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Since Bitcoin introduced the blockchain, research has been conducted to expand its use cases beyond finance. One sector where blockchain is anticipated to have a big influence is healthcare. Researchers and practitioners in health informatics constantly struggle to keep up with the advancement of this field's young but quickly expanding body of research. This chapter provides a thorough review of studies carried out to demonstrate the benefits of blockchain technology that have been utilized in the domain of healthcare, in addition to the pandemic, COVID-19, which led to a massive and pervasive repercussion on healthcare and has significantly accelerated the implementation of digital technology. This chapter also depicts how researchers have presented the use cases for adopting Blockchain technology in the healthcare sector. The state-of-the-art blockchain application development for healthcare has also been described in this chapter, along with any inadequacies and potential future study topics. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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Treatment of COVID-19 has been a major challenge during the current pandemic. Various parameters including clinical symptoms and laboratory markers were used for predicting severity of the disease. However, limited data has been available regarding role of inflammatory markers used for monitoring the progression of the disease. Current study aimed to investigate whether serum ferritin level can be used a marker of rapid progression of the disease and if it can predict mortality in COVID-19 cases. The present study included 40 qRT-PCR positive patients who succumbed to COVID-19 as severe group, and 40 patients who were hospitalized but recovered from the disease as the mild group. Demographic details and laboratory data of the patients were obtained and evaluated retrospectively. Spearman's rank correlation was done between serum ferritin and age in patients of differing severity of the disease. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was used for identifying best cut-off level of ferritin for classification of severity. The mean age of the non-survivor (severe/critically ill group) had a tendency to be higher than the mean age of those of the survivors (mild group). Serum ferritin was significantly higher among severe COVID-19 cases compared to mild (p<0.0001). In ROC analysis area under the curve was 0.790. Here we report for the first time, a cut off value for ferritin (277 ng/ml), which can differentiate between the various hospitalization outcomes of COVID-19 patients. There was no significant association observed in age distribution with severity of the disease. Circulating ferritin level not only reflect acute phase response but rather plays critical role in inflammation of COVID-19 disease. Ferritin a natural organometallic complex is a widely available marker, that can be used for monitoring and predicting disease progression thus it can guide clinicians for the effective management of COVID-19. © 2023 Author(s).
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Over the past decade, compared to all other macromolecules lipid-based nanocarriers have proven to be an excellent carrier and delivery system for various pharmaceutical drugs of poor bioavailability. In addition to that, they exhibit exceptional qualities such as minimal toxicity, economical scale-up production, great biocompatibility, and high drug loading efficiency. In this study, we have discussed the various types of lipid nanoparticles, such as liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles. We have also conferred in detail, the composition, shape and size, methods of preparation, advantages, and certain limitations associated with these lipid-based nanocarriers. Additionally, we have exclusively accounted for several examples of lipid-based nanomedicines that have either been approved and commercialized or are under the different phases of clinical trials. The current review overall focuses on the up-to-date research that has recently been published in view of developing lipid-based nanocarriers for various biological applications, including gene therapy, breast cancer therapy, and vaccine development.Copyright © 2022
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Rationale: The aim of this study is to use the research tool Google Trends to analyze U.S. general population interest in asthma. Methods: The research tool Google Trends (trends.google.com) was used to access data sets for the searched term "asthma” between 2004 and 2022 (English language, U.S. location). Data were normalized and adjusted to make comparisons between search terms substantiated. Each data point was divided by the total searches of the geography and time range it represented. Results: Searches for asthma detected have remained stable in terms of volume between 2004 and 2022 apart from a spike during February-May 2020 which corresponded with one of the peaks of the COVID pandemic. Top 5 states for asthma searches in 2022 were Kentucky, Tennessee, Connecticut, Mississippi, Maryland. The list of the top states is dynamic and has changed since 2004.Top search terms in the U.S. in 2022 were: allergy, allergy asthma, asthma and allergy, asthma symptoms, asthma attack. Searches for allergy have consistently been present in the top 5 terms when patients searched for asthma during the last 18 years, between 2004 and 2022. Conclusions: Asthma-related Google searches reveal topics of high interest that could supplement the understanding about general population interest. Searches for allergy have consistently been present in the top 5 terms when patients searched for asthma during the last 18 years, emphasizing the role of allergists/immunologists in asthma care. Knowledge of variability in search patterns and specific topics could help allergy organizations and practicing allergists focus their educational programs towards patients' interests.
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FinTech has not only become a buzzword but also brought several business opportunities in the financial world, with the potential to increase financial inclusion, enhance people's daily lives, and spur growth. The issue of online buyers' knowledge about FinTech adoption has emerged from the rapid trend of digital technology in Kathmandu Valley. It also suggests that demographic variables (age and gender) and digital activity (internet experience and level of awareness) mitigate the major correlations. This paper aims to understand online grocery buyers' prior knowledge imprint in FinTech adoption during COVID-19 lockdowns. An exploratory research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of structural equation modeling. We find that the most respondents are aged twenty-one to forty, showing that most youth are attracted to technological innovation in FinTech (e-commerce and e-banking). We find that two-thirds of online buyers in Kathmandu Valley are facing the challenge of FinTech adoption due to slow internet and lack of awareness about its applications. The structural equation modeling shows that six out of eight constructs are fit and validated with the model. Attitude has a significant effect on actual purchases, whereas trust does not play a partial mediating role between dependent and independent variables. The internet as a digital marketplace has become an important part of marketing strategy and customer relationship management. Thus, internet issues should be solved immediately with stable connections by internet service providers.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures have resulted in significant lifestyle changes. One of the COVID-19 new normal is the usage of face masks for protection against airborne aerosol which creates distractions and interruptions in voice communication. It has a different influence on speech than the standard concept of noise affecting speech communication. Furthermore, it has varied effects on speech in different frequency bands. To provide a solution to this problem, a three-stage adaptive speech enhancement (SE) scheme is developed in this article. In the first stage, the tunable <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$</tex-math> </inline-formula>-factor wavelet transform (TQWT) features are extracted by properly setting the quality factor values and the number of levels from the input speech signal. In the second stage, the adjustable parameters of the preemphasis filter and modified multiband spectral subtraction (MBSS) are determined using bio-inspired techniques for different masking and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. In the third stage, the weights, center values, standard deviation of the Gaussian radial basis functions, and input patterns of the radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are updated to predict the optimized parameters from the input TQWT-based cepstral features (TQCFs). In the end, the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the standard SE algorithms using two speech datasets. IEEE
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Wearable sensing devices have transformed the hourly analysis of events such as body signals and environmental risks into real-time monitoring in minutes or seconds. Wearable sensors have facilitated the ability to obtain useful data by monitoring the physiological parameters and activities of an aided and a healthy individual. Wearable devices employ detectable biomarkers in the human body, such as in tears, saliva, interstitial fluid, sweat, and so on. These can deliver relevant information on human health, online activity monitoring, and therapeutic treatments. This section outlines the significance of sample types and associated biomarkers as indicators in the development and manufacturing of wearable biosensors. We have emphasized the most recent advances of wearables based on skin-like and textile, giving attention to personalized health monitoring to record signals of motion and physiological and body fluid investigation. Furthermore, this review categorizes wearable biosensors based on the sensing mechanism, electrochemical, optical, and mechanical. Additionally, the recent wearables related to the detection of the newly havoc-causing pandemic, COVID-19, and the future perspective for the development of much more advanced and potent wearable biosensors have been highlighted. The final section highlights unmet difficulties and gaps in wearable sensors in personalized therapy. © 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
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India lacks a formal social security system. However, there is scope to develop a few systems, empowering some desired sections financially. In the recent past, post the onset of COVID19, a number of Indians have chosen to adopt a ‘Start Up’ mechanism using proprietary trade secrets. These mechanisms are not new, have existed informally and have been carried forward through generations. This paper is an attempt to lay the blueprint of a social security system which can be adopted by the elderly urban middle class of India, giving them a more profitable, safe and lucrative money generation means, through their real estate assets. The rental laws of India are fluid, allowing the middle-class real estate owners to fall prey to unknown and unexpected complications, creating legal turmoil. The call of the hour is to restructure rental arrangements, keeping the safety of the owner as priority without neglecting the preferred requirements of the tenants. A probable symbiotic arrangement, which by all means can provide professionals, a stay and vacation option. This dwelling space would allow them to work and holiday from anywhere, away from their designated office space. These stay and vacation options can also create the scope of living in larger spaces for professionals with pocket suiting investment. The profiteering objective of Rental Management of Real Estate renting process can be redefined easily by the creation of a ‘Renting Appraisal App’, making it convenient and transparent for the property owner and the rent seeker. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
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We investigate the binding interactions of synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Two essential components of the SARS-CoV-2 structure i.e.6LU7 (main protease of SARS-CoV-2) and 6LZG (spike receptor-binding domain complexed with its receptor ACE2) were used for computational studies. MWCNTs of different morphologies (zigzag, armchair and chiral) were synthesized through a thermal chemical vapour deposition process as a function of pyrolysis temperature. A direct correlation between radius to volume ratio of the synthesized MWCNTs and the binding energies for all three (zigzag, armchair and chiral) conformations were observed in our computational studies. Our result suggests that MWCNTs interact with the active sites of the main protease along with the host angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) receptors. Furthermore, it is also observed that MWCNTs have significant binding affinities towards SARS-CoV-2. However, the highest free binding energy of −87.09 kcal mol−1 with 6LZG were shown by the armchair MWCNTs with SARS-CoV-2 through the simulated molecular dynamic trajectories, which could alter the SARS-CoV-2 structure with higher accuracy. The radial distribution function also confirms the density variation as a function of distance from a reference particle of MWCNTs for the study of interparticle interactions of the MWCNT and SARS-CoV-2. Due to these interesting attributes, such MWCNTs could find potential application in personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic kits. Investigation of the binding interactions of synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Introduction: The effect of COVID-19 infection and its vaccines onthe immune system is still a subject of much research and debate.Unusual findings due to COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccination are increasingly being reported. However, caution is warrantedto rule out known entities before considering these possibilities.Aims &Objectives: We report a case of incidentally detected ABOdiscrepancy attributed to complications of COVID-19 vaccination butdiagnosed ultimately as multiple myeloma.Materials &Methods: Case Report: A 52-year-old male presentedwith weakness, easy fatigability and chest pain following the seconddose of the COVID-19 vaccine. His hemoglobin fell progressivelyand he was advised blood transfusion.Result: Blood grouping revealed ABO discrepancy in forward andreverse grouping. Routine peripheral blood smear examinationshowed rouleaux formation and background blue-tinging. The patientalso had raised ESR. The patient was suspected to have a plasma celldyscrasia, which was confirmed on serum electrophoresis and thisexplained the ABO discrepancy.Conclusions: M protein in plasma cell myeloma is known to causegroup III ABO discrepancy due to rouleaux formation which can beinterpreted as pseudo-agglutination and can be a presenting feature.Though vaccine-induced blood group discrepancies have also beenreported in the literature, a detailed workup with a good interpretationof peripheral smear findings is necessary so as not to miss the primaryunderlying disease.
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Introduction and Aim: Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) and rise in antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) has been linked to the development of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in COVID-19. But still controversies exist regarding the increase in APLA in COVID-19. Hence, the present study aimed to estimate the levels of APLA in COVID patients and its relationship with the severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: 40 RT PCR positive COVID-19 cases and normal control were recruited for the study. Biochemical and hematological findings were compared in both the groups. COVID-19 patients were further subdivided into survivor Vs non-survivor and based upon the CT findings of thorax they were grouped with vs without CT findings. Results: CRP, PCT, ESR were found to be significantly increased in COVID-19 patients. IgM & IgG APLA antibody (3.02±1.32 U/ml & 3.54±1.85 U/ml) were found to be within normal range in COVID cases. APLA did not show any correlation with serum ferritin, CRP, PCT, N/L ratio and MPV in COVID-19. No statistical difference was seen in the levels of APLA when compared in non-survivors vs survivors. Even APLA was within normal range in the patients who presented with pulmonary embolism (PE), venous thromboembolism (VTE) and succumbed to the disease. Serum ferritin and neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio was found to be significantly higher in non-survivors. Conclusion: Hence, in our study APLA was within normal range and was not related to the severity of the disease. © 2021, Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists. All rights reserved.
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BACKGROUND: A novel beta coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been identified as the causative pathogen for the present pandemic. The objective of the study was to measure the levels of IgG antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Odisha State, India to know the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, the prevalence of herd immunity in the population, the distribution of IgG-positive cases examined according to ABO blood groups and the number of blood donors with higher neutralizing IgG antibody titre who later on were converted into Plasma Donors donating Convalescent Plasma (CP). METHOD: This observational prospective study was conducted for a duration of three months on 1032 number of Blood donors consisting of 1025 number of males and 07 number of females. The samples of donors were subjected to Electro- chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. RESULT: Out of 1032 Donors, 370(35.9%) were SARS-COV-2 IgG positive which included 303 donors (29.36%) with neutralizing antibody titre of SARS-COV2 IgG antibodies above 1:80. SARS-COV-2 IgG positive cases consisted of 367(35.8%) male and 3(42.9%) female donors. The number of IgG positive cases were highest in 21-40 years' age group i.e. 323 out of 869(37.2%). In terms of Blood group, 145(42.4%) out of 342 were from B RhD positive group. Out of 22 donors who were positive with COVID 19 in the past with neutralizing IgG antibody titre more than 1:80, 6(27.3%) persons came for voluntary convalescent plasma(CP) donation. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was detected among blood donors which indicated a high level of exposure to the virus within the population and development of innate immunity against the virus. Policy makers can add the protocol of antibody testing in the screening of blood donors to enhance the number of Plasma Donation cases for the treatment of serious COVID patients.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Administrative Personnel , Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , Blood Donors , COVID-19/therapy , Female , Humans , Immunization, Passive , Immunoglobulin G , Male , Prospective Studies , RNA, Viral , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19 SerotherapyABSTRACT
The daily bulletins of the WHO have been a subject matter for political comments and insinuations, causing the top global leadership forum like the United Nations, practically go on a holiday. The G-8 leaders have withdrawn from global stage to fight the virus in respective their home turfs, as the biggest threat to their leadership and power. The laptop carrying, white collar employees across all sectors of employment switched over to " Work From Home" (WFH) officially, and the employers demonstrated generosity with their public affirmations not to lay off employees during the shutdown. The Government offices could close down the shutters but governance had to continue. [...]in the context of a lockdown induced by a pandemic, the assessment of WFH can at best be limited to a small minority of employees around the world who could work from home.
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A computational model for nucleation and growth of iron (II) oxide nanoparticle (IONP) in thermal plasma has been developed. A nondimensional form of the aerosol general dynamic equations (GDEs) along with a discrete volume sectional model assumption is used to numerically solve the coupled system of GDEs. The variation in supersaturation ratio and the mean particle diameter of IONPs with respect to temperature across the plasma reactor has been presented. The scatter plot showing the distribution of particle number density of certain size across the reactor chamber is shown. In silico molecular docking study was performed to reveal the putative interaction of the IONPs with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The results revealed significant binding affinity of IONPs with 6LZG (spike receptor-binding domain complexed with its receptor ACE2) and 5RH4 (main protease) of SARS-COV-2 by forming hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds with nearby amino acid residues. The interactions of IONPs are associated with the conformational changes in the protein which could be used to treat and control SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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BACKGROUND: COVID 19 infection caused by novel coronavirus with no specific established treatment. Convalescent Plasma Therapy has been authorized as an off-label therapeutic procedure. We assessed the outcome of convalescent plasma (CP) units versus standard treatment on the complete recovery, improvement and 28 days' mortality of COVID 19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present was multi-centric case controlled observational prospective study. The study was conducted for a period of four and half months from July 15 2020 to 30 November 2020 after taking approval from the Expert Committee, Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha. Plasma therapy was applied on two groups of 1189 serious COVID patients (959 number of pre- critical and 230 number of critical patients) not responding to oxygen therapy. It was compared with non- transfused control group of 1243 patients (996 number of pre-critical and 247 number of critical patients). RESULTS: Discharge was better in (55.5%) transfused than (43%)in non-transfused pre-critical patients and the mortality was lower (44.3%) in transfused, (48.9%) than non-transfused critical patients respectively. Complete recovery was highest in those who were transfused with CP with neutralizing titer more than 1:160 (52.5%), 18-30 years' age group (64%), females (53%), 'O' Rh D positive blood group (51.5%). There was no adverse reaction due to CP transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: CP is effective in improving the recovery rate with earlier discharge and decrease in the 28 days' mortality than in the control non-transfused group. CP with neutralizing antibody titer more than 1:160 has the best outcome with complete recovery and decrease in the mortality. It is more effective in treating pre-critical patients when transfused early, in female patients, in younger age group and in blood group 'O' Rh D positive.
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COVID-19/therapy , SARS-CoV-2 , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/therapeutic use , Blood Group Antigens/analysis , COVID-19/blood , COVID-19/mortality , Case-Control Studies , Disease Management , Donor Selection , Female , Humans , Immunization, Passive/statistics & numerical data , India/epidemiology , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle Aged , Procedures and Techniques Utilization , Prospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Sex Distribution , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult , COVID-19 SerotherapyABSTRACT
The whole world is facing unique Pandemic situation due to the outbreak of corona virus since last couple of months. There is a consistent situation of panic and fear everywhere. India too is facing same situation and amidst the prolonged phases of lockdown, everything seems to come to stand still. Economy is severely hit by this pandemic situation. Various Industrial sectors have either turned sick or closed down due to demand crunch and lacks of people are losing jobs, resulting unprecedented crisis in the society. In education sector too, there is paradigm shift in teaching and learning methodology. The students cannot attend traditional class room teaching due to close down of schools and colleges. In higher education too, online classes are going on and the college students have no options but to attend virtual mode of classes and face online examinations in many instances. The students’ community is altogether experiencing a new and non-familiar teaching and learning environment. This research paper was written based on the online survey of higher education students in few districts of West Bengal. The survey was undertaken to unearth the responses of the students’ community to this digital teaching methodology, which they are facing. The responses of students to this new and unfamiliar digital teaching and learning environment were shown in the “findings section” of this paper. © 2021 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved.
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BACKGROUND: COVID 19 is an acute respiratory disease caused by infection by the virus SARS-COV-2 and has been declared as a pandemic whose specific treatment is still not established. One of the options in the treatment is Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy when there is presence of required amount of neutralizing antibodies in the plasma of recovered COVID patients. Our objective was to analyze the challenges and the constraints encountered in motivation of COVID 19 recovered persons to come for the screening procedures and to convince the selected persons to come for Plasma donation voluntarily. MATERIAL & METHODS: The present retrospective observational study was conducted for a period of five and half months. Out of 1515 number of persons contacted telephonically for Plasma donation, 1291 persons came for screening of whom 1028 persons were eligible for donation, 263 cases were deferred and 966 persons finally donated. RESULTS: Maximum number of acceptance cases were from males-(98.7%). Of the accepted cases, (41.73%) were from the 18-30 years' age group. 33.94% were from blood group 'O' Rh D positive giving maximum contribution from any blood group. 38.3% of the accepted cases had resolution of all COVID symptoms within time period of 28-40 days. Maximum number of accepted individuals (39.75%) had suffered from multiple symptoms followed by 39.02% of asymptomatic persons. Highest number of Plasma donation was contributed by Odisha Government Police personnel (51.56%). DISCUSSION: In this global ongoing pandemic, the "Fear Factor of contracting the disease" has acted as a major challenge in motivating and convincing a COVID recovered patient for plasma donation. The challenge before the medical professionals was to motivate, educate and convince the potential donors and the society about the likely benefits of convalescent plasma. This could be finally overcome with the help of positive orientation through social and conventional media as well as mass appeal from government side on the benefits of plasma therapy in saving lives in the present pandemic.
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Blood Donors/supply & distribution , Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , COVID-19/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Guidelines as Topic , Humans , Immunization, Passive , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult , COVID-19 SerotherapyABSTRACT
COVID-19, the infectious pandemic disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This deadly disease was unknown before its catastrophic outbreak of the infection in Wuhan city of China, in December 2019. The pandemic situation has increased the demand of rapid enhancement of the in-vitro diagnostic assays which would enable the mass screening and testing. Several molecular and serological diagnostics assays such as direct viral antigen tests, nucleic acid amplification tests and serological tests were developed. Nucleic acid tests such as RT-PCR. TrueNAT, Feluda Test, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) etc. detect the presence of RNA virus in the nasal or throat swab or from saliva. Antigen tests detect the presence of a virus as the antigen, which is a surface protein. Antibody tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFA), chemiluminescence assays (CLIA) etc. detect the presence of antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 in the blood samples.