ABSTRACT
The field of vaccination has advanced by leaps and bounds;however, effective and novel vaccines are yet to be developed, especially for rapidly spreading coronavirusdisease 2019 (COVID-19)/SARS-CoV2. Many vaccines are created using conventionalapproaches to eradicate COVID-2019, which is presently a global threat. Evenvaccines using nanotechnology are also in the race. Nanotechnology has acceleratedthe evolution of newer vaccines that are safe and highly effective in eradicating theSARS-CoV2. Nanovaccines (NVs) were developed recently where new drugs can beaccommodated through nanoparticle (NP) carriers. The similar nanosize betweenthe nano-scaled materials and pathogens ensures optimal trigger response of theimmune system, resulting in satisfactory cellular and humoral immunity responses.Targeted delivery of NPs results in enhanced antibody response, improved stabilitycoupled with longer duration drug release, and prolonged immunogenic memory.This chapter highlights recently developed antiviral nanovaccines against COVID-19. Although the development of NVs is in the infancy stage and few are in the earlyclinical phases, we firmly believe the newer generation of NVs have greater possibilityof treatment and prevention of bacterial and viral infections. © 2022 Scrivener Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out lot of changes among the way people and organisations function. It has also reduced social gatherings and hence social relations considerably, forcing people to adjust to new ways of work and life. An outstanding difference between the current COVID-19 pandemic and previous epidemics or pandemics is the increased availability and use of technology currently, which has been validated by various reports from across the globe. Thus, even with the ensuing pandemic, lockdown and decreased social gatherings, with the technology support we have devised ways to keep in contact with friends, family and work place, so as to continue our lives. Social distancing guidelines and regulations have put pressure on a great many organisations to find new ways of keeping employees and students connected while working remotely. For more deskbound occupations and roles, this can be relatively straightforward, but it is challenging if not impossible for lab-based quality control, research and study. The answer to this is digital remote microscopy which enables sharing of data online, carrying out collaborative work through multi-viewing in real time and facilitates remote training functions.
ABSTRACT
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections of the maxillofacial region have become prevalent, making their accurate diagnosis vital. Histopathological staining remains a simple, cost-effective technique for differentiation and diagnosis of the causative fungal organisms. The present study aims to evaluate the staining efficacy of Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian Blue, Safranin-O and Gomori's Methenamine Silver (GMS) on fungal smears. This research work also attempts to study the morphometric characteristics of Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus oryzae. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae, 10 smears each, were stained using PAS, Alcian Blue, Safranin-O and GMS. The morphological characteristics and staining efficacy were examined, and semi-quantitative scoring was performed. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae were stained for the first time with Safranin-O. The morphometric traits were then analyzed using an image analysis software. Safranin-O provided the most reliable staining efficacy amongst the stains and optimum morphological definition for all three organisms. Safranin-O was found to be superior to PAS and GMS, ensuring detection of even the most minute mycotic colonies. The hyphae of Aspergillus flavus to be the largest, and the spores and fruiting body of Rhizopus oryzae were found to be the largest amongst the three organisms compared. Early and accurate diagnosis of fungal infections can significantly reduce morbidity in orofacial fungal infections.
ABSTRACT
Summary The field of vaccination has advanced by leaps and bounds;however, effective and novel vaccines are yet to be developed, especially for rapidly spreading coronavirusdisease 2019 (COVID-19)/SARS-CoV2. Many vaccines are created using conventionalapproaches to eradicate COVID-2019, which is presently a global threat. Evenvaccines using nanotechnology are also in the race. Nanotechnology has acceleratedthe evolution of newer vaccines that are safe and highly effective in eradicating theSARS-CoV2. Nanovaccines (NVs) were developed recently where new drugs can beaccommodated through nanoparticle (NP) carriers. The similar nanosize betweenthe nano-scaled materials and pathogens ensures optimal trigger response of theimmune system, resulting in satisfactory cellular and humoral immunity responses.Targeted delivery of NPs results in enhanced antibody response, improved stabilitycoupled with longer duration drug release, and prolonged immunogenic memory.This chapter highlights recently developed antiviral nanovaccines against COVID-19. Although the development of NVs is in the infancy stage and few are in the earlyclinical phases, we firmly believe the newer generation of NVs have greater possibilityof treatment and prevention of bacterial and viral infections. Background The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs). Methods An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases: 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020;and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using ?2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables. Results Almost one-half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID-19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID-19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID-19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/politics. Conclusions The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.