ABSTRACT
In addition to the classical functions of the musculoskeletal system and calcium homeostasis, the function of vitamin D as an immune modulator is well established. The vitamin D receptors and enzymes that metabolize vitamin D are ubiquitously expressed in most cells in the body, including T and B lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, monocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells that trigger immune and antimicrobial responses. Many in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that vitamin D promotes tolerogenic immunological action and immune modulation. Vitamin D adequacy positively influences the expression and release of antimicrobial peptides, such as cathelicidin, defensin, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reduces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Evidence suggestss that vitamin D's protective immunogenic actions reduce the risk, complications, and death from COVID-19. On the contrary, vitamin D deficiency worsened the clinical outcomes of viral respiratory diseases and the COVID-19-related cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death. The study revealed the need for more preclinical studies and focused on well-designed clinical trials with adequate sizes to understand the role of vitamin D on the pathophysiology of immune disorders and mechanisms of subduing microbial infections, including COVID-19.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to examine the main constraints experienced in the online mode of education during this pandemic at higher education level in Pakistan. The COVID-19 pandemic credibly transformed the method of learning and teaching from face to face to online. In unexpected sudden septicity, universities in Pakistan have started online education without proper instructional provision and relevant experience. For this purpose, the data is collected from 750 students and teachers across all over the regions in Pakistan. The study has used partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that technological bottlenecks, institutional preparedness, and digital divide are significant challenges. The differences in perceptions of rural and urban areas are also very important referring to several policies implications, implementing information communication technology (ICT), friendly curriculums, enhancing online accessibility and infrastructure development. This study contributes to help universities for developing effective e-learning policies for students in the situation of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Emergency Department (ED) visits result from urgent conditions and instances caused by disease, disaster, accidents, or injury and require immediate medical attention. Today, emergency dental services are becoming an integral and crucial facet of properly functioning healthcare systems. Dental emergency visits are a risky undertaking when the COVID-19 epidemic is decimating global health systems. Emergencies in dental care are possibly life-threatening occurrences and demand instant attention to curb infection, severe pain, and tissue bleeding. Examples of these conditions include trauma affecting different facial bones, bacterial infection on soft tissues or cellulitis, and uncontrolled bleeding. Today, given the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, all providers need to use their professional judgment to determine the need for emergency or urgent care for a patient. Consequently, this systematic review of literature reviews the implications of the COVID-19 epidemic on the use of dental services in different care facilities across the nation.