Evaluation of Expired Moxifloxacin Drug as Corrosion Inhibitor for Copper in Synthetic Acid Rain (SAR) Solution (preprint)

This paper evaluated the possibility of using quinoline derivative (an expired Moxifloxacin) as an inhibitor for copper corrosion in synthetic acid rain (SAR) solution. Weight reduction (WR) experiments, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and AC impedance spectra (EIS) were employed to investigate corrosion inhibition (ƞ%) and inhibition rates. (ƞ%) increases by increasing the concentration of MOXI in all test methods. The PDP curves indicated that this expired medication exhibited mixed-type inhibitory activity. According to the EIS tests, the ƞ % was found to improve with raising the MOXI concentration and reached 94.05% at 600 ppm. On the other hand, the ƞ% was lowered by raising the temperature. The adsorbed MOXI molecules on copper obey Langmuir isotherm model. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) are employed to examine the surface of the copper sample. The results acquired experimentally were validated through the application of density functional theory (DFT) and molecular simulation (MC) in theoretical calculations. All the tests metthods gave similar results.

COVID-19 Severity Shifts the Cytokine Milieu Toward a Proinflammatory State in Egyptian Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite extensive research to decipher the immunological basis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), limited evidence on immunological correlates of COVID-19 severity from MENA region and Egypt was reported. In a single-center cross-sectional study, we have analyzed 25 cytokines that are related to immunopathologic lung injury, cytokine storm, and coagulopathy in plasma samples from 78 hospitalized Egyptian COVID-19 patients in Tanta University Quarantine Hospital and 21 healthy control volunteers between April 2020 and September 2020. The enrolled patients were divided into 4 categories based on disease severity, namely mild, moderate, severe, and critically ill. Interestingly, interleukin (IL)-1-α, IL-2Rα, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), FGF1, CCL2, and CXC10 levels were significantly altered in severe and/or critically ill patients. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients cluster based on specific cytokine signatures that distinguish them from mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. Specifically, levels of IL-2Rα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α, FGF1, and CXCL10 largely contribute to the observed differences between early and late stages of COVID-19 disease. Our PCA showed that the described immunological markers positively correlate with high D-dimer and C-reactive protein levels and inversely correlate with lymphocyte counts in severe and critically ill patients. These data suggest a disordered immune regulation, particularly in severe and critically ill Egyptian COVID-19 patients, manifested as overactivated innate immune and dysregulated T-helper1 responses. Additionally, our study emphasizes the importance of cytokine profiling to identify potentially predictive immunological signatures of COVID-19 disease severity.

Spiroindole-containing compounds bearing phosphonate group of potential Mpro-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory properties.

Microwave-assisted reaction of 3,5-bis((E)-ylidene)-1-phosphonate-4-piperidones 3a‒g with azomethine ylide (produced through interaction of isatins 4 and sarcosine 5) cycloaddition afforded the corresponding (dispiro[indoline-3,2'-pyrrolidine-3',3″-piperidin]-1″-yl)phosphonates 6a‒l in excellent yields (80-95%). Structure of the synthesized agents was evidenced by single crystal X-ray studies of 6d, 6i and 6l. Some of the synthesized agents revealed promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties in the viral infected Vero-E6 cell technique with noticeable selectivity indices. Compounds 6g and 6b are the most promising agents synthesized (R = 4-BrC6H4, Ph; R' = H, Cl, respectively) with considerable selectivity index values. Mpro-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory properties supported the anti-SARS-CoV-2 observations of the potent analogs synthesized. Molecular docking studies (PDB ID: 7C8U) are consistent with the Mpro inhibitory properties. The presumed mode of action was supported by both experimentally investigated Mpro-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory properties and explained by docking observations.

Smell disorders associated with COVID-19 infection

Background: We performed a search in the PubMed databases, Web of Science, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, and Cochrane Library using the keywords COVID-19, Novel coronavirus, corona, 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2, ENT, nose, anosmia, hyposmia, smell, olfactory, ORL, different ENT related symptoms. We reviewed published and peer-reviewed studies that reported the ENT manifestations in COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients. Main text: Within the included 2549 COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients, smell affection was reported in 1453 patients (57%). The other reported ENT manifestations were taste disorder (49.2%), headache (42.8%), nasal blockage (26.3%), sore throat (25.7%), runny nose or rhinorrhea (21.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (7.9%), and frequent sneezing (3.6%). Conclusion(s): Smell affection in COVID-19 is common and could be one of the red flag signs in COVID-19 infection. With a sensitivity of utilized questionnaire in smell identification, a homogenous universal well-defined COVID-19 questionnaire is needed to make the COVID-19 data collection more sensible.Copyright © 2021, The Author(s).

Health promotion teaching and learning at the university of the Western Cape, South Africa: Thinking global, acting local

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is well-known for its struggle against apartheid and continued fight against inequality. The School of Public Health was established in 1993 and the first institution to offer postgraduate education in public health using distance education which allows health and associated service providers to work and study simultaneously and at their own pace. The program consists of three qualifications and attracts people from all over the continent. The health promotion module is compulsory, and optional Winter and Summer Schools are offered where the module is taught as a short course to students and the public. The course is known for its practice-oriented approach and for strengthening health promotion competencies. Principles of the Ottawa Charter are used to inform teaching and learning, and adult and authentic learning principles used to facilitate application of theoretical concepts in real work life. The distance learning program is supported by an integrated online Learning Management System, which offers a platform for engagement using synchronous and asynchronous methods. The impact of COVID-19 on remote teaching and learning has further accelerated the transition to digital literacy and will hopefully transform other African universities into active role players in digital transformation. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022. All rights reserved.

Human galectin-9 potently enhances SARS-CoV-2 replication and inflammation in airway epithelial cells.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused a global economic and health crisis. Recently, plasma levels of galectin-9 (Gal-9), a ß-galactoside-binding lectin involved in immune regulation and viral immunopathogenesis, were reported to be elevated in the setting of severe COVID-19 disease. However, the impact of Gal-9 on SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunopathology remained to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that Gal-9 treatment potently enhances SARS-CoV-2 replication in human airway epithelial cells (AECs), including immortalized AECs and primary AECs cultured at the air-liquid interface. Gal-9-glycan interactions promote SARS-CoV-2 attachment and entry into AECs in an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-dependent manner, enhancing the binding of the viral spike protein to ACE2. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Gal-9 and SARS-CoV-2 infection synergistically induced the expression of key pro-inflammatory programs in AECs including the IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, EIF2, and TNFα signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that manipulation of Gal-9 should be explored as a therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Urban Morphological Analysis Framework for Sustainable Malay Town Transition in Response to COVID 19

Current approaches applied in the historical analysis on the morphological evolution of early Malay towns primarily focused on describing how cities were formed and transformed without much emphasis on how they can be analysed. Considering cities as urban organisms experiencing rapid growth, achieving a sustainable urban transition would be impossible without understanding the process of initial formation and spatial uniqueness that comprise the Malay town. However, analysing the particular kind of processes requires a comprehensive understanding of each hierarchical level of morphological elements, which, therefore, posed a greater challenge in excerpting Malay town's dynamic and organic growth pattern-development. This study attempt to develop the methodological process of urban morphological analysis framework concerning the Malay town context. With the adoption of the historic-geographical approach as the method of analysis, the study applied two different spatial scales as the basis of the analysis process, that is, plan-units analysis and morphological evolution analysis. The findings unveiled the inherent morphogenesis processes of Malay towns central to the spatial structure of Kota, represent a town that functioned as a territorial base with settlements of Kampung as the archetype of the morphological unit. Through depicting the spatial boundary of Dalam Kota and Luar Kota, the fixation line of the growth process in Malay town can be identified, which is imperative to the functioning system of the town. Accordingly, developing the systematic morphological analysis process aids in providing a clear and responsive strategy for managing the changing process of Malay towns to ensure a sustainable transition for resilient communities and territories.

Predictors, surrogate and patient-reported outcomes in neoadjuvant immunotherapy for lung cancer: A single-center retrospective study

Background Development of immunotherapy/molecular targeted therapy has significantly increased survival/QoL in advanced stages of NSCLC. Aim(s): to analyze outcome predictors, surrogate outcomes, and PROMs after neoadjuvant immunotherapy for initially unresectable NSCLC. Methods Initially unresectable NSCLC (2014-2021) patients who received immunotherapy +/- platinum-based chemo and/or radiotherapy evaluated after response (reduction of primary tumor and/or mediastinal lymphadenopathy/control of distant metastatic disease underwent surgical resection). PROMs were recorded using EORTC QLQ-29. Results 19 underwent salvage surgery after ICI. 14 had partial response (73.6%), 5 stable disease. Diagnosis was achieved by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) in 8 (42.1%), fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in 7 (36.8%), metastasis biopsy in 4 (21.0%). 11 (57.9%) were treated with neoadjuvant platinum-based chemo before or with ICI, 1 (5.2%) pemetrexed before ICI, 5 (26.3%) radiotherapy for metastatic control. 3 (15.7%) had ICI adverse effects. Radiotherapy was never used preoperatively for pulmonary/mediastinal disease. 7 (36.8%) received adjuvant therapy (5 [26.3%] pembrolizumab, 1 [5.2%] pemetrexed, 1 [5.2%] pemetrexed + pembrolizumab). 4 (21.0%) had local relapse (no systemic relapse). Median OS was 19 months (range: 2-57.4). At 2 months, 94.7% were alive (6 months: 89.5%;31 months: 79.5%). 2 (10.5%) had local recurrence. 2 (10.5%) died due to recurrence, 1 (5.2%) to COVID. 4 (21.0%) relapsed (median DFS: 5.3 months [range: 2.2-13.0]). PROMs were reviewed retrospectively at 30 days/1 year with significant decrease in coughing, side effects of treatment, surgery-related problems. [Formula presented] Conclusions Radical surgical resections following definitive immunotherapy/immune-chemotherapy in selected initially unresectable NSCLC are feasible and safe (low surgical-related mortality and morbidity). Symptoms and surgery-related outcomes were lower with higher QoL due to a selected group of highly motivated patients. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Ministero della Salute. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.Copyright © 2023 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc.

‘Turning Job Seekers to Job Creators': Talent Management Module Development for TVET Graduates

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the economy, particularly the downsizing of operations and retrenchment, which affected various sectors. Post-pandemic prompted a shift in the perspective;rather than waiting for jobs, it seems that individuals needed to become job creators. In this regard, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is believed to be a prominent field of study that could facilitate graduates to become job creators. Nevertheless, some of graduates would not consider owning businesses after graduation, indicating the difficulty of becoming job creators. Therefore, this study emphasising TVET program built and validated a Talent Management Module (MTM) involving creation (Job Creator) based on the Cognitive Information Processing (CIP) theory. It comprised both quantitative and qualitative phases. First, a series of interviews were carried out to explore the perceptions of talent management (TM) among seven experts. Second, a quantitative study involving data interpretation analysis based on the validity of the module content was obtained using the interview technique. Third, the module content validation process involved seven experts comprising academics and Malaysian career academy entrepreneurs whose backgrounds included entrepreneurship and TVET. The results showed that nine variables were involved, namely 1) Communication, 2) Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills, 3) Teamwork Skills, 4) Continuous Learning and Information Management, 5) Entrepreneurial Skills, 6) Leadership Skills, 7) Professional Ethics and Moral, 8) Career Adaptability, and 9) Digital technology. Overall, MTM that was built in this study was consented to by the appointed experts. The development of this module might better be considered to encourage graduates to create prospective job creation that could reduce the unemployment rate. Therefore, the proposed MTM might be an appropriate solution to address unemployment through the identified important components in the implementation and empowerment of career programmes across TVET graduates. © Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Publisher's Office.

Post-Covid-19 Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background and aim: The long-term consequences of COVID- 19 infection on the gastrointestinal tract remain unclear. Here we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and post-COVID-19 disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) after hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material(s) and Method(s): GI-COVID19 is a prospective, multicenter, controlled study. Patients with and without COVID-19 diagnosis were evaluated upon hospital admission and after 1, 6, and 12 months post-hospitalization. Gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, and depression were assessed using validated questionnaires, namely the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS), the Hanxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Adults. Result(s): The study included 2183 hospitalized patients. The primary analysis included a total of 883 patients (614 COVID-19 patients and 269 controls) due to the exclusion of patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal symptoms and/or surgery. At enrollment, gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequent among COVID-19 patients than in the control group (59.3% vs. 39.7%, P<0.001). At the 12-month follow- up, constipation and hard stools were significantly more prevalent in controls than in COVID-19 patients (16% vs. 9.6%, P=0.019 and 17.7% vs. 10.9%, P=0.011, respectively). Compared to controls, COVID- 19 patients reported higher rates of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) according to Rome IV criteria: 0.5% vs. 3.2%, P=0.045. Factors significantly associated with IBS diagnosis included history of allergies, chronic intake of proton pump inhibitors, and presence of dyspnea. [Table presented] At the 6-month follow-up, the rate of COVID-19 patients fulfilling the criteria for depression was higher than among controls. Conclusion(s): Compared to controls, hospitalized COVID-19 patients had fewer complaints of constipation and hard stools at 12 months after acute infection. COVID-19 patients had significantly higher rates of IBS than controls. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04691895.Copyright © 2023. Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l.

Prevalence Of Heart Failure In COVID Patients And Its Association With Mortality

Background: Moderate to severe COVID infection has been linked to poor cardiovascular outcomes, mainly pericarditis, heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. However, the pathophysiology remains not fully understood. We studied the prevalence of heart failure in patients hospitalized with COVID infections in our local hospital in West Virginia. Method(s): Utilizing ICD-10 codes, we collected data from Cabell Huntington Hospital, West Virginia. Patients who had COVID infection were selected. We analyzed the data of patients who had pre-existing heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes and hypertension. We calculated odds ratio for patients with pre-existing conditions in regards to mortality. All p-values were based on 2-tailed tests and were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Result(s): 2,532 patients were admitted due to COVID, out of which 260 (10.27%) had pre-existing diagnosis heart failure. Heart failure patients had a higher odds of in hospital mortality [2.87, 2.35-3.50 CI 95%]. Similarly, patients with other pre-existing conditions were associated with higher inpatient mortality, which included hypertension [1.25, 1.02-1.54 CI 95%], diabetes [1.36, 1.11-1.66 CI 95%], atrial fibrillation [2.74, 2.52-3.42 CI 95%] and coronary artery disease [1.19, 0.56-2.49 CI 95%]. Length of stay was longer among those individuals with HF (13.93 days vs 8.54 days). Conclusion(s): Data analysis demonstrates that the patients with COVID infection and concomitant heart failure have worse mortality outcomes.Copyright © 2022

Lipid nanoparticles technology in vaccines: Shaping the future of prophylactic medicine.

Throughout decades, the intrinsic power of the immune system to fight pathogens has inspired researchers to develop techniques that enable the prevention or treatment of infections via boosting the immune response against the target pathogens, which has led to the evolution of vaccines. The recruitment of Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as either vaccine delivery platforms or immunogenic modalities has witnessed a breakthrough recently, which has been crowned with the development of effective LNPs-based vaccines against COVID-19. In the current article, we discuss some principles of such a technology, with a special focus on the technical aspects from a translational perspective. Representative examples of LNPs-based vaccines against cancer, COVID-19, as well as other infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and allergies are highlighted, considering the challenges and promises. Lastly, the key features that can improve the clinical translation of this area of endeavor are inspired.

Implication of nanotechnology to reduce the environmental risks of waste associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest global public health outbreak in the 21st century so far. It has contributed to a significant increase in the generation of waste, particularly personal protective equipment and hazardous medical, as it can contribute to environmental pollution and expose individuals to various hazards. To minimize the risk of infection, the entire surrounding environment should be disinfected or neutralized regularly. Effective medical waste management can add value by reducing the spread of COVID-19 and increasing the recyclability of materials instead of sending them to landfill. Developing an antiviral coating for the surface of objects frequently used by the public could be a practical solution to prevent the spread of virus particles and the inactivation of virus transmission. Relying on an abundance of engineered materials identifiable by their useful physicochemical properties through versatile chemical functionalization, nanotechnology offers a number of approaches to address this emergency. Here, through a multidisciplinary perspective encompassing various fields such as virology, biology, medicine, engineering, chemistry, materials science, and computer science, we describe how nanotechnology-based strategies can support the fight against COVID-19 well as infectious diseases in general, including future pandemics. In this review, the design of the antiviral coating to combat the spread of COVID-19 was discussed, and technological attempts to minimize the coronavirus outbreak were highlighted.

Simultaneous green TLC determination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in the pharmaceutical dosage form and spiked human plasma.

Quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical compounds up to Nano gram levels is highly recommended to introduce feasible and sensitive tool for determination of the compounds in the pharmaceutical and biological samples. Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir was recently approved in the US, the UK and Europe as a new co-packaged dosage form for the treatment of COVID-19. The objective of this work was to develop a more sensitive TLC method based on using ß-cyclodextrin as a chiral selector additive in the mobile phase for simultaneous determination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in pure form, pharmaceutical formulation and spiked human plasma. The analysis procedures were developed using TLC aluminum silica gel plates and methanol-water- 2% urea solution of ß-cyclodextrin (40:10:.5, by volume) as a mobile phase with UV detection at 215 nm. The developed method was successfully applied over a linearity range of 10-50 ng/band for both nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The method was validated for limits of detection and quantitation, accuracy, precision, specificity, system suitability, and robustness. Furthermore, the eco-friendliness of the proposed method was assessed using the analytical eco-scale and the green analytical procedure index. The described method exhibited compliance with green analytical chemistry principles based on common green metric values.

Is COVID-19 a Systemic Disease?

Background: Many observations denote that we should deal with COVID-19 as a systemic disease. Method(s): In the following report, we briefly discuss observations denoting "the systemic" nature of COVID-19. Result(s): COVID-19 virology, the roles of ACE-2 receptor in COVID-19 pathogenesis, immunolog-ical aspects of the disease, endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy, and autopsy studies denote the systemic nature of COVID-19. Conclusion(s): Thinking of COVID-19 as a systemic disease, we will implement our ways of understanding and hence dealing with that disease. The most important public health solution is an effective vaccine for the broad population remaining at risk. As patients with COVID-19 present a broad spectrum of clinical presentation and distinct phenotypes, different strategies of management should be customized to the specific individual phenotypes. Further researches are highly needed to clarify the concept of "Is COVID-19 a systemic disease?". Until that time, we think that clinicians should deal with COVID-19 as a systemic disease.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Smart Health Care Monitoring and Indoor Occupancy Control System using Arduino

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need to develop effective COVID-19 pandemic control strategies. One of the crucial steps for individual protection is to stop the virus spread by the wearing face masks. The proposed method is developed to monitor the infected people in the crowded public areas like shopping centers, wedding hall, workplace, school or college. The abnormal temperature is detected by using sensor and the obtained signal will then be sent to the Arduino device connected to the controller. In order to stop the spread of COVID 19 viruses, this study intends to design and develop a novel system to automatically limit the room capacity based on temperature. The proposed Atmega328 microcontroller-based body temperature detection and a room capacity measuring device is connected with the android smart phone of the user. © 2022 IEEE.

Stroke and COVID-19 Pandemic: The Dilemma

Background: While the COVID-19 pandemic affected more than thirty million people world-wide, still the true link between COVID-19 and the incidence of stroke remains to be eluci-dated. Method(s): Herein, we briefly discuss virology of COVID-19 and approaches for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients, as well as the mechanisms that link stroke and COVID-19. Result(s): Many pathophysiologic and immunologic mechanisms have been implicated in stroke occurring among patients with COVID-19. COVID-19 pandemic has, in different ways, negative im-pacts on the care of stroke patients world-wide, and still, neurologists have to face many challenges to improve the care of stroke patients during such crisis. Conclusion(s): Although the control of the COVID-19 is of crucial importance, at the same time, the management of stroke must not be neglected. Therefore, preserving care for critical conditions such as stroke, and providing strategies to ensure this continues, have a priority even during the cri-sis. Till vaccine is available for COVID-19, strategies for rapid diagnosis and those for treating patients with that disease are evolving. Further studies are warranted.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

High SARS CoV2 antibody-prevalence among health care workers with variable exposure to COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional university hospital study

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pattern of medical services changed to minimize transmission to health care workers (HCWs) or hospitalized patients. Despite the care of COVID-19 patients in a special ward, new cases are accidentally discovered. This study aimed at determining the antibody seroprevalence among asymptomatic HCWs and the associated risks. Methods: The study involved 190 participants, including physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff. All were inquired for sociodemographic, specialty, previous isolation, and previous infection, and their blood was tested for SARS-CoV2 antibody. Results: Of 190 HCWs;72,1% were females, the mean age was 32.6±7.9 years, 10.5% were smokers, and 15.8% reported co-morbid illness. SARS CoV2 antibodies were found in 68 (35.8%);being IgG, IgM and both IgM and IgG in 47 (69.1%), 10 (14.7%) and 11 (16.2%) participants respectively. The prevalence was higher (47.6%) among HCWs of the COVID unit, [OR=1.7 (95% CI: 0.69-4.3)] and HCWs with previous COVID-19, OR:1.61 (95% CI:0.88-2.94). The prevalence was significantly lower among smokers (p=0.049), OR:0.29 (95% CI:0.08-1.01), and significantly higher in HCWs who recalled cough (p=0.036) OR: 1.97 (95% CI: 1.05-3.69). The likelihood of antibody seropositivity increased in technicians [OR:2.02 (95% CI: 0.92-4.44)], followed by physicians [OR:1.7 (95% CI: 0.7-4.33)] while the odds ratio was low among nurses [OR:0.58 (95% CI: 0.32-1.07). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of antibody positive HCWs had evidence of past SARS CoV2. Provision of adequate personal protective equipment and periodic screening of HCWs are urgently needed to lessen the transmission within the health care settings. © 2020 The author (s).