Conjugate Effects of Covid-19 and Trips on the Pharmaceutical Drug Prices and Marketing Strategies

COVID-19 waves were the deadliest health crisis faced by the residents of planet earth in the 21th century. This outbreak of SARV-CoV-2 virus and its variants has impacted nearly all of the world in a short window of 16 months. Almost all the nations in the world had maintained a complete lockdown in all the spheres to withstand this medical health emergency. Thus, COVID-19 has a deep impact on the global economy and commerce because of lockdowns, and limited movements as defined in COVID-19 protocol guidelines for its prevention. The trade modalities of the pharmaceutical industry, which is already being governed under the TRIPS and WHO agreements, also got effected like other sectors of the economy. The significant setbacks for the pharmaceutical industry were the disruptions in the operations due to clogged supply chains of raw materials and stalled production units. On the contrary, the opportunity for the invention of vaccines provides the spur for research and development. Certainly, the prices of the drugs and marketing strategies have also been adjusted during this period. In this paper, authors have tried to trace and survey the combined effects of COVID-19 and TRIPS on the pharmaceutical industry's marketing manoeuvres and the prices of the drugs. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

The Layoff Decision at Swiggy

This case discusses the post-layoff challenge faced by Swiggy, one of India’s major food aggregators, during the Covid-19 pandemic. The nationwide lockdown announced on March 25, 2020, to combat Covid-19 had left the online food ordering and delivery business in limbo, forcing many food aggregators, including Swiggy, to re-align their businesses. This case analyses Swiggy CEO Sriharsha Majety’s decision to layoff 1100 employees and the company’s business model, values, and people policy. The case provides valuable insights on managing the motivation and morale of the surviving employees amidst an economic or financial crisis. Instructors of employee motivation, people management, strategy, and leadership programmes may find this case useful for teaching challenges business leaders face when managing layoffs, and strategies to keep the surviving workforce’s morale and performance high, alternatives to layoffs, and workforce management during periods of realignment. © 2021, NeilsonJournals Publishing. All rights reserved.

The assessment of the need of online education during COVID-19 pandemic for medical imaging students at Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science: A study protocol

Background: Currently, India is witnessing another wave of COVID pandemic, where it has drastically disrupted most of the important aspects of human life including education. It has created an unparalleled education test, where campuses are closing and institutions have been transferred to online study protocols at numerous educational institutions worldwide. Internationalization has significantly slowed down. Some 32 crore students in India stopped moving to schools, and all educational practices are temporarily ended. The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have responded constructively, despite all of those difficulties, ensuring the consistency of teaching, study and contribution to society using those methods, and techniques during the pandemic. This survey study focuses on COVID-19's important impacts on India's HEIs. Some steps are taken to provide smooth education services during the crisis by HEIs, and education authorities in India have been addressed herein. Aim/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the need of online education during COVID-19 pandemic for Bachelor of Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (MRIT) students at Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science (DMIMS). Methodology: A total number of 60 students (includes only MRIT students under Allied Health Science at DMIMS) will be participating in this survey by means of answering the questionnaires, which include open-ended and closed-ended type of question patterns with signed consent from each student, and based on answers, we will be analyzing and interpreting the data for understanding the views of MRIT students. Expected Results: The offline mode of study for the Indian education system is more convenient than the online mode of study;however, during the COVID pandemic, Indian education system has adopted the online mode of study. Conclusions: Generally speaking, the offline mode of education is preferable than the online mode;however, in this pandemic, students prefer the online mode. There have been several new ways of learning introduced, as well as new prospects and new trends, which have allowed for the development of new ways of teaching learners, which has resulted in the generation of fruitful ideas for educational work in the pandemic. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Resilient WASH development for urban poor: the case of Ahmedabad slums

Purpose Climate variability, accompanied by rapid urbanization and rising population disproportionality, impacts urban poor settlements. This paper aims to analyse the climate resilience for the urban poor in Ahmedabad through the lens of WASH development strategies. To assess the adaptive capacities of urban poor communities, a framework in the form of a vulnerability matrix has been used consisting of four key parameters - tenure, basic services, mobilization and partnership and disaster management capacities. The matrix implicitly recommends area-specific interventions to boost adaptive capacities and improve resilience based on WASH services. Design/methodology/approach This paper was designed to assess the climate resilience of WASH services in the urban poor settlements of Ahmedabad city. In all, seven slums were selected using a stratified sampling approach considering topography, access to WASH services and urban heat island effect. These slums were then assessed using a theoretical framework having four key parameters - tenure, basic service, mobilization and partnership and disaster management capacities. The data for the analysis was collected from both secondary and primary sources. For the latter, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, observational field visits and focused group discussions with the communities were done. Findings A ladder form of assessment matrix was derived from a thorough literature review and various pre-existing theories. This matrix consists of four key parameters - tenure, basic service, mobilization and partnership and disaster management capacities. The slums were evaluated by applying this framework, and direct and indirect relationships were established between the said parameters. Research limitations/implications This paper was adapted in the light of various obstacles put forward by the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the interviews with the bureaucrats and external researchers were conducted online, while the engagement with the slum dwellers was in-person, considering appropriate social and/or physical distancing norms. Implications of the Covid-19 second wave restricted the involvement of researchers with the communities at an ethnographic level. Originality/value The ladder form of vulnerability assessment framework has been developed and contextualized using the insights from literature review, field visits and multi-stakeholder consultations. It was helpful in identifying aspects that require suitable interventions for improving and imparting resilience among the urban poor settlements. The learnings from this paper are significant for planners and decision-makers in identifying and prioritizing context-specific future projects for a city.

Anxiety and Wellbeing Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of everyone in one way or another. The healthcare workers being the group directly or indirectly working with the covid patients are at higher risk which can lead to increased anxiety among them. This is a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study among healthcare workers who were involved with patient care during the initial stages of the pandemic. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment scale (GAD-7 scale) and WHO-5 wellbeing scale were distributed among healthcare workers through an online survey as a google form. Out of 95 participants who consented about 80% were frontline workers among which the majority (82%) were doctors and nursing staff (11.6%). The mean GAD-7 score observed was 6.06 ± 5.12 with a majority of the participants having minimal anxiety (44.44%). The mean WHO-5 wellbeing score was 55.83 ± 26.57. The present study showed a majority of the health care worker has minimal anxiety but the low mood was prevalent in many which could be due to increased workload and stress.

Risk assessment of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection among employees of a tertiary cancer care center

Objectives: Continuation of health-care facilities for non-COVID illness during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is mired with apprehension of infection to health care workers (HCWs). The lack of facilities can result in dire outcomes for patients of NCDs such as cancer. The Objective of this paper is to assess the risk of running a healthcare facility during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out at a tertiary cancer hospital to understand the quantum of risk to HCWs while providing care to patients of cancer and to SARS-CoV-2 patients, within the same set-up with optimal segregation. Data were collected for 6 weeks during which attendance, exposure, and infection status of doctors and nurses were recorded along with comorbidities.

Virtual screening, molecular docking and in silico adme-tox analysis for identification of potential main protease (Mpro) enzyme inhibitors

Objective: Recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, first described in Wuhan city of China in December 2019, spread widely in almost all the countries of the world. Coronavirus (COVID-19) led to the unexpected death of many people and caused a severe economic loss in a number of countries. Virtual screening based on molecular docking, drug-likeness prediction, and in silico ADMET studies are some of the effective tools for the identification of small molecules as novel antiviral drugs to treat diseases. Methods: In the current study, virtual screening was performed through molecular docking for identi-fying potent inhibitors against Mpro enzyme from the ZINC library for the possible treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, some compounds have been identified as possible anti-covid-19 agents for future research. A total of 350 compounds were screened based on their similarity score with reference compound X77 from ZINC data bank and were subjected to docking with crystal struc-ture available of Mpro enzyme. These compounds were then filtered by their in silico ADME-Tox and drug-likeness prediction values. Results: Out of these 350 screened compounds, 10 compounds were selected based on their docking score and best-docked pose in comparison to the reference compound X77. In silico ADME-Tox and drug likeliness predictions of the top compounds were performed and showed excellent results. All the 10 screened compounds showed a significant binding pose with the target main protease (Mpro) enzyme and satisfactory pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Conclusion: Based on these results, it is suggested that the identified compounds may be considered for therapeutic development against the COVID-19 virus and can further be evaluated for in vitro ac-tivity, preclinical, clinical studies, and formulated in a suitable dosage form to maximize their bioa-vailability. ©2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Knowledge, attitude, practice among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19: An online questionnaire-based study

Knowledge of the disease, attitude towards the stopping of transmission and practicing of the preventing and treatment measure determine the spread of any communicable disease. COVID-19 is a viral pandemic wreaking havoc in day-to-day life especially affecting the health care workers. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study that was carried out in the healthcare workers (HCWs) involved with the care of COVID-19 patients. The patients were given a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from online available literature and information provided on the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The questionnaire was distributed by online platforms as a google form. A total of 104 HCWs were enrolled and 95 of them were included. They were majorly from age group 26-35 years (64.2%) and were males (62.8%). Most of the HCWs were postgraduate (73.7%) and graduates (25.3%). A majority (96.7%) of subjects had a good knowledge about the disease and its prevention with a positive attitude towards proper care and management of the patient. Majority of the HCWs were practicing all the preventive measures possible in their work environment like disinfecting the frequently touched surfaces, hand hygiene, mask etc. Good knowledge and proper following of the COVID-19 protocols can help in protecting oneself from getting exposed especially in professions like health care and halting the spread of this communicable disease.

An Interesting Case of Achalasia Cardia with Co-Existing Coronavirus 19 Infection

With this case report, we emphasize the unique fact that chest pain and discomfort in COVID-19 infected patient can be due to other causes and it should not be overlooked. The SARS-CoV-2 is a novel strain of coronavirus, the homo-sapiens have recently been attacked in a large number. Common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients infected include high grade fever, weakness, dry cough, breathlessness and chest pain with discomfort. We are presenting a case report of covid-19 infected patient having chief complaints of chest pain and discomfort. The patient was evaluated using computed tomography imaging and-Achalasia cardia was diagnosed and needful was done. It should be noted that multiple conditions can coexist along with COVID-19 infection for which proper and complete evaluation needs to be done keeping other possibilities in mind.

Imaging findings of dextrocardia with situs inversus in covid positive patient: A case to look back

Dextrocardia is a rare congenital developmental anomaly where the heart is located in the right hemithorax with the cardiac apex pointing toward the right. Dextrocardia may be associated with total situs inversus or can also present as an isolated finding. We present very rare interesting case of situs inversus totalis in a 68-year-old male patient who came with complaints of difficulty in breathing and had a history of fever for 4 days. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, he got his real time polymerase chain reaction done and he turned out to be positive. On the imaging dextrocardia with total situs inversus was detected. Even though for a common man, dextrocardia with total situs inversus is only heart on the right side of the body with transposition of the abdominal organs, viscera, and vasculature but from a medical point of view, the diagnosis holds a lot of importance as it is useful in the detection of conditions like appendicitis and abdominal organ injuries. © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Molecular docking and ADMET study for searching multi targeted antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2: A computational approach

The recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a major health concern for the entire world. Fast transmission and the mortality rate of this disease is a serious threat to human society. By looking into its seriousness finding medication against this disease is the biggest task of the present time. In the present study, computational approach is used to find effective compounds against SARS-CoV-2 infections. 1452 compounds having potential antiviral activity were selected from PubChem database to search potential inhibitors for the therapeutic targets of SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity (ADMET) properties study were performed using Maestro 12.4 (Schrodinger Suite). All the selected compounds were funneled down to six compounds which are found to be effective against all the five targets of SARS-CoV-2. Among six compounds, compound C6 is exhibited excellent docking score -8.93, -8.21, -7.93, -6.73 kcal/mol with main protease (Mpro), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and endoribonuclease (NSP15) target proteins respectively. © 2021. The Author(s). All Rights Reserved.

Pharmacovigilance in the era of covid-19: A concise review of the current scenario, implications, and challenges

The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now affected the entire globe which was first surfaced in China in December 2019. In absence of effective therapy to manage COVID-19, repurposed therapies were being used to manage the condition. In view of an urgent need for definitive therapy, multiple repurposed drugs, and investigational drug candidates are being tried in clinical trials which may lead to the emergence of unknown short term and long term adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and hence it is crucial to assess the safety of the tried therapeutic interventions. The lag in the pharmacovigilance activities in the midst of this pandemic fosters under-reporting of ADRs. Difficulty in causality assessment due to factors like wide variations in clinical presentation, concomitant use of multiple drugs, associated comorbidities, drug-drug and drug-disease interaction which forestalls the appropriate causality assessment. Hydroxychloroquine, a repurposed antimalarial drug has been a part of hue and cry at present because of its in-question safety in patients with cardiac disorders. National and International Drug monitoring centers have stressed upon reporting of ADRs and to boost up the process and come up with various recommendations. We can overcome these issues by working cohesively, motivating HCPs and patients to report ADRs electronically, and by setting up dedicated pharmacovigilance rapid response team to tackle the issues at the earliest.

The need and rise of secondary smart cities: A case of Bhuj

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, cities are being acknowledged by various city leaders, urbaniste, and urban enthusiasts as the employing giants of the world. Urbanization has led to people migrating to urban nodes, not only from rural to urban but from urban to urban areas as well, thereby, leading to a significant influx of migrants. This is more evident in the fast-growing secondary cities that are becoming the new job centres. However, while incorporating a Master Planning and Development Planning approach, there is a consequential crisis of resource and infrastructure while accommodating the new residents. Coupled with the rise of health emergencies such as cholera and now, recently, COVID-19, the cities are calling for better management and administration of resources, especially water resources in the cities of the global south. As envisioned in various debates, 2/3rd of the world's population shall reside in urban areas. Self-sufficiency and resource management are going to be prime concerns soon. In Bhuj, the district headquarters of Kutch in Gujarat, India, a water crisis is already evident, and the city will need to cope up with this increasing demand for the better. This provides a potential for the development of a framework that can lay out a more efficient system for resource provision and administration. The Smart Cities initiative can act as a tool for bridging the gaps between technology and sociology. This study, therefore, acknowledges the potential by understanding the concept of smart cities, the application, and nuances of the concept in India, where the concept has started to hold ground as a notion in the form of Government-led Smart City Competitions. This research aims to study the various frameworks and mechanisms related to smart cities and Smart Cities Mission, and how the different verticals of the framework, i.e. physical, social, economic, and governance points of view, are co-dependent on each other. The study also acknowledges the existing arguments surrounding the potential of secondary cities like Bhuj, and how the efficiency in terms of water sensitivity can be improved optimally by bringing all stakeholders to the table and trigger discussions to provide a better quality of life to the citizens. The paper aims at urban enthusiasts, academicians, citizen groups, and decision-makers to dive into the potentials of the water-sensitive aspects of the Smart Cities Mission and how secondary fast-growing cities can gain some headway with this. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.