ABSTRACT
Aims: This questionnaire-based survey was designed to assess the acquaintance, apprehension, and perceptions of parents toward the COVID-19 pandemic and toward seeking dental care for their children in Visnagar, Gujarat, India. Settings and Design: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: The online Google survey form included 6 units with 27 close-ended questions in twin languages (regional and English). Inquiries covered demographics, changes in daily acts, dietary traditions, and preparedness to seek child oral care during November 2020 to January 2021. Results: Out of 400 parents, 172 responded to the electronic survey form. Over half of the guardians affirmed that alveolar treatment could fan out COVID-19. Around 90% resorted to medication (self-medication - 39%, home remedies - 32.6%, and teledentistry - 17.4%) to evade personal dental visits for their children. Conclusions: The awareness about COVID-19 and precautions was significantly high. Though parents were unaware about safeguards practiced by dentists during Covid19. Measures were taken to correct misconceptions among parents about safe dental procedures.
ABSTRACT
Kabasura Kudineer is a polyherbal decoction of the Siddha medical system (an Indian system of medicine), traditionally used to cure fever, colds, coughs, and respiratory ailments. The government of India had recommended Kabasura Kudineer as one of many preventive/treatment measures for COVID-19. Kabasura Kudineer Choornam is an admixed coarse powder of 15 herbs and its decoction is Kabasura Kudineer. The chemical constituents in the 15 herbs used for the preparation of the Choornam are known but the constituents present in the Kabasura Kudineer (decoction) are unidentified. Piperine, vasicine and eugenol are known for their potent activity against respiratory tract infections;hence, they were selected as marker compounds. The present work was planned to simultaneously quantify piperine, vasicine and eugenol in Kabasura Kudineer by the HPTLC method. The optimised mobile phase was toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: ammonia (5:9:3:0.5, v/v/v/v), and the scanning was carried out at 287 nm. The Rf values of piperine, vasicine and eugenol were found to be 0.70, 0.32 and 0.82, respectively. The linearity range of piperine and vasicine was 500-3000 ng spot-1 and it was 10-60 ng spot-1 for eugenol. The quantities of piperine, vasicine and eugenol in Kabasura Kudineer (100 mL) were 0.03, 0.056 and 0.035 % w/v, respectively. This developed method can be used to simultaneously quantify piperine, vasicine and eugenol in any polyherbal formulation.Copyright © 2023, Informatics Publishing Limited and Society for Biocontrol Advancement. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine the rate of coinfections and its subsequent impact on hospitalization and mortality rate in Indian COVID-19 patients. Method(s): A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, WHO COVID-19 database, Google Scholar and assisted by MaiA tool at various steps. The studies were retrieved and included based on JBI's CoCoPop framework. Meta-analysis was not performed due to a limited number of studies and high heterogeneity. Descriptive statistics were summarized based on the retrieved coinfections data. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO - CRD42021275644. Result(s): A total of 2418 patients were included from eight studies. The prevalence of coinfections ranged from 4% - 46%. Pathogen-specific data showed highest prevalence of bacterial (57.3%), followed by parasitic (21.1.%), viral (14.6%), and fungal coinfections (6.9%). About 60% - 80% of the patients with coinfections required ICU admissions. Among coinfected COVID-19 patients, the average length of hospital stay was 13.67+/-3.51 days. The mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with coinfections ranged from 9%-65%. Conclusion(s): Bacterial coinfections have the highest prevalence among COVID-19 patients. A causal relationship between coinfections and mortality rate in COVID-19 patients remains unexplored. This brings up the need for comprehensive data recording practices and meticulous reporting. Further, large-scale epidemiologic studies are the need of the hour to determine the nationwide burden of coinfections in the COVID-19 pandemic.Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
Background: In the current pandemic of COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is recom-mended as an experimental drug for prophylaxis and treatment of the illness. Although it is a safe drug, it can rarely produce a severe drug reaction 'drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome (DRESS)', and to differentiate it from systemic viral infections is challenging. Case Presentation: A 45-year old male nurse working in a COVID-19 ward consumed HCQ weekly for two weeks for prevention of SARS-COV-2 illness. He presented with fever, pruritic maculopapular palmar rash, cervical lymphadenopathy for 12 hours and was quarantined as a suspected COVID-19 case. His laboratory tests revealed lymphopenia, eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytes, raised liver en-zymes along with IgM negative, IgG positive rapid antibody test of SARS-COV-2. However, his throat swabs for SARS-COV-2 by real-time PCR were negative on day 1 and 7. He was finally diagnosed as definite DRESS based on the RegiSCAR score of six. He responded to levocetirizine 5 mg OD and oral prednisolone 60 mg daily tapered over 7 days. Conclusion(s): DRESS due to HCQ is 'probable', 'of moderate severity', and 'not preventable' adverse effect mimicking SARS-COV-2 illness.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Herbal medicines have been used for the treatment of human disorders and associated secondary complications since a very early age. Herbal medicines are composed with a variety of medicinal plants and their derived products. Coumarin class phytochemicals have an important role in medicine due to its anti-coagulant, anti-cancer, anti-HIV and anti-inflammatory activity. Herbal medicines have been gaining popularity in the modern system of medicine mainly due to its safety and efficacy. Columbianadin is an active phytochemical of Angelica pubescens and Heracleum candolleanum. Columbianadin have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calcium-channel blocking properties and platelet aggregation inhibitory potential. Method(s): Present work described the medicinal importance and pharmacological activities of columbianadin in medicine supported by their traditional medicinal application and pharmacological activities. Scientific data of columbianadin has been collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, Scopus, and Science Direct. However, scientific data of columbianadin published in Journals, books and scientific report have also been collected in the present paper. Analytical data of columbianadin have also been described to know the significance of analytical techniques for the isolation, and identification of columbianadin. Result(s): Scientific data of columbianadin signified the biological importance and therapeutic potential of columbianadin in medicine. Scientific data of columbianadin revealed their biological potential against inflammation, neuropathic pain, cancer, hepatic complications, and immune system disorders. However, biological effectiveness of columbianadin on blood-brain barrier permeability, body tissue, channels and platelet has also been discussed in the present work. Moreover, its therapeutic effectiveness against nematodes has been also summarized in this work. Analytical data for the isolation and identification of columbianadin in different samples has also been presented in this work. Discussion(s): Present work signified the biological importance and therapeutic potential of columbianadin in medicine, which could be used for the treatment of human disorders and associated secondary complications.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)
ABSTRACT
Background Management of pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) may require manipulation of multiple receptor sites to maximize response to medical therapy. Assessment of response typically occurs through imaging, labs, physical exam and recurrent cardiac catheterization, with anesthetic exposure to assess pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) and vascular resistance (PVR). We aimed to assess feasibility, safety and utility of remote PAP monitoring in pediatric PH patients. Methods We reviewed 4 pediatric patients with significant PH, each of whom underwent cardiac catheterization with pulmonary vasoreactivity testing and placement of a CardioMEMS remote PAP monitoring device. Results Four patients (P1-4: ages 5, 6, 8 and 10 years old) underwent CardioMEMS insertion without procedural complication. P1, P2 and P3 presented with unrepaired VSD;ASD with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return;and ASD and PDA, respectively, while P4 had prior repair of atrioventricular canal. Three patients had Down syndrome. All had elevated PAP and PVR. Mean left lower PA branch size was 7 mm. Mean PAP prior to therapy was 70 mm Hg for P1, 82 for P2, 93 for P3 and 30 for P4. All 4 patients required initiation of triple therapy for treatment of PH, with improvement or normalization of PAP by CardioMEMS, which also included surgical or catheter based intervention for 3 patients. Post-repair of P2, he was unable to be separated from cardiopulmonary bypass and was placed on ECMO. Right ventricular cardiac output improved over 2 weeks, with improvement of PAP determined through serial CardioMEMS. He was successfully decannulated, utilizing CardioMEMS in the OR. Two patients also developed COVID respiratory infections at home with CardioMEMS assessments allowing for oxygen and medication titration. Conclusion Remote PAP monitoring is feasible and appears safe in pediatric patients with adequate PA size. It allows for manipulation of medical therapy with real time knowledge of impact on PAP and can augment management during weaning of mechanical cardiac support. It may also augment decision-making in management of PH patients with developmental disabilities in whom traditional assessments may be more challenging.Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation
ABSTRACT
Background Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTS) is a syndrome of transient LV dysfunction. Myocardial injury (MCI) has been reported in acute COVID-19 (C19) infections, however, the exact pathophysiology is unclear. Association of rising cardiac biomarkers with inflammatory markers suggests systemic inflammatory response in C19 infection in causing MCI. Case A 52-year-old AA male with history of HTN presents with complaint of worsening shortness of breath and atypical chest pain. Diagnosed with C19 and intubated due to respiratory failure. Chest pain workup included TTE which showed biventricular (BV) systolic dysfunction with apical ballooning and LVEF 25-30%. Left heart catheterization showed non-obstructing coronary disease. Repeat TTE 2 weeks later showed normal BV systolic function with LVEF greater than 55%. Decision-making BV TTS is associated with more hemodynamic instability than is isolated LV TTS. Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria for TTS requires absence of obstructive CAD or plaque rupture. Rapid recovery of BV function is consistent with TTS with transient BV dysfunction. LV TTS is common in COVID-19 infections, but BV TTS is a less common complication of COVID. Conclusion Due to the propensity of C19 to cause hemodynamic instability it is important to not relate to a patient's instability to C19 alone. It is important to consider TTE in patients with C19, as the patient may be experiencing TTS. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation
ABSTRACT
Acute wheezing in children due to underlying asthma or airways hypersensitivity (including allergic rhinitis) can be exacerbated by infectious and non-infectious causes. Of the infectious causes, seasonal rhinoviruses are the most common. Particulate airborne pollutants (PM2.5, PM10) can also play a role. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed changes in the pattern of paediatric emergency department (PED) presentations for acute wheezing. In this retrospective observational cohort study, data was extracted for children (0-18 years) presenting to the PED during 2018-2021, whose illness episodes were coded as 'asthma' or 'viral induced wheeze', along with their age, ethnicity, gender, and clinical outcomes, from hospital databases. The Figure shows the number of PED presentations for acute wheezing during 2018-2021, with annotations to explain the changing patterns. The number of cases presenting during the pandemic years 2020-2021 were similar to those in 2018-2019 in the same months, except for April-June 2020, July-August 2020, November 2020 and January-March 2021. Decreases in PED presentations coincided with periods of enforced national and local lockdowns, likely due to parental reluctance to expose their children to SARS-CoV-2 in a hospital setting. In addition, fluctuations in the incidence of rhinovirus infections, as shown by national sentinel surveillance data, likely contributed to changes in case numbers. Higher and lower incidence of rhinovirus infections tended to increase and decrease the number of presentations, respectively. Surprisingly, the level of airborne particulates (PM2.5, PM10) showed no correlation with these PED presentations for acute wheezing.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diplomatic personnel frequently relocate as part of their roles, requiring them to adapt to various cultural and political conditions; many are also at risk of experiencing trauma from being deployed to high-threat postings. With diplomatic personnel having to balance the usual pressures of their work with the uncertainties of COVID-19 in recent years, it is particularly important now to understand how to protect their mental health. AIMS: To synthesize existing literature on the well-being of diplomatic personnel to improve understanding of how to protect their mental health. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out to explore what is already known about the well-being of staff working in diplomatic roles. Four databases were searched and reference lists, as well as one key journal, were hand-searched. RESULTS: Fifteen relevant publications were included. There was little consensus as to how the psychological well-being of diplomatic personnel compares to other populations or which factors predict well-being. Diplomats' psychological responses to traumatic experiences appeared similar to those of other trauma-exposed occupational groups. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to better understand the well-being of diplomatic personnel, particularly those not deployed to high-threat posts.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mental Health , Humans , Government Employees , Health Personnel/psychologyABSTRACT
Pulmonary fibrosis after COVID-19 is a serious consequence that can result in lifelong lung damage or death. A cytokine storm induced by an abnormal immune mechanism may cause the onset and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Early detection may assist to avoid or at least slow the progression of the disease. Anti-fibrotic agents are widely used drugs in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. There are some well-known clinical agents including Pirfenidone and Nintedanib that can be given to COVID-19 patients to prevent further progression of fibrosis and as prophylaxis as well. This study showed the use of antifibrotic therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is very officious in minimizing and avoiding fibrotic damage induced by inflammatory immune dysfunction. Evidently, pirfenidone has shown its pleiotropic effectivity to decrease the inflammation and oxidative reactive shock associated with fibrosis. Nintedanib binds to the targeted receptors' intracellular ATP pockets, inhibiting pro-fibrotic signaling and reducing fibroblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation, as well as secretion of extracellular matrix components. Copyright © 2023, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Food adulteration is an enduring concern to date, and its detection and food authentication are some of the major approaches which can eradicate adulteration. This article reviews modern analytical techniques which are currently used for optimization and identification of adulterants. The Analytical techniques reviewed are distributed in three sections- Computer vision, Spectral and spectral Imaging techniques, and Electrical Techniques. Computer vision is a very advanced technique, allowing the analysis of several parameters with accurate and precise results. The hazardous effect of adulteration and future challenges and impacts are briefly discussed. The Previous decade is considered to be a massive success for food adulterant detection as it involved a chemometrics study. The use of chemometrics with analytical techniques is briefly discussed. Chemometrics is the science of extracting information from the chemical system by data-driven means. The inevitability of food in perspective to the current COVID-19 pandemic is very strong and authenticated food is a prior requirement. Copyright © 2022 Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Tinospora cordifolia commonly known as giloy is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and the Indian system of medicine (ISM) since times immemorial. The plant is designated as Rasayana in ayurveda and is very well known for building up the immune system and body's defence against definite infecting micro-organisms. There are 40 species but 4 species are found in India. It is a herbaceous perennial vine that belongs to the family Menispermaceae. It is widely used as a unique ingredient of various natural medicine and traditionally use for numerous ailments like fever, vomiting, diabetes, jaundice, anaemia, polyuria and skin diseases etc. It has antimicrobial activity, anticancer activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Giloy is also used in the treatment of coronaviruses because giloy built a strong immunity in the human body against covid-19. A variety of active components derived from the plant like alkaloids, steroids, diterpenoid lactones, aliphatic, and glycosides have been isolated from the different parts of the plant, like root, stem, leaves and whole plant. The current study explores and establishes the biological and medicinal properties and phytochemistry of Tinospora cordifolia. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Despite the projection of an increase in the number of jobs in the computer science (CS) field by 13% from 2020 to 2030 in the United States (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), the representation of women, especially women of color, in the field remains low. Lack of representation for women in computer science negatively impacts the growth of this demographic as it becomes harder for prospective individuals to envision themselves in the field when they do not see others like them already succeeding in CS. Studies have found that the retention of women in the field is stronger when the representation of women is evident in their environment, however, it is hard to come by considering the low population of women computer scientists. While new prospects may find fewer women in their CS departments in their college experience, or at their workplaces, there is a plethora of social media personalities and communities for them to engage in and find like-minded individuals.This full research paper investigates the experiences of women, or lack thereof, in CS communities centered around social media and how it contributes to their sense of belonging in the CS field at large. It is evident that there is limited scope in the existing literature that studies the impact social media participation has on CS women. This literature review distinguishes the narrow scope of literature focused on women's experiences with open-source software communities in CS from women's experiences with more generic widespread platforms such as Twitter, or Instagram. It argues for the expansion of knowledge for the effects of CS women's participation on such platforms and provides insight into approaches, such as photovoice, that may be utilized to study this space. The outcomes of this review reveal the potential of utilizing online platforms in retaining women in the CS workforce effectively. Considering the current status of many organizations that have switched from in-person to remote engagement due to COVID, this review contributes to the analysis of the effective use of technology and its impact at a critical time. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Background. It is known that the pandemic increased the risk of severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients as compared to the general public. To combat this issue, telemedicine was utilized in various settings, but there is very little data on the adequate continuity of care (COC) and sustainability of telehealth throughout the pandemic. There is even less data on the effects of the pandemic in special populations, such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and within the correctional setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate rates of HIV virologic suppression (VS) and the sustainability of telemedicine throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods. This was a retrospective, pre-post cohort study of PLWH who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) within Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) / University of Illinois Chicago telemedicine clinic between 3/2019 and 3/2021. Patients who were released from IDOC or reincarcerated during the study period were excluded. The primary endpoint compared the rate of HIV VS pre-, peri- and post-SARS-CoV-2 restrictions. Secondary endpoints included change in immunologic function pre-, peri- and post-SARS-CoV-2 restrictions, incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, number of hospitalizations, development of virologic failure, and change in ART post-pandemic. Other factors known to influence COC were also collected. Results. Of 320 patients screened, 225 were included. The majority were Black males (73.7%) and 95.1% had a CD4 T-cell count > 200 cells/mm3 at baseline. Approximately 88% of patients were on a single tablet regimen, with most receiving bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. Rates of HIV VS are summarized in Figure 1 and secondary outcomes are summarized in table 1. Factors associated with disruption of COC included non-adherence to appointments (62.6%) and ART (4.4%). Conclusion. Results demonstrated that PLWH within IDOC had sustained VS and COC throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with telemedicine. These results describe how the pandemic impacted PLWH in a correctional setting and future studies could contribute to creating national guidance for telemedicine models to streamline clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
Background: Ascending aortic thrombus is rare in children without history of trauma, hypercoagulable condition or vascular disease and carries a high mortality risk necessitating rapid identification and management. Aim(s): We aim to present the clinical course for a rare pediatric case. Method(s): We reviewed the medical record for a child with recurrent life-threatening thrombi. Result(s): A 12-year old previously healthy male presented with chest pain. ECG revealed ST segment elevation. Echocardiography revealed an ejection fraction of 25% and a mobile mass (10 x 20 mm) in the ascending aorta. COVID testing was negative. Troponin-I was elevated. He was emergently placed on cardiopulmonary bypass where a large organized thrombus was removed. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded. He underwent intracoronary tPA, aspiration thrombectomy and balloon angioplasty. Hypercoagulable and autoimmune work-up revealed elevated factor 8 activity, von willebrand factor (vWF) activity and thrombocytosis with increased function by viscoelastic testing (ROTEM). Myocarditis, cardiogenetics and genetic testing for thrombophilia were negative. He was discharged on heart failure therapy, triple anti-platelet therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole) and apixiban. He underwent a heart transplant 5 months later. Three weeks post-transplantion, he was incidentally found to have a large left atrial thrombus. At this time, he was only on aspirin. Factor 8 activity at time of transplant and second thrombus discovery was >400%. vWF activity and platelet count were also elevated. ROTEM revealed elevated platelet and fibrinogen activity. He underwent left atrial thrombectomy and was restarted on triple antiplatelet therapy and apixiban. He has not had recurrence on this regimen for 8 months. Conclusion(s): Thrombocytosis and elevated pro-inflammatory coagulation factors may predispose to development of potentially fatal thrombi. Besides inflammation, etiology may be unknown, particularly in apparently healthy children, prompting additional research into potentially genetic conditions in these complex pathways to further elucidate patients at risk.
ABSTRACT
Non covid patients with pneumonia are first analyzed using Chest-X ray (CXR) radiography. But the diagnosis is difficult when analyzing the features of COVID-19 and pneumonia patients since both are having similar features. During this work we have proposed a hypothesis that deep learning can be useful in distinguishing the X ray mages of COVID-19 and pneumonia. can be used as a first-line triage process for non-COVID-19 patients with other forms of pneumonia. The publicly available dataset of COVID 19 is used from Kaggle for evaluating the performance. We have first analyzed the performance using various machine learning algorithms including SVM, KNN, NB, CART etc. Various features used are color and texture descriptors. By using machine learning algorithms we have obtained the accuracy of 81% for 70% training data and 30% evaluation data. Various versions of deep learning models have been used for foresting of COVID 19. Performance is evaluated using One Block VGG, Two block VG, three block VGG, dropout and transfer learning. Performance of One block VGG is 85% with 30 epochs. To summarize the work, we have introduced the use of deep learning techniques for analysis of COVID 19 from chest X ray images. The system is user friendly and rapid.
ABSTRACT
S99 Table 1SpO2%, sEMGpara%max, respiratory pattern, respiratory rate and Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile scores wearing no mask, a Type IIR surgical face mask and an FFP3 respirator mask. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). * indicates p<0.05 vs ‘no mask’Abbreviations: ti/ttot = the ratio of inspiratory time to total breathing cycle time. sEMGpara%max = neutral respiratory drive quantified using second intercostal space electromyography to measure the surface parasternal intercostal muscle electromyogram, normalised to volitional maximum. MDP = Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile. MDP A1 Breathing Discomfort is measured on a 0 – 10 Scale. MDP Immediate Perception Subdomain Score is the sum of the A1 score and five SQ intensities (SQ1 muscle work/effort, SQ2 air hunger, SQ3 chest tightness, SQ4 mental effort, SQ5 breathing a lot). MDP Emotional Response Subdomain Score is the sum of the five A2 (0–10) emotional response scores (E1 depressed, E2 anxious, E3 frustrated, E4 angry, E5 afraid). MDP Total Score is the sum of A1 Breathing Discomfort and intensities for the five SQs and five emotional responsesConclusionsWearing a SM or FFP3 respirator was associated with small increases in NRD, and an increase in respiratory discomfort when wearing a FFP3 compared to the ‘no mask’ condition. SM and FFP3 respirators did not provoke significant emotional distress, suggesting that the increase in NRD reflects an increase in respiratory effort rather than anxiety or fear.
ABSTRACT
Pediatricians can provide a wide variety of care to children and adolescents with complex disorders, depending on their training as well as interests, but they need to work closely with professionals in psychiatry and psychology when dealing with complex issues in mental health disorders. Behavioral health screening is therefore an important task of pediatricians and behavioral pediatricians as they evaluate their pediatric patients. Section one looks at what is called special issues in mental health that include suicide/self-harm in pediatrics, childhood-onset schizophrenia, child abuse/maltreatment, mental health issues of chronic disorders (i.e., diseases of the cardiovascular system, the kidneys and the liver), and behavioral/emotional effects of COVID-19 on children/adolescents. Section two covers various aspects of substance use disorders (SUD) that include SUD neurobiology, substance use/abuse in adolescents, an overview on cannabis, psychosocial treatments of SUDs, pharmacologic management of SUDs, and pharmacology of tobacco abuse. Section three provides a critical look at mental health management that includes psychotherapeutic interventions (i.e., children, adolescents and families), behavioral/cognitive behavioral therapies and principles of psychopharmacologic management in pediatric persons. © 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.