The Forgotten Human Service Sector: Leadership Narratives of Immigrant and Refugee-Led Community-Based Ethnic Organizations

Although community-based ethnic organizations (CBEOs) play a crucial role within the human services landscape, their role often remains unacknowledged. Our study examines the role of CBEOs in the context of the larger human services environment. Purposive sampling was used to interview immigrant/refugee CBEO leaders (N = 7). Four overarching themes emerged: perceived role of CBEOs in immigrant/refugee services;CBEO challenges in the human services environment;inclusion versus exclusion in the HSO network;and CBEO positioning as a way forward for human services. We argue for increased legitimization of CBEOs serving immigrant and refugee communities for an equitable human services environment.

Increase of nutritional security in Sub-Saharan Africa through the production of dried products from underutilized crops

Currently, an estimated 20% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa is food insecure with the incidence of hunger and malnutrition still rising. This trend is amplified by the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, more than a third of the harvestable perishable produce is lost due to a lack of preservation or failure to utilize preservation as is the case for underutilized crops (UCs). Moreover, some of the preservation techniques utilized are poor, leading to the deterioration of food quality, especially the micronutrients. In this study, we thus exemplarily investigated the impact of different drying settings on the quality of two highly nutritious UCs, namely cocoyam and orange-flesh sweet potato (OFSP) (40, 60, and 80 °C for cocoyam and 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C for OFSP) to deduce the optimum quality retention and further develop a theoretical design of processing units and processing guidelines for decentralized food processing. Drying cocoyam at 80 °C and OFSP at 60 °C, respectively resulted in a relatively shorter drying time (135 and 210 min), a lower total color difference (2.29 and 11.49-13.92), greater retentions for total phenolics (0.43 mg GAE/100 gDM and 155.0-186.5 mg GAE/100 gDM), total flavonoid (128 mg catechin/100 gDM and 79.5-81.7 mg catechin/100 gDM) and total antioxidant activity (80.85% RSA and 322.58-334.67 mg AAE/100 gDM), respectively for cocoyam and OFSP. The β-carotene, ascorbic acid and vitamin A activity per 100 gDM of the OFSP flours ranged between 6.91- 9.53 mg, 25.90 − 35.72 mg, and 0.53 − 0.73 mg RAE, respectively. © 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Reduced Duration Intracavitary Brachytherapy in Cervix Malignancies: A Comparative Analysis from Single Institute

Purpose: The on-going pandemic has impacted the use of anesthesia and the operating room frequency thereby affecting the brachytherapy treatment in various institutions due to the COVID-19 protocols. This has led to single applications of Intracavitary brachytherapy (ICRT) being used to deliver entire treatment boost in cervix cancer. We present our dosimetric and early clinical outcomes comparing traditional weekly three-fractions ICRT with single application/ two-applications ICRT Material(s) and Method(s): In this retrospective analysis conducted in our department, a total of 39 cases, treated between January 2021 to January 2022 were evaluated for the study. Of these, 15 cases were treated with the traditional once a week applicator insertion for 3 fractions and 24 cases underwent lesser application - 20 cases underwent 2 insertions and 4 cases single insertion (all receiving total 3 fractions of 7Gy each). The dosimetric parameters were compared including CTV D90 and D95 along with rectum, sigmoid and bladder D2cc, 1cc and 0.1cc respectively. The acute toxicity assessment was done using the RTOG scale. The follow-up was undertaken as per the institutional protocol and Mann-Whitney U-test were applied to compare the cohorts. Result(s): With a median follow-up of 6 months, the median CTV was D90%: 81.2 vs. 80.9 Gy and the median CTV volume was 44.3 vs 42.9 cc respectively. The 0.1 cm3 and 2 cm3 to bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 105.6 vs 104.2 Gy and 85.5 vs 85.9Gy, 89.4Gy vs 88.7Gy and 69.1 vs 67.8Gy, and 84.7 vs 84.1Gy and 71.7 vs 69.9Gy, respectively suggesting no significant difference in the dosimetric outcomes with the two forms of applications. The less than three applications had a shorter overall treatment time with median OTT of 43 days vs. 55 days (p = 0.02). On completion of treatment and 6 months follow-up, local control was achieved in all patients. There was no significant difference in the acute toxicities in terms of cystitis and proctitis in both forms of the application. Conclusion(s): The single application/ twice application ICRT procedure showed similar outcomes as the traditional three-week duration treatment in terms of dosimetric outcomes and acute toxicities and ultimately leading to shortened overall treatment time. It also helped reduce the anesthesia burden and various resources associated with the procedure. Copyright © 2022

PO43 Presentation Time: 4:45 PM: Reduced Duration Intracavitary Brachytherapy in Cervix Malignancies: A Comparative Analysis from Single Institute

Purpose: The on-going pandemic has impacted the use of anesthesia and the operating room frequency thereby affecting the brachytherapy treatment in various institutions due to the COVID-19 protocols. This has led to single applications of Intracavitary brachytherapy (ICRT) being used to deliver entire treatment boost in cervix cancer. We present our dosimetric and early clinical outcomes comparing traditional weekly three-fractions ICRT with single application/ two-applications ICRT Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analysis conducted in our department, a total of 39 cases, treated between January 2021 to January 2022 were evaluated for the study. Of these, 15 cases were treated with the traditional once a week applicator insertion for 3 fractions and 24 cases underwent lesser application - 20 cases underwent 2 insertions and 4 cases single insertion (all receiving total 3 fractions of 7Gy each). The dosimetric parameters were compared including CTV D90 and D95 along with rectum, sigmoid and bladder D2cc, 1cc and 0.1cc respectively. The acute toxicity assessment was done using the RTOG scale. The follow-up was undertaken as per the institutional protocol and Mann-Whitney U-test were applied to compare the cohorts. Results: With a median follow-up of 6 months, the median CTV was D90%: 81.2 vs. 80.9 Gy and the median CTV volume was 44.3 vs 42.9 cc respectively. The 0.1 cm3 and 2 cm3 to bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 105.6 vs 104.2 Gy and 85.5 vs 85.9Gy, 89.4Gy vs 88.7Gy and 69.1 vs 67.8Gy, and 84.7 vs 84.1Gy and 71.7 vs 69.9Gy, respectively suggesting no significant difference in the dosimetric outcomes with the two forms of applications. The less than three applications had a shorter overall treatment time with median OTT of 43 days vs. 55 days (p = 0.02). On completion of treatment and 6 months follow-up, local control was achieved in all patients. There was no significant difference in the acute toxicities in terms of cystitis and proctitis in both forms of the application. Conclusion: The single application/ twice application ICRT procedure showed similar outcomes as the traditional three-week duration treatment in terms of dosimetric outcomes and acute toxicities and ultimately leading to shortened overall treatment time. It also helped reduce the anesthesia burden and various resources associated with the procedure.

A Review On Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes, often known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a human's blood sugar levels are uncontrollably high because either the body produces insufficient insulin or the cells aren't producing enough insulin to work properly. The traditional signs of polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia, polyuria (frequent urine) are caused by this elevated blood sugar level (increased hunger). According to conventional wisdom, diabetes is divided into 3 types: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is unable to secrete insulin and the patient must currently administer insulin intravenously or use an insulin pump. It is also referred to as 'juvenile diabetes.' Insulin resistance is the root cause of type two diabetes mellitus. A disease in which cells are unable to adequately utilize insulin, whether or not they are also completely insulin deficient. Previously, this variety was known as "adult-onset diabetes." Gestational diabetes, When a pregnant woman who has never had diabetes develops excessive blood sugar levels, the third major form of the disease is triggered. It might happen before type 2 Diabetes Mellitus develops Right now accessible pharmacotherapies for Diabetes Mellitus incorporate insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs. These medications either increment pancreatic insulin union or decrease glucose levels through expanding glucose takeup while diminishing gluconeogenesis. However, these present medications do not prolong the restoration of normal glucose homeostasis and they do not come without adverse effects including They must live the remainder of their life with, kidney disorders, GIT issues, hepatotoxicity, heart risk issues, hypoglycemia, insulinoma, and other conditions. Due to the therapeutic ingredients in various herbal medicines, they have also been proven successful in the treat of diabetes. Therefore, the current review makes an effort to concentrate on the physiologically features of diabetes, management objectives, conveniences, and synthetic diabetes therapy using herbs.

A Study of impact of COVID-19 on Education Sector

All learning institutions pre-maturely closed on 20 March 2020 and all Indian citizens advised to self-isolate mean quarantine in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19. The closure of schools, colleges and universities not only interrupts the teaching for students around the world;the closure also coincides with a key assessment period and many exams have been postponed or cancelled. Internal assessments are perhaps thought to be less important and many have been simply cancelled. But their point is to give information about the child's progress for families and teachers. The loss of this information delays the recognition of both high potential and learning difficulties and can have harmful long-term consequences for the child. Results of this research paper revealed that there is likely to be a drop in the pass percentage of Secondary & Higher Secondary school students in this year's examinations. © 2022 University of Stockholm. All rights reserved.

Arduino based Contactless Covid Booth Registration System

As per recent pandemic situation taken into consideration Corona virus testing is done at the specific center which does not provide safe environment. So there is need of advance system i.e. Contactless Covid Booth Registration system. This system helps to make Covid center automated and contactless which helps to reduce spreading of virus in the Covid testing centers. This system utilizes microcontroller, MATLAB, GSM modem. This system can be useful for all Covid testing centers, hospitals and public health centers. This system having advantages of reduction in spreading rate of virus, Break the chain of virus expansion, reduces patients rate and reduces the risk of infection. This system not only useful for Covid testing centers but help to our nation to minimize the risks of infections and death. © 2022 IEEE.

Herbal plants: an alternative therapy to combat immunity disorders & COVID-19

COVID-19, a worldwide epidemic, is afflicting the whole planet. Vaccines have been developed;however, they will not be able to eliminate the COVID-19 virus. As a result, the only approach to address the problem is to the disease is to have a robust immune system. A well-balanced diet can help enhance immunity, which is necessary for preventing and treating viral illnesses. Vitamins A, C, and D and minerals like Selenium and Zinc found in fruits, herbs, and vegetables have been demonstrated to have beneficial immunity-enhancing effects in viral respiratory infections. In this publication, we have attempted to describe the advantages of medicinal herbs, vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, and probiotics in combating the new Coronavirus. The dietary concept based on existing evidence might help inhibit and regulate COVID-19.

HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANTS ACTIVE AGAINST COVID-19 USED BY TRIBAL COMMUNITIES FROM NANDED DISTRICT (MS), INDIA

Objective: Presently, the whole world is under threat and suffering from the disease COVID-19. WHO accepted that COVID-19 viral disease poses a serious health problem for the world and declared it as a pandemic. According to WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been 183,934,913 confirmed cases, including 3,985,022 deaths globally as of 6 July 2021. From India COVID-19 464357 active cases and 403281 deaths are being reported by MOH and FW, GOI as of 06 July 2021. The present scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to provide no effective antiviral drug or vaccine therapy against this extremely contagious lethal infection. The COVID-19 mortality rate is found to be very high in people with weak immunity. India is a hub for herbals and that is the reason why the possibility to find a solution against COVID-19 is practically attainable. Methods: The present study emphasizes various herbal plants potentially considered as part of formulation or used in the management of COVID-19. Present data is collected from hilly tribal communities (Total= 180 respondents from which males are 112 and females 68) via., semi-structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 17 traditional herbal medicinal plant species belonging to 13 different families are being used extensively for the improved immune system of the human body to fight against COVID-19 by tribal communities in the studied area. Conclusion: This article will help researchers and industries to identify potential herbals for the treatment of COVID-19 viral infection. © 2022.

PPP model for COVID 19 mitigation for construction sector in Pune, India

Introduction: COVID 19 pandemic has affected all sectors including constructions and workforce is severely affected due to loss of wages and cost of treatment and testing of COVID 19. In Pune one of the construction industry partnered with testing centre and isolation facilities of local self Govt in Pune. Material Methods: 56 families( 213 members) were staying at construction sites during lock down and interval testing of COVID 19 i.e. Rapid antigen test or RTPCR was costly for the workers and even treatment at private centres was costly so the author suggested to take help of local municipal corporation and COVID 19 centres. The support was also extended for COVID 19 vaccination at workplace Cost saving. Results: 198 were tested for RAT and 6 were found positive, all were asymptomatic and then were sent to isolation at COVID 19 centres to prevent the further spread in the labour camp. Repeat testing was conducted at monthly interval and for consecutive six months avg 89% percent of the population tested regularly and positivity was rate was less than 2% where in general population it was 5 to 10 %. NO death was reported from the site for COVID 19. Covid appropriate behaviour by the workers was also found 90 percent during random surveys done as it was always emphasized during testing. COVID 19 vaccination of all workers at workplace was also done in this PPP model. Conclusion: Public private partnership during COVID 19 plays important role during COVID 19 times for the workers and cost for testing, admission and vaccination was nil. Work continuation and cost saving is also important.

The systemic effects of intra-articular steroid injections- should CIVID-19 change our practice?

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted us to review and often suspend services, while patients continue to suffer with painful musculoskeletal conditions. The diagnostic and therapeutic value of intraarticular corticosteroid injections (IACSI) cannot be denied. Current BOA guidelines advise giving the lowest effective dose for inflammatory arthritis and limit use in osteoarthritis to patients with high levels of pain and disability. We aimed to evaluate the literature pertaining to the use of IACSI and the potential systemic immunosuppressive effects. Method: We searched Medline, using the terms 'systemic effects of intra- articular steroid' and 'clinical course of Coronavirus infection in patients with steroid use', between 1997 and 2020. Results: No studies specifically looked at the systemic effects of intraarticular steroids in the presence of COVID-19 infection;however, four studies were identified which concluded that intra-articular steroid injections resulted in sufficient systemic absorption to cause suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and endogenous cortisol production. These effects are dose dependent and are more common in patients with inflammatory joint diseases. A further four RCT's, including one systematic review, showed that suppressed cortisol concentration was associated with a significant increase in mortality. Conclusions: There is a lack of evidence in relation to the use of intraarticular steroids in COVID-19. However, evidence suggests that intraarticular steroids can result in systemic absorption and suppression of endogenous cortisol production thus increasing the potential risk of complications of COVID-19. We therefore support cautious use of low dose steroid injections in patients with inflammatory arthritis, where no alternative treatment is available.

Assessment of Teachers and Students Experiences on Online Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case-Study at a University Dental Teaching Hospital

Background: COVID-19 disease is a global phenomenon that is exerting its influence on a lot more than just health sector. Colleges, Institutes, and Schools were also part of the lockdown that followed the outbreak. Educational institutes have shifted from classroom teaching to online teaching-learning platforms. Aim: The study aimed to assess teachers' and students' experiences on online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic at university dental teaching hospital Pune, India. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. The research setting was online. Eligibility Criteria of the study were the teaching staff of the College who had taken to online teaching and undergraduate students who had attended online classes. Custom-made questionnaire link using 'Google form' was sent to teachers and students through WhatsApp and E-mail. Results: 63% of students and 90% of staff responded with the questionnaires. During COVID-19, 96.7% of teachers and 98.4% of students had used Zoom as an online teaching platform. 25.6% of teachers had experienced network issues as the main problem. 90% of staff did not prefer online teaching over classroom teaching. 10% of teachers did prefer online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. 82.4% of students didn't prefer an online learning method. The most common difficulties faced by students were network issues. Conclusion: Knowledge of teachers' and students' experiences on online teaching is important to overcome the issues faced by them. Teachers' opinions are vital for improvising and dealing with issues with online teaching. The result of this study can be used as a guide for improving effective online teaching.

Pediatric Oncology Patients and COVID-19: An Experience from the Tertiary COVID Care Facility in Eastern India: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction Pediatric oncology patients presumably are one of the most vulnerable groups during this ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Not only they are immunocompromised thanks to their inherent disease and treatment regimens, but delay in initiation and maintenance of their treatment in this pandemic era also poses great concern. But the magnitude of this effect on pediatric oncology patients has not been well established due to paucity of data. Objective This study was proposed to assess clinicoepidemiological profile and outcome of the pediatric oncology patients who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus attending a COVID-19 care facility. Materials and Methods This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. All confirmed oncology patients up to age 12 years who either attended the oncology outpatient department or referred to COVID-19 care center from other cancer treatment facility were included in the study from May 2020 to September 2020. Data on demography, clinical features, investigations, treatment, complications, and outcome were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and common relevant investigations were compared between non-intensive care unit (ICU) and ICU group. Results The rate of COVID-19 positivity among the pediatric oncology patient attending oncology clinic of the hospital is 8.21%. Total 28 patients (12 from oncology clinic of our hospital and 16 from other hospitals referred to our COVID-19 unit) were included in our study. The most common malignancy was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (64.28%). The most common symptom was fever (64.28%). Oxygen therapy was needed for 42.85% patients. Eight patients required ICU admission (two required invasive ventilation and one required noninvasive ventilation). Positive C-reactive protein value was associated with severe disease requiring ICU admission. Mean delay in starting chemotherapy in newly diagnosed cases was 28.77 days (standard deviation = 9.67). One newly diagnosed patient expired due to preexisting disease. Conclusion Though vulnerable, most of the pediatric oncology patients suffered a mild COVID-19 infection without any significant COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. There is a significant delay in starting specific oncology therapy, that is, chemotherapy as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients, which can increase morbidities and mortality related to malignancy.

Plasma Exchange in Refractory Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis Associated with COVID-19: The Technical Challenges in a Developing Country

Evaluation of acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS) without diagnostic biomarkers results in diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric population. Immune-mediated ADS of childhood responds well to steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and in refractory cases with plasma exchange. Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coinfection in such cases imposes technical challenges in management. An 11-year-old girl with quadriparesis and loss of vision and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain showing acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and cerebrospinal fluid examination being noncontributory responded well with plasma exchange after failing steroid and IVIg is described. Coinfection with COVID-19 mandating personal protection in a temperate country imposed technical challenges in her management.