ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: COVID-19 cases have been rising rapidly in countries where the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC), Omicron (B.1.1.529) has been reported. We conducted a study to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with ‘S’ gene target failure (SGTF, suspected Omicron). Furthermore, their clinical outcomes with COVID-19 patients with non-SGTF (non-Omicron) were also compared. Methods: This study was conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, between December 14, 2021 and January 7, 2022 among patients who underwent reverse transcription-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 in four laboratories with facilities for S gene screening. Consecutively selected COVID-19 patients with SGTF were telephonically contacted, seven and 14 days respectively after their date of positive result to collect information on the socio-demographic characteristics, previous history of COVID-19, vaccination status and clinical course of illness along with treatment details. To compare their outcomes with non-SGTF patients, one randomly suspected non-Omicron case for every two suspected Omicron cases from the line-list were selected, matching for the date of sample collection and the testing laboratory. Results: A total of 1175 SGTF COVID-19 patients were enrolled for this study. Almost 6 per cent (n=72) reported a history of previous infection. 141 (13.5%) suspected Omicron cases were non-vaccinated, while 148 (14.2%) and 703 (67.4%) had received valid one and two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Predominant symptoms reported included fever (n=508, 43.2%), body pain (n=275, 23.4%), running nose (n=261, 22.2%) and cough (n=249, 21.2%). Five (0.4%) of the 1175 suspected Omicron cases required oxygen supplementation as compared to ten (1.6%) of the 634 suspected non-Omicron cases. No deaths were reported among omicron suspects, whereas there were four deaths among suspected non-Omicron cases. Interpretation & conclusions: Majority of the suspected Omicron cases had a mild course of illness. The overall severity of these cases was less compared to the suspected non-Omicron cases.
ABSTRACT
In this research work to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activity and HPTLC finger printing analysis of Physalis peruviana fruits. The chemical fingerprinting was carried out by high performance thin layer chromatography. It was carried out by the CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with Linomat V sample applicator, twin through plate development chamber, TLC scanner III and integration software WIN CATS-4.02. Physalis peruviana fruit extract was tested for phytochemical screening and in vitro anti-oxidant enzymes like 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), total antioxidant activity and reducing ability. Physalis peruviana fruit extract effectively scavenged free radicals at all different concentrations and showed its potent antioxidant activity. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various major phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, tannins and anthraquinones. The HPTLC fingerprint qualitatively revealed predominant amount of quercetin. Physalis peruviana fruit extract will be subjected to further extensive studies to isolate and identify their active constituents which are useful for understanding their mechanism of action as antioxidants.