ABSTRACT
The current COVID-19 pandemic presents one of the greatest challenges in human history. There is a consensus that the rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 directly affects procedures to avoid dissemination, promote treatments, and favor the prognosis of infected patients. This interdisciplinary study aims at designing new synthetic peptides inspired by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SARS-CoV-2S) to produce rapid detection tests relying on nanomaterial-based colorimetric properties. Hence, in silico analyses of SARS-CoV-2S were performed using advanced bioinformatic simulation tools and algorithms. Five novel peptide sequences were proposed, and three were selected (P2, J4, and J5) based on their prospective reactivity against positive serum from naturally COVID-19-infected humans. Next, hyperimmune sera against the selected peptides were produced in rabbits. Concurrently, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were synthesized using a green aqueous method under mild conditions through in situ reduction by trisodium citrate salt. They were extensively characterized by their morphological, physicochemical, and optical properties. The AuNPs demonstrated colloidal chemical stability in aqueous media, with an average size of approximately 29 nm (metallic core), and zeta potential before and after bioconjugation of −43 mV and −31 mV, respectively. Moreover, they presented an intense reddish-bluish color due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, with maxima at λ = 525 nm and 536 nm, before and after bioconjugation, respectively, evidencing their applicability as colorimetric biomarkers for antigen–antibody immunoassay detection. To develop a rapid COVID-19 diagnosis test using lateral flow assay (LFA), semi-purified anti-SARS-CoV-2S sera against the three selected peptides were bioconjugated to the AuNPs as the highly optically sensitive agents using a considerably low antibody concentration (0.2 mg mL−1). All tested peptide sequences (P2, J4, and J5) induced antibodies capable of identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus inactivate suspensions (1 : 10, 1 : 100, or 1 : 1000 dilutions). For LFA positive test control, an anti-rabbit antibody was used. In summary, this research comprises several contributions and advances to the broad and multidisciplinary field of nanomaterials-based immunodiagnosis tools, encompassing: (a) the novelty of designing and synthesizing new immunogenic peptides inspired by SARS-CoV-2 virus epitopes using in silico bioinformatics;(b) the peptides induced the immune response in rabbit animal model producing hyperimmune serum;(c) the semi-purified hyperimmune serum rendered effective antibodies to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell suspension;(d) colloidal gold nanoparticles were produced and bioconjugated to the antibodies for qualitative colorimetric detection. As the overall result of this study, it was designed, developed, produced, and validated a new simple, rapid, and sensitive LFA diagnostic test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus using a nanotechnology-based qualitative colorimetric assay, which can be envisioned as promising nanoplatforms for detecting other diseases. The current COVID-19 pandemic presents one of the greatest challenges in human history.
ABSTRACT
The current study examined how COVID-19 impacted urban college students' engagement in their schoolwork and whether John Henryism mediated the relationship among demographic variables and engagement. Results demonstrated that John Henryism is a significant predictor of all three engagement outcomes (absorption, dedication, and vigor) and mediated the relationship between historically underrepresented students (Black and Latinx) and their vigor for engaging in schoolwork. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual challenges. This study adds another dimension to the coping strategies urban college students are using to stay engaged in their schoolwork during the pandemic. Practitioner Notes 1. Results demonstrated that John Henryism is a significant predictor of all three engagement outcomes (absorption, dedication, and vigor) 2. John Henryism mediated the relationship between historically underrepresented students (Black and Latinx) and their vigor for engaging in schoolwork 3. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual challenges 4. This study adds another dimension to the coping strategies urban college students are using to stay engaged in their schoolwork during the pandemic. 5. Colleges and universities need to be aware of John Henryism as a coping strategy for students.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic also raised questions about the practice of physical activity using a face mask and how this would affect breathing and performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using a tissue face mask recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the variation of heart rate (HR), minute volume (VE), and muscle O 2 saturation (SO 2 m) parameters during performing the incremental load exercise and verifying the maximum time obtained at the end of the exercise. A 21-year-old male, 85 kg of total body mass and 1.68 m of height were selected. The individual performed an incremental load test to maximum exhaustion on the XT cycle ergometer (TRG Fitness ..) in two moments: No mask -Control (C);Cloth Mask (CM). The individual was instructed to maintain a cadence of 61-65 rpm and every 2 minutes a load of 30.8 watts was added until maximum exhaustion. A ventilometer VO2 Pro (Cefise ..) and a near infrared spectroscopy sensor (Moxy ..) were used, placed in the vastus lateralis muscle of the right leg. Data were analyzed every 20% of the total time (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%) under conditions C and CM. The parameters of HR, VE and SO 2 m were monitored throughout the test and the data were statistically processed by a software (Origin Pro .. 3.226) using a multivariate analysis technique (Principal Component Analysis -PCA) to analyze interrelationships between the variables. In test condition C, an eigenvalue of 2.979 was observed with two variables (VE and SO 2 m) associated with greater variation (PC1). The maximum time obtained at the end of the test was 1535 seconds. In the CM condition, na eigenvalue of 2.881 was observed with two variables (HR and SO 2 m) associated with greater variation (PC1). The maximum time obtained at the end of the test was1330 seconds. It is concluded that the use of CM reduces VE variation, which may be associated with greater airflow resistance. The greatest variation observed in HR was due to the use of CM, impacting the delay in the appearance of the plateau. In addition, the use of a tissue mask recommended by the WHO reduces the maximum exercise time performed on the cycle ergometer in a healthy individual. These findings are useful for evaluating the effects of using CM in high-performance sports. Additional studies in the elderly and people with lung or heart disease are needed.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and rapidly became pandemic. Unfortunately, there is lack of evidence about the optimal management of corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and even less is available in patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Patient receiving maintenance haemodialysis are at increased risk for infection by SARS-CoV-2 with poor outcome. So, the purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on maintenance haemodialysis. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a haemodialysis unit of tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh from April to August 2020. All patients, who were on maintenance haemodialysis, twice or thrice weekly, were screened by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2, irrespective of symptoms. All data were collected in case record forms and patients were followed-up over phone. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 133 patients (males 70, 52.6%) were on regular maintenance haemodialysis in the study centre. Most patients were in 5th and 6th decades of life. Twenty-one (15.8%) patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR with female (16, 76.2%) predominance. Eighteen (18/21, 85.7%) patients had symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection and rest three (3/21, 14.3%) patients were diagnosed during routine screening. Common presentations were fever (42.9%), cough (66.7%) and respiratory distress (66.7%) and most had multiple symptoms. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in blood group A was 8(38%) and blood group O was 8(38%). There were no significant differences of mortality rate among blood groups. Most patients (16/21, 76.2%) infected by SARS-CoV-2 were referred to COVID-dedicated hospitals, five (5/21, 23.8%) were shifted to intensive care unit (ICU). Outcome was poor;17 (17/21, 89%) patients died in hospitals and four (4/21, 19%) patients became free of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Caregivers/relative of our patients acquired COVID-19 in course of disease. CONCLUSION: One-sixth of patients on maintenance haemodialysis acquired SARSCoV-2 infection with nearly ninety percent fatality rates. Despite having risk factors for severe infection by SARS-CoV-2, patients on dialysis must visit health care facilities. So, utmost care should be taken to reduce risk of COVID-19 among such vulnerable group of patients.
ABSTRACT
The subject of the research is a quarantine condition as a factor in the transformation of the finance. The objectives of the article are to identify the dominant trends in the transformation of the finance as a result of the quarantine condition, to determine the features of the current global financial and economic crisis caused by the quarantine condition, to consider anti-crisis measures taken by national regulators to mitigate the consequences of the crisis, to analyze the consequences of the quarantine condition for the finance and the possibilities for its development after the end of the pandemic. The analysis of the dominant tendency of de-globalization due to the pandemic and the growing tendencies of regionalization and protectionism, as well as the transition to a bipolar structure of finance. Determined that the crisiscaused by a pandemic differs in that it occurs in the spheres of production and consumption. Determined thatthe current crisis marks the transition to the sixth technological order, within whichglobal cyber financial system. It has been established that after the end of the pandemic, the finance will movetowards a model of lower income and greater stability. It is concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic will develop into a major economic and geopoliticalcrisis and can provoke a significant transformation of the modern world economic order. © 2021, Universitatea de Vest Vasile Goldis din Arad. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the credit policy pursued by the government during the Covid-19 pandemic and its results in order to support the population and businesses, to prevent large debts. The study reccomend the following: The interest rate and terms of loans not only affect the banking sector, but also directly affect the living standards and quality of life of the population. For this reason, it would be expedient to provide loans with simplified terms and conditions of repayment to support entrepreneurship in the country. According to 2020 data, the interest rates of commercial banks in the country will be 24%. Under this decree, if a preferential interest rate of 16% was applied, the financial interest of individuals after October 1, 2020 would be avoided. © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.