ABSTRACT
Statins are the most widely used drugs for reducing lipid and cholesterol levels in the blood. However, statins have shown some adverse effects and less acceptance among patients; hence, new drugs have been promoted in the market. Furthermore, gemcabenes were discovered in 1995 and are now in phase II and III clinical trials. Gemcabene acts by inhibiting incorporation of 14C-acetate into hepatocytes and stops the mechanism of fatty acids and cholesterol synthesis. In this review the six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were scrutinized from the two databases by using keywords "Gemcabene" AND "Randomized Controlled Trial." The trials were mainly on animal models, and two studies were found to be associated with human subjects. The study concluded that gemcabene was effective as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduced lipid levels and the progression of fibrosis. Hence, further controlled trials are needed to determine its efficacy and safety in human subjects, along with the identification of adverse effects.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the frequency of smokers in patients who are confirmed to have COVID-19 through PCR testing and to determine the association of cigarette and windpipe smoking with the disease severity Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Medicines, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Services Hospital and Ittefaq Hospital Lahore, Pakistan from 13th June 2020 to 15th March 2021. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and sixty seven patients were taken from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Only COVID-19 PCR positive patients with age over 25 were selected to be part of the study. The COVID- 19 case was defined as mild moderate and severe based on the severity of symptoms. History of current and former smoking, mode of smoking whether windpipe or cigarette and the no. of pack years smoked was asked from each patient or next of kin in severe disease. Results: There were 39.5% females and 60.5% males. The smoking population was fairly low to about 12.53% among which 46 were cigarette smokers, 4 used windpipe and the other 4 had used both cigarette and windpipe. The no. of years smoked are divided into three groups and their relation with the severity of disease observed in this study. Conclusion: There was no significant association found between the disease severity in COVID-19 infection and smoking habit. Also, it was found that the intensity of smoking was unrelated to the severity of symptoms in COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Background: latrogenic and nosocomial infections are a serious threat to a healthcare setting especially during a pandemic. Hand hygiene among the health-care workers stands out to be a pivotal preventive measure. Practical application of hand hygiene measures during third wave of COVID-19 pandemic primarily depend upon the current knowledge among the health care workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study design based on validated WHO questionnaire for hand hygiene among the health care workers was conducted during March till May2021 in the settings of Shalamar and Central Park hospital and medical colleges. Results: The sample consisted of 271 participants with 110 males and 161 females, with the mean age of 24.72+ 4.174 years. The sample consisted of 36.2% of medical students, 49.1% of doctors and 14.8% of paramedical staff. Nearly 50.6% of the individuals claim to receive formal training. 47.6% believe that "Health-care workers' hands when not clean" are the main route of cross-transmission. Nearly 57.2% believed that the hospital environment (surfaces)the most frequent source of germs. Comparison of hand-rubbing and washing revealed that major percentage believe hand rub to be rapid however less effective causing dryness. A majority believe that hand hygiene before touching the patient, immediately after exposure to body fluids or immediate surroundings of patients prevents transmission of germs to the patient and vice versa afterwards prevents transmission to HCW. Conclusion: A large proportion of the sample has considerable knowledge regarding essential hand hygiene in a health care setting. However more frequent training sessions should be conducted to improve it further.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken humanity to its core. In the physical distancing, span of vaccination is the most remarkable protective measure for outspreading disease. Shutdown of universities and schools has made education undetermined at every levels. During this pandemic, the demand for a well-trained generation of upcoming doctors is greater than it has ever been in our living memory. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical education now requires mandatory e-learning. However, in emerging countries like India, the scope of the challenges remains unexplored (with wide socioeconomic and cultural diversity). At this critical juncture, we want to see if online teaching approaches for medical students are as appropriate, beneficial and accessible.Method: A cross-sectional study will be conducted in Ravi Nair College of Physiotherapy, India, with a sample size of 150 students aged 18 to 30 years with the study duration will be 6 months. The participants will be asked to fill the questionnaire through an electronic survey in Google Forms. And after completion of the study result will be calculated by systemic data analysis.Discussion: During the COVID-19 pandemics, this study will assess the approach of healthcare students in perceiving online learning. The research will help understand more about their views on e-learning as a device for assisting their education throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, a better understanding of this may aid in the formulation of future medical school curricula.The Institutional Ethical Clearance reference number for this study is RNPC/IEC/2020-21/0014.
Subject(s)
COVID-19ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) originating in Wuhan, China in December 2019 spread worldwide rapidly. It was declared as a global public health emergency, and subsequently as a pandemic by the WHO, owing to its worldwide spread. Currently, Covid-19 is of the gravest concern because of its high transmissibility, high mortality, rapid global spread, lack of knowledge about the disease and lack of management resources. Lockdown and self-quarantine measures have been implemented globally by various nations to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. In several nations, fitness centres and other public places, where people are normally active, had been temporarily closed to prevent further spread of infection. Being quarantined at home for extended periods makes it challenging to stay physically active. Recent studies demonstrated that regular physical activities and exercises lower the incidence of several communicable diseases, including the novel Covid-19 by enhancing the immune system. Regular exercises improve the components of physical fitness, which include muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, coordination, balance and agility, which in turn, enhance the physiological functions of the body. Regular exercises and relaxation techniques are some significant approaches aimed at improving one's overall health during the quarantine. Since organizations and governments worldwide had advised physical activity in quarantine, and also because regular physical activity is beneficial for both the physical and mental health, its role in the quarantine is significant. This review highlights the significance of physical activity and exercise in enhancing the well-being of individuals during the quarantine phase of Covid-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been identified in a group of community acquired pneumonia patients in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.(1) Within one month of its discovery, this novel coronavirus was rapidly spreading in all regions of China and 25 countries in Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and South America, North America. With the COVID 19 pandemic rapidly spreading in India and the world, it is imperative that the rehabilitation team understands virus's epidemiology quickly at the beginning stages of this certainly long global epidemic. Coronavirus is a novel virus, and it has no known immunity for most of the world population. This is more contagious and lethal than influenza viruses, and effective medication and a vaccine are months away. Our strategy against this is primarily social distancing and interventions to manage infections.