ABSTRACT
Recent advances have introduced IoT as one of the key technologies globally. As safety remains a critical issue for those who spend much time outside. Automated security systems are very useful where safety is an important issue. With a prospect of a Zero User Interface (UI) model this work represents a novel IoT based smart vault security system. The system is built and designed based on IoT combining with Arduino-Uno and Bluetooth module. This system involves LDR sensor, IR sensor and Sonar sensor for monitoring. The vault provides security on three levels. Password protected entry to connect with the smartphone using Bluetooth module, IR sensor array to use 'secret gesture pattern' to unlock the door, tracking number of transactions from the vault using Sonar sensor and LDR was used as a switch. To avoid the replication of physical unlocking of objects IR sensor array was used to introduce 'secret gesture pattern' unlocking system through touchless interfaces for the avoidance of transmissive diseases like COVID-19. This novel system has substantial possibility as a security vault system for industrial and residential use in a contactless manner. © 2023 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The purpose of this research is to identify if the COVID-19 positive result correlates with audiovestibular symptoms. Method(s):This researchaimed to evaluate the differences in hearing, hyperacusis, tinnitus and dizziness/rotatory vertigo that was experienced by those COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized and non-hospitalized during and after the severe phase of this pandemic in comparison to those that were observed by non-COVID-19 patients who served as controls. The research found that there was a total of 300 studied patients of COVID-19, out of which 150 were severe and required hospitalization, and 150 were moderate and could be treated at home. The control group consisted of 267 persons, of whom 32 had been hospitalized for an illness that was not COVID-19, and an additional 85 worked in hospital settings. Result(s):Eight percent of COVID-19 patients had hearing loss and/or tinnitus. The difference between moderate and severe cases is not significant. Tinnitus disappeared in 2% of cases following the acute phase. When comparing patients and controls, neither hearing loss nor tinnitus was significantly different. On the other hand, five percent of people in the COVID-19 groups reported experiencing rotatory vertigo, whereas only one percent of people in the control group did so. This disparity was significant. Conclusion(s): When comparing cases of varying severity, we find no evidence that COVID-19 puts a severe effect on tinnitus or hearing during the critical phase or after recovery. On the other hand, rotatory vertigo, which may have roots in the vestibular system, maybe a clinical symptom of COVID-19. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.
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Background Determination of predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severe infection allows early intervention and appropriate treatment of patients at risk, so that we can improve outcome and allow better selection of patients who need hospitalization. Our aim is detection of factors linked to higher rates of complications and death in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Results The study included 151 patients who were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups;patients with age more than or equal to 60 were more in the severe category (P=0.001). The severe category had considerably more comorbidities (P=0.001). Patients with more than or equal to two comorbidities were more likely to be in the severe category (P=0.006). Obese patients with BMI more than 30 were substantially more likely to be in the severe category (P=0.004). Cough, fever, dyspnea, and vomiting were the most common presentations. Complications of COVID-19 infection were more likely to be detected in the severe category (P=0.001). In the severe category, lymphopenia, raised neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer were all considerably higher. O 2 saturation on admission was significantly lower in the severe group with mean (SD) of 81.23 +/- 9.22. Duration of admission was significantly longer in the severe group with a range of 9 (3-27) days. Mortality rate in our study was 7.9% (12 cases);all dead cases were included within the severe group. Conclusion Physicians should consider patients diagnosed as COVID-19 with high ferritin, elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphopenia, obesity, and high D-dimer as risky for severe infection and need hospitalization with intensive care and proper management to decrease complications, mortality, and for proper triage of COVID-19 patients in hospitals. Copyright © 2022 Indian Journal of Anaesthesia Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.
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Objective: To compare the respiratory complications of COVID-19 among patients with rheumatological conditions taking bDMARDs and csDMARDs at Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Study Design: Comparative prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan from Mar to May 2020. Methodology: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 on polymerase chain reaction having previously rheumatological conditions managed either with bDMARD or cs DMARD were included in the study. They were followed up for three weeks after the positive polymerase chain reaction. Complications leading to the use of oxygen or ICU support or death were compared in both groups of patients. Results: A total of 82 patients with any rheumatological condition managed either with bDMARD or csDMARD tested positive for covid-19 on polymerase chain reaction and were included in the final analysis. 30 (36.6%) patients were taking bDMARDs while 52 (63.4%) were taking csDMARD. In addition, 4 (4.8%) low dose oxygen therapy, 5 (6.1%) required moderate dose oxygen therapy, while 5 (6.1%) required severe dose oxygen therapy or intensive care unit support. 2 (2.4%) patients died within the three weeks. The requirement of moderate or severe dose oxygen and intensive care unit support was found statistically significantly more in the group taking csDMARDS. Conclusion: The presence of complications of COVID-19 and the requirement of oxygen and intensive care unit support were present in some of the patients taking DMARDs. Among the DMARDs, bDMARDs were less linked with complications, but large studies with better design required better results. © 2022, Army Medical College. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background and aims: Universal screening appears to be the most cost-effective strategy to reach the HCV elimination planned byWHO for 2030. All HCV patients have currently access to treatment. In France HCV screening is based on identification of Risk Factor. The aim of the present studywas to test universal screening strategy in all hospitalized patients. Method: From November 2019 to November 2021, we conduct a prospective, longitudinal monocentric study screening all consent patients for HCV regardless identification of Risk Factor. All HCV Ab positive was followed by HCV RNA screening. All replicating patients were proposed to be treated according to the other pathologies for which the patients were hospitalized. The study was authorized by CPP Toulouse. Because of occurrence COVID 19 pandemics, conducting this studywe identify several limitations leading to the prolongation of inclusion time and to develop adaptive measures such as oral consent. Results: As of September 30, 2021 results are shown in this figure: (Figure Presented) HCV Ab + patients seemed older;however this difference is not statistically different. Large part of patients (2/3) were unware of the HCV status. 49 (39.5%) patients come from surgical departments, 38 (30.5%) from the medical department and 37 (30%) are followed in gastroenterology office. All HCV RNA+ patients have been evaluated for treatment. 8 are eradicated, 2 DAA therapy are still on going,1patient refuse treatment (89 years old), 5 patients suffer from HCC and treatmentwas delayed, 2 patients died during palliative management Conclusion: HCVAb prevalence recorded is significantly higher than that observed in the general population in France. However only 15.8% of hospitalized patients have been included. Motivation of all health care workers is essential. Final results of the study will be present at the meeting
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Background: Case investigation and surveillance is a key step in managing any epidemic. This report aimed to identify the main challenges faced by COVID-19 case investigators in Qatar and to suggest possible solutions to improve the case investigation process in managing future pandemics. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select 40 COVID-19 case investigators posted at the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar. Interviewees were from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and had been investigating COVID-19 cases for more than 6 months, at the time of interview. Face-toface semi-structured interviews were done to collect data which was anonymized before analyzing for the purpose of this qualitative study. Results: The most common concern faced in conducting case investigations was language barrier, given the multinational and diverse diasporas Qatar is host to. Authenticity of the investigation was a matter of suspicion for many patients;whereas the majority of the investigators opined that multiple calls received from different healthcare departments asking for information overwhelmed many patients. Laborers/migrant workers often did not divulge information due to fear of repercussions from their supervisors. Social stigma associated with COVID-191 caused reluctance to reveal the index case and close contacts. Information regarding social gatherings attended and public places visited was often concealed (Figure 1). Cultural differences as well hindered smooth investigation in a few cases. Rising case load at times put restraints on improved coordination between different health departments2 and structured guidance for investigators3 about the pandemic response system, which could help to deliver appropriate health services more efficiently. Comprehensive orientation in using the Electronic Surveillance database could also improve the efficacy of epidemiological analysis for improved public health outcomes. Conclusion: Addressing these challenges will help the public health team in Qatar to increase preparedness and efficiency in managing potential future outbreaks, especially in view of upcoming mass gathering events such as the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
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Background: France is currently on track to meet the Who hepatitis C virus elimination. Universal screening appears to be the most cost-effective strategy to reach this goal. Since May 2019, all HCV patients have access to treatment. Up to now, strategy of HCV screening is based on HAS Recommendations of March 2019 targeting patients with risk factors. The aim of the present study was to test universal screening strategy in all patients in our hospital. Methods: From November 2019 to November 2021 we conduct a monocentric, prospective, study (DEVICHO) to propose screening at entry for all hospitalized patients regardless identified risk factors. After informed consent, HCV Ab testing was done. As soon as HCV Ab was detected, HCV RNA was done and replicating patients were propose to be treated according to the other pathologies for which the patients was hospitalized. The study was authorized by CPP Toulouse and fees for all biological test was supported by ARS PACA. Results: Between November 2019 and March 2021, 26,679 patients were hospitalized. 2433 patients (9.1%) were included in the DEVICHO study. 58 patients (2.38% 95% CI: 1.78-2.99) had anti-HCV + Ab, of which 46 patients were unaware of their status and 12 patients (0.5%) had HCV + RNA. 10 patients were treated and cured of HCV, one patient died and one patient refused treatment. In the same period 3,605 patients (13.5%) were screened for hepatitis C based on risk factors. 97 patients (2.69% 95% CI: 2.16-3.21) had anti-HCV + antibodies. In total, during the study period, 6,038 patients (22.6%) were screened for hepatitis C and 155 patients (2.56%) had anti-HCV + antibodies. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of HCV between patients screened in the DEVICHO study and those screened for risk factors (p = 0.45). During the study, we noted many difficulties related to the heterogeneity of patient recruitment depending on the hospital services and the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic which slowed down inclusions, especially during periods of confinement.We have simplified the inclusion measures with oral consent based on showing movies , pictures, flyers and we tried to implement HCV screening in the entry checks of some department. Conclusion: The prevalence of HCV in hospitalized patients is higher than that observed in the general population in France. Universal screening of all hospitalized patients shows the same HCV prevalence as targeted screening based on risk factors identified according to HAS criteria. Our study also shows, through the low percentage of included patients , that caregivers are the main obstacle to screening for hepatitis.
ABSTRACT
Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial, is being used worldwide for prophylaxis and treatment of Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). Though the drug is commonly used in many chronic inflammatory diseases for protracted periods, its safety in the new indication is still under scrutiny. Therefore, this institute based study sought to assess the acute adverse effects of hydroxychloroquine among in-house health care professionals who were taking the drug for COVID-19 prophylaxis. A questionnaire seeking information on the use of the drug was prepared and disseminated electronically to the target population. The responses were also received electronically and analysed. The participants (n=54) had taken prophylaxis for 1-7 weeks. The most common adverse effects in the cohort were nausea (02) and skin rash (02). The total number of adverse effects reported by the participants was 08. One incidence each of gastric upset (01), dizziness (01), pain abdomen (01), and chest tightness (01) was reported. None of the adverse effects were serious. Our study indicates that the prophylactic weekly single dose of hydroxychloroquine is not associated with any serious adverse effects within 1-7 weeks of initiation. Elucidation of the long term and chronic adverse effects, if any, requires further studies.
ABSTRACT
Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial, is being used worldwide for prophylaxis and treatment of Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). Though the drug is commonly used in many chronic inflammatory diseases for protracted periods, its safety in the new indication is still under scrutiny. Therefore, this institute based study sought to assess the acute adverse effects of hydroxychloroquine among in-house health care professionals who were taking the drug for COVID-19 prophylaxis. A questionnaire seeking information on the use of the drug was prepared and disseminated electronically to the target population. The responses were also received electronically and analysed. The participants (n=54) had taken prophylaxis for 1-7 weeks. The most common adverse effects in the cohort were nausea (02) and skin rash (02). The total number of adverse effects reported by the participants was 08. One incidence each of gastric upset (01), dizziness (01), pain abdomen (01), and chest tightness (01) was reported. None of the adverse effects were serious. Our study indicates that the prophylactic weekly single dose of hydroxychloroquine is not associated with any serious adverse effects within 1-7 weeks of initiation. Elucidation of the long term and chronic adverse effects, if any, requires further studies.