Self-Medication in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survival of the Fittest.

OBJECTIVE: After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic, intense efforts to combat the novel coronavirus were undertaken, with many fatalities in most regions of the world. The high fatality rate and socioeconomic collapse affected the health of uninfected individuals because healthcare measures and scheduled clinical and hospital visits were avoided by people in an attempt to reduce their exposure to the contagion. The general population began self-medication practices as means to safeguard against exposure to the virus. METHODS: The present study investigated the effectiveness of self-medication compliance among the general population. For this purpose, a questionnaire on the Zenodo scale was developed and adults and teen respondents were asked to complete it, after providing consent. The data gathered were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26. RESULTS: The study amazingly found high compliance with self-medication among the focused population during the period of COVID-19. Estimated results showed a highly significant correlation of 0.000, P < 0.05, between the adaptation of self-medication and pandemic situation, which was estimated from chi-squared and Fisher test results. CONCLUSIONS: However, the fear of coronavirus made the practice, or malpractice, a survival of the fittest, innate ability of human nature.

Role of Drone Technology Helping in Alleviating the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a new coronavirus, has affected economic and social standards as governments and healthcare regulatory agencies throughout the world expressed worry and explored harsh preventative measures to counteract the disease's spread and intensity. Several academics and experts are primarily concerned with halting the continuous spread of the unique virus. Social separation, the closing of borders, the avoidance of big gatherings, contactless transit, and quarantine are important methods. Multiple nations employ autonomous, digital, wireless, and other promising technologies to tackle this coronary pneumonia. This research examines a number of potential technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, deep learning (DL), the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, and virtual reality (VR), in an effort to mitigate the danger of COVID-19. Due to their ability to transport food and medical supplies to a specific location, UAVs are currently being utilized as an innovative method to combat this illness. This research intends to examine the possibilities of UAVs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic from several angles. UAVs offer intriguing options for delivering medical supplies, spraying disinfectants, broadcasting communications, conducting surveillance, inspecting, and screening patients for infection. This article examines the use of drones in healthcare as well as the advantages and disadvantages of strict adoption. Finally, challenges, opportunities, and future work are discussed to assist in adopting drone technology to tackle COVID-19-like diseases.

Text neck syndrome, an emerging public health threat during Covid-19 situation

Objective: To find the association between smartphone usage and text neck syndrome and to assess the frequency of text neck syndrome among young adults during quarantine period of covid-19 pandemic. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted on 184 young adults using non-probability convenient sampling technique. The data were collected from different institutes of Lahore. We used Neck disability Index and Nomophobia questionnaire. Results: Out of 184 participants, 64.7% were female and 35.3% were male. Mean age was 21.8478 ± 2 years. 76.6% of the participants had text neck syndrome in the study. There was no disability (0 – 4 scores) in 26.6% young adults, mild disability (5 – 14 score) in 30.4% young adults and moderate disability (15 – 24 scores) in 28.8% young adults with p < 0.001. Conclusion: There was significant positive association between smartphone usage and text neck syndrome. The excessive and prolonged use of smartphones is directly associated with higher neck disability scores. The frequency of text neck syndrome during covid-19 has significantly increased.

Prevalence of concurrent infections in broiler population of district Chakwal, Pakistan

Broiler population is one of the most important segments of livestock due to its significant contribution in white meat production. Infectious disease outbreaks adversely influence the production potential and consequently cause economic losses. Epidemiological data regarding magnitude of these disease outbreaks is of fundamental importance for planning of a comprehensive control strategy. With retrospective design, this study was conducted from January 2013 through December 2017 in order to assess the disease burden on broilers reared in different open type poultry houses. Out of total 658 commercial farms with capacity of 4221800 broilers, across Chakwal, a representative sample of 70 farms with capacity of 448000 broilers was randomly selected for collection and analysis of disease data. Five years' data of these randomly selected farms revealed highest (44.64%) crude morbidity during monsoon season followed by 23.92%, 22.12% and 17.49% for winter, spring and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The highest (14.90%) prevalence was recorded for new castle disease followed by infectious bursal disease (11.79%), pullorum disease (11.17%), colibacillosis (8.71%), infectious bronchitis (7.87%), inclusion body hepatitis (7.79%), chronic respiratory disease (7.67%), necrotic enteritis (6.48%), coccidiosis (6.09%), mycotoxicosis (5.43%), fowl cholera (4.74%), infectious coryza (4.41%), fowl typhoid (4.22%), omphalitis (3.71%) and hydropericardium syndrome (0.05%). Maximum share in crude morbidity was contributed by bacterial diseases with highest proportional morbidity of 48.68% followed by viral (40.32%), parasitic (5.80%) and fungal (5.20%) diseases. This epidemiological data represents true picture of study population and is a valuable tool for planning of prevention strategy and research priorities.

An electrochemical aptasensor with N protein binding aptamer-complementary oligonucleotide as probe for ultra-sensitive detection of COVID-19.

The emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the lives of hundreds of millions of people globally. There is no doubt that the development of fast and sensitive detection methods is crucial while the worldwide effective vaccination programs are miles away from actualization. In this study, we have reported an electrochemical N protein aptamer sensor with complementary oligonucleotide as probe for the specific detection of COVID-19. The electrochemical aptasensor was prepared by fixing the double-stranded DNA hybrid obtained by the hybridization of N protein aptamer and its Fc-labeled complementary strand on the surface of a gold electrode. After incubation with the target, the aptamer dissociated from the labeled complementary DNA oligonucleotide hybrid to preferentially bind with N protein in the solution. The concentration of N protein was measured by detecting the changes in electrochemical current signals induced by the conformational transformation of the complementary DNA oligonucleotide left on the electrode surface. The sensor had a linear relationship between the logarithm of the N protein concentration from 10 fM to 100 nM (ΔIp = 0.098 log CN protein/fM - 0.08433, R2 = 0.99), and the detection limitation was 1 fM (S/N = 3). The electrochemical aptamer sensor was applied to test the spiked concentrations of throat swabs and blood samples from three volunteers, and the obtained results proved that the sensor has great potentials for the early detection of COVID-19 in patients.

Perceived risk and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine: A survey among general public in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease has become a global pandemic, and it continues to wreak havoc on global health and the economy. The development of vaccines may offer a potential eradication of COVID-19. This study evaluated the general knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 vaccines in the Pakistani population. METHODS: A self-reporting e-survey and questionnaire-based survey from vaccination centers of different cities of Pakistan among 502 participants were conducted. The questionnaire comprised four sections inquiring demographics, vaccination status, and perception or attitude towards the vaccine. Univariate logistic regression was applied to predict the knowledge, attitude and behavior of participants. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 50.8±20.3 years. 53% of the participants have both doses of vaccine administered. Pain on the site of injection (49.8%) was the most common symptom, followed by asthenia (43.0%), muscle pain (29.5%), and swelling (24.5%) on the site of vaccine administration. Females complain of more symptoms than males. More severe symptoms were reported after the first dose of vaccine administration; these symptoms subsided within a week for most participants. Overall, the respondents have a positive attitude towards the vaccine. 47.4% are sure about the vaccine's efficacy, 48.6% said getting vaccinated was their own decision, and 79.9% also recommended others to get vaccinated. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the Pakistani population has a positive attitude but inadequate knowledge towards COVID-19 vaccines. Immediate awareness and vaccination education programs should be conducted by the authorities to complete the mass vaccination schedule.

PRICE COVID19 Data Report December 2021 Pakistan Registry of Intensive Care (preprint)

Abstract Pakistan Registry of Intensive Care (PRICE) is a platform that has enabled standardized COVID-19 clinical data collection based on ISARIC/WHO Clinical Characterization Protocol. The near real-time data platform includes epidemiology, severity of illness, microbiology, treatment and outcomes of patients admitted with suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID19 infection to 67 intensive care and high dependency units across the country. Data has been extracted and analysed at regular intervals to inform stakeholders and improve care practices. This is our 28th report including all patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 from 26th March 2020 to 26th December 2021. Key findings from 8624 patients who met eligibility criteria, are as follows: [bullet] Median age of 60 years (IQR 50-70). [bullet] The most common symptoms were shortness of breath (n = 6428, 77.8%), fever (n = 6091, 73.8%), and Cough (n = 3354, 38.9%) [bullet] The most common comorbidity was hypertension followed by diabetes. [bullet] During the course of illness 2804 (32.6%) patients received non-invasive ventilation, whereas 2474 (28.8%) patients had mechanical ventilation as their highest organ support. In addition, 2246 (26.1%) patients needed haemodynamic support and 1249 (14.7%) patients required renal replacement therapy as their highest organ support. [bullet] Median APACHE II score was 18 [bullet] Overall mortality at ICU discharge was 39.2% [bullet] Increasing age and requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for mortality increased the risk of death

Maternal Mortality with SARS-COV-2 during its 4th Wave in Pakistan: The Vaccine Paradox and Pregnancy.

The goal of this study was to investigate the maternal death rate among admitted pregnant patients with SARS-COV-2 during its 4th wave in Pakistan. It was a cross-sectional analytical study, carried on pregnant patients admitted due to COVID-19, in Sadiq Abbasi Hospital from 15th August to 15th September, 2021. Thirty-three PCR confirmed and HRCT suggestive patients were included with mean age of 28 ± 4.5 years and mean gestational age of 28.5 ± 6 weeks. Twenty-seven (81%) were non-vaccinated, 22 (66%) were admitted with severe disease, 13 (39.4%) and 11 (33.3%) were on non-invasive and invasive ventilator support, respectively. Only nine (27%) patients could continue their pregnancy. Fifteen (45%) patients had severe oligohydramnios. Twenty-two (66.7%) patients were died, all were unvaccinated. Regression analysis for maternal mortality predicted by severity and vaccination status was significant with R2=.68, F (1, 31) =66.6, p <.001 CI (-.69, -.42) and R2=.44, F (1, 31) = 24.8, p <.001 CI (-1.14, -.48), respectively. There was substantial mortality in the admitted and non-vaccinated pregnant patients with COVID-19. Key Words: Pregnancy, Vaccination, Severe COVID, Maternal outcome.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON UTILIZATION OF DENTAL SERVICES BY PATIENTS VISITING TERTIARY CARE DENTAL CENTRE LAHORE

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemicon utilization of Dental services by patients visiting a tertiary care dental centre in Lahore, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: 28 Military Dental Centre, Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical and Dental College, from Feb to Apr 2020. Methodology: The records of patients reported from 17 February to 16 April 2020 were retrieved from unit's data bank and analysed. The patients' demographic data and presenting complaints in pre-COVID group vs COVID group were compared using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 3173 patients, 1802 male and 1371 females reported for routine and emergency dental services. The age ranged between 5 to 79 years (31.97 ± 13.032). Eighty four percent (248 vs 2925) less patient visited during COVID compared to pre-COVID period significantly less female visited 1337 (45.7%) vs 34 (13.7%) during COVID period (p<0.001). A significant difference was observed between two COVID period groups patients visited for various complaints requiring treatment (p<0.001). Acute pulpal/periodontal conditions 1051 (35.93%) were the leading cause of visit in pre-COVID period. While during COVID period Orofacial cellulitis/infections 123 (49.60%) were the leading cause followed by acute pulpal/periodontal conditions 107 (43.15%), non-urgent complaints 17 (6.85%) and facial trauma 1 (0.40%). Non-urgent complaints reduced from 1022 (34.94%) to 17 (6.85%). Conclusion: COVID-19 has strong impact on utilization of dental services, limiting them to the acute conditions mainly.

Work-related stress: A source of psychological distress among private university teachers during covid-19

Objective: To examine the level and effect of work-related stress on psychological distress among private university teachers of Pakistan during COVID-19. Methodology: The study was web-based and cross-sectional in which 300 Google forms were disseminated online using The Work-Stress Questionnaire (21-items) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (10 items), respectively. A total of 272 university teachers were included. Results: The level of work stress and psychological distress was found to be high, especially during the period of online lectures. Moreover, a positive significant relationship was found between both variables indicated by 2.263 t-values significant at 0.05 level of significance and variance of 62% in psychological distress. Conclusion: The changes in the work environment and conditions that occurred due to COVID-19 had a strong significant adverse effect on university teachers. Formulation of psychological interventions is required to mitigate the psychological effects of work-related stress in them. (Rawal Med J 202;46:681-684).

Predicting COVID-19 Incidence Using Data Mining Techniques: A case study of Pakistan

The Outbreak of Coronatirus (COVID-19) came to the world in early December 2019. The early cases of conronavirus were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Till May 18, 2020, 198 countries hate been affected by this life-threatening disease. The most common and known traits of COVID-19 are tiredness, fever, and dry cough. In this paper, we hate discussed the Predictive data mining approach for COVID-19 predictions. In Predictive data mining, a model is developed and trained using supervised framing and then it predicts the behavior of provided data. Predictive data mining is a renowned technique known to many health organizations for the classification and prediction of diseases such as Heart disease and various types of cancers etc. There are several factors for comparing the model's accuracy, scalability, and interpretability. This predictive model is compared to the basics of its accuracy. In this proposed approach, are have used WEKA as it provides a vast collection of many machine learning algorithms. The main objective of this paper is to forecast the possible future incidence of corona cases in Pakistan. This study concludes that the number of corona cases will increase swiftly. If the government take proactive steps and strictly implement precautionary measures, then Pakistan may be able to overcome this pandemic.

Immunotherapies and immunomodulatory approaches in clinical trials - a mini review.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created havoc worldwide. Due to the non-availability of any vaccine or drugs against COVID-19, immunotherapies involving convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, antibodies (monoclonal or polyclonal), and the use of immunomodulatory agents to enhance immunity are valuable alternative options. Cell-based therapies including natural killer cells, T cells, stem cells along with cytokines and toll-like receptors (TLRs) based therapies are also being exploited potentially against COVID-19. Future research need to strengthen the field of developing effective immunotherapeutics and immunomodulators with a thrust of providing appropriate, affordable, convenient, and cost-effective prophylactic and treatment regimens to combat global COVID-19 crisis that has led to a state of medical emergency enforcing entire countries of the world to devote their research infrastructure and manpower in tackling this pandemic.

COVID-19 Rapid Diagnostic test results and their associations with certain factors among the residents of Balochistan. (preprint)

BackgroundThis paper analyses any possible association of various factors like gender, last COVID-19 PCR test results, BCG Vaccination, Seasonal Flu vaccination, Occupation and confirmed case contact history with COVID-19 RDT results of the participants. COVID-19 will soon become endemic in Pakistan, the government should adopt COVID-19 RDT kits for trace, test and quarantine activities. MethodologyConsidering the availability of COVI-19 rapid diagnostic kits, 596 individuals all previously COVID-19 PCR tested were made part of this cross sectional study. Simple random sampling was used for the selection of study participants. The whole study was conducted during September and October 2020. ResultsThe major findings of this study is clearly showing that the Positive Likely hood ratio of the COVID-19 RDT Kits (LR+) is well above 1; similarly the Negative Likely hood ratio is approaching 0.On the other hand the Sensitivity and Specificity 80% and 74% respectively. Similarly study found statistically significant association was between RDT out comes and Last PCR Test status, Occupation and Contact with COVID-19 positive individuals. While other variables like Gender, BCG Vaccination and history of seasonal flu vaccinations were found to have no significant associations with COVID-19 RDT Kit out comes. ConclusionBeing the first study of its kind in Pakistan the major findings of this study are almost in line with the set hypothesis and objectives of this study and based on study findings it will be of high value to use COVID-19 RDT kits during mass screening especially during Test, Trace and Quarantine activities.