Contagious Illness Research Articles

Varicella Seroprevalence in Pediatric Populations: Results from a Single-Center Study

Objective: Varicella is a highly contagious illness with potentially severe complications, especially in young children. In Turkey, the varicella vaccine was integrated into the Universal Varicella Vaccination program in 2013, targeting 12-month-old infants. While officially reported varicella cases have decreased considerably in the past two decades, underreporting remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate varicella seropositivity in a tertiary center. Material and Methods: A qualitative immunoassay, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), was employed to detect anti-varicella antibodies. Serum samples were collected from individuals aged 4 to 18 residing in Turkey. Information on vaccination records, varicella history, and disease notification was also collected. Results: The varicella IgG antibody records were accessed for a total of 90 children. The overall prevalence of positive varicella antibodies was 58.0% (n=47) in the study population. Seropositivity rates were 67.2% for the 4-6 age group and 30% for the 7-12 age group. Notably, the 4-6 age group showed a significant association between seropositivity and age [p=0.005; OR=4.85; 95%CI (1.614-14.569)]. Conclusion: The seropositivity rate of 58% for chickenpox is concerning. In light of this, conducting more extensive studies will provide valuable guidance. It may be worth considering the administration of an additional dose of the varicella vaccine within the age range of 4-6 years. Further research is necessary to assess the potential benefits and feasibility of implementing such a vaccination strategy.

The association between intolerance of uncertainty and depressive symptoms during COVID-19 in New York, USA

BackgroundCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious respiratory illnesses, has globally impacted mental health. This study aims to investigate the association between intolerance of uncertainty and depressive symptoms during the pandemic in New York, USA, considering COVID-19-related worries as modifiers and mediators. Method1227 participants from three ongoing cohort studies, originally centered on trauma-exposed children and adolescents, provided data via questionnaires and telephone interviews across three waves. We used multivariable logistic and linear regression models to investigate the intolerance of uncertainty-depressive symptoms relationship, while adjusting for potential confounders and assessing the modification and mediation effects of Covid-19 related worries. ResultsDepressive symptoms prevalence was 18 %, 12 %, and 9 % at waves 0, 1, and 2 respectively. Strong positive associations were observed between intolerance of uncertainty above the median and depressive symptoms which remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Odds ratios were 2.14 (95 % CI: 1.54–2.99) and 4.50 (95 % CI: 2.67–7.93) for intolerance of uncertainty-depressive symptoms association at wave 0 and 1 respectively, and 3.22 (95 % CI: 1.68–6.63) for intolerance of uncertainty at wave 1 and depressive symptoms at wave 2. There was evidence of partial mediation by worries (12–37 %), but no evidence of a moderating effect. LimitationIt includes study's methodology, including self-report measures, remote data collection, and uncontrolled variables like anxiety and COVID-19 perspectives. ConclusionThe findings emphasize the importance of evidence-based strategies for tackling intolerance of uncertainty during pandemics, particularly in managing long COVID. Collaborative efforts between policymakers and clinicians are essential in this endeavor.

Mechanistic insights into the conformational changes and alterations in residual communications due to the mutations in the pncA Gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A computational perspective for effective therapeutic solutions

Due to its emerging resistance to first-line anti-TB medications, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most contagious illness in the world. According to reports, the effectiveness of treating TB is severely impacted by drug resistance, notably resistance caused by mutations in the pncA gene-encoded pyrazinamidase (PZase) to the front-line drug pyrazinamide (PZA). The present study focused on investigating the resistance mechanism caused by the mutations D12N, T47A, and H137R to better understand the structural and molecular events responsible for the resistance acquired by the pncA gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) at the structural level. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that all three mutations were deleterious and located near the active centre of the pncA, affecting its functional activity. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) results established that mutations significantly reduced the structural stability and caused the rearrangement of FE2+ in the active centre of pncA. Moreover, essential dynamics analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and free energy landscape (FEL), concluded variations in the protein motion and decreased conformational space in the mutants. Additionally, the mutations potentially impacted the network topologies and altered the residual communications in the network. The complex simulation study results established the significant movement of the flap region from the active centre of mutant complexes, further supporting the flap region’s significance in developing resistance to the PZA drug. This study advances our knowledge of the primary cause of the mechanism of PZA resistance and the structural dynamics of pncA mutants, which will help us to design new and potent chemical scaffolds to treat drug-resistant TB (DR-TB).

Exploring the Function of Predicted T‐Cell Epitopes in Enhancing Influenza Virus Vaccine Efficacy

AbstractThis study investigates the potential utility of predicted T‐cell epitopes derived from the hemagglutinin (HA) sequences of the H1N1 and H5N1 serotypes of the influenza virus. The aim is to contribute to the improvement of a valuable influenza virus vaccine. The influenza virus, a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family, causes the contagious illness commonly known as the “flu.” It contains RNA and exhibits symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, coughing, fatigue, and weakness. Each year, the flu epidemic results in a significant number of deaths and cases of severe illness worldwide. The study focuses on the HA protein, which is very useful for entry of virus and host cell strap, and the neuraminidase (NA) enzyme, which facilitates the free of the virus from the host cell. By utilizing computational tools such as Propred 1 and Propred, binding predictions for MHC class I and II are generated and conserved sequences are analyzed. The 3D structures of MHC class I and II human molecules are obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) using the PATCH‐DOCK server. Through patch docking of the analyzed conserved sequences with MHC I and II human molecules, conserved epitopes that hold potential for vaccine development are identified. This research highlights the importance of utilizing predicted T‐cell epitopes in the design of effective influenza virus vaccines. By leveraging computational methods and structural analysis, this approach provides insights into the development of vaccines that target specific influenza virus serotypes. The identified conserved epitopes have the potential to enhance vaccine efficacy and contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat influenza virus infections.

Isolation, Genetic and Antigenic Characterization of Circulating Foot and Mouth Disease Virus

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that predominantly affects cloven-hoofed animals. To identify and profile the predominant FMDV serotypes circulating in Baluchistan bovine and buffalo populations. Twenty tissue samples were collected and analyzed using sandwich indirect ELISA and RT-PCR to identify the presence and genetic characteristics of FMD virus. We identified 'O' serotype of FMD virus in all specimens. RT-PCR analysis yielded an impressive 90% positivity rate, confirming its diagnostic efficacy. While observations of LFBK cell line lead to the isolation of 18 distinct viruses with distinct Cytopathic Effects, two samples lacked detectable CPEs. Lower CT values, those observed in sample PK- 16 with CT of 15, indicated higher initial concentration of the target nucleic acid, indicating a potential for higher viral burden.The endemic prevalence of 'O' serotype in Balochistan necessitated targeted serotype-specific interventions, strengthened surveillance and strategic vaccination campaigns.

The Increase in Household Transmission of Pertussis Associated With Diagnostic Delays.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be especially dangerous to young children. Transmission of pertussis often occurs in household settings and is impacted by the timing of treatment and postexposure chemoprophylaxis. This study analyzes the risk for secondary household transmission and if delays in diagnosing pertussis increased the risk for household transmission. We conducted 2 population-based studies using a large nationally representative administrative claims database. The first study utilized a stratified monthly incidence model to compare the incidence of pertussis among enrollees exposed to a family member with pertussis versus those not exposed. The second study was conducted at a household level following the index case of pertussis in each household. We identified diagnostic delays in the initial household case and used a logistic regression model to evaluate if such delays were associated with a greater risk for transmission. The incidence rate ratio of pertussis was 938.99 [95% confidence interval (CI): 880.19-1001.73] among enrollees exposed to a family member with pertussis relative to those not exposed. The odds of secondary household transmission in households where the index case experienced a diagnostic delay was 5.10 (CI: 4.44-5.85) times the odds of transmission when the index case was not delayed. We found that longer delays were associated with a greater risk for secondary household transmission ( P < 0.0001). There is a high rate of secondary transmission of pertussis in household settings. Diagnostic delays increase the likelihood that pertussis will transmit in the household.

Mobile application to tackle infection disease in Indonesia

Infectious diseases often occur, especially as diseases such as COVID-19 have claimed many lives in the years between 2019–2021. That’s why it’s called COVID-19, considering that this infectious disease outbreak started in 2019, and its consequences and effects are devastating. Like other countries’ governments, the Indonesian government always announces the latest data on this infectious disease, such as death rates and recoveries. Infectious diseases are transmitted directly through disease carriers to humans through infections such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. In this research, we offer a contagious illness monitoring application to help the public and government know the zone’s status so that people are more alert when travelling between regions. This application was created based on Web Application Programming Interface (API) data and configured on the Google Map API to determine a person’s or user’s coordinates in a particular zone. We made it using the prototype method to help users understand this application well. This research is part of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) research, where the use of mobile technology is an example of implementation options that can be made to implement this system.

Modeling COVID-19 spread and non-pharmaceutical interventions in South Africa: A stochastic approach

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a pervasive worldwide influence, including on South Africa, which stands out as one of the African nations most substantially impacted. As of March 20, 2021, the nation has encountered a multitude of obstacles in its efforts to contain the virus’s transmission. Conventional approaches to forecasting the transmission of contagious illnesses frequently prove inadequate when it comes to comprehending the intricate dynamics of COVID-19, specifically with regard to stochastic disruptions and the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions. The deficiency in predictive modeling has impeded the capacity to effectively evaluate and execute measures to reduce the spread of the virus. The principal objective of this study is to construct a novel stochastic model, denoted as SEIHR, that can effectively forecast the transmission of COVID-19 in South Africa while also assessing the efficacy of diverse non-pharmacological interventions. By conducting an extensive data analysis spanning from April 17, 2020, to September 13, 2021, this research endeavors to provide a comprehensive and nuanced comprehension of the dynamics of the epidemic, with a particular focus on its early surges. Using the idea of stochastic Lyapunov function theory, this study aims to find out if there is and is not a solution in the given model. It also wants to find out what conditions must be met in order to get rid of diseases when there are random disturbances, such as white noise. Using this model, the efficacy of interventions such as lockdowns in preventing the spread of the virus during the epidemic will also be critically evaluated. The primary objective is to furnish policymakers and health authorities with invaluable insights and tools that will enable them to more effectively manage and alleviate the COVID-19 crisis in South Africa and comparable settings.

The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Acute Appendicitis Presentation

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most frequent emergency abdominal condition in general surgical practice. Appendectomy can be performed as open surgery or laparoscopically. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the highly contagious viral illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), differing in the diagnosis. Aim of the study: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time elapsed between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis and the effect of this delay on disease progression. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at surgical ward in Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period of one year from first of July 2020 till first of July 2021. A hundred patients were enrolled in this study. Results: This study included 100 patients complained from acute appendicitis, divided into two groups 52 of them were COVID-19 positive and 48 of them COVID-19 were negative patients. The mean time elapsed from onset of symptoms to surgical intervention was (73.44 hours) in COVID-19 positive patients versus mean (28.56 hours) in COVID-19 negative patients, and the results were statistically significant (p&lt;0.0001). Total patients who presented with complicated appendicitis were (36), 26 of them were COVID-19 positive, of them 8 patients presented with perforation. Conclusion: The increase in complicated cases of acute appendicitis seems to be associated with the delay from time of symptoms onset to surgical intervention.

Study on the fit of nonwoven face masks on different face shapes

In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, airborne infectious diseases, including contagious tuberculosis and illnesses transmitted through airborne droplets, such as influenza, SARS, and avian influenza, have emerged as some of the most severe pandemics in human history. Face masks have become an essential everyday item, despite their previous use primarily for the sick. Current mask designs come in various sizes; however, they may not be suitable for all face shapes, particularly for individuals with smaller or frequently moving facial features. Therefore, there is a need for research, especially focusing on women and individuals with smaller faces, to enhance the effectiveness of face masks in providing adequate protection. Accordingly, this study examined the current typical mask design ‘normal mask’ and four proposed mask designs for five face shapes (round, diamond, oval, square, or oblong) by using a quantitative fit test, as suggested in ISO 16975-3 and OSHA 29 CFR1910.134, to determine the masks’ fit factor (FF). The FF of the normal mask was 80% on round faces, 66% on diamond faces, but only 41% on square and oblong faces. The FaceMe artificial intelligence program was used to modify the face mask design in accordance with each face shape, and the level of air leakage was evaluated. The results showed that modifying the mask edges could reduce air leakage, especially during movements. For square faces, the leakage level was reduced from 63% (normal mask) to 38% (line mask). For oblong faces, the normal mask had a leakage level of 63%, whereas wave masks reduced leaking to 34%, resulting in a reduction of almost 30%. Mask fit could also be improved by adjusting earloop tightness.

Health challenges and facilitators of arbaeen pilgrimage: a scoping review

BackgroundThe Arbaeen Pilgrimage, a momentous religious journey drawing millions of participants annually, presents a profound spiritual experience. However, amidst its significance lie various health challenges that pilgrims encounter along the way. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensure the well-being of participants and the success of this extraordinary event. In light of this, the aim of this study is to examine the health challenges of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage, identify facilitators for solving these challenges, and propose effective solutions to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience for all involved.MethodsThe scoping review was performed by searching databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engine with a focus on the keywords “Arbaeen”, “Arbaeen walk” and “Arbaeen pilgrimage”. The search was not constrained by a specific time limitation in the databases. Data from studies were extracted using a data extraction form consisting of 9 fields. The selection of articles and data extraction were carried out by two researchers, adhering to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Any disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third researcher. The study was reported following the PRISMA checklist.ResultsOut of 1619 retrieved articles, 9 were finally included in this study. All these studies were published since 2017 and conducted in Iraq and Iran. In total, 101 health challenges and facilitators were identified, comprising 61 challenges and 40 facilitators. The challenges with the highest frequency included “infectious disease outbreaks” (n = 7), “Poor management of Iraq’s health system in waste collection and disposal” (n = 4), “Rising incidence of walking injuries among pilgrims (e.g., burns, fractures, lacerations, wounds, and blisters)” (n = 4), and “Insufficient knowledge about personal and public health“(n = 4). The most important facilitators to solving the challenges were: “Customized pilgrim training and addressing their issues, with a focus on vital practices” (n = 6), “Coordinating mass gathering stakeholders, including health ministries and organizations” (n = 4), and “Implementing an agile syndromic system for rapid surveillance and identification of contagious illnesses” (n = 4).ConclusionThe article discusses health challenges faced during the Arbaeen Pilgrimage and proposes facilitative measures for participants’ well-being. It emphasizes the significance of addressing health risks in large gatherings and suggests incorporating measures for a safer and enjoyable pilgrimage experience. Overall, understanding and managing these health factors can lead to a successful execution of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage, benefiting the physical and spiritual well-being of all involved.

Unveiling the role of host kinases at different steps of influenza A virus life cycle.

Influenza viruses remain a major public health concern causing contagious respiratory illnesses that result in around 290,000-650,000 global deaths every year. Their ability to constantly evolve through antigenic shifts and drifts leads to the emergence of newer strains and resistance to existing drugs and vaccines. To combat this, there is a critical need for novel antiviral drugs through the introduction of host-targeted therapeutics. Influenza viruses encode only 14 gene products that get extensively modified through phosphorylation by a diverse array of host kinases. Reversible phosphorylation at serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues dynamically regulates the structure, function, and subcellular localization of viral proteins at different stages of their life cycle. In addition, kinases influence a plethora of signaling pathways that also regulate virus propagation by modulating the host cell environment thus establishing a critical virus-host relationship that is indispensable for executing successful infection. This dependence on host kinases opens up exciting possibilities for developing kinase inhibitors as next-generation anti-influenza therapy. To fully capitalize on this potential, extensive mapping of the influenza virus-host kinase interaction network is essential. The key focus of this review is to outline the molecular mechanisms by which host kinases regulate different steps of the influenza A virus life cycle, starting from attachment-entry to assembly-budding. By assessing the contributions of different host kinases and their specific phosphorylation events during the virus life cycle, we aim to develop a holistic overview of the virus-host kinase interaction network that may shed light on potential targets for novel antiviral interventions.

Two-Stage Recognition Mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2).

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as COVID-19, occurred in 2019. It is a highly contagious illness with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. It is also one of the best-known pathogens since more than 200,000 scientific papers occurred in the last few years. With the publication of the SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2-CTD) spike (S) protein in a complex with human ACE2 (hACE2) (PDB (6LZG)), the molecular analysis of one of the most crucial steps on the infection pathway was possible. The aim of this manuscript is to simulate the most widely spread mutants of SARS-CoV-2, namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron, and the first recognized variant (natural wild type). With the wide search of the hypersurface of the potential energy performed using the UNRES force field, the intermediate state of the ACE2-RBD complex was found. R403, K/N/T417, L455, F486, Y489, F495, Y501, and Y505 played a crucial role in the protein recognition mechanism. The intermediate state cannot be very stable since it will prevent the infection cascade.

Epidemic Mosaic: State-Wise Patterns and Impacts of Covid-19 in India

After being discovered for the first time in Wuhan, China in December 2019, the extremely contagious coronavirus illness (COVID-19) quickly spread to 212 nations and territories worldwide, affecting millions of people. The sickness was discovered for the first time in India, a sizable nation of 1.3 billion people, on January 30, 2020, in a student who was returning from Wuhan. The extremely contagious coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19) was initially identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Over two million people have been verified to have been infected by the disease, which has spread to 210 different nations and territories worldwide. The sickness was initially discovered in India on January 30, 2020, in Kerala in a student who had just returned from Wuhan. Thus far, 17615 individuals have been verified to be infected nationwide (19 April 2020). The majority of studies and press reports center on the total number of infected individuals in India. But considering the vastness and diversity of India, it could be wise to examine the disease's spread across each state independently, as well as the nation as a whole. The goal of this research is to present a thorough overview of the COVID-19 pandemic analysis in India, including state-by-state death rates and management strategies. We obtained articles from the official website that describe the COVID-19 management approach and the death rates in each state, as well as up-to-date data from 2022 and 2023. With 4.2 billion people, India is the nation with the biggest population. The nation's economy grew significantly as a result of this disaster. India saw the third-highest number of deaths worldwide and the second-highest number of confirmed positive cases. Nevertheless, considering the vastness and diversity of India, it is crucial to examine the disease's spread in each state independently, as conditions in each vary greatly. We analyses data on the number of infected individuals in each Indian state in this research (limited to those states with sufficient data for analysis). Our analysis is intended to assist state governments in more effectively allocating their little healthcare resources in anticipation of emerging health crises.

COVID-19 Seropositivity Among Adults of Tribal Origin Attending a Primary Care Centre in Wayanad Kerala- A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Serological surveys help in understanding the burden of past infections. The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests the need for populationbased sero-epidemiological investigations to acquire data for implementing containment measures. The tribal population, being the most marginalised and vulnerable section, is at a higher risk for COVID-19. However, there is limited literature regarding the seroprevalence of COVID-19 among the tribal population in our country. Aim: To assess the COVID-19 seropositivity, associated factors, and knowledge among adults of tribal origin attending a primary care centre in Wayanad, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 adults of tribal origin, aged between 18 and 95 years, attending a primary tribal healthcare centre at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India, from August 2021 to October 2021. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic details, history of COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and participants’ knowledge and awareness about COVID-19. Antibody presence was tested using the WANTAI test kit. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 21.0 A multivariable logistic regression was conducted following univariate analysis to identify independent factors associated with COVID-19 seropositivity. Results: The mean age of the study population was 45.34±15.86 years. Among the 279 participants, the proportion of seropositivity to COVID-19 antibodies was found to be 245 (87.8%) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 83.98 to 91.62. Regarding knowledge and awareness related to COVID-19, 186 (66.7%) participants were not aware of the common symptoms of COVID19. Individuals aged above 60 years had a five times higher probability of having COVID-19 antibodies compared to those aged 30 years or younger (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.71, 95% CI 0.111 to 20.025). Those who had received atleast one dose of the vaccine were nine times more likely to have seropositivity (aOR 8.58, 95% CI 1.390 to 53.028). Conclusion: The seropositivity of COVID-19 was high at 87.8%. Older people and vaccinated individuals were more likely to be seropositive. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen vaccination efforts among all age groups. Continued sero-surveillance and vaccination surveys need to be conducted to gain more insights into the antibody kinetics of this novel pathogen.

Possible Outbreak of Newcastle Virus Infection in the Face of Increasing Trend of Backyard Poultry Farm Management Interface in Nigeria: A Public Health and Food Security Threat

Introduction: Newcastle disease is a highly contagious illness and one of the "notifiable illnesses" on the World Health Organization list for Animal Health (OIE) Outcome. There are constantly new cases being reported as new NDV isolates from around the world. Newcastle disease poses a significant global economic threat to the poultry sector, causing highly contagious and transmissible diseases in birds with huge food security threat among the weak and vulnerable developing and underdeveloped countries Aim: The aim of this article borders on bringing to light the risk of possible Newcastle disease outbreak in Nigeria due to increasing poor management of poultry farms and poultry waste product. Furthermore, it will also underscore and outline various ways which can be adopted to prevent this poultry disease which is of great public health, economic and food security protection importance. Method/Methodology: This is a systematic review of published research articles focusing on Newcastle disease, epidemiology, pathogenicity, transmission and factors that can play important roles in the possible outbreak of the disease in poultries. Studies reviewed comprise of cross-sectional, prospective, longitudinal and observational studies. The study approach follows the systematic review of peer-reviewed published articles as well as online publications and articles derived from various databases with search keywords relevant to the topic of discourse. Findings and Results: The findings in this study highlight the endemicity of Newcastle virus disease in various part of the country, and how the severity of the disease is influenced by host characteristics, viral properties, and environmental factors. The study pointed out critical evidence-based possible reasons that could promote a new round of Newcastle disease epidemic outbreak as a result of poor poultry management practices such as high bird densities, poor poultry infrastructure, lack of quarantine of sick birds, mixed species rearing, free range system of poultry, poor waste disposal, lack of expertise, and insufficient biosecurity outcomes. However, the lack of education and awareness among farmers exacerbates the problem, hindering preventive measures. The complexity is increased by difficulties with vaccination, unrestrained bird movement through trading with neighboring countries and interstate, and a lack of diagnostic facilities. The consequences of an outbreak extends beyond financial losses to potential disruptions in the poultry supply chain, food security risks, and public health concerns. Conclusion and Recommendation: The growing difficulties in poultry management methods increases the serious public health concern posed by a possible Newcastle Virus epidemic outbreak in Nigeria. A paradigm shift in poultry farming practices is necessary to address this problem. A comprehensive strategy that incorporates infrastructural development, regulatory frameworks, and education in order to strengthen the poultry industry is needed, so as to address and prevent the looming public health and food security crises that may break out from the above scenario

A review of antimicrobial usage practice in livestock and poultry production and its consequences on human and animal health.

Antimicrobials are employed in the control of contagious illnesses in humans and animals and are also utilized as growth enhancers in livestock and poultry. Improper application of antibiotics results in the development of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), colistin-resistant, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, and fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella. Transmission of MDR bacteria happens among animals, from human to animal, and vice versa, resulting in treatment failure, increased treatment cost, and high morality. In this article, we analyzed the recent publications of the current antimicrobial application practices in livestock and poultry farms and the development of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in livestock and poultry and its adverse effects on human and animal health using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google. Citations from published articles were also analyzed. Several drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, VRSA, colistin-resistant strains, ESBL-producing E. coli, and fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella, have emerged due to heavy antibiotic application in cattle and poultry, according to the analysis. Transmission happens between people and animals as well as throughout the production chain, which raises the chance of failure of antibiotic therapy and fatality. To stop the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria, it is important to ensure the proper use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry. Especially in developing nations, strict control and implementation of antimicrobial rules are necessary. To successfully address antimicrobial resistance and lessen dependency on antibiotics, alternative disease management strategies in livestock and poultry must be developed.

Biomarkers associated with coagulation in COVID-19 patients: A literature review

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a highly contagious illness, has resulted in one of the worst pandemics in history. COVID-19, unlike other pandemics, has novel transmission mechanisms and produces diverse health-related issues. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection has been associated with thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia, all of which disrupt the coagulative system and may lead to potentially fatal consequences, including pulmonary embolism. In this review of the oft-documented complications of COVID-19, including venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism, coagulative and inflammatory markers, such as ferritin, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase have been evinced and the therapeutic options are discussed briefly. It is crucial to detect potential issues early and initiate anticoagulant-based treatments, such as low-molecular-weight heparins and unfractionated heparins to optimize patient outcomes. Therefore, a thorough understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology and the ability to recognize coagulation abnormalities that are linked to a poor prognosis are necessary to improve patient outcomes.

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System in Early SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Long COVID-19-A Scoping Review.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 is variable, often including symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, fatigue, and an altered sense of smell and taste. Recently, post-acute "long" COVID-19 has emerged as a concern, with symptoms persisting beyond the acute infection. Vaccinations remain one of the most effective preventative methods against severe COVID-19 outcomes and the development of long-term COVID-19. However, individuals with underlying health conditions may not mount an adequate protective response to COVID-19 vaccines, increasing the likelihood of severe symptoms, hospitalization, and the development of long-term COVID-19 in high-risk populations. This review explores the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoids in limiting the susceptibility and severity of infection, both pre- and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection. Early in the SARS-CoV-19 infection, cannabinoids have been shown to prevent viral entry, mitigate oxidative stress, and alleviate the associated cytokine storm. Post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, cannabinoids have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with post-acute long COVID-19, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress injury, insomnia, pain, and decreased appetite. While current research primarily focuses on potential treatments for the acute phase of COVID-19, there is a gap in research addressing therapeutics for the early and post-infectious phases. This review highlights the potential for future research to bridge this gap by investigating cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system as a potential treatment strategy for both early and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection.

In Silico Antiviral Drug Repurposing Against COVID‐19 Infection: Targeting the Main Protease and Human ACE2 Receptor

AbstractCoronavirus Disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS‐CoV‐2. The virus exerts its pathogenic activity and infects new cells by utilizing the spike protein (S1) of the coronavirus and the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor protein found in host cells, thereby transferring the genetic material. The SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease, essential for viral replication, presents a promising therapeutic target due to its structural and sequence similarity with other beta coronaviruses, facilitating drug development from existing lead compounds. With this context, we have considered SARS‐CoV‐2 Main protease and spike protein combined with ACE2 receptor as the target protein for inhibiting the replication. In this study, we employed High‐Throughput Virtual Screening (HTVS) to screen antiviral compounds from the drug bank. Based on the docking score, two compounds were screened with respect to the selected target proteins. Subsequently, Molecular docking investigations were conducted for compound A and compound B concerning the main protease and ACE2 receptor, which yields favorable docking scores of −8.212 kcal/mol and −9.373 kcal/mol, respectively. Further molecular dynamics, DFT studies and ADMET parameters were carried out to understand the stability, reactivity, and toxicity profile of the screened compounds.