, Al-Khudairy L. Healthy diets, lifestyle changes and well-being during and after lockdown: longitudinal evidence from the West Midlands. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2022; 5:321-331. [PMID: 36619328 PMCID: PMC9813633 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2022-000562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 'Lockdowns' to control the spread of COVID-19 in the UK affected many aspects of life and may have adversely affected diets. We aimed to examine (1) the effect of lockdowns on fruit and vegetable consumption, as a proxy for healthy diets more generally, and on weight and well-being, (2) whether any subgroup was particularly affected and (3) the barriers and facilitators to a healthy diet in lockdown. Methods We conducted a mixed-method longitudinal study, involving an online survey of 1003 adults in the West Midlands, UK, 494 of whom were surveyed at two different points in time. Our first time point was during stringent COVID-19 lockdown and the second during a period of more relaxed restrictions. We asked quantitative questions about fruit and vegetable consumption; physical activity, sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index and well-being and qualitative questions about the reasons behind reported changes. Results We find no evidence for decreased fruit and vegetable consumption during lockdown compared with afterwards. If anything, consumption increased by half a portion daily among women, particularly among those who normally have a long commute. This finding, combined with a significant increase in physical activity, suggests that behaviours were healthier during lockdown, consistent with higher self-reported health. However, well-being deteriorated markedly, and participants reported being heavier during the lockdown as well. Our qualitative data suggest that an abundance of resources (more time) supported higher fruit and vegetable consumption during lockdown, despite increased access issues. Conclusions Our results may assuage concerns that lockdowns adversely affected diets. They may point to the impact of commuting on diet, particularly for women. We add longitudinal evidence to a growing body of literature on the adverse effect of lockdown on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs van Rens
- Department of Economics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Petra Hanson
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Lukasz Walasek
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Thomas M Barber
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK,Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
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Bryant JM, Boncyk CS, Rengel KF, Doan V, Snarskis C, McEvoy MD, McCarthy KY, Li G, Sandberg WS, Freundlich RE. Association of Time to Surgery After COVID-19 Infection With Risk of Postoperative Cardiovascular Morbidity. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2246922. [PMID: 36515945 PMCID: PMC9856239 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.46922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The time interval between COVID-19 infection and surgery is a potentially modifiable but understudied risk factor for postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between time to surgery after COVID-19 diagnosis and the risk of a composite of major postoperative cardiovascular morbidity events within 30 days of surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted among 3997 adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with a previous diagnosis of COVID-19, as documented by a positive polymerase chain reaction test result, who were undergoing surgery from January 1, 2020, to December 6, 2021. Data were obtained through Structured Query Language access of an existing perioperative data warehouse. Statistical analysis was performed March 29, 2022. EXPOSURE The time interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the composite occurrence of major cardiovascular comorbidity, defined as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial injury, acute kidney injury, and death within 30 days after surgery, using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 3997 patients (2223 [55.6%]; median age, 51.3 years [IQR, 35.1-64.4 years]; 667 [16.7%] African American or Black; 2990 [74.8%] White; and 340 [8.5%] other race) were included in the study. The median time from COVID-19 diagnosis to surgery was 98 days (IQR, 30-225 days). Major postoperative adverse cardiovascular events were identified in 485 patients (12.1%). Increased time from COVID-19 diagnosis to surgery was associated with a decreased rate of the composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99 [per 10 days]; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00; P = .006). This trend persisted for the 1552 patients who had received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine (adjusted odds ratio, 0.98 [per 10 days]; 95% CI, 0.97-1.00; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study suggests that increased time from COVID-19 diagnosis to surgery was associated with a decreased odds of experiencing major postoperative cardiovascular morbidity. This information should be used to better inform risk-benefit discussions concerning optimal surgical timing and perioperative outcomes for patients with a history of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Bryant
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christina S. Boncyk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kimberly F. Rengel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Vivian Doan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Connor Snarskis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew D. McEvoy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Karen Y. McCarthy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Gen Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Warren S. Sandberg
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Robert E. Freundlich
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Patrick SM, Cox SN, Guidera KE, Simon MJ, Kruger T, Bornman R. COVID-19 and the malaria elimination agenda in Africa: Re-shifting the focus. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3981-3992. [PMID: 36194811 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2129729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The global Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in public health, political, scientific and private sector response at an unprecedented scale. However, this shift in focus has caused widespread disruption to global health services and has the potential to reverse gains made in efforts to control malaria. If health systems are not able to maintain malaria control interventions while managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, malaria cases will increase, thereby placing even more strain on already overtaxed systems. Using a Narrative Review Approach, this commentary explores the impact of COVID-19 on progress made with malaria control and prevention strategies in Africa; and discusses possible mitigation steps to aid community resilience building, through proactive planning and implementation of integrated, inclusive and sustainable strategies to re-shift the focus to attain the malaria elimination goals. We propose strengthening community partnerships, where academia and communities should collaborate and these knowledge-sharing strategies be implemented in order for awareness and interventions to become more networked, inclusive, resilient and effective. Communities should be viewed as 'thought partners', who challenge conventional strategies and aid in developing innovative approaches to community resilience building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Patrick
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sarah N Cox
- Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,One Sun Health Inc., New York, USA & Mpumalanga, ZA
| | | | | | - Taneshka Kruger
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Riana Bornman
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Nyagumbo E, Pote W, Shopo B, Nyirenda T, Chagonda I, Mapaya RJ, Maunganidze F, Mavengere WN, Mawere C, Mutasa I, Kademeteme E, Maroyi A, Taderera T, Bhebhe M. Medicinal plants used for the management of respiratory diseases in Zimbabwe: Review and perspectives potential management of COVID-19. PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH (2002) 2022; 128:103232. [PMID: 36161239 PMCID: PMC9489988 DOI: 10.1016/j.pce.2022.103232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases have in the recent past become a health concern globally. More than 523 million cases of coronavirus disease (COVID19), a recent respiratory diseases have been reported, leaving more than 6 million deaths worldwide since the start of the pandemic. In Zimbabwe, respiratory infections have largely been managed using traditional (herbal) medicines, due to their low cost and ease of accessibility. This review highlights the plants' toxicological and pharmacological evaluation studies explored. It seeks to document plants that have been traditionally used in Zimbabwe to treat respiratory ailments within and beyond the past four decades. Extensive literature review based on published papers and abstracts retrieved from the online bibliographic databases, books, book chapters, scientific reports and theses available at Universities in Zimbabwe, were used in this study. From the study, there were at least 58 plant families comprising 160 medicinal plants widely distributed throughout the country. The Fabaceae family had the highest number of medicinal plant species, with a total of 21 species. A total of 12 respiratory ailments were reportedly treatable using the identified plants. From a total of 160 plants, colds were reportedly treatable with 56, pneumonia 53, coughs 34, chest pain and related conditions 29, asthma 25, tuberculosis and spots in lungs 22, unspecified respiratory conditions 20, influenza 13, bronchial problems 12, dyspnoea 7, sore throat and infections 5 and sinus clearing 1 plant. The study identified potential medicinal plants that can be utilised in future to manage respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Nyagumbo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - William Pote
- Ethnobiology-based Drug discovery, Research and Development Trust, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
| | - Bridgett Shopo
- Department of Applied Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Ethnobiology-based Drug discovery, Research and Development Trust, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Trust Nyirenda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Ignatius Chagonda
- Department of Agriculture Practice, Faculty of Agriculture, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Ruvimbo J Mapaya
- Department of Applied Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Fabian Maunganidze
- Ethnobiology-based Drug discovery, Research and Development Trust, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - William N Mavengere
- Ethnobiology-based Drug discovery, Research and Development Trust, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Cephas Mawere
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ian Mutasa
- Ethnobiology-based Drug discovery, Research and Development Trust, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
| | - Emmanuel Kademeteme
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
| | - Alfred Maroyi
- Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Tafadzwa Taderera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Physiology Unit, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Michael Bhebhe
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Ethnobiology-based Drug discovery, Research and Development Trust, Gweru, Zimbabwe
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Farahat RA, Abdelaal A, Umar TP, El-Sakka AA, Benmelouka AY, Albakri K, Ali I, Al-Ahdal T, Abdelazeem B, Sah R, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants: current situation and future trends. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2022; 30:480-494. [PMID: 36482957 PMCID: PMC9714996 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been the most recent variant of concern (VOC) established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Because of its greater infectivity and immune evasion, this variant quickly became the dominant type of circulating SARS-CoV-2 worldwide. Our literature review thoroughly explains the current state of Omicron emergence, particularly by comparing different omicron subvariants, including BA.2, BA.1, and BA.3. Such elaboration would be based on structural variations, mutations, clinical manifestation, transmissibility, pathogenicity, and vaccination effectiveness. The most notable difference between the three subvariants is the insufficiency of deletion (Δ69-70) in the spike protein, which results in a lower detection rate of the spike (S) gene target known as (S) gene target failure (SGTF). Furthermore, BA.2 had a stronger affinity to the human Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (hACE2) receptor than other Omicron sub-lineages. Regarding the number of mutations, BA.1.1 has the most (40), followed by BA.1, BA.3, and BA.3 with 39, 34, and 31 mutations, respectively. In addition, BA.2 and BA.3 have greater transmissibility than other sub-lineages (BA.1 and BA.1.1). These characteristics are primarily responsible for Omicron's vast geographical spread and high contagiousness rates, particularly BA.2 sub-lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdelaziz Abdelaal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
USA
- Boston University, MA,
USA
- General Practitioner, Tanta University Hospitals,
Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Khaled Albakri
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa,
Jordan
| | - Iftikhar Ali
- Department of Pharmacy, Paraplegic Center, Peshawar,
Pakistan
| | - Tareq Al-Ahdal
- Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg,
Germany
| | - Basel Abdelazeem
- Department of Internal Medicine, McLaren Health Care, Flint, Michigan,
USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan,
USA
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu,
Nepal
- Dr. D.Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra,
India
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de Las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda,
Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Institución Universitaria Vision de Las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda,
Colombia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 36,
Lebanon
- Master of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima,
Perú
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Sridhar J, Parit R, Boopalakrishnan G, Rexliene MJ, Praveen R, Viswananathan B. Importance of wastewater-based epidemiology for detecting and monitoring SARS-CoV-2. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 6:100241. [PMID: 37520919 PMCID: PMC9341170 DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has emerged as a global challenge in terms of health and disease monitoring. COVID-19 infection is mainly spread through the SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to the development of mild to severe clinical manifestations. The virus binds to its cognate receptor ACE2 which is widely expressed among different tissues in the body. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 shedding in the fecal samples has been reported through the screening of sewage water across various countries. Wastewater screening for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 provides an alternative method to monitor infection threat, variant identification, and clinical evaluation to restrict the virus progression. Multiple cohort studies have reported the application of wastewater treatment approaches and epidemiological significance in terms of virus monitoring. Thus, the manuscript outlines consolidated and systematic information regarding the application of wastewater-based epidemiology in terms of monitoring and managing a viral disease outbreak like COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayavel Sridhar
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rahul Parit
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - M Johni Rexliene
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rajkumar Praveen
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Balaji Viswananathan
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
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Ganesh GS, Dakshinamoorthy A, Tamilalagan M, Shah D, Dokania S. A cross-sectional study on the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity patterns among residents in a South Indian City. BULLETIN OF FACULTY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9398494 DOI: 10.1186/s43161-022-00092-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased sedentary behavior and reduced the number of physical activities in public. The present study attempted to assess the changes in physical activity patterns among the residents of a south Indian city at different stages after the COVID-19 outbreak. The present cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 372 participants between November 2020 and March 2021. The physical activity patterns before, during, and after the lockdown phase were collected using a custom-built questionnaire, and the current level of physical activity was recorded using the international physical activity questionnaire–short form (IPAQ-SF). Results Higher number of respondents reported limiting the intensity of physical activities during and after lockdown [(228/372; 61.29%) and (216/372; 58.06%), respectively]. Additionally, respondents reporting lower physical activity intensity [mean total metabolic equivalents of task (MET)/week: 1182.80] compared with (99/372; 26.61%), and (63/372; 16.93%) numbers of participants who engaged in moderate (mean total MET/week-3005.86) and high levels (mean total MET/week-4188.67) of physical activities respectively. Conclusions The results of the study reported immediate and long-term impacts on self-reported physical activity patterns among the study sample. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43161-022-00092-w.
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El-Sarnagawy G, Hafez A, Amer R. Characteristics of suicidal poisoned patients admitted to tertiary care center during COVID-19 pandemic. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022; 58:138. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00577-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Suicidal poisoning is a major concern during the COVID-19 pandemic that has several physical and mental hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of suicidal poisoned patients admitted to a tertiary poison control center during the pandemic lockdown and assess COVID-related knowledge and attitude among those patients to identify the high-risk group for suicide. This cross-sectional study was conducted on acutely poisoned patients admitted to Tanta University Poison Control Center from June to December 2020. Upon admission, socio-demographic data, causative poisoning agents, COVID-related knowledge and attitude, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were collected from all participants.
Results
A total of 254 poisoned patients were categorized into suicidal (85.04%) and accidental (14.96%) poisoning groups. The former was caused mainly by phosphides and was significantly associated with a history of using psychotropic medications and high HAM-A and HAM-D results. Logistic regression analysis showed that a history of psychiatric illness, low attitude scores, and high HAM-D scores were significant risk factors for suicidal poisoning.
Conclusions
Considerable number of suicidal poisoned patients had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of providing specialized psychiatric services in poisoning centers, particularly among vulnerable populations, to prevent the overwhelming repeated suicidal attempts.
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Accuracy of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Detection in Exhaled Breath Compared to Reverse-transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for Diagnosis of COVID-19: An Evidence-based Case Report. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid-119263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this infection a global pandemic in 2020. In addition, various methods have been developed to diagnose COVID-19 rapidly and accurately to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a gold standard method. One of these methods is the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in exhaled breath. Objectives: The aim was to collect and investigate studies on the accuracy of VOC detection as a diagnostic method for COVID-19. Methods: A literature search was performed in five electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and Scopus, along with hand searching. The search was conducted in the titles and abstracts of articles using keywords and their equivalent terms, combined with the Boolean operators (OR and AND). The search results were then selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and compatibility with the Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes (PICO) framework. Results: Based on the search results, two cross-sectional studies by Wintjens et al. and Ruszkiewicz et al. were selected, which were then critically appraised. Both studies showed good validity. Wintjens et al. reported 86% sensitivity and 54% specificity for their method, with a positive predictive value (PPV) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 40% and 92%, respectively. Besides, Ruszkiewicz et al., who conducted a study in two different locations, reported 82.4% sensitivity and 75% specificity for their method in Edinburgh (UK), with PPV and NPV of 87.5% and 66.7%, respectively, while they reported 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity in Dortmund (Germany), with PPV and NPV of 45% and 97.8%, respectively. The accuracy of these three methods was 62%, 80%, and 82%, respectively. Conclusions: Detection of VOCs from exhaled breath can be a rapid, cost-effective, and simple method for diagnosing COVID-19. However, the accuracy of this method is still relatively low (62 - 82%) and inconsistent; therefore, it is only recommended for screening.
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Turatto F, Sassano M, Goletti M, Severoni S, Grossi A, Parente P. Ensuring Equitable Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine: The Experience of A Local Health Unit in Rome, Italy. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112246. [PMID: 36360587 PMCID: PMC9690205 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence is emerging on the higher risk of infection and adverse outcomes for the most disadvantaged groups of the population, and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns worldwide are struggling to ensure equitable access to immunization for all. From 21 June 2021 to 15 October 2021, the Local Health Unit ASL Roma 1 adopted a tailored immunization strategy to reach socially vulnerable groups of the population with the primary vaccination course. This strategy was developed with a step-by-step, participatory approach. Through engagement with internal and external stakeholders, target groups were identified, potential barriers analyzed, solutions discussed, and tailored interventions designed. Over nine thousand individuals from among irregular migrants, homeless people and hard-to-reach communities were contacted and vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Turatto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Sassano
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Goletti
- Local Health Authority ASL Roma 1, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Santino Severoni
- Health and Migration Programme, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Grossi
- Local Health Authority ASL Roma 1, 00193 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Paolo Parente
- Local Health Authority ASL Roma 1, 00193 Rome, Italy
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