ABSTRACT
Background: Dog bite is a public health problem in Kashmir incurring huge cost of treatment. Objective(s): To see the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the burden of dog bite cases and the profile of patients, comparing with that of the years before the three peak waves of COVID-19 and after that at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital. Methodology: This is a retrospective record review of the dog bite cases in the year 2018 to 2022 in Anti Rabies Clinic, SMHS Hospital Srinagar. The target population of the study were people living in Srinagar city. Proportion of dog bite according to demographic and clinical variables were calculated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done to look for risk factors responsible for dog bite in COVID infection waves compared to pre and post pandemic times. Results and Conclusion(s): The dog bite cases in the prepandemic time period and during the three waves of COVID 19 infection were recorded at 3.3% and 2.4% respectively. There was male predominance and highest incidence of the dog bite was in age group of 20-59 years. The commonest site of bite were lower limbs and stray dog bites were highest risk exposure. Less dog bite cases reported in 2020, 2021 which may be due to the impact of pandemic. Majority of the cases were stray dog bites and high incidence of dog bites can be a major concern for health, social and economic wellbeing of the nation which needs urgent intervention.
ABSTRACT
Phosphorus is vital nutrient for the crop yield, and Breeding rice for tolerant to low phosphorus, efficient in uptake and assimilation is the best way for sustainable production. This study aimed to evaluate Bangladeshi rice cultivars and introgression lines (INLs) under phosphorus deficient soil to understand the genetic variation in deficiency tolerance. A total of 28 rice genotypes from various ecotypes such as Aus, Aman, Boro and Jhum and INLs were collected and grown in pot contained highly phosphorus deficient soil in the rooftop polythene shed house during October 2019 to March 2020. A phosphorus deficiency susceptible variety, IR 64, was used as control, and experiment was conducted following randomized complete block design with two replications. Biomass related traits such as dry weight (DW) and relative dry weight (RDW, %) were analyzed at early vegetative stage. Visual score based on the responses to artificial drought occurred due to absence of water for 5 consecutive days because of government imposed Covid-19 lockdown were also evaluated in a scale of 0 to 4. Plants showed wide variation in the measured traits in both in the phosphorus added normal or phosphorus deficient conditions. Two patterns of responses were observed. One pattern was similar to susceptible control IR 64 and another is highly sensitive to P-deficiency. Cluster analysis resulted four groups (I to IV). Group I consist of four rice varieties including Pathar kuchi, Lal dhan, INL-9, and INL-30, and showed low DW and low tolerances to phosphorus deficiency and artificial drought. Group II contain nine accessions including IR 64, Murali, Kuti Agrani, Kernaicha, and five INLs, and showed higher DW and susceptibility to phosphorus deficiency and artificial drought. Group III had medium DW and highly sensitive to phosphorus deficient condition and the accessions Kali jira and Aus (Awned) were included. Two jhum variety, Renkhoa Dhan and Galongpru, and seven INLs belong to the group IV which showed medium DW but tolerant to phosphorus deficiency and artificial drought compare to other groups. The genetic variations of DW and RDW under phosphorus deficient and artificial drought conditions were clarified among rice varieties in Bangladesh and INLs with IR 64 genetic background, and several varieties and INLs were found as the promising materials for further breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of JAPS: Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences is the property of Knowledge Bylanes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
ABSTRACT
Introduction: FGN is a rare immune-complex mediated GN characterized by the demonstration of Congo-red negative, randomly organized nonbranching fibrils with a diameter of 15 nm -25 nm on electron microscopy and more recently the presence of DNAJB9 protein in almost all patients. FGN has been associated with HCV infection, autoimmune disease, malignancy, and monoclonal gammopathies. We report a unique case of DNAJB9 negative FGN associated with COVID-19 Infection. Case Description: 74 yo M with Afib, HTN, HFrEF, and DM presented with fatigue and dizziness. Labs revealed an elevated serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL above the baseline of 0.7 mg/dL. The patient was positive for COVID-19 infection without overt symptoms. The patient had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The patient developed oliguric AKI with a rapid rise in serum creatinine over 4 days. Urinalysis revealed pyuria, hematuria, and 4+ albuminuria with 14 gm of proteinuria on quantification (TP/Cr). He had hypocomplementemia, normal immunofixation, negative ANA, dsDNA, RF, ANCA, anti-GBM antibody, viral hepatitis antibodies, and cryoglobulin. MRA ruled out renal vein thrombosis. The patient was started on 1g methylprednisolone for three days. His creatinine peaked at 9.9 mg/dL and was started on hemodialysis. A kidney biopsy was done. Light microscopy showed DPGN with IF demonstrating a full house pattern most consistent with Class IV Lupus Nephritis. The Congo-red stain was negative. Electron microscopy was delayed. He was started on Euro-lupus protocol with IV Cytoxan, 500 mg IV every 2 weeks for 6 weeks, and Prednisone. The patient was discharged on maintenance Euro-lupus protocol and had an excellent response to therapy with normalization of serum creatinine to his baseline of 0.7 mg/dL and a decrease in proteinuria (TP/Cr of 0.47). The electron microscopy results later showed non-branching randomly arranged fibrils with thickness ranging from 15 nm -30 nm characteristic of FGN. Testing for DNAJB9 was negative. Discussion(s): DNAJB9 has been identified in all but a few cases of FGN. There is currently no known association between COVID-19 infection and FGN. Our case is unique since it's DNAJB9 negative and potentially establishes a new association between FGN and COVID-19 infection which can cause AKI reversible upon IV Cytoxan therapy usually reserved for crescentic FGN.
ABSTRACT
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to severe disruption in routine activities, significant mortality and morbidity. Adolescents are particularly prone to mental health issues. The present study aims to estimate prevalence of depression and anxiety and its determinants among school-going adolescents in Kashmir valley of India. Results The Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents and Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire were used to screen for depression and anxiety among school-going adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years during January and February 2021. Out of the 439 adolescents who had responded, 426 (97.03%) were included in final analysis. The adolescents had a mean age of 17.5 + 1.26 years and comprised of 57% males. The overall prevalence of depression was 16% and was associated with a past history of COVID-19 infection. Anxiety was present in 20% of adolescents. The prevalence was 14% for boys and 27.5% for girls. On logistic regression, anxiety was associated with female gender, past history of personal COVID-19 infection, history of COVID-19 diagnosis in family and hospital admission due to COVID-19 in family. Conclusions Anxiety and depression are major public health problems among adolescents. The high burden estimated in our study highlights the need for immediate action to support adolescents particularly those with a self/family history of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Patients with liver disease, notably cirrhosis, are at a higher risk for hospitalizations and mortality after COVID-19. However, previous studies did not report long-term outcomes;furthermore, the effect of COVID-19 on underlying liver disease and long-term prognosis and risk for decompensation is hitherto unknown. We aimed to compare the short and long-term outcomes of patients with compensated cirrhosis with and without COVID-19. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed using TriNetX (a multiinstitutional research network). Patients with compensated cirrhosis who were tested for COVID-19 were identified between January 2020 and December 2020. These patients were then stratified into two groups based on results of COVID-19 testing;compensated cirrhosis who tested positive (COVID-19 group) and compensated cirrhosis who tested negative and were never diagnosed with COVID-19 (non-COVID-19 group). The primary outcomes were risk for decompensation of cirrhosis, need for inpatient/ ICU services and mortality. Clinical outcomes were compared at 3 months in the two groups (short term outcomes). Patients who survived at 3 months were then followed up to 1 year (long term outcomes). Outcomes were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to account for the confounding variables (age, gender, race, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, chronic lower respiratory disease and nicotine dependence). RESULTS We identified a total of 18228 patients with compensated cirrhosis who were tested for COVID-19 during the study period. Of these, 1217 patients tested positive for COVID-19 and were included in the COVID-19 group, and the remaining 17011 were included in the non-COVID-19 group. There were significant differences in characteristics, however, after PSM, both groups were well matched (Table 1). Patients in the COVID-19 group had a significantly higher risk of mortality at 3 months and the risk remained high even after PSM (Table 2). COVID- 19 group had a higher risk for decompensation, inpatient or ICU care. However, follow up of survivors at 1 year did not show an increased risk of mortality, decompensation, inpatient or ICU care in both unmatched and matched analysis (Table 2). . CONCLUSION Our study showed that patients with compensated cirrhosis who tested positive for COVID-19 are at higher risk of decompensation and poor outcomes in the short-term secondary to acute insult from COVID-19 disease. However, for patients who survive the acute COVID-19 insult, long-term outcomes including the risk of decompensation, mortality or need for hospitalization are similar when compared to cirrhosis patients who never acquired COVID- 19 disease. This study demonstrates that patients with cirrhosis who survive COVID-19 may not have worsening of their underlying liver disease or long-term prognosis. (Table Presented)Baseline characteristics of the two study cohorts before and after propensity score matching (Table Presented) Clinical outcomes of the two study cohorts before and after propensity score matching
ABSTRACT
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2, the causative organism for COVID-19, uses ACE2 to enter human cells. Pancreatic ductal, acinar and islet cells also express ACE-2;therefore, involvement of the pancreas is plausible. Elevated lipase and cases of acute pancreatitis related to COVID-19 have been reported in previous studies. Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) have a low-grade inflammatory state and pancreatic parenchymal fibrosis, which may predispose them to pancreatic injury and worse COVID-19 outcomes. However, large studies reporting the incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with chronic pancreatitis are lacking. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using TriNetX (a multiinstitutional research network). Prevalence and Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) (cases/ personday) of COVID-19 were charted for patients with CP between January 2020 and July 2021. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during this period were stratified into two groups based on the presence of CP (CP cohort and non-CP cohort). Outcomes of COVID-19 in the CP cohort were compared to the non-CP cohort after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) for age, gender, race, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, lung disease, cirrhosis, smoking, and alcohol abuse. Results: A total of 4420 patients with CP diagnosed with COVID-19 were identified and compared to 1,169,773 patients without CP. A large proportion of patients with CP were diagnosed with COVID-19 and the IRR peaked between December 2020-January 2021 and then declined subsequently (Figure 1). Patients in the CP cohort were older and had a higher prevalence of multiple comorbidities (Table 1). In crude, unmatched analysis, COVID-19 patients with CP had higher mortality (4.96% vs 2.16%;RR: 2.29, 95% CI:2.02-2.61), need for hospitalization (RR: 3.64, 95% CI:3.47-3.83), critical care need (RR: 3.16, 95% CI:2.86-3.50), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (RR: 3.96, 95% CI:3.71-4.24) compared to patients without CP (Table 1). No residual imbalance was noted (SMD <0.1 for all covariates) after PSM. After PSM, no difference in mortality or rate of mechanical ventilation was noted, however, patients with CP had a significantly higher risk of hospitalizations (RR: 1.51, 95% CI:1.39-1.64) and AKI (RR: 1.28, 95% CI:1.16-1.42) (Table 1). No difference in mortality, hospitalization, and critical care was noted for patients with alcohol-induced CP vs other etiologies. Conclusion: Patients with CP have high mortality and risk of poor outcomes after COVID-19 due to the presence of a significant burden of comorbidities and risk factors for severe COVID-19. In addition, CP is independently associated with higher healthcare utilization and complications such as AKI in patients with COVID-19. (Figure Presented) Figure 1: Prevalence and Incidence rate (cases/person-day) of COVID-19 in patients with chronic pancreatitis (Table Presented) Table 1. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 in matched and unmatched Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) and non-CP cohorts
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) can be considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Though it is highly accurate but has some limitations in terms of its use, which means that Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) can support COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Aim: To estimate sensitivity, specificity and degree of agreement of STANDARD Q COVID-19 Antigen Detection Kit in comparison to real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, in April 2021. Socio-demographic and clinical information was collected on a pretested schedule after which two consecutive nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from each subject. One sample was tested using the STANDARD Q COVID-19 antigen test and the other was tested using qRT- PCR. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using standard formulas. Cohen's Kappa was calculated and Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison. Results: The study included 473 subjects with a mean age of 38.4 +/- 12.2 years. Around 1/4th of subjects were symptomatic at testing with the most common symptoms being fever (57.2%), cough (50%), sore throat (43%), myalgia (25%) and diarrhoea (13%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were estimated to be 54.4%, 99.2%, 71.49 and 0.46, respectively. The Cohen's Kappa between the two tests was 0.644. Cycle threshold value was significantly lower in subjects with symptoms and those with a positive rapid test among those positive on qRT-PCR. Conclusion: The STANDARD Q COVID-19 antigen test has a reasonable sensitivity, high specificity with a substantial inter-test agreement in comparison to qRT-PCR.
ABSTRACT
Indigenous communities throughout the globe respond to COVID-19 by their traditional medicinal systems as primary health care. Our lab was part of an international study that discusses the outcomes of a rapid response, preliminary survey during the first phase of the pandemic among social and community contacts in five metropolises heavily affected by the COVID-19 health crisis (Wuhan, Milan, Madrid, New York, and Rio de Janeiro) and in twelve rural areas or countries initially less affected by the pandemic (Appalachia, Jamaica, Bolivia, Romania, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Georgia, Turkey, Pakistan, Cambodia, and South Africa). Primarily, people have relied on teas and spices (“food-medicines”) to prevent and mitigate its symptoms. Urban diasporas and rural households seem to have repurposed homemade plant-based remedies that they use on daily basis to treat the flu and other respiratory problems and hence consider among the healthy foods. The most remarkable shift in many areas has been increased in the consumption of ginger and garlic, followed by onion, turmeric, lemon, chamomile, black tea, nettle, chili pepper, and apple. This study serves as a baseline for future systematic ethnobotanical studies countering COVID-19 and other vicious types of viruses. It aims to inspire in-depth research on how use patterns of plant-based foods and beverages, both “traditional” and “new,” are changing during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our reflections in this study call attention to the importance of ethnobiology, ethnomedicine, and ethno-gastronomy research into domestic health care strategies for improving community health. Some of these economically important plants are suggested to be extensively analyzed experimentally, for active ingredients, phytochemicals, and the precursor of vaccines and probable remedy of SARS including COVID-19. © Pakistan Academy of Sciences.
ABSTRACT
Anthropogenic activities were greatly restricted in many South Asian cities during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease-2019) pandemic creating an opportunity to observe source reduction of air pollutants. This study analyzed the change in columnar nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5, aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm) in five megacities of South Asian countries (Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Kolkata, and Lahore) from April 1-May 31 over the previous three years (2018-2020). The Dutch-Finnish Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) provided satellite-based daily tropospheric columnar NO2 values for this study. Ground-based hourly PM2.5 data were collected from the World's Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index Project. The study observed a decrease of tropospheric columnar NO2 in selected cities in 2020 compared to 2018 and 2019 from April 1-May 31. The mean daily reading of PM2.5 was 36.56% and 45.44% less in Delhi;12.67% and 23.46% less in Dhaka;in Kathmandu 28.32% and 37.42% less;in Kolkata 41.02% less in 2020 than 2018 and 34.08% less in 2019 during April 1-May 31. The PM2.5 was 44.26% less in 2020 than in 2019 during April 9-May 31 in Lahore. The daily mean difference in concentration during April 1-May 31, 2018-2020 was significantly lower at α=0.01 level for both pollutants. Introducing appropriate mitigation measures would provide safer environments and reduce future air pollution in South Asian cities. © 2021, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies,Mahidol University. All rights reserved.