Calcifediol boosts the efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (COVISHIELD) vaccine via upregulation of key genes associated with memory T cell responses (preprint)

The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (COVISHIELD) vaccine has emerged as a pivotal tool in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In our previous study eligible subjects were supplemented with calcifediol, a direct precursor to the biologically active form of vitamin D, calcitriol with an objective to enhance the immunogenicity of the COVISHIELD vaccine. Herein we investigated the effects of calcifediol supplementation on gene expression profiles in individuals who received the COVISHIELD vaccine. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from vaccinated individuals with and without calcifediol supplementation at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and the gene expression profiles were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed distinct patterns of gene expression associated with calcifediol supplementation, suggesting potential molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of calcifediol in improving the efficacy of COVISHIELD vaccine via augmentation of T cell memory responses, innate immune mechanisms such as NOD signaling pathway, JAK/STAT and TGF beta pathways. Calcifediol supplementation in vaccinated individuals also downregulated the pathways related to the Coronavirus disease. Taken together, our findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling and vaccine-induced immune responses and offer another approach in improving vaccination induced antiviral responses.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and emergence of XBB.1.16 variant in Rajasthan (preprint)

Background & objectivesGenomic surveillance of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples is important to monitor the genetic changes occurring in virus, this was enhanced after the WHO designation of XBB.1.16 as a variant under monitoring in March 2023. From 5th February till 6th May 2023 all positive SARS-CoV-2 samples were monitored for genetic changes. MethodsA total of 1757 samples having Ct value <25 (for E and ORF gene) from different districts of Rajasthan were processed for Next Generation sequencing (NGS). The FASTA files obtained on sequencing were used for lineage determination using Nextclade and phylogenetic tree construction. Results and discussionSequencing and lineage identification was done in 1624 samples. XBB.1.16 was the predominant lineage in 1413(87.0%) cases while rest was other XBB (207, 12.74%) and other lineages (4, 0.2%). Of the 1413 XBB.1.16 cases, 57.47% were males and 42.53% were females. Majority (66.53%) belonged to 19-59 year age. 84.15% of XBB.1.16 cases were infected for the first time. Hospitalization was required in only 2.2% cases and death was reported in 5 (0.35%) patients. Most of the cases were symptomatic and the commonest symptoms were fever, cough and rhinorrhoea. Co-morbidities were present in 414 (29.3%) cases. Enhanced genomic surveillance helped to rapidly identify the spread of XBB variant in Rajasthan. This in turn helped to take control measures to prevent spread of virus and estimate public health risks of the new variant relative to the previously circulating lineages. XBB variant was found to spread rapidly but produced milder disease.

Perception of teachers towards on-line education with specific context to hospitality education in India

Background: On-line education in a way was a forced introduction in our education system in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers as well as students became a part of this shift in education delivery mostly by force and rather by choice. However, in the short run itself it was realised that while shifting to this new-medium has its own challenges it also comes with its own set of advantages. Background: This research paper attempts to study and analyse the perception of teachers in hospitality education towards on-line education. Objective of study is to identify the major challenges and benefits of hospitality education as perceived by faculty members. Methodology: Descriptive research design was employed. The study was conducted by administering a structured questionnaire among faculty members of various IHMs and analysis of data was done. Locale is pan-India reached through google questionnaire method with a sample size of 50 faculty members from different IHMs in the country. Data was analysed with the help of excel tools, bar diagrams and graph. Results: Research revealed that in spite of the sudden paradigm shift in the macro environment faculty members responded well to the challenge of optimising learning for students in an on-line mode. Initially 80% faculty members found this shift challenging but now 80 percent believe that blended learning is future. Assessments and sustaining interest of students however are major challenges with 82 and 84 percent of faculty members respectively agreeing to this being a major issue. Conclusion: Teachers perceive blended learning to be a norm in future. It is perceived that while it's very difficult to impart skill training in an on-line mode, for theoretical classes this could be a preferred mode.

A Review on Saliva-Based Health Diagnostics: Biomarker Selection and Future Directions

The human body has a unique way of saying when something is wrong with it. The molecules in the body fluids can be helpful in the early detection of diseases by enabling health and preventing disease progression. These biomarkers enabling better healthcare are becoming an extensive area of research interest. Biosensors that detect these biomarkers are becoming the future, especially Point Of Care (POC) biosensors that remove the need to be physically present in the hospital. Detection of complex and systemic diseases using biosensors has a long way to go. Saliva-based biosensors are gaining attention among body fluids due to their non-invasive collection and ability to detect periodontal disease and identify systemic diseases. The possibility of saliva-based diagnostic biosensors has gained much publicity, with companies sending home kits for ancestry prediction. Saliva-based testing for covid 19 has revealed effective clinical use and relevance of the economic collection. Based on universal biomarkers, the detection of systemic diseases is a booming research arena. Lots of research on saliva-based biosensors is available, but it still poses challenges and limitations as POC devices. This review paper talks about the relevance of saliva and its usefulness as a biosensor. Also, it has recommendations that need to be considered to enable it as a possible diagnostic tool. Graphical

Media synchronicity implications for Indian white-collar employees' work-from-home wellbeing and preference, mediated by psychological needs satisfaction

PurposeWork-from-home (WFH) gained ground with COVID and will now continue to be a part of India's future of work. Under WFH information and communication technologies (ICT) media become the primary/sole mode of communication for employees, which holds several implications for employers and employees. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of ICT media characteristics and usage frequency on multiple WFH outcomes. Specifically studied was ICT media's ability to support synchronicity or coordinated behaviours of individuals working together.Design/methodology/approachThis work examined the effect of ICT media's synchronicity-supporting ability and usage frequency on WFH employees' need for competence and relatedness satisfaction, thereby wellbeing and preference to WFH. Data from 301 white-collar employees of varied manufacturing and services organizations of India was analysed via partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsAchieving more synchronicity by frequently using ICT media that can better facilitate coordinated behaviours did not directly influence WFH employees' feeling of belongingness (need for relatedness) or wellbeing. It did, however, positively affect their feeling of effectance (need for competence) and thereby wellbeing. However, unexpectedly, it negatively influenced preference to WFH more often.Originality/valueThis study has uniquely combined media synchronicity and self-determination theories to investigate the implications of a work practice on employee wellbeing and preferences. Also, an extensible media evaluation parameter was created that encompasses the characteristics and usage frequency of a set of ICT media.

The European Nucleotide Archive in 2022.

The European Nucleotide Archive (ENA; https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena), maintained by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), offers those producing data an open and supported platform for the management, archiving, publication, and dissemination of data; and to the scientific community as a whole, it offers a globally comprehensive data set through a host of data discovery and retrieval tools. Here, we describe recent updates to the ENA's submission and retrieval services as well as focused efforts to improve connectivity, reusability, and interoperability of ENA data and metadata.

What is the role of the multidisciplinary team meeting in primary prolapse surgery and are alternative formats acceptable?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In 2019, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended discussion of all primary prolapse cases at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting prior to surgery. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face meetings were suspended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MDT meetings in an observational retrospective review of primary prolapse cases and determine whether alternatives to face-to-face MDT meetings such as virtual and remote paper result in different outcomes. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients with primary prolapse, who had already been through face-to-face MDT meetings in 2019, were subjected to remote paper (independent review by team members, who then submit a paper outcome to the MDT meeting chair) and a virtual MDT meeting by the same team (blinded). Outcomes included agree, minor amendment (changing the order of priority of the compartment, changing procedure from + to +/-), major amendment (adding/removing a compartment) and insufficient information. MDT outcomes were compared for remote paper, virtual, and face-to-face MDT options. RESULTS: In 88% of cases, face-to-face MDT meetings agreed to proceed unchanged (4% minor amendment, 7% major amendment, 1% insufficient information). This compared with 80% at virtual MDT (5% minor amendment, 11% major amendment, 4% insufficient information) and 74% when conducted by remote paper (5% minor amendment, 15% major amendment, 6% insufficient information). There was no significant difference in outcomes among the MDT meeting formats (Chi-squared 7.73, p=0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary team discussion changes management in a minority of primary prolapse cases. Similar MDT decisions are produced by virtual and remote paper formats, although the latter had the lowest concordance of opinions.

Anaesthetic concerns in post-COVID mucormycosis at a tertiary care hospital in India: An observational study.

Administration of anaesthesia in post-COVID mucormycosis patients is a real challenge due to complications such as dyselectrolytemia, renal failure, multi-organ failure, and sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the challenges and perioperative complications of administration of anaesthesia in terms of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgical resection of post-COVID rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). The present study was a case series, which was carried out on 30 post-COVID, biopsy-proven mucormycosis patients enrolled for ROCM resection under general anaesthesia, and all data were collected retrospectively for this series. The post-COVID mucormycosis patients had diabetes mellitus as the most common comorbidity (96.6%), and difficult airway was a common feature (60%) among them. Anaesthetic management of post-COVID mucormycosis patients is a real challenge due to associated comorbidities.

Case report of SARS-CoV-2 with secondary Clostridioides difficile infection

There has been an overuse of antibiotics in most patients suffering from COVID-19 which predisposes patients to hospital acquired C. difficile Infection (CDI). Also, COVID infection of the gastrointestinal tract also predisposes the patient to CDI. We here present a fatal case of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection with CDI.

Acute abducens nerve palsy with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis-like presentation following COVID-19 vaccination.

We report two adult cases of abducens nerve palsy presenting immediately (within weeks) after they received the first dose of Covishield vaccination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain obtained after the onset of diplopia demonstrated demyelinating changes. The patients had associated systemic symptoms. Post-vaccination demyelination typically known as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with several vaccines is more common in children. Although the mechanism of the nerve palsy remains unclear, it is suspected to be related to the post-vaccine neuroinflammatory syndrome. Cranial nerve palsies and ADEM-like presentations may represent part of the neurologic spectrum following COVID-vaccination in adults, and ophthalmologists should be aware of these sequelae. Although cases of sixth nerve palsy following COVID vaccination are already reported, associated MRI changes have not been reported from India.

Role of phytocompounds as the potential anti-viral agent: an overview.

Viral diseases are the most notorious infective agent(s) causing morbidity and mortality in every nook and corner for ages; viruses are active in host cells, and specific anti-virus medicines' developments remain uncanny. In this century of the biological era, human viruses act predominantly as versatile spreaders. The infection of the present COVID-19 virus is up in the air; blithely, the integument of medicinal chemistry approaches, particularly bioactive derived phytocompounds could be helpful to control those human viruses, recognized in the last 100 years. Indeed, natural products are being used for various therapeutic purposes. The major bioactive phytocompounds are chemically containing coumarin, thiosulfonate, steroid, polysaccharide, tannin, lignin, proanthocyanidin, terpene, quinone, saponin, flavonoid, alkaloid, and polyphenol, that are documented for inhibitory action against several viral infections. Mostly, about 20-30% of plants from tropical or temperate regions are known to have some antiviral activity. This comprehensive analysis of bioactive-derived phytocompounds would represent a significant impact and might be helpful for antiviral research and the current state of viral treatments.

Enhancing thoracic disease detection using chest X-rays from PubMed Central Open Access.

Large chest X-rays (CXR) datasets have been collected to train deep learning models to detect thorax pathology on CXR. However, most CXR datasets are from single-center studies and the collected pathologies are often imbalanced. The aim of this study was to automatically construct a public, weakly-labeled CXR database from articles in PubMed Central Open Access (PMC-OA) and to assess model performance on CXR pathology classification by using this database as additional training data. Our framework includes text extraction, CXR pathology verification, subfigure separation, and image modality classification. We have extensively validated the utility of the automatically generated image database on thoracic disease detection tasks, including Hernia, Lung Lesion, Pneumonia, and pneumothorax. We pick these diseases due to their historically poor performance in existing datasets: the NIH-CXR dataset (112,120 CXR) and the MIMIC-CXR dataset (243,324 CXR). We find that classifiers fine-tuned with additional PMC-CXR extracted by the proposed framework consistently and significantly achieved better performance than those without (e.g., Hernia: 0.9335 vs 0.9154; Lung Lesion: 0.7394 vs. 0.7207; Pneumonia: 0.7074 vs. 0.6709; Pneumothorax 0.8185 vs. 0.7517, all in AUC with p< 0.0001) for CXR pathology detection. In contrast to previous approaches that manually submit the medical images to the repository, our framework can automatically collect figures and their accompanied figure legends. Compared to previous studies, the proposed framework improved subfigure segmentation and incorporates our advanced self-developed NLP technique for CXR pathology verification. We hope it complements existing resources and improves our ability to make biomedical image data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

The 'omics of obesity in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The obesity pandemic currently affects more than 70 million Americans and more than 650 million individuals worldwide. In addition to increasing susceptibility to pathogenic infections (eg, SARS-CoV-2), obesity promotes the development of many cancer subtypes and increases mortality rates in most cases. We and others have demonstrated that, in the context of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), adipocytes promote multidrug chemoresistance. Furthermore, others have demonstrated that B-ALL cells exposed to the adipocyte secretome alter their metabolic states to circumvent chemotherapy-mediated cytotoxicity. To better understand how adipocytes impact the function of human B-ALL cells, we used a multi-omic RNA-sequencing (single-cell and bulk transcriptomic) and mass spectroscopy (metabolomic and proteomic) approaches to define adipocyte-induced changes in normal and malignant B cells. These analyses revealed that the adipocyte secretome directly modulates programs in human B-ALL cells associated with metabolism, protection from oxidative stress, increased survival, B-cell development, and drivers of chemoresistance. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of mice on low- and high-fat diets revealed that obesity suppresses an immunologically active B-cell subpopulation and that the loss of this transcriptomic signature in patients with B-ALL is associated with poor survival outcomes. Analyses of sera and plasma samples from healthy donors and those with B-ALL revealed that obesity is associated with higher circulating levels of immunoglobulin-associated proteins, which support observations in obese mice of altered immunological homeostasis. In all, our multi-omics approach increases our understanding of pathways that may promote chemoresistance in human B-ALL and highlight a novel B-cell-specific signature in patients associated with survival outcomes.

Co-infection of respiratory pathogens in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients at North West India, Rajasthan.

PURPOSE: Infection due to SARS-CoV-2 shows wide spectrum of disease from asymptomatic to severe disease and death. Coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory pathogens may affect the severity of disease and its outcome. Identification of other respiratory pathogens may help to initiate proper management and avoid unnecessary complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 250 SARS-COV-2 positive patients admitted in S.M.S hospitalwere included in study. Throat and nasopharyngeal swabs samples were collected in Viral Transport Medium (VTM) and nucleic acid extraction was done by automated EasyMag extractor and tested for 20 respiratory viruses and two bacteria by real time PCR. RESULTS: Out of 250 SARS CoV2 positive samples, 176 (70%) were positive for other respiratory pathogens also. The highest co-infection was due to HCoVOC43 (32.8%) virus followed by bacterial co-infection with S. pneumoniae (14.8%). Six (2.4%) patients with co-infection were on ventilator with age >65yr and three (1.2%) died during treatment. All three cases were found to have other co-morbid diseases like; asthma, Parkinson's and hypertension. CONCLUSION: High number of patients were found to have coinfection with other viruses and bacteria, timely identification and providing specific treatment to these patients can help improve outcome.

Numerical Study of Titanium Dioxide and MXene Nanomaterial-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Virus SARS-CoV-2 Detection.

A novel surface plasmon resonance-based biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 virus is proposed in this article. The biosensor is a Kretschmann configuration-based structure that consists of CaF2 prism as base, at which silver (Ag), TiO2, and MXene nanolayers are used to enhance the performance. Theoretically, the performance parameters have been investigated by means of Fresnel equations and transfer matrix method (TMM). The TiO2 nanolayer not only prevents oxidation of Ag layer but also enhances the evanescent field in its vicinity. The sensor provides an ultrahigh angular sensitivity of 346°/RIU for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some other performance parameters, including FWHM (full width at half maxima), detection accuracy (DA), limit of detection (LOD), and quality factor (QF) have also been calculated for proposed SPR biosensor with their optimized values 2.907°, 0.3439 deg-1, 1.445 × 10-5, and 118.99 RIU-1, respectively. The obtained results designate that the proposed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensor has notably enhanced angular sensitivity as compared to previous results reported in the literatures till date. This work may facilitate a significant biological sample sensing device for fast and accurate diagnosis at early stage of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Host inducible-HSP70A1A is an irresistible drug target to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis (preprint)

One of the fundamental mechanisms developed by the host to contain the highly infectious and rapidly proliferating SARS coronavirus is elevation of body temperature, a natural fallout of which is Heat Shock Protein (HSP) over-expression. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 virus exploits the host Hsp70 chaperone for its entry and propagation and blocking it can combat the infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as febrile temperature enhanced Hsp70 overexpression in host Vero E6 cells. In turn, Hsp70 overexpression elevated the host cell autophagic response that is a prerequisite for viral propagation. Suppressive and prophylactic treatment of Vero E6 cells with HSP70 inhibitor PES-Cl, a small molecule derivative of Pifithrin-, abrogated viral infection more potently than the currently used drug Remdesivir by suppressing host HSP70 and autophagic response. In conclusion, our study not only provides a fundamental insight into the role of host Hsp70 in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, it paves the way for the development of potent and irresistible anti-viral therapeutics.

Rethinking Idioms of Distress and Resilience in Public health in a Post-Pandemic World: Delving into the intricate interplay amidst stress, resilience, and stroke

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global mental health, with an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression reported worldwide. The pandemic has brought about many changes and challenges, such as social isolation, uncertainty, and fear, and these can all contribute to emotional and mental distress. In addition to it there is emerging evidence suggesting a relationship between COVID-19 related stress and the incidence of stroke. Psychological factors such as stress can escalate the risk of a stroke by modulating sympathomimetic activity, affecting coagulation or heart rhythm.(1) While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between COVID-19 related stress and stroke, it is important for individuals to manage their stress levels and prioritize their physical and mental health during this challenging time. In order to effectively address the mental health needs of individuals and communities in a post-pandemic world, it is important to rethink traditional approaches to idioms of distress and resilience in public health. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research (Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research) is the property of Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

In silico phytochemical repurposing of natural molecules as entry inhibitors against RBD of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking studies

The receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike-protein (S-protein) is responsible for virus entry via interaction with host protein ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), present on the cell surface of humans. Therefore, S-protein is an important target to block the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into the cell for further growth. In the present study, phytochemical repurposing of natural molecules: narirutin, naringin, neohesperidin and hesperidin were performed against the RBD S-protein/ACE2 interface as well as the RBD of the S-protein using molecular docking. These natural molecules were found to have structural similarity to each other and had binding potential against the viral infections. It is first time reported here that the naringin and narirutin are having binding potential against both RBD S-protein/ACE2 interface and active site of RBD of S-protein using binding mode analysis. Hence, this study will open avenues for multitargeting similar natural molecules binding against the SARS-CoV-2 proteins as all reports are made in this single study.

Financial Inclusion or Encampment? Rethinking Digital Finance for Refugees

Humanitarian actors touting financial inclusion posit that access to financial services builds refugees' resilience and self-reliance. They claim that new digital financial tools create more efficient and dignified pathways for humanitarian assistance and enable refugees to better manage their savings and invest in livelihoods, especially during protracted displacement. Our in-depth, repeat interviews with refugees in Kenya and Jordan refute this narrative. Instead, self-reliance was hindered primarily by refugees' lack of foundational rights to move and work. Financial services had limited ability to support livelihoods in the absence of those rights. The digital financial services offered to refugees under the banner of ‘financial inclusion' were not mainstream services designed to empower and connect. Instead, they were segregated, second-class offerings meant to further isolate and limit refugee transactions in line with broader political desires to encamp and exclude them. The article raises questions about the circumstances in which humanitarian funding ought to fund financial service interventions and what those interventions are capable of achieving.

Food Insecurity Is Under-reported in Surveys That Ask About the Past Year.

INTRODUCTION: Food insecurity affects 1 in 10 Americans in a typical year; recent U.S. Department of Agriculture data show that this food insecurity rate was stable from 2019 to 2021. However, data from Los Angeles County and other U.S. regions show that food insecurity spiked during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. One reason for this discrepancy may be that food insecurity measures assess experiences over different time frames. This study investigated the discrepancies in food insecurity rates by comparing past-week and past-year food insecurity measures and explored the role of recall bias. METHODS: Data were obtained from a representative survey panel of Los Angeles adults (N=1,135). Participants were surveyed about past-week food insecurity 11 times throughout 2021 and once about past-year food insecurity in December 2021. Data were analyzed in 2022. RESULTS: Of the participants who reported past-week food insecurity at any time in 2021, only two thirds also reported past-year food insecurity in December 2021, suggesting that one third of participants under-reported past-year food insecurity. Logistic regression models indicated that 3 characteristics were significantly associated with under-reporting of past-year food insecurity: having reported past-week food insecurity at fewer survey waves, not reporting recent past-week food insecurity, and having a relatively high household income. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest substantial under-reporting of past-year food insecurity, related to recall bias and social factors. Measuring food insecurity at multiple points throughout the year may help to improve the accuracy of reporting and public health surveillance of this issue.