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BACKGROUND: For the 5 million persons living with dementia (PLWD) in the USA, telemedicine may improve access to specialty care from their homes. OBJECTIVE: To elicit informal caregiver perceptions of tele-dementia care provided during COVID-19. DESIGN: Qualitative, observational study using grounded theory. PARTICIPANTS: Informal caregivers aged 18 + who cared for an older adult who received tele-dementia services at two major VA healthcare systems participated in 30-60-min semi-structured telephone interviews. INTERVENTIONS: Interviews were designed using Fortney's Access to Care model. MAIN MEASURES: Thirty caregivers (mean age = 67, SD = 12, 87% women) were interviewed. KEY RESULTS: Five major themes were (1) Tele-dementia care avoids routine disruption and pre-visit stress; (2) Transportation barriers to in-person visits include not only travel logistics but navigating the sequelae of dementia and comorbid medical conditions. These include cognitive, behavioral, physical, and emotional challenges such as balance issues, incontinence, and agitation in traffic; (3) Tele-dementia care saves time and money and improves access to specialists; (4) Tele-dementia facilitated communication between caregiver and provider without hindering communication between PLWD and provider; and (5) Caregivers described ideal future dementia care as a combination of virtual and in-person modalities with in-home help, financial and medical support, and dementia-sensitive caregiver access. Caregivers interviewed saved 2.6 h ± 1.5 h (range: 0.5 to 6 h) of travel time. Multiple caregivers described disruption of routines as difficult in PLWD and appreciated the limited preparation and immediate return to routine post telemedicine visit as positives. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers found tele-dementia care convenient, comfortable, stress reducing, timesaving, and highly satisfactory. Caregivers would prefer a combination of in-person and telemedicine visits, with an opportunity to communicate with providers privately. This intervention prioritizes care for older Veterans with dementia who have high care needs and are at higher risk for hospitalization than their same age counterparts without dementia.
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Corona virus infection rapidly spreading and producing morbidity and mortality in all over the world over the past one and half year. The virus triggered immune system dysfunction leading to life threatening cytokine storm indicating severe forms of lung injury .Need to understand the clinical profile and risk factors leading to mortality is much needed . Aim(s): To determine the clinical profile of patients having COVID 19 using the inflammatory markers at a semi urban center Methods and materials: A retrospective study conducted on cases that were admitted in CAIMS during the period of 3 months, with CT chest grading CORADS > 3, COVID RT-PCR or rapid antigen test positive, pulse oximetre saturation less than 90% Conclusion(s): 515 cases were taken into study,clinical presentation was observed .Most cases were likely to have CT chest CORADS grading > 3, inflammatory markers like LDH, Sr Ferritin, CRP have been elevated. Cases have shown high IL-6, which was estimated selectively in cases with oxygen support suggesting cytokine storm.16.4 % cases showed mortality. This is attributed among cases with severe form of Covid 19.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
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The field of vaccination has advanced by leaps and bounds;however, effective and novel vaccines are yet to be developed, especially for rapidly spreading coronavirusdisease 2019 (COVID-19)/SARS-CoV2. Many vaccines are created using conventionalapproaches to eradicate COVID-2019, which is presently a global threat. Evenvaccines using nanotechnology are also in the race. Nanotechnology has acceleratedthe evolution of newer vaccines that are safe and highly effective in eradicating theSARS-CoV2. Nanovaccines (NVs) were developed recently where new drugs can beaccommodated through nanoparticle (NP) carriers. The similar nanosize betweenthe nano-scaled materials and pathogens ensures optimal trigger response of theimmune system, resulting in satisfactory cellular and humoral immunity responses.Targeted delivery of NPs results in enhanced antibody response, improved stabilitycoupled with longer duration drug release, and prolonged immunogenic memory.This chapter highlights recently developed antiviral nanovaccines against COVID-19. Although the development of NVs is in the infancy stage and few are in the earlyclinical phases, we firmly believe the newer generation of NVs have greater possibilityof treatment and prevention of bacterial and viral infections. © 2022 Scrivener Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.
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Viral infections affecting the liver had a serious impact on humanity, as they have led to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with acute and chronic infections. The discovery of the viral agents of severe acute hepatitis in children triggered interest of the scientific community to establish the pathogenesis and diagnostic techniques to identify the affected population. But, WHO, together with scientists in various affected countries, are working to understand the cause of this infection that does not appear to belong to any of the known five types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D and E. Many cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children <10 years of age were reported by the International Health Regulations (IHR) was mainly by adenovirus infection, HAdV-41. Although most acute infections cause mild disease and even go undetected, some can lead to complications and turn fatal. With the rapid scientific and technological advances in the last centuries, controlling and even curing the infections became a possibility, with a large focus on preventive medicine through vaccination. The review article describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and current medication regimens for severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children.Copyright © 2022, Global Research Online. All rights reserved.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out lot of changes among the way people and organisations function. It has also reduced social gatherings and hence social relations considerably, forcing people to adjust to new ways of work and life. An outstanding difference between the current COVID-19 pandemic and previous epidemics or pandemics is the increased availability and use of technology currently, which has been validated by various reports from across the globe. Thus, even with the ensuing pandemic, lockdown and decreased social gatherings, with the technology support we have devised ways to keep in contact with friends, family and work place, so as to continue our lives. Social distancing guidelines and regulations have put pressure on a great many organisations to find new ways of keeping employees and students connected while working remotely. For more deskbound occupations and roles, this can be relatively straightforward, but it is challenging if not impossible for lab-based quality control, research and study. The answer to this is digital remote microscopy which enables sharing of data online, carrying out collaborative work through multi-viewing in real time and facilitates remote training functions.
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Aim: The aim of the study is to devise an innovative, ultraviolet (UV) enabled, self-sanitizing prosthesis trimming unit for dental prostheses in order to safeguard the dental operators and technicians from fine material pollutants and prevent nosocomial infection due to cross-contamination. Background: As the prosthesis remains soaked in the saliva, it tends to harbor microbes forming a safe haven for them. The process of trimming, for subsequent adjustments and corrections, makes these contaminated particles from the denture become airborne. The inhalation of the same infects the dental personnel. Therefore, trimming and smoothening of contaminated prostheses is considered a biological hazard, and it requires innovation and development to minimize the same. Technique: A closed unit of 12 × 15 inches Plexi fiber fitted with a straight handpiece and UV light was made for trimming of the prosthesis and later sanitization of the unit. A large transparent lid was hinged to the box from the top. A light-emitting diode (LED) light was used to enhance visibility during trimming. The box was fitted with gloves for the operator to insert their hands to trim the prosthesis with the handpiece inside. An inlet window of 2 × 4 inches covered with a split rubber dam sheet facilitated the placement of the prosthesis inside the unit for trimming. Sanitization of the unit was achieved by switching on an UV light of wavelength 222 nm placed inside the unit for 30 minutes. Conclusion: The unit has been designed to be effective in negating the danger of inhalation of contaminants released during denture trimming. The design helps in preventing aerosol contamination to the staff and cross-contamination to subsequent patients and the environment. Clinical significance: The unit has been developed to decrease aerosol contamination and safeguard the operatory from infections, especially considering the current COVID-19 scenario. The equipment can be effectively used in dental clinics and laboratories. It may be modified to accommodate dental lathes. Microbiological analysis of the unit to evaluate its quantitative efficacy can be further incorporated. © The Author(s).
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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections of the maxillofacial region have become prevalent, making their accurate diagnosis vital. Histopathological staining remains a simple, cost-effective technique for differentiation and diagnosis of the causative fungal organisms. The present study aims to evaluate the staining efficacy of Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian Blue, Safranin-O and Gomori's Methenamine Silver (GMS) on fungal smears. This research work also attempts to study the morphometric characteristics of Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus oryzae. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae, 10 smears each, were stained using PAS, Alcian Blue, Safranin-O and GMS. The morphological characteristics and staining efficacy were examined, and semi-quantitative scoring was performed. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae were stained for the first time with Safranin-O. The morphometric traits were then analyzed using an image analysis software. Safranin-O provided the most reliable staining efficacy amongst the stains and optimum morphological definition for all three organisms. Safranin-O was found to be superior to PAS and GMS, ensuring detection of even the most minute mycotic colonies. The hyphae of Aspergillus flavus to be the largest, and the spores and fruiting body of Rhizopus oryzae were found to be the largest amongst the three organisms compared. Early and accurate diagnosis of fungal infections can significantly reduce morbidity in orofacial fungal infections.
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Summary The field of vaccination has advanced by leaps and bounds;however, effective and novel vaccines are yet to be developed, especially for rapidly spreading coronavirusdisease 2019 (COVID-19)/SARS-CoV2. Many vaccines are created using conventionalapproaches to eradicate COVID-2019, which is presently a global threat. Evenvaccines using nanotechnology are also in the race. Nanotechnology has acceleratedthe evolution of newer vaccines that are safe and highly effective in eradicating theSARS-CoV2. Nanovaccines (NVs) were developed recently where new drugs can beaccommodated through nanoparticle (NP) carriers. The similar nanosize betweenthe nano-scaled materials and pathogens ensures optimal trigger response of theimmune system, resulting in satisfactory cellular and humoral immunity responses.Targeted delivery of NPs results in enhanced antibody response, improved stabilitycoupled with longer duration drug release, and prolonged immunogenic memory.This chapter highlights recently developed antiviral nanovaccines against COVID-19. Although the development of NVs is in the infancy stage and few are in the earlyclinical phases, we firmly believe the newer generation of NVs have greater possibilityof treatment and prevention of bacterial and viral infections. Background The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs). Methods An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases: 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020;and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using ?2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables. Results Almost one-half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID-19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID-19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID-19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/politics. Conclusions The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.
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The Covid-19 pandemic over the past year has raised concern regarding the precautions needed to be taken to prevent cross-infection in the field of dentistry, as the virus is highly contagious and life-Threatening. At least half of the population above the age of 50 years are denture wearers. These dentures act as a base for the colonization of microorganisms, hence raise the chances of cross-contamination. When the patient wears contaminated dentures, the most common manifestation it may cause is oral candidiasis or denture-related stomatitis, this fungal infection leads to white or red sores, bleeding, swelling and burning sensations in the oral cavity. As the patient s oral cavity is a sterile tissue with mucous membranes, incompetent sterilisation of dentures bears the risk associated with the break of host barriers and carrying of environmental pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The application of an improper sterilisation method in the maintenance of dental appliance mainly the complete denture concerns not only the patients but also the dental personnel and prosthesis laboratory. The first studies on microwave sterilisation of dentures were performed to confirm the potent of microwave sterilisation in preventing microorganisms attached to complete dentures prosthesis. Using different methods, definite results were obtained by studies, confirming that microwave irradiation can be an efficient technique in sterilizing the complete dentures prosthesis. Thus, executing microwave irradiation of a complete denture before it is brought to a lab, and immediately before it is placed in the patient s mouth, acts as a means of infection prevention system for all individuals. Microwave sterilisation of dentures has been recommended for denture sterilisation but its effect on the dimensional property of a complete denture still needs to be focused on. Hence, the current review presents the effect of microwave sterilisation on the physical properties, mainly the dimensional stability of the complete denture base. © (2022) Society for Biomaterials & Artificial Organs #20051922.
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Background: Tuberculosis remains one of the major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like India despite intense health campaigning and Government Programmes. Tuberculous lymphadenitis being the most common extra pulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis the incidence still on higher margin especially in resource poor areas which often goes unnoticed and remains as a diagnostic challenge to General Pathologists and sometimes even to Cytopathologists. Moreover the sequelae of COVID-19 pandemic had drastically impacted the management of TB, World Health Organisation had insisted to maintain continuity of essential services for people affected with TB during the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide. Aims & Objectives: To document the prevalence of tuberculous lymphadenitis among various patient groups and also to advocate the best method in early and prompt diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis with an novel objective of proposing operational guidelines in the strategy of eradicating Tuberculosis. Materials & Methodology: In the prospective study conducted in SBV University Hospital, Puducherry a total number of 151 cases clinically suspected of tuberculous LN were included and patients with neoplastic lesion were excluded from this study. The lymph node aspirate collected were analysed for tuberculous cytomorphological changes by using routine cytological stains and observations were correlated with results of various ancillary diagnostic procedures. Results & Observations: Among 151 cases studied, 120 cases showed tuberculosis indicating high prevalence. 31 aspirates showed classical tuberculous pattern on cytomorphology, correlating well with histopathology (100%), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (100%) and culture (92%) respectively. In rest of the 119 cases carrying non tuberculous pattern on cytology, further exploration by ancillary diagnostic procedures revealed up tuberculosis in 79 cases with confirmation by culture, Histopathology and PCR. Conclusion: Our study showed prevalence of tuberculous lymphadenitis is on higher margin especially among low sociodemographic group and cytological procedure in adjunction with ancillary procedures proved to be reliable and helpful to Cytopathologists. PCR procedure could be widely employed by the Government especially in endemic regions with resource poor diagnostic facilities with scope for creating platform of multiplexing with additional resources so that PCR instruments can serve multipurpose testing tool.
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Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a unique technique that allows for a high degree of customisation in pharmacy, dentistry and in designing of medical devices. 3D printing satiates the increasing exigency for consumer personalisation in these fields as custom-made medicines catering to the patients' requirements are novel advancements in drug therapy. Current research in 3D printing indicates towards reproducing an organ in the form of a chip;paving the way for more studies and opportunities to perfecting the existing technique. In addition, we will also attempt to shed light on the impact of 3D printing in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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There are many infectious diseases which result in a pandemic in the countries they affect. The currently spreading world-wide pandemic is COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus which causes respiratory issues and serious illness to the elderly people. It is mainly transmitted from the nasal discharge when the infected person coughs or sneezes. In this paper, prediction and forecasting of the trajectory of spread of this infectious disease is done using machine learning methods like linear regression algorithm and XGBoost algorithm. A time series prediction is also made using Prophet. By these methods, a comparison is drawn between India and USA from January 22, 2020 till July 31, 2020 for the cases like confirmed infection, people who died due to this virus and those who recovered from the virus, during the lockdown periods as well as in the un-lockdown periods in India, along with other parameters such as Temperature (high/ low) in degree Celsius and Reproduction number (R0) for each day, whether BCG vaccine is administered or not and population of each country. It is found that even though USA has a lesser population compared to India, and the days under complete lockdown were more, the cases in USA reach the highest in confirmed infection, people who succumbed to the infection and those who recovered. The forecasting is done for 90 days and the prediction shows that for upcoming days, the cases for confirmed infection, people who died and those who recovered will be more or less similar to that of the previous month and slight decrease in the count of people in the above 3 categories. © 2021, Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology. All rights reserved.
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Statement of problem: The Covid pandemic has caught the universe unawares and has become the one single cause of human fatalities. Due to lack of vaccines and the mutations that are happening, it has become imperative that prevention of the spread is the best cure. As part of preventive measures hand washing has been the universally recommended protocol for which hand sanitizers are the ones being used. Hand sanitizers do come with their drawbacks, like effect on human skin including absorption, economics and environmental issues. Taking a clue from the way nature protects itself, studies have been done on bee hive. The hive is exposed but protected from pathogens. It has been found out that the chemical Propoli s is the basis of such a protective mechanism. Further, studies have been done where in Propolis demonstrated anti-viral property. It is a natural material which has been reported to have treasure of innumerable biological compounds which are proved to be effective antibiotic against bacteria, fungal and viral infection along with immunity booster effect. Hence an attempt is being made to review the anti-viral property of Propolis with an intention that it may be considered as the natural anti-viral with less of adversities. Materials and method: The in vivo and in vitro studies reported the treatment of viral infection with propolis were analysed. “Propolis” OR “propolis” AND “viral infection” OR “propolis AND treatment of viral infection”, “bee glue and propolis” were the keywords used in search engines. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews PubMed/Medline and Scopus electronic databases were utilised. Results: Propolis with high phenolic and flavonoids content has an effect in controlling viral infection. The activity of these components comprises of inhibiting the chance of transmitting viral infections to different cells, preventing their propagation and also destroying the external envelope of the virus. Conclusion: The literatures suggests that the propolis as medicament can be used in the treatment of viral infection. It increases the host immunity. Though there is a favourable result yet, the studies were animal studies, evidence are not sufficient to suggest, for use in covid-19. But it is also imperative to note that propolis can be a natural remedy for newer viral infection considering its broad-spectrum activity in human body and thus treating these infections. Well-designed preclinical screening followed by randomized controlled trials are needed. © 2021, Advanced Scientific Research. All rights reserved.