Lawful Instruction of Using Cali for Higher Secondary Level Students in Pakistan: The Post Covid-19 Context

Post-Covid-19 pandemic situation has created a dire need to use computer in the instructional methodology synchronising with other online resources in the classrooms. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of using computer synchronised by Penzu software as online source for teaching English to the higher secondary school students in Punjab, Pakistan. The study used experimental design and conducted a classroom experiment of 40 higher secondary school students (20 experimental & 20 in control group) through pre/post-tests over different period of time to examine development in students' writing skills. On post-test-I, it was observed that students in the control group showed sudden rise in the development of writing skills compared to experimental group. But, on post-test-II and III, students in the experimental group showed consistency in the development in writing skills while control group could not maintain their consistency of development in writings. Hence, findings of the study revealed that using computer as a tool for instructions and Penzu as online resource to conduct writing activities proved more useful in improving students' writing skills compared to the students in the control group. Finally, findings also revealed that students became more independent in self-corrections in the experimental group and continued to expand their learning outside the classroom while control group was dependent on teacher and could only find time in the classroom for corrective feedback which limited students' learning to their classroom. In addition to this, the study recommends that further computer applications and other online resources can be more useful in language instructions apart from teaching writing skills. Besides, findings of this study have significant theoretical and practical implications pertaining to EFL teachers' professional development, teaching skills and students' learning environment.

COVID-19 outbreak and earnings management practice: case of Tunisia

Purpose: This article attempts to investigate the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the earnings management (EM) for listed Tunisian companies. Design/methodology/approach: The study focuses on both accrual-based and real EM (REM) practices. With panel data, the authors employ the multiple regression approach and the generalized least squares (GLS) estimate method. The sample is made up of 41 listed companies observed from the first half of 2016 to the second half of 2020. Findings: This study finds that, during the pandemic period, Tunisian firms use decreasing income discretionary accruals. Also, with regard to REM, the COVID-19 variable displays a negative response coefficient but of lesser magnitude. Research limitations/implications: This study's findings can help Tunisian authorities, listed companies and market investors to better understand EM practices during a negative shock and to better understand the various internal and external factors influencing the quality of financial reporting. These findings may contribute, also, significant EM implications for scholars interested in other emerging markets. As limitations, the authors point out mainly to the small sample size used in this study and that the authors used a single model, namely the modified Jones model (1995), to measure the accounting EM. Also, the authors used a binary variable as a proxy for the COVID- 19 pandemic. Originality/value: To the best of authors' knowledge, it is the first in Tunisia, if not in Africa, to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EM practices. Second, this study builds on previous work by examining both the accrual-based EM and the REM. © 2023, Riadh Garfatta, Mouna Hamza and Imen Zorgati.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DURING COVID-19: A SURVEY OF THE FIRMS LISTED IN AMMAN STOCK EXCHANGE

The need to activate the concept of social responsibility accounting has increased, especially in light of the difficult economic challenges and the increase in competition between companies (Shahwan et al., 2022a). This study aims at identifying the impact of applying social responsibility accounting on the financial performance of public shareholding companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve the aim of this study, the researcher developed a questionnaire, where the study population consisted of public shareholding companies and the population was 173 companies according to the ASE. In this study, questionnaires were used to collect the data, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) used to analyze the data. This study finds that there is a significant impact of social responsibility accounting on the financial performance represented by the return on assets for public shareholding companies listed on the ASE during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study recommended that there is a need for public shareholding companies to work to apply the activities related to social responsibility accounting in its various dimensions (employees, environment, society, and product). In addition, the companies should work to meet the desires of all members of society, which will lead to an increase in the community's confidence in the company, and this will reflect positively on its financial performance in general and the return on assets specifically. © 2023, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved.

Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedic Residents' Clinical and Academic Performance, and the Subsequent Impact on Their Mental Status in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the orthopedic residency programs was substantial worldwide. Orthopedic residency programs eventually survived such a hardship with implementation of certain measures. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the orthopedic trainees was variable relative to the country in which orthopedic residency program is based. This study aimed to assess the experience of the orthopedic residents during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia and consequences on mental health, academic performance, and clinical training. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to August 2021. An online survey was sent to the orthopedic residents in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was arranged into four sections pertaining to demographic data, academic activity, mental health, and clinical activity. Results: One-hundred forty-four orthopedic residents participated with mean age of 28.7 ± 5.67 years. Males were 108 (75%) and females were 36 (25%). Fifty-four (37.5%) residents worked in COVID-19 isolation unit. One-hundred twenty residents (83.3%) treated COVID-19 patients. Thirty residents (20.8%) had positive COVID-19 tests. Eighty-four (58.3%) residents were quarantined. Overall online education was difficult (41%). Half of the participants faced online difficulties in technicality, maintaining attention, and interaction with audience and examiners. Prospective research conduction was difficult (71.4%). More than 50% of residents experienced difficulties with isolation, quarantine, socialization, and anxiety of disease transmission. Physical examination was difficult for 50% of trainees. No shortage of PPE supply was reported. Getting hands-on surgical training was very difficult (47.8%). Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on Saudi orthopedic residents in terms of academic performance, mental wellbeing, and clinical training. After all, adequate level of orthopedic training quality was maintained. In crises, collaborative efforts are needed to minimize undesirable consequences on the trainees' competency level. Residency program decision makers should utilize all available strategies to optimize the training environment to achieve the required competency level.

Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine on the Menstrual Cycle among Females in Saudi Arabia.

Background: The number of reports of menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination in the Saudi population is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine(Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna) on the menstrual cycle among females in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) from August 2021 to February 2022. Data was collected through a previously validated online questionnaire. Results: A total of 2338 participants who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine participated in this study; 1606 (68.7%) of them received the second dose in addition to the first. The mean age of the study participants was 35.4±9.5 years. No significant associations were found between the type of COVID-19 vaccine and the impact on the menstrual cycle, either for the first or second dose (P-values > 0.05). A significant association was found only between the first dose vaccination day and the impact on the menstrual cycle in the second question of "After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, your next period was" (P-value ≤ 0.05). Significant associations were found between the second dose vaccination day and the impact on the menstrual cycle in the first and second questions of "After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, your next period was", and "After receiving the first dose, your next period was," respectively (P-values ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The study found a potential association between the COVID-19 vaccine and menstrual cycle irregularities, which could impact females' quality of life.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) Vertical Transmission Covid-Positive Mothers in Neonates

An outbreak of Covid-19 occurred in Wuhan, China initially in December 2019. Over the next few months, the wide spread of SARS-CoV-2 had been reported in all continents and the transmission in utero from an infected mother to fetus debating yet was observed.1,9Objectives: To determine risk of vertical transmission of corona virus in neonates of SARS COVID-2 positive mothers. Study Design: A Cross-Sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric department of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. The study conducted during 01-03-2020 to 31-08-2020. Methodology: After taking informed consent, Nasopharyngeal swab for PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was taken one week before delivery. Confirmed COVID positive pregnant ladies were included irrespective of symptoms of COVID-19 infection and any other medical illness. Neonates born to COVID-19 positive mothers were admitted in NICU, and Performa was filled for neonates after PCR done 24 and 48 hours respectively. Result(s): Total 14(87.5%) out of 16 COVID positive mothers were asymptomatic. 16(100%) neonates were negative for Sars- COV-2 at 24 hours and 48 hours. Conclusion(s): This study concluded with no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from infected mothers. Copyright © 2022 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Seroprevalence of community-acquired atypical bacterial pneumonia among adult COVID-19 patients from a single center in Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the seroprevalence of the community-acquired bacterial that causes atypical pneumonia among confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) patients. METHODS: In this cohort study, we retrospectively investigated the seroprevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila among randomly selected 189 confirmed COVID-19 patients at their time of hospital presentation via commercial immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against these bacteria. We also carried out quantitative measurements of procalcitonin in patients' serum. RESULTS: The seropositivity for L. pneumophila was 12.6%, with significant distribution among patientsolder than 50 years (χ2 test, p=0.009), while those of M. pneumoniae was 6.3% and C. pneumoniae was 2.1%, indicating an overall co-infection rate of 21% among COVID-19 patients. No significant difference (χ2 test, p=0.628) in the distribution of bacterial co-infections existed between male and female patients. Procalcitonin positivity was confirmed amongst 5% of co-infected patients. CONCLUSION: Our study documented the seroprevalence of community-acquired bacteria co-infection among COVID-19 patients. In this study, procalcitonin was an inconclusive biomarker for non-severe bacterial co-infections among COVID-19 patients. Consideration and proper detection of community-acquired bacterial co-infection may minimize misdiagnosis during the current pandemic and positively reflect disease management and prognosis.

Perception and Acceptance of Using Different Generic Types of COVID-19 Vaccine, the "Mix-and-Match" Strategy, in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey.

Background: Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, a pharmaceutical company expressed rapid interest in developing a safe and effective vaccine candidate to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines. Here, we investigated the attitude and acceptance of using different generic types of COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study using an online survey conducted in Saudi Arabia from the 19th of October to the 6th of December 2021. The questionnaire was distributed using social media platforms such as Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The inclusion criteria to participate in this study were adults who live in Saudi Arabia (Saudis or non-Saudis) and had two doses of COVID-19 vaccinations. Result: 3486 participants were included in this study, and 67.5% of the participants had side effects after the first dose. Similarly, 66.7% of the study participants had side effects after administering the second dose. Our data showed that most participants were unsure if the heterologous COVID-19 vaccination could cause severe side effects. In addition, 47.6% of the participants refused to receive a different generic type of COVID-19 vaccine due to fear of health problems. However, most participants obtained information regarding COVID-19 vaccination from the Saudi Ministry of Health. Conclusions: We found a low level of acceptance for receiving different generic types of vaccines if the participants had a choice. Therefore, plans should focus on increasing the acceptance level among the Saudi population through official platforms such as the Saudi Ministry of Health and private clinics.

The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Immunization in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Influenza vaccination is the primary control measure for severe complications caused by influenza viruses. Moreover, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia recommends vaccinating people at risk against influenza to minimise co-infection risk with SARS-CoV2. Therefore, this study aims to assess the Saudi population's knowledge, attitude, and practice toward influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seasonal influenza vaccination. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey in Saudi Arabia between July to August 2021. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaire through a survey link sent to social media platforms. Results: A total of 2410 participants were included in this study. Our data demonstrate a lack of practice, attitude, and knowledge, especially on the influenza virus's symptoms, viral transmission, and vaccine efficacy. Moreover, this study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted seasonal influenza vaccination in the Saudi population by 1.5-times compared to the previous years. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has increased the hesitancy of Saudi participants in influenza vaccination due to the lack of knowledge. As the pandemic of COVID-19 is fading, awareness campaigns are needed to encourage the public about the importance of receiving the influenza vaccine, especially for those at high risk each year.

The Impact of the IFRS 16 Adjustments “Coronavirus-Related Lease Contracts” on the Financial Performance (Royal Jordanian Case Study)

The study aimed to clarify the impact of the IFRS 16 Adjustments (Coronavirus-related lease contracts) on the financial performance (Royal Jordanian case study). The descriptive-analytical method was used as the quarterly data were collected from the financial reports of the Royal Jordanian for the period (first quarter, 2019 - second quarter, 2021). In addition, the SPSS was used to analyze the data by applying the accompanying one-way variance model (ANCOVA) and knowing the size of the effect from the Eta Square. The results showed that there is a significant effect of the privilege of adjustments of the IFRS 16 “Coronavirus-related lease contracts” on the financial performance. As well, there is a significant effect of the privilege of the IFRS 16 adjustments on each of the current ratio, the quick ratio, the cash ratio, the debt to assets ratio, plus to the accounts payable turnover ratio. Conversely, the results showed that there is no significant effect of the debt to equity ratio. Accordingly, the study recommended measuring the impact of the IFRS 16 adjustments during the Corona pandemic on the Royal Jordanian by using other financial ratios. In addition, the researchers recommended conducting more studies on the IFRS 16 adjustments. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Optimal Kernel Extreme Learning Machine for COVID-19 Classification on Epidemiology Dataset

Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses various domains such as Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and other cognitive technologies which have been widely applied in healthcare sector. AI models are utilized in healthcare sector in which the machines are used to investigate and make decisions based on prediction and classification of input data. With this motivation, the current study involves the design of Metaheuristic Optimization with Kernel Extreme Learning Machine for COVID19 Prediction Model on Epidemiology Dataset, named MOKELM-CPED technique. The primary aim of the presented MOKELM-CPED model is to accomplish effectual COVID-19 classification outcomes using epidemiology dataset. In the proposed MOKELM-CPED model, the data first undergoes pre-processing to transform the medical data into useful format. Followed by, data classification process is performed by following Kernel Extreme (SOS) optimization algorithm is utilized to fine tune the KELM parameters which consequently helps in achieving high detection efficiency. In order to investigate the improved classifier outcomes of MOKELM-CPED model in an effectual manner, a comprehensive experimental analysis was conducted and the results were inspected under diverse aspects. The outcome of the experiments infer the enhanced performance of the proposed method over recent approaches under distinct measures.

Toward a secure global contact tracing app for Covid-19

The outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic has devastated many sectors of each country and led to the development of contact tracing applications for controlling its spread. Contact tracing apps have been promoted to track infected contacts. However, contact tracing has gained significant debate due to its security and privacy concerns. The goal of this study is to examine the most popular contact tracing apps, their impact on pandemic control, as well security and privacy concerns. The multivocal literature review (MLR) brings the results from the state-of-the-art literature. We extracted 23 studies from both formal and grey literature to achieve the research objectives and found several security and privacy threats in the existing contact tracing applications. Additionally, the best practices to address these threats were also identified. We further proposed a preliminary structure of a secure global contact tracing app using blockchain technology © 2022 ACM.

Prediction of COVID-19 severity from clinical and biochemical markers: a single-center study from Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: It is known that the severity of COVID-19 is linked to the prognosis of patients; therefore, an early identification is required for patients who are likely to develop severe or critical COVID-19 disease. The purpose of this study is to propose a statistical method for identifying the severity of COVID-19 disease by using clinical and biochemical laboratory markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 48 clinically and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were obtained from King Fahad Hospital, Medina (KFHM) between 27th April 2020 to 25th May 2020. The patients' demographics and severity of COVID-19 disease were assessed using 39 clinical and biochemical features. After excluding the demographics, 35 predicting features were included in the analysis (diabetes, chronic disease, viral and bacterial co-infections, PCR cycle number, ICU admission, clot formation, cardiac enzymes elevation, hematology profile, sugar levels in the blood, as well as liver and kidney tests, etc.). Logistic regression, stepwise logistic regression, L-2 logistic regression, L-2 stepwise logistic regression, and L-2 best subset logistic regression were applied to model the features. The consistency index was used with kernel Support-Vector Machines (SVM) for the identification of associated markers. RESULTS: L-2 best subset logistic regression technique outperformed all other fitted models for modeling COVID-19 disease severity by achieving an accuracy of 88% over the test data. Consistency index over L-2 best subset logistic regression identified 14 associated markers that can best predict the COVID-19 severity among COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: By combining a variety of laboratory markers with L-2 best subset logistic regression, the current study has proposed a highly accurate and clinically interpretable model of predicting COVID-19 severity.

Haematological, Biochemical, and Inflammatory Biomarkers of COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in Critical Unit: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) responsible for a catastrophic global pandemic. The complexity of COVID-19 is centred on the unpredictable course of the disease, which can rapidly develop from patients being asymptomatic to having life-threatening symptoms. The unpredictable disease severity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been a major problem facing the healthcare system during the pandemic. Identifying the laboratory biomarkers would help predict SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity. This study focused on the previous literature regarding three laboratory biomarker profiles: haematological, inflammatory, and biochemical biomarkers. METHODS: A retrospective study of COVID-19 patients was conducted between May 2020 and September 2020 to determine the predictors of hospitalization (severity) in COVID-19 patients. Patients were divided into two groups: those admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU, severe) and those admitted to a non-ICU (stable). Patients' data were obtained from their medical records at Al Noor Specialist Hospital and East Arafat Hospital in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 487 patients with COVID-19, including 304 males and 183 females, were investigated in this study. A total of 217 patients were admitted to the ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU had a higher prevalence of chronic comorbidities than non-ICU patients. D-dimer, white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were more elevated in patients admitted to the ICU compared to non-ICU patients. CONCLUSION: Chronic comorbidities are a significant predictor for admission to the ICU. Moreover, tests for D-dimer, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, CRP, LDH, and ALT could be used to predict patients' admission to the ICU.

Optimal Hybrid Feature Extraction with Deep Learning for COVID-19 Classifications

Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the people's health, their lifestyle and economical status across the globe. The application of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in combination with radiological imaging is useful in accurate detection of the disease. It also assists the physicians to take care of remote villages too. The current research paper proposes a novel automated COVID-19 analysis method with the help of Optimal Hybrid Feature Extraction (OHFE) and Optimal Deep Neural Network (ODNN) called OHFE-ODNN from chest x-ray images. The objective of the presented technique is for performing binary and multi-class classification of COVID-19 analysis from chest X-ray image. The presented OHFE-ODNN method includes a sequence of procedures such as Median Filtering (MF)based pre-processed, feature extraction and finally, binary (COVID/Non-COVID) and multiclass (Normal, COVID, SARS) classification. Besides, in OHFE-based feature extraction, Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and Histogram of Gradients (HOG) are integrated together. The presented OHFE-ODNN model includes Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA) for fine-tuning the parameters of DNN. The performance of the presented OHFE-ODNN technique is conducted using chest x-rays dataset. The presented OHFE-ODNN method classified the binary classes effectively with a maximum precision of 95.82%, accuracy of 94.01% and F-score of 96.61%. Besides, multiple classes were classified proficiently by OHFE-ODNN model with a precision of 95.63%, accuracy of 95.60% and an F-score of 95.73%. © 2022 Tech Science Press. All rights reserved.

Susceptibility of ABO blood group to COVID-19 infections: clinico-hematological, radiological, and complications analysis.

ABSTRACT: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, research indicates that the COVID-19 disease susceptibility varies among individuals depending on their ABO blood groups. Researchers globally commenced investigating potential methods to stratify cases according to prognosis depending on several clinical parameters. Since there is evidence of a link between ABO blood groups and disease susceptibility, it could be argued that there is a link between blood groups and disease manifestation and progression. The current study investigates whether clinical manifestation, laboratory, and imaging findings vary among ABO blood groups of hospitalized confirmed COVID-19 patients.This retrospective cohort study was conducted between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Demographic information, clinical information, laboratory findings, and imaging investigations were extracted from the data warehouse for all confirmed COVID-19 patients.A total of 285 admitted patients were included in the study. Of these, 81 (28.4%) were blood group A, 43 (15.1%) were blood group B, 11 (3.9%) were blood group AB, and 150 (52.6%) were blood group O. This was almost consistent with the distribution of blood groups among the Saudi Arabia community. The majority of the study participants (79.6% [n = 227]) were asymptomatic. The upper respiratory tract infection (P = .014) and shortness of breath showed statistically significant differences between the ABO blood group (P = .009). Moreover, the incidence of the symptoms was highly observed in blood group O followed by A then B except for pharyngeal exudate observed in blood group A. The one-way ANOVA test indicated that among the studied hematological parameters, glucose (P = .004), absolute lymphocyte count (P = .001), and IgA (P = .036) showed statistically significant differences between the means of the ABO blood group. The differences in both X-ray and computed tomography scan findings were statistically nonsignificant among the ABO age group. Only 86 (30.3%) patients were admitted to an intensive care unit, and the majority of them were blood groups O 28.7% (n = 43) and A 37.0% (n = 30). However, the differences in complications' outcomes were statistically nonsignificant among the ABO age group.ABO blood groups among hospitalized COVID-19 patients are not associated with clinical, hematological, radiological, and complications abnormality.

COVID-19-Related Mental Health Burdens: Impact of Educational Level and Relationship Status Among Low-Income Earners of Western Uganda.

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health with the level of education, relationship status, and awareness on mental health among low-income earners in Western Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 253 participants. Anxiety, anger, and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, and Beck Depression Inventory item tools, respectively. Results: The majority of our respondents were male (n = 150/253, 59.3), had a secondary level of education (104/253, 41.1), and were single (137/253, 54.2). No formal education and primary education (r2 = 47.4% and 6.4%, respectively) had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care. In addition, no formal education had a positive correlation with anger and depression (r2 = 1.9% and 0.3%, respectively). Singleness in this study had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care, anger, and depression (r2 = 1.9, 0.8, and 0.3%, respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r2 = 3.9%). Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status influenced awareness on mental health care and mental health state among low-income earners in Western Uganda during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Therefore, policymakers should strengthen social transformation through the proper engagement of low-income earners in this COVID-19 era.

The impact of covid-19 on medical students: A cross sectional survey

Aim: To understand the psychological impact of COVID - 19 on Medical Students of a private sector Medical University in Karachi, Pakistan. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students studying at Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan. The data collection was done through online survey from July 2020 to December 2020. The study aimed to gather data from many medical students. A total number of 420 students were participated from Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry in Karachi, Pakistan. The participants were selected from all years of MBBS and BDS programs . Results: Out of 420 participants, 236 (56.2%) were male and 184 (43.8%) female, with a male:female ration of 1.28:1. Majority of participants were single as 411 (97.9%), of 224 (53.3%) students living with their family, 150 (35.7%) in hostel and 46 (11%) living with friends. In our sample 369 (87.9%) students studying in MBBS program while only 51 (12.1%) BDS, among those 80 (19%) medical students were in first year, followed by 122 (29%) second year, 65 (15.5%) third year, 54 (12.9%) fourth year and 99 (23.6%) studying in final year. IES-R scale and results shows 75 (17.9%) reported that PTSD is a clinical concern, probable diagnosis of PTSD 28 (6.7%) and majority rated as high enough to PTSD 133 (31.7%). Impact of event (revised) scale shows significant association with age and year of study with p value 0.026 and 0.002 respectively. Based on the PHQ9 scale, Gender, Living arrangements and the program enrolled in were reported significant association with depression p values 0.059, 0.008 and 0.006 respectively. Conclusion: Findings suggests high rate of anxiety, depression, and signs of PTSD in medical students due to COVID-19 which needs pressing attention and provision of professional help from mental health practitioners.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the incidence and patterns of toxic exposures and poisoning in Jordan: a retrospective descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown in Jordan (21 March 2020-21 May 2020) on the incidence and patterns of toxic exposures and poisoning as compared with the same period from the previous year (21 March 2019-21 May 2019). DESIGN: A retrospective descriptive study. METHODS: Call data sourced from Pharmacy One Poison Center from the lockdown period (21 March 2020-21 May 2020) and the same period during 2019 (21 March 2019-21 May 2019) were revised. In addition, a database was established and analysed. RESULTS: We noticed that not only did calls increased, but there was also a noticeable change in call patterns. Calls increased by 91% (544 vs 285 calls) during the lockdown period. Drugs were the most common among types of exposure, and the most prevalent route of exposure was ingestion. There was a notable increase in ocular exposure by 550% (13 vs 2 cases). The majority of exposures were at home and there were no occupational exposures. We found an increase in household cleaner exposure among males and an increase in alcohol exposure in females. Children aged below 5 years are the most affected. Even though there is an increase in the total number of cases, severe cases decreased. CONCLUSION: The lockdown effect on rates of toxic exposures was prominent, whether through the increase in calls or the change in patterns. As people spent more time at home, their exposure to toxic agents increased. Furthermore, cleaning recommendations led to the misuse of cleaning and disinfectant products, increasing exposures related to abating the COVID-19 infection.