Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Remdesivir in the Treatment of COVID-19 Outpatients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The outbreak of acute respiratory syndrome with novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, caused a worldwide outbreak of the disease. To treat the disease, some drugs were identified and introduced that did not show a significant effect on the recovery of the disease. Due to the need to manage inpatient beds, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Remdesivir in the treatment of outpatients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Method(s): The present study was a retrospective cohort with a convenience sampling method. It was conducted by referring to the records of COVID-19 patients who were referred to the respiratory clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital as outpatients in the period from April to August 2021. Result(s): This study was conducted on 263 COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 51.16+/-14.39 years from 19 and 90 years old. Data were collected through a researcher-made checklist and analyzed using SPSS 20. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, paired t-test, and Mc Nemar's test were used to evaluate the data. The significance level was considered at the level of 0.05. Conclusion(s): Findings revealed that no clear correlation was found between hospitalization and death rate compared to other patients. In our study, the risk factors for severe COVID-19 did not affect the rate of hospitalization or death of patients.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Role of Angiotensin II in Cardiovascular Diseases: Introducing Bisartans as a Novel Therapy for Coronavirus 2019.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Major pathogenic phenotypes of CVDs include the development of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hyper-inflammatory responses. These phenotypes have been found to overlap with the pathophysiological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CVDs have been identified as major risk factors for severe and fatal COVID-19 states. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulatory system in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, its dysregulation is observed in CVDs, where upregulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling via angiotensin II (AngII) leads to the AngII-dependent pathogenic development of CVDs. Additionally, the interaction between the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 leads to the downregulation of the latter, resulting in the dysregulation of the RAS. This dysregulation favors AngII/AT1R toxic signaling pathways, providing a mechanical link between cardiovascular pathology and COVID-19. Therefore, inhibiting AngII/AT1R signaling through angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been indicated as a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of COVID-19. Herein, we review the role of AngII in CVDs and its upregulation in COVID-19. We also provide a future direction for the potential implication of a novel class of ARBs called bisartans, which are speculated to contain multifunctional targeting towards COVID-19.

Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Practitioners toward Geriatric Dental Care during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Study

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dentists toward geriatric dental care during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted among a self-selected sample of dentists from different parts of India. The first part of the questionnaire comprised 12 items that collected information regarding knowledge, and the second part comprised 14 items that assessed the attitude of participants toward geriatric dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Evaluating knowledge–65% of participants were aware of guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) for dentists that should be practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 93.6% were aware of post-COVID complications present in older adults after recovering from the acute phase of the disease. Evaluating attitude: A total of 69.8% of them found it difficult to deliver dental care to geriatric patients after following all the COVID-19 practice guidelines, and 97.1% of participants were willing to treat a post-COVID older adult in the dental clinic. Conclusion: A total of 69.8% of them found it difficult to deliver dental care to geriatric patients after following all the COVID-19 practice guidelines. Around 31.4% of dentists were not aware of the precautions to be taken to treat older adults with post-COVID complications. Hence there is a need for further studies on post-COVID complications and guidelines for treating the elderly during the pandemic. Clinical significance: As a consequence of newly emerged barriers and post-COVID complications, much poorer oral health outcomes might occur among geriatric patients in the near future. Hence it is important to understand the knowledge and attitude of dentists towards geriatric dental care in order to equip the already small workforce interested in geriatric oral health care. © The Author(s). 2023.

Effect of physical activity on stress and the sense of community during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of gender and age

Despite their effectiveness in minimizing the spread of infection, movement restrictions adopted during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been without their health-related consequences, including decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behavior. This study aimed to investigate differences in stress and sense of community among Korean citizens in various age groups according to the degree of their participation in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data collected during the Social Survey of Busan Metropolitan City 2020, the population of which included all household members over the age of 15. Data for a total of 33,082 participants (male = 15,129;female = 17,953) were extracted using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Age, stress level, and sense of community were analyzed using independent t-tests, while the frequency of participation in physical activity was analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test. Differences in stress level and community consciousness according to the frequency of physical activity were examined via multivariate analysis of variance. Variables exhibiting significant differences were evaluated for differences between groups through Scheffe's post hoc analysis. First, stress levels were higher among female adolescents than male adolescents. Among adults and older adults, men exhibited higher overall stress levels than women, whereas sense of community was stronger in women than men. Second, male adolescents in the regular physical activity participation group showed lower levels in some factors of stress than those in the nonparticipating group. Finally, a higher frequency of participation in physical activity among adults and older adults was associated with lower stress and higher sense of community, regardless of gender. In conclusion, regular participation in physical activity should be considered when designing strategies for managing stress and promoting social relationships at the national and individual levels during COVID-19 and any similar pandemics in the future.Copyright ©2023 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.

Using telemedicine to facilitate social distancing in otolaryngology: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: As the coronavirus 2019 pandemic puts strains on current models of otolaryngology practice, telemedicine is an attractive way for otolaryngologists to reduce in-person appointments while still addressing the health of their patients. This systematic review of the literature aims to identify the evidence basis for using telemedicine in otolaryngology practice to limit person-to-person interactions while achieving comparable quality to in-person services. METHODS: The authors gathered articles from three databases (Embase, PubMed and Web of Science), performed a comprehensive literature review of articles published on telemedicine since 2002, and selected articles for inclusion based on their relevance to otolaryngology and the potential of the intervention to improve patient social distancing. RESULTS: A total of 7153 articles were identified from the initial query. After review, 35 met the inclusion criteria. Of the included articles, 32 (91%), found their specific telemedicine intervention to be effective when compared to in-person services. Twenty articles (57%) were related to remote otoscopy. Other telemedical interventions included videoconferencing for peri-operative visits, diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess, telephone-based voice evaluations and evaluation of nasal fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Video-otoscopy is the most well-supported telemedical intervention which limits physical contact between otolaryngologists and their patients. Other interventions have also demonstrated efficacy but have yet to be as widely validated as video-otoscopy. Telehealth facilitators play a key role in providing high-quality telehealth services. More invasive procedures, such as laryngoscopy, require further evidence to demonstrate definite benefits in a telemedicine setting.

Content and Sentiment Analysis of The New York Times Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) Articles with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Leximancer

The purpose of this study was to prove the use of content and sentiment analysis to understand public discourse on Nytimes.com around the coronavirus (2019-nCOV) pandemic. We examined the pandemic discourses in the article contents, news, expert opinions, and statements of official institutions with natural language processing methods. We analyzed how the mainstream media (Nytimes.com) sets the community agenda. As a method, the textual data for the research were collected with the Orange3 software text-mining tool via the Nytimes.com API, and content analysis was conducted with Leximancer software. The research data were divided into three categories (first, mid, and last) based on the date ranges determined during the pandemic. Using Leximancer concept maps tools, we explained concepts and their relationships by visualizing them to show pandemic discourse. We used VADER sentiment analysis to analyze the pandemic discourse. The results gave us the distance and proximity positions of themes related to Nytimes.com pandemic discourse, revealed according to their conceptual definitions. Additionally, we compared the performance of six machine learning algorithms on the task of text classification. Considering the findings, it is possible to conclude that in Nytimes.com (2019-nCOV) discourse, some concepts have changed on a regular basis while others have remained constant. The pandemic discourse focused on specific concepts that were seen to guide human behavior and presented content that may cause anxiety to readers of Nytimes.com. The results of the sentiment analysis supported these findings. Another result was that the findings showed us that the contents of the coronavirus (2019-nCOV) articles supported official policies. It can be concluded that regarding the coronavirus (2019-nCOV), which has caused profound societal changes and has results such as death, restrictions, and mask use, the discourse did not go beyond a total of 15 main themes and about 100 concepts. The content analysis of Nytimes.com reveals that it has behavioral effects, such as causing fear and anxiety in people. Considering the media dependency of society, this result is important. It can be said that the agenda-setting of society does not go beyond the traditional discourse due to the tendency of individuals to use newspapers and news websites to obtain information.

The novel coronavirus conundrum, the pregnant woman, her child What the obstetrician-gynecologist is learning / The novel coronavirus conundrum, the pregnant woman, her child What the obstetrician-gynecologist is learning / La incógnita del nuevo coronavirus, la gestante y su niño Lo que el ginecobstetra está conociendo

RESUMEN El mundo ha cambiado en los últimos meses con la aparición de una enfermedad viral potencialmente severa viral denominada enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 - COVID 19. Inicialmente se la confundió con la influenza debido a síntomas similares, pero puede ocasionar complicaciones multiorgánicas severas como neumonía aguda mortal y dañar el corazón, los riñones, hígado, intestino, la coagulación sanguínea y la función del sistema nervioso. El periodo de incubación es de 5 a 7 días (rango 2 a 14 días), afectando principalmente a personas entre 30 y 79 años de edad, y con menos frecuencia por debajo de los 20 años de edad. La letalidad es alrededor de 5% (CI95% 0,5 a 15%). En el presente artículo se tratará de resumir lo que se conoce sobre su presentación clínica, y las recomendaciones del Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos, el Real Colegio de Obstetras y Ginecólogos, el Ministerio de Salud del Gobierno Español, y de instituciones médicas y revistas líderes especializadas, acerca de su presentación, prevención y manejo en las gestantes y recién nacidos.

ABSTRACT The world has changed in the last few months with the appearance of a potentially severe viral disease denominated coronavirus disease 2019 - COVID 19. Initially confused with influenza because of its similar symptoms, it can lead to severe multiorgan complications including acute, deadly pneumonia and damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, bowel, coagulation and nervous system function. The incubation period is 5 to 7 days (range 2 to 14 days); it is more frequent in persons 30 to 79 years old, and less in people under 20. Lethality is about 5% (95% CI 0.5-15%). In this paper, we summarize what is known about its clinical presentation and recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the Ministry of Health of Spain and specialized medical institutions and leading journals, on coronavirus disease-19 presentation, prevention and management in pregnant women and their newborns.

SARS-COVID-19 antibodies in pregnant women at a level III hospital in Peru / SARS-COVID-19 antibodies in pregnant women at a level III hospital in Peru / Anticuerpos anti-SARS-COV-2 en gestantes en un hospital nivel III de Perú

RESUMEN Introducción . La enfermedad de COVID-19 se propaga rápidamente. Se desconoce la seroprevalencia en mujeres embarazadas que ingresan a hospitalización y sus características propias en este tipo de población en Perú. Objetivo . Determinar la prevalencia y características clínico-epidemiológicas de gestantes con anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 en un hospital nivel III de Perú. Métodos . Estudio observacional de tipo transversal, realizado en el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal de Perú, entre el 15 de abril y 15 de mayo de 2020. Participaron todas las gestantes que ingresaron a hospitalización y fueron tamizadas para la infección por SARS-CoV-2 mediante pruebas serológicas, cuyos resultados fueron analizados conjuntamente con sus características clínicas y epidemiológicas, utilizando estadígrafos descriptivos e intervalos de confianza al 95%, y mediante la prueba de independencia de chi cuadrado con una significancia de 0,05. Resultados . Se tamizaron 2 419 embarazadas, identificando una prevalencia de 7,0% con resultados positivos a los anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IC95%: 6,1% a 8,1%). Se observó IgM en 10% (IC95%: 6,1% a 15,8%), IgM/IgG en 78,8% (IC95%: 71,8% a 84,6%), IgG en 11,2% (IC95%: 7% a 17,1%). El 89,4% de gestantes seropositivas fueron asintomáticas. Se observó como complicaciones obstétricas más frecuentes la rotura prematura de membranas (11,8%) y la preeclampsia (6,5%). No se halló asociación de las características clínico epidemiológicas y el tipo de respuesta serológica para el virus SARS-CoV-2 (p>0,05). Conclusiones . Las gestantes con ingreso hospitalario en el periodo estudiado presentaron prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 de 7,0%, siendo mayormente asintomáticas. No se evidenció asociación entre las características clínico-epidemiológicas analizadas y el tipo de respuesta de los anticuerpos anti- SARS-CoV-2.

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 disease spreads rapidly. Seroprevalence in pregnant women entering for hospitalization and clinical characteristics in this type of population in Peru is not known. Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of pregnant women with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at a level III hospital in Peru. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study performed at the National Maternal Perinatal Institute of Peru. Pregnant women admitted for hospitalization were screened for COVID-19 infection. Results of anti-SARSCoV-2 serological tests and information on maternal and perinatal characteristics were obtained. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals. Results: In 2 419 pregnant women screened we identified a prevalence of 7.0% of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (95% IC: 6.1% to 8.1%), including IgM in 10% (95% IC: 6.1% to 15.8%), IgM / IgG in 78.8% (95% IC: 71.8% to 84.6%), IgG in 11.2% (95% IC: 7.0% to 17.1%). 89.4% of the seropositive pregnant women were asymptomatic. Most frequent complications were premature rupture of membranes (11.8%) and preeclampsia (6.5%). No association was found between clinical and epidemiologic characteristics and type of serological response to SARS-CoV-2 (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women had prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of 7.0% on admission to the hospital; most of them were asymptomatic. There was no association between clinical-epidemiological characteristics analyzed and type of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response.

The F/B ratio as a biomarker for inflammation in COVID-19 and T2D: Impact of metformin.

The pandemic of COVID-19 has highlighted the intricate relationship between gut microbiome and overall health. Recent studies have shown that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut microbiome may be linked to various diseases including COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Understanding the link between gut microbiome and these diseases is essential for developing strategies for prevention and treatment. In this study, 115 participants were recruited and divided into three groups: 1st group: T2D patients and healthy controls, 2nd group: COVID-19 patients with and without T2D, 3rd group: T2D patients with COVID-19 treated with or without metformin. Gut microbial composition at the phylum level was assessed using qRT-PCR with universal primers targeting the bacterial 16 S rRNA gene and specific primers for Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA, logistic regression, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The study found that the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) was higher in patients with both T2D and COVID-19 compared to those with only T2D or COVID-19. Additionally, the F/B ratio was positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) in T2D and COVID-19 patients. The study also suggests that metformin treatment may affect this correlation. Logistic regression analysis showed that the F/B ratio was significantly associated with CRP. These findings suggest that the F/B ratio may be a potential biomarker for inflammation in T2D and COVID-19 patients and metformin treatment may have an effect on the correlation between F/B and CRP levels.

Early laboratory hematological parameters associated with COVID-19 mortality in an Amazonian population of Peru

COVID-19 has a significant impact on the hematopoietic system and hemostasis. Leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia are associated with increased severity and even death in COVID-19 cases. Objective: The aim is to examine the laboratory results of COVID-19 patients from a hospital in the Peruvian Amazon and their clinical prognosis. Material and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out whose purpose was to identify the laboratory tests of patients with COVID-19 and mortality in a hospital in Ucayali, Peru during the period from March 13 to May 9, 2020, selecting a total of 127 with Covid-19. Mean and the standard deviation was described for age, leukocytes, neutrophils, platelets, RDW-SD;median and interquartile range for the variables lymphocyte, RN / L, fibrinogen, CRP, D-dimer, DHL, hematocrit, monocytes, eosinophils. Results: No differences were observed in this population regarding death and sex (OR: 1.31;95% CI 0.92 to 1.87), however, it was observed that, for each one-year increase, the probability of death increased by 4% (PR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.05). The IRR (Incidence Risk Ratio) analysis for the numerical variables showed results strongly associated with hematological values such as Leukocytes (scaled by 2500 units) ( IRR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.13), neutrophils (scaled by 2500 units) (IRR: 1.08;95% CI 1.03 to 1.13), on the contrary, it is observed that the increase of 1000 units in lymphocytes, the probability of dying decreased by 48% (IRR: 0.52;95% CI 0.38 to 071). Conclusions: Parameters such as leukocytes,neutrophils and D-dimer were statistically much higher in patients who died.

An Assessment of Impact of Demographic Factors on Morbidity and Mortality of Covid 19 Patients

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) has emerged as a rapidly spreading communicable disease affecting more than 100 countries across the globe at present and leading cause of mortality worldwide. The current research is an attempt to assess the impact of demographics on morbidity and mortality of COVID 19. METHODOLOGY: This is a Retrospective Study Design, and a survey was conducted from January to June 2021 among COVID 19 patients in and around warangal district, Telangana. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: A total of 1347 respondents were included in this study.The demographic finding that impact COVID 19 are Gender [male (64.7%) and female (35.3%)], Age [15-35years (38%), 16-55years (44.2%), above 55years (17.8%)] and Education [literates (86.9%), Illiterates (13.1%)]. CONCLUSION(S): Demographics such as gender, age, followed by social habits like smoking, alcoholism were found to be major contributing factor for in increasing severity of disease among study population.Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Seroincidencia de anticuerpos IgG del SARS-CoV-2 y factores de riesgo en trabajadores sanitarios asintomáticos del Hospital Departamental de Villavicencio

Objetivo: Estimar la seroincidencia acumulada de inmunoglobulinas (Ig) clase G (IgG) anti-SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de la salud asintomáticos y su asociación epidemiológica dentro de las áreas funcionales del Hospital Departamental de Villavicencio (HDV). Metodología: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional analítico longitudinal de una cohorte de trabajadores, donde cada 21 días, en tres oportunidades, se midieron IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 en suero sanguíneo, a través de ELISA indirecto, en una muestra representativa aleatoria (n = 105) de trabajadores sanitarios del hospital (N = 756). Como instrumento de recolección de datos se utilizó una encuesta, donde cada trabajador sanitario declaró no haber sido diagnosticado con COVID-19, e igualmente registró la información sobre las variables independientes: sexo, edad, condición laboral, área funcional y comorbilidades. Resultados: La prevalencia inicial para SARS-CoV-2 entre los trabajadores sanitarios asintomáticos del HDV fue de 9,52 % (IC 95 % 5,25-16,65). La seroincidencia acumulada durante 42 días fue de 12,38 % (IC 95 % 7,38-20,04). El riesgo relativo (RR) se utilizó para establecer los factores de riesgo asociados a las variables independientes. El sexo masculino (RR ajustado = 3,34, IC 95 % 1,98-5,86), obesidad (RR ajustado = 10,98, IC 95 % 1,41-85,98) y sexo femenino (RR ajustado = 2,15, IC 95 % 1,12-4,31) en las áreas funcionales de Hospitalización, Medicina Crítica y Urgencias, respectivamente, son factores de riesgo en el HDV. Conclusión: Un total de 13 de 105 trabajadores sanitarios del hospital seroconvirtieron positivamente para SARS-CoV-2 y fueron asintomáticos durante 42 días de seguimiento epidemiológico. Además, existen factores de riesgo importantes en su exposición a este virus en el HDV.Alternate : Objetivo: Estimar a incidência zero acumulada de imunoglobulinas (Ig) classe G (IgG) anti-SARS-CoV-2 em profissionais de saúde assintomáticos e sua associação epidemiológica dentro das áreas funcionais do Hospital Estadual de Villavicencio (HDV). Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo observacional analítico longitudinal de uma coorte de profissionais, no qual a cada 21 dias, em três ocasiões mediram-se IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 em soro sanguíneo, através de ELISA indireto, em uma amostra representativa aleatória (n = 105) de profissionais de saúde do hospital (N =756). Como instrumento de recolecção de dados foi usada uma pesquisa, onde cada profissional de saúde declarou não ter sido diagnosticado com COVID-19, e igualmente registrou a informação sobre as variáveis independentes: sexo, idade, condições de trabalho, área de atuação e comorbidades. Resultados: A prevalência inicial para SARS-CoV-2 entre os profissionais de saúde assintomáticos do HDV foi de 9,52% (IC 95% 5,25-16,65). A incidência zero acumulada durante 42 dias foi de 12,38% (IC 95% 7,38-20,04). O risco relativo (RR) foi utilizado para estabelecer os fatores de risco associados às variáveis independentes. O sexo masculino (RR ajustado 3,34, IC 95% 1,98-5,86), obesidade (RR ajustado 10,98, IC 95% 1,41-85,98) e sexo feminino (RR ajustado 2,15, IC 95% 1,12-4,31) nas áreas funcionais de Internação, Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e Urgências, respectivamente, são fatores de risco no HDV. Conclusão: Um total de 13 de 105 profissionais de saúde do hospital foram detectados positivamente para SARS-CoV-2 e foram assintomáticos durante 42 dias de seguimento epidemiológico. Além disso, existem importantes fatores de risco na sua exposição a este vírus no HDV.Alternate : Objective: To estimate the cumulative seroincidence of anti-sars-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) class G (IgG) in asymptomatic health care workers and its epidemiological association within the functional areas of the Villavicencio Departmental Hospital (HDV). Methodology: A longitudinal analytical observational study of a cohort of workers was conducted in which anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels in blood serum were measured every 21 days on three occasions using an in irect ELISA in a random representative sample (n = 105) of hospital health workers (N = 756). The data collection tool was a survey in which each healthcare worker indicated that they had not been diagnosed with COVID-19 and provided information on the independent variables: sex, age, job status, functional area, and comorbidities. Results: The baseline prevalence for SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic HDV healthcare workers was 9.52% (CI 95% 5.25-16.65). Cumulative seroincidence over 42 days was 12.38% (CI 95% 7.38-20.04). Relative risk (RR) was used to establish the risk factors associated with the independent variables. Male sex (adjusted RR 3.34, CI 95% 1.98-5.86), obesity (adjusted RR 10.98, CI 95% 1.41-85.98) and female sex (adjusted RR 2.15, CI 95% 1.12-4.31) in the functional areas of Hospitalization, Critical Medicine and Emergency, respectively, are risk factors in the HDV. Conclusion: During 42 days of epidemiological follow-up, 13 out of 105 hospital healthcare workers seroconverted positively for SARS-CoV-2 and remained asymptomatic. Additionally, significant risk factors are associated with their exposure to this virus in the HDV.

Statistical process monitoring techniques for covid-19

The global negative impact of Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) disease in vital sustainability points of social functionality, such as health and economics, is indisputable. State authorities and societies in general have found themselves confronted with new regularities while trying to understand and measure the behaviour of this new disease. Statistical process monitoring (SPM) constitutes a method of quality control which employs various powerful tools to monitor and control a process. Such tools should be able to illustrate the evolution over time of the behavior of quality characteristics, either measurable or countable, and at the same time detect anomalies. The use of SPM is very common among various organizations which make use of control charts for capturing the behavior of processes or systems that evolve over time. This chapter presents a real case study on Covid-19 cases regarding 10 countries of the Mediterranean basin based on the four-epoch/phase framework. © ISTE Ltd 2022.

Why do we vent our emotions and blame others during the coronavirus pandemic? The role of emotional clarity in the United States and South Korea (¿Por qué ventilamos nuestras emociones y culpabilizamos a otras personas durante la pandemia del coronavirus? El rol de la claridad emocional en los Estados Unidos y Corea del Sur)

People have been experiencing more negative affect (NA) during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic than prior to its onset. This may increase instances of people venting their emotions and blaming others to relieve the flood of unregulated NA. This study examined individuals' venting and blaming processes within the context of the pandemic and explored the mediating role of emotional clarity across cultures. We conducted an online survey with 210 and 197 participants from the US and South Korea, respectively. The results of the moderated mediation analysis showed that individuals' NA during the pandemic significantly affected their venting and blaming via emotional clarity among US participants. This finding implies that when people in individualistic cultures do not fully understand their emotions, they are more likely to vent to or blame others. This can serve as a potential risk factor for hate crimes during the pandemic. Conversely, the mediation effect of emotional clarity was not significant among South Korean participants, suggesting dissimilar roles played by emotional clarity in individualistic versus collectivistic cultures in managing NA. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] RESUMEN Las personas han estado experimentando más afectos negativos (AN) durante la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 que antes de su aparición. Esto puede aumentar los casos de personas que ventilan sus emociones y culpabilizan a los demás para aliviar el flujo de afectos negativos (AN) no regulados. Este estudio analizó los procesos de ventilación emocional y culpabilización de los individuos en el contexto de la pandemia, y estudió el rol mediador de la claridad emocional entre culturas. Realizamos una encuesta online con 210 y 197 participantes de Estados Unidos y Corea del Sur, respectivamente. Los resultados del análisis de mediación moderada mostraron que los AN de los individuos durante la pandemia afectaron significativamente su forma de ventilar sus emociones y culpabilizar a través de la claridad emocional entre los participantes de los Estados Unidos. Este hallazgo implica que cuando las personas de culturas individualistas no conocen plenamente sus emociones, tienen más probabilidades de ventilarlas o de culpabilizar a otros. Esto puede servir como un factor de riesgo potencial para delitos de odio durante la pandemia. Y a la inversa, el efecto de mediación de la claridad emocional no fue significativa entre los participantes de Corea del Sur, lo que sugiere que los roles de la claridad emocional no son similares en las culturas individualistas y en las culturas colectivistas a la hora de gestionar los AN. (Spanish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Revista de Psicologia Social is the property of Routledge 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.)

Guillain-Barre Syndrome and COVID-19 Vaccine: A Report of Nine Patients

Introduction: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy usually elicited by an upper respiratory tract infection. Several studies reported GBS associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. In this study, we described nine GBS patients following the COVID-19 vaccine.Methods: In this study, nine patients were introduced from six referral centers for neuromuscular disorders in Iran between April 8 and June 20, 2021. Four patients received the Sputnik V, three patients received the Sinopharm, and two cases received the AstraZeneca vaccine. All patients were diagnosed with GBS evidenced by nerve conduction studies and/or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.Results: The median age of the patients was 54.22 years (ranged 26-87 years), and seven patients were male. The patients were treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) or Plasma Exchange (PLEX). All patients were discharged with some improvements.Conclusion: The link between the COVID-19 vaccine and GBS is not well understood. Given the prevalence of GBS over the population, this association may be coincidental;therefore, more studies are needed to investigate a causal relationship.

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infected population during the second and third epidemiological waves in Sri Lanka

Objective: To analyze data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infected population whose samples were received from Medical Research Institute, Sri Lanka. Method(s): Laboratory based retrospective study was done on patient samples which were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by National Reference Virology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute, Sri Lanka, from November, 2020 to November, 2021. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and clinical presentation of 13 126 patients were examined. Result(s): The mean age of the study population was (36.0+/-7.2) years and the majority were men (64.0%). The highest number of positive cases were found in the 21-30 years-of-age group. Two distinct peaks were noted in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals. In addition, 42.5% of the positive samples tested positive (42.5%) were from Medical Officer of Health collection centres. Furthermore, 60.6% (7 951) of the infected subjects were asymptomatic whereas the remaining were symptomatic. The highest percentage of symptomatic patients were observed in the 91-100 years-of-age group while the highest asymptomatic subjects were found in the 31-40 years-of-age group. The percentage of asymptomatic children (65.3%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of adults (43.4%). Conclusion(s): The findings of this study aid decision makers to focus on the vulnerable groups, and geographic and temporal distribution of patients in the public health strategies that aim at preventing the spread of the disease and reducinig its mortalities.Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Controlling Coronavirus Infection: 'Plan B' Based on Non-vaccine / Drug Interventions

COVID-19 pandemic affected over 227 countries with more than 147 million infections that claimed 31.22 lacs lives. The first case of the pandemic was reported from China in Dec, 2019 showing pneumonia like symptoms that turned out to be the novel strain of coronavirus (2019-n-CoV). The WHO declared 2019-nCoV infection as the Public Health Emergency of International Concern and the disease named coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The infection curve of the pandemic has been flattened in many countries around the world, but the effective new antiviral drugs or vaccine has not yet developed. So far, we are saved by non-pharmaceutical interventions like handwashing, social distancing, quarantine, masks and health-care workers by personal protective equipments. Now the question arises that what we do if no effective drug or vaccine emerges? In the absence of effective drug/vaccines, pandemic has to be fought at community level not at hospi-tals. For such emergent situations, we need a 'Plan B' based non-vaccine/drug interventions.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Adverse Events of BNT162b2 (Pfizer) COVID-19 Vaccine in Children Aged 12 to 17 Years in Thailand

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been sabotaging the world over the last two years and vaccine is one of the key solutions. However, the concerns over its side effects can cause vaccine refusal, subsequently affecting many countries' education system recovery plans. Objective(s): To actively evaluate adverse effects and their severity following COVID-19 immunization among schoolchildren aged 12 to 17 years, to support parents' decision-making. Material(s) and Method(s): The present study was an observational study whereby a Google-form survey on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine adverse effects (CVAE) was responded between January and April 2022 by 537 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze basic characteristics. Chi-square tests were performed for comparative analyses between junior (aged 12 to 15 years) versus senior (aged 16 to 17 years) high school students, and McNemar's test for the first dose versus second dose groups analysis with a significance level set at p-value less than 0.05. Result(s): At least one CVAE was reported in 93.85% of the included participants, albeit mostly mild. The most common symptom as a local event was tenderness at the puncture site (82.50%), whereas systemic events were predominated by myalgia (74.67%). The second dose was associated with increased frequency and severity of adverse effects compared to the first dose (p<0.001). The older age group had significantly more side effects compared to the younger group (p<0.05). Conclusion(s): The high incidence of CVAEs in schoolchildren was predominated by mild symptoms, with the second dose and older group associated with increased frequency of symptoms. The predominance of mild symptoms found in the present study may help reduce the concerns of parents over CVAEs, ultimately accelerating vaccine coverage in the children group, which is still a gap in vaccine administration.Copyright © 2023 JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THAILAND.