ABSTRACT
The adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way the health care industry works. IoT en-abled smart and connected solutions like smart sensors, wearable devices, and smart health monitoring systems are used to unleash the potential growth of the health care industry. IoT based health care solutions are on greater priority among IoT service providers since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19. According to experts, there still exist white spots in research studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) and health care Systems. The study conducted in this paper aims to explore emerging global research trends and topical focus in the field of IoT in health care System. Bibliometric analysis is used to analyze the research articles on 'Internet of Things' and 'Health care Systems' extracted from SCOPUS and WoS database using VoS Viewer tool;the analysis used to assess the growth and research trends of different research fields over a period of time. The parameters considered during analysis include year-wise citations, year-wise publications, keyword clustering analysis, author-wise analysis, country-wise research trends and publication trend over the years. The results showcased that there has been significant change in utilization of IoT in healthcare systems continuously during the period under study conducted. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
This book discusses the applications and optimization of emerging smart technologies in the field of healthcare. It further explains different modeling scenarios of the latest technologies in the healthcare system and compares the results to better understand the nature and progress of diseases in the human body, which would ultimately lead to early diagnosis and better treatment and cure of diseases with the help of distributed technology. Covers the implementation models using technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning with distributed systems for better diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Gives in-depth review of technological advancements like advanced sensing technologies such as plasmonic sensors, usage of RFIDs, and electronic diagnostic tools in the field of healthcare engineering. Discusses possibilities of augmented reality and virtual reality interventions for providing unique solutions in medical science, clinical research, psychology, and neurological disorders. Highlights the future challenges and risks involved in the application of smart technologies such as cloud computing, fog computing, IOT, and distributed computing in healthcare. Confers to utilize the AI and ML and associated aids in healthcare sectors in the post-Covid 19 period to revitalize the medical setup. Contributions included in the book will motivate technological developers and researchers to develop new algorithms and protocols in the healthcare field. It will serve as a vast platform for gaining knowledge regarding healthcare delivery, health- care management, healthcare in governance, and health monitoring approaches using distributed environments. It will serve as an ideal reference text for graduate students and researchers in diverse engineering fields including electrical, electronics and communication, computer, and biomedical fields. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Preeti Nagrath, Jafar A. Alzubi, Bhawna Singla, Joel J. P. C. Rodrigues and A. K. Verma;individual chapters, the contributors.
ABSTRACT
Pandemics and other disasters significantly impact community and transportation system through disruptions in normal day-to-day activities, loss or damage to life, property, or environment. The majority of covid-19 cases are from urban areas demonstrating the urgent need for improving cities' resiliency to prepare for pandemics. The urban sustainable development goal (SDG) 11, namely, "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” depicts the importance of resilient cities and resilient urban transportation system as well. Urban resilience is defined as urban system's ability to absorb shocks (sudden social, economic, or environmental changes), to adapt to changes, and transform into a new system when coping becomes difficult in the current existing form. The urban transportation system needs to be resilient to deal with pandemics, natural, and biological hazards. The transportation system also supports pandemic propagation such as covid-19 through associated local and long-distance travel risks. Generally, long-distance travel introduces disease into a non-affected community, and the local travel disperses it. A resilient urban transportation system would lead to a resilient city and decrease the negative impacts of pandemic and other calamities such as urban floods, climate risks, etc. Hence it is of utmost importance to evaluate the level of resilience of the urban transportation system and understand how a resilient and sustainable urban transportation system helps in achieving SDG 11. The objectives of the chapter are to;identify how urban transportation connects with SDG 11, develop a framework of indicators to evaluate the resilience of the urban transportation system and its association with SDG 11, and highlight how the resilient urban transportation system would cope with disasters. To develop an indicator framework, indicators are examined from relevant literature. Further, the chapter includes measurements for selected indicators. The above indicator framework would help practitioners and policymakers in the selection of suitable transportation interventions. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer 2022.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: De novo donor specific antibodies (DSAs) are associated with increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and worse prognosis in patients after orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). Viral infections have the potential to induce or reactivate the production of DSAs, yet the development of DSAs after infection by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has not been reported. In this observational study, we describe DSA titers after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and relationship with AMR and graft dysfunction in a large OHT cohort at a tertiary academic medical center. Hypothesis: : We predicted that COVID-19 infection would be associated with development of de novo DSAs or increase in pre-existing DSAs. Method(s): We retrospectively analyzed all adult OHT patients followed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis between 4/1/2020-12/31/2021. COVID-19 infection was defined by positive antigen or PCR test in setting of clinical exposure or symptoms. Patients were considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after 2 doses of the BNT162b (Pfizer-BioNTech) or mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccines or after a single dose of the AD26.COV2.S (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. De novo DSAs were defined as newly detected MHC I or II antibody greater than 2000 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) by single antigen beads or newly elevated antibody against angiotensin-II type 1 receptor (AT1R). In patients with pre-existing DSAs, a significant increase was defined by an MFI value that increased by 20% or more compared to their baseline value prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Result(s): A total of 577 patients were followed during the study period and 117 cases of COVID-19 infection were identified. Baseline characteristics of COVID-19 positive patients are shown in Figure. Overall, 10% of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection developed de novo DSAs or an increase in pre-existing DSAs, with unvaccinated patients having a higher incidence compared to vaccinated patients (15% vs. 2%, p=0.02). MHC class II-specific antibodies were the most common DSAs detected. There was a trend towards higher incidence of AMR in unvaccinated patients, although mortality and long-term graft dysfunction were similar. Conclusion(s): Unvaccinated patients had a higher incidence of developing de novo or an increase in pre-existing DSAs after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Future studies are necessary to investigate the long-term consequences of COVID-19 in the OHT population.Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
Background: The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission cannot be eliminated during aerosol-generating dental procedures in most dental settings. The present study was conducted to assess impact of COVID- 19 on utilization of dental services. Material(s) and Method(s): 485 patients who obtained dental treatment before and during COVID- 19 period were enrolled. Type of complaints for which patients visited dental offices was recorded. Result(s): Out of 485, males were 310 and females were 175. During pre- COVID period, 170 patients <18 years and 210 above 18 years visited dental office while during COVID period, 40 below 18 years and 65 above 18 years reported to dental clinics. The common complaints were periapical seen in 120 and 45, cellulitis in 80 and 30, cellulitis in 70 and 10 and trauma in 110 and 20 in pre- COVID and during COVID period. The difference found to be significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion(s): COVID- 19 had strong impact on utilization of dental services among patients.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Food delivery applications (FDAs) have altered the way customers order and consume food. This was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which imposed restrictions on people's mobility. In this study, the authors have tried to determine which barriers affect consumers' emotions and feelings, leading to satisfaction, repeat visit, and WOM recommendations. Method: ology: The Innovation Resistance Theory has been used to conduct the study. The Mixed Model is also framed to address the barriers faced by FDA users. This study also identifies key barriers of FDA (Value Barrier, Image Barrier, and Environment Barrier) and also studies their effect on consumer emotions and feelings in addition to the impact on repeat purchase behaviour, customer satisfaction and word of mouth recommendation. The data is collected from 392 respondents. Findings: The findings demonstrate that apart from the value barrier, all the other barriers have negative and significant impacts on consumers' feelings and emotions. It further supports the mediation effect amongst consumer feelings and emotions, satisfaction, repeat purchase, and WOM recommended. The moderating effect of transaction cost has been shown with different associations. Implications: The service providers should make sure that all transactions are safe and secure and that food is delivered on time. They should also have good ways for customers to get in touch with them, so they will get orders from them. Originality: The focus of the study is on the link between satisfaction, repeat purchases, and word-of-mouth recommendations for FDA, which hasn't been looked into in any previous studies. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
ABSTRACT
During this COVID-19 outbreak, diagnostic tests were crucial in controlling its spread. This pandemic, which was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has created an urgent need for rapid diagnostic testing to enable efficient treatment and control of COVID-19. Many institutes and companies are trying to develop effective methods for detecting COVID-19. The essential indicative instrument presently utilized is reverse transcription-polymerase chain response (RT-PCR), which can have great affectability. Tragically, execution costs, time is taken, and false-negative results have limited the use of RT-PCR. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are a type of diagnostic test that is clinically sensitive enough, might bridge various inadequacies in the present RT-PCR system, especially in low-and middle-income countries. In basic hospitals and laboratories, AuNP-LFA is a viable technique for diagnosing COVID-19, especially in emergency settings where a large number of samples must be examined quickly. This review summarizes the different diagnostic approaches for detecting the SARS-COV-2. This review thus provides guidelines for the scientists and technicians engaged in detecting SARS-COV-2. An accurate and sensitive detection system would enormously benefit in controlling this pandemic. © 2022 by the authors.
ABSTRACT
2020 will be remembered not only for the COVID-19 pandemic but also for introducing some entirely new concepts like "lockdown” and "social distancing” which brought the entire world to a standstill. Lockdown approach can have a wide range of implications not just on the economy but also on the physical, mental and social well-being of the people. We investigated the impact of 78 days nationwide lockdown in 2020 on profile of the post-mortem cases being brought for autopsy to the mortuary of King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. Further 78 days of post lockdown period in 2020 were also included in the study and compared with the corresponding time periods in 2019. A total of 3657 cases were included in the study, 2042 in 2019 and 1615 in 2020. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from logistic regression modeling were used to compare the mortality due to different causes across the four study timeperiods. Deaths due to RTAs were significantly lower in the lockdown period (aOR = 0.59, CI 0.48, 0.73, p<0.001). An increase in deaths due to drowning (aOR = 2.27, CI 1.26, 4.11, p=0.007) and hanging (aOR = 1.56, CI 1.22, 2.18, p=0.008) was detected during the lockdown period compared to 2019 while odds of burn deaths were half (aOR=0.50, 95%CI 0.34, 0.75, p=0.001) during the lockdown period in 2020, compared to the equivalent period in 2019. We have shown significant differences in deaths due to different causes as a result of lockdown. An insight into these mortality patterns during the pandemic could be beneficial in future preparedness for the containment measures. © 2022,Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine.All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID -19 disease broke out in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019 and the deadly virus spread out rapidly worldwide by the end of March 2020. India has the second largest number of cases in the world with 1,05,95,660 COVID 19 cases and has had 1,52,718 deaths at the end January 2021.3 As it is a new emerging infectious disease, it is a challenging task for the health system to manage the pandemic. This study will provide epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Indian population which will help to make new policies and programs. Aim and Objective: To study the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Material(s) and Method(s): This Retrospective study included 2985 patients treated as COVID -19 positive cases admitted in AIIMS Trauma centre-JPNATC (Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre - JPNATC). The patient's data were collected between 1st April 2020 to 30th October 2020 from AIIMS -EWD and CPRS platform were COVID 19 data recorded. Demographic details such as age, gender, date of admission for COVID-19 and the outcome were collected and analyzed. Result(s): A total number of 2985 cases were included in this study. The mean+/-SD age of the male patients were 44.37 +/-19.65 and mean+/-SD female patients were 45.75 +/- 19.58. The majority were male patients constituted 62.5% of the sample. The mean+/-SD age of the male patients were died during the treatment 51.75 +/-18.68 and female 51.31 +/- 18.71. The death ratio of male: female was 1.78Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The government of India has launched a web portal to register and schedule appointments for COVID-19 vaccination. This paper illustrates an android app model through which people can get notified about available slots according to their filters (age-group, dose type, vaccine name, centers). The proposed app checks for available slots for every given time in the background. Users can schedule their appointment and also enable/disable notifications at any time in the app. The project is developed in android studio. The data source is API Setu, and for client side, Java, XML, and SQLite are used. Software Development Life Cycle model and testing methods are used during the development process. ER diagram, message sequence chart, and flow chart have been shown for database, some important functions, and development process, respectively. The project developed is highly efficient, lightweight, and user-friendly. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Anshul Verma, Pradeepika Verma, Kiran Kumar Pattanaik and Lalit Garg;individual chapters, the contributors.
ABSTRACT
Background: Severe viral pneumonia cases were observed in the people of Wuhan, China in December 2019. It has already affected almost every country around the globe and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. We aim to evaluate the therapeutics and safety of various off label COVID-19 drugs. Method(s): PubMed, Research Gate, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Centre for Disease control and prevention (CDC) portal, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CCDC) portal, World Health Organization (WHO) portal were searched for obtaining reliable data. Result(s): COVID-19 is creating a storm of deaths and active cases globally, which is forcing the pharmaceutical companies and scientists to work day and night to find an effective and safer anti-COVID-19 medication. Various in vitro and clinical trials had been performed as well as are currently ongoing to analyze the mechanisms and therapeutics of off label medications like Chloroquine, Hydroxychloro-quine, Amodiaquine, Azithromycin, Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Ritonavir/Lopinavir, Umifenovir, Osel-tamivir, Ribavirin, Nafamostat, Camostat, Tocilizumab, Ivermectin, Nitazoxanide, Famotidine, Vitamin D, Corticosteroids and Dexamethasone. In vitro studies were performed by utilizing Vero E6 cells and hSLAM cells while open/closed, randomized/non-randomized, single-centered/multi-centered and retrospective clinical trials and case studies were organized to determine their safety and efficacy. Conclusion(s): Although these drugs have shown promising results against COVID-19 patients, it cannot be concluded that these drugs are truly safe and effective because there are no conclusive evidence to support the facts since only limited researches and studies had been investigated.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 pandemic had led to varied psychological distress among Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) patients. An early assessment of knowledge and attitude of the patient towards COVID-19 can aid us in their psychological counselling and healthy well-being during the ongoing treatment. Aims and objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 of Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients during the pandemic. Method(s): This cross-sectional, hospital-based study included 361 PTB patients. A semi-structured pre-defined questionnaires (designed by D. Roy et al.,) using a non-probability snowball sampling technique was done to evaluate knowledge and attitude related to COVID-19 in PTB patients. Result(s): Among the 361 of the Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients, 69% (n=250) had Drug Resistance PTB (DR-TB). Younger age group, 18 to 30 years constituted majority of the study subjects i.e.,61% (n=220). With the help of Likert scaling the trend of knowledge and attitude of COVID-19 in PTB patients were analysed. In our study most of the patients was well versed about COVID-19 pandemic and showed peak of favourable response during the 1st wave (from May 2020- July 2020) and in the initiation of 2nd wave (from March 2021-April 2021). Among DR-TB patients 51% (n=126) had satisfactory knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic. About 52%(n=130) of DR-TB patients had optimistic attitude toward COVID-19. Conclusion(s): As PTB, itself is a devastating disease, proper management & psychosocial support of such patients should be one of the prime issues. It can also assist us to formulate mitigation protocol in our near future.
ABSTRACT
Title: To estimate oxidative stress and DNA damage in Post COVID patients. Background There are a subset of COVID-19 patients who develop sequelae to the disease and oxidative stress is a less studied factor in the development of the sequelae. Aims and Objectives: We have estimated levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) via malondialdehyde assay kit and DNA damage via alkaline comet assay in hospitalized post-COVID patients symptomatic 4 weeks after testing RT-PCR positive and studied their clinical radiological correlation as a means of estimating the oxidative stress in them. Method(s): It was a single-center, hospital-based comparative case-control pilot study in which 40 post-COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. The residual symptoms and baseline clinical and radiological profile of the subjects were also assessed and lipid peroxidation and DNA comet analysis were performed in the blood samples of patients and controls. Result(s): Mean value of LPO was increased (1155.9 +/- 204.82 nmol/ml) in post COVID subjects as compared to controls (715.5 +/- 85.51nmole/ml (P=0.0405). Values were directly proportional to the Severity of COVID (P=0.0317) and X-ray severity score(P=0.009) and were found higher in patients with comorbidities (P=0.0320) and multisystem involvement specifically in those developing a neurological sequela (P=0.0083). Damaged DNA tails and the tailing is directly proportional to DNA damage. The comet parameters measured in our study were Tail length, Tail DNA (%), and Olive tail moment. All these comet parameters were found elevated in Post COVID subjects as compared with healthy controls. Conclusion(s): Oxidative stress and DNA damage, has a role in the development of post-COVID sequelae as seen by high levels of LPO and tail DNA in these subjects.
ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus accountable for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has led to many fatal cases worldwide. It causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome, a hyperinflammatory response, vascular damage, mi-croangiopathy, and widespread thrombosis. Vaccines, interferon therapies, and small-molecule drugs may be among the various alternatives for managing or preventing emerging SARS-CoV-2 infections. New interventions, on the other hand, are likely to take months to years to develop. Furthermore, existing antiviral agents commonly develop viral resistance along with certain side effects. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment medications without side effects against human coronavirus are urgently needed. Indian and Chinese traditional medicine have suggested some natural products for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of the diseases, including COVID-19 and various herbs and mushrooms that have been reported to possess potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, in this pandemic, traditional medicines pose a ray of hope for human health. The Ministry of Ayush, India, has also recommended a number of therapies to increase immunity in addition to ayurvedic treatments. Thus, the probability of naturally occurring substances as successful treatments against COVID-19 may seem hopeful due to their diverse biological and therapeutic properties. This review focuses on the latest updates of Ayurvedic herbs and spices as promising approaches for treatment during this devastating pandemic situation.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
Background: In December 2019, a large number of patients with a novel coronavirus were identified in Wuhan, China. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious and in-creasing the rate of mortality day by day. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020. Early diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 can restrict the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective(s): We aim to study the currently available diagnostic methods for COVID-19. Method(s): World Health Organisation portal, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention portal, Indian Council of Medical Research portal, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention por-tal, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, etc. were searched for obtaining data. Result(s): Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the number of prospective cases. The diagnostic strategy encompasses the screening of the virus with nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) such as real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Sero-logical testing is a diagnostic procedure used for identifying the presence of immune responses. Radiological findings in individuals with COVID-19 are characterised by multiple areas of consolida-tion in the chest. Rapid antigen tests are in-vitro diagnostics that have been designed to give results within 10-20 min. Conclusion(s): Rapid, simple, and safe diagnosis of COVID-19 has a great impact on deciding clinical and epidemiological factors. RT-PCR results often require 5 to 6 hours. Diagnosis by serologi-cal testing is not suitable but important epidemiologically. At present, the best radiological strategy remains undefined. Rapid antigen tests have limitations on sensitivity.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic reminds human beings of the challenging nature of the virus SARS-CoV-2. Likewise, bacterial resistance constitutes another potential threat to human health globally. It is the time to prepare for the worst scenario that antibiotic-resistant pathogens could cause 10 million deaths by 2050. Six major types of bacterial pathogens are abbreviated as ESKAPE (i.e., gram-positive Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) due to their capability of escaping the action of conventional antibiotics. These pathogens utilize different mechanisms to mitigate the killing effects of antibiotics. To identify potent antimicrobials, numerous approaches are under exploration. This chapter summarizes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), their engineered analogs, synthetic mimics, conjugates, combinations, formulated nanoparticles, and surface immobilized forms that have demonstrated activity against the ESKAPE pathogens. Also discussed are mechanisms of bacterial killing, and the potential of AMPs as future antibiotics. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
e-Health is a rising industry. At a time when physical healthcare facilities were full of COVID19 patients, the e-Health Industry has become even more diverse and is being resorted to as a primary healthcare system specially to treat regular health problems. The health data of millions of patients is being stored online. The same is done through the concept of Big Data and Data Mining in e-Health. In India, the National Digital Health Mission is aimed towards using this technique to simplify e-Health services. Though Big Data helps in optimizing operations and services, there is another issue which is rising these days. The issue pertains to the Privacy of an individual's sensitive personal data and information. Health data, which is considered as the most sensitive data of the individual, is stored online and is made available for the use of various stake holders. In such a scenario, the issue of privacy becomes even more prominent, and the security of the data becomes even more important. This paper studies the use of Big Data in context of Data Privacy. The paper focuses on the legal framework with respect to privacy in India and a comparison of the same with other countries. © 2022 Scrivener Publishing LLC.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Human history observed an arduous time fighting the novel infectious respiratory disease Covid-19 coronavirus, which started in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly across the globe in 2020. Economies and the countries including India around the world experienced dismay with nationwide lockdowns and the fear of the unknowing. The unforeseen circumstances enforced immediate transitions in the organizations' work environment through remote working, digital infrastructure, online collaborations and new ways of interaction. The pandemic altered the workplace trajectories in lasting ways as the employees settled into a new routine of working from home more quickly than imagined. Now, as India and many other countries slowly move beyond the crisis, there exists a need to realize the implications of the pandemic on the workplace and articulate the future of work. This article, therefore, investigates the key perceived benefits and the HR implications of the new and emerging concept of hybrid workplaces and presents an HRM framework for their successful adoption in India. The findings may prove crucial in framing new workplace norms and shaping them. Moreover, this research would provide practitioners, policymakers, business leaders and HR professionals insights about the need to review the existing workplaces and successfully roll out hybrid work models in accordance with HR strategies. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology of Systematic Review of Literature (SLR) was adopted to study the key perceived benefits and the HR implications of hybrid workplaces. Findings: The findings of the study would help business leaders, HR professionals, policymakers and researchers in developing HR policies and approaches for the adoption of the hybrid workplace as they chart the path toward the post-pandemic future. Research limitations/implications: The study stresses the HR implications of the future of work as the hybrid workplace paradigm evolves. The approach is explorative and would require quantitative validation in different sectors and countries. Originality/value: The study makes a direct link between the hybrid workplaces and the impetus for the transformation of HR strategies. It also examines the changing role of the human resources (HR) functions and professionals after the pandemic. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has affected the whole world severely. Lockdowns and quarantines are imposed all over the world to prevent its spread. Hand sanitizers and face masks were made compulsory for individuals to apply for safety of their own and their society. This project will check the presence or the absence of masks on the face of a person. There could be more than a single person in the input provided, and the input could vary from images to GIFs to Livestreams. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Lung ultrasound is a point-of-care diagnostic work-up tool used extensively in emergency departments. The COVID-19 Lung Ultrasound in Emergency Department (CLUE) protocol has shown initial promise in aiding emergency clinicians to make rapid and appropriate bedside clinical decisions. Its primary objective is to assess the performance of the lung ultrasound scoring system (LUSS) in determining SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia severity so that the patients can be moved to their designated ICUs, wards, or facility quarantine center from the emergency department. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection who were admitted/referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The data were descriptively analyzed using Graphpad Prism (vs. 9.2.0). Results: Out of 197 patients included in this study, 74.6% were men with a mean age of 45.3 ± 15.5 years. The men to women ratio was 2.9:1. The most frequent symptoms on presentation were fever (59.9% of cases), cough (54.3%), dyspnea (36%), and 16.2% of the patients were asymptomatic. The mean LUSS score of the patients with invasive support was 24.3 ± 4.5, as compared to 15.7 ± 5.9 in the non-invasive group. Overall, 64.4% patients did not require any respiratory support with a mean LUSS score of 2.3 ± 3.5. Out of 197 patients, 5 (2.5%) died during hospital stay. The mean LUSS score of survivors was 7.1 ± 8.2, as compared to 22.2 ± 4.3 of the deceased. Conclusion: The CLUE protocol can help in triaging the patients in the mild and moderate severity group and discharging them directly from the emergency department itself to either a facility quarantine center or to home isolation. It ultimately helps in avoiding unnecessary referrals, eliminating contamination, and optimum utilization of health resources.