Convalescent Plasma Therapy: A Treatment of Choice for COVID-19 during Current Pandemic

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 which is the source of pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 has engulfed almost whole world. This virus was first reported in Wuhan city (China) in December 2019. Since the discovery of the virus, till today the researchers and scientists have been working to develop new vaccines or therapeutic agents against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. However, thus far no vaccine has emerged that can be approved to treat or prevent coronavirus disease 2019. Due to lack of specific preventative and therapeutic options for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019, the use of convalescent plasma therapy may be of great benefit in the current situation. Previous use of immune plasma has resulted in successful treatment of hemagglutinin type 1 and neuraminidase type 1 influenza virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 epidemics. In the current scenario raised by coronavirus disease 2019, the convalescent plasma therapy has been applied successfully among many patients across various regions. This article presents an up-to-date review of existing literature on recovery through convalescent plasma as a treatment of choice, safety and its efficacy, possibility and its challenges for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. © 2022 Indian Pharmaceutical Association. All rights reserved.

Moving Forward in Engineering Education with the COVID-19 Challenges

The spread and threat of COVID-19 has brought the world under standstill. Educational institutions are not exempt. The pandemic has forced the universities to transform from traditional teaching-learning methods to web-based digital teaching-learning methods. Claims are being made that future teaching would be fully online rather than traditional or in-class mode. There are many challenges in implementation of online classes and at the same time there are possibilities to enhance the knowledge and resources required to build the global online education network. This paper reviews the challenges and possibilities in teaching and learning online, various technological tools and their outcome practiced by the academicians to conduct the lectures and assessment activities. A special attention has been paid to the impact COVID-19 on mental health and anxiety among the staff and student community.