Sustainable intelligent outbreak with self-directed learning system and feature extraction approach in technology

The COVID-19 epidemic is one of the deadliest viruses in recent history, but it is an infodemic that infects students and the community with false information, exacerbating the existing ailment. We attempt to identify and classify bogus news on the internet to identify false information about epidemics and coronavirus. Real comments were gathered from legitimate Twitter usernames, while phoney comments, publications, and events were obtained through realisation websites like news sources. Methods of deep learning, such as convolutional and recurrent neural networks, were combined in this process. Conventional classification techniques such as Binary Classification, K-nearest, Asymmetric Boost, and Random Forest were used up until they were exhausted in the random mutimodal deep learning (RMDL). Examining these tactics and gaining a deeper understanding of the dataset, including the information on COVID-19 that can be found on the internet, required the application of the high-frequency sub and clothing word convolutional extracted features.

Fundamental Aspects of Vedic Sciences by Yajna Vijnan and Mantra Therapy: An Interdisciplinary Study in Light of the Second Wave of the Pandemic

The article discusses various scientific aspects of Indian Vedic Agnihotra Vijnan and Mantra therapy. It has been scientifically proven in many recent experiments and literature that Homa therapy is effective in diseases control through inhaling therapy, generates negative ions responsible for happiness, organic homa krishi (farming) is best for humans, and it is a boon for mental and physical fitness. The authors present a series of small experiments in support of few of the above results and confident enough that gradually this therapy will be popular and accepted globally by one and all. Indian culture and science is scientific and full of components to uplift the human consciousness and ease life. The present study supports this fact by visualizations and sensor-based experiments. In the 21st century, it is crucial to accept with open minded the good features this alternate therapy in view of the multiple waves of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and other global threats. Copyright © 2022, IGI Global.

A Unique Case of Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade

Background We present a unique case of a female who developed a large pericardial effusion (PEff) from a rare cause. Case A 36-year-old female with recent COVID-19 infection presented with acute dyspnea. She had undergone liposuction, rectus plication and breast augmentation two months ago. Heart rate was 90/min and blood pressure 86/57mmHg. CT angiogram of the chest revealed a massive PEff with tamponade. She had large right-sided pleural effusion also. She underwent ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis with the removal of 950 milliliters of serosanguineous fluid. Follow-up echocardiogram showed re-accumulation of fluid. Due to the rapid onset of PEff, she underwent a pericardial window and bilateral chest tube placement. Decision-making Pleural and pericardial fluid analysis showed silicone-gel particles (Figure. 1). Pericardial biopsy showed nonspecific chronic inflammation. Autoimmune workup was unremarkable. Elevated ESR and CRP in the presence of embolized gel particles indicated foreign body reaction from silicone embolism. Plastic surgery advised implant removal. Silicone embolism is known to cause silicone thorax, pleural effusions, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PEff due to silicone embolism from breast implants. Conclusion Cardiologists should be aware of this rare but serious complication. Silicone embolism should be considered in the differential of PEff in patients with breast implants. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation

Coronavirus Pandemic: Role of Bats And Zoonotic Transmission in Humans

Background: In the past two decades, the human coronavirus (HCoV) outbreaks have gripped the international communities almost six times in different forms [HCoV-OC43 (2001);HCoV-NL63 (2004);SARS-CoV (2003);HCoV HKU1 (2005);MERS-CoV (2012);SARS-CoV--2 (2019)]. These emerging pathogens have been proven very challenging from medical perspec-tives, economic conditions, and psychological impact on human society. Introduction: SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, has evidenced a historic yet troublesome pandemic across the globe. In humans, its clinical manifestations may range from asymptomatic, severe pneumonia to mortality. Bats are the natural reservoirs of a variety of viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae. Most of the bats harboring coronaviruses mainly reside in Asian and African regions. Objective(s): The objective was to describe the various characteristic features of all coronaviruses, clinical manifestations, and complications associated with SARS-CoV-2. The major goal was to highlight the involvement of the strong immune system of bats in the cross-species transmission of coronaviruses in intermediate hosts and, finally, zoonotic transmission in humans. Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted for high quality research and review ar-ticles. We searched the databases for articles published between the year 1972 to 2020 with search terms zoonosis, coronaviruses, zoonotic transmissions, clinical manifestations, and the immune system of bats. Conclusion(s): The domestic and non-domestic animals come in closer contact with humans. Some requisite measures should be taken to decrease the contact with livestock to prevent further threatening viral transmissions. Furthermore, the remarkable immune system of bats is required to in-quire thoroughly to develop novel therapeutics to conquer the evolving coronaviruses in the future.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Treatment of COVID-19 ARDS with a tabletop NIV device in a Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been tried in COVID-19 ARDS (CARDS), and its role is being increasingly recognised. If proven, it could be a game-changer in resource limited settings. We report our experience with administration of respiratory support using a tabletop NIV device in a respiratory intermediate care unit (RIMCU). Methodology: We retrospectively studied a cohort of hospitalised COVID-19 patients, who received protocolised management with positive airway pressure using a tabletop NIV device in the RIMCU as a step-up rescue therapy for deterioration despite low flow oxygen support. Treatment was commenced with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mode up to a pressure of 10 cm H2O and if required inspiratory pressures were added with the bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) mode. Success was defined as weaning from NIV and stepping down to the ward. Failure was defined as escalation to the intensive care unit (ICU) or need for intubation or death. Result(s): In all, 246 patients were treated in the RIMCU during the study period. Of these, 168 received respiratory support via tabletop NIV device as a step-up rescue therapy. Their mean age was 54 years, and 83% were males. Diabetes Mellitus (78%) and hypertension (44%) were the commonest comorbidities. Treatment was successful with tabletop NIV in 77%;of this, 41% was on CPAP alone and 36% after receiving increased inspiratory pressures on BPAP mode. Conclusion(s): Respiratory support using a tabletop NIV device is an effective, and economical treatment for CARDS. Further studies are required to assess the appropriate time of initiation for maximal benefit and judicious resource utilisation.

Role of Itolizumab in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients, Admitted to ICU at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have correlated severe deterioration of COVID-19 patients due to excessive and uncontrolled production of cytokines. There is a pressing need to explore therapies, which could prevent the cytokine storm rather than terminating it. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of itolizumab on clinical outcomes of patients with moderate-severe COVID-19 disease admitted to ICU. The primary aim of the current study is to find out any mortality benefit in 14 days. The secondary aim is to assess the morbidity outcomes in terms of reduction in inflammatory markers and also the duration of hospital stays to assess the prognostication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective case-control study in which laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU were taken. A total of 62 patients were recruited, 31 patients received itolizumab (cases/treatment group) and 31 patients didn't receive itolizumab (designated as controls). RESULTS: Among the total patients recruited, 68% of the study population was male and 32% were female. A total of 12 patients expired among cases and 13 expired among controls. Overall mortality in both groups was noted to be almost similar. The control group showed mortality at lower computed tomography (CT) scores compared to the cases. There is a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, like interleukins-6 (IL-6) and D-dimer in cases compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, treating patients with cytokine storms before they require intubation/mechanical ventilation is crucial to preventing deaths. Itolizumab has shown no clinical benefit in critically ill COVID-19 patients, however, timely initiation of itolizumab therapy may serve as a key therapeutic option in preventing the mortality and morbidity outcomes in moderate-severe COVID-19 patients.

Spectrum and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in a Non-Covid Intensive Care Unit during Covid Pandemic: Single Centre Study from North India

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major risk factor for mortality in ICU patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spectrum and outcomes of non-COVID related AKI admitted to non-COVID intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital during COVID pandemic. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the Spectrum and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in a Non-COVID Intensive Care Unit during COVID Pandemic METHODS: Patients were prospectively enrolled from February 2020 to June 2021 using a predesigned standardized pro forma as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic details, comorbid conditions, biochemical parameters, urine output system affection, renal replacement therapy (RRT) details, and fluid replacement were recorded. Outcome measures assessed were serum creatinine at transfer-out from ICU serum creatinine at discharge days of ICU stay and days of hospital stay death/ discharge and requirement of RRT after discharge. RESULT(S): 200 patients of AKI getting admitted to ICU were included in this study. Diabetes mellitus (19.5%) was the most common comorbidity. AKI was most seen in the post-surgery setting (33%), and severe non-surgical sepsis (37%). The most important risk factors predicting in-hospital mortality in AKI patients were hepatic dysfunction (HR-3.471, p = 0.001), septicemia (HR-3.342, p = 0.0001), age >60 years (HR-4.000, p = 0.026), higher baseline SOFA score (HR-1.107, p = 0.001), anemia (HR-0.879, p = 0.003), and reduced serum iron levels (HR- 0.982, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION(S): Presence of age >60 years, hepatic dysfunction, septicemia, higher baseline SOFA score, anemia, and reduced serum iron emerged to be the most important predictors of mortality among intensive care requiring AKI patients. The surgical AKI incidence was less due to lesser number of elective surgeries during the COVID pandemic.

Public Debt and Economic Growth in India: The New Evidence

The study gives new evidence on the effects of public debt on economic growth in India with key macroeconomic indicators from 1980 to 2019. In the past decade, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a substantial rise in public debt, which reached 90% of the GDP in April 2021. Therefore, it is imperative to study the impact of different public debt sources on the Indian economy to help policymakers frame informed debt management policies. The long-run equilibrium relationship and cointegrating coefficients are calculated using Johansen cointegration and fully modified ordinary least square techniques. Toda and Yamamoto's (1995) Granger causality test is used as a short-run diagnostic test for the long-run equilibrium relationship. The study's major findings suggest that domestic debt, total factor productivity (TFP) and exports are the major determinants of economic development in the long run. In contrast, economic prosperity determines the growth of external debt, debt service payments and TFP in the short run. It is recommended that the government should control and channel public debt productively for favourable growth effects.

Simulating Percentage of Workers Opting to Work from Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using N-Player Iterative Game Theory

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has led to several countries establishing guidelines asking citizens to stay secluded and at their homes as much as possible. This has a profound impact on the working lives in almost all professions. Hence, people have been advised to work from home. However, working from home has several limitations and on average will cause financial losses to an individual. This has given rise to a dilemma where each person has the choice of working from home or going outside with the incentive of earning more capital but also increasing the risk of capturing the virus. We have modeled this situation using an n-player game where each player is trying to maximize their payoff, i.e., trying to make as much money as possible but limiting the risk of catching the virus. We aim to predict the proportion of a population cooperating, i.e., the following work from home guidelines at a particular stage of spread. This project presents an algorithm to model the n-player game and has used actual COVID-19 case numbers from various Indian states to simulate the situation. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Role of Itolizumab in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients, Admitted to ICU at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Clinical studies have correlated severe deterioration of COVID-19 patients due to excessive and uncontrolled production of cytokines. There is a pressing need to explore therapies, which could prevent the cytokine storm rather than terminating it. Aims and objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of itolizumab on clinical outcomes of patients with moderate-severe COVID-19 disease admitted to ICU. The primary aim of the current study is to find out any mortality benefit in 14 days. The secondary aim is to assess the morbidity outcomes in terms of reduction in inflammatory markers and also the duration of hospital stays to assess the prognostication. Materials and methods: It is a retrospective case-control study in which laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU were taken. A total of 62 patients were recruited, 31 patients received itolizumab (cases/treatment group) and 31 patients didn't receive itolizumab (designated as controls). Results: Among the total patients recruited, 68% of the study population was male and 32% were female. A total of 12 patients expired among cases and 13 expired among controls. Overall mortality in both groups was noted to be almost similar. The control group showed mortality at lower computed tomography (CT) scores compared to the cases. There is a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, like interleukins-6 (IL-6) and D-dimer in cases compared to the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, treating patients with cytokine storms before they require intubation/mechanical ventilation is crucial to preventing deaths. Itolizumab has shown no clinical benefit in critically ill COVID-19 patients, however, timely initiation of itolizumab therapy may serve as a key therapeutic option in preventing the mortality and morbidity outcomes in moderate-severe COVID-19 patients. © The Author(s). 2022Open Access This article is distributedunder the terms ofthe Creative Commons Attribution 4.0InternationalLicense (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

Assessment of Effectiveness of Bain's Circuit Attached to a Niv Mask for Assisting Spontaneous Ventilation

Background: To assess effectiveness of Bain's circuit attached to a NIV mask for assisting spontaneous ventilation. Material(s) and Method(s): Fifty- six adult COVID- 19 patients were divided into 2 groups of twenty- eight each. In group I, patients were ventilated using the modified Bain's circuit attached to an appropriately sized NIV mask and in group II patients were continued on ventilation using BiPAP. Hemodynamic variables such as partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), partial pressure of O2 (pO2), SO2, heart rate and pH values were recorded at baseline, after 30 minutes and after 2 hours. Result(s): There was non- significant difference in mean heart rate, SpO2, pH, pO2, pCO2 and SO2 at baseline, after 30 minutes after 2 hours in group I and group II (P> 0.05). Conclusion(s): Modified Bain's circuit can be considered as an alternative to non-invasive ventilation in COVID- 19 patients. Copyright © 2022 Necati Ozpinar. All Rights Reserved.

Dietary Pattern of School-Going Children during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: School age is the foundation of human life. A healthy and balanced diet plays a major role in the proper growth development of the body as well as the mind. Only a balanced diet can provide all the macro and micronutrients. Covid 19 has impacted each and every human being in some or another manner. School-going children had to cope with new encounters involving online teaching-learning methodology and social distancing. As a result, these children have undergone mental and psychological trauma. This led them to follow faulty dietary habits, which would have long time impact on their health. Aim and Objectives: In the present survey, an attempt has been made to compile a report on the dietary intake of school-going children in the Roopnagar district of Punjab, India. Methodology: For the purpose sample of 100 students (7 to 12 years) was selected from four development blocks of district Roopnagar, and the cluster sampling method was adopted for data collection. A detailed pretested questionnaire on the dietary habits of children was used. Results: 59% of children were vegetarian, 32% were non-vegetarian, and 9% were eggetarian. Study findings showed that children preferred some of the items such as wheat, rice, sugar, rajma, black gram, green gram, potato, tomato, onion, apple, banana, and grapes over other food items in the same food group. Conclusion: Results showed that children do not consume a variety of food items, and some selected food items only resulting low dietary diversity and food variety. © 2022 Lifescience Global.

Persistence of Ad26.COV2.S-associated VITT and specific detection of VITT antibodies

Background: Some COVID-19 vaccinated individuals develop anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies that cause thrombocytopenia and thrombosis;a rare syndrome referred to as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Currently, information on the characteristics and persistence of anti-PF4 antibodies that cause VITT after Ad26.COV2.S vaccination is limited, and available PF4-polyanion enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and functional diagnostic assays fail to differentiate Ad26.COV2.S and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19-associated VITT from similar clinical disorders, namely heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and spontaneous HIT. Aim(s): Evaluate the persistence of anti-PF4 antibodies in Ad26. COV2.S-associated VITT and correlate findings with clinical and laboratory variables such as thrombosis and platelet counts. Develop/ investigate laboratory tools that differentiate VITT antibodies from HIT and spontaneous HIT. Method(s): Blood samples from VITT and HIT patient cohorts were tested in antigen-based and functional assays and correlated with clinical and laboratory features. Result(s): While Ad26.COV2.S-associated VITT patients were strongly positive in PF4-polyanion ELISAs;they were frequently negative in the serotonin release assay (4 of 8 tested patients were negative). In contrast, the PF4-dependent p-selectin expression assay (PEA) that uses PF4-treated platelets consistently diagnosed Ad26.COV2.S-associated VITT. Most Ad26.COV2.S-associated VITT antibodies persisted for >5 months in PF4-polyanion ELISAs, while the PEA became negative earlier. Two patients had otherwise unexplained mild persistent thrombocytopenia (140-150,000/ mul) six months after acute presentation. No recurrence of thrombosis was noted. Additionally, a novel un-complexed PF4 ELISA specifically differentiated VITT secondary to Ad26.COV2.S and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination, from spontaneous HIT and HIT (Fig 1A-PF4/ polyanion ELISA;Fig 1B-Un-complexed PF4 ELISA;closed black circles-Ad26. COV2.S-associated VITT;closed red circle-ChAdOx1 nCoV-19-associated VITT;***p < 0.001;****p < 0.0001). Its specificity was further confirmed by testing commonly-encountered HIT-suspected patient samples that are PF4/polyanion ELISA-positive but negative in functional assays (1A-1B). Conclusion(s): Ad26.COV2.S-associated VITT antibodies are persistent, and the un-complexed PF4 ELISA appears to be both sensitive and specific for VITT diagnosis.

To study the pattern of post COVID - 19 manifestations in group of patients visiting tertiary care hospital

Background: To assess the pattern of covid-19 manifestations in group of patients visiting tertiary care hospital. Material(s) and Method(s):A total of 80 survivors of COVID-19 were enrolled in the present study. Complete medical history of all the patients was undertaken. Clinical and radiographic examination of all the patients was obtained. Information was collected through a telephonic interview and also by a questionnaire after the discharge from the hospital. Result(s):The subjects were in age group of 30 to 60 years. The mean age was 45.2 years and their mean BMI was 30.1 Kg/m2. From the subjects with post covid symptoms 25 (62.5%) were males and 15 (37.5%) were females. 22 (55%) of the patients were smokers. Fatigue (75%), dyspnoea (65%) and joint pain (55%) were the most common post COVID-19 manifestations found to be present Conclusion(s):Majority of the COVID-19 survivors exhibit manifestations similar to COVID-19. Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Identification of a pyridine derivative of diselenides as a potent inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 through in silico screening and biochemical evaluation

Coronavirus induced disease-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has presented an unprecedented health and economic crisis worldwide. Substantial progress has been made in the last two years to develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Along with vaccines, antiviral drugs constitute the secondary line of defense against the viral pathogen. Viral proteins are considered to be promising targets for designing antiviral drugs. The main protease (M-pro) is known to play a significant role in SARS-CoV-2 replication within the host. Accordingly, in the present study, a series of selenium-containing amino acids, selenopyridines and their respective derivatives, were screened for interaction with M-pro (PDB code: 6LU7) by molecular docking approach. The most potent docked compounds, namely nicotinamide diselenide (Nict(2)Se(2)) and pyridine diselenide (2-Py2Se2) with binding affinities in the range of similar to 10(5) M-1, were subjected to biochemical evaluation. The IC50 values of Nict(2)Se(2) and 2-Py2Se2 for M-pro inhibition estimated by bioassay were similar to 516.0 +/- 0.02 nM and 69.4 +/- 0.03 nM, respectively. The toxicity evaluation in a normal lung fibroblast (WI38) cell line suggested that among the above two compounds, Nict(2)Se(2) was much safer for biological applications. The circular dichroism studies and competitive kinetic assay using 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) as a substrate suggested that Nict(2)Se(2) treatment induced structural deformation of M-pro probably through interacting with a cysteine residue present in its active site. Together, the present investigation proposes that organoselenium compounds comprising aromatic amide moieties connected by a diselenide bridge could be potential candidate molecules for the future design of antiviral drugs specifically against SARS-CoV-2.

Effect of a hydrogen peroxide gas-plasma sterilization on physical integrity and quality of N95 respirators: An experimental study during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: N95 respirators have prevented transmission among health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. During times of intense shortage of respirators and border closures during the pandemic, re-use strategies with available decontamination methods were necessitated. This in-house experimental study evaluated the effect of hydrogen peroxide gas-plasma sterilization on respirators and helped establish an evidence-based protocol for their re-use in a resource-poor setting. Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional experimental model using saline nebulization as the aerosol exposure and a particle counter to measure the filtration of particles through the mask pre- and post-sterilization was used. Multiple cycles of plasma sterilization were done till the physical integrity/fit was lost. Total filtration volume was used as a surrogate marker to assess the filtration efficiency (FE). Results: The total volume of particles filtered on a 3M respirator was 99.9%. Unused Halyard and Venus respirators were compared against 3M and found to have FE of 99.9% and 60.5%, respectively. After repeated sterilization cycles, the total volume of particles filtered was 59.3% for Halyard in the seventh cycle and 36.2% for Venus in the fifth cycle. When the physical integrity and fit was tested, the appropriate fit was lost after eight cycles of sterilization for Venus and was not lost for Halyard even after the tenth cycle. Conclusion: This low-cost experimental study helped implement an effective and safe decontamination strategy for safe re-use of N95 respirators in an emergent situation with no access to commercial testing in a resource poor health-care setting during the pandemic.