Short research article: COVID-19 and its impact on child and youth mental health service demand in the community and emergency department.

BACKGROUND: To explore changes in child and youth mental health service (CYMHS) demand in Brisbane, Australia, following the COVID pandemic. METHODS: The number of monthly presentations and referrals to respectively the emergency department (ED) and community CYMHS were compared among 2018, 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: The study shows a marked increase in referrals to ED starting from July and in the community from May 2020. In the population referred to as community teams, the proportions of Indigenous children and those from lower socio-economic areas decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the supply and demand disparity in CYMHS, with the largest effect on the most vulnerable families.

Merging facts with fiction: replication of COVID-19 and cross-species transplantation in Margaret Atwood's dystopian fiction oryx and crake

This research paper elucidates cross-species transplantation and its impacts on both fact and fiction. This study focuses on the bond between science and literature. In relation to this claim, researchers look into how modern scientific technology influenced Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake. The first novel in the MaddAddam Trilogy is Oryx and Crake. The novel is set on the North American East Coast. Through her novels, Atwood reflects the real-world elements in her fictive world and also warns the present generation about their future. It is present in its adventurous form, which depicts the downfall of the human race. Researchers have utilised the exploratory research method for this study. This article discusses the emergence of both fictional and factual creatures through the method of xenotransplantation, such as Pigoons, Rankunk, Wolvogs, Crakers, Bobkittens, and luminescent rabbits, and it also expresses the similarity between the Covid 19 virus and the JUVE virus. (Glover, 2009) The article "Human/Nature: Ecological philosophy in Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake," written by Jayne Glover, states that, according to the researcher, the actions of Crake and his significant innovations contributed to the collapse of civilization in the world. "One time does it all." The birth control pill leads to high fever and bleeding from the breakdown of the inner organs, followed by death. (Glover, 2009). This research article shows how Atwood uses the fictional creatures in Oryx and Crake to show how the rise of technology and the fall of the human race are at odds with each other. © International Journal of Health Sciences 2022.

Health-related risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A systematic review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most commonly identified co-morbidities with high morbidity and mortality risk in patients with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) infection. The objective of the current study is to review the primary risk factors involved in the development of COVID-19 infections in COPD patients along with an insight on the effect of COPD medications in the development of this disease. The systematic search was performed on electronic databases such as PubMed, LitCovid, COVID-evidence, clinical trials, and Science Direct. ICU intervention and the use of invasive ventilators on the worsening of symptoms were the main inclusion parameters for the current review. Key findings indicate that the occurrence of COVID-2019 in COPD patients was low due to less availability of data. However, the risk of severity (66%) and mortality (58.62%) was high, suggesting that COPD patients with confirmed COVID-19 were at higher risk of disease. In regards to COVID-19, Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), one of the identified target receptors of the COVID-19 responsible for the infection, was observed to increase in COPD patients. COPD is thus a risk factor for developing extreme and critical forms of COVID-19 compared with the other groups, which further leads to requiring admission to an ICU and the use of invasive ventilators on the worsening of symptoms with high mortality rates. This systematic review, which together with ACE-2, will explain the severity and rate of mortality along with the risk factors of COVID-19 in COPD patients, the use of nebulizers with mesh to prevent transmission, and adherence to medication in the world’s current pandemic situation. © 2022 Meenakshi, et al.

Ayurveda: The Prominence of Herbal Medicine in Containment of COVID-19

The global community is in a vulnerable and intricate state due to the COVID-19 pandemic given the lack of targeted drugs and extreme population making it an arduous journey to the public system of health care towards the extermination of the disease. The essentiality of newer compounds, novel medical instruments, and practices for diagnosis, cure, and prevention of the COVID-19 infection is the greatest concern. Since the persistent waves of COVID-19 are being observed at a variety of location across the globe, and the intensity and mutation of the virus is still possessing an inviolable threat to humanity. Along with conventional medicine, the application of traditional medicine practices using natural and herbal products has been proved effective in several disease conditions. The usage of Traditional Chinese medicine and ayurvedic medicine is used to treat COVID-19 infected patients in China and India respectively marks the contribution and effectiveness of traditional medical therapy in the restriction of the virus. The prominence of herbal products for prophylactic and symptomatic treatment for COVID-19 is notable and recommended by various organizations and governments in the world. All the pragmatic considerations and evidence to use ayurvedic practices on a large scale require further animal and robust human studies. This article reviews various practices, herbal products, effectiveness, case studies and the contribution of ayurvedic medicine, to be used to treat and restrict the viral epidemic and may further provide a forward insight into future learning, evidence compiling, and research in the respective domain.

Knowledge, attitude and preparedness to combat COVID-19 infection among dental professionals: A student-centric pilot study.

Background: In the COVID-19 age, attempts are being made to raise student awareness and improve best practices to contain the outbreak. Methodology: The target population was interns and 3rdyear undergraduate students from JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysuru. COVID-19 knowledge, awareness and attitude of the students and interns and the preparedness to tackle the current COVID 19 pandemic were assessed. Results: 120 respondents responded via a contented validated self-administered questionnaire with regard to knowledge, attitude and practices and preparedness to address the COVID 19 pandemic by undergraduates and interns. The student participants irrespective of their years into practice were aware of the guidelines being issued by Health care authorities and to address the COVID 19 pandemic. Among the respondents, 57.5% were 3rd year dental students and 42.5% were interns. Regarding knowledge about COVID infection, 42.9% (3rd year students) and 57.1% of the interns were aware of the recent developments, 34.1% of the III year students were aware of the safe distance to be maintained between patients, 42.4% of the students and 57.6% of interns were aware of the authority to be contacted with suspected COVID 19 infections. The participants were also aware of the vaccine trial which was conducted. Most of the respondents (64.3% of the students and 78.6% of the interns) were aware of fumigation in clinical or high-contact areas on a daily basis and biweekly in nonclinical areas. Conclusions: The results suggest a strong need to encourage the current training program among students in health care-related fields.

TO STUDY THE PERCEIVED BARRIERS AND MOTIVATORS FOR DELAYED ACCEPTANCE OF FIRST DOSE OF COVID-19 VACCINATION: A SINGLE CENTRE STUDY

Objectives: COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented global scientific collaboration to develop COVID-19 vaccines which is the most effective way to defeat COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO has identified vaccine hesitancy as a grave global health threat and even after 7 months of free vaccination program, India is lagging behind to achieve the targets essential for herd immunity. Hence, we initiated this survey to study the perceived barriers and motivators for delayed acceptance of first dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A survey was conducted during free COVID-19 vaccination camps using a pretested, validated, and anonymous pro forma including eight questions regarding perceived barriers and six regarding perceived motivators for acceptance of the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination and valid responses were analyzed according to age groups and gender. Results: During our survey, 1144 valid responses were received and analyzed. Results showed fear of side effects as the most sighted barrier among study population, gender, and age groups. Compulsory requirement of vaccination for joining job/college was the most sighted motivator among study population, gender, and 18-30 years age group whereas fear of 3rd wave was most sighted motivator among 31-44 years, 45-59 years, and >60 years age group. Conclusion: In spite of free COVID-19 vaccine and intensive campaigns, it seems that adequate vaccination targets might not be achieved and results of our survey suggest needs for increased focus on the perceived barriers as well as the perceived motivators to increase vaccination acceptance.

Precise and quick detection of ascorbic acid and eugenol in fruits, pharmaceuticals and medicinal herbs using hydroxyapatite-titanium dioxide nanocomposite-based electrode.

Ascorbic acid (AA) and eugenol (EUG) are well-known antioxidants found in several fruits, spices and herbs. In particular, the EUG, one of the major phytocompounds present in clove, acts as pro-oxidant or anti-oxidant depending on its concentration. Considering the medical importance of AA and EUG and its extensive usage in the form of food and medicine, we have developed a voltammetric sensor based on hydroxyapatite-TiO2 composite modified GCE for their selective and simultaneous determination over very wide linear range of 2.78-2490 µM for AA and 1.4-78 µM for EUG with the LODs of 63.3 nM and 94 nM respectively. Practical applicability of the prepared electrode has been demonstrated by detecting AA and EUG in lemon juice, vitamin tablet, clove oil and Kabasura Kudineer, an herbal decoction used as an immunity booster against number of diseases including Covid-19. The proposed HAP-TiO2/GCE shall be useful for food and pharmaceutical industries.

The Gag Reflex: A Hurdle in Dentistry- Literature Review

Gagging reflex poses a hurdle in numerous dental procedures. It causes discomfort for the patient, extended procedure time for the clinician, compromised quality of treatment and along with a lot of physiological discomfort for both. The normal gag reflex is protective in nature, but few individuals elicit extreme response, leading to problems during the treatment procedures. It is extremely important for the clinician to identify the cause and severity of the condition so that it can be decided whether the patient can handle standard treatment techniques or whether alternative methods must be considered. There is no universal solution for successfully managing the gagging patient. Various modalities can be used according to the doctor's assessment and patient's conditions in order to control the gag reflex so that the patient can be comfortable and cope with the dental treatment. A wide range of management solutions are available, and many cases need a combination of therapeutic procedures. The main aim of the present article is to comprehensively report the clinical significance, etiology, symptoms and various management approaches used during prosthodontic treatments.

A Comprehensive Review and Perspective of Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of COVID-19

Background: An emergent COVID-19 outbreak originated in Wuhan City, in December 2019. The COVID-19 contamination has swiftly unfold from Wuhan to maximum different provinces and different 24 countries. WHO declared a public health emergency of global concern over this worldwide COVID-19 outbreak on 30th January 2020. Manifold research has been intensely initiated for immunization and drug development for COVID-19 till date no specific vaccine or approved drugs are accessible for COVID-19. Alternatively, therapy consists of supportive care and non-specific anti-viral, anti-malarial, and antibiotics are being testedas drugs for COVID-19. Though, novel approaches could play a crucial role to combat mortality rate and patient recovery in the treatment of COVID-19. Objective: To reveal the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and comparison of promising synthetic and natural drug targets to avert and cure of COVID-19. Method: This article sets a brief understanding of the viral characteristics, its life cycle, infection to humans, and the pathophysiology of the disease. It also throws light on the currently used synthetic medicines. we have reviewed the effect of natural products to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection. Their mechanisms of action have been elaborately discussed. literature research was undertaken using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and WHO website. The different herbal products (extracts) and their moieties which are promising as anti-SARS- CoV-2 by direct inhibition of the virus replication or entry has also been discussed. Results and Conclusion: In conclusion we have highlighted that natural therapeutics either alone or in combinationcould be used as alternative medicines to treat/prevent COVID-19 infection. Moreover, their structures may offer clues for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.The integration of nanocarriers for effectively delivering the conventional as well as the herbal drugs becomes a key point for their efficacy and safety.