ABSTRACT
The chapter presents an extensive contemplation of the key socioeconomic perspectives on the issue of the pandemic caused by coronavirus of late through developing a theoretical model in line with an open general equilibrium framework comprising tradable and non-tradable sectors in as much as it fits the structural configuration of less-developed economies. The study clearly indicates a wide tailspin in real economic activities in what can be apprehended as an inevitable fallout of the pandemic featuring a rise in unemployment and creating excess capacity, with the brunt being borne by one of the major sectors contributing employment, i.e., construction and real estate, and therefore has adverse implication for the expansion of urbanization process. There is substantial theoretical evidence of burgeoning income inequality, particularly in the form of a widening wage gap between skilled and unskilled workers. Besides, the chapter overhauls the empirical relevance of the aforementioned theoretical consideration although in an indirect manner by correlating the mortality due to COVID with health expenditure and urbanization in light of the cause-and-effect nexus. To make the response more effective and reduce the cost of the crises, strong coordination and cooperation among governments are needed, which will help to enhance governance and build public trust inside and across borders. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Ramesh Chandra Das;individual chapters, the contributors.
ABSTRACT
Background: Severe COVID-19 has been attributed to a hyperimmune response mediated by cytokines. The mainstay of therapy remains largely supportive along with steroids. Co-trimoxazole in addition to having antimicrobial properties has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially improve outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 . Hypothesis: We hypothesised that Co-trimoxazole given to patients with severe COVID-19 could prevent progression to critical illness, mortality and reduce time to recovery. Method(s): We conducted an interim analysis in our single center open-label randomised control trial, in which hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen via non-rebreathe mask between 10 -15 Litres per minute and maintaining saturations between 92-96% were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either oral Cotrimoxazole in addition to standard therapy or standard therapy alone. Result(s): 111 patients were recruited into the study, of which 56 patients received Co-trimoxazole and 55 received standard therapy alone. The mean age was 50 years in the Co-trimoxazole group versus 53 years in the standard therapy group (p=0.083). In-hospital mortality was 11% in the Co-trimoxazole group vs 29% in the standard therapy group (p=0.020). Mechanical ventilation was offered to 9% of the patients in the Co-trimoxazole group versus 13% of the patients in the standard therapy group. Time to recovery was 6 days in the Co-trimoxazole group versus 7 days in the standard therapy group (p=0.466). Conclusion(s): In this interim analysis oral Co-trimoxazole reduces mortality in patients with severe Covid-19. Further recruitment is underway.
ABSTRACT
The spectre of Covid-19 and the nation-wide lockdown have threatened the very existence of the large informal sector of India. In this context, we undertake a study with two objectives. First, we examine the extent of vulnerability with probable job losses across the informal sector and some of its immediate economic consequences. Subsequently, the study proposes a strategic intervention in the informal sector with a series of short-, medium- and long-run measures. While the short-run measures emphasize providing food via various means, the medium-run interventions are intended to sustain livelihood through un/conditional cash transfers. The study argues analytically that such food and cash transfers could be undertaken maintaining macroeconomic balance and these processes could have long-run implications too. Finally, we advocate for a long-run strategy of forming/inducing clusters of informal firms: Either physically for manufacturing or virtual clustering for services. Clusters could act as collectives having synergic effects, despite being governed by the principles of private ownership, and could offer the tiny enterprises an edge in handling their conflicts and complementarities with the global capital. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Rajib Bhattacharyya, Ananya Ghosh Dastidar and Soumyen Sikdar;individual chapters, the contributors.
ABSTRACT
A good number of patients experience post-Covid complications. Doctors and nurses are the front liners who are at greater risk of having this disease. Neurological symptoms are frequent in patients with post-COVID-19 infection. The study aims to observe the post-acute neurological symptoms among doctors and nurses of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh, after they recover from initial infection or among the asymptomatic cases. It was a retrospective observational study among the doctors and nurses who became RT PCR positive from late April to mid-September 2020. A total of 100 subjects were interviewed over the phone for the presence or absence of neurological symptoms four weeks post Covid-19 infection. Total 54 doctors and 46 nurses were evaluated;the male-female ratio was 1:1.77, the mean age was 35.6+/-7.6 years. Post-acute COVID neurological symptoms (PACNS) were present in 60% of respondents. Fatigue (51%) was the most common symptom, followed by sleep disturbance, headache, myalgia, loss of taste and smell. PACNS were more in symptomatic patients at the initial Covid infection than asymptomatic cases.
ABSTRACT
Our body is always exposed to mysterious invaders which can cause diseases and infections. The immune system enables to keep these contagious microorganisms at bay and protects our body depending on the strength of immune system. SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus which causes lethal respiratory illness, COVID-19 and has become pandemic in 2020. As there is no vaccine or drug available for this deadly coronavirus, the only way to defend it, is to strengthen the body immunity. The nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids etc. play a significant role in the host immunity. Moringa is a miracle tree whose leaves are rich in number of vital components that improves the body immunity. So in this paper we will overview the available literature data how Moringa can boost host immunity against Covid-19. © EM International.