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Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) viruses using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, to enter human cells, these receptors are highly expressed in the lung alveolar cells, vascular endothelium, cardiac myocytes, and other cells. Inadequate vitamin D levels in the blood have been linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 severity. Objective: To determine the association between Vitamin D level and severity of COVID-19 infection. Materials and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at Thumbay Hospital, Ajman, UAE. Enrolled 70 COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients with age group ≥ 18 years old of both genders. Patients taking vitamin D supplements were excluded from the study. The biochemical analysis for the collected blood samples was performed on the automated analyzer and assessed for significance analysis. Result: There is a statistically significant correlation between Vitamin D levels and disease severity (p < 0.05) as determined by Pearson's Chi-square test. Independent t-test shown that there is a statistically significant difference with regards to gender, age groups, and co morbidity (p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation revealed a moderate, positive correlation between Vitamin D levels and the severity of COVID-19 infection, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Vitamin D levels affect COVID-19 severity, with more severe cases showing vitamin D levels lower than normal when compared to severe cases with sufficient vitamin D levels. Furthermore, blood vitamin D levels are linked to age groups in COVID-19 patients. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, on the other hand, was not linked to a higher risk of death prognosis, and co morbidities. © Sabir SM, Ismail MK, Ibrahim EH, Khan ZA.
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This research work is devoted to undertaking a dynamical system representing SARS-CoV-19 disease under the concept of piecewise fractional-order derivative using the Caputo concept since long-memory and short-memory terms are not well explained by ordinary fractional differential equations. It has been found that for such disruption, piecewise operators of fractional derivatives have been found useful in many cases. Therefore, we study a compartmental model of susceptible and infected individuals under the concept of piecewise derivative. We establish the existence theory of the considered model by using some Banach and Schauder fixed-point theorems. Keeping the importance of stability, a pertinent result related to the said area is also developed. The said concept of stability is based on the concept given by Ulam and Hyers. Further, to derive the numerical results, we use the Euler method to develop a numerical scheme for the considered model. Using real available data, we have presented various graphical presentations of two compartments against different fractional orders and various values of isolation parameters. The crossover behaviors in the dynamics can be clearly observed, which is explained by the piecewise operators, not the usual fractional-order derivative. © 2023 by the authors.
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Background: The newly emerged delta and omicron variants of severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have affected millions of individuals globally with increased transmis-sible and infectivity rates. Although, numerous vaccines are available or under clinical trials to combat the SARS-CoV-2 and its variant, still, a therapeutic agent is awaited. Objective(s): The present work is focused on rigorous screening of chemical constituents of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) against delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 via inhibition of S-glycoprotein. Method(s): Total, 10 compounds of A. indica were subjected to molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling studies against the S-glycoprotein of delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, homology modeling was performed for omicron S-glycoprotein with the help of SWISS-MODEL and aligned by PyMOL software. Later on, the residues of protein were verified in the allowed region via Ramachandran plot. In addition, our docking results have also been validated by MMGBSA binding free energy calculations. Result(s): Our computed study demonstrated that nimbolinin B12-methyl ether and nimbidinin showed promising docking scores (>-6.0) as compared to docking scores (< 6.0) of reference drug 'camostat' against S-glycoproteins of both delta and omicron variants. Redocking by using MMGBSA calculation also reveals that both these compounds can effectively bind within the pockets of said protein receptors Conclusion(s): Nimbolinin B12-methyl ether and nimbidinin have potent anti-SARS-CoV activity against delta and omicron variants and thus, A. indica might be a useful source for developing novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agents.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.
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Recently, a large portion of the world's population has experienced an unprecedented devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of its outbreak, not much was known about this disease and therefore, quarantine and social distancing were the only ways suggested to prevent its spread among humans. Although the current situation is much better than before however, strict social distancing norms as well as frequent long-lasting lockdowns with stringent guidelines and actions to control the spread in the early days have affected the physical and psychological health of the people. Consequently, this study was carried out to attain the following major objectives: (i) to identify the potential psychological problems/factors that might have been caused due to COVID-19 led social distancing and lockdowns, and (ii) to determine the ranks of the identified psychological factors to reflect their degree of criticality. The first objective was achieved by gathering information about the potential psychological factors from the experts. Data, in terms of linguistic variables, was collected from the experts and analyzed using two fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods i.e. Fuzzy Best Worst Method (F-BWM) and Fuzzy TOPSIS (F-TOPSIS) which led to the accomplishment of the second objective. The results of this study revealed that anxiety, stress, panic attacks, frustration, and insomnia were the top five critical psychological factors that might have affected people due to this pandemic. Consistency of the results was ensured by comparing the obtained ranks with the ranks found using the Fuzzy WSM and Fuzzy MABAC methods. In addition, the robustness of the results was ascertained by conducting the sensitivity analysis. Based on the findings of the study, the identified factors were categorized into most, average, and least critical psychological factors. This research might help the relevant authorities to understand the extent of the seriousness of the various psychological factors caused by this pandemic, so that an effective strategy may be developed for better management, control, and safety. © 2022 The Authors
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Objective: This study aimed to define the challenges faced by medical students rotating in the orthopedics department and their suggestions regarding improvement during covid-19 pandemic. Study Design: A mixed method cross sectional study design. Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted on 4th and 5th year MBBS students at Shifa college of Medicine with clerkship rotation in the department of orthopedics from 16th March 2020 to 23rd August 2021. Materials and Methods: Students were enquired about their comfort levels while using the internet and computer for online sessions. Data was collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using Google forms. Frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations were calculated for qualitative variables. Results: Out of 147 study participants, 64(43.4%) students strongly agreed that they had no difficulty and were extremely comfortable using internet and computer during covid-19 pandemic. Eighty-five (58%) students used online available reading material shared on Google classrooms and what's app groups. While only 23(16%) agreed to concentrate during online sessions. One hundred and eighteen (80%) agreed with a lesser desire to study for online classes as compared to on campus. Major problems faced by the students during the pandemic included very limited patient centered learning, limited hands-on experience, less interactive sessions, problems with internet connections, technology handling and class timing issues due to time zone differences. Conclusion: We conclude that our students faced lot of challenges during Covid-19 pandemic including internet issues, lack of awareness of technology, distractions because of family, siblings and homely environment and lack of conducive learning environment like learning at bedside. Flexible class timings, multiple breaks, recorded lectures and online interaction of real patients can improve online clinical learning. © 2022 by the Author(s).
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Objective The objective of this study was to assess the attitude and hesitancy toward vaccine against COVID-19 in a Pakistani Population. Materials and methods A mix-method, prospective study was conducted and adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in Pakistan were invited to participate. The questionnaire was prepared, hosted in Google Forms and circulated through electronic platforms and was also available to be done in in-person. Data was compiled from 15th September to 30th November 2020. Results The response rate was 80%. A total of 1003 participants were included in the final analysis. Of them, 75% completed survey questionnaire online, while remaining 25% responded in-person. The mean age of the participants was 29.62 ± 10.47 years. The majority of participants were females;60.9% (n = 611). 57.02% (n = 572) of the participants were employed at the time of survey. Overall, 70.68% (n = 709) of the participants had previous experience of vaccines such as the flu vaccine Only 4.9% (n = 49) participants thought that they will be seriously ill from COVID-19 within six months and 39% (n = 392) participants were confident that they will get COVID-19. A total of 71.29% of the participants reported they would consider getting vaccinated once available. There was statistical association between gender and getting vaccinated (P < 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrated that majority of the participants showed positive attitude toward considering COVID-19 vaccine. However awareness with informed knowledge of efficacy, possible adverse effects and cost would be of added great value to increase the real response of Pakistani population toward COVID-19 vaccination.
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This paper deals with the global dynamics of deterministic-stochastic COVID-19 mathematical model with quarantine class and incorporating a preventive vaccination. Lyapunov functions are utilized for the global stability of disease free equilibrium point and the graph theoretic method is used for the construction of Lyapunov function for positive equilibrium point. The stability of model is discussed regarding the reproductive number. Utilizing the non-standard finite difference scheme for the numerical solution of the deterministic model, the obtained results are shown graphically. Further, environmental noises are added to the model for description of stochastic model. Then we take out the existence and uniqueness of positive solution with extinction for infection. Finally, we solve numerically the stochastic model using Newton Polynomial scheme and present the results graphically.
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Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has recently emerged as a pandemic respiratory disease with mild to severe pneumonia symptoms. No clinical antiviral agent is available so far. However, several repurposing drugs and vaccines are being given to individuals or in clinical trials against SARS-CoV-2 Objective: The aim of this study is to uncover the potential effects of Luteolin (Lut) as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV2 encoded proteins via utilizing computational tools. Methods: Molecular modelling to unfold the anti-SARS-CoV2 potential of Lut along with reference drugs namely remdesivir and nafamostat was performed by the use of molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET) and density functional theory (DFT) methods against the five different SARS-CoV-2 encoded key proteins and one human receptor protein. The chemical reactivity of Luteolin is done through prediction of HOMO-LUMO gap energy and other chemical descriptors analysis. Results: In the present study, Lut binds effectively in the binding pockets of spike glycoprotein (6VSB), ADP phosphatase of NSP3 (6W02), and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (7AAP) protein receptors with significant values of docking scores-7.00,-7.25, and-6.46 respectively as compared to reference drugs remdesivir and nafamostat. Conclusion: Thus, Lut can act as a therapeutic agent and is orally safe for human consumption as predicted by molecular modelling against SARS-CoV-2 in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Background and Aim: This study aims to audit the process of patient management with aerosol generating procedure (ultrasonic scaling) while adherence to the guidelines for healthcare workers during the COVID-19. Methods: Audits records at the Department of Periodontology at University College of Dentistry Hospital Lahore - Pakistan were collected (prospectively) over the period of 1 October to 30 November 2020 (1st cycle) and 14 December 2020 to 12 February 2021 (2nd cycle). The audit was divided into three components based on the guidelines: (i) Physical environment, (ii) patients/appointments and (iii) COVID SOPs related to HCWs. Results: The recommended physical layout and procedural factors, as suggested by the guidelines for dental clinics, were observed during the first cycle of audit, and discrepancy of ventilation system was fixed after the first cycle. Only one house officer got COVID positive (PCR) on 3rd day of house job. There were four procedural slots per day with three fallow time of half an hour each in the first cycle. Audit team reported the observance of fallow time three times daily, which revealed that 83.3% observance of fallow time. Later in the 2nd cycle when the extra oral high volume air evacuator was installed, the fallow time was reduced to 15 min and not only we did five procedural slots per day but our fallow time was also observed 100% of the time. There were few occasions in each cycle where the appointed patients had to wait more than 10 min before they were seated, and waiting time decreased in the cycle 2 when the dental staff were sensitized with its importance repeatedly as part of our weekly dissemination of knowledge. Conclusions: Following the standard guidelines resulted in more efficient working environment and lesser risk for health care workers while performing aerosol-generating procedures.
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Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the attitude and hesitancy toward vaccine against COVID-19 in a Pakistani Population. Materials and methods: A mix-method, prospective study was conducted and adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in Pakistan were invited to participate. The questionnaire was prepared, hosted in Google Forms and circulated through electronic platforms and was also available to be done in in-person. Data was compiled from 15th September to 30th November 2020. Results: The response rate was 80%. A total of 1003 participants were included in the final analysis. Of them, 75% completed survey questionnaire online, while remaining 25% responded in-person. The mean age of the participants was 29.62 ± 10.47 years. The majority of participants were females; 60.9% (n = 611). 57.02% (n = 572) of the participants were employed at the time of survey. Overall, 70.68% (n = 709) of the participants had previous experience of vaccines such as the flu vaccine Only 4.9% (n = 49) participants thought that they will be seriously ill from COVID-19 within six months and 39% (n = 392) participants were confident that they will get COVID-19. A total of 71.29% of the participants reported they would consider getting vaccinated once available. There was statistical association between gender and getting vaccinated (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that majority of the participants showed positive attitude toward considering COVID-19 vaccine. However awareness with informed knowledge of efficacy, possible adverse effects and cost would be of added great value to increase the real response of Pakistani population toward COVID-19 vaccination.
Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actitud y la renuencia hacia la vacuna frente a la COVID-19 en una población paquistaní. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de método mixto, invitándose a participar a personas adultas (edad ≥18 años) residentes en Paquistán. Se preparó el cuestionario, que se alojó en Google Forms y se hizo circular a través de plataformas electrónicas, pudiendo realizarse también de manera personal. Los datos se recopilaron desde el 15 de septiembre al 30 de noviembre de 2020. Resultados: La tasa de respuesta fue del 80%. El análisis final incluyó un total de 1.003 participantes, de los cuales el 75% completó el cuestionario-encuesta online, mientras que el 25% respondió en persona. La edad media de los participantes fue de 29,62 ± 10,47 años. La mayoría de los participantes eran mujeres: el 60,9% (n = 611). El 57,02% (n = 572) de los participantes tenía empleo en el momento de la encuesta. En general, el 70,68% (n = 709) de los participantes tenía experiencia previa sobre vacunas tales como la vacuna frente a la gripe. Solo el 4,9% (n = 49) de los participantes pensaba que padecerían la COVID-19 de forma grave en el plazo de seis meses, y el 39% (n = 392) de los participantes estaba seguro de que se contagiaría de dicha enfermedad. El 71,29% de los participantes reportó que consideraría recibir la vacuna una vez que se dispusiera de la misma. Existió una asociación estadística entre el sexo y el ser vacunado (P< 0,001). Conclusión: Este estudio demostró que la mayoría de los participantes mostró una actitud positiva hacia la consideración de la vacuna frente a la COVID-19. Sin embargo, la concienciación sobre el conocimiento informado de la vacuna, los posibles efectos adversos y el coste supondrían un gran valor añadido al incremento de la respuesta real de la población paquistaní hacia la vacuna frente a la COVID-19.
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Background: Recently, Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by a fatal strain of coronavirus named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 11 March 2020. Globally, no therapy such as vaccines and specific therapeutic agents is available so far despite some protease inhibitors and antiviral agents. Introduction: Due to no therapeutic drug or vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 so far, phytomedicine may be developed as therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of current COVID-19 disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to find out a suitable therapeutic agent from selected 17 dietary molecules, which could target SARS-CoV-2 encoded proteins. Materials and Methods: In this study, 3D structures of selected dietary molecules were obtained from the PubChem database, which have previously been reported for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Then, molecular docking analysis by using AutoDoc4 and AutoDockVina software was conducted to evaluate their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Lipinski's rule of five and drug-likeness properties were also discussed with the help of Molinspiration and the OSIRIS property explorer methods. Results: Our results revealed that, among all, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (7) is a lead compound that could fit well into the binding sites of docked proteins of SARS-CoV-2. EGCG showed very strong molecular interactions with the free enzyme of main protease (6y2e), chimeric receptorbinding domain complexed with human ACE2 (6vw1), and NSP15 endoribonuclease (6vww) encoded proteins of SARS-CoV-2, by showing binding energies -9.30, -8.66, and -8.38, kcal/mole, respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, EGCG (7) is more active than two standard drugs that are currently being used in COVID 19, namely remdesivir and nafamostat. Therefore, EGCG (7), as per our results, might be explored as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of COVID-19.