Standardised forms for capturing clinical data promote consistency in data collection and analysis across study sites, enabling faster, higher-quality evidence generation. ISARIC and the World Health Organization have developed case report forms (CRFs) for the clinical characterisation of several infectious disease outbreaks. To improve the design and quality of future forms, we analysed the inclusion and completion rates of the 243 fields on the ISARIC-WHO COVID-19 CRF. Data from 42 diverse collaborations, covering 1,886 hospitals and 950,064 patients were analysed. A mean of 129.6 fields (53%) were included in the adapted CRFs implemented across the sites. Consistent patterns of field inclusion and completion aligned with globally recognised research priorities in outbreaks of novel infectious diseases. Outcome status was the most highly included (95.2%) and completed (89.8%) field, followed by admission demographics (79.1% and 91.6%), comorbidities (77.9% and 79.0%), signs & symptoms (68.9% and 78.4%) and vitals (70.3% and 69.1%). Mean field completion was higher in severe patients (70.2%) than in all patients (61.6%). The results indicate that clinical characterisation CRFs can be streamlined to reduce data collection time, including the modularisation of CRFs to offer a choice of data volume collection and the separation of critical care interventions. This data-driven approach to designing CRFs enhances the efficiency of data collection to inform patient care and public health response.

The rapidly expanding corona pandemic in 2020 brought the world to virtual economic stagna-tion. While the impact on the environment from suspended air traffic, idle industry and economic lockdown has been considerable, so have the economic and social consequences of the crisis. To make matters worse, the resulting state of stagnation is neither economically nor socially sustaina-ble. Nevertheless, we need to ask ourselves what we can learn from the situation in order to ex-plore the benefits of globalization, intercept similar crisis situations more effectively in the future and move towards more sustainable development on an ecological, economic and social level. This paper identifies the areas of expanded externality management needed to further improve environmental quality, digitalization, network expansion and basic income. These central issues need to be addressed both during and after the crisis in order to deal with problems of inequality and climate change mitigation for current and future generations. Concrete concepts will be put forward and discussed in the paper.

This study clearly shows that the corona pandemic has a significant impact on consumers’ eating habits. More food is eaten overall, and more convenience products such as ready meals and canned food with a longer shelf life are purchased. The consumption of alcohol and confectionery has also increased. In return, the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables has declined. It becomes clear that families who are financially affected by the pandemic represent a vulnerable group. With the increasing duration of the pandemic, repeated lockdowns, corona-related closings of schools and kindergartens, health consequences are to be expected in the medium to long term, especially for this population group.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire world, has not only created a number of emerging issues for each country, especially in the field of public health, but has also provided a number of opportunities for risk management, alternative strategies and completely new ways of looking at challenges. This paper examines the COVID-19 pandemic response in Türkiye and the possible implications of the experience for future responses to other health emergencies and disaster risk management, based on the lessons learned. This study uses publicly available literature from government, private sector, and academic sources to analyse the conflicts, changes and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, which are components of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM) framework. The COVID-19 experience in Türkiye has several aspects, including the significant role of healthcare workers, the existence of an effective health system accustomed to emergencies, applications based on information technologies, partial transparency of public authorities in providing information, and socio-cultural environment related to cooperation on prevention strategies, including wearing masks and vaccination. Challenges in Türkiye include distance learning in schools, lockdowns that particularly affect the elderly, ensuring environmental sustainability, hesitation about the effectiveness of social/financial support programmes, socio-cultural trivialisation of pandemics after a while, and relaxation of prevention strategies. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic include the value of transparency in public health/healthcare information, the strengthening of all aspects of the health system in terms of health workers, and the importance of a balanced economy prepared for foreseeable risks.

Liver fibrosis is based on complex interactions between extracellular matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells and is defined as excessive matrix deposition and an abundance of infiltrating cells in the liver. Studying these processes requires in vitro and in vivo experimental work on animals. In fibrosis research, experimental work in rodents is currently the gold standard for confirming a proposed disease-associated mechanism. Bile duct ligation (BDL) induces obstructive jaundice resulting in cholestasis. BDL is useful for preclinical research studies of liver injury due to extrahepatic cholestasis such as apoptosis and fibrosis. Here we provide a stepwise surgical approach to resect the common bile duct and monitor in situ hepatic metabolism by microdialysis.

Objectives: The study aimed to uncover the percentages of battered women in Jordan, its causes, forms, and relationship to several social factors. Methodology: The study was conducted on a random, targeted sample of (1308) women based on social sample survey method and electronic questionnaire tool for data collection, the Descriptive statistical method and chi-square test were used to examine statistically significant differences. Results: The study found that the percentage of battered women reached 17.1% during Corona pandemic in 2020, and the increase in men's violence against women during this period of was in large and medium degrees according to the sample. Husbands were the most practicing violence against their wives at 37.5%, followed by fathers against daughters at 28.6%, and brothers against sisters at 26.8%. The causes of male violence are due to social factors represented by male domination culture, interference by family and relatives, and economic factors represented by the high cost of living, low household income and poverty. The most common forms of violence are verbal, physical, and psychological. The study found that women in southern Jordan, who are poorer and less educated, and who live in a large family, are the most abused. The study recommended activating family and community service and reform offices, solving problems of deteriorating economic situation and individual poverty, and enlightening community awareness of the dangers of domestic violence.

The fields of electronics and information technology have witnessed rapid development during the last decades, providing significant technical support to the field of biological sciences. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been used to automate the monitoring of animal location and behaviors in a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate species, including social insects such as ants and honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) This technology relies on electromagnetic fields to identify and track transponders attached to objects automatically. Implementing new technologies to serve research purposes could be time-consuming and require technical expertise from entomologists and researchers. Herein, we present a detailed description on how to harness RFID technology to serve honey bee research effectively. We describe how to build and operate a 32-antenna RFID system used to monitor various honey bee behaviors such as foraging, robbing, queen and drone mating, which can be used in other social insects as well. Preliminary data related to queen nuptial flights were obtained using this unit and presented in this study. Virgin queens labeled with ~5mg transponders performed multiple (1-4) nuptial/orientation flights a day (9 am to 5 pm) ranging from 8 to 145 seconds each. Contrary to virgin queens, no hive exit was recorded for mated-queens. At full capacity, this unit can monitor up to 32 honey bee colonies concurrently and is self-sustained by a solar panel to work in remote areas. All materials, hardware and software needed to build and operate this unit are detailed in this study, offering researchers and beekeepers a practical solution and a comprehensive source of information enabling the implementation of RFID technology in their research perspective.

While it is not new that Nigeria is challenged by a huge infrastructure deficit, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the country’s comatose healthcare system. Given the country’s dwindling revenue, massive debt profile and the inability of the public-sector to efficiently manage public facilities in the country, this paper examines how the public-private partnership model of infrastructure procurement can be deployed as a solution for Nigeria’s healthcare crisis. In addition to the above, this paper takes a look at how a partnership with the private sector can aid Nigeria’s quest towards achieving healthcare-related Sustainable Development Goals. The paper also considers two healthcare-based projects as case studies to serve as lessons for future projects in the country. Among others, the paper recommends a holistic long-term solution for the country’s healthcare needs.

There are many types of coronavirus on the bases of important hosts including human, rat, turkey, rabbit, etc. The virus looks like a crown or corona of the sun with its round projection, spike. Now a day, newly emerged coronavirus disease (COVID 19) was first detected at Wuhan, China in December 2019 and it became a public health emergency international concern. Although a couple of researches has been conducting, much secretes of the virus and disease is still not understood and not reached a common understanding yet. However, sharing basic information is crucial based on the existing published research articles and updated information. Therefore, this review aimed to draw attention to the COVID 19 pandemic facts, opportunities, and challenges based on up to date information on cases in Ethiopia. Accordingly, the coronavirus is a single-stranded, non-segmented RNA genome virus. Two third of the genome (5'end) consists of two genes that code nonstructural proteins and the other 2-7 genes (3' end) code structural proteins including spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleocapsid. The virus transmits from animal to human and suggested as it might be originated from a bat and/or seafood. Coronavirus transmit human to human by direct contact and droplets during coughing and sneezing and common symptoms like fever, dry cough, and tiredness, short breathing, etc. can be seen from the patient. So that stay at home and social distancing are the most practicing pre-prevention methods. The disease causes high economic loss, face to face education closure, community cultural practice, and mass gathering activities are prohibited. However, various charity associations and creativities found increase than before. To this end, peoples should accept and follow governmental advice and instructions to escape from the pandemic.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene behaviors such as keeping distance, avoid-ing masses, wearing face masks and adhering to hand hygiene recommendations became impera-tive. The current study aims to determine factors interrelating with hygiene behaviors. Methods: 4,049 individuals (1,305 male, 2,709 female, aged 18-80 years) were recruited from rehabilitation clinics or freely on the internet and surveyed via online questionnaire between May 2020 and August 2021. Socio-demographics, hygiene behaviors, emotions (fear), life-satisfaction, risk factors and disability as well as communication were assessed. Results: Prevalence for hygiene behaviors was: keeping the distance 84.9%, avoiding mass gatherings 84.6%, wearing face masks 96.5% and hand hygiene 80.7%. Hygiene behaviors were significantly related to fear with linear and quad-ratic associations. Conclusion: Individuals with disabilities, risk factors and psychological symp-toms are more compliant. Especially hand hygiene should be targeted to achieve higher compli-ance rates. A medium level of fear is more functional than too elevated fear. Behavioral interven-tions and targeted communication aiming at improving different behaviors in orchestration can help individuals to remain healthy and maintain a high life-satisfaction. Thereby, communication in the healthcare setting is imperative and all involved individuals should become more aware of this to ensure high hygiene standards and patient safety.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted small businesses, exacerbating financial vulnerabilities and operational challenges. As these enterprises play a crucial role in economic stability and growth, identifying effective recovery strategies is imperative. This study investigates the legal and management solutions necessary for small businesses to recover and thrive post-pandemic. The research aims to examine the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses, evaluate the effectiveness of existing legal and governmental support measures, and propose management strategies that enhance resilience and drive recovery. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, comprising both quantitative and qualitative analyses. A survey was conducted with 500 small businesses across various sectors to collect data on financial performance, operational disruptions, and the utilization of government support programs. Additionally, 30 in-depth interviews with small business owners provided qualitative insights into adaptive strategies and challenges faced. A review of relevant legal documents and policy frameworks was also performed to assess the support mechanisms in place. The study revealed that 68% of small businesses experienced substantial revenue losses, with 50% encountering severe liquidity crises. Government support measures, such as grants and low-interest loans, were pivotal but often marred by accessibility issues and delays. Successful management strategies identified included accelerating digital transformation, diversifying revenue streams, and optimizing supply chain management. Legal measures that temporarily eased regulatory requirements and offered tax relief significantly aided in alleviating immediate pressures. The economic recovery of small businesses post-COVID-19 hinges on comprehensive legal and management solutions. Enhancing the effectiveness and reach of government support programs is crucial, as is the adoption of agile and innovative management practices by small businesses. Policymakers and business leaders must work collaboratively to create an environment that fosters resilience and sustainable growth, ensuring small businesses can navigate future economic uncertainties.

Introduction: Corona epidemic and quarantine enforcement, various effects on the psychological and social aspects of the population has left. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between depression, anxiety and relationship with medical staff and mental health is caused by corona. Methods: For this purpose, samples of 650 health personnel of private hospitals were selected. Inventory DASS, HADS, and selected social cohesion (Keyes) and the Internet and through social media networks were evaluated. To analyze the data, Pearson correlation and regression analysis were used. Results: The results showed that straw anxiety corona) to negative (and social cohesion caused by corona) to positive (mental health correlates. It was also found that anxiety and social cohesion caused by corona, respectively 47 and 26 percent predict changes in mental health. Conclusion: These results show the positive and negative effects of psychosocial interventions in quarantine and it have practical implications in the development of the epidemic crisis is Corona.

In this paper we describe a method which combines sentiment analysis with machine learning techniques and/or multivariate statistical analysis. By applying this methodology it is possible to classify a collection of texts into two or more groups or clusters. On the basis of a number of previously defined clusters, the novelty of the outlined approach is the use of the sentiment analysis results as input to the machine learning model or multivariate statistical analysis. Once the classifier has been obtained, we can assign a given text into one of the pre-established clusters. The groups or clusters can represent different time periods, classes of texts transcribed from different conversations, etc. The method is illustrated through an example taken from one of the two studies in which we have applied this methodology. In one of the studies, the method was used to classify press news of a volcanic eruption, while in the other study it was used to classify the conversations recorded between a chatbot with different kinds of speakers (humans or chatbots). This last study was the seminal work in which we introduced this methodology.

Due to its potential harm to space payload, microwave corona breakdown of microstrip circuits has attracted much attention. This work describes an efficient way to suppress corona breakdown. Since corona breakdown threshold is determined by the highest electric field intensity at the surface of microstrip circuits, lacquer coating with thickness of tens of microns is sprayed on the top of microstrip circuits. The applied dielectric coating is used to move the discharge location away from circuit’s surface which is equivalent to reduce the highest electric field intensity on the in-terface of solid/air of the circuit and thus results into higher breakdown threshold. Two designs of classic coupled-line band-pass filter were used for verification. Corona experimental results at 2.5 GHz show that, in the interested low pressure range (100 to 4500 Pa), 5.3 dB improvement of mi-crowave corona breakdown threshold can be achieved for a filter with narrowest gap of 0.2 mm while its electrical performances like insertion loss, Q-factor are still acceptable. A threshold improvement prediction method is also presented and validated.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a tragedy for those who have been hard hit worldwide. At the same time, it is also a test of concepts and practices of what good care is and requires, and how quality of care can be accounted for. In this paper, we present our Care-Ethical Model of Quality (CEMQ) and apply it to the case of residential care for older people in the Netherlands during the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of thinking about care in healthcare and social welfare as a set of separate care acts, we think about care as a complex practice of relational caring, crossed by other practices. Instead of thinking about professional caregivers as functionaries obeying external rules, we think about them as practically wise professionals. Instead of thinking about developing external quality criteria and systems, we think about cultivating (self-)reflective quality awareness. Instead of abstracting from societal forces that make care possible but also limit it, we acknowledge them and find ways to deal with them. Based on these critical insights, the CEMQ model can be helpful to describe, interrogate, evaluate, and improve existing care practices. It has four entries: (i) the care receiver considered from their humanness, (ii) the caregiver considered from their solicitude, (iii) the care facility considered from its habitability and (iv) the societal, institutional and scholarly context considered from the perspective of the good life, justice and decency. The crux is enabling all these different entries with all their different aspects to be taken into account. In Corona times this turns out to be more crucial than ever.

In many regions where drinking water supply is intermittent and unreliable, households adapt by storing water in cisterns or rooftop tanks. Both intermittent supply and stored water can be vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms with deleterious health effects. The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area is a rapidly growing urban center with over five million residents where household storage is nearly ubiquitous. This pilot study was conducted in July 2018 to examine the microbiological quality of drinking water in Guadalajara. Samples were tested for free available chlorine residual, total coliform bacteria, and E. coli. A survey on access to water and public perspectives was also conducted. Water exiting rooftop tanks exceeded regulatory limits for total coliform levels in half of the homes studied. Piped water arriving at two homes had total coliform levels that far exceeded regulatory limits. No E. coli were detected in any of the samples. Only 35% of homes had a chlorine residual between the recommended 0.2 and 1.5 mg/L. Many homes reported unpleasant odors and colors. Only 7% of residents drank the piped water. Future studies are needed, especially during April and May when many homes reported a higher disruption to water service.

Climate change, increasing global food needs, and decreasing global resources brought a new era to human every-day live with a strong turn to circular economy and sustainability. Food packaging and preservation is an important global sector where enchanced research is carried out. New methods such as active packaging and chemical preservatives replacement are of major interest. Many researchers were published studies about active packaging films, replacement of chemical preservatives with natural originated extracts, and novel incorporation procedures. Sequentially to our and other scientists’ previous work, in this paper we present the results of the improvement which was achieved by incorporating the developed nanohybrid of natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract, the pure natural carvacrol extract and the commonly used low-density-polyethylene. The well known corona-treatment procedure was employed to produced the optimum final film and the results shown that the low-density-polyethylene incorporated with natural-halloysite/carvacrol-extract nanohybrid and coated external with extra carvacrol extract exhibited aproximatelly 100% higher Young-Modulus values, slightly decreased ultimate strength by 20%, and almost stable elonation at break properties. The water-vapor and oxygen barrier increased by 40%. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the corrona-treated film increased by 28% compared to the similar but untreated product because of the lower release rate of the carvacrol.

Healthcare workers' stress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, whose mid-term negative effects are still present. The aim of this study was to investigate in healthcare workers the effect of the dimensions of burnout (Psychophysical exhaustion, Relational deterioration, and Professional inefficacy) on Career satisfaction. These relationships were evaluated by considering the direct and mediated effects of Disillusion. For these purposes, the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) and the Career Satisfaction Scale (Occupational Stress Indicator - OSI) were administered to 295 healthcare professionals working at three Italian public hospitals in Cagliari, Italy. The analyses were conducted using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) method. Findings highlight that healthcare workers were in a condition of work distress, high risk of burnout, and career dissatisfaction. Also recognized was the direct negative effect of burnout dimensions on career satisfaction. Finally, the mediated negative effect of Disillusion in the relationship between burnout and career satisfaction was identified. This study emphasizes the relevance of the dimension of Disillusion, and its “bright side” Fulfilment, in healthcare workers, specifically referring to the disregarded relationship between burnout and career satisfaction.

Corona loss generated from conductors is one of the important design factors on ac transmission lines. Based on helical charge simulation method, the 3-D corona loss calculation model considering the conductors’ outer strands in the corona cage is established. With regard to 2-D corona-loss calculation method, the calculation model proposed in this paper can take the electric field strength’s nonuniformity along the axial direction of stranded conductor into consideration, furthermore, it can also calculate the corona loss when the conductor has sag. The calculation results of the LGJ-300/40 and LGJ-400/35 in the small corona cage well coincide with the measurement results, which indicates that the corona-loss calculation model is appropriate. In addition, the corona loss of the bundle conductors 4 × LGJ720 with sag in UHV corona cage is also analyzed.

Infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has reached pandemic proportions. A number of effective vaccines have been produced, including mRNA vaccines and viral vector vaccines, which are now being implemented on a large scale in order to control the pandemic. The mRNA vaccines are composed of the Spike S1 protein encoding mRNA, incorporated in a lipid nanoparticle, stabilized by polyethylene glycol (PEG). mRNA vaccines are novel in many respects, including cellular uptake, the intracellular routing, processing, and secretion of the viral protein. Viral vector vaccines have incorporated DNA sequences encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 protein into (attenuated) adenoviruses. The antigen presentation routes in MHC class I and class II, in relation to induction of virus neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes will be reviewed. In rare cases, mRNA vaccines induce unwanted immune mediated side effects. mRNA based vaccines may lead to an anaphylactic reaction. This reaction may be triggered by PEG. The intracellular routing of PEG, and potential presentation in the context of CD1 will be discussed. Adenovirus vector based vaccines have been associated with thrombocytopenic thrombosis events. The anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies found in these patients could be generated due to conformational changes of relevant epitopes presented to the immune system.

Introduction: Levosimendan is a positive inotropic molecule that does not reduce splanchnic circulation and has anti ischemic properties by opening mito KATP channels. Cirrhosis is a chronic and diffuse process characterized by fibrosis and the conversion of typical liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules. In the late stages of the disease, cirrhosis is responsible for organ failure and complications such as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and hepatic encephalopathy. Material and methods: We examined the effect of levosimendan in rat models of liver cirrhosis. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group A: cirrhotic rats 14 days after bile duct ligation (BDL); Group B: control (intact rats); Group A1: BDL and levosimendan (liver cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation plus intraperitoneal administration of levosimendan); Group B1: control and levosimendan (intact animals with normal liver function treated with an intraperitoneal injection of levosimendan). Each group was subjected to blood sampling to determine GOT, GPT, and bilirubin at baseline, two weeks after surgery, and four days after treatment. In addition, echocardiography was performed in all the groups simultaneously. At the end of the experiments, the rats were subjected to cerebral and hepatic microdialysis and sacrificed. Results: Serum GOT, GPT, and bilirubin in Group A1 (GOT 304 UI/L, GPT 60 UI/L, BIL 3,9 mg/dl) were considerably lower than in Group A (GOT 320 UI/L, GPT 67,16 UI/L, BIL 6,4 mg/dl). The Ejection fraction value decreased significantly postoperatively in Group A (preop 55,66%, BDL 38,85%) and was highest after treatment with levosimendan (Group A1 48,38%). Significant histological differences were detected between the experimental groups (Group A Sheuer staging 3, severe fibrosis, Group A1 Sheuer staging 0-2 no, mild and moderate fibrosis). Group A had a higher value of Lactate, Pyruvate, Glycerol, and Glutamate cerebral microdialysate concentrations (Lac 0.37mM, Pyr 16.25 mcM, Glyc 15.72 mcM, Glut 15.8 mcM) in comparison with BDL rats treated with levosimendan (Group A1 - Lac 0.31 mM, Pyr 6.3 mcM, Glyc 13.66 mcM, Glut 11.15 mcM). Glucose concentrations in cerebral dialysate from Group A were significantly lower (0.13 mM) than in Group A1 (0.25 mM). Glucose and Glycerol concentrations in liver microdialysate from Group A were significantly lower (Gluc 0.95 mM, Glyc 1 mcM) than in Group A1 (Gluc 1.6 mM, Glyc 3.4 mcM). Conversely, in liver dialysate from Group A (0.52 mM), lactate was significantly higher than in Group A1 (0.35 mM). Conclusions: Our results suggest that levosimendan can be potentially protective for fibrotic liver and probably can prevent cirrhosis complication as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and hepatic encephalopathy.

Water pollution, intensified by the release of hard-to-degrade pollutants, poses severe threats to ecosystems, human health, and economic development. The existing advanced oxidation processes often involve high operational costs and may result in secondary pollution, highlighting the necessity for innovative and more sustainable solutions. To address these challenges, our study introduces a cost-effective and eco-friendly corona discharge barrier plasma discharger for wastewater treatment. Through the central composite design/response surface methodology, a high decolorization rate of 98% of methylene blue (MB) within 10 minutes was achieved by optimizing parameters such as pH and voltage. Furthermore, the mechanisms of the generation of reactive oxygen species via this device was discussed in detail and the degradation pathways of MB were described. Moreover, this device is also very energy-efficient, with a low energy density and electrical energy per order of 0.15 watt/mL and 5.79 kWh/m³/order, respectively. In conclusion, the plasma discharger developed in this study provides a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for dye wastewater treatment. This research contributes significantly to the advancement of sustainable dye wastewater management practices, offering an innovative method that meets both environmental and economic objectives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, antibody-based vaccines targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein were the key focus for development because neutralizing antibodies were associated with protection against the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pre-clinical models and human trials. While deploying these spike-based vaccines saved millions of lives worldwide, it has become clear that the immunological mechanisms of protection against severe disease are multifaceted and involve non-neutralizing antibody components. Here, we describe a novel pan-sarbecovirus T-cell vaccine, ChAdOx1.COVconsv12, designed to complement and broaden the protection of spike vaccines. The vaccine immunogen COVconsv12 employs the two regions in the viral proteome most conserved among sarbecoviruses delivered by replication-deficient vector ChAdOx1. It focuses T cells towards epitopes shared among sarbecoviruses including evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we show that ChAdOx1.COVconsv12 induced broad T-cell responses in the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. In the Syrian hamster challenge model, ChAdOx1.COVconsv12 alone did not protect against the SARS-CoV-2 infection, but when co-administered with 1/50th of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 spike vaccine protective dose, faster recovery and lower oral swab viral load were observed. Induction of CD8+ T cells may decrease COVID-19 severity and extend the T-cell response coverage of variants to match the known (and as yet unknown) members of the beta-coronavirus family.

We study C*-algebraic versions of following conjectures/theorems: (1) Bieberbach conjecture (de Branges theorem) (2) Robertson conjecture (3) Lebedev-Milin conjecture (4) Zalcman conjecture (5) Krzyz conjecture (6) Corona conjecture (Carleson theorem). We prove that the C*-algebraic Bieberbach Conjecture for invertible coefficients is true for second degree C*-algebraic polynomials.

Measuring magnetic fields in the inner corona, the interface between the solar chromosphere and outer corona, is of paramount importance if we aim at understanding the energetic transformations taking place there and which is at the origin of processes that lead to coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, and of most of the phenomena relevant to space weather. However, these measurements are more difficult than mere imaging because polarimetry requires differential photometry. The Coronal Magnetograph mission (CMAG) has been designed to map the vector magnetic field, line-of-sight velocities, and plane-of-the-sky velocities of the inner corona with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions from space. This will be achieved through full vector spectropolarimetric observations using a coronal magnetograph as the sole instrument on board a spacecraft, combined with an external occulter installed on another spacecraft. The two spacecraft will maintain a formation flight distance of 430 meters for coronagraphic observations, which requires a 2 m occulter disk radius. The mission will be preferentially located at the Lagrangian L5 point, offering a significant advantage for solar physics and space weather research. Existing ground-based instruments face limitations such as atmospheric turbulence, solar scattered light, and long integration times when performing coronal magnetic field measurements. CMAG overcomes these limitations by performing spectropolarimetric measurements from space with an external occulter and high-image stability maintained over time. It achieves the necessary sensitivity and offers a spatial resolution of 2.5 arcseconds and a temporal resolution of approximately one minute, in its nominal mode, covering the range from 1.02 solar radii to 2.5 radii. CMAG relies on proven European technologies and can be adapted to enhance any other solar mission, offering potential significant advancements in coronal physics and space weather modeling and monitoring.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the intricate interplay between viral infections and opportunistic bacterial pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae harbors various antibiotic resistance determinants like extended-spectrum and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases and carbapenemases. In the two years following the pandemic, carbapenemase producing K. pneumoniae isolates obtained routinely in outpatient and inpatient setting demonstrated similar resistance patterns which prompted research. The aim was to compare and subsequently analyze carbapenem-resistant hospital and outpatient’s K. pneumoniae isolates’ resistance mechanisms, traits and molecular epidemiology, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Disk diffusion and broth dilution method were the methods of choice to determine antibiotic susceptibility. β-lactamases were screened by phenotypic methods and confirmed with PCR. In total 113 isolates were analysed. Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and ertapenem was confirmed in all strains. High resistance rates (over 90%) were observed for extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and ciprofloxacin. OKNV testing and PCR detected OXA-48 in 106, NDM in 7 and KPC in only one isolate. ESBLs accompanied carbapenemases in 103 isolates. Carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae is becoming a global problem, hence careful monitoring of its resistance traits is of utmost importance in order to combat the arising threat. OXA-48 seems to continue predominating in the turbulent period after pandemic.

The present study measured household hunger in South-East Nigeria amidst COVID-19 lockdown. A total of 1209 households (urban and rural locations) were sampled. Household hunger was determined using Radimer/Cornel hunger scale, while Chi-square test was done with significance of P<0.05. Results of this study revealed 82.7% prevalence of hunger among households before Covid-19 pandemic, while during Covid-19 lockdown, hunger prevalence rose to 98.6%. It was also observed that covid-19 lockdown significantly affected food prices.The major coping strategy employed by households was relying on less expensive foods(81.14%). A genuine fear of household hunger amidst Covid-19 lockdown in south-East Nigeria was confirmed.

Negative corona discharges occur widely in high voltage transmission lines and charged aircraft, which can cause strong electromagnetic interference. Negative corona discharge is typically performed simultaneously at multiple discharge points. In this study, the current and its EM radiation characteristics of single-needle and multi-needle negative corona discharge in different conditions were tested. The current and electromagnetic radiation characteristics of the two discharge structures were compared. The dipole radiation model was established to analyze the EM radiation characteristics of the negative corona discharge.The results show that, It is only when the voltage reaches a certain threshold that the current and electromagnetic radiation fields of the multi-needle discharge structure will be superimposed and their amplitudes will increase significantly. The frequency of electromagnetic radiation signal does not change with the number of needles, cathode geometry and applied voltage, but only depends on ambient pressure. It provides a basis for detecting corona discharge sources under different conditions.

The Covid-19 pandemic was a challenge for the whole world and it had major secondary effects on humans and environmental health. The viral infection induced, in many situations, secondary bacterial infections, especially enteric infections by destabilizing the balance of the gastrointestinal microbiota. The large-scale use of antibiotics and biocides both for curative and preventive purposes has determined an increase in bacterial resistance and at the same time the possibility of pathogenic microorganisms’ multiplication and their dissemination to natural environments. Wastewater is the main vector of faecal microorganisms that favour their dissemination into natural aquatic ecosystems. The present paper aimed to analyze the effect of Covid-19 pandemic on the microbiological quality of wastewater from sewage treatment plants in Romania and its impact on receiving rivers. In order to highlight different and important areas of Romania, 3 cities from the east, center and west were selected for a microbiological evaluation of their WWTPs influent and effluent between ante-Covid-19 and Covid-19 pandemic peak period, when the Covid-19 pandemic had a direct impact on WWTPs microbial composition. Our study showed a higher contamination with fecal bacteria linked to a higher Covid-19 incidence. The increased usage of pharmaceutical compounds, at their turn, increased the number of resistant bacteria reaching the environment via WWTP effluents.

Background: The enduring psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect individuals long after the immediate health concerns have subsided. This research aims to identify specific groups within the Romanian population who are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges that can interfere with everyday life and may lead to more serious mental health disorders. Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional survey, this study evaluated the prevalence and intensity of psychological distress using the DASS-21 questionnaire. An online survey distributed via Google Forms also gathered socio-demographic data and COVID-19-specific information. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk test, Fisher's exact test, and Z-tests with Bonferroni correction. Quantitative independent variables that lacked a normal distribution were compared between groups using either the Mann-Whitney U test or the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: Analysis of 521 questionnaires, filled out by a predominantly middle-aged cohort of 320 women and 201 men, revealed that 63.72% of participants worked outside the healthcare field. Those unemployed or retired reported significantly higher anxiety levels than individuals in other sectors. Moreover, living alone, experiencing the loss of close relatives (6.14%) or friends (33.59%), and undergoing hospitalization or reinfection due to COVID-19 were linked to significantly elevated distress scores. Conclusion. By identifying the segments of the population most vulnerable to psychological distress, as evidenced by higher scores among the unemployed, retirees, individuals living alone, and those directly affected by COVID-19 through personal health or loss, targeted initiatives for psychological screening and therapy can be established. Such measures are essential for enhancing the post-pandemic mental well-being of Romanians, addressing the specific needs uncovered in this study.

The purpose of this study is to examine the match-related performance (scores and penalties) of the athletes in the Junior EJC (European Judo Championship) and U23 EJC categories before and immediately after the Covid-19 quarantine, according to gender and weight category groups. Our sample was based on the junior and U23, male and females, 2019-2020 Junior European Judo Championships and 2019-2020 U23 European Judo Championships. A total of 1431 matches in these tournaments were analyzed: male (n=812) and female (n=619). The main findings of this study showed that most matches in both the male and female categories resulted in ippon (2019-2020 average: 64,35% for Junior male, 70,55% for U23 male and 69,3% for Junior female, 64,4% for U23 female). No significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were observed between gender and age groups concerning the match scores. In the formation phase of the technique, considerations of high- and low-intensity actions, and analysis of the speed of athletes during matches in official competitions can help to better understand the dynamics of the variability of movements in judo matches. In addition, suggestions are presented to be applied to athletes in different age categories who are on the way to become Olympic athletes.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects all parameters, especially health care professionals, drugs and medical supplies. The KERRA is a mixed medicinal plant capsule that is used for the treatment of patients with high fever with food and drug administration approved by FDA Thailand. Recently, KERRA showed quicker recovery for COVID-19 patients. Therefore, it is possible that some ingredients in KERRA could inhibit SARS-CoV-2. In this study, two important replication-related enzymes in SARS-CoV-2, a main protease and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), were used to study the effect of KERRA. The results showed that KERRA inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with IC50 values of 49.91 ± 1.75 ng/mL and 36.23 ± 5.23 µg/mL, respectively. KERRA displayed no cytotoxic activity on macrophage cells at concentrations lower than 1 mg/mL and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, KERRA was against a feline coronavirus (feline infectious peritonitis [FIP]) infection with an EC50 value of 134.3 g/mL. This study supports the potential use of KERRA as a candidate drug for COVID-19.

With around one billion of the world's population affected, the era of Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) pandemic has entered the global stage. MAFLD is a chronic progressive liver disease with accompanying metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity which can progress asymptomatically to liver cirrhosis and subsequently to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and for which, to date there is almost no approved pharmacologic options. Because MAFLD has a very complex etiology and it affects also extrahepatic organs, a multidisciplinary approach is required when it comes to finding an effective and safe active substance for MAFLD treatment. The optimal drug for MAFLD should diminish steatosis, fibrosis and inflammation in the liver, and the winner for MAFLD drug authorisation seems to be the one that significantly improves liver histology. Saroglitazar (Lipaglyn®) was approved for Metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in India in 2020; however, the drug is still being investigated in other countries. Despite that a pharmaceutical industry is still lagging behind to develop an ap-proved pharmacologic therapy for MAFLD, research has been recently intensified and many molecules which are underway in the final stages of clinical trials are expected to be approved in the coming few years. Already this year, the first drug (Rezdiffra™) in the United States was ap-proved via accelerated procedure for treatment of MAFLD, i.e. of MASH in adults. This review underscores the most recent information related to the development of drugs for MAFLD treatment, focusing on the molecules that have come furthest towards approval.

Hadhramout Initiative Against Corona (HIAC ) formed a working group of clinicians relevant to the management of COVID-19 to formulate clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for clinicians caring for the patients infected with COVID-19 in Yemen. The regional guidelines on the management of COVID-19 were thoroughly reviewed and its applicability was assessed for Yemen. HIAC’s recommendations covered (2) sections: the first one is the diagnosis, including case definition, risk stratification of the affected cases, investigations (prioritization of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, D-dimer, chest x-ray, and chest computed tomography, while the second part covers the treatments (mainly Favipiravir, Remdesivir, Hydroxychloroquine, and Glucocorticoid, Anticoagulants, and Supportive measures). In conclusion, the adoption of cost-effective and evidence-based guidelines in Yemen will standardize the management of the patients infected with COVID-19 and protect both the patients and the health care workers from malpractice.

Capacitor banks are widely used in current electrical transmission systems in order to improve power quality and increase efficiency. Utilizing high voltage components such as, shunt capacitors in the power grid imposes new challenges to the system which are required to be addressed. One of these challenges is corona discharges that can have negative impacts on capacitor banks such as power loss, insulator erosion followed by equipment failure, and radio interference. Although previous studies have almost exclusively focused on optimization of corona suppression rings for transformers and transmission lines, no specific studies have conducted regarding high voltage capacitor banks. This paper presents a novel study concerning verification and development of corona discharge suppression models on AC and DC capacitor banks with two different voltage levels. The employed method is based on the Maxwell’s equations and finite element method (FEM) which is implemented with the help of COMSOL Multiphysics© software. Results have verified the necessity of suppression methods as well as the efficiency of proposed solutions. Corona inception voltage levels are identified and effective factors on its appearance are reviewed. Analyses of proposed solutions have shown significant improvements in optimization of corona suppression methods as well as enhancement of maintenance maneuverability.

(1) Background: The interplay between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and laryngeal cancer represents a substantial challenge for both patients and healthcare. To garner information on recent mortality data for laryngeal cancer, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed real-world data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2) Methods: We searched the CDC WONDER on-line database 2018-2022 using with the ICD-10 code for laryngeal cancer (C32; malignant neoplasm of larynx). We also performed a sub-analysis between genders, and across ten-year age groups. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test. (3) Results: The trend of age-adjusted mortality ×100,000 did not change significantly between 2018-2022 (p=0.553). Males had higher age-adjusted mortality rates (M/F ratios between 4.6 and 5.0), but no significant variation was found in both genders (males: p=0.676; females: p=0.596). Although the mortality rate remained unchanged in people aged 35-84 years, the variation reached statistical significance in those aged 85 or older (p=0.004), displaying significant increase in 2021 compared to 2018 (p=0.006) and 2019 (p=0.039). (4) Conclusions: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality for laryngeal cancer seemed to be relatively modest in the general US population. Nevertheless, closer attention must be paid to older people, in whom the unfavorable consequences of misdiagnosis or mistreating can be exacerbated.

Multi-Alignment method coupled with phylogenetic analysis we disclosed the Nsp9 and Nsp10 non-structural proteins of Corona Virus as rRNA RlmH/K methyltransferases with similarities with bin recombinase and int-core integrase fold. Further, Nsp9 has similarities to S8 ribosomal protein and Nap10 has similarity to S10 ribosomal protein. Previously, we showed Nsp13, Nsp14, Nsp15 and Nsp16 are also different types of rRNA RlmE/N and Cfr-like methyltransferases-ribonuclease with RNA helicase domains. Two domains of Nsp13 astonishingly have similarities to ribosomal proteins L6 and L9. Taken together, Nsp9/10 and Nsp13-16 proteins could mimic host ribosome assembly and also could methylate rRNA of mitobibosome preventing mitochondrial protein synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation. Low ATP synthesis causes lowering blood pressure following coma but very ATP concentration (1-10nM) surely induces platelets aggregation through vWA, collagen and GpIIb/IIIa proteins followed by fibrin formation and blood clotting as recently have seen in the lung of many Corona virus infected patients. We have also postulated that two polyproteins itself resemble like 28S and 38S mitoribosome subunits and compete with rRNAs inhibiting the ribosome turnover and new protein synthesis due to their similarities with many ribosomal proteins. Such finding may be valuable in computer-based novel drug design against Corona virus.

Background: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrated the importance of prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle, the most vulnerable people being those with severe chronic conditions, those who are overweight, and those with an unbalanced immune system. Methods: The evaluation of the eating habits and lifestyle of the Romanian population in the post-pandemic period was carried out based on a cross-sectional observational study with the help of a questionnaire. Results: 4704 valid answers were registered (3136 female and 1568 male respondents). Among the respondents, most of them belong to the young population, 2892 between the ages of 18 and 40, i.e., 61.5%. Most male respondents are overweight (1400) and obese (780). Most respondents indicated a tendency to consume 1-2 meals per day irregularly (p=0.6167). Only 974 respondents adopted a healthy diet, and 578 a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: The present study reports low adherence to a healthy diet (20.7%) and healthy lifestyle (12.28%), especially among the young population (&lt; 30 years). In the current context, it reports a reduced tendency to consume vegetables and fruits among the population, below the daily average recommended by the nutrition guidelines, a tendency towards sedentary behavior, and even deficient hydration of some of the respondents; these negative aspects can create a long term a series of nutritional and psycho-emotional imbalances. Our results evidence that complex surveys among the population are regularly required to investigate nutritional or lifestyle deficiencies; moreover, it could be helpful in further educational measures in nutrition, food, and environmental safety.

The COVID-19 pandemic struck unexpectedly, emergency services and chronic care institutions, including dialysis centers, were overloaded. An important problem was the care of positive COVID patients, but also the care of chronically dialyzed patients who presented emergencies. In our Hospital, which has become a COVID support for dialysis patients with severe forms of the disease, we had to care for PD patients with dialysis-related emergencies. We presented 2 cases of patients managed on an outpatient basis or 1 day hospitalization, treated successfully and without compromising the quality of the care provided. We used remote monitoring, we worked in a multidiscipli-nary team, we shortened the hospitalization of patients (and implicitly the risk of contact). In pandemic conditions, the advantage of PD was represented by the possibility of patient isolation, so that in the first 6 months of the pandemic, we recorded no deaths in this category of patients. In case of hemodialysis patients, in-fection and mortality rates were high. Although we expected an increase in the number of peritoneal dialysis patients in the post-pandemic period, this did not happen. We continue to plead for the popularization of the PD method among patients and doctors, which has proven its advantages under the conditions of the pandemic.

Objectives: Aim to assess the perceptions of virtual learning among dental residents and faculty and employ Regulatory Focus Theory (RFT) to understand the impact of motivational orientations on virtual learning during COVID pandemic. Methods: 46 dental residents and 10 faculty in Upstate New York participated in the study (June -August 2021). Questionnaires were used to collect demographics, perceptions of virtual learning, burnout, and RFT types (promotion and prevention focus). Multiple regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with perceptions of virtual learning and burnout. Results: Overall, 70% of residents and 44% of faculty found virtual learning effective. Younger residents with less experience preferred virtual learning more than their older, experienced peers. Residents trained outside the U.S. and Canada favored in-person learning more than those trained within. Furthermore, residents with a higher promotion focus score found virtual learning more interactive for didactic courses. Additionally, 52% of residents experienced burnout, with a higher incidence among females (p=0.044). Conclusions: Virtual learning is well-received by dental residents and faculty, with potential for continued use post-pandemic. Future efforts should focus on creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment that meets the motivational and well-being needs of dental residents and faculty.

Objective: The aim of our study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the volume of cervical screening tests, the number of patients treated with an excision method, and the incidence of invasive and non-invasive cervical during a pandemic and pre-pandemic period of 24 months. Results: There was a statistically significant age difference between the two study periods, both by the average age of patients and by age group. The mean difference was 32 years before the pan-demic and 35 years during the pandemic (p-value >0.05). The majority of patients presenting for investigations before and during the pandemic were in the 30-39-year-old age group (31.95%, respectively; 34.2% (p-value = 0.003). The biggest patient loss ratio identified by age group was in the 50–59 years: 14,53% in the pre-pandemic period and 9,1% in the pandemic period. In the pan-demic period, patients from rural areas presented in the clinical trial with a lower rate of 39.52% (83 patients) vs. 60.47% (127 patients) in urban areas. A higher percentage of patients experiencing cervicorrhagia as a clinical manifestation in the pandemic period vs. the prepandemic period, with an increase in more severe lesions in the pandemic period, has a statistical significance of 8% more newly diagnosed compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusion: The addressability of the patients during the COVID period was not affected in a drastic way in our study. We encountered a decrease in appointments in the age group 50–59 years and a decrease in patients with rural residence. In our study, we found an increase in cervicorrhagia as a reason for consultation in the pandemic period with a higher lesion degree, both on a pap smear and on a cervical biopsy.

This study critically reviews the situation of Language teachers in China, who transited from on-campus face-to-face teaching to online teaching within one week of the official school opening dates, which were postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, the study is located in an interpretive research paradigm, and hence, it takes the human experiences within educational setups to be subjective and complex. In so doing, to elude this educational transition and its complex dynamics, the research uses such qualitative research methods as document analysis and interviews. Painting a picture of great variety in individual experiences and challenges, strategies, and outcomes not only across these two specific institutions but, certainly, more broadly through the lens of previous case studies. First, it values depth over breadth and tries to unearth the varied experiences, challenges, innovations, and achievements faculty made during their transition into online Language Teaching. The results of the study are believed to be able to contribute quite a rich, detailed, and multi-faceted perspective to the pool of knowledge for the complexities of online Language education in China, which may be of interest to educators, policymakers, and researchers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered seismic shifts in how we work, and organizations behave. It has caused many organizations to transition from an office-centric culture to more flexible ways of working. This shift is necessitated by health conditions and the need for controls. It is also driven by the assumption that remote work or working from home offer a certain assurance of safety for employees against the threat of infection in highly vulnerable office conditions. The shift to remote work has so far been mainly experimental as most businesses continue to learn about what works and what doesn’t. There is also the assumption that all that matters for the efficient operability of a remote work regime is the availability and effectiveness of computing technologies and internet connectivity. Thus, once those supplies are in place remote work is expected to be fully functional and without problems. As learning continues about what works and what doesn’t, it has also become increasingly clear that beyond the threat of covid-19 and the relative safety that individual homes may offer, there are other vulnerabilities which are ignored or underestimated in the process. In most instances, the home environment of the employee, the conditions under which employees operate from home and the health and safety such environments provide (or not) are either ignored or underestimated in discussions around remote work practices. This paper highlights remote work as an emergent practice while exploring associated, but ignored, health and safety issues in employee homes.

Passive plasma spectroscopy is a well-established non-intrusive diagnostic technique. Depending on the emitter and its environment which determine the dominant interactions and effects governing emission line shapes, passive spectroscopy allows the determination of electron densities, emitter and perturber temperatures as well as other quantities like abundances. However, using spectroscopy needs appropriate line shape codes retaining all the physical effects governing the emission line profiles. This requires for line shape code developers to continuously correct or improve them to increase their accuracy when applied for diagnostics. This is exactly the aim expected from code-code and code-data comparisons. In this context, the He I 492 nm emitted in a helium corona discharge at room temperature represents an ideal case since its profile results from several broadening mechanisms: Stark, Doppler, resonance and van der Waals. The importance of each broadening mechanism depends on the plasma parameters. Here the profiles of the He I 492 nm in a helium plasma computed by various codes are compared for a selected set of plasma parameters. In addition, preliminary results related to plasma parameter determination using experimental spectra from a helium corona discharge at low pressure 1- 2 bars, are presented.

Emerging evidence has indicated the involvement of extra-hypothalamic kisspeptin and GnRHR in reproductive function. In this study, we evaluate if maternal exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and/or a high-fat diet (HFD) have an impact on the expression of kisspeptin and GnRHR in reproductive organ of offspring’s rats. 16 Pregnant rats are divided into 4 groups, control group (n=4), CPF group (4 rats exposed daily to 1/mg/kg/day), HFD group (4 rats randomly fed a 5,25 kcal/g HFD), co-exposed group (4 rats exposed to CPF and HDF). At postnatal development PND60, males and female offspring were sacrificed. The reproductive organs (ovary and testis) were removed and histological, immunohistological analysis and in silico quantification (software Tissuefax, HistoQuest) was assessed to investigate the impact of different treatment on kisspeptin and GnRHR expression in reproductive organs. The main outcomes of the study showed a significant decrease in rat offspring’s body weight in CPF group from PND30 andPND60 (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01, respectively). Histological analysis shows a significant increase in atretic follicle and abnormal testis structure with germ cell desquamation at CPF exposed group. The immunodetection quantification of protein shows a significant decrease in GnRHR and kisspeptin in HFD and CPF exposed group, respectively in testis rat offspring. Perinatal exposure to CPF and HFD exposure affect the reproduction function of rat offspring.

Many spectroscopic diagnostics are routinely used as a technique to infer the plasma parameters from line emission spectra but their accuracy depends on the numerical model or code used for the fitting process. However, the validation of a line shape code requires some steps : comparison of the line shape code with other similar codes for some academic (simple) cases and then more complex ones, comparison of the fitting parameters obtained from the best fit of the experimental spectra with those obtained with other diagnostic techniques and/or comparison of the fitting parameters obtained by different codes to fit the same experimental data. Here we compare the profiles of the hydrogen Balmer β line in a helium plasma computed by six codes for a selected set of plasma parameters and we report on the plasma parameters inferred by each of them from the fitting to a number of experimental spectra measured in a helium corona discharge where the pressure was in the range 1- 5 bar.

Chlorogenic acid or 5-Caffeoylquinic acid is a polyphenolic component present in coffee and its by-products. Chlorogenic acid has been shown to exert biological properties, particularly in relation to glucose and lipid metabolism, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, among others. Due to its importance, it is necessary to evaluate the reliability of the analytical method for its determination in complex matrices such as food. In this work, different methods of chlorogenic acid extraction in coffee Silverskin were studied, as well as its quantification by HPLC. The results showed that the method of extraction with a mixture of methanol:water (3:1 v/v) in an ultrasonic bath, favored the recovery of chlorogenic acid with a recovery of 77.44%. The instrument detection limit for chlorogenic acid was 3.311 µg/mL and the quantification limit was 11.037 µg/mL. For coffee Silverskin, the concentration obtained of chlorogenic acid by the three extraction methods evaluated was in the range of 57 to 224 mg/kg of coffee silverskin (dry basis).

Global emerge of zoonotic novel corona virus (COVID-19) became a pandemic and its effect to mankind is talk of the town now a days. This tiny, invisible enemy has affected every country in the world and almost every living directly or indirectly and nationwide complete lockdown has triggered a short-term environmental impact. Since 2003, corona virus came into existence in the form of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and more evolved Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012. This time, at the end of December 2019, outbreak of novel corona virus COVID-19 (also known as SARS-CoV₂, nCoV-2019) draw attention as global health emergency. World Health Organization (WHO) report says that the outbreak of this virus is so immense, it has already affected 35,57,235 people and caused death to 2,45,150 people worldwide and 46,433 Indians got affected with 1568 death as on 5^th May 2020 (2:00 am) and these numbers are increasing exponentially day by day. Virologist, micro-biologist and science community are hammering their head very hard to find out cure and vaccine against this powerful virus and to prevent mass demise of mankind. In order to curb the spread of COVID-19, Janta curfew on 22.03.2020 and nationwide complete lockdown was implemented in India for 21 days (phase-I, from 25.03.2020 to 14.04.2020) to stop community transmission of third stage, for 19 days (phase-II, 15.04.2020 to 03.05.2020) and 14 days (phase-III, 04.05.2020 to 17.05.2020) complete lockdown to minimize the community transmission effect. During complete lockdown and quarantine period a drastic change in Earth’s atmosphere, including reduction in emission of greenhouse gases, air pollution (~50% fall in air quality index), noise pollution, water pollution and solid waste pollution, have been recorded by government agencies as well as private agencies. In this paper we considered data of Janta curfew, phase-I and phase-II lockdown to link between geological and environmental aspect related to environmental impact due to emerge of COVID-19 and massive reduction in pollution level during complete lockdown in India. We propose future lockdown strategies to minimize the emission of greenhouse gas by ~100 Mt to ~200Mt (3.33% to 6.66%) of GHG_total per year by 2-4 days per month nationwide lockdown or ~70 Mt to ~140 Mt (2.33% to 4.66%) of GHG_total per year by 2-4 days per month complete lockdown of energy sectors only.

The paper demonstrates the analysis of Corona Virus Disease based on a probabilistic model. It involves a technique for classification and prediction by recognizing typical and diagnostically most important CT images features relating to Corona Virus. The main contributions of the research include predicting the probability of recurrences in no recurrence (first time detection) cases at applying our proposed approach for feature extraction. The combination of the conventional statistical and machine learning tools is applied for feature extraction from CT images through four images filters in combination with proposed composite hybrid feature extraction (CHFS). The selected features were classified by the stack hybrid classification system(SHC). Experimental study with real data demonstrates the feasibility and potential of the proposed approach for the said cause.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast reconstruction trends in the United States, focusing on implant-based and autologous techniques, as well as the timing of reconstruction (immediate vs. delayed). Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' National Plastic Surgery Statistics from 2015 to 2022 was conducted. Annual trends in breast reconstruction procedures were analyzed, comparing the pre-pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic (2020-2022) periods. Results: The total number of breast reconstructions increased from 106,338 in 2015 to 151,641 in 2022. The proportion of implant-based reconstructions decreased from 81.41% pre-pandemic to 76.51% during the pandemic (p < 0.001), with a notable rise in direct-to-implant procedures from 10.37% to 19.12% (p < 0.001). Autologous reconstructions increased from 18.59% to 23.49% (p < 0.001). Among autologous techniques, DIEP flaps remained the most popular. Immediate reconstruction rates increased from 72.61% pre-pandemic to 75.57% during the pandemic, while delayed recon-struction rates decreased from 27.39% to 24.43% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced breast reconstruction trends in the United States, with a shift towards autologous techniques, particularly DIEP flaps, and an in-crease in immediate reconstructions. These changes may reflect adaptations in surgical practice and decision-making processes in response to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. Further research is needed to assess the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction associated with these trends.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a robust medical infrastructure and crisis management strategy as part of smart-city applications, with technology playing a crucial role. The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a promising solution, leveraging sensor arrays, wireless communication networks, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven decision-making. Advancements in Edge Computing (EC), Deep Learning (DL), and Deep Transfer Learning (DTL) have made IoT more effective in healthcare and pandemic-resilient infrastructure. When combined with medically oriented IoT setups, DL-architectures are suitable for integrating into pandemic-compliant medical infrastructure. The development of intelligent pandemic-compliant infrastructure requires combining IoT, edge and cloud computing, image processing, and AI tools to monitor adherence to social distancing norms, mask-wearing protocols, and contact tracing. The proliferation of 5G wireless communication has enabled ultra-wide broadband wireless communication, with high reliability and low latency, thereby enabling seamless medical support as part of smart-city applications. Such set-ups are designed to be ever-ready to deal with virus-triggered pandemic-like medical emergencies. This study presents the design of a pandemic-compliant mechanism leveraging IoT optimized for healthcare applications, edge- and cloud-computing frameworks, and a suite of DL-tools. The framework uses a composite attention-driven framework incorporating various DL-pre-trained models (DPTM) for protocol adherence and contact tracing. When connected to public networks, it can detect specific cyber-attacks. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a prevalent bacterial pathogen implicated in various gastroduodenal diseases, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced antibiotic prescription practices, potentially exacerbating antibiotic resistance in H. pylori. Objective: This study aims to investigate antibiotic prescription during COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia and its possible impact on H. pylori antibiotic resistance, with a focus on Croatia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies from March 2020 to June 2024. The search strategy included terms related to COVID-19, antibiotic prescription, and Croatia. Studies were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria, focusing on observational research addressing antibiotic use during the pandemic. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to significant fluctuations in community antibiotic consumption within the European Union/European Economic Area. In Croatia, antibiotic use in 2022 surpassed 2019 levels, driven by increased consumption of macrolides and other antibiotics. This surge, influenced by early pandemic treatment claims and penicillin shortages, contributed to rising antibiotic resistance in H. pylori. Resistance rates to clarithromycin and levofloxacin were notably high, driven by mutations in the 23S rRNA, gyrA, and gyrB genes. Discussion: The increased antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic has highly likely complicated H. pylori eradication efforts, highlighting the necessity of judicious antibiotic use and robust antimicrobial stewardship. The pandemic underscored the need for new therapeutic strategies, optimized eradication regimens, and advanced diagnostic methods to manage bacterial infections effectively. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted antibiotic use and resistance patterns, posing new challenges for H. pylori eradication. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including the development of new drugs and advanced diagnostics, coupled with sustained efforts in antimicrobial stewardship to combat emerging resistance threats.

Breast cancer (BC) affects millions of women; it is the leading cause of death by neoplasia in wom-en worldwide, with at least 500 thousand deaths each year, 70% of which occur in developing countries. Elastography evaluates tissue stiffness, making this a promising non-invasive real-time technique. BI-RADS is recognized as a standard and helpful technique for establishing BC risk. This study aimed to determine, by strain elastography (SE), the fat-to-lesion index (F/L index), sen-sitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off to diagnose BC. This prospective study included 216 wom-en who underwent SE, ultrasound, mammography, and breast biopsy; according to mammogra-phy, we recruited BI-RADS category 2 (n= 5), category 3 (n=29), category 4 (n= 94), category 5 (n= 71) and category 6 (n=17); after biopsy, 108 women were classified as negative, and 108 were pos-itive for BC. Three expert BC radiologists performed all imaging interpretations and biopsies. Our results show mean values of the F/L index for negative biopsies of 3.70±2.57 and positive biopsies of 18.10±17.01; we developed two models for the prediction of BC, a logistic regression model with an AUC of 0.893 and a neural network with an AUC of 0.902. The Youden index yielded a F/L index cut-off >5.76, with a sensitivity and specificity of 84.26%. Positive Spearman's Rho cor-relation coefficient was observed between the F/L index and BI-RADS, r=.073 (p< 0.001). ANOVA test showed a difference between F/L index vs. molecular subtypes (p=0.002). SE is helpful as a di-agnostic complement to mammography, or in cases where the latter is contraindicated, elas-tography has an adequate predictive capacity and is a fast and minimally invasive procedure.

Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) deposited on porous composite polylactic acid/poly(ε-caprolactone) substrates were studied. The substrates were previously charged in a corona discharge. Time dependences of the normalized surface potential for positively and negatively charged electrets were investigated. The morphology of the obtained porous substrates was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chitosan and the casein polyelectrolytes were deposited on the substrates using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. A drug loading efficiency and the release kinetics were determined spectrophotometrically.

Various symptoms have been reported to persist beyond acute phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which is referred as long coronavirus disease 19 (long COVID-19). Over 65 million individuals suffer from long COVID-19. However, the causes of long COVID-19 have been largely unknown. Since long COVID-19 symptoms are observed throughout the body, vascular endothelial dysfunction may be a strong candidate to induce long COVID-19. The angioten-sin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2, is ubiquitously expressed in endothelial cells. We previously found that the risk factors for athero-sclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and the history of ASCVD can be the risk for severe COVID-19, suggesting a contribution of pre-existing endothelial dysfunction to severe COVID-19. Here, we show a significant association of endothelial dysfunction with development of long COVID-19 and show that biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction in patients with long COVID-19 are also crucial players in development of ASCVD. We consider the influence of long COVID-19 on development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ASCVD. Furthermore, we suggest the therapeutic interventions for long COVID-19 by considering endothelial dysfunction as the treatment tar-gets for long COVID-19. Such interventions may prevent pandemic of CKD and ASCVD in post COVID-19 era.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease and the first cause of dementia worldwide, has no effective treatment yet, and AD's pathological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. We conducted this study to explore the proteomic differences associated with Familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD) in olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from PSEN1 (A431E) mutation carriers compared with healthy donors paired by age and gender through two label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approaches. The first analysis compared carrier 1 (patient with symptoms, P1) and its control (healthy donor, C1), and the second the Carrier 2 (patient with pre-symptoms, P2) with its respective control cells (C2) to evaluate whether the protein alterations presented in the symptomatic carrier were also present in pre-symptoms stages. Finally, we analyzed the differential expressed proteins (DEPs) for biological and functional enrichment. These proteins showed an impaired expression in a stage-dependent manner and are involved in energy metabolism, vesicle transport, actin cytoskeleton, cell proliferation, and proteostasis pathways resembling previous AD reports. Our study is the first proteomic analysis in MSCs from FAD patients in two stages of the disease (symptomatic and presymptomatic), showing these cells as a new and excellent in vitro model for future AD studies.

Background: Attendance to neonatal follow-up programs (NFU) presents as a significant factor associated with long-term outcome of high-risk infants. Few studies have focused on attrition or loss to follow up particularly during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, data from 1137 high-risk neonates who participated in a hospital NFU program were collected (573 before and 564 after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic). The study sample was grouped to: G1 (N=831) who maintained participation in the program, G2 (N=196) who discontinued, and G3 (N=110) who never visited the outpatient clinics. Data was obtained from the hospital's Systems Applications and Products Software, and a structured questionnaire, answered by parents of newborns either discontinuing (G2) or not attending (G3) the NFU program, through a telephone contact.Results: The most frequently reported reason for discontinuance before the onset of the pandemic was the parents' perception that it was not necessary to maintain participation in the program (44.12%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, provider-related barriers to maintaining hospital access, inability to provide high-quality services (37.14%), and feelings of fear and insecurity (18.5%), emerged as factors for non-attendance. Citizenship and morbidity (RDS, sepsis, NEC, jaundice) acted as incentives to join the NFU program during both study periods. Multiple regression analysis showed that multiple gestation infants had higher odds for maintaining participation during the COVID-19 period (OR, 4.04; CI, 1.09-14.9). Conclusion: Understanding the potential impact of COVID-19 and the transformative changes in NFU clinics is crucial to apply compliance strategies. Removing barriers to maintain family participation can lead to increased attendance rates.

Since December 2019, the COVID-19 virus has rapidly spread worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic and advocate for the widespread use of face masks to mitigate transmission. In this review, we delve into the potential impact of prolonged face mask use on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health, an area that has garnered limited attention amidst COVID-19 research. Research has revealed that improper mask fit, and constant readjustment can lead to TMJ abnormalities. Similarly, there is a demonstrated correlation between continuous mask usage and increased incidence of headaches, temporomandibular pain, and diminished quality of life. Many studies have highlighted discomfort in the preauricular area, headaches, TMJ noises, headache, jaw pain, and muscle fatigue, as well as dermatological disorders that have been attributed to prolonged mask wear and its impact on TMJ. Our study catalyzes future research endeavors, urging a deeper exploration of the implications of long-term mask wear, not only in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic but also among occupational groups regularly exposed to extended mask use. By unraveling the complexities of TMJ health in the face of evolving preventive measures, we aim to enhance our understanding and safeguard the well-being of mask-wearers worldwide.

Throughout the Covid19 period, families were forced to stay indoors, adapting to online school-ing, remote work, and virtual social engagements, inevitably altering the dynamics within households. There is a notable increase in mental health challenges in terms of anxiety and de-pression in children and adolescents. This study intends to explore the psychosocial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in Italian families adopting self- and proxy-report questionnaires on anxiety, anger, and health-related quality of life. The results showed that approximately 20% obtained a clinical anxiety score and only 10% obtained a clinical anger score. There was found a difference in the perception of the quality of life reported by the child and that perceived by the parent. The stepwise regression model showed that total anxiety scores were predicted by sex, quality of life scores from the parents' self-report version and total anger score. Another stepwise regression model identified physiological and social anxiety as the best predictors that impact the quality of life. Parental well-being actively influences the well-being of children, so it is fundamental to implement preventive programmes and promote child well-being providing parents the most adequate support possible.

Background: Previous studies have found variable impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandem-ic on the consumption of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, with trends in several European countries differing between community and inpatient prescribing. Aim: This study analysed changes in the volumes and use density of antibacterial and antifungal drugs dis-pensed in acute care hospitals in Germany between 2019 and 2022. Methods: Surveillance data for the four years available from 279 hospitals, among them 272 for antifungals, were expressed as the total volumes of daily doses or as use density (daily doses per 100 patient/occupied bed days) per year and analysed descriptively, using recommended hospital-adapted daily dose definitions (RDD) and (as sensitivity analysis) WHO/ATC-defined daily dose definitions (DDD). Hospitals were stratified according to size (number of beds) and university affiliation, and location (East, West, South). Results: There were significant decreases both in the total number of patient days and antibacterial drug vol-umes in 2020 through 2022 compared with 2019. The relative changes between 2019 and 2020, 2021 and 2022 were -12.8%, -13.5%, and -13.3% for patient days, and -9.7%, -11.0%, and -10.1% for antibacterial RDD, respec-tively. Broad-spectrum betalactams, notably piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenems, increased in volume unlike most other drug classes. The resulting antibacterial drug use density was slightly but significantly increas-ing with pooled means (and medians) of 43.3 (40.0) RDD/100 in 2019 compared to 44.8 (41.7), 44.5 (40.80), and 44.9 (41.7) RDD/100 in the years 2020 through 2022, respectively. Antifungal drug volumes and use density increased after 2019 and peaked 2021 (differences between 2019 and 2021 for total volumes +6.4%, and for pooled mean use density values +22.9%, respectively). These trends were similar in the different hospital strata and comparable when DDD instead of RDD were used. Conclusions: Similar to what has been observed in a majority of European countries the total volume of antibac-terial drug use in German acute care hospitals decreased with the pandemic without a rebound phenomenon in 2022. In association with restricted hospital capacities and presumably more immunocompromised general medi-cine patients, however, inpatient prescribing of (primarily broad-spectrum) antibacterials and of antifungal drugs increased.

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a human and animal pathogen recently emerged in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province of China, causing a spectrum of severe respiratory illnesses. Corona viruses makes entry in to human cells through its spike (S) protein that binds to cell surface receptors. Wide spread of 2019-nCoV has been attributed to relatively high affinity of S protein to its receptor. Although S protein is a highly importantdrug target, unavailability of a high-resolution crystal structure and solvent accessible binding surface has made it a tedious target for current rapid virtual screening. A homology model of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of 2019 -n CoV S protein that is reasonably acceptable for drug screening was prepared using a high resolution crystal structure of SARS corona virus (SARS CoV)S protein. Data obtained from RBD- receptor docking experiments and published molecular dynamics experiments were used to map a RBD-receptor interaction hotspot that can be used for designing small molecule inhibitors. The hot spot was then used for virtual screening of more than 3000 drugs approved by U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other authorities for human use. Two anthracycline class drugs (zorubicin and aclarubicin) and a food dye (E 155) were predicted to be potent inhibitors of RBD – receptor interaction. Results of present study provide evidence for the potential of these compounds asprophylactic medications or for use to reduce disease severity of COVID -19.

This study evaluates the impact of a Project-Based Learning (PBL) intervention on post-pandemic educational recovery in rural Colombia, focusing on student competencies in mathematics, language, science, and 21st-century skills. Conducted in rural schools, the intervention aimed to address significant learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing teacher training and direct student support. A pretest-posttest single-group design was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention, with standardized tests measuring academic competencies and an analytical rubric evaluating 21st-century skills. The results indicate significant improvements in math, language, and science test scores, with notable gains in problem-solving, collaborative work, communication, and critical thinking. However, a decline in creativity scores highlights the need for a stronger emphasis on fostering creativity within the PBL framework. Gender differences were observed, with female students generally outperforming males, suggesting the need for tailored instructional approaches. The study's limitations, including the absence of a control group, non-random sampling, and the use of subjective assessment methods, are acknowledged, with recommendations for future research to address these issues. Despite these limitations, the findings underscore the potential of PBL to enhance student learning outcomes in rural settings, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to support educational recovery and development in similar contexts. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of PBL and to refine the intervention for broader implementation.

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition is a common issue among cancer patients, leading to adverse outcomes and reduced survival rates; therefore, nutritional screening and assessment are essential. Our study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the GLIM criteria to assess malnutrition and to compare the performance of various nutritional screening tests in evaluating nutritional risk. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on outpatient oncologic patients. Malnutrition was assessed using PG-SGA and GLIM criteria. Nutritional screening was performed using NRS-2002, MUST, MST, and NUTRISCORE. Anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, cancer medical records and descriptive data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 396 patients were involved. Malnutrition was diagnosed in 37.4% according to GLIM criteria and in 25.8% according to PG-SGA (p<0.001). The agreement between GLIM criteria and PG-SGA was substantial (ƙ= 0.63). The diagnostic performance of PG-SGA showed a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 96.3%, whereas the GLIM criteria demonstrated a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 91.2%. Both tools had a significant association with low dynamometry and low BMI (p<0.001). Nutritional risk was identified in 22.7% of the patients using NRS-2002, 25.8% with MUST, 26.5% with MST, and 12.9% with NUTRISCORE. The highest agreement among the nutritional screening tests was observed between MUST and PG-SGA (ƙ =0.64). Conclusions: GLIM criteria detected a higher prevalence of malnutrition compared to PG-SGA; however, PG-SGA demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity. Both significantly agree with low dynamometry and low BMI. Among the nutritional screening tests, MUST and PG-SGA showed the highest agreement.

This study investigates user behavior in urban green spaces (UGS) in downtown Shanghai prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. UGS are essential public infrastructure, contributing to urban sustainability, quality of life, and social cohesion. Although widely studied, there remains a gap in urban studies and environmental behavior research regarding UGS use from the perspective of space appropriation. This study addresses this by analyzing user demographics, frequency, and spatial activity patterns to assess how different forms of space use can be evaluated across varying levels of appropriation. Using a mixed-methods design, non-participant observation and behavior mapping were conducted across three comprehensive parks in Shanghai, divided into nine observation zones. Data were analyzed using the Pandas library in Python 3.6, descriptive statistics, and qualitative coding. Findings revealed sixty distinct activity types, predominance of elderly male users, absence of teenagers, and activity peaks in the early morning and late after-noon. Structured patterns of engagement suggest a soft to moderate level of appropriation. This research underscores the effectiveness of observational methods, validates appropriation as an analytical category, and emphasizes the importance of structured classification systems for improving understanding of UGS use and its societal role.

A new tetracyclic morpholine-fused [5,1-c]-triazole, (4aS,5S,6aR,10aR,10bR)-5-methoxy-9,9-dimethyl-4a,5,6a,7,10a,10b-hexahydro-12H-[1,3]dioxino[4',5':5,6]pyrano[4,3-b][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-d][1,4]oxazine, was synthesized via a five-step sequence starting from methyl α-D-glucopyranoside by using as a key step an intramolecular copper(I) cat-alyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC). The synthesized compound was fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, FT-IR, and HRMS.

Background: Delayed graft function (DGF) is common after kidney transplantation from de-ceased donor and may significantly affect post-transplant outcomes. This study aimed to evaluating whether an innovative approach, based on the administration of intravenous prostaglandin-analogue iloprost, could be beneficial in reducing the incidence of DGF occurring after kidney transplantation from deceased donors. Methods: This prospective, randomised (1:1), place-bo-controlled study enrolled all consecutive patients who received a kidney transplantation from a deceased donor from January 2000 to December 2012 and who were treated in the peri-transplant period with the prostaglandin-analogue iloprost at 0.27 μg/min through elastomeric pump (treatment group) or placebo (control group). Results: A total of 476 patients were included : DGF was reported in 172 (36.1%) patients in the entire cohort. The multivariate analysis showed that donor’s age > 70 years (OR 2.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.40-3.05, p < .001), cold ischemia time > 24 h (OR 2.60, 95 CI 1.50-4.51, p < .001), donor’s AKI (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.61-4.52, p = .021) and, above all, recipient’s arterial hypotension (OR 5.06, 95% CI 2.52-10.1, p < .0001) were the strongest risk factors for developing post-transplant DGF. The incidence of DGF was 21.4% in the treatment group and 50.9% in the control group (p< .001). Interestingly, among patients who developed DGF, those who received iloprost had a shorter duration of post-transplant DGF (10.58.3 v s13.46.7, days, p= .016). Conclusions: This study showed that the use of a continuous infusion of iloprost could safely and effectively reduce the incidence of DGF in recipients of deceased donor kidneys, allowing a better graft functionality as well as a better graft survival.

Background: Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUEs), formerly known as Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTE), are concerning episodes of short duration (typically &lt; 1 min) characterized by a change in breathing, consciousness, muscle tone, and/or skin color. In some cases, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with episodes of BRUEs in previously healthy children.This study aimed to compare the demographic, respiratory, perinatal, and infectious characteristics in children affected by BRUE before the COVID-19 pandemic and after the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study covering January 2018 to March 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and April 2023 (during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic). Collected variables included clinical information during pregnancy and neonatal details of children with BRUE. Results: The number of children in the pre-COVID-19 period was 186 (41%); after the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2, it was 268 (59%). The risk of infection at birth for children developing BRUE was higher during the pandemic. Children were less likely to have ongoing symptomatic infection during BRUE during the pandemic (coefficient B = 0.783; p=0.009). Respiratory symptoms during BRUE were more frequent during the pandemic (coefficient B = 0.654; p=0.052). Fever during BRUE was less likely during the pandemic (coefficient B = -0.465, p=0.046). Conclusions: The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted children with BRUE, potentially due to changes in hygiene practices and maternal-fetal infections.

Adolescence is a central phase for the development of a person’s identity involving complex multidimensional changes and increasing vulnerability to distress. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological well-being of adolescent students in Brescia (Northern Italy), two years after the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. An online survey investigated the extent and the reasons reported by high school students for their emotional distress (ED), also considering other factors such as physical activity, diet, sleep and smartphone overuse. The main reasons for ED were classified through a qualitative analysis of the freetext answers. 1686 students agreed to participate, 50% showed a presence of ED. According to a multiple logistic analysis, the main factors associated to ED were female gender (AdjOR 2.3, p<0.0001), age (AdjOR 1.6, p<0.0001), sleep duration <8 hours (AdjOR 1.5, p=0.0003), anxiety perception (AdjOR 3.4, p<0.0001), and certain eating behaviors, e.g. comfort food consumption (AdjOR 2.0, p<0.0001). According to free-text answers, the main reasons for ED were: “school pressure”, “ relationships with family and peers”, “negative emotional states” and “the pandemic”. The results show a high level of ED among adolescents and the reported reasons may help to better address their psychological needs after the pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus forced many individuals to confront their mortality and worry about losing loved ones also because social distancing policies often made it impossible to say goodbye. Those not directly experiencing loss were inundated with information about COVID-19-related deaths through various media, leading to vicarious grief. This study aims to explore the long-term effects of direct and vicarious mourning on people's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 171 adults (65% female) aged 19 to 66 years (mean age = 25.8, SD = 8.57) voluntarily participated in an online survey assessing self-reported psychological measures of complicated grief, anxiety, stress, depression, dispositional neuroticism, and situational anxiety using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. MANOVA tests revealed that individuals experiencing direct mourning had extremely severe scores for anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19, while those without personal losses had moderate scores. Participants reporting high media exposure had higher scores for depression and stress. In line with Terror Management Theory, the study supported that people during the COVID-19 pandemic engaged more in proximal defenses than distal ones, taking health-protective measures, experiencing increased anxiety levels toward SARS-CoV-2 infection, and feeling more distressed. Additionally, vicarious mourning was more strongly associated with depression due to emotional empathy with others. The discussion also addresses the strengths and limitations of the study.

Compact solar-powered plasma water generator: enhanced on-site aged seed germination with the corona dielectric barrier discharger

Solar cosmic rays (SCR) are generated during the primordial energy release in solar flares. This explosive process takes place in the solar corona above the active region. It represents fast release of the magnetic field energy of the current sheet, which is formed near a singular magnetic field line. Solar cosmic rays appear as a result of acceleration of charged particles, mainly protons, by an inductive electric field in the current sheet, equal to the field E=V´B/c near the current sheet. To study the mechanism of solar flares and obtain conditions for stydy SCR acceleration it is necessary to carry out magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of a flare situation in the solar corona above a real active region. The methods of stabilization were developed which made it possible to solve partially the problem of numerical instabilities. MHD simulations showed complicated configuration near the singular line. Comparison of the results of MHD simulations with observations showed a general agreement of the positions of the current sheets with regions of intense flare radiation. However, there are some problems with the details of such coincidences. The results show the possibility of improving the methods of MHD simulation in order to solve the arisen problems.

Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-Cov-2) is an acute respiratory and infectious disease. This perspective aims to provide the basic understanding of the inflammation caused by SARS-Cov-2 and relation to trigeminal ganglion (TG). Virus enters through the mucous membranes of orofacial region and reach the TG where it resides and take control of its peptides including Substance P (SP).SP is the main neuropeptide, neuromodulator and neuro-hormone of TG, associated with nociception and inflammation under noxious stimulus. SP release is triggered and consequently, it affects the immune cells, blood vessels to release the mediators for inflammation. Cytokine storming is initiated and cause respiratory distress, bronchoconstriction and death in complicated cases. Neurokinin-1 Receptor (NK-1R) antagonist and glucocorticoids may be used to alleviate the symptoms and treat this infection. SP is the main culprit seem to be involved in the triggering of inflammatory pathways in SARS-Cov-2 infection. It has direct association with cardiorespiratory rhythm, sleep-wake cycle, nociception, ventilator responses and regulates many important physiological and pathological roles. Its over-secretion should be blocked by NK-1R antagonist. However, experimental work leading to clinical trials are mandatory for further confirmation.

Avian Influenza viruses (AIVs) has posed a significant pandemic threat since their discovery. This review mainly focuses on the epidemiology, virology, and pathogenesis, and treatments of avian influenza viruses. We delve into the global spread, past pandemics, clinical symptoms, severity, and immune response related to AIVs. The review also discusses various control measures, including antiviral drugs, vaccines, and potential future directions in influenza treatment and prevention. Lastly, by summarizing the insights from the previous pandemic control, this review aims to direct effective strategies for managing future influenza pandemics.

The first single crystal structure of the homoleptic copper (II) ML2 complex (M=Cu (II), L=curcumin) was obtained and its structure was elucidated by X-ray diffraction showing a square planar geometry. The supramolecular arrangement is supported by C-H···O interactions and the solvent (MeOH) plays an important role in stabilizing the crystal packing. The cytotoxic activity of the complex against six cancer cell lines substantially surpasses that of curcumin itself, and it is particularly selective against leukemia (K562) and human glioblastoma (U251) cell lines with similar antioxidant activity to BHT. This constitutes the first crystal structure of pristine curcumin complexed with a metal ion.

The West Pomeranian Anti-Crisis Package was an effective tool of the Voivodeship Executive Board of West Pomeranian self-government, which was used to combat and counteract and counteract the social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Anti-Crisis Package was prepared with a view to undertaking systemic, but also point-based measures in order to save and protect regional health care, entrepreneurs, the labour market, but also to use the existing social capital of non-governmental organizations involved in measures reducing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The West Pomeranian Anti-Crisis Package, as evidenced not only by the financial outlays incurred, but also by the outcome of implementing measures achieved in 2020 and their continuation in 2021.

Post-COVID-19 bacterial infections are a significant threat to global health, mainly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. The review highlights the importance of using antibiotics judiciously and following appropriate guidelines and recommendations. The article also examines the potential indirect contribution of steroids to antibiotic resistance through immune suppression in severe cases of COVID-19. Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide that continues as a silent pandemic caused by the major AMR superbug includes Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), Extended-spectrum Beta Lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL) which is resistant to cephalosporin and Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic use and resistance helped to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance and shrink it from pandemic to endemic.

About 14% of adolescents experience mental illnesses globally. The rate increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of COVID-related major mental illnesses (depression and anxiety) and their predictors among adolescents. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 adolescents aged 10-19 years, recruited from rural communities in West Bengal, India. The study areas included 27 subcenters in the Budge Budge II Block, which comprised 1,91,709 population and 45,333 households. Data were collected from randomly selected households by trained research assistants through house-to-house interviews. Pretested standardized questionnaires, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) for depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) for anxiety, and a demographic questionnaire were used for data collection. The prevalence of anxiety was 35.7% (125 out of 350), and the prevalence of depression was 30.0% (105 out of 350). Females had significantly higher scores of anxiety (6.67 ± 4.76 vs. 3.42 ± 3.17, respectively, p &lt;0.001) and depression (5.51 ± 4.99 vs. 3.26 ± 3.86, respectively, p &lt;0.001) compared to males. Adolescents who had COVID-19 cases or deaths in the family had significaly higher scores of anxiety and depression compared to those who didn’t have these events. In multivariate analysis, the statistically significant predictors of anxiety were COVID-19 death in the family, COVID-19 cases in the family, female gender, and a lower income group (p &lt;0.001 for all). For depression, the significant predictors included COVID-19 death in the family, COVID-19 cases in the family, female gender, a lower income group, and a higher age group in adolescents (p &lt;0.001 for all). Based on the study results, we recommend that immediate attention is needed for adolescents’ mental health support and coping with stresses following COVID-19.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic challenged people with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding a variety of mental and physical issues. New challenges may arise as the effects of the pandemic continue. The objective of the present study was to explore the social participation of Canadians with SCI during the second wave of COVID-19. Methods: Participants with SCI from two Canadian provinces (Quebec and British Columbia) were interviewed. Results: Eighteen participants completed interviews. Facilitators of social participation remain similar since the first wave of COVID-19, such as the use of technology, help received by relatives and the use of delivery services to obtain groceries and other essentials. Obstacles to mobility due to winter conditions and lack of considerations related to COVID-19 public health measures specific to wheelchair users were also discussed by participants. Conclusions: People with SCI perceived participation restrictions, little changes in life habits, and uncertainty about the future during the second wave of COVID-19. The unique living conditions of people with SCI, ability to adapt life habits, and the lived experiences of people with SCI may have contributed to an overall resilience during the pandemic. Adaptive families, social contacts and technology made a difference during the pandemic.

The Saudi government has undertaken rapid and swift actions, such as suspending Omrah and holding international flights. Such affirmative actions enhanced citizens and residents’ confidence in the government officials’ ability to fight the pandemic. However, there are more than 361,178 reported cases of Covid-19 with 6131 deaths as of December 22, 202. As nurses are the largest component of the health care workforce in Saudi Arabia, it is important that they are trained and have the skills and resources to adapt, whether on the frontline of a crisis or in a clinical environment. Nurses play a key function in fulfilling the needs of medical treatment by being the most important part of the health care delivery system.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is believed to follow a waxing and waning course, often according to environmental stressors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-existing OCD symptoms were reported to increase and to change from checking to washing behaviors, while new-onset symptoms were predominantly of the hoarding type. In the present study, we followed the evolution of OCD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and insight of illness in forty-six OCD patients throughout the pandemic. Clinical measures were collected at four different time points before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Within-subject comparisons were used to compare clinical scale scores across time, and correlations were examined between patients' baseline characteristics and changes in clinical scores. We found that all clinical measures increased during the first Italian lockdown, with respect to the pre-pandemic values. Anxiety decreased during the temporary elimination of restriction provisions, whereas severity of OCD symptoms and insight returned to pre-pandemic values during the second mandatory lockdown. These results were observed only in two sub-groups of patients: those taking benzodiazepines and those with shorter illness duration. Our findings suggest the need of additional clinical attention to these specific sub-groups of OCD patients in case of particularly distressing circumstances, while pointing to a possible adaptive role of their OCD symptoms when the environment requires a higher care of hygiene and extraordinary supply of essential resources.

Background: The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted to many deaths from fulminant respiratory failure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There has been great concern regarding the impact of COPD on COVID-19 illness. Methods: Data from the Philippine CORONA Study were analyzed to determine the association of COPD and COVID-19 in terms of mortality, disease severity, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, and lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital. The influence of smoking on COVID-19 disease severity and mortality were also reviewed. Results: A total of 10,881 patients were included in the study and 156 (1.4%) patients had been diagnosed with COPD. Majority of COVID-19 patients with COPD had other existing comorbidities: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic cardiac disease, and chronic kidney disease. COPD patients more commonly present with severe or critical COVID-19. COPD patients with COVID-19 were at higher risk to experience in-hospital mortality, respiratory failure, and to be admitted in the ICU. Smokers were more likely to present with higher COVID-19 severity and experience in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Our study supports that the growing evidence that COPD among COVID-19 patients is a risk for higher mortality, more severe form of COVID-19, higher ICU admission, and higher respiratory failure needing ventilatory support. Smoking increases risk for developing severe COVID-19 and mortality.

This study aimed to compare the levels of physical activity and quality of life reported by Chileans with and without osteoarthritis (OA). Educational level and monthly income data were collected from eighty-two participants (62 women and 20 men), of whom 41 had OA. Concerning the medical information of the persons suffering from OA, diseases, and date of diagnosis were indicated. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and its Elderly version (IPAQ-E) estimated physical activity levels. The Short Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) assessed health-related quality of life. The findings indicate that non-OA subjects scored higher on all dimensions of the SF-36, including physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. Individuals with OA reported better physical function and role, general health, vitality, social function, and mental health when they walked more. However, no associations were found between any physical activity levels and the degree of pain in people with OA. Our findings underscore the critical role of investigating physical activity in OA patients to enhance their quality of life, particularly in light of the increased sedentary behavior observed post-pandemic.

Stress during a pandemic increased the risk of alcohol consumption, which may require pharmacological management. The characteristics of emergency calls for alcohol-related issues for patients pharmacologically treated, admitted to, or not admitted to the emergency department (ED) were analyzed. An observational single-center retrospective study was conducted from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021, and divided into 2-year periods (2018–2019 and 2020–2021). This study focused on calls to one of the EDs of seven hospitals in the Bari (Italy) metropolitan area for patients requiring emergency services (ES) who were either admitted or not admitted, due to their refusal. A 30% reduction in emergency calls for alcohol-related issues and a 41.17% reduction in calls for patients who refused to be admitted to the ED were observed during the pandemic. During the pandemic, a reduced rate of pharmacological treatment for calls coded green (non-critical), and an increase in calls coded yellow (fairly critical) and red (very critical) were recorded. Metadoxine was administered in almost all alcohol-related emergencies, primarily in conjunction with drugs acting on the gastrointestinal tract, irrespective of age, the period considered, and whether patients were admitted or not admitted to the ED. ES is the first and only out-of-hospital service encountered by numerous patients with alcohol-use disorders who refuse to be admitted to the ED. These patients should be directed by ES personnel to a multidisciplinary program to receive treatment for drinking, improve their quality of life, and reduce sanitation costs.

late in December 2019 2019-nCoV was identified as the pathogen responsible for an outbreak of severe respiratory distress in Wuhan, China. The virus was detected in multiple countries during January, but it is believed widespread community transmission began late in February or early March. Since March the virus has caused over 100k confirmed deaths in the US, with some states more severely impacted, notably NY and NJ. Here I examine excess mortality at the national and state level from January through July 2020. I find that the increase in excess mortality began in late February, suggesting the pathogen was circulating undetected earlier than assumed. The timing and intensity of the increase in excess mortality varied across states, with two patterns emerging: an early, sharp increase reaching a peak during April-May, best exemplified by NY and NJ, and a shallower, sustained increase, reaching a peak in late July, observed mostly in the southern regions of the US.

In late December 2019 a novel RNA beta-coronavirus was recognized as the causative agent of previously pneumonia cases of unknown origin. The virus was successively named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as well as the respiratory illness that it causes Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) (1, 2). The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the thousands of deaths caused by COVID-19 led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic on 11 March 2020. To date, the world has paid a high toll in this pandemic in terms of human lives lost, economic repercussions and increased poverty. Indeed, even if most patients with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or experience mild self-limiting disease, 14% of them progress to severe disease and 5% to critical illness with complications, such as interstitial pneumonia, respiratory failure with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) (3). It is accepted that SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, although other organs are also involved (4). The virus enters host cells by attaching its Spike like surface projections to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor which is mainly expressed on alveolar epithelial cells and in nearly all human organs in varying degrees. Thus, although the central target of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the lung, the wide distribution of ACE2 receptors in other organs may lead to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, central nervous system and ocular damages that have to be closely monitored during the disease (5, 6). The virus then activates the innate and adaptive immune system resulting in a large number of cytokines release, known as “cytokine storm”, that is directly correlated with tissue injury and unfavourable prognosis of severe lung disease (7). In particular, interleukin (IL)-6 seems to plays an important role in driving this cytokine release so that its increased levels have been recognized as a hallmark inflammatory signature in sera of COVID-19 patients (8). IL-6 is a polyfunctional cytokine with both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory properties which exerts its several functions through two main signal transduction pathways (9). In the classical signal transduction pathway, IL-6 binds to IL-6-trans membrane receptor (IL-6R) to form a complex that, then, binds to the trans membrane glycoprotein gp130, inducing its homo-dimerization and initiating intracellular signal transduction. This kind of signaling is limited to cells (hepatocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, T cells, etc.) that express IL-6R on their cell surface (10). Nevertheless, cells do not express IL- 6R, as stromal and epithelial cells, are able to still respond to IL-6 because the soluble form of the receptor (sIL-6R) binds to IL-6 in circle and then anchors to membrane gp130 receptor, initiating the trans-signaling pathway. For this reason, sIL-6R is able to increase the function of IL-6 and is considered the agonist form of its receptor. When the level of IL-6 increases, its effects are widely expressed because gp130 molecules are ubiquitous and, therefore, also present in cells without IL-6R in the membrane form. On the contrary, a soluble form of the glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) can complex with sIL-6R to prevent the sIL-6R from binding to the membrane-bound gp130. In this case sgp130 is able to decrease the function of IL-6 and is considered the antagonist form of IL-6 receptor system (11). Based on the central role of IL-6 in the inflammatory pathology of COVID-19 and the consistent association between elevated levels of the cytokine and severe disease outcomes found in the first phase of infection, we sought to analysis IL-6 and its soluble receptor complex behavior during the different waves of COVID-19 pandemic, in order to evaluate the possible differences which occur among them and to hypothesize if they might be used as prognostic markers of disease severity.

Disadvantaged groups around the world have suffered and endured higher mortality during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This contrast disparity suggests that socioeconomic and health-related factors may drive inequality in disease outcome. To identify these factors correlated with COVID-19 outcome, country aggregate data provided by the Lancet COVID-19 Commission subjected to correlation analysis. Socioeconomic and health-related variables were used to predict mortality in the top 5 most affected countries using ridge regression and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models. Our data reveal that predictors related to demographics and social disadvantage correlate with COVID-19 mortality per million and that XGBoost performed better than ridge regression. Taken together, our findings suggest that the health consequence of the current pandemic is not just confined to indiscriminate impact of a viral infection but that these preventable effects are amplified based on pre-existing health and socioeconomic inequalities.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is clearly taking a firmer grip on South Africa and more podiatrists will face the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Government response was swift with the implementation of a travel ban, strict national lockdown as well as social distancing and hygiene protocols in line with international health regulations. Co-morbidities such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, endemic to South Africa, are considered a dangerous combination with COVID-19, making many South Africans vulnerable to contracting the COVID-19. Patients with diabetes as well as the aged are vulnerable, both in terms of potential combined complications and challenges in continuity in foot care. The demands of the pandemic may outstrip the ability of the health systems to cope. Should this time arrive, all healthcare practitioners, including podiatrists, would have to step in and take on a role beyond their scope of practice in order to ensure that the healthcare system does not get overwhelmed. It is important for podiatrists to keep abreast with the developments around the COVID-19, in order that they may institute appropriate clinical practice which will ensure maximum protection for themselves, staff and patients as well as providing quality foot health care.

The world is currently experiencing COVID-19, one of the worst pandemics that have happened in this century, affecting 10.7 million people worldwide. It has caused massive growth in the number of employees working from home. However, employees have minimal cybersecurity resources unlike organizations with security teams protecting them against attacks. Hence, cybersecurity plays an important role as users can be easily targeted by cybercriminals. This paper examines how cyberattacks have increased during this pandemic and shows how greatly they have affected health organizations, individuals and social networking applications. Results of the attacks include data breaches, false announcements and operations being disrupted. Attacks occurring during this pandemic and how they were handled are also critically discussed. The existing contributions do touch on related attacks but do not provide in-depth solutions regarding the issues. Even though there are many works and findings that were done previously, technology is ever evolving. Therefore, we need to be well versed with current and future issues and provide the latest mechanisms to prevent cybersecurity threats from occurring. On our share, we intend to present our findings on the challenges being faced by the population and its increasing threats as well as presenting unique solutions that can help organizations or related persons understand or spread awareness on the importance of cybersecurity. Through the research performed in this paper, it is found that there are many ways these issues can be alleviated. However, the issue is that there is significant lack of action and investment in terms of actual implementation and application of the available solutions.

The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) associated with acute respiratory disease called COVID-19 marked the introduction of the third spillover of an animal CoV to humans in the last 2 decades. The SARS-CoV2 genome analysis with various bioinformatics tools revealed that it belongs to beta CoVs genera, with highly similar genome as bat coronavirus and receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein as Malayan pangolin coronavirus. Based on its genetic proximity, SARS-CoV2 is likely to be originated from bat derived CoV and transmitted to humans via an unknown intermediate mammalian host, probably Malayan pangolin. Further spike protein S1/S2 cleavage site of SARS-CoV2 has acquired polybasic furin cleavage site which is absent in bat and pangolin suggesting natural selection either in an animal host before zoonotic transfer or in humans following zoonotic transfer. In the current review, we recapitulate a preliminary opinion about the disease, origin and life cycle of SARS-CoV2, roles of virus proteins in pathogenesis, commonalities and differences between different corona viruses. We have also highlighted the evidences regarding the potential drugs and vaccine candidates with their modes of action to cope with this viral outbreak. Our review provides comprehensive up-dated information on molecular aspects of the SARS-CoV2.

Background: COVID-19, a member of corona virus family is spreading its tentacles across the world due to lack of drugs at present. Associated with its infection are cough, fever and respiratory problems causes more than 15% mortality worldwide. It is caused by a positive, single stranded RNA virus from the enveloped coronaviruse family. However, the main viral proteinase (Mpro/3CLpro) has recently been regarded as a suitable target for drug design against SARS infection due to its vital role in polyproteins processing necessary for coronavirus reproduction.Objectives: The present in silico study was designed to evaluate the effect of Eucalyptol (1,8 cineole), a essential oil component from eucalyptus oil, on Mpro by docking study.Methods: In the present study, molecular docking studies were conducted by using 1-click dock and swiss dock tools. Protein interaction mode was calculated by Protein Interactions Calculator.Results: The calculated parameters such as RMSD, binding energy, and binding site similarity indicated effective binding of eucalyptol to COVID-19 proteinase. Active site prediction further validated the role of active site residues in ligand binding. PIC results indicated that, Mpro/eucalyptol complexes forms hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bond interactions and strong ionic interactions.Conclusions: Therefore, eucalyptol may represent potential treatment potential to act as COVID-19 Mpro inhibitor. However, further research is necessary to investigate their potential medicinal use.

Nurses have experienced several psychological and work-related issues during the COVID-19 pandemic including pandemic burnout and job burnout. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of social support and resilience on COVID-19 pandemic burnout and job burnout among nurses. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece. Study population included 963 nurses. We measured social support, resilience, COVID-19 pandemic burnout, and job burnout with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Brief Resilience Scale, COVID-19 burnout scale, and single item burnout measure respectively. Nurses received high levels of social support, while their resilience was moderate. Additionally, nurses experienced moderate levels of COVID-19 burnout and job burnout. Increased social support (adjusted beta = -0.075, 95% CI = -0.125 to -0.024) and increased resilience (adjusted beta = -0.399, 95% CI = -0.491 to -0.308) were associated with reduced COVID-19 pandemic burnout. We found a negative relationship between social support and job burnout (adjusted beta = -0.263, 95% CI = -0.405 to -0.121). A similar negative relationship was found between resilience and job burnout (adjusted beta = -0.529, 95% CI = -0.785 to -0.272). Social support and resilience can act as protective factors against COVID-19 pandemic burnout and job burnout among nurses. Policy makers should develop and implement appropriate strategies to improve nurses’ social support and resilience since they are the backbone of healthcare systems worldwide.

The aim of study was to investigate epidemiology aspects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during COVID-19 pandemic. The study comprised depersonalized residents of Tomsk and Tomsk Region (n = 1714). Invitations to take online survey were sent to 50,000 residents by target SMS with response rate of 1.2% (n = 727, Cohort 1). Cohort 2 comprised retrospective patients (n = 987) who underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI (CMR) in 2019-2022. Referrals, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, gender, age, past COVID-19, MRI study protocols, and MRI data were analyzed. 29% of respondents in cohort 1 received MRI examination within past two years; 26% of respondents considered MRI the most informative imaging modality for detecting COVID-19 pneumonia; 12% of respondents reported MRI unavailable. Proportion of CMR among MRI studies increased during COVID-19 pandemic, and maximum incidence of cardiac diseases detected by MRI was in 2021. Incidence of myocardial fibrosis increased from ~67% in 2019 to ~84% in 2022. The rate of outpatient MRI studies significantly increased in 2020, but returned to pre-pandemic level in 2021. COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for MRI and CMR. Patients with history of COVID-19 had persistent and newly occurring symptoms of myocardial damage suggesting chronic cardiac involvement requiring continuous follow-up.

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between sociodemographic variables (i.e., sex, age, marital status, educational level, socioeconomic status, and working mode) and physical activity levels declared by Chilean adults. The sample comprised 483 Chilean adults, 159 men (32.9%), and 324 women (67.1%) aged from 18 to 69 years old (36.5±12.0). The participants completed an ad-hoc sociodemographic online survey that included questions about characteristics of participants such as sex, age, educational level, household income, marital status, and working mode. Vigorous, moderate, and walking activities were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Men declared significantly higher vigorous and moderated physical activity than women. People aged 18 to 25, single or unmarried, and with the lowest household income, showed significantly higher scores in vigorous physical activity than those aged 26 to 45, cohabiting with a partner or married, and middle household income, respectively. Regarding working mode, people working on their job site said walking more than people not working, working on hybrid, and online mode. Our findings suggest that promoting strategies that increase physical activity during the pandemic is necessary to avoid health problems.

This research paper is mainly aimed to elaborate the initial risk management and measures which government of Pakistan took towards Novel Corona Virus (COVID-2019). This initial response and planning was devised after the early outbreak of COVID-2019 in Wuhan, China in early time of January 2020. Pakistan devised a comprehensive plan that not to evacuate their student from Wuhan, China. The government of Pakistan in compliance with the National Institute of Health (NIH) devised and documented comprehensive plans such as the flight operations postponed related to Umerah pilgrims, which were intended to go to sacred places of KSA (The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). The process of visa, immigration policy totally changed and the government of Pakistan notified it officially that, no new visas of visit, student, and business would be issued in due course of uncertainty due to COVID-2019. The government of Pakistan also announced medical emergency and notified through the country’s provinces the process of testing and treatment of COVID-2019. The government of Pakistan also allocated funds for medical supplies and named out the particular country’s best laboratories. The government of Pakistan also locked down all the cities with the emergency announcement that people should stay inside the home in quarantine or self-isolation. NIH (The National Institute of Health) played a vital role in executing the planning to cope with COVID – 2019). The National Institute of Health responded as “The Centre for Disease Control”. In aid to the government, the national army of Pakistan responded in a proactive manner towards planed execution. The medical corps of Pakistan army dedicated themselves to treat the suspected patients of COVID – 2019. Due to plans, policies being documented, implemented in such a way productive way that from February 28, 2020 to till date there is not much critical situation and issues are not present. There are much productive results as there is not much boom in a rise of COVID-2019 patients. This lockdown under the authority of the provinces resulted in fruitful outcomes. Background: On January 02, 2020, authorities of the People Republic of China elaborated that they have encountered with a novel type of infectious viral disease 2019. Later on January 12, the authorities from China elaborated the related sequence of Corona Virus diseases 2019 names as COVID – 2019. When COVID-2019 being identified in Wuhan, Hubei China, as an early response the Government of Pakistan in support of the National Institute of Health (Field Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance Division) published a health advisory about novel coronavirus. Methods: According to Global Health Security Index, Pakistan is ranked as 105th country among 195 countries in GHS index. Overall Score of Pakistan is 35.5. The score of Early Detection and Reporting for Epidemics of Potential International Concern is 41.7. A Graphical depiction of the COVID-19 cases placed until April 10, 2020 as well as a graph trend line of recovered as well as death rate is also depicted. According to the graphical facts of Government of Pakistan and World meters, the recovery rate of COVID-19 is about 98 percent and 2.1 percent death rate is reported against the total cases. Trend analysis with line graph was drawn based on available data from official dashboard web portal of the government of Pakistan and worldometers.info. Data figures were incorporated from March to August 18, 2020 in MS Excel and then subsequently deployed to draw trend analysis from managing risk to recovery. Results: The line graph showed a slowdown in the COVID-19 cases and high rate of recoveries from COVID-19 in Pakistan. On March 11, 2020, there were 20 confirmed cases of coronavirus reported in Pakistan. No death was recorded in very first seven days, on March 18, 2020 only two deaths were reported. On August 18, 2020, there were 272128 recoveries, 6201 deaths, total confirmed cases 290445, and total test were 2340072 in Pakistan. As a results, we can report that due to early measures taken by government of Pakistan no mass scale destruction in terms of death and cases been recorded in Pakistan. Conclusions: To till date, the government of Pakistan tried its level best to minimize the coronavirus cases as much as they can. However, the ending of the potential attack of an outbreak would depend upon the well organized and coordinated approach at all levels such as true directed decisions, fully preparedness, as well implementation and evaluation of continuous decisions. As the recovery rate of the cases is 98 percent and merely death rate is 2.1 percent, concluded that in future it would be a good sign to stop the potential outbreak. Also, lock down as well as precautionary measurement taken by the provincial governments resulted a decline number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Another good sign is that merely 4 percent population of Pakistan is of more than 60 years of old it can be concluded that there are less chances of mass death due to outbreak of COVID-19.

Background: to analyze the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on characteristics and management of uveal melanoma (UM) in National Referral Center in Poland. Materials and Methods: the retrospective analysis of 1336 patients who were newly diagnosed with UM at Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Oncology, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum Krakow, Poland between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. The demographic and clinical data were compiled including localization, size and treatment methods of tumors. Results: In total, 728 patients with UM were included before COVID-19 pandemic in years 2018-2019 and 608 were included during COVID-19 pandemic in years 2020-2021. Fixed-base dynamics indicators for the incidence of uveal melanoma (base year 2018) in the national referral center in Poland were 80.22% and 86.81% in year 2020 and 2021, respectively. UMs were statistically significantly larger and more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe in year 2021 than in year 2018 (Chi^2 Pearson test p= 0.0001 and p= 0.0077, respectively). The rate of patients treated with enucleation increased from 15.94% in year 2018 to 26.90% in year 2021 (Chi^2 Pearson test p=0.0005). Conclusions: statistically significant differences were found in the management of uveal melanoma in National Referral Center in Poland during COVID-19 pandemic with tumors being larger, more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe and more often enucleated.

Misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak has shaped our perception of the disease. Some people thinkthe disease is a bioweapon while others are convinced that it is a hoax. Heightened anxiety often producesfearful rumors, some of which are absurd while others seem plausible and are laced with some truths. But, how does misinformation affect disease spread? In this paper, we construct a mathematical model parameterized by Ugandan data, to study the effect of misinformation on community COVID-19 spread. The analysis shows that misinformation leads to high number of COVID-19 cases in a community, and the effect is highest in the rumour initiators and spreaders. This analysis underscores the importance of addressing misinformation in COVID risk communication.

COVID-19, a rapidly spreading new strain of coronavirus, has affected more than 150 countries and received worldwide attention. The lack of efficacious drugs or vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has further worsened the situation. Thus, there is an urgent need to boost up research for the development of effective therapeutics and affordable diagnostic against COVID-19. The crystallized form of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) was demonstrated by a Chinese researcher Liu et al. (2020) which is a novel therapeutic drug target. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of medicinal plant-based bioactive compounds against COVID-19 Mpro by molecular docking study. Molecular docking investigations were performed by using Molegro Virtual Docker 7 to analyze the inhibition probability of these compounds against COVID-19. COVID-19 Mpro was docked with 80 flavonoid compounds and the binding energies were obtained from the docking of (PDB ID: 6LU7: Resolution 2.16 Å) with the native ligand. According to obtained results, hesperidin, rutin, diosmin, apiin, diacetylcurcumin, (E)-1-(2-Hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-[3-[(E)-3-(2-hydroxy-4- methoxyphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl]phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, and beta,beta'-(4-Methoxy-1,3- phenylene)bis(2'-hydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxyacrylophenone have been found as more effective on COVID-19 than nelfinavir. So, this study will pave a way for doing advanced experimental research to evaluate the real medicinal potential of these compounds to cure COVID-19.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the similarities and differences between the Kawasaki disease (KD) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Methods: The medical records of patients diagnosed with KD and MIS-C at a single center between July 2020 and November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The study included 39 MIS-C patients (84.6% male) with a median age of 138 months and 17 KD patients (58.8% male) with a median age of 36 months. Compared with the KD patients, MIS-C patients were older (p<0.001), had longer hospital stays (p=0.023), elevated neutrophil count (p<0.001), C-reactive protein (p<0.001), procalcitonin (p<0.001), interleukin-6 (p<0.014), ferritin (p<0.001), fibrinogen (p<0.001), troponin I (p=0.001), NT-proBNP (p<0.001), and, D-dimer levels (p<0.001). They had more hypotension (p=0.024), decreased left ventricular function (p=0.023), and a greater need for corticosteroids (p<0.001), enoxaparin (p=0.045), and therapeutic plasma exchange (p<0.001). Patients with KD displayed a higher frequency of rash (p<0.001), oral mucosal changes (p<0.001), conjunctival injection (p<0.001), extremity changes (p<0.001), and cervical lymphadenopathy (p<0.001). They had a longer duration of fever (p<0.001), elevated white blood cell count (p<0.001), platelet count (p<0.001), and alanine aminotransferase level (p<0.001). The two groups were similar in terms of hemoglobin levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin levels, or the frequency of coronary dilation/aneurysm, myocarditis, pericarditis, invasive mechanical ventilatory support, and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Conclusions: Older patient age, a greater presence of gastrointestinal and cardiac findings associated with hypotension, increased NT-proBNP levels, decreased left ventricular function, the use of various treatment modalities, and longer hospital stays suggest MIS-C, whereas a longer duration of fever and classical clinical features of KD favor KD.

The expansion of Open World Video Games (OWVGs) has seen the emergence of multiple new fictional worlds. This type of video game is characterized by total immersion in a world built for the players entertainment. What videogames developers want when players enter an OWVG is that they could feel like if they were open a door to an entirely new world and leave the real world behind. These virtual worlds manifest as a complement, an alternative, or the successor to the physical universe, and in some way continue the philosophical tradition of possible worlds begun by Leibniz. Accustomed to ‘surviving’ in hostile environments, millions of people continued to improve their skills in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic while locked in their homes. Once the pandemic seems to start to be left behind, the paper analyzes the virtual worlds created by the video games and the relations between the pandemic and these fictional worlds.

The Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic situation has posed significant effect on tourism industry. Tourism destinations have embraced emergency health care measures and restrictions imposed on human movement around the world. Beaches and resorts are empty, peoples’ movements are stopped and travelling between territories is strictly controlled. The COVID-19 lockdown around the world has imposed negative impact on the livelihood of people and world economy as well. The present study attempts to find out the scopes for sustainable tourism development in near future from the consequences of social, economic, and environment in COVID-19 pandemic situation.