ABSTRACT
Introduction and Aim: In light of the ongoing pandemic Covid-19 and vaccination drive, our study intended to observe the association of reported side effects of Covid vaccine to menstrual cycle. There is no research done about covid vaccine effects on menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was conducted on females aged between 18-45 years who had received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. The google form containing the questionnaire adhered to the CHERRIES guidelines for online surveys, was circulated for 10 days and had 14 questions on the menstrual cycle, Covid vaccines and their side effects. Out of the 886 responses obtained, 129 did not meet our inclusion criteria and hence, 757 responses were considered for statistical analysis. The data were subjected to descriptive, Chi-square tests. Results: The data showed a significant (p=0.027) association of age with side effects of the Covid vaccine, with the younger age group experiencing more side effects than the older age group. The side effects of the Covid vaccine did not show association (p=0.34) to menstrual cycle phases nor there was significant (p= 0.87) disturbance to the menstrual cycle post-vaccination. Conclusion: As there were no association of Covid vaccine effects to menstrual cycle, our study may allay apprehension in women who are going to take Covid vaccine and update guidance to health professionals during vaccination drive.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To report a rarely isolated central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) following Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Moderna (mRNA-1273). Background: COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus was firstly reported in Dec 2019 and became pandemic as of Mar 2020. Fortunately, novel rapidly developed COVID-19 vaccines are capable of lessening the pandemic effectively. As billions of people vaccinated, however, COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombosis (VIT) are gradually emerging. Design/Methods: A previously healthy 70-year-old man presented with acute painless visual loss of the right eye five days after the first dose of Moderna vaccine. On examination of the right eye, visual acuity (VA) was counting finger at 15 cm. Fundoscopy revealed a diffuse whitened retina with cherry-red spot. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed hyperreflectivity. Screening tests for platelet and D-Dimer levels were unremarkable. CRAO was treated with clopidogrel and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The serum level of anti-platelet factor-4 (PF4) antibody was 73.34 ng/ml (ref, 0-49.99 ng/ml).Two months later, VA was counting finger at 10 cm3 and OCT revealed hyperreflectivity and mild inner retina atrophy Results: COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT) based on the victims receiving AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines is through autoimmune antibody against PF4. VITT is typically manifested within 6-24 days post-vaccination;thrombotic sites are in the cerebral sinus, portal vein, splanchnic vein, and pulmonary emboli;as well as thrombocytopenia and increased level of D-Dimer. Our patient had isolated CRAO five days post-Moderna vaccination but normal platelet count and D-Dimer level. Moreover, VIT with isolated CRAO was not published on PubMed. Conclusions: VIT could occur in the unusual site such as CRAO in our case. Normal platelet and D-Dimer levels might not be sensitive tools to exclude VIT. Suspected patient with thrombotic event after COVID-19 vaccines should have anti-PF4 antibody test to assure an effective treatment.
ABSTRACT
According to recent reports, the global market for melatonin is worth 700 million USD in 2018 and would reach 2,790 million USD by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% during 2019 to 2025. Having regard to the prevalence of sleep and circadian rhythm disorders and a clear tendency to increase the demand for melatonin, and the current lack of alternative green and cost-efficient technologies of its synthesis, the supply of this remedy will not be enough to guarantee melatonin supply and affordability on a global scale. The emergence of naturally occurring melatonin and its isomers in fermented foods has opened an exciting new research area; there are still, however, some obscure points in the efficient microbiological biosynthesis of melatonin. This review summarizes the research progress and recent evidence related to melatonin and its isomers in various foodstuffs. Additionally, one possible way to synthesize melatonin is also discussed. The evidence pointed out that the presence of melatonin and its isomers is not exclusive for grapes and grape-derived products, because it can be also found in sweet and sour cherries. However, different species of both Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts could be used to obtain melatonin and melatonin isomers in the process of alcoholic fermentation biotechnologically. The availability of L-tryptophan has been a key factor in determining the concentration of indolic compounds produced, and the utilization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria could help in the formation of melatonin isomers during malolactic fermentation. These approaches are environmentally friendly alternatives with a safer profile than conventional ones and could represent the future for sustainable industrial-scale melatonin production.