Investigating the acceptance and use of massive open online courses (MOOCs) for health informatics education.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the acceptance and use of massive open online courses (MOOCs) among health informatics educators and students in Saudi Arabian academic institutions. A theoretical model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), self-determination theory (SDT), and channel expansion theory (CET) was used to identify factors that affect MOOC adoption in health informatics education. METHODS: A survey research design was employed, and cross-sectional data were collected from health informatics instructors and students in academic institutions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 145 completed responses were used in the final analysis of the data. RESULTS: The findings indicated that performance and effort expectancy were important factors that could predict the acceptance and use of MOOCs among health informatics instructors and students. Additionally, perceived media richness affected the actual use of health informatics MOOCs among students and instructors in Saudi Arabian academic institutions. The results of this study show that autonomy, relatedness, and competence must be considered in the design of health informatics MOOCs. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of these models can effectively explain the adoption and use of MOOCs in emerging fields such as health informatics.

Phacoemulsification after trabeculectomy in uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: intermediate-term visual outcome, IOP control and trabeculectomy survival.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome, intraocular pressure control and trabeculectomy survival after phacoemulsification in eyes with prior trabeculectomy in uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH). DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. METHODS: Eyes with uveitic glaucoma associated with VKH who underwent mitomycin C (MMC)-enhanced trabeculectomy were included. Eyes were divided into two groups: the first study group included eyes that later underwent cataract surgery in the form of phacoemulsification, and the second control group included eyes that did not have cataract surgery. The main outcome measures were changes in the visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, IOP control and trabeculectomy survival. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the final visual acuity (0.78 (±0.9) and 0.92 (±1.1), p = 0.80)) nor IOP (14.21 mmHg (±5.8) and 12.16 mmHg (±6.1), p = 0.29), but there was a difference in the antiglaucoma medications (1.58 (±1.5) and 0.53 (±1.0), p = 0.02) between the study and control group, respectively. There was no difference in the overall trabeculectomy survival (p = 0.381, Log Rank), but more eyes in the study group converted to qualified success after phacoemulsification and required more medications to control the IOP. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification after trabeculectomy seems to be a safe procedure in eyes with combined vision threatening complications of VKH, although the visual improvement was limited. Nevertheless, more medications were required to control the IOP, resulting in less absolute and more qualified trabeculectomy success. Therefore, patient counseling before surgery is essential.

Bio-Computational Evaluation of Compounds of Bacopa Monnieri as a Potential Treatment for Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a horrible mental disorder characterized by distorted perceptions of reality. Investigations have not identified a single etiology for schizophrenia, and there are multiple hypotheses based on various aspects of the disease. There is no specific treatment for schizophrenia. Hence, we have tried to investigate the updated information stored in the genetic databases related to genes that could be responsible for schizophrenia and other related neuronal disorders. After implementing combined computational methodology, such as protein-protein interaction analysis led by system biology approach, in silico docking analysis was performed to explore the 3D binding pattern of Bacopa monnieri natural compounds while interacting with STXBP1. The best-identified compound was CID:5319292 based on -10.3 kcal/mol binding energy. Further, selected complexes were dynamically evaluated by MDS methods, and the output reveals that the STXBP1-CID:5281800 complex showed the lowest RMSD value, i.e., between 0.3 and 0.4 nm. Hence, identified compounds could be used to develop and treat neuronal disorders after in vivo/in vitro testing.

Targeting Cytotoxin-Associated Antigen A, a Virulent Factor of Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastric Cancer: Structure-Based In Silico Screening of Natural Compounds.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most frequent cancer and the third major cause of mortality worldwide. Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection linked with GC, injects the cytotoxin-associated antigen A (CagA; an oncoprotein) into host cells. When the phosphorylated CagA protein enters the cell, it attaches to other cellular components, interfering with normal cellular signaling pathways. CagA plays an important role in the progression of GC by interacting with phosphatidylserine of the host cell membrane. Therefore, disrupting the CagA-phosphatidylserine connection using small molecules appears to be a promising therapeutic approach. In this report, we screened the natural compounds from ZINC database against the CagA protein using the bioinformatics tools. Hits were initially chosen based on their physicochemical, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) characteristics, as well as other drug-like characteristics. To locate safe and effective hits, the PAINS filter, binding affinities estimation, and interaction analysis were used. Three compounds with high binding affinity and specificity for the CagA binding pocket were discovered. The final hits, ZINC153731, ZINC69482055, and ZINC164387, were found to bind strongly with CagA protein, with binding energies of -11.53, -10.67, and -9.21 kcal/mol, respectively, which were higher than that of the control compound (-7.25 kcal/mol). Further, based on binding affinity and interaction pattern, two leads (ZINC153731, ZINC69482055) were chosen for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis. MD results showed that they displayed stability in their vicinity at 100 ns. This study suggested that these compounds could be used as possible inhibitors of CagA protein in the fight against GC. However, additional benchwork tests are required to validate them as CagA protein inhibitors.

Long-term outcomes of initial trabeculectomy in glaucoma associated with granulomatous and non-granulomatous uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of initial trabeculectomy in granulomatous and non-granulomatous uveitis. METHODS: Retrospective comparative study of 68 eyes that underwent an initial trabeculectomy. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 74.18 and 74.86 months in both groups (p = 0.95). The intraocular pressure decreased from 40.03 mmHg ( ± 7.2) and 36.48 mmHg ( ± 11.3) to 14.00 mmHg ( ± 6.2) and 13.48 mmHg ( ± 5.7), the number of medications decreased from 3.73 ( ± 0.7) and 3.58 ( ± 0.9) to 1.00 ( ± 1.4) and 1.13 ( ± 1.4) on the last follow-up (p < 0.01) in the granulomatous and non-granulomatous groups, respectively. More eyes in the granulomatous uveitis group developed delayed postoperative complications like cataract, transient hypotony and glaucoma progression. Success rates were 64.9 and 71.0%, while failure rates were 35.1 and 29.0% in both groups (p = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy seems to have comparable IOP control and survival in granulomatous and non-granulomatous uveitis. Nevertheless, more eyes in the granulomatous uveitis group developed late-onset complications.

The influence of mitomycin C concentration on the outcome of trabeculectomy in uveitic glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of mitomycin C (MMC) concentration on the outcome of trabeculectomy in uveitic glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective comparative study included 50 patients who underwent MMC-enhanced trabeculectomy for uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma. Patients were divided into two groups based on the concentration of MMC used during trabeculectomy (high [0.04%] or low [0.02%]). The main outcome measures were: the intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, the need for further glaucoma surgeries, and trabeculectomy success. RESULTS: There were no differences in the IOP nor antiglaucoma medications. The success rates were 76.0 and 68.0%, while the failure rates were 24.0 and 32.0% in the 0.02 and 0.04% MMC groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy augmented with low (0.02%) MMC concentration seems to have comparable outcomes in uveitic glaucoma compared with high (0.04%) concentration.

Retraction: Mesenteric Panniculitis: A Rare Condition in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20136.].

Identification of Natural Compounds of the Apple as Inhibitors against Cholinesterase for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: An In Silico Molecular Docking Simulation and ADMET Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia in older people, causes neurological problems associated with memory and thinking. The key enzymes involved in Alzheimer's disease pathways are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Because of this, there is a lot of interest in finding new AChE inhibitors. Among compounds that are not alkaloids, flavonoids have stood out as good candidates. The apple fruit, Malus domestica (Rosaceae), is second only to cranberries regarding total phenolic compound concentration. Computational tools and biological databases were used to investigate enzymes and natural compounds. Molecular docking techniques were used to analyze the interactions of natural compounds of the apple with enzymes involved in the central nervous system (CNS), acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase, followed by binding affinity calculations using the AutoDock tool. The molecular docking results revealed that CID: 107905 exhibited the best interactions with AChE, with a binding affinity of -12.2 kcal/mol, and CID: 163103561 showed the highest binding affinity with BuChE, i.e., -11.2 kcal/mol. Importantly, it was observed that amino acid residue Trp286 of AChE was involved in hydrogen bond formation, Van Der Walls interactions, and Pi-Sigma/Pi-Pi interactions in the studied complexes. Moreover, the results of the Molecular Dynamics Simulation (MDS) analysis indicated interaction stability. This study shows that CID: 12000657 could be used as an AChE inhibitor and CID: 135398658 as a BuChE inhibitor to treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.

Assessing primary health care readiness for large-scale electronic health record system implementation: Project team perspective.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of information technology was one of the key priorities for policymakers in healthcare organisations over the last two decades, due to the potential benefits of this technology to improve healthcare services and quality. However, about 50% of those projects failed to achieve their intended aims. This was as a result of several factors and included the level of readiness to the new IT projects. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the readiness of Saudi primary health care centres (PHCCs) readiness for the implementation of an electronic health record system (EHRS) from the project team perspective. METHODS: Explanatory mixed methods design was used with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Thirty-one members of project team at the ministry of health (MOH) participated in the online-based questionnaire, while 13 participants from the same population took part in the semi-structure interviews. Eight different readiness scales were quantitatively examined. These scales include resources, Knowledge, process, management structure and administrative support, end user, technology and values and goals. RESULT: Although, very high level of readiness has been recorded at the process, management structure and administrative support levels, readiness was average at the end user, technology and values and goals levels. Moreover, the study findings revealed that primary health care centres readiness for an electronic health record system must be considered in the early stages of implementation (pre-implementation phase), particularly readiness at a technical level, such as preparedness of the infrastructure. A positive significant correlation has been recorded between all readiness scales with centralization of management system and financial resources. CONCLUSION: Overall, the level of primary health care centres readiness recorded to be high, which indicates that primary health care centres are ready for implementation of the electronic health record system, and in this context, management structure, organizational process, financial recourses and administrative support play significant roles to increase the project success rate.

Novel Indole-Tethered Chromene Derivatives: Synthesis, Cytotoxic Properties, and Key Computational Insights.

Indole-tethered chromene derivatives were synthesised in a one-pot multicomponent reaction using N-alkyl-1H-indole-3-carbaldehydes, 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, and malononitrile, catalysed by DBU at 60-65 °C in a short reaction time. The benefits of the methodology include non-toxicity, an uncomplicated set-up procedure, a faster reaction time, and high yields. Moreover, the anticancer properties of the synthesised compounds were tested against selected cancer cell lines. The derivatives 4c and 4d displayed very good cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 7.9 to 9.1 µM. Molecular docking revealed the potent derivatives have good binding affinity towards tubulin protein, better than the control, and the molecular dynamic simulations further demonstrated the stability of ligand-receptor interactions. Moreover, the derivatives followed all the drug-likeness filters.

Identification of doxorubicin as a potential therapeutic against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) protease: a molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies.

After one year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is still the largest concern for the scientific community. Of the many recognized drug targets of SARS-CoV-2, the main protease is one of the most important target due to its function in viral replication. We conducted an in silico study with repurposing drugs of antibiotics class against virus protease and peptidase using AutoDock tool. The following significant binding energy interaction was observed with protease (PDB: 6LU7) like piperacillin -7.25; tobramycin -9.20 and doxorubicin (Doxo) -10.04 kcal/mol and with peptidase (PDB: 2GTB) piperacillin -7.08; tobramycin -8.54 and Doxo -9.89 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the interaction and stability behavior of the Doxo-protease and Doxo-peptidase complexes were analyzed for a 100-nanosecond (ns) time. Calculated RMSD values observed using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) were found to be 0.15-0.25 nm, RMSF calculation per residues showed a value near 0.2 nm and Rg values remained approximately 2.25 nm. MM-PBSA analysis of total binding energy calculation of Doxo-protease and Doxo-peptidase complexes are found to be -148.692 and -105.367 kJ/mol, respectively. Moreover, amino acid residue ASP-197 showed the lowest contribution binding energy i.e. -18.1185 kJ/mol, and amino acid residue ASP-187 showed -17.0267 kJ/mol contribution energy. Thus, significant docking interaction and stable dynamicity of Doxo-protease complex with time was suggested that Doxo could be a choice to inhibit potentially the viral proteases that could prevent the entry inside the host cell to control the COVID-19 disease. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Molecular docking and dynamics studies of cigarette smoke carcinogens interacting with acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes of the central nervous system.

The free radicals produced by cigarette smoking are responsible for tissue damage, heart and lung diseases, and carcinogenesis. The effect of tobacco on the central nervous system (CNS) has received increased attention nowadays in research. Therefore, to explore the molecular interaction of cigarette smoke carcinogens (CSC) 4-(methylnitrosamine)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), 4-(methylnitrosamine)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) with well-known targets of CNS-related disorders, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes, a cascade of the computational study was conducted including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). The investigated results of NNAL+AChEcomplex, NNK+AChEcomplex, and NNK+BuChEcomplex based on intermolecular energies (∆G) were found to -8.57 kcal/mol, -8.21 kcal/mol, and -8.08 kcal/mol, respectively. MDS deviation and fluctuation plots of the NNAL and NNK interaction with AChE and BuChE have shown significant results. Further, Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) results shown the best total binding energy (Binding∆G) -87.381 (+/-13.119) kJ/mol during NNK interaction with AChE. Our study suggests that CSC is well capable of altering the normal biomolecular mechanism of CNS; thus, obtained data could be useful to design extensive wet laboratory experimentation to know the effects of CSC on human CNS.

Side-effects of COVID-19 vaccines among the Saudi population: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To measure and assess the side-effects of Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines on residents of Saudi Arabia, as well as provide a database that gives insight into the relative safety of these 2 COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the side-effects of the two COVID-19 vaccines. The study was initiated on the 5th of June 2021 at Hail University, Hail, Saudi Arabia. The information was collected through an online survey designed on Google forms. The questionnaire was pre-tested for validity, with all information carefully reviewed. RESULTS: The study included 2,530 participants from different regions of Saudi Arabia, with a mean age of 26.9 ± 12.4 years old. The most common vaccine among the study group was Pfizer, which 73.8% of the population were provided; the remaining 26.2% received the AstraZeneca vaccine. Regarding the Pfizer vaccine, the common systemic side-effects followed the first dose, included headaches, followed by muscle pain, fever, and joint pain. Those who had the AstraZeneca vaccine reported a few more side-effects. For example, during the first dose fever was reported as the most common side-effect, followed by headache, muscle pain and fatigue. CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed that vaccine side-effects are more frequently reported by smokers and those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine. Further studies are needed to acquire a better understanding of the association between risk factors and the experiencing of post-vaccine side-effects.

Parents' awareness in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding failure to thrive: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of parental Awareness about growth failure across all of Saudi Arabia and look into the potential influence of covariates (social and demographic) as determinants of the level of knowledge of parents, both mother and father, aged between 18 and 60, and on the national level. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving a survey of 4,404 parents, aged between 18 and 60 years, in all administrative regions within Saudi Arabia was undertaken From March 2022 to May 2022. RESULTS: The majority of participants had average awareness of FTT, and differences in region, as well as in educational and professional levels, had an impact on this awareness, with participants from the western region who hold bachelor's degree and employees have a better level of awareness than others. CONCLUSION: To raise awareness, the whole public, especially parents, has to be continuously informed on failure to thrive in children and how to deal with it through educational programs and awareness campaigns.

Deciphering the Influence of Cigarette Smoke Carcinogens on CNS Associated Biomolecules: A Computational Synergistic Approach.

BACKGROUND: Human health issues caused by Cigarette Smoke Carcinogens (CSC) are increasing rapidly every day and challenging the scientific community to provide a better understanding in order to avoid its impact on communities. Cigarette smoke also contains tobacco-based chemical compounds harmful to human beings, either smokers or non-smokers. OBJECTIVE: We have tested 7H-Dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (7H-DBC) and Dibenz[a,h]acridine (DBAD) derivatives of Asz-arenes along with N'-Nitrosoanabasine (NAB) and N-Nitrosoanatabine (NAT) derivatives of N-Nitrosamines molecular interaction with CNS biomolecules. METHODS: Computational synergistic approaches like system biology and molecular interaction techniques were implemented to conduct the analysis. RESULTS: CSC efficiently interacted with NRAS, KRAS, CDH1, and RAC1 molecular targets in CNS. We have also performed the interactome analysis followed by system biology approaches and found that HSPA8 is the most important hub protein for the network generated for CSC-hampered genes of CNS. We have also identified 6 connector proteins, namely TP53, HSP90AA1, PPP2CA, CDH1, CTNNB1, and ARRB1. Further analysis revealed that NRAS and CDH1 have maximum interactions with all the selected CSC. CONCLUSION: The obtained structural analysis data could be utilized to assess the carcinogenic effect of CSC and could be useful in the treatment of CNS diseases and disorders induced, especially by tobacco-specific carcinogens, or it could also be used in vivo/ in vitro experimentation model designing.

Community-based observational assessment of compliance by the public with COVID19 preventive measures in the south of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: At the end of August 2020, a surge in the number of cases in the Jazan region has been observed. The number of reported cases by 19th of August in the Jazan region was more than 300, which exceeded the number of reported cases in larger regions such as Riyadh, and Makkah. This study aims to measure compliance by the public with COVID-19 preventive measures. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional, field-based observational assessment of compliance by individuals in public settings with COVID-19 preventive measures in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The assessment was performed in the last week of July 2020. The assessment was based on observing the actual compliance of individuals and different establishments in the Jazan region with COVID-19 preventive measures. To perform the field observations, a standardised check-list was adopted from COVID-19 preventive measures in the community, which was developed by the Saudi Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). RESULTS: A total of 1096 individuals were observed in 69 different locations in the Jazan region. Compliance by the observed individuals was variable depending on the age group, the setting and the recommended preventive practice. The findings indicate very low compliance of specific precautionary measures within public parks in comparison to other measured settings. Proportions of individuals not compliant with mask-wearing instructions varied according to settings and age group from 5% in malls and shopping areas to nearly 83% in public parks. Additionally, Proportions of children not compliant with mask-wearing instructions was higher in comparison to adults in all observed settings. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study identified variability in the levels of compliance with specific preventive measures against COVID-19. Further assessment is needed to explore factors associated with the limited observed compliance, in particular with regard to limited compliance to precautionary measures applied in specific settings and compliance of children to mask-wearing instructions.

Therapeutic development by repurposing drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions by simulation studies.

The human-to-human transmitted respiratory illness in COVID-19 affected by the pathogenic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which appeared in the last of December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread in many countries. Thereon, based on the urgent need for therapeutic molecules, we conducted in silico based docking and simulation molecular interaction studies on repurposing drugs, targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Further, the best binding energy of doxorubicin interacting with virus spike protein (PDB: 6VYB) was observed to be -6.38 kcal/mol and it was followed by exemestane and gatifloxacin. The molecular simulation dynamics analysis of doxorubicin, Reference Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of Gyration (Rg), and formation of hydrogen bonds plot interpretation suggested, a significant deviation and fluctuation of Doxorubicin-Spike RBD complex during the whole simulation period. The Rg analysis has stated that the Doxorubicin-Spike RBD complex was stable during 15,000-35,000 ps MDS. The results have suggested that doxorubicin could inhibit the virus spike protein and prevent the access of the SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell. Thus, in-vitro/in-vivo research on these drugs could be advantageous to evaluate significant molecules that control the COVID-19 disease.

Mesenteric Panniculitis: A Rare Condition in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the synovial joints. Extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis are not uncommon and include a wide range of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological complications. Gastrointestinal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis is rare, but it can be impactful on the quality of life of patients. We present the case of a 45-year-old woman, with rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate, who presented with a one-week history of abdominal pain. The patient visited the outpatient clinic earlier and was diagnosed with indigestion and was offered symptomatic treatment which failed to provide any improvement. Abdominal examination revealed a distended abdomen with generalized tenderness and rebound. However, the abdomen was soft with no palpable masses. Initial laboratory examination, including inflammatory parameters, was normal. The patient underwent a computed tomography scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast which demonstrated inhomogeneous hyperdense mesenteric fat giving a mass-like lesion with a displacement of adjacent bowel loops. Such findings conferred the diagnosis of mesenteric panniculitis. The patient was started on corticosteroid therapy with oral prednisolone 40 mg daily with close follow-up. She developed gradual improvement in her condition and the pain resolved completely after six days. The patient was re-evaluated after six months from discharge and she had no recurrence. The case highlighted a rare association of mesenteric panniculitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Physicians should keep this mesenteric panniculitis in mind when they encounter patients with the autoimmune disorders who presented with abdominal symptoms.

Prevalence of Refractive Errors and its Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Refractive errors (REs) are common and continue to increase globally, particularly myopia. Uncorrected REs are the second leading cause of preventable blindness and the most common cause of visual impairment. The main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of REs and to investigate its associated risk factors among medical students of the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 447 medical students at Jazan University. Eye examination was conducted using an autorefractor test (Huvitz HRK-8000A Autorefractor Keratometer) to measure spherical refraction (emmetropia, myopia, and hyperopia) and cylindrical refraction (astigmatism). Factors associated with myopia and hyperopia were evaluated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of REs was 48.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] [44.2, 53.4]). The prevalence of REs among female medical students was 55.1% (95% CI [48.6, 61.5]), which was significantly higher than that among males (42.3%, 95% CI [36.0, 48.9]), with a P = 0.007. Of the 447 medical students examined, approximately one-third (33.8%) had myopia, 10.5% had astigmatism, and only 10.5% had hyperopia. The results of logistic regression indicated that females were 52% more myopic than males (odds ratios [OR] = 1.52, 95% CI [1.04, 2.22]), while participants with both parents having a history of REs were twofold more myopic than students with no family history of REs (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.2, 3.4]). A history of blurred vision also increases the risk of myopia by seven times (OR = 7.2, 95% CI [6.4, 11.3]). CONCLUSION: RE among medical students is a problem. Thus, it needs to be assessed carefully before students choose a specialty that may need very good near and far vision for postgraduate study.

TAT-peptide conjugated repurposing drug against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro): Potential therapeutic intervention to combat COVID-19.

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that originated in Chinese city of Wuhan has caused around 906,092 deaths and 28,040,853 confirmed cases worldwide (https://covid19.who.int/, 11 September 2020). In a life-threatening situation, where there is no specific and licensed anti-COVID-19 vaccine or medicine available; the repurposed drug might act as a silver bullet. Currently, more than 211 vaccines, 80 antibodies, 31 antiviral drugs, 35 cell-based, 6 RNA-based and 131 other drugs are in clinical trials. It is therefore utter need of the hour to develop an effective drug that can be used for the treatment of COVID-19 before a vaccine can be developed. One of the best-characterized and attractive drug targets among coronaviruses is the main protease (3CLpro). Therefore, the current study focuses on the molecular docking analysis of TAT-peptide47-57 (GRKKRRQRRRP)-conjugated repurposed drugs (i.e., lopinavir, ritonavir, favipiravir, and hydroxychloroquine) with SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro) to discover potential efficacy of TAT-peptide (TP) - conjugated repurposing drugs against SARS-CoV-2. The molecular docking results validated that TP-conjugated ritonavir, lopinavir, favipiravir, and hydroxychloroquine have superior and significantly enhanced interactions with the target SARS-CoV-2 main protease. In-silico approach employed in this study suggests that the combination of the drug with TP is an excelling alternative to develop a novel drug for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. The development of TP based delivery of repurposing drugs might be an excellent approach to enhance the efficacy of the existing drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. The predictions from the results obtained provide invaluable information that can be utilized for the choice of candidate drugs for in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials. The outcome from this work prove crucial for exploring and developing novel cost-effective and biocompatible TP conjugated anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agents in immediate future.