Impact of viral co-infection on clinical outcomes and mortality of COVID-19 patients: a study from Saudi Arabia.

Background: In COVID-19 patients undetected co-infections may have severe clinical implications associated with prolonged hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of viral coinfections on the outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a large tertiary Saudi Arabian Hospital. Methods: A total of 178 adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 who were hospitalized at the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region (AFHSR), Saudi Arabia, from March 1st to June 30th 2022, were enrolled. Real-time PCR for the detection of viral co­infections was carried out. Cases (SARS-CoV-2 with viral coinfections) and control (SARS-CoV-2 mono-infection) groups were compared. Results: 12/178 (7%) of enrolled COVID-19 patients had viral coinfections. 82/178 (46%) of patients were males. 58% of patients had comorbidities. During the study period, 4/12 (33%) and 21/166 (13%) cases and control patients died, p=0.047, respectively. Duration of hospitalization was the only significant independent factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 coinfections, OR 1.140, 95% CI 1.020-1.274, p=0.021. Conclusions: The findings of this study from a large tertiary Saudi Arabian Center revealed a prevalence of 7% for SARS-CoV-2 viral coinfections. SARS-CoV-2 coinfected patients had a significantly prolonged duration of hospitalization and higher mortality than those with SARS-CoV-2 alone. Future studies are needed.

Correlation of clinical, laboratory, ventilation, and outcome parameters in hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019-infected patients with computed tomography severity score

Context Widespread prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection with high rates of morbidity and mortality necessitates early case definition and severity grading to predict prognosis and improve disease outcome parameters. Purpose To correlate computed tomography severity score (CTSS) in COVID-19-infected patients with their clinical, laboratory, method of ventilation, and disease outcome parameters. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 139 COVID-19-infected patients with typical or indeterminate COVID radiological patterns with a correlation between CTSS and their clinical, laboratory, ventilation, hospital stay, and survival data. Results A total of 139 cases were included, with a mean age of 59.81 +/- 12.29 years, 63.3% males, 28.77% were noncomorbid, and oxygen saturation of 82.53 +/- 6.58 SD. They were subgrouped based on CTSS. A significant correlation was found between high CTSS and oxygen saturation, C-reactive protein, ferritin, D-dimer, lymphopenia, diabetes comorbid patients, need for high-flow oxygen therapy, need for noninvasive or invasive ventilation, mortality, and number of hospital stay in days. Conclusion Different parameters are correlated with high CTSS, especially low oxygen saturation, high C-reactive protein or ferritin values, diabetes, and long hospital stay.Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 between ICU and non-ICU patients

Introduction: During the peak of COVID-19 crisis between May and September 2021, Hospital UiTM Sg. Buloh was converted to a full COVID-19 hospital. We described our experience in managing active COVID-19 patients and subsequent follow-ups. Result(s): 215 COVID-19 patients were admitted to Hospital UiTM Sg Buloh between May and September 2021;81 patients (38%) required ICU admission, and 134 patients (62%) required only ward admission. Mean age was 53 years old, male 61%, mean day of illness at presentation was 9 days, and mean duration of hospital admission was 10 days. Fully vaccinated patients were less likely to be admitted to ICU, OR 0.2 (0.04 - 0.89). ICU patients were more likely to be female Adj OR 2.0 (1.11-3.56), diabetic Adj OR 1.9 (1.04-3.68), have more extended hospital stay (17 vs. 6 days), and higher mortality OR 5.50 (2.64-11.34). In terms of laboratory investigations 24 hours prior to oxygen requirement, those required ICU admissions have higher creatinine (167 vs. 107 mmol/L), CRP (115 vs. 69 ug/L), and ALT (80 vs. 53 mmol/L), as well as lower PF ratio (148 vs. 210). Cardiac arrhythmias and secondary infection were more likely in ICU patients, Adj OR 16.44 (1.56-172.81) and 12.05 (5.44-26.69), respectively. While pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and acute cor-pulmonale were only observed in ICU patients. Mortality was recorded in 43 cases (20%). 83 patients out of 172 COVID-19 survivors (48%) attended a 3-month follow-up which revealed no difference in symptoms, 6-minute-walk-tests, and spirometry between ICU and non-ICU patients. Conclusion(s): ICU COVID-19 patients have poorer outcomes during hospital admission but similar recovery with nonICU patients at 3-month follow-up.

Treatment with fluvoxamine in nonhospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients

Context: Fluvoxamine may have a potential immune-regulatory action and a therapeutic role in severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection that may prevent progression and/or hospitalization. Aim(s): Trial that compared fluvoxamine versus placebo in nonhospitalized adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (mild and moderate coronavirus disease 2019 cases). Settings and design: This is a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Patients and Methods: The study enrolled 162 cases with positive PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 infection and who were symptomatic within 7 days of the first dose of study medication. Statistical analysis: The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data gathered together will be tabulated and statistically analyzed. The statistical analysis of data was carried out using Excel and the SPSS programs statistical package for AQ8 Social Sciences, version 17. Quantitative data were described as median (minimum-maximum). An analysis of the data was carried out to test statistically significant differences between groups. Quantitative data were presented as mean+/-SD and the Student's t test was used to compare between two groups. Result(s): In all, 162 patients completed the study;72 patients were of mild severity;90 patients were moderate cases and each group was randomized to receive fluvoxamine or placebo besides standard care. In the mild group, no significant difference was recorded while slight significance exists in the moderate severity group. Conclusion(s): Fluvoxamine may have an added value besides the current standard care in reducing the need for hospitalization in outpatient cases, especially pneumonic ones;however, more larger studies are needed. Copyright © 2023 The Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis.

The utility of 1-minute sit-to-stand test to detect exerciseinduced oxygen desaturation in outpatient assessment of post COVID-19 patients

Introduction: The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is the gold standard for assessing exercise-induced impairment of gas exchange, but it is technically challenging in a busy outpatient clinic. The aim of this study was to compare the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1STST) with the 6MWT in assessment of exercise-induced oxygen desaturation in post COVID-19 patients in an outpatient setting. Method(s): A total of 447 outpatient post COVID-19 patients were recruited from post COVID-19 clinic. Both 6MWT and 1STST (a set) were performed on the same day including pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) recording at baseline, nadir, and recovery stage. Result(s): A total of 447 sets were performed at a mean of 160 days post discharge. Majority were in category severe (n=251, 56%), critical (n=118, 26%) and moderate (n=6, 15%). At assessment, most patients were symptomatic (mMRC > 2) n= 258, 58%. There was no significant difference between nadir SpO2 for 6MWT and 1STST (p<0.075) with Bland-Altman plots showing good agreement, p<0.593 (figure 1). There was good correlation between SpO2 and 6MWT or 1STST at baseline;R=0.592 p<0.001, nadir;R=0.456 p<0.001, and recovery;R= 0.514 p<001. 1STST had 76.8% sensitivity and 42.4% specificity to detect > 4% oxygen desaturation compared with 6MWT (table 1). There was also correlation between 6MWT distance and 1STST repetition;R=0.144 p<0.002. Conclusion(s): Both 6MWT and 1STS have good agreement on nadir SpO2 and are sensitive to detect > 4% oxygen desaturation. Therefore, 1STST is an useful screening test to detect exercise-induced oxygen desaturation during outpatient assessment.

Spirometry outcomes in survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia

Introduction: Acute COVID-19 infection could lead to long COVID, a heterogenous condition which includes the respiratory system. But data on long-term respiratory complications are scarce and limited especially from our part of the world. Method(s): A total of 443 post COVID-19 patients were recruited from post COVID-19 clinic. The following assessments were performed in all patients;symptoms, 6-minute-walk-test (6MWT), 1-minute-sit-to-stand-test (1STST), spirometry, and chest radiograph. Result(s): Patient's mean age was 51 (13) years old, majority were male (60%), and Malay ethnicity (73%). Majority were in category severe (n=254, 57%), critical (n=122, 28%) and moderate (n=67, 15%). Abnormal spirometry (FVC <80%) were detected in 47% (n=209) of the patients. It was associated with older age groups (54 vs 49 years old, p 0.001), longer hospital admission (17 vs 13 days, p 0.016), shorter follow-up duration (140 vs 170 days, p 0.004), more likely to have oxygen desaturation >4% during 6MWT and 1STST, OR 1.8 (1.1-2.9) and OR 1.7 (1.1-2.6) respectively, and abnormal chest radiograph, OR 3.9 (2.5-6.2) compared to those with normal spirometry findings 125 patients have full lung function test and gas transfer done which showed reduced TLC (<80%) and DLCO (<80%), and normal KCO (>80%) in majority of cases;80% (n = 100), 86.4% (n = 108) and 94% (n = 117). Conclusion(s): Abnormal spirometry findings are common among post COVID-19 patients with pneumonia and are associated with poorer respiratory outcomes;exertional oxygen desaturation and abnormal chest radiograph. Therefore, these groups of patients should be referred for spirometry assessment.

Investigation of COVID-19 By Theoretical Docking of Medicines With Two Proteins

This study examined the docking of two inhibition for SARS-Cov-2 virus (or COVID-19) these proteins are (6wtt and 6xa4) with nine pharmaceutical compounds (Aminoglutethimide, 4-Aminosalicylic acid, Felbamate, Hydroflumethiazide, Modafinil, Nepafenac, Oxcarbazepine, and Trichlormethiazide) which are used in the general human's life. These pharmaceuticals have different active groups in the structure conformation like (- NH2) and (-OH). Docking was applied the investigate the interaction between these medicines with the proteins using Molecular Operating Environment software (MOE). The goal of this study was to find a novel drug that docked with some proteins and was regarded to be an effective therapy for COVID-19. © 2022 National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC)

Urology Referral of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms during Covid-19 Pandemic from Primary Health Care Center. Steps Can Make Difference

Introduction:Waiting times for prostate assessment and diagnosis in suspected BPH are exceptionally long(1). Deficient referral data considerably affect triage decision and patients' waiting list. Aim(s): To assess quality of male LUTS referrals. Material(s) and Method(s): A retrospective study included urgent (within 2 weeks) and routine (within 4 weeks) electronic male LUTS referrals for (patients >= 40 years(2)) to Urology clinic in AlWakra Hospital during (June 2021-February 2022) from Primary Health Care (PHC). Exclusion: Covid-19 positive, frank hematuria, fever, UTI, suspected malignancy, known urethral stricture, urinary retention or catheter/JJ stent in situ. Next available Urology clinic slot and LUTS referral data were analyzed. All cases were electronically registered (quality control). Result(s): Next available Urology clinic first visit (on February 2022) for (9 staff, 11 clinics weekly) is (mean 251 days). LUTS referrals: 57 patients, age (40-86) years, urgent 24/57 (42%) and routine 33/57 (58%) referrals. Analysis showed documented: urinalysis in 16/57, renal function tests in 24/57, US KUB results in 8/57, PSA result (no documented counseling/request justification) in 22/57, and (flowmetry and voiding diary) in 1/57 referrals. All without documented digital rectal examination (DRE) or IPSS score. Conclusion(s): Standardized non-neurogenic male LUTS (referral template), encouraging IPSS, flowmetry and voiding diary use in PHC, and electronic registry use will optimize Urology clinic utilization. Covid- 19 restrictions/Telemedicine consultations should not prevent DRE assessment. PHC physicians' education about indications for urgent LUTS referral and PSA request guidelines is essential. Copyright © 2022 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Hypertension: How it May Physiologically Affect Exercise Training

Exercise training is paramount in improving aerobic capacity, lung function, reducing the symptoms of dyspnea, and reconditioning the lean skeletal muscles. Many literature and guidelines have advocated the importance of exercise intervention in addressing the secondary impairment to post covid-19 infection, including home-based therapy and telerehabilitation. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was previously thought to be contraindicated by exercise training;however, exercise was later found to be beneficial and relatively safe in chronic PH. However, them is a lack of high-quality evidence on the safety and effectiveness of exercise training in post-COVID-19 infected individuals with PH. Pulmonary hypertension has been documented to be one of the post-COVID-19 complications. PH occurred due to COVID-19 infection should be carefully considered before subjecting them to exercise training, especially in home-based therapy. This article aims to discuss the differing etiological factor, pathophysiological backgrounds, and the possible disease long-term outcomes that may compromise the safety of exercise training in post-COVID-19 patients complicated with PH. By understanding the risk of developing PH, risk assessment and stratification can be explicitly outlined for a safe exercise prescription through proper patient selections. Any possible complications can be anticipated;hence, proper preventive strategies can be instituted.

Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Hypertension: How it May Physiologically Affect Exercise Training

Exercise training is paramount in improving aerobic capacity, lung function, reducing the symptoms of dyspnea, and reconditioning the lean skeletal muscles. Many literature and guidelines have advocated the importance of exercise intervention in addressing the secondary impairment to post covid-19 infection, including home-based therapy and telerehabilitation. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was previously thought to be contraindicated by exercise training;however, exercise was later found to be beneficial and relatively safe in chronic PH. However, there is a lack of highquality evidence on the safety and effectiveness of exercise training in post-COVID-19 infected individuals with PH. Pulmonary hypertension has been documented to be one of the post-COVID-19 complications. PH occurred due to COVID-19 infection should be carefully considered before subjecting them to exercise training, especially in home-based therapy. This article aims to discuss the differing etiological factor, pathophysiological backgrounds, and the possible disease long-term outcomes that may compromise the safety of exercise training in post-COVID-19 patients complicated with PH. By understanding the risk of developing PH, risk assessment and stratification can be explicitly outlined for a safe exercise prescription through proper patient selections. Any possible complications can be anticipated;hence, proper preventive strategies can be instituted.

COVID Tarnish Lung: Residual Radiological Lung Consequences of Infection with COVID-19

Background: COVID-19 has still been expressed as a mysterious viral infection with dramatic pulmonary consequences. Objectives: This article aims to study the radiological pulmonary consequences of respiratory covid-19 infection at 6 months and their relevance to the clinical stage, laboratory markers, and management modalities. Methods: This study was implemented on two hundred and fifty (250) confirmed positive cases for COVID-19 infections. One hundred and ninety-seven cases (197) who completed the study displayed residual radiological lung shadowing (RRLS) on follow-up computed tomography (CT) of the chest. They were categorized by Simple clinical classification of COVID-19 into groups A, B and C. Results: GGO, as well as reticulations, were statistically significantly higher in group A than the other two groups;however, bronchiectasis changes, parenchymal scarring, nodules as well as pleural tractions were statistically significantly higher in group C than the other two groups. Conclusion: Respiratory covid-19 infection might be linked to residual radiological lung shadowing. Ground glass opacities GGO, reticulations pervaded in mild involvement with lower inflammatory markers level, unlike, severe changes that expressed scarring, nodules and bronchiectasis changes accompanied by increased levels of inflammatory markers. © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

COVID-19 – Impact of the lockdown on the weight variation among the Lebanese population

The aim of this study is to assess lifestyle changes along with weight fluctuations during the COVID-19 lockdown in Lebanon. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-survey disseminated through social media platforms to a large sample of the Lebanese population between May 25th and June 8th, 2020, during the lockdown in Lebanon. Behavioral changes and weight variation during the confinement were assessed. Two thousand one hundred sixty-one participants (64.9% female) aged 18 to 78 years old were included in this study. On average, no net weight variation was reported by the participants. 59.3% of the smokers changed their smoking habits, 40.7% of the drinkers reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, 43.5% of the participants exercised less than one time weekly and 35.8% changed their diet. Increased frequency of physical activity, following a diet during lockdown, decreased weight dissatisfaction (P < 0.0001 for the three variables) were retained as significant factors associated with weight loss. Planning to engage in physical activity post lockdown was associated with weight gain (P = 0.021). In the Lebanese population, no net weight variation was reported during the lockdown. Increasing physical activity and initiating diet were associated with weight loss. Healthcare authorities should be alerted about the importance of these factors during the follow-up of the confined population. © 2022 Société francophone nutrition clinique et métabolisme (SFNCM)

Transformation model of government policy on task force through coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic handling strategy in the COVID tourism ambassador program in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Various policies have been issued by the government regarding task force to accelerate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) handling, ranging from presidential decrees, ministerial decrees, governor decrees, followed by decisions from the implementing agencies regarding the policy outputs, and compliance of the target groups. AIM: This study aimed to identify and analyze changes in task force policies as well as strategies used in handling the COVID-19 pandemic through the Tourism Ambassador program in South Sulawesi which is considered as an effective model for handling COVID-19. METHODS: This research was conducted by applying qualitative method that emphasizes interpretation and phenomena holistically. The analysis used was the model of government policy transformation in the task force through the COVID-19 pandemic handling strategy in the COVID tourism ambassador program in South Sulawesi. This study was participated by informants (participants) who were involved in the COVID Ambassador Tourism Program in South Sulawesi. RESULTS: The Provincial Government of South Sulawesi has made policy changes, especially regarding the COVID-19 handling acceleration task force. There were various changes in the government regulatory policies related to the Regulation of the Minister of Health (Permenkes) of the Republic of Indonesia No. 09 of 2020 to Presidential Decree (Kepres) No. 11 of 2020 regarding regulations for Large-Scale Social Restrictions to accelerate the handling of COVID-19 in South Sulawesi. CONCLUSION: Changes in policy related to the acceleration of COVID-19 control and handling in South Sulawesi resulted in a policy output that showed a decrease in the number of COVID-19 positive cases. Implementing the strategy through the COVID-19 Tourism Ambassador program as a model for handling COVID-19 in South Sulawesi is the right strategy. © 2021 Aslinda Aslinda, Muhammad Akmal Ibrahim, Sukri Palutturi.

Anti-viral and immunomodulatory properties of propolis: chemical diversity, pharmacological properties, preclinical and clinical applications, and in silico potential against SARS-CoV-2

Propolis, a resin produced by honeybees, has long been used as a dietary supplement and folk remedy, and more recent preclinical investigations have demonstrated a large spectrum of potential therapeutic bioactivities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties. As an antiviral agent, propolis and various constituents have shown promising preclinical efficacy against adenoviruses, influenza viruses, respiratory tract viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Over 300 chemical components have been identified in propolis, including terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, with the specific constituent profile varying widely according to geographic origin and regional flora. Propolis and its constituents have demonstrated potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 by modulating multiple pathogenic and antiviral pathways. Molecular docking studies have demonstrated high binding affinities of propolis derivatives to multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including 3C-like protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S-protein), and helicase (NSP13), as well as to the viral target angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Among these compounds, retusapurpurin A has shown high affinity to 3CLpro (G = -9.4 kcal/mol), RdRp (-7.5), RBD (-7.2), NSP13 (-9.4), and ACE2 (-10.4) and potent inhibition of viral entry by forming hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues within viral and human target proteins. In addition, propolis-derived baccharin demonstrated even higher binding affinity towards PLpro (-8.2 kcal/mol). Measures of drug-likeness parameters, including metabolism, distribution, absorption, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) characteristics, also support the potential of propolis as an effective agent to combat COVID-19.

In Silico Mining of Terpenes from Red-Sea Invertebrates for SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (M^pro) Inhibitors

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent for the COVID-19 pandemic, which generated more than 1.82 million deaths in 2020 alone, in addition to 83.8 million infections. Currently, there is no antiviral medication to treat COVID-19. In the search for drug leads, marine-derived metabolites are reported here as prospective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Two hundred and twenty-seven terpene natural products isolated from the biodiverse Red-Sea ecosystem were screened for inhibitor activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M^pro) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area binding energy calculations. On the basis of in silico analyses, six terpenes demonstrated high potency as M^pro inhibitors with DELTAG_binding <= -40.0 kcal/mol. The stability and binding affinity of the most potent metabolite, erylosides B, were compared to the human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor, lopinavir. Erylosides B showed greater binding affinity towards SARS-CoV-2 M^pro than lopinavir over 100 ns with DELTAG_binding values of -51.9 vs. -33.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Protein-protein interactions indicate that erylosides B biochemical signaling shares gene components that mediate severe acute respiratory syndrome diseases, including the cytokine- and immune-signaling components BCL2L1, IL2, and PRKC. Pathway enrichment analysis and Boolean network modeling were performed towards a deep dissection and mining of the erylosides B target-function interactions. The current study identifies erylosides B as a promising anti-COVID-19 drug lead that warrants further in vitro and in vivo testing.

Mathematical fitting model and analysis in describing Covid-19 viruses outbreak in Indonesia

The outbreak of novel coronavirus at the end of 2019 (covid-19) has become a global concern due to its fast transmission from human-to-human. It is first time discovered in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China. In this research, the author tries to construct epidemiological model that consist of six subpopulations such as susceptible (S), exposed (E), infected (I), isolated (Q), recovered (R), and dead (D) population. Those compartments will be analyzed to get basic reproduction number (R0). The data used in this research is secondary data that obtained from the recent study and various news report related to the covid-19 outbreak. Fitting method will be carried out to describe the virus outbreak and see the trend of the future condition based on the real observation data and the mathematical function that has been determined. The expected result of this research is that the mathematical fitting model and its analysis helping the epidemiologist and health practitioner to determine the right treatment to stop the outbreak so that the society could be back to virgin population.

A novel and stable ultraviolet and infrared intensity sensor in impedance/capacitance modes fabricated from degraded CH3NH3PbI3-xClxperovskite materials

The present situation of COVID-19 diverted our focus towards utilizing the degraded solar cells for sensor application, this will help in global energy harvesting. So, here is our successful effort to reuse already degraded solar cells as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) sensor. The spin-coated perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3-XClX) has been already tested for visible light spectrum, as an extension to that now it is utilized as UV and IR intensity sensors to cover the whole spectrum. The employed CH3NH3PbI3-XClX material was used after its efficiency loss has been reached to a saturation point in photovoltaic devices. Each deposited layer was investigated from UV to the IR absorption spectrum for deepening study through UV-vis spectroscopy. In the sandwiched architecture possessing FTO/PEDOT: PSS/Perovskite/PC61BM/CdS/Au symmetry, the perovskite film has been employed as an absorbent layer, however, other layers participation also plays a key role. The resultant device yielded very good sensing performance because of the enhanced excitons generation which is attributed to the precise selection of the interfacial materials, e.g. CdS and PC61BM as an ETM and PEDOT: PSS as HTM. The impedance and capacitance of the devices within 0.01-200 kHz under varied UV and IR illumination intensities were investigated. Measurements showed that as the intensity of the light increased i.e., UV (0-200 W/m2) and IR (0-5800 W/m2), impedance decreased while capacitance increased. The current results are attributed to the increase in the concentration of charges i.e., electron-hole pairs generation depending on the built-in capacitance and frequency of the charges. © 2020 The Authors.

Theoretical prediction of possible drug treatment of covid-19 using coumarins containing chloroquine moeity

Chloroquine was theoretically reacted with the coumarin compound. Two compounds viz. [N-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)-N-(5-(diethylamino)pentan-2-yl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromene-7-sulfonamide] (3) and [N-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)-N-(5-(diethylamino)pentan-2-yl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromene-6-sulfonamide] (4) were suggested. The results showed that compound 4 may influence the COVID-19 treatment. The physico-chemical parameters were determined through theoretical calculations by using Hartree-Fock at different basis sets (6-31G), (STO/3G) and the semi-empirical (AM1) method. The calculations demonstrated the scheme of reaction between coumarin and the chloroquine structure by using the predicted mechanisms. The physical and chemical properties of the predicted compounds were determined to select the optimal form as the candidate for COVID-19 treatment. Compound 4 was more stable than compound 3, with different proteins viz. 6YHU, 6YI3 and 6LU7. Three types of software, including Gaussian 03, Chem-Bio office and molecular operating environment (MOE) were employed. © This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. This license lets others distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon your work, even commercially, as long as they credit the author for the original creation. You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.

Modeling, control, and prediction of the spread of covid-19 using compartmental, logistic, and gauss models: A case study in Iraq and Egypt

In this paper, we study and investigate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iraq and Egypt by using compartmental, logistic regression, and Gaussian models. We developed a generalized SEIR model for the spread of COVID-19, taking into account mildly and symptomatically infected individuals. The logistic and Gaussian models were utilized to forecast and predict the numbers of confirmed cases in both countries. We estimated the parameters that best fit the incidence data. The results provide discouraging forecasts for Iraq from 22 February to 8 October 2020 and for Egypt from 15 February to 8 October 2020. To provide a forecast of the spread of COVID-19 in Iraq, we present various simulation scenarios for the expected peak and its timing using Gaussian and logistic regression models, where the predicted cases showed a reasonable agreement with the officially reported cases. We apply our compartmental model with a time-periodic transmission rate to predict the possible start of the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt and the possible control measures. Our sensitivity analyses of the basic reproduction number allow us to conclude that the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 cases is by decreasing the transmission rate. The findings of this study could therefore assist Iraqi and Egyptian officials to intervene with the appropriate safety measures to cope with the increase of COVID-19 cases. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Management of COVID-19-positive patient with bilateral longitudinal petrous fractures: A case report

Temporal bone fractures are bilateral in 8 to 29% of cases. High index of suspicion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is important while dealing with any patient with special concern to the surgical and traumatized patients to reach a good patient outcome especially during the pandemic of COVID-19. We describe in this report the management of COVID-19-positive patient with bilateral longitudinal petrous fractures and moderate head injury.