ABSTRACT
The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne virus that can spread from infected people and other animals, including cattle and ticks of the Hyalomma genus. People who are infected describe symptoms that range from flu-like manifestations to severe multi-organ failure. With a death rate between 10% and 30%, the virus is undoubtedly a disease of high concern. With 10,000-15,000 cases/y, it is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, and South-Eastern Europe. There has been a recent CCHF outbreak in Iraq, with 212 cases documented, 80% of which were reported between April and May and led to 27 fatalities.
Subject(s)
Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo , Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean , Humans , Animals , Cattle , Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean/epidemiology , Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean/diagnosis , Pakistan/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks , AfricaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This paper focuses on the concept of career construction based on the theory of conservation of resources to understand the overall effect of career capital on career success from both a subjective and objective manner through the mediating effect of perceived employability. OBJECTIVE: This study attempts to explain how different integrated aspects of career capital, including human, social, and psychological (antecedents), influence both subjective career success and objective career success (outcome) through the mediating effect of perceived employability (mediator). METHODS: Time-lagged data of 331 employees from the telehealth medical billing service companies based in Pakistan were analyzed through a structural equation modeling technique using SmartPLS software. RESULTS: The main results confirmed that career capital positively affects perceived employability and career success while perceived employability positively mediates the relationship between career capital and career success. CONCLUSION: This research responded to prior calls by explaining the positive mediating role of perceived employability (as a mediator) in explaining the positive influence of career capital on career success using different various dimensions of career capital and career success. This research included the contextual issues by testing the model in the telehealth sector of Pakistan. The findings suggested that context or occupation matters in the relationship between career capital and career success.
ABSTRACT
Long COVID corresponds to the occurrence of symptoms beyond twelve weeks after the onset of acute COVID-19 illness. The study aimed to analyze impacts of long COVID on the general health and psychosocial well-being of the Pakistani population. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the impacts of long COVID on general health and psychosocial well-being. For this study, the participants were interviewed, and their responses were recorded on a questionnaire capturing information on demographics, COVID-19 status, duration of symptoms and long COVID symptoms. The psychological impacts of the pandemic were assessed using scales like Short Mood and feeling questionnaire (sMFQ), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Regression analysis was conducted to analyse the predictors of long COVID. A total of 300 participants were interviewed, of which 155 (52%) had COVID-19 illness. Of these 54 (35%) had persistent symptoms for a period of more than 12 weeks classified as long COVID. Muscle problems and fatigue were the most frequent (14.7%) symptoms encountered, followed by breathing problems (12.6%) and cognitive issues (12.6%). Symptoms such as decrease in appetite and confusion or disorientation during the initial phase of the infection were associated with long COVID. Majority of the participants (83.3%) had moderate level of perceived stress while moderate to severe levels of stress was observed in 17.3% of the individuals. Moreover, a high level positive mental wellbeing was also observed.
Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders , COVID-19 , Fatigue , ConfusionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is routinely used in patients with severe respiratory failure and has been increasingly needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In patients treated with ECMO, significant intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) risk exists due to circuit characteristics, anticoagulation, and disease characteristics. ICH risk may be substantially higher in COVID-19 patients than patients treated with ECMO for other indications. METHODS: We systematically reviewed current literature regarding ICH during ECMO treatment of COVID-19. We utilized Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Meta-analysis was performed for included comparative studies. Quality assessment was performed using MINORS criteria. RESULTS: A total of 54 studies with 4000 ECMO patients were included, all retrospective. Risk of bias was increased via MINORS score primarily due to retrospective designs. ICH was more likely in COVID-19 patients (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.23, 2.42). Mortality among COVID patients on ECMO with ICH was 64.0%, compared with 41% in patients without ICH (RR1.9, 95% 1.44, 2.51). CONCLUSION: This study suggests increased hemorrhage rates in COVID-19 patients on ECMO compared to similar controls. Hemorrhage reduction strategies may include atypical anticoagulants, conservative anticoagulation strategies, or biotechnology advances in circuit design and surface coatings.
ABSTRACT
Immunization has the potential to become a viable weapon for the upcoming pandemic and save millions of lives, while also dramatically lowering the high mortality rate brought on by a number of infectious and chronic illnesses. Despite the success of some vaccinations for infectious illnesses, obstacles remain in avoiding and creating fully protective vaccines. Current COVID-19 pandemic highlights need for vaccination platform improvements. Nanomaterials have been created as a possible nanocarrier to elicit a robust immune response against important global morbidity and mortality drivers by encapsulating targeted antigen and functionalizing nanoparticles with particular molecules. In addition to their application in cancer immunotherapy, nanocarriers are currently being included into the development of vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, TB, and influenza. In order to evaluate conventional and next-generation vaccination platforms, this study focuses on the COVID-19 and cancer vaccine as well as the passage and interaction of nanoparticles with immune cells in the lymph node. It also draws attention to the gaps in current and future HIV, TB, malaria, and influenza vaccinations, as well as nanovaccines. The importance of the dose-dependent vaccine in inducing and maintaining neutralizing antibodies after immunization has been discussed in more detail.
ABSTRACT
The lack of preparedness for detecting and responding to the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen (i.e. COVID-19) has caused enormous harm to public health and the economy. Testing strategies deployed on a population scale at ‘Day Zero', i.e., the time of the first reported case, would be of significant value. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has such capabilities;however, it has limited detection sensitivity for low copy number pathogens. Here we leverage the CRISPR-Cas9 system to effectively remove abundant sequences not contributing to pathogen detection and show that NGS detection sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 approaches that of RT-qPCR. The resulting sequence data can also be used for variant strain typing, co-infection detection, and individual human host response assessment, all in a single molecular and analysis workflow. This NGS workflow is pathogen agnostic and, therefore, has the potential to transform how large-scale pandemic response and focused clinical infectious disease testing are pursued in the future. Graphical Next generation sequencing could provide ‘Day Zero' testing for pandemic preparedness however, abundant uninformative sequences mask the signal from low level pathogens. Chan et al. establish a method using the CRISPR-Cas system to remove uninformative sequences in vitro to achieve sensitivity and specificity of pathogen detection comparable to RT-qPCR.
ABSTRACT
The study aims to determine students' perceptions regarding the blended mode of learning in the Post-COVID era of Aligarh Muslim University. An online questionnaire was designed (Google form) with the help of previous studies and forwarded the web link through text messaging, email, WhatsApp, and Facebook. In total, 291 participants (undergraduates, postgraduates, and research scholars) filled out the online questionnaire. The result shows that the blended mode of learning is well accepted by the students, but when it comes to practical classes, this mode surely does not suffice. When it comes to the attitude of the students towards the blended mode of learning, the results suggest that most of the students are comfortable. Further, the blended mode comes with the complexities of e-learning and technical issues like poor internet connectivity, technical problems, limited internet packs, unstructured reading materials, etc., causing many difficulties in the overall learning process. This is the first study that assesses the students' perceptions towards the blended mode of learning in Aligarh Muslim University. The findings may be useful in developing new strategies for improving the learning environment in any academic institution. © 2023, DESIDOC.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Novel coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) has led to over 6 million fatalities globally. An estimated 75% of COVID-19 patients who require critical care admission develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) needing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Due to prolonged ventilation requirements, these patients often also require tracheostomy. We performed a review of clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients on ECMO at a high-volume tertiary care center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. METHODOLOGY: We performed a retrospective case series, including 24 adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who required IMV, veno-venous (ECMO), and tracheostomy. All patients were included from April to December 2021. We extracted demographic and clinical variables pertaining to the tracheostomy procedure and ECMO therapy. We performed descriptive statistical analyses. This study was approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (14217-C). RESULTS: We included 24 consecutive patients with COVID-19 who required tracheostomy while undergoing ECMO therapy. The mean age was 49.4 years [standard deviation (SD): 7.33], the majority of patients were male (75%), with mean body mass index of 32 (SD: 8.81). Overall mortality rate was 33.3%. Percutaneous tracheostomy was performed most frequently (83.3%) and, similar to open tracheostomy, was associated with a low rate of perioperative bleeding complications. Within surviving patients, the mean time to IMV weaning and decannulation was 60.2 (SD: 24.6) and 49.4 days (SD: 21.8), respectively. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous tracheostomy appears to be safe in COVID-19 patients on ECMO and holding anticoagulation 24 hours prior to and after tracheostomy may limit bleeding events in these patients.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the impact of COVID-19 confinement on different aspects of physical activity and sedentary time of medical students with special emphasis on gender. Study Design: This was a longitudinal study in which two samples were taken, one during the confinement period and one after it, to assess the differences between the time spent on physical activity and sedentary time. Place and During of Study: This study was conducted on a total of 300 medical students from two medical colleges of Rawalpindi. The study extended from Apr till Jun 2021 over a period of two months. Methodology: Modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used as a data collection tool. The respondents filled the questionnaire twice. First during COVID-19 confinement and the second, after the confinement ended. Results: A total of 300 individuals were selected to fill in the questionnaire, 200 of them filled in the first questionnaire. The second questionnaire was, however, filled by only 146 individuals and the rest were lost to follow-up. The 146 participants in our study were all students in medical schools in Rawalpindi/Islamabad Pakistan. Out of the total 43.2%(63) were male, while 56.8%(83) were female. The mean age was 20.18±1.72. Post confinement, the amount of time spent on moderate and vigorous activities by all the individuals increased by 26.7% and 82.5%, respectively. In addition, walking time was increased by 82%, sedentary time was also reduced by 36.4%. Conclusion: Physical activity of both men and women was found to be reduced during COVID-19 confinement along with increased sedentary time as compared to their normal routine.
ABSTRACT
Main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a key CoV enzyme that plays a pivotal role in mediating viral replication and transcription, making it an attractive drug target for SARS-CoV-2 the new strain of coronavirus. In this study, we evaluated biologically active compounds present in medicinal plants as potential SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors, using a molecular docking study with Autodock Vina software. Top seven compounds Afzelin, Phloroglucinol, Myricetin-3-O- rutinosid Tricin 7-neohesperidoside, Silybin, Kaempferol and Silychristin among 50 molecules of natural Origin (Algerian Medicinal plants) were selected which had better and significantly low binding energy as compared to the reference molecule with binding affinities of -9.3, -9.3, -9, -8.9, -8.5, 8.3 and -8.3 kcal mol-1 respectively. Then, we analyzed the ADME properties of the best 7 ligands using the Web server SwissADME. Two of small molecules have been shown to be the ideal candidates for further drug development. Finally, the stability of the both compounds complexed with Mpro was validated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, they displayed stable trajectory (RMSD, RMSF) and molecular properties with consistent interaction profile in molecular dynamics simulations, moreover, Silybin could form more stable complex with Mpro than Silychristin.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
ABSTRACT
Since the first appearance of a novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) caused by a novel human coronavirus, and especially after the infection started its rapid spread over the world causing the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemics, a very substantial part of the scientific community is engaged in the intensive research dedicated to finding of the potential therapeutics to cure this disease. As repurposing of existing drugs represents the only instant solution for those infected with the virus, we have been working on utilization of the structure-based virtual screening method to find some potential medications. In this study, we screened a library of 646 FDA approved drugs against the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and the main protease of this virus. Scoring functions revealed that some of the anticancer drugs (such as Pazopanib, Irinotecan, and Imatinib), antipsychotic drug (Risperidone), and antiviral drug (Raltegravir) have a potential to interact with both targets with high efficiency. Further we performed molecular dynamics simulations to understand the evolution in protein upon interaction with drug. Also, we have performed a phylogenetic analysis of 43 different coronavirus strains infecting 12 different mammalian species.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic instigated by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which changed the daily train of the world's population and cause several dead. Despite the significant efforts made in developing vaccines and therapeutic drugs, there is currently no available effective treatment against this new coronavirus infection, hence the need to continue research which is aimed at limiting the progression of this virus. The present study which has as objective to carry out in silico studies on the metabolites of some Cameroonian medicinal plants of the Asteraceae family with a view to propose potential molecules to fight against COVID-19. The selected plants are commonly used to treat respiratory infectious diseases, and for this reason they may contain some constituents which could exhibit an antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. In this work, a set of 74 naturally occurring compounds are computed with SARS-CoV-2 main protease protein (PDB ID: 6lu7) and spike protein (PDB ID: 6m0j) for their affinity and stability using binding energy analysis and molecular docking. Chrysoeriol-7-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranoside (compound 16) has showed promising results including excellent Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) parameters as well as insignificant toxicity. Finally, the stability of this compound is complex with the two proteins validated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, they displayed stable trajectory and molecular properties with consistent interaction profile in molecular dynamics simulations. These findings call for further in vitro and in vivo challenges of phytoconstituents against the COVID-19 as a potential agent to fight the spread of this dramatic pandemic.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Chikungunya Fever , Dengue , Humans , Chikungunya Fever/epidemiology , Paraguay , Dengue/epidemiology , Disease OutbreaksABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is pro-inflammatory disorder characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome. Interleukin-6, a cytokine secreted by macrophages, which mediates an inflammatory response, is frequently increased and associated with the severity in COVID-19 patients. The differential expression of IL6 cytokine in COVID-19 patients may be associated with the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in regulatory region of cytokine genes. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of two promoter polymorphisms of the IL6 gene (-597G > A and -174G > C) with the severity of COVID-19. The study included 242 patients, out of which 97 patients with severe symptoms and 145 patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Genotyping of two selected SNPs, rs1800795 (-174G > C) and rs1800797 (-597G > A) of promoter region of IL6 gene, was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In our study, individuals with GC genotypes of IL6 (-174G > C) polymorphism showed significantly higher risk of severity [adjusted odds (OR) 3.86, p <.001] but we did not observe any association of COVID-19 severity with rs1800797 (-597G > A) polymorphism. The COVID-19 severity was significantly higher in individuals having 'C' allele of IL6 (-174G > C) polymorphism (p = .014). Linkage disequilibrium between rs1800795 (-174G > C) and rs1800797 (-597G > A) showed that individuals having AC* haplotype significantly association with COVID-19 severity (p = .034). Our results suggest that 'C' allele of rs1800795 (-174G > C) polymorphism of IL6 may be the risk allele for severity of COVID-19 in North Indian population.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 pandemic has been depicted to possess a robust association with psychological disorders. SARS-CoV-2 is the most recent virus of the coronavirus family and has the potential to bind the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptor. The receptor is majorly present peripherally and up to some extent in the brain. Different psychological and neurodegenerative disorders can arise due to the peripheral origin of destruction. These triggers could be inflammatory pathways releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines reaching the brain and causing neuroinflammation. In continuation with traditional viruses, SARS-CoV-2 too might lead to brain diseases like meningitis, encephalitis, etc. Besides, several peripheral hormonal changes like cortisol can influence neurochemical alterations, thereby inflicting mood-related activities and psychological phenomenon. In this regard, health care workers, frontline line worriers, family and relatives of COVID-19 patients can be the secondary victims; however, patients with COVID-19 themselves remain the primary ones prone to neurological health problems. Several strategies like socialization, engagement, physical activity, etc. are well-opted measures to get relief from and check the psychiatric disturbances. The worth of this review can be attributed to the understanding of brain-related mechanisms of COVID-19 in the context of its mechanism of action to create the pathology pertaining to brain disorder, precisely psychological devastation. Likewise, its epidemiological relevance has concisely been mentioned. Furthermore, different categories and classes of people prone to psychological deterioration are briefly elaborated. Lastly, some coping strategies and approaches to minimize or combat mental health problems have been discussed.
ABSTRACT
The global focus on curbing the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the overall immunization rates worldwide. This, coupled with increasing malnutrition and strained healthcare, has increased measles cases and mortality globally. Many countries are thus facing outbreaks, with Afghanistan having reported 372 deaths between January and September 2022. Therefore, Pakistan, a country in a similar economic state and the world's fourth highest reported measles cases in 2022, must take action. Moreover, the current flooded state of Pakistan and the subsequent mass movement of population, deterioration of health services, and worsened living conditions all contribute to put the country at a high risk of potentially devastating Measles outbreaks. With vaccination rates down by 42% since the start of the pandemic and the threat of an outbreak increasing daily, there is only so much time before the situation spirals out of control.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Pakistan/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The smartphone emerges as an inevitable gadget in modern society and its increased usage results in neck disorders among its users. However, the factors associated with neck disorders among smartphone users are ambiguous and less explored in the literature. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of text neck posture, smartphone addiction/overuse, and its association with neck disorders among university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 313 university students who were aged 18 years and older, owned a smartphone, and used it during the preceding 12 months participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the prevalence of text neck posture, smartphone addiction/overuse, neck disorders, and the level of physical activity. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between the prevalence of neck disorders and text neck posture, smartphone addiction/overuse, and level of physical activity. The 12 months prevalence of neck disorders due to smartphone use among the participants was found to be 46%. The neck disorders were more prevalent among participants who reported text neck posture (P < 0.001) and categorized as smartphone-addicted/overuse (P < 0.001). Measures to promote the awareness of healthy use of smartphones including postural education and to decrease its screen time are warranted to reduce neck disorders.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Internet Addiction Disorder , Humans , Saudi Arabia/epidemiology , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Universities , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Posture , StudentsABSTRACT
This research aims to develop a technology-driven educational application that will be a platform for providing interesting content to students. In light of the COVID-19 pan-demic, the objective of this redesign is to address the shortcomings of the current teaching strategy. In addition, survey and interview results supported the need for a revision of the current educational strategy. The proposed application employs Bloom's taxonomy quizzes to create a customized learning technique and structure content so that students can comprehend subjects more thoroughly. Visual Studio Code and the Ionic Framework were used for front-end development, while the Angular and PHP frameworks were utilized for the back-end. The program was reviewed using white box testing techniques and received positive feedback from users. In addition, it highlighted the possibility for sophisticated enhancements, such as the incorporation of learning styles, to improve the learning experiences of students. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
The global focus on curbing the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the overall immunization rates worldwide. This, coupled with increasing malnutrition and strained healthcare, has increased measles cases and mortality globally. Many countries are thus facing outbreaks, with Afghanistan having reported 372 deaths between January and September 2022. Therefore, Pakistan, a country in a similar economic state and the world's fourth highest reported measles cases in 2022, must take action. Moreover, the current flooded state of Pakistan and the subsequent mass movement of population, deterioration of health services, and worsened living conditions all contribute to put the country at a high risk of potentially devastating Measles outbreaks. With vaccination rates down by 42% since the start of the pandemic and the threat of an outbreak increasing daily, there is only so much time before the situation spirals out of control.