Recurrent COVID-19 Waves and Lockdown: Impact on Daily Life and Mental Health of People in Nepal

Background. Lockdown is recognized as an effective measure in limiting the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the world. However, recurrent COVID-19 infection and the extension of lockdown have threatened the livelihoods of people, mainly socioeconomic and mental health dimensions. Objective. The present study is aimed at identifying the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the daily life and mental health of the general population of Nepal. Furthermore, the study identified the predictors of the mental health status of the people during COVID-19 lockdown. Methods. The study was conducted among 354 Nepalese people specifically the breadwinner of the family. Respondents completed the questionnaires related to the sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19, and its impact on various aspects of life, including mental health via Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21). Data was collected through the web-based method, Google Forms questionnaire. Respondents were contacted through email and social networks (Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber) following a snowball approach. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify significant demographic, COVID-related, and socioeconomic factors associated with mental health outcomes. Results. Based on DASS-21 scores, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 46.6% (mild: 22.3%, moderate: 16.7%, severe: 6.5%, and extremely severe: 1.1), 42.1% (mild: 10.2%, moderate: 18.6%, severe: 11.6%, and extremely severe: 1.7%), and 39% (mild: 16.7%, moderate: 12.7%, and severe: 9.6%), respectively. Various factors associated with COVID-19, its lockdown measures, and sociodemographic characteristics of the people were identified as the significant predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress among the general population of Nepal. Conclusion. The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on individuals' work, income, education, living standard, lifestyle, and consequently mental health is significant. The study findings warrant the importance of understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals' all aspects of life and timely monitoring and appropriate intervention on risk groups to reduce the severity and chronicity of mental health problems.

Predictive analysis, diagnosis of COVID-19 through computational screening and validation with spectro photometrical approach

Objective: To develop Favipiravir, based predictive models of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from small molecule databases such as PubChem, Drug Bank, Zinc Database, and literature. Method(s): High Throughput Virtual Screening (HTVS) using different computational screening methods is used to identify the target and lead molecules. CoMFA (Comparative Molecular Field Analysis) is a 3D-QSAR procedure depending on information from known dynamic atoms and eventually permits one to plan and anticipate exercises of particles. These two analysis is used to train predictive models. Result(s): The predictive model achieved the highest accuracy score with a relatively small dataset size can be a subject of overfitting. Datasets with over 500 samples demonstrate an accuracy of about 85-95%, that can be considered as very good. Conclusion(s): From the result it is observed that Increasing level of potassium, sodium and nitrogen will lead to burst lipid bilayer membrane of virus which cause RNA replication rapidly. However, low level of sodium, potassium and nitrogen will help in the DNA polymerase inhibition and replication can be stopped. The best developed QSAR model in terms of the druggability and activity relation has been selected over the parent Favipiravir molecule for designing COVID-19 drugs may lead towards pharmaceutical development in future.Copyright © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science.

Higher pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific seroconversion after two doses of COVAXINTM, COVISHIELDTM vaccination in renal transplant recipients

Introduction: Generating adequate cellular and humoral responses are essential principle of vaccination. Immune system of renal transplant recipient remained compromised and speculated to less likely to develop antibody after vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is required for the protection from subsequent viral infection. During COVID-19 disease, anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody formation was correlated with the inflammatory cytokines level. Although, there is limited informations about serum cytokines and antibody formation after COVAXINTM, COVISHIELDTM vaccination in RTRs. Therefore, in the current study, we have evaluated the inflammatory cytokines response and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody formation in renal transplant recipient. Method(s): In this study, we have recruited 171 live-related renal transplant recipients vaccinated with two doses of either COVAXINTM (whole inactivated virus-based vaccine) or COVISHIELDTM (Simian adenovirus containing full-length spike protein-based vaccine). A 5 ml blood sample was collected after two weeks of 2nd dose of vaccination. The serum was separated and stored at -200C till the analysis. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific IgG antibody titer was determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay methods and Cytokines IL-10, TGF-beta, IFN-gamma, IL-6 were measured by the ELISA techniques. Result(s): The overall anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein specific seroconversion after vaccination was observed in 149/171(87.13%) of RTRs with median IgG titer in seroconversion group 1191.90 (IQR, 398.70-2652.45) au/ml. The median and interquartile serum cytokines IL-10 level in seroconversion (n=149) vs non-seroconversion (n=22) group was 88.89 (IQR, 55.5-125.92) vs 92.59 (IQR, 48.14-148.14) pg/ml. The median TGF-beta level in seroconversion vs non-seroconversion group was 692.10 (IQR, 446.05-927.63) vs 1001.31 (IQR, 813.15-1125.65) pg/ml. The median IL-6 level in seroconversion vs non-seroconversion group was 46.66 (33.3-66.66) vs 28.33 (16.66-34.16) pg/ml. The median IFN-gamma level in seroconversion vs non-seroconversion group was 98.0 (IQR, 57.40-111.60) vs 50.0 (IQR, 30.55-52.55) pg/ml. The cytokines IL-6 and IFN-gamma level was positively correlated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific protein antibody titer (r=0.192;p=0.012), IFN-gamma (r=0.188;p=0.014). TGF-beta and IL-10 were negatively correlated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific protein antibody titer. For IL-10 (r=-0.065;p=0.39), for TGF-beta (r=-0.246;p=0.002). Further IFN-gamma was negatively correlated with TGF-beta (r=-0.268;p<0.001). Conclusion(s): Higher pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-gamma) levels were associated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific seroconversion, whereas higher anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta were negatively associated with seroconversion after vaccination in renal transplant recipients. No conflict of interestCopyright © 2023

A Study on the Impact of Covid-19 on the Investment Pattern of Investors with Specific Reference to Traditional Investment (Real Estate and Gold) and Market Based Financial Products (Equities) in Mumbai

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to study the Impact of Covid-19 on the Investment pattern of Investors with specific reference to Traditional Investment (Real estate and Gold) and and Market based Financial products(Equities) in Mumbai Objectives: - The primary objective of this research paper is to study and analyse the degree of investor preference towards certain asset classes such as Gold, Equity, Real Estate etc, before and after the outbreak of Covid - 19. Design/methodology/approach - Data was collected from 100 respondents across different age/income and qualification groups. Statistical tests of Paired - t test and ANOVA were applied to test the hypotheses and analyse the collected data. Findings-Covid - 19 has had a significant impact on investor preference towards real estate, however the impact on investor preferences towards Gold and Equity has not been significant. Also Qualification and Income too have had significant impact on specific investment avenues. Conclusion(s): - Investor preferences are dynamic. They are influenced by investor behavior and no of external factors. This research has made an honest attempt to comprehend the of preferences of investors in pre and post covid situations. Generally Investors prefer asset classes that ensure constant and steady returns at minimum risk. Ultimately Investment is a rational decision that depends on the individual's risk appetite and return expectations arising out subjective assessment of multiple factors.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the health, economic and environmental impacts of COVID-19: The Bangladesh perspective

Although COVID-19 has given an opportunity to the earth to restore her ecosystem, its role in bringing changes in every sector including social, economic, agricultural, industrial, education and health is enormous. The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 in Bangladesh by collecting data from different sources. The result depicted that during the first wave of COVID-19, the detection rate was less than 5%, exceeding almost 30% after detecting the deadlier Indian variant where 65% of the death is noticed by the people older than 50 years. Among all the frontline service providers during Covid, the highest rate of death was observed for doctors in Bangladesh. This study also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and found that women faced more depression and anxiety than men as well as 43% of children had subthreshold mental disturbances. Three-fourths of the adolescents have been distressed with household stress during the pandemic. Women and girls have encountered increased domestic violence whereas early marriages dropped out many rural girls from education. Decreasing remittance from non-residents and shutting down of RMG industry resulted loss of job and have badly affected economic section. Almost 20 million workers lost their jobs in Bangladesh from the informal sector. Moreover, the healthcare workers who have treated the corona virus patients have been socially stigmatized due to the fear of infection. Corona Virus has jeopardized the agriculture sector and 66% farmers (53% crop and vegetables, 99% fish farmers) got lower price than they used to get in a normal situation. Together with Government, non-government organizations, researchers, doctors, industrialists, international organization as well as individuals should come forward to handle this pandemic. © 2021 The Author(s)

Yoga may Prevent Cytokine Storm in COVID-19

The pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as the most threat-ening public health challenge. The clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic and mild clinical symptoms to acute respiratory-distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. Apart from the respiratory system, other organ systems like cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal systems are also involved. Cytokine storm is a condition of systemic inflammatory cytokine rampage through the bloodstream leading to life-threatening complications. There is an urgent need for the prevention of infection and effective man-agement. Yoga is a profound science with both immunity-boosting and immune-modulating capacity. We propose that yoga-based intervention may aid in improving health with its immunity-boosting potential and preventing the exuberant inflammatory cytokine storm, thus reducing the severity of the disease. It can also reduce stress, anxiety, and co-morbid depression by promoting neuroplasticity and prevents persistent activation of the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis and thus may reduce disease severity. It may also enhance the immunity of caretakers and make them more emotionally resilient. Thus, yoga can be useful for enhancing immunity, stress reduction and may prevent the exaggerated immune response to the cytokine storm.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

COVID-19: A Daily Dose of Yoga to Cope with Anxiety

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly created unbearable psy-chological pressure on our minds such as anxiety, fear, worry, changing sleep patterns, changing eating patterns, worsening of existing chronic or mental health conditions, etc. There is an urgent need for the adoption of an effective coping strategy. We propose that yoga-based intervention may aid in improving mental and physical health with its multi-faceted dimensions.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

An Overview on COVID-19: Clinical Features, Treatment and Prevention

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a transmissible illness produced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has now quickly expanded since its outbreak in Wuhan City of Hubei region of China to the other parts of the world. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the spread of COVID-19 emerges typically hu-man-to-humans through respiratory droplets within an area of 1-2 meters. Aims and Objective: In the present perspective, we have discussed some of the measures taken to pre-vent and treat the patients suffering from COVID-19, and how to restrict further spread of COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2. Result(s): The general clinical properties are fever, cough, sore throat, headache, tiredness, myalgia and difficulty in breathing. Presently no approved treatments for COVID-19, as of now, no pharmaceutical products have been revealed to be harmless and efficient for the management of COVID-19. Various anti-viral medicines e.g. ribavirin, lopinavir, and ritonavir have been utilized supported on the familiar-ity with SARS and MERS. Many drugs and vaccines are currently being studied in clinical trials, jointly (Solidarity trial) co-sponsored by the WHO. Conclusion(s): The use of a mask by fit people in community areas to guard against respiratory viral disease is presently recommended by WHO. Patients must be kept in individual rooms, the rooms, surfaces and equipment should go through standard sanitization, possibly with sodium hypochlorite. Conse-quently, apart from restricting this epidemic, efforts should be made to plan wide-ranging procedures to thwart potential outbreaks of the zoonotic sources.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Emissions of black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Potential implications of cultural practices during the Covid-19 pandemic

Emissions of black carbon (BC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various anthropogenic activities are often reported, yet cultural practices such as the multi-day Diwali festival and its influences on the emissions of these compounds are often overlooked. Major activities during this festival include burning rows of oil-filled earthen lamps (diyas) and fireworks (bursting of crackers). A comprehensive field investigation was conducted to document the role of Diwali celebrations on the releases of BC and PAHs during the ongoing Covid pandemic. The results show that large-scale releases of BC and PAHs were observed on the first day of Diwali compared to the remaining four days. BC and PM2.5 mass concentrations throughout the monitoring period ranged from 3.24 to 27.64 µg m−3 and 83.33 to 288.13 µg m−3, respectively. The source apportionment was performed based on the calculated backward trajectories. The results show that the contribution of fossil fuel emission at Adityapur (ADP), Sakchi (SAK), and Gamharia (GMA) was approximately 36.1 %, 34.4 %, and 55.56 %, while biomass burning contribution was approx. 56.9 %, 59.9 %, 41.67 %, respectively. The result showed that fossil fuel emissions were lower compared to biomass combustion during Diwali. Simultaneously, PAHs diagnostic ratio showed that vehicular discharge and coal burning significantly contributed to PAHs at these study sites. © 2022 The Author(s)

Human Leukocyte Antigen Association with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Antibody Seroconversion in Renal Allograft Recipients - An Observational Study

Cellular and humoral responses are required for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) eradication. Antigen-presenting cells load SARS-CoV-2 peptides on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) with different avidities and present to T- and B-cells for imposing humoral and cellular responses. Due to immunosuppression, renal transplant recipient (RTR) patients are speculated to poorly form the antibody against the SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, determining the association of specific HLA alleles with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody formation will be helpful in managing the RTR having specific HLA alleles from SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Material(s) and Method(s): In this study, anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody in 161 RTRs was determined by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay methods, and HLA alleles were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-single-strand oligonucleotide methods and analyzed to study the HLA allele association with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific humoral response and severity of COVID-19 symptoms in recently SARS-CoV-2-infected RTRs. Result(s): The anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein specific antibody seroconversion rate in RTRs was 90.06% with a median titer of 751.80 AU/ml. The HLA class I alleles, A*11 in 22.1%, A*24 in 21.37%, A*33 in 20.68%, HLA B*15 in 11%, B*07 in 8.27%, HLA-C*30 in 20.93%, C*70 in 23.25% and HLA Class II alleles, DRB1*07 in 18.62%, DRB1*04 in 13.8%, HLA-DRB1*10 in 14.48%, HLA-DQA1*50 in 32.55% of RTRs were associated with the seroconversion. The mean SARS-CoV-2 clearance time was 18.25 +/- 8.14 days. Conclusion(s): RTRs with SARS-CoV-2 infection developed a robust seroconversion rate of 90.0% and different alleles of HLA-B, DRB1, and DQA1 were significantly associated with the seroconversion. Copyright © 2022 Indian Journal of Transplantation.

Association of Human Leucocyte Antigens with Anti-Sars-Cov-2 Spike Protein Antibody Formation in Response to Vaccination in Renal Allograft Recipient

BACKGROUND: Cellular and humoral response are required for SARS-CoV-2 eradication. Antigen-presenting cell loads SARS-CoV-2 peptides on human leukocyte antigen with different avidity and present to T and B cell for humoral and cellular activity. Due to immunosuppression, renal transplant recipient patients are speculated to poorly form the antibody against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, determining the association of specific HLA alleles with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody formation will be helpful in managing the renal transplant recipient patients having specific HLA alleles from SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the association of human leukocyte antigens with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody formation in response to vaccination in renal allograft recipient METHODS: In this study, anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody in 78 renal allograft recipient patients were determined by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay methods and human leukocyte antigen alleles were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-single strand oligonucleotide methods and analyzed to study the association of human leukocyte antigens with anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody formation in response to vaccination in renal allograft recipient RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in seroconversion vs non-seroconversion (45.88 +/- 8.86 vs 45.55 +/- 8.74, p value - 0.90). The post-transplant interval in seroconversion vs non-seroconversion (103.63 +/- 57.57 vs 77.45 +/- 35.25, p value - 0.14). The duration between the vaccination with both the doses and sample collection of renal transplant recipients in seroconversion vs non- seroconversion (47.58 +/- 30.18 vs 45.55 +/- 35, p value - 0.85). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody seroconversion rate in renal allograft recipients were 85.9% with median titer in seroconversion vs non- seroconversion 3175.00 (IQR, 798.50 - 8391.70) vs 5.50 (IQR, 4.10 - 8.20, p value - 0.001). In covishield vs covaxin group 2500.70 (IQR, 146.40 - 7705.60) vs 1828.70 (IQR, 665.00 - 3765.10, p value - 0.63). The frequency of HLA class I alleles A*26 was 18.18%, B*08 was 18.18%, C*05 was 25% and Class II HLA alleles - DRB1*03 was 18.18%, and HLADQA1* 20 was 25% of patient were significantly associated with non-seroconversion and C*06 was 18.75% were significantly associated with seroconversion. CONCLUSION(S): Renal transplant recipients with anti-SARSCoV- 2 vaccination developed a robust seroconversion rate of 85.9% and alleles of A*26, B*08, C*05, DRB1*03, and DQA1*20 were significantly associated with non-seroconversion.

Role of wild fruits in combating COVID-19 infection: An overview

COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-COV-2 virus was the reason for the pandemic and loss of many lives. The virus transmission from human-to-human touch led to outbreaks of this disease. World health organization has recommended a list of precautionary measures to avoid the major infection of this virus. This list includes various medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables which can boost the immunity and help in reducing the risk of infection. Due to this COVID-19, the food habits of most of the people changed which led to shift towards healthier lifestyle. As most of the Indian population is vegetarian, so the health based plant food including wild plant sources have been explored extensively. The wild fruits like bael, aonla, jamun, rubus, aakhe, simul and many more have the antiviral properties and immune boosting properties which could be incorporated in our diet. The bioactive compounds like polyphenolics, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, vitamins, minerals, etc., present in above mentioned wild fruits can be utilized to have healthful benefits. As these functional components can help in reducing various diseases like asthma, bronchitis, cold, fever, flu, inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and ultimately boost up the immunity to cope up with COVID-19 illness.

Foods for protection against COVID-19: An overview

Pandemics have at all times been devastating due to their severity and rate of spread. December 2019, also witnessed a wide spreading havoc around the world whose emergence and outbreak was first reported in China's Wuhan area. Major role in the pandemic was played by a spherical virus with spike protein which was named as corona. Coronavirus disease is a viral respiratory infectious disease caused due to novel strain of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) which is accompanied by symptoms similar to common cold, Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome, etc. The elderly persons and people suffering from lifestyle diseases are more prone to severe COVID-19 and its respiratory complications. Immune system played a major role particularly in this disease as people having good immunity could tackle the virus more easily that too with high recovery rate. Essential macro and micronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, bioactive compounds and polyphenols are found important to combat with COVID-19. These nutrients and phytochemicals are found in various foods like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, herbs, spices, etc. Different fruits (citrus, papaya, berries, etc.) and vegetables (broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, etc.) are rich in micronutrients like minerals, vitamin C, vitamin D and flavonoids. Herbs and spices (clove, cinnamon, tulsi, etc.) have been widely used for medicinal purpose from ancient time as they contain a diverse amount of bioactive compounds. Similarly, dairy products are potential carriers of phytochemicals and have an important role in regulating homeostasis related to the immune system. All mentioned sources possess positive effect on the human body by alleviating many chronic ailments like cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, cancer, etc., and strengthen the immune system. All these compounds work in such a way that they modify the metabolism or mechanism of the pathogens, thus restricting the replication and production process of the virus. This review particularly focuses on the food spectrum that has been used for prevention and protection against COVID-19 disease.

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine and its self-reported adverse events: a cross-sectional study from Western Nepal

Background: There are various COVID-19 vaccines launched in different parts of the world. As the vaccination drive is increasing, the reports of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are increasingly reported. Therefore, this research aims to document the adverse events and their determinants following COVID-19 vaccination.

Covid-19 is associated with increased inhospital mortality in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis of observational studies

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection is associated with acute cardiac injury. We examined the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as compared to patients with AMI without COVID-19 infection. Hypothesis: COVID-19 is associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for AMI. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles from January 2019 to May 2021. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, and Web of Science. We included studies done in patients with index hospitalization for AMI. Patients with positive COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction were considered to have COVID-19 infection. We used random-effects model using the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We used I squared test to assess for heterogeneity Results: After assessing 20 articles for full text screen for eligibility, four cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. There were a total of 1918 participants in both COVID and non-COVID groups, who were hospitalized for AMI between February 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. 168 participants (8.76%) had concomitant COVID-19. Confounders were adjusted in only one article. Most of the confounders like age, sex, race and BMI were similar in both groups but co-morbidities were higher in COVID group in all four studies. 42 patients (61%) with COVID-19 and 69 patients (0.96%) with no COVID-19 died in hospital. Pooled data from the four studies showed patients with AMI and COVID-19 infection had more than six times increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared with patients who had AMI but no COVID-19 infection (RR 6.17, 95% CI: 4.11-9.26;I2=9%, P<0.00001). Conclusions: Our study shows that COVID-19 infection is associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for AMI. Our limitations include higher comorbidities in COVID group, unable to capture all COVID patients, and high risk of bias with cohort studies. Whether patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection and AMI will benefit from unique management approaches should be further examined.

Lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic: A case study from Indian cities shows insignificant effects on persistent property of urban air quality

The influence of reduction in emissions on the inherent temporal characteristics of PM2.5 and NO2 concentration time series in six urban cities of India is assessed by computing the Hurst exponent using Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) during the lockdown period (March 24–April 20, 2020) and the corresponding period during the previous two years (i.e., 2018 and 2019). The analysis suggests the anticipated impact of confinement on the PM2.5 and NO2 concentration in urban cities, causing low concentrations. It is observed that the original PM2.5 and NO2 concentration time series is persistent but filtering the time series by fitting the autoregressive process of order 1 on the actual time series and subtracting it changes the persistence property significantly. It indicates the presence of linear correlations in the PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations. Hurst exponent of the PM2.5 and NO2 concentration during the lockdown period and previous two years shows that the inherent temporal characteristics of the short-term air pollutant concentrations (APCs) time series do not change even after withholding the emissions. The meteorological variations also do not change over the three time periods. The finding helps in developing the prediction models for future policy decisions to improve urban air quality across cities. © 2021

Mortality Rate Prediction for COVID-19 Using Machine Learning Technique

In the present era of pool of technologies, the technical world is drastically shifting to artificial intelligence and all its application areas. One among such unprecedented areas of artificial intelligence is machine learning. Machine learning techniques are way useful for predicting the futuristic results as well as visualizing the data into different form which help the keen researchers and business analysts in determining their study gaps and can achieve the desired outcomes with an ease. With a necessity of well-organized dataset, machine learning algorithms can be implemented on any real-life data such as COVID-19 as it is the most popular topic for researchers today. COVID-19, as per the recent publications, is a pandemic declared by World Health Organization and spreading across the globe at an alarming pace. This has become a threat to human lives due to the reason that no medicine till date has proven its effectiveness to cure the infection spread by COVID-19. The paper is a work on the dataset for COVID-19 in which predictions have been made on the basis of cases emerging in an area and the expected date rate so that the situation can be tackled with all the medical emergency services. Regression is a machine learning technique that has been used for the prediction purpose. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Tubercular empyema thoracic: An acute presentation with COVID-19 co-infection

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic is caused by a novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which has received worldwide attention and most COVID-19 patients have respiratory symptoms and develop a mild disease. In addition, co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory infections of bacterial, other viral and fungal origin needs to be validated. The clinical features, course and treatment of TB patients with COVID-19 are unclear and understudied. There is paucity of literature on this co-infection. Here, authors present a case report of a young diabetic Asian male patient who presented to the emergency department as COVID-19 positive with acute exacerbation of symptoms, who later developed respiratory distress and was eventually found to have a lung abscess with subsequent tubercular empyema thoracic on contrary to a severe COVID-19 pneumonia or a fungal infection, as thought of. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) chest along with Cartridge-Based Nuclei Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) of pleural fluid pus confirmed the tubercular lesion timely to aid the diagnosis and further course of management.