Ambulatory Management of Bite Injuries to the Hand: A Safe and Cost-Effective Option.

Introduction Animal or human hand bites are a common presentation to the emergency department. If hand bites are not treated adequately, they can give rise to significant local and systemic complications, potentially leading to functional deficits that impact patients' lives. Traditionally, hand bites require hospital admission for the administration of intravenous antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical intervention. A combination of the increasing incidence, hospital admission rates, and in-patient bed pressures prompted a change in our bite management protocol and a move toward ambulatory management of bite injuries. We found this new protocol to be safe, efficient, and cost-effective with a scope for wider implementation. Aim The primary outcome is to assess the feasibility of safely managing hand bites on an outpatient basis, by reviewing the local data before and after the change in practice. The secondary outcome is to compare the financial implications of treating hand bites with an outpatient approach. Material and methods All first-presentation adult consultations referred to Trauma and Orthopaedics from the emergency department over a three-month snapshot period were reviewed in 2017. This was repeated after the implementation of the updated handbite guidelines in 2023. Initial admission documentation as well as operation notes and clinic follow-up letters were each reviewed retrospectively.  Results  In 2017, 36 patients were identified over three months. The average time to surgery was 1.19 days with an average inpatient stay of 2.36 days. There were two re-operations and follow-up of two cases of osteomyelitis.  In 2023, 63 patients were identified over three months. The average time to surgery was 1.03 days with an average inpatient stay of 0.56 days. Thirty-seven surgeries were performed for 33 patients with 32% (20/63) of patients admitted directly from the emergency department. There were no documented cases of osteomyelitis on follow-up. The cost per patient episode decreased by 40% from 2017 to 2023, without accounting for inflation. Conclusions With the implementation of the new departmental guidelines, there has been a reduced average inpatient stay and reduced time to surgery without an increase in documented osteomyelitis. There is also a significant decrease in the average patient cost. This data suggests that without compromising patient safety it is possible to cost-effectively manage hand bites without the need for long inpatient stays.  However, it is imperative that there is close patient follow-up as well as prompt time to surgery to ensure patient safety. Our findings suggest a need for further research to strengthen the evidence supporting our conclusions.

Assessing desertification vulnerability and mitigation strategies in northern Nigeria: A comprehensive approach.

Desertification constitutes a grave threat to the environmental and socio-economic stability of desertification frontline states in Northern Nigeria. From 2003 to 2020, this research comprehensively analyzes desertification vulnerability, integrating parameters such as NDVI, LST, TVDI, MSAVI, and Albedo. Key factors contributing to land degradation are identified, along with the spatial patterns and trends of desertification over the two-decade period. The consequences are profound, with Northern Nigeria's ecosystem experiencing a steady decline in vegetation cover. Agriculture, vital to the region's economy, faces increased aridity and reduced arable land, jeopardizing food security. Diminishing water resources exacerbates scarcity issues, placing additional strain on communities. These environmental changes lead to severe socio-economic implications, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and heightened vulnerability to climate-related risks. Urgent, comprehensive, and strategic interventions are imperative. Policy recommendations underscore revising and enforcing land use regulations, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and establishing monitoring systems to guide decision-making. This research contributes practical strategies to enhance the resilience of desertification frontline states, safeguard livelihoods, and align with Nigeria's sustainable development objectives. Findings from the study indicate that only a tiny percentage (6.7 %) of the study area remains unaffected by desertification. Moreover, 13.3 % exhibit light vulnerability, 20 % demonstrate moderate exposure, and 60 % fall into the severe (26.7 %) and compelling (33.3 %) vulnerability categories. These statistics underscore the gravity of desertification in the study area, emphasizing the urgent need for effective mitigation measures to address its impact comprehensively.

Characteristics of sudanese camel-hair fibres under subtropical desert condition.

The study assessed the quality and variability of camel hair fibres in arid regions of Egypt. Raw camel-hair samples were collected from fifteen Sudanese camels divided into seven males (414.60 ± 38.19 kg, BW) and eight females (401.67 ± 26.76 kg BW), and the study investigated the influences of animal sex on both the physical and chemical traits of camel-hair fibers. The relationships among physical properties and both mineral and amino acid content were studied. Camel's sex had no significant effect on any of the studied traits including fibre diameter (FD), prickle factor (PF), medullated fibre (MF), staple length (SL) and staple strength (SS). In the meantime, no significant differences were found between males and females in fibers' minerals contents except potassium, where fibres of females had significantly higher potassium content than those of males. For amino acids contents in camel fibres, camel sex had a significant effect only on glutamic acid, since fibres of males showed higher (P < 0.05) content than females. Fibre diameter had positive (P < 0.01) correlations with prickle factor (r = 0.83) and medullated fibres (r = 0.73). Zinc content in camel fibres was positively correlated with fibre diameter (r = 0.57; P < 0.05) and medullated fibres (r = 0.73; P < 0.01). Moreover, a significant (negative correlation coefficient P < 0.05) was found between fibre diameter and both sulfur and proline contents (r=-0.39 and - 0.56). Ammonia content in fibres was correlated negatively (P < 0.05) with prickle factor and elongation (r=-0.62 and - 0.58, respectively). The variability in the physical properties and chemical composition of Sudanese camel-hair fibers under subtropical desert conditions may shed light on the possibility of improving fiber quality.

Clinical and immunological outcomes of HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-unexposed uninfected children in the first 24 months of life in Western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies show increased morbidity in children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) compared to children who are HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU). We sought to evaluate the effects of prenatal HIV exposure on clinical and immunological outcomes in the first 24 months of life. METHODS: Eighty-five HEU and 168 HUU children from Kenya were followed from birth to 24 months. All mothers living with HIV received combination antiretroviral therapy. Children who were HEU received standard-of-care cotrimoxazole prophylaxis through 18 months. Episodes of acute illness were identified through a combination of active and passive follow up. Trajectories of plasma cytokines, vaccine-specific antibodies, and antimalarial antibodies were examined. RESULTS: Children who were HEU and children who were HUU had similar growth curves. Children who were HEU had lower rates of malaria (rate ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.38, 0.77) and respiratory illness (rate ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.68, 0.93). Trajectories of plasma cytokines and vaccine-specific antibodies were similar in children who were HEU and HUU. There were subtle differences in antimalarial antibody dynamics, in which children who were HEU had overall lower antibody levels against five of the 14 malaria antigens tested. CONCLUSIONS: Children who were HEU and born to optimally treated mothers living with HIV had similar growth characteristics and immune profiles compared to children who were HUU. Children who were HEU had reduced risk for malaria and respiratory illness, which may be secondary to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.

Direct observation of a condensate effect on super-enhancer controlled gene bursting.

Enhancers are distal DNA elements believed to loop and contact promoters to control gene expression. Recently, we found diffraction-sized transcriptional condensates at genes controlled by clusters of enhancers (super-enhancers). However, a direct function of endogenous condensates in controlling gene expression remains elusive. Here, we develop live-cell super-resolution and multi-color 3D-imaging approaches to investigate putative roles of endogenous condensates in the regulation of super-enhancer controlled gene Sox2. In contrast to enhancer distance, we find instead that the condensate's positional dynamics are a better predictor of gene expression. A basal gene bursting occurs when the condensate is far (>1 µm), but burst size and frequency are enhanced when the condensate moves in proximity (<1 µm). Perturbations of cohesin and local DNA elements do not prevent basal bursting but affect the condensate and its burst enhancement. We propose a three-way kissing model whereby the condensate interacts transiently with gene locus and regulatory DNA elements to control gene bursting.

Simultaneous Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine and Uric Acid via Au@Cu-Metal Organic Framework.

The incorporation of noble metals with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are conducive to the simultaneous electrochemical detection of analytes owing to multiple accessible reaction sites. Herein, Au@Cu-metal organic framework (Au@Cu-MOF) is successfully synthesized and modified as a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), which serves as an excellent electrocatalyst for the oxidation of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The sensor shows a linear range from 10 µM to 1000 µM, with sensitivity and detection limit of 0.231 µA µM-1 cm-2 and 3.40 µM for DA, and 0.275 µA µM-1 cm-2 and 10.36 µM for UA. Au@Cu-MOF could realize the individual and simultaneous electrochemical sensing of DA and UA, with distinguishable oxidation peak potentials. Moreover, it exhibits reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. Ultimately, the sensor provides an avenue for an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical detection of DA and UA.

Cell-type-directed design of synthetic enhancers.

Transcriptional enhancers act as docking stations for combinations of transcription factors and thereby regulate spatiotemporal activation of their target genes1. It has been a long-standing goal in the field to decode the regulatory logic of an enhancer and to understand the details of how spatiotemporal gene expression is encoded in an enhancer sequence. Here we show that deep learning models2-6, can be used to efficiently design synthetic, cell-type-specific enhancers, starting from random sequences, and that this optimization process allows detailed tracing of enhancer features at single-nucleotide resolution. We evaluate the function of fully synthetic enhancers to specifically target Kenyon cells or glial cells in the fruit fly brain using transgenic animals. We further exploit enhancer design to create 'dual-code' enhancers that target two cell types and minimal enhancers smaller than 50 base pairs that are fully functional. By examining the state space searches towards local optima, we characterize enhancer codes through the strength, combination and arrangement of transcription factor activator and transcription factor repressor motifs. Finally, we apply the same strategies to successfully design human enhancers, which adhere to enhancer rules similar to those of Drosophila enhancers. Enhancer design guided by deep learning leads to better understanding of how enhancers work and shows that their code can be exploited to manipulate cell states.

Rare Cause of Skull Base Osteomyelitis: A Challenging Diagnosis and Management With a Literature Review.

This is a case of skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) caused by a rare fungal species, Scedosporium apiospermum. This is a clinical case report with a review of the literature. SBO is a potentially life-threatening infection of the temporal bone. The patient presented to our hospital with a two-month history of left otalgia, otorrhea and reduced hearing, after failed initial intravenous antibiotic therapy. Thorough examination and further investigation confirmed the diagnosis of SBO caused by a rare fungal species, S. apiospermum. The patient was subsequently started on a long-term course of antifungals which led to an improvement of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and considering early antifungal treatment in patients with persistent otalgia and otorrhea, particularly in those who have failed to respond to intravenous antibiotics. Further research is needed to better understand the optimal timing and duration of antifungal therapy in these patients.

Patient-related risk factors associated with poorer outcomes following total ankle arthroplasty.

Aims: This scoping review aims to identify patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Methods: A scoping review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A computer-based literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane trials, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full-text screening according to predetermined selection criteria. English-language original research studies reporting patient-related factors associated with a poorer outcome following TAA were included. Outcomes were defined as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), perioperative complications, and failure. Results: A total of 94 studies reporting 101,552 cases of TAA in 101,177 patients were included. The most common patient-related risk factor associated with poorer outcomes were younger age (21 studies), rheumatoid arthritis (17 studies), and diabetes (16 studies). Of the studies using multivariable regression specifically, the most frequently described risk factors were younger age (12 studies), rheumatoid arthritis (eight studies), diabetes (eight studies), and high BMI (eight studies). Conclusion: When controlling for confounding factors, the most commonly reported risk factors for poor outcome are younger age, rheumatoid arthritis, and comorbidities such as diabetes and increased BMI. These patient-related risk factors reported may be used to facilitate the refinement of patient selection criteria for TAA and inform patient expectations.

Hepatitis B virus infection status and associated factors among health care workers in selected hospitals in Kisumu County, Kenya: A cross-sectional study.

Poorly managed medical waste produced at the health facilities are potential source of infections including occupational exposure to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). This study evaluated the prevalence of HBV infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Kisumu County. We determined prevalence of HBV infections among 192 HCWs from nine purposively selected high-patient volume public hospitals in Kisumu County. A structured questionnaire was administered, and 4.0 ml of venous blood sample collected for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) testing using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Of 192 HCWs sampled, 52.1% were males and the median participants age was 34.4 years with interquartile range (IQR) of 11 (28-39) years. Most participants (44%) had worked for between 1-5 years. There was low HBV vaccine uptake with 35.9% completing the required 3 doses, while 40.6% had never been vaccinated. HBV prevalence was 18.8% (36/192), prevalence of past resolved infection was 25.5% (49/192), while 37.5% (72/192) of HCW had evidence of vaccine-derived immunity and 17.7% (34/192) were susceptible. HBV prevalence among HCW who had worked for less than one year and those who had never been vaccinated was 37.5% and 35.9% respectively. Significant risk of HBV lifetime exposure was noted among HCWs with one vaccine dose, those with no known exposure, while highest in those with knowledge on HBV transmission (aOR, 7.97; 95% CI, 2.10-153.3, p-value = 0.008). HCWs who had received ≥2 doses of HBV vaccine (aOR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.10, p-value = <0.0001) had significant HBV protection. Duration of service was not associated with HBV among HCWs. HBV prevalence was high among HCWs from nine high patient volume public hospitals in Kisumu County. Efforts to strengthen HBV vaccination uptake and dose completion are needed to reduce HBV infections among HCWs.

Beam-steering of dielectric flat lens nanoantenna with elliptical patch based on antenna displacement for optical wireless applications.

In this paper, the switched-beam nanoantenna (NA) concept is introduced with a theoretical design of an inhomogeneous dielectric flat lens modelled with different materials to steer and enhance the radiation in a particular direction based on shifting the illuminator element. Firstly, the design of hybrid plasmonic NA is introduced and analyzed considering different silicon patch shapes such as rectangular, circular, hexagonal, and elliptical shapes. The elliptical patch NA achieves a gain of up to 10.7 dBi and a return loss of - 14.41 dB. Then the design of a gradient-index dielectric flat lens with the NA is introduced to improve the antenna performance by increasing the directivity and consequently decreasing the beam-width. Furthermore, the beam-steering capabilities by displacement of the NA according to different feeding points along the X and Y-direction. By using the gradient-index dielectric flat lens, the gain is increased to 18.4 dBi with an improvement in the return loss reach to - 19.15 dB compared with traditional NA. In addition, the beam-steering capabilities were achieved with a range ± 60° × ± 55° with acceptable average antenna gain, side-lobe levels, and half power beam-width of 16.5 dBi, - 12.3 dB and 13.6° respectively.

A review of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as electrochemical sensors for important small biomolecules in human body fluids.

Small biomolecules play a critical role in the fundamental processes that sustain life and are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. The detection of small biomolecules has garnered significant interest in various fields, including disease diagnosis and medicine. Electrochemical techniques are commonly employed in the detection of critical biomolecules through the principle of redox reactions. It is also a very convenient, cheap, simple, fast, and accurate measurement method in analytical chemistry. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are a unique type of metal-organic framework (MOF) composed of porous crystals with extended three-dimensional structures. These frameworks are made up of metal ions and imidazolate linkers, which form a highly porous and stable structure. In addition to their many advantages in other applications, ZIFs have emerged as promising candidates for electrochemical sensors. Their large surface area, pore diameter, and stability make them ideal for use in sensing applications, particularly in the detection of small molecules and ions. This review summarizes the critical role of small biomolecules in the human body, the standard features of electrochemical analysis, and the utilization of various types of ZIF materials (including carbon composites, metal-based composites, ZIF polymer materials, and ZIF-derived materials) for the detection of important small biomolecules in human body fluids. Lastly, we provide an overview of the current status, challenges, and future outlook for research on ZIF materials.

99mTc-linezolid as a radiotracer for brain abscess: Labeling, in silico docking, and biodistribution studies.

Brain abscess is a life-threatening condition that requires a timely and accurate diagnosis. In this study, linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibiotic, was labeled with technetium-99m according to the stannous chloride method. The labeling reaction factors were studied and optimized to achieve a high yield (97.4 ± 2.3%). The 99mTc-linezolid was radio- and physico-chemically characterized to assess its suitability as a radiopharmaceutical for the brain. In-silico docking to target peptidyltransferase showed an optimal binding fit (energy = -66.6 Kcal/mol). The complex was biologically evaluated in-vitro using binding assays in alive and heat-killed bacteria and in-vivo in an MRSA brain infection model. All results suggested that the labeled complex could potentially be a new nuclear imaging agent to diagnose and localize brain abscesses specifically.

Solid-to-solid polymorphic phase transitions in two isostructural Bi(III) complexes with 1-phenylethyl-N-ethylthiosemicarbazide and halogens.

Two isostructural (in room temperature) complexes of Bi(III) with halogens and sulfur ligands have been investigated in terms of the solid-to-solid phase transitions indicated by temperature. Both chloride and bromide (X) complexes of the general formula (µ2-X)-(BiX2L2)2 exhibit some phase transitions between 100 and 333 K, which, apart from the numerous similarities, show significant differences, which have been noted and analyzed in detail in this paper by using different techniques, i.e., powder and single crystal diffraction or DSC. The obtained results have also been collated with those obtained for solid solutions of both complexes.

Clinical and Immunological Outcomes of HIV-Exposed Uninfected and HIV-Unexposed Uninfected Children in the First 24 Months of Life in Western Kenya.

Background: Previous studies show increased morbidity in children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) compared to children who are HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU). We sought to evaluate the effects of prenatal HIV exposure on clinical and immunological outcomes in the first 24 months of life. Methods: Eighty-five HEU and 168 HUU children from Kenya were followed from birth to 24 months. All mothers with HIV received combination antiretroviral therapy. HEU children received standard-of-care cotrimoxazole prophylaxis through 18 months. Episodes of acute illness were identified through a combination of active and passive follow up. Trajectories of plasma cytokines, vaccine-specific antibodies, and antimalarial antibodies were examined. Results: HEU and HUU children had similar growth curves. HEU children had lower rates of malaria and respiratory illness. Trajectories of plasma cytokines and vaccine-specific antibodies were similar in HEU and HUU children. There were subtle differences in antimalarial antibody dynamics, in which HEU children had overall lower antibody levels against five of the 14 malaria antigens tested. Conclusions: HEU children born to optimally treated mothers living with HIV had similar growth characteristics and immune profiles compared to HUU children. HEU children had reduced risk for malaria and respiratory illness, which may be secondary to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.

Evaluation of Phosphorus Storage and Performance of Broilers Using Phytase Synthetic Enzyme.

Phytic acid is a stored form of phosphorus in cereals, 65 to 70% of phosphorus in plant sources is phytate, and broilers are only able to use part of the phosphorus in plant sources. To meet the needs of chickens, it is necessary to use other artificial resources, which not only impose part of the cost of the breeding period because of its presence in the manure but is one of the factors polluting the environment. This study aimed to use different levels of phytase enzyme to reduce dietary phosphorus levels. 600 Ross 308 broilers were used in this experiment with five treatments and six replications, and in each replication, 20 chickens were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). Experimental treatments include 1) basal diet (control) 2) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus 3) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus + 1250 (FTU) phytase enzyme 4) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus + 2500 (FTU) phytase enzyme 5) basal diet with 15% less phosphorus + 5000 (FTU) phytase enzyme. The evaluated traits included weekly feed intake, weekly weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, ash, calcium, and bone phosphorus. The use of phytase enzyme in different diets had no significant effect on food intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). However, the use of phytase in different diets significantly affected the percentage of Gizzard, Heart, Liver, Proventriculus, and Spleen (P<0.05). The most changes were the increase in the ratio of feed intake and weight gain in the fourth week compared to the third week so that the changes in the ratio of feed intake ranged from 1.85 to 1.91, and this ratio for weight gain also ranged from 3.12 to 3.86 was recorded, and the lowest feed conversion ratio was obtained at the same age. The percentage of raw ash in broiler chickens was significantly increased by adding dietary phytase. The lowest amount of ash, calcium, and phosphorus belonged to the second group (diets with low phosphorus and no enzyme). The difference between the other groups and the control was not significant. Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio with the addition of phytase enzyme were not affected by phosphorus reduction and had no significant effect on carcass characteristics. Environmental pollution can be prevented by reducing the level of dietary phosphorus and reducing excreted phosphorus.

Space allowance impacts behavior, productivity, reproductivity and immunity of sheep-a review.

Sheep is an important producing animal in subtropical and arid regions; however, sheep farming practices and welfare standards are still not well established. To move to either intensive or intensive sheep production, stocking density (animal/area, SD) is a significant factor that influencing the welfare and productivity of animals. However, there are discrepancies in space allowance standards for wool, meat, and dairy sheep at different stages. Thus, this review article sheds light on (1) the geographical distribution of wool, meat-type, and dairy sheep populations; (2) the effects of interaction among space allowances, housing systems, and group size on the social, feeding, and aggressive behaviors and human-sheep contact; (3) the effects of space allowance on wool, growth performance, and milk production of sheep; (4) the relationship between space allowance and reproductive performance; (5) the effects of stocking rate on immunity; and (6) suggestions to mitigate the stress and deleterious influences of SD on the productivity of sheep. In conclusion, the larger space allowance with access to an outdoor yard can improve social and feeding behaviors, meat and milk yield, and wool quality. Moreover, ewes are more sensitive to SD, so they should receive an adequate space allowance at each stage. The changes in behavioral responses of each sheep breed refer to their different requirements. Therefore, there is a need to determine the impact of housing aspects, especially space allowance and enrichment tools on the productive performance and welfare indices of sheep for implementing welfare-economic standards for sheep production.

Healthcare adjustments and concerns: a qualitative study exploring the perspectives of healthcare providers and administrative staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Healthcare systems have modified their strategies to manage their staff, supplies, and space to deal systematically with the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aimed to explore the nature of hospital adjustments and the concerns of healthcare providers and administrative staff working in Governmental and private hospitals throughout the Qassim Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the pandemic. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 75 purposively selected healthcare providers and administrative staff working at three main hospitals in the Qassim Region, KSA. The maximum variation sampling technique was utilized. Recruitment of participants was continued until data saturation was reached. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Results: Four core themes were identified in this paper: (1) changes in hospital policy and procedures, (2) workforce management, (3) the well-being of the workforce, and (4) apprehensions and expectations of the workforce. The participants showed satisfaction with timely administrative decisions and new policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the psychological health of healthcare professionals was affected more than their physical state. Finally, the providers perceived the emergence of multiple concerns in the coming months. Conclusion: Although healthcare providers were initially overwhelmed, they gradually accepted new administrative policies. Numerous innovative interventions effectively reduced their physical workload and increased their productivity, but they remained significantly affected by a wide range of psychological disorders, with a high prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder. There were some concerns about the new SARS-CoV-2 variant, but the majority were optimistic.

Low-Dose Chest CT Protocols for Imaging COVID-19 Pneumonia: Technique Parameters and Radiation Dose.

Chest computed tomography (CT) plays a vital role in the early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia during the pandemic. However, this raises concerns about excessive exposure to ionizing radiation. This study aimed to survey radiation doses in low-dose chest CT (LDCT) and ultra-low-dose chest CT (ULD) protocols used for imaging COVID-19 pneumonia relative to standard CT (STD) protocols so that the best possible practice and dose reduction techniques could be recommended. A total of 564 articles were identified by searching major scientific databases, including ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. After evaluating the content and applying the inclusion criteria to technical factors and radiation dose metrics relevant to the LDCT protocols used for imaging COVID-19 patients, data from ten articles were extracted and analyzed. Technique factors that affect the application of LDCT and ULD are discussed, including tube current (mA), peak tube voltage (kVp), pitch factor, and iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms. The CTDIvol values for the STD, LDCT, and ULD chest CT protocols ranged from 2.79-13.2 mGy, 0.90-4.40 mGy, and 0.20-0.28 mGy, respectively. The effective dose (ED) values for STD, LDCT, and ULD chest CT protocols ranged from 1.66-6.60 mSv, 0.50-0.80 mGy, and 0.39-0.64 mSv, respectively. Compared with the standard (STD), LDCT reduced the dose reduction by a factor of 2-4, whereas ULD reduced the dose reduction by a factor of 8-13. These dose reductions were achieved by applying scan parameters and techniques such as iterative reconstructions, ultra-long pitches, and fast spectral shaping with a tin filter. Using LDCT, the cumulative radiation dose of serial CT examinations during the acute period of COVID-19 may have been inferior or equivalent to that of conventional CT.