covid-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant burdens globally. Healthcare workers (HCWs), at the heart of the unparalleled crisis of COVID-19, face challenges treating patients and doing testing for COVID-19: reducing the spread of infection; developing suitable short-term strategies; and formulating long-term plans. We aimed to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 on Laboratory health staff. Material and methods: Between February - March 2021, 72 laboratory staff workers of a tertiary care teaching hospital were invited to fill out a questionnaire regarding concerns and worries about the novel coronavirus pandemic, along with a coping scoring system and General health questionnaire level (GHQ-12) survey. Results: Out of 72 laboratory health staff who completed the survey questionnaire, 10 were faculty members, 17 were residents (including senior residents, junior residents, and demonstrators), 39 were lab technicians, followed by 4 were attendants and 2 were data operators. Laboratory staff workers with an age group range from 30 years - 60 years had a higher level of depression symptoms than respondents with 20 years - 29 years of age. Similarly, the symptoms of anxiety were noted to be significantly higher among female respondents and respondents with age >30yrs. The most frequent concern was transmitting the infection to family than to themselves only. A considerable number of laboratory staff workers utilized online psychological resources to deal with their psychological distress.Conclusion: The findings of this survey recognize the various problems faced by laboratory health workers during the period of COVID-19 which affect their working ability. Therefore, in the future, we have to implement such strategies that enhance the performance of laboratory workers, boost their energy level, and encourage them to take care of themselves, in times of such crisis.

COVID vaccination has been associated with serious disorders including thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and myocarditis. GBS has been reported in adults following COVID-19 infection and rarely following the COVID-19 vaccination. Post COVID vaccination GBS has been associated with prominent and early facial diplegia and quadriplegia. Extension of the COVID vaccination program to the pediatric age group of 5 to 17 years has exposed this population to the adverse effects of the vaccination. Only a few case reports of post-vaccination GBS have been reported in the pediatric age group without any data on the true prevalence. We report a case of a male in his early adolescence with GBS presenting as facial diplegia and rapid quadriplegia following the BECOV2D, (Corbevax) vaccination. Our case is the first case of GBS reported following BECOV2D, (Corbevax) vaccination and highlights the presentation with prominent and early diplegia, which is similar to the presentation in adults.

The global pandemic COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affected millions of people. COVID-19 is known for its respiratory symptoms, but new research reveals it may also affect other organ systems, including the liver. This abstract reviews COVID-19 and liver function. The virus enters host cells through liver-expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Thus, viral infection and replication may target the liver. Virus-induced inflammation and cytokine production may also harm the liver. ALT and AST elevations are the most prevalent liver abnormalities in COVID-19 patients. Liver function test abnormalities frequently indicate serious illness and poor clinical outcomes. COVID-19 may worsen pre-existing liver diseases such as NAFLD and chronic viral hepatitis. Drug-induced liver damage (DILI) from COVID-19 therapies including antivirals and corticosteroids complicates liver complications care. Recent investigations have also shown that COVID-19 may cause long-term liver damage. In conclusion, COVID-19 infection, immune-mediated damage, and treatment problems may severely compromise liver function. Optimizing patient treatment and discovering targeted medicines requires understanding COVID-19's liver role. To reduce the effects of COVID-19 on liver function, further study is required to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects.

There is still limited information regarding patients’ perception of the dental approach changes in the pandemic circumstance. Therefore, the aims of this study were, firstly, to evaluate patient perception regarding the COVID-19 infection risk in the orthodontic office in Brazil, and to assess the influence of age in infection risk perception. Orthodontic patients from five states answered an online questionnaire, anonymously, about quarantine behavior, perception of the infection risk in the orthodontic office, as well as the apparent need for the new biosafety approach. Descriptive analyses were performed for each question. Correlations between age and concern of getting infected were calculated with Spearman correlation tests. There were 406 responses. Most patients respected the quarantine, and 93.10% of those who were scheduled for appointments realized that their appointment would be safe enough. From the total, 83.99%, 84.98%, 89.90%, and 95.81% of patients judged, respectively, health status checks by phone, temperature checking, disposable coat, and face shield, as necessary. Only 6.40% reported an increase in the concern of returning to appointments. The younger the patient, the greater the concern of getting infected in future appointments (p = 0.042). Most patients were confident in the professional care before the appointment. The new biosafety approach was well accepted by the majority, with less agreement with temperature checking and the use of disposable coats. The younger the patient, the greater the concern of getting infected in future appointments. The rate of patients with risk factors for COVID-19 was 14.77%.

Loneliness was a major concern of people during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Now, that the pandemic is mainly gone, it is still a global issue. This commentary reviews the impact on that loneliness has on our cognitive, behavioral and affective functioning. These effects are described, along with the stigma that often accompanies loneliness and which makes it hard for people to acknowledge and admit that they are lonely, and seek help from healthcare professionals. This commentary, aside from describing the various negative implications of loneliness, highlights the need for society to address the issue. While it cannot be eliminated, the population can be taught how to recognize it, and how to offer assistance to those who struggle with it.

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic infection originating in the regions of Central and West Africa. The global threat has been arising since monkeypox is spreading outside of the endemic regions. Pakistan has recently exhausted health funds in a quarrel against SARS-CoV-2, by supplying expensive COVID-19 vaccines to the general public, free of cost. Pakistan’s government has remarkably contributed to lowering the suffering of COVID-19-affected patients by granting the Sehat Sahulat Programme and similar health initiatives to restrict viral propagation in the general public. However, despite all efforts the major constraints are a lack of international funds and limitations on the budget of healthcare systems and medical facilities. Newly emerged cases of monkeypox are very threatening to Pakistan’s economy and health. Therefore, it is very necessary that healthcare authorities take effective measures like surveillance, early identification, separation, monitoring of contacts, immunization, and public awareness in order to stop the spread of the virus and control monkeypox outbreaks.

Objective: To identify risk factors among pregnant with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal mortality, and morbidity.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 45 pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were confirmed by RT-PCR. The inclusion criteria were pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and hospitalized in the gynecology-obstetrics and intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were non-pregnant patients and pneumonia cases with unconfirmed COVID-19 causes. The study used SPSS software to analyze the data. Results: Our study recorded 45 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women over 2.5 years. The age group most affected was 20-35 years, with 75% of cases. 57% of patients had no known comorbidities. 88.8% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Almost 30% of patients required admission to the ICU, with 60% requiring oxygen supplementation. The study recorded 36 live births (80%), of which 26 cases (72.2%) required no further care and had a favorable outcome.Conclusion: Pregnant women with medical conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome and impact delivery and neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures are important.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and substance use behaviors has sparked extensive research efforts. The COMET-G international study, organized by the Department of Medicine and the Rectorate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in collaboration with the World Psychiatric Association, delved into these issues. Running from March 2020 to April 2021, the study collected responses from 55,589 individuals across 40 countries. Through a comprehensive questionnaire, participants provided insights into their mental state, attitudes toward the pandemic, and the resultant changes in their personal and daily lives. Findings revealed, among other things, significant patterns of change in substance use, with notable correlations between reduced usage and the severity of lockdown measures among non-binary individuals. Mental health history emerged as a strong predictor of substance use changes, with influences from anxiety disorders, depression, and self-harm. Additionally, family and social dynamics, including economic expectations and household composition, significantly shaped substance use behaviors during lockdowns. Given these findings, the development of comprehensive approaches targeting the adverse effects of the pandemic on individual behaviors and general welfare is crucial.

Background: Maternal mortality is a very sensitive indicator of our health system and services. Epidemiological data about maternal mortality is a vital requirement in every setting not only to design interventional programs but also to identify gaps in the existing structures, to reduce the ratio favorably. This study was an attempt to shed light on the mortality rate in our hospital, to analyze the epidemiological aspects, causes of maternal mortality, and types of delay, and to suggest recommendations for improvement. Methods: A retrospective study was done at a tertiary care center at the district level from January 2022 to December 2022. Demographic data and details of selected parameters were obtained from maternal death review forms and case records. Data analyzed and presented.Results: The majority of the maternal deaths could be attributed to direct obstetric causes like Eclampsia (29.41%), Pre-eclampsia (20.59%), and anemia (20.59%) followed by hemorrhage (14.71%), and septicemia (11.76%). Medical conditions contributing to death included liver disorders (5.8%), COVID-19 infection (5.8%), and cardiac disorders (2.9%). Conclusion: It is evident that the maternal mortality ratio is significantly high, with a majority of the deaths occurring due to avoidable causes. Leading contributory factors were due to delay in seeking help or delay in referral. High-risk cases must be identified at the earliest and referred to higher centers for management from the first trimester itself. Generating awareness among the common public and counseling the gravidas and their caretakers throughout pregnancy is equally important to prevent maternal mortality and near-miss cases.

Robust anti-microbial surfaces that are non-toxic to users have widespread application in medical, industrial, and domestic arenas. Magnesium hydroxide has recently gained attention as an anti-microbial compound that is non-toxic, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. Here we demonstrate melt compound and thermally embossed methods for coating polypropylene with Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets and copper-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets. Polypropylene articles coated with Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets and copper-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets exhibit a log 8 kill of E.coli within 24 hours. In addition, Mg(OH)2 NPs suspension, at 0.25% reduced SARSCoV-2 virus titers in the solution by 2.5 x 103 PFU/mL or 29.4%, while the Cu-infused Mg(OH)2 NPs suspension, at 0.25% reduced titers by 8.1 x 103 PFU/mL or 95.3%. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in bacteria in response to Mg(OH)2 and Cu-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets which appears to be an important but not the sole mode of anti-microbial action of the nanoplatelets. Plastics with anti-microbial surfaces from where biocides are non-leachable are highly desirable. This work provides a general fabrication strategy for developing anti-microbial plastic surfaces.

Background: The impact of COVID-19 and long-term COVID-19 on gastrointestinal neoplasms remains underexplored. The current review investigates the potential link between these conditions and the role of gut microbiota in mediating oncogenic processes. Dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in gut microbial composition, may exacerbate inflammation and immune dysregulation, contributing to cancer development.Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, SciELO, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies published between 2020 and 2024 that explored the intersection of COVID-19, long-term COVID-19, and gastrointestinal cancers. The articles were critically appraised for quality and relevance, and data were synthesized to elucidate common mechanisms and outcomes.Results: The review identifies several mechanisms by which gut microbiota may influence cancer risk in COVID-19 patients. Persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction observed in Long COVID were associated with dysbiosis. Specific microbial metabolites, such as secondary bile and short-chain fatty acids, were implicated in promoting tumorigenesis. Comparative analysis of studies suggests that SARS-CoV-2-induced dysbiosis may heighten susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers, particularly in patients with prolonged post-infection symptoms.Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for further research to clarify the role of gut microbiota in cancer development among COVID-19 patients. These mechanisms could inform preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions, particularly for those experiencing COVID. The review highlights gaps in current knowledge and advocates for longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of COVID-19 on gastrointestinal health.

Background: Human 30kb coronaviruses entered through the ACE-2 receptors causing fibrosis of the lungs and causing six million deaths worldwide. Here, we have investigated the mutations, deletions and insertions of the recent JN.1 omicron coronaviruses to demonstrate that coronaviruses have reached the pre-elimination stage. Methods: We multi-aligned the genomes of recent JN.1 variants using NCBI Virus Portal and CLUSTAL-Omega. The spike proteins are multi-aligned using MultAlin software and CLUSTAL-Omega.Results: The 17MPLF spike insertion was confirmed to compensate 24LPP, 31S, 69HV, 145Y, 211N and 483V deletions. The 49nt deletions in the 3’-UTR were found in 4997 JN.1 sequences although 26nt deletion was initiated previously in JN.1 as well as BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1 and XBB.1.5 omicron viruses. We first compare 3-D structures of spike proteins with or without 17MPLF four amino acids insertion and nine amino acids deletions using SWISS MODELLING. The JN.1 viruses caused a more stable trimeric spike involving Thr342, Lys436, Lys440, His441, Ser442, Gly443, Tyr445, Lys479, Ser489, Tyr490, Arg493, Pro494, Thr495, and Gln501 amino acids to interact with ACE-2 receptors. The FLiRT spike mutations were found in most KP.2 variants and other changes occurred at the NH2 terminus.Conclusion: We claimed that pre-death changes were initiated in JN.1 COVID-19 lineages and computer simulation showed that the Howard spike with 17MPLF spike insertion appeared more stable than the Oppentrons-spike without 17MPLF insertion. Surely, conflicts of COVID-19 spike sequences must be resolved.

The concurrent emergence of dengue fever and the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to India’s healthcare system, particularly in Western Rajasthan, a region characterized by its arid climate and unique socio-demographic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics of dengue during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on trends, diagnostic challenges, and serotype distribution. Conducted at Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, in 2021, the study included 550 dengue-positive patients confirmed via rapid diagnostic tests and further analyzed using Dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody ELISA. Molecular characterization was performed using RT-PCR for serotyping.The results revealed a male predominance (72.36%) and a higher incidence in the 21–30-year age group (39.09%). Urban areas accounted for 67.73% of cases, with significant NS1 and IgM positivity (p = 0.042 and p = 0.004, respectively). Most cases (86.91%) were managed outpatient, though IgM positivity was significantly higher among hospitalized patients (19.19%, p < 0.001), indicating severe or prolonged infections. Platelet counts were above 100,000/mm³ in 86.91% of cases, with only 0.37% showing critically low counts (< 20,000/mm³). Seasonal analysis showed a peak in October (n = 325), correlating with post-monsoon vector breeding. Serotyping identified DENV2 as the dominant strain (97.42%), associated with severe dengue manifestations, including Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF).The study highlights the dual burden of dengue and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for enhanced vector control, improved diagnostic strategies and public health interventions during overlapping outbreaks. The predominance of DENV2 underscores the importance of serotype-specific surveillance and preparedness to mitigate future dengue epidemics in the region.

Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis has emerged as a significant long-term complication among survivors of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review highlights the underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and recent advances in the diagnosis and management of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. As global cases of COVID-19 continue to evolve, understanding and addressing this emerging chronic respiratory condition is critical for long-term patient care.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to serve people since antiquity in China, and still has an important role in today’s healthcare. As the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally, TCM has played an important role in the fight against COVID-19 in China and other countries. However, scientists outside China doubted TCM. The philosophy of TCM in the description of diseases and the use of herbal medicines is difficult to understand for Western scientists. This article explains the philosophy of TCM using chromatic analogies to make it easily understandable and visually intuitive.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbursts began at the end of 2019, which imposed a serious crisis on public health and the economy all over the world. To date, there is no antiviral drug available for SARS-CoV-2, and hence vaccination is the most preferred method to prevent people from getting attacked by this virus, especially for those who are at high risk. To counter coronavirus-2, there are various types of vaccines, which are being used, such as live attenuated vaccines, killed or inactivated vaccines, recombinant vaccines, mRNA vaccines, recombinant vector vaccines, and DNA vaccines. Novavax data shows that the vaccine is effective against severe diseases caused by B.1.351. The Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines show evidence of some protection against P.1. Due to the immune response, the Human body can recognize and protect itself against harmful foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. The immune system protects our body from these harmful substances by identifying them as antigens. Virus-infected cells release many chemicals such as chemokines and cytokines for the initiation of immune response. To control the pandemic situation, herd immunity is required by the immunization of a critical mass of the world population at once. In this review article, we have made an analysis of the immune response of the human body to SARS-CoV-2 infection, different types, and modes of action of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines along with the current status of vaccines.