Role of High Flow Nasal Oxygenation During Video Laryngoscopy Assisted Intubation in COVID-positive Patients: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial

Aim and background: In adult COVID-19 patients presenting with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, conventional oxygen therapy may be insufficient to meet the oxygen needs. Other considerable options are high flow nasal oxygen cannula (HFNC), non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) preoxygenation is required before endotracheal intubation. The aim of this study is to compare preoxygenation by HFNC and its comparison with conventional mask ventilation in patient requiring intubation in an intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and methods: After obtaining ethical committee clearance, 60 patients requiring intubation in ICU were included in the study. All the patients who were admitted in the COVID ICU, and were not maintaining saturation on a facemask, NIV, or HFNC for these patient decisions of intubation were made. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group M, conventional mask ventilation was done and in group H HFNC was used for preoxygenation. The primary endpoint of the study was the lowest SPO2 during video laryngoscopic intubation. Secondary objectives were time taken for intubation and aerosol generation. Results: Lowest SPO2 was more in the case of group M compared to group H and this difference was significant with p value of 0.00139. Aerosol generation was more in the case of group M compared to group H with p value of 0.009. Time taken for intubation was comparable in both groups. Conclusion: HFNC is a better alternative compared to mask ventilation in COVID-positive patients as better safer apnea time in patient of COVID presenting with acute respiratory failure.

Interlaboratory Comparison in Covid Testing: An Experience Form ICMR Designated Laboratory

Background:In resource-constrained settings, the majority of laboratories are not accredited to international standards and may only be partially implementing elements of a QMS. ICMR started an Inter -Laboratory Quality Control (ILQC) program for Covid-19 testing. Under this program, RT-PCR testing laboratories across the country send 10 Covid testing samples;five positive and five negative, quarterly to the assigned State Quality Control (SQCs) laboratories for ILQC testing. MAMC Covid-19 laboratory is one of the SQCs laboratory which receives samples for testing. We are presenting here ILQC results and experience of MAMC SQCs Laboratory. Methods:In the duration from July through to November 2020 a total of 445 anonymized samples were received from 24 various public and private linked laboratories. These samples were processed by RT -PCR tests as per NIV protocol. Results were uploaded on the ICMR QC/QA portal to keep pace with the latest technical developments and to synchro- nize with the International Standards. ICMR QC/QA portal generated a final report stating concordance of the results to individual laboratories. Results: Among 445 samples, three samples were rejected as leaked. A total of 442 samples tested. Of these samples, 317 Covid testing samples results are available till date from ICMR which were received in 25 different batches from 18 laboratories. Out of total 317 samples, 308 samples (97%) showed concordant results and 09 were discordant. A total of 19 sample batches showed complete concordance. Only 6 batches from different laboratories showed disagreement. Of these laboratories two laboratories were public and four private laboratories. A total of 12 laboratories had 100% con- cordance. Conclusions:We concluded that majority of the laboratories approved by ICMR are performing with high concordance of results despite varied usage of kits and platforms

Innovative intra-operative rapid detection test for visualisation of mucor.

In this manuscript, we report a rapid intra-operative detection test for visualisation of mucor, with the use of the Smartphone-based intraocular lens microscope (IOLSCOPE). IOLSCOPE helps not only in detecting tissue affected by mucor, but also makes sure that the surgeon does not leave any fungus behind; similar to the principles employed by a 'Frozen section' in conventional general surgery. In the technique proposed by us, we have used an undigested tissue sample, to quickly diagnose mucor, intra-operatively. Thus, in view of tackling the COVID-19 and mucor duplet, IOLSCOPE can be considered by ophthalmologists and otorhinolaryngologists for its rapid screening property, convenience of ease, good quality images and cost effectiveness.

Iot based embedded system for continuous healthcare monitoring

Health is consistently a significant worry in each development humanity is progressing regarding innovation. Like the new Covid assault that has destroyed the economy of China to a degree is an model how medical services has happened to significant significance. In such territories where the plague is spread, it is consistently a superior thought to screen these patients utilizing distant wellbeing observing innovation. This system is responsible for collecting pulse, body temperature and heart bit from the patient’s body and send the data into IoT Cloud platform by using WIFI-Module and health condition of patient stored in the cloud. It enables the medical specialist or authorized person to monitor patient’s health, where t he medical specialist or authorized person can continuously monitor the patient’s condition on the cloud server. The proposed outcome of thisresearch is to give suitable and effective health facilities to patients. © 2021 Universitatea de Vest Vasile Goldis din Arad. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 as an "Infodemic" in Public Health: Critical Role of the Social Media.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a significant and global public health crisis. Besides the rising number of cases and fatalities, the outbreak has also affected economies, employment and policies alike. As billions are being isolated at their homes to contain the infection, the uncertainty gives rise to mass hysteria and panic. Amidst this, there has been a hidden epidemic of "information" that makes COVID-19 stand out as a "digital infodemic" from the earlier outbreaks. Repeated and detailed content about the virus, geographical statistics, and multiple sources of information can all lead to chronic stress and confusion at times of crisis. Added to this is the plethora of misinformation, rumor and conspiracy theories circulating every day. With increased digitalization, media penetration has increased with a more significant number of people aiding in the "information pollution." In this article, we glance at the unique evolution of COVID-19 as an "infodemic" in the hands of social media and the impact it had on its spread and public reaction. We then look at the ways forward in which the role of social media (as well as other digital platforms) can be integrated into social and public health, for a better symbiosis, "digital balance" and pandemic preparedness for the ongoing crisis and the future.

COVID-19-associated papilledema secondary to cerebral venous thrombosis in a young patient.

The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been frequently associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this case report, an atypical presentation of COVID-19 in young with a thromboembolic event is reported. The patient initially presented with fever of unknown origin not responding to therapy. On examination, visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes with bilateral disc oedema and disc haemorrhage in the right eye. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and D-Dimer were elevated. Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) revealed features suggestive of cerebral venous thrombosis. Timely diagnosis and intervention have prevented a fatal outcome.