ABSTRACT
Introduction: The literature related to quarantined nurses' lived experiences working in nondesignated COVID settings is scarce. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of quarantined nurses after accidental exposure in nondesignated COVID areas in a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: It was a qualitative phenomenological study. Snowball sampling technique was used to interview 11 nurses. The in-depth interviews were conducted telephonically using a prevalidated interview guide during October 2020 to February 2021. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated to English. Thematic analysis was done using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The findings depicting similar codes were grouped into subthemes and themes. The findings are presented thematically with corresponding participant quotes. Results: Out of 11, six (55%) participants were quarantined in home and five (45%) in the institutional facilities. The major themes that emerged were: "psychological reactions," "quarantine: the positive aspect," and "support system" among the home quarantined nurses. The major themes in the institutional facility quarantined nurses were: "psychological reactions," "poor quality of institutional quarantine facility," "quarantine: the positive aspect," "support system," and "quarantine: a learning experience." The nurses experienced various negative emotions during quarantine. Conclusion: To safeguard the physical and mental health of nurses, comprehensive support should be provided by the authorities in terms of availability of basic amenities and quality services during quarantine. Regular training and constant motivation are needed to promote their mental preparedness for crisis management.
ABSTRACT
Phytochemicals with potential to competitively bind to the host receptors or inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, may prove to be useful as adjunct therapeutics for COVID-19. We profiled and investigated the phytochemicals of Rhododendron arboreum petals sourced from Himalayan flora, undertook in vitro studies and found it as a promising candidate against SARS-CoV-2. The phytochemicals were reported in various scientific investigations to act against a range of virus in vitro and in vivo, which prompted us to test against SARS-CoV-2. In vitro assays of R. arboreum petals hot aqueous extract confirmed dose dependent reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load in infected Vero E6 cells (80% inhibition at 1 mg/ml; IC50 = 173 µg/ml) and phytochemicals profiled were subjected to molecular docking studies against SARS CoV-2 target proteins. The molecules 5-O-Feruloyl-quinic acid, 3-Caffeoyl-quinic acid, 5-O-Coumaroyl-D-quinic acid, Epicatechin and Catechin showed promising binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 Main protease (MPro; PDB ID: 6LU7; responsible for viral replication) and Human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2; PDB ID: 1R4L; mediate viral entry in the host). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of 5-O-Feruloyl-quinic acid, an abundant molecule in the extract complexed with the target proteins showed stable interactions. Taken together, the phytochemical profiling, in silico analysis and in vitro anti-viral assay revealed that the petals extract act upon MPro and may be inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication. This is the first report highlighting R. arboreum petals as a reservoir of antiviral phytochemicals with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity using an in vitro system.
ABSTRACT
Introduction:The literature related to quarantined nurses? lived experiences working in nondesignated COVID settings is scarce. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of quarantined nurses after accidental exposure in nondesignated COVID areas in a tertiary care hospital.Material and Methods:It was a qualitative phenomenological study. Snowball sampling technique was used to interview 11 nurses. The in-depth interviews were conducted telephonically using a prevalidated interview guide during October 2020 to February 2021. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated to English. Thematic analysis was done using Colaizzi?s phenomenological method. The findings depicting similar codes were grouped into subthemes and themes. The findings are presented thematically with corresponding participant quotes.Results:Out of 11, six (55%) participants were quarantined in home and five (45%) in the institutional facilities. The major themes that emerged were: ?psychological reactions,? ?quarantine: the positive aspect,? and ?support system? among the home quarantined nurses. The major themes in the institutional facility quarantined nurses were: ?psychological reactions,? ?poor quality of institutional quarantine facility,? ?quarantine: the positive aspect,? ?support system,? and ?quarantine: a learning experience.? The nurses experienced various negative emotions during quarantine.Conclusion:To safeguard the physical and mental health of nurses, comprehensive support should be provided by the authorities in terms of availability of basic amenities and quality services during quarantine. Regular training and constant motivation are needed to promote their mental preparedness for crisis management.