Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Situation Research Articles

Probiotic treatment (Enterococcus faecalis) improves symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial.

Probiotic treatment (Enterococcus faecalis) improves symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial.

The potential of eHealth for cancer patients-does COVID-19 pandemic change the attitude towards use of telemedicine services?

Internet penetration worldwide has increased rapidly over the recent years. With this growth, modern information and communication technologies (ICT) have become increasingly important. They do not only change daily life but also patient-physician interaction and health related information search, which can be summarized as electronic Health (eHealth). eHealth was already known before the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but this pandemic substantially challenged health systems, physicians and hospitals so profoundly that new services and methods of patient-physician interaction had to be implemented rapidly. This study investigates the attitude of cancer patients towards eHealth and the potential impact of COVID-19 on its use. The study was a multicentered study carried out at the university hospitals Bonn and Aachen. Patients were asked to answer a structured questionnaire in the time span between September 2019 and February 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no patients were addressed between March 2020 and July 2020. The questionnaire focused on socio-demographic data, the dissemination of internet-enabled devices, the patients' attitude towards eHealth and the use of modern ICT in daily life and for health-related information search. In total, 280 patients have filled the questionnaire of which 48% were female and 52% were male. Men have a slightly more positive attitude towards the overall potential of eHealth than women which was shown by a significant influence for receiving medical information via e-mail. Hematological-oncological patients with a higher education level reported a significantly higher willingness to send personal health information to their physician and health insurance. A frequency of medical consultation of more than 5 times during the previous year has a significantly positive impact regarding the use of online communication, online video consultation and treatment quality. Younger patients have more concerns about data security than older patients. The study shows a different attitude towards the influence of eHealth on the patient-physician relationship in different therapy situations. While there were no significant changes in patients' attitude towards eHealth after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a trend towards an increasingly embracing attitude in patients, who answered the questionnaire during COVID-19 pandemic situation. Overall, cancer patients had a positive attitude towards eHealth and the dissemination of internet-enabled devices was high. The study shows that the potential of eHealth is high among hematological-oncological patients. Further eHealth technologies and especially telemedically supported care processes should be implemented to improve patient-physician interaction and cross-sectoral care. COVID-19 pandemic led to a fast initiation and acceleration of new structures and routines for physicians, hospitals and patients. These new processes should be used to promote digitalization in hematological and oncological telemedicine. To successfully implement new eHealth technologies, future research should focus on patients' concerns about data privacy and data availability especially in the context of exchange of medical information in cross sectoral and interdisciplinary care processes.

The relationship between depression, anxiety, e-health literacy, and health-promoting behavior in nursing students during COVID-19.

The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between depression, anxiety, e-health literacy (eHL), and health-promoting behaviors among nursing students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify the factors affecting health-promoting behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted online, recruiting 301 nursing students recruited from 4 universities in the Chungcheng Province and Daejeon Metropolitan City in South Korea between May 28 and June 30, 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 27.0. The general characteristics of the study participants were analyzed by frequency and percentage, and the degree of depression, anxiety, eHL, and health-promoting behaviors were calculated as averages and standard deviations. Differences in health-promoting behaviors according to general characteristics were analyzed using independent t tests and analysis of variance, and a post hoc Scheffe test was conducted. Correlations between depression, anxiety, eHL, and health-promoting behaviors were measured using Pearson correlation matrices. Stepwise multiple regression was performed to identify factors affecting health-promoting behaviors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the average level of depression and anxiety was reported to be 3.93 (4.71) and 3.40 (4.30), respectively; 33.2% of nursing students experienced more than mild depression and 29.2% experienced anxiety. The average eHL level was 3.91 (0.56), and the average of health-promoting behaviors was 2.43 (0.45). Depression was positively correlated with anxiety (R = 0.734, P < .001) and negatively correlated with health-promoting behaviors (r = -0.198, P = .001), whereas eHL had a positive correlation with health-promoting behaviors (R = 0.347, P < .001). The factors affecting health-promoting behaviors were religion (β = -0.160, standard error [SE] = 0.048), current health status (β = -0.097, SE = 0.032), frequency of searching the Internet for health-related information in a week (β = -0.070, SE = 0.026), interest in health (β = -0.191, SE = 0.039), and critical eHL (β = 0.243, SE = 0.040); the explanatory power was 27.4%. Results demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, higher depression and anxiety among nursing students decreased health-promoting behaviors, while higher eHL increased health-promoting behaviors, and eHL was a major factor affecting health-promoting behaviors. These results contribute to the provision of basic data for the development of nursing intervention programs and educational strategies that can establish correct health-promoting behaviors by managing depression and anxiety among nursing students and improving eHL.

Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Emergence and subsequent exponential spread of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection during 2020 forced the Government to issue countrywide lockdown from March 2020. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the debilitating diseases of the eye which requires regular follow-ups and timely intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. The impact of countrywide lockdown on prevalence and progression of DR needs to be evaluated. Aim: To assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic situation on the prevalence and progression of DR and analyse the possible risk factors for progression of DR in the ongoing pandemic period by comparing retrospective data from immediate prepandemic quarter with post lockdown quarter. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Opthalmology at Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The study was done during the prepandemic period, from November 2019 to February 2020. In the present study, a cohort of 83 diabetic patients with pre-existing DR was selected from past medical records and compared with post lockdown period during November 2020 to February 2021. Data regarding prevalence of various types of DR, mean Central Macular Thickness (CMT), mean Visual Acuity (VA), proportion of patients requiring &gt;3 doses of monthly anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF) and additional laser therapy or vitrectomy, VA improvement and reduction of mean CMT were gathered and compared between those two quarters. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: The prevalence of moderate Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) (13% vs 25%), severe NPDR (19% vs 8%), Proliferative DR (PDR) (18% vs 7%), Advanced Diabetic Eye Disease (ADED) (4.8% vs 1%) and Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) (62% vs 28%) increased several folds during post lockdown quarter in comparison to prepandemic quarter. There was a statistically significant difference (p-value&lt;0.05) in baseline mean LogMar Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) (0.4±0.08 vs 0.9±0.07), mean CMT (386.4±26.8 to 421.8±21.6) positive correlations of some of the possible risk factors for poor visual outcome among the same cohort of patients in the post lockdown period: poor socioeconomic status (35%; Odds Ratio (OR):3.59, Relative Risk (RR):2.68), irregular diabetic medication (52%; OR:3.56, RR:2.23), residence more than 100 km from the hospital (38%; OR:3.03, RR:2.26). Conclusion: The present study, concludes that, the status of DR stage among study subjects in the post lockdown period has deteriorated when compared with the prepandemic period.

Outpatient department development in the situation of COVID-19 pandemic, Koh Phangan hospital, Surat Thani province, Thailand

Background: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a huge impact on society including medical and public health service systems. It has also caused health care providers to be focused on adjusting the health service system of various departments to obtain patients’ satisfaction and to provide safety for both providers and service recipients.Objectives: This action research aimed to develop outpatient department (OPD) and compared the differences in satisfactory level before and after developing OPD in the situation of COVID-19 pandemic, Koh Phangngan Hospital, Suratthani Province.Methods: 4 steps were operated to OPD development: (1) Plan (2) Action (3) Observe and (4) Reflection. 310 samples were responded the satisfy questionnaire before and after developing OPD. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Paired sample t-test was used to analyze the differences.Results: Findings revealed that the setup of OPD improved the surroundings with symbols, signages and directions for social distancing of COVID-19 measure. Service system set up with KIOSK, face recognition, thermos scan and home delivery of medications were implemented. The average satisfaction scores before and after developing OPD was with statistically significant difference (Mean difference =-5.2 95%CI: -5.6 to -4.8).Conclusion: Service recipients received good quality services from OPD in accordance with the measures to prevent Covid-19 infection, and they were satisfied with the service system.

Construction of a COVID-19 Pandemic Situation Knowledge Graph Considering Spatial Relationships: A Case Study of Guangzhou, China

The outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) has generated a large amount of spatiotemporal data. Using a knowledge graph can help to analyze the transmission relationship between cases and locate the transmission path of the pandemic, but researchers have paid little attention to the spatial relationships between geographical entities related to the pandemic. Therefore, we propose a method for constructing a pandemic situation knowledge graph of COVID-19 that considers spatial relationships. First, we created an ontology design of the pandemic data in which spatial relationships are considered. We then constructed a non-spatial relationships extraction model based on BERT and a spatial relationships extraction model based on spatial analysis theory. Second, taking the pandemic and geographic data of Guangzhou as an example, we modeled a pandemic corpus. We extracted entities and relationships based on this model, and we constructed a pandemic situation knowledge graph that considers spatial relationships. Finally, we verified the feasibility of using this method as a visualization exploratory tool in the analysis of spatial characteristics, pandemic development situation, case sources, and case relationships analysis of pandemic-related areas.

Analisis Pelaksanaan Pelayanan Covid-19 di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Kabupaten Kepulauan Talaud Tahun 2021

Hospital services during the COVID-19 pandemic are vulnerable to problems, threats and risks, including the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic situation which must be prepared to face the adaptation of new habits. Hospitals must begin to think about the steps to be taken to provide care to patients with confirmed COVID-19 but at the same time also provide services to general patients with the risk of transmission to a minimum. The purpose of this study was to analyze the implementation of COVID-19 services at the Kab. Kepl. Talaud. This research is analytic in nature using qualitative research methods, this research was carried out in November 2021 – January 2022. The research subjects consisted of 6 people consisting of: Head of the team of health workers who handle COVID-19/DPPJ, doctors, nurses, hospital directors, Head of nursing field. Arrangement of Service Flows related to the implementation of COVID-19 services at Kab. Kepl. Talaud uses the Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), based on observations of standard operating procedure documents (SOPs) that were not found in the Emergency Installation of RSUD Kab.Kepl. Talaud. Fulfillment of facilities, infrastructure and facilities, is still experiencing various obstacles, inadequate advice and infrastructure. Implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting in COVID-19 services, is carried out during the process of providing services to patients. The knowledge and understanding of the team of health workers dealing with COVID-19 towards their duties and responsibilities is good. The commitment and leadership factors for the implementation of COVID-19 services from members of the team of health workers who handle COVID-19 are good, but the commitment from the director is still not visible for some team members, the quantity and quality factors are still not good.

Ocular Trauma during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali From March 2020 to March 2021

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the coronavirus 2. The implementation of lockdown and social distancing is the efforts made by the government to prevent the spread of this virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the incidence rate of ocular trauma in several means. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the factors that can cause ocular trauma, from the patient’s characteristics, clinical presentation, etiology, and mechanism of ocular trauma of patients who came to the emergency unit of Sanglah Central General Hospital (RSUP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study is an observational analytic study with simple random sampling method to evaluate the characteristics of patients with ocular trauma from March 2020 to March 2021. The secondary data were obtained from the medical records including age, gender, address, examination data (visual acuity, duration between trauma and time of seeking medical care, diagnosis, trauma etiology, trauma mechanism, and surgery performed on the patient). RESULTS: In this study the most common was the presence of corpus alienum/foreign body in the cornea, chemical trauma, corneal erosion, canaliculi rupture, and keratitis which are usually caused by photoelectric injury. During the COVID-19 pandemic, new regulations were implemented including patient screening, COVID-19 test before undergoing surgery, patient treatment, and also the use of personal protective equipment for the examiners. Moreover, there were behavioral changes of the people caused by the enforcement of lockdown system and also people’s fear of going to the hospital, especially to a COVID-19 referral hospital such as Sanglah General Hospital; therefore, some patients delayed seeking medical treatment and refused to have surgery at Sanglah General Hospital. CONCLUSION: Our study concluded that the trend of ocular trauma in the COVID-19 era tends to occur in the male population and involves trauma to the cornea, with the most common etiology is caused by the presence of foreign bodies such as gram, wood, or metal. Our finding also showed that despite the implementation of social distancing policies in the COVID-19 pandemic situation, ocular trauma can still be found related to the implementation of the lockdown that has been relaxed during this research.

Mathematical modelling of unemployment as the effect of COVID-19 pandemic in middle-income countries.

WHO (World Health Organization) has stamped Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. This disease has affected most of the population in every aspect. One of those main aspects is the economical burden on the middle class and poor people. To overcome these issues, there should be multi-stage precautions, and awareness was required apart from these, there should be a multi-level posterior effort on facing the challenges that were much needed. In that way, to join the dealing of facing the posterior challenges of this disease, we try to help the society in our way of modelling approach, so that we developed a mathematical model to identify the complexities of the virus and its actual phenomena along with its economical oriented effects and perspectives. During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, millions of employees lost their jobs irrespective of age consideration. More youngsters in many countries have been looking for a new jobs even after facing so much of struggles as the effect of this pandemic. In these facts, a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) model is constructed and analysed the outbreak of COVID-19 and its effects on employment. The basic reproduction number R_0 has determined using the next-generation matrix technique. If R_0 le 1 disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. If R_0 ge 1, the endemic equilibrium is global asymptotic stability is achieved. To show the analytic findings, numerical simulations were performed. We hope that this work is suitable to control unemployment for all kinds of income populations.

PKM EDUKASI DAN ANTISIPASI PENYEBARAN COVID 19 DALAM MENINGKATKAN PROTOKOL KESEHATAN 4M DI DESA LUWUK GUNUNG SARI SERANG

Luwuk Village is a village located in Gunungsari district, Serang regency. Where in the village there is very little knowledge to equip themselves to avoid dangerous viruses, where in every house there are still many residents who do not provide masks and equipment to do 5M in the form of preventing the covid 19 virus, therefore we as active students of KKM group 26 universirtas bina bangsa, conduct counseling and socialization to intensify the spread of covid 19 in the village. Currently, we are still facing challenges that require adapting to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation. Corona Virus Disease-19 is a virus that attacks the respiratory system and can cause mild disorders of the respiratory system, severe lung infections, and even death. Covid-19 can be transmitted from human to human through droplets from patients who sneeze or cough and close contact with sufferers or contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. Covid-19 enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth through hands contaminated with the virus. From there, we have held the distribution of masks and hand sanitizers to anticipate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the community has an important role in breaking the chain of transmission of COVID-19 so as not to cause new sources of transmission / clusters in places where there is movement of people, interaction between people and gathering of many people. People must be able to resume their activities in the COVID-19 pandemic situation by adapting to new habits that are healthier, cleaner, and more obedient, which are implemented by all components in the community and empower all existing resources. The role of the community to be able to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 (risk of contracting and transmitting) must be carried out by implementing health protocols through individual health protection and public health protection

Self-care differences in COVID-19 pandemic situation

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been happening for years now and no one can guarantee when this situation will end. The best thing that we can do in this new normal era is doing different self-care activity than what we usually do before the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze self-care differences before and after pandemic situation in the general population. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 645 respondents living in five congested communities in Surabaya, Indonesia. Sample was enrolled by means of cluster random sampling. Variables on this study was self-care activities related to new normal activies among community. Valid and reliable questionnaire of self-care activities was used in data collection. Independent sample t test was used in data analysis. Results: Most respondents were female (54.6%) in their productive age (29.7 ± 11.5 y.o.), graduated (77.8%), private employee (35.5%), having no income (45.7%), and live with more than 3-5 family members at home (43.4%). Before pandemic, self-care was mostly sufficient (21.8 ± 5.9). After pandemic, self-care was improved greatly but still in sufficient level (28.5 ± 4.8). There was a significant self care difference before and after pandemic situation in the general population (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Self-care activities changes significantly after COVID-19 pandemic situation in the general population, but it was still in unoptimal level. Efforts to improve individual self-care in new normal era are needed to ensure this activity is implemented in its optimal level.

Nanotechnology-based Approaches and Investigational Therapeutics against COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the novel coronavirus responsible for the current global pandemic, which first emerged in December 2019. This coronavirus has affected 217 countries worldwide, most of which have enacted non-remedial preventive measures, such as nationwide lockdowns, work from home, travel bans, and social isolation. Pharmacists, doctors, nurses, technologists, and other healthcare professionals have played pivotal roles during this pandemic. Unfortunately, confirmed drugs have not been identified for the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARSCoV2; however, favipiravir and remdesivir have been reported as promising antiviral drugs. Some vaccines have already been developed, and vaccination is ongoing globally. Various nanotechnologies are currently being developed in many countries for preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread and treating COVID-19 infections. In this article, we present an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic situation and discuss nanotechnology-based approaches and investigational therapeutics for COVID-19.

A Reflection of a Taiwanese Resident of Surgery in COVID-19 Pandemic.

In March 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The COVID-19 breached the Taiwanese government’s defense, and the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced a Nationwide Level 3 Alert on May 19, 2021. In summary, the residency training has been affected as follows: less exposure to elective surgeries and decreased training time. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, both my life and career as a surgical resident have been deeply affected. Worries, anxiety, and fear about insufficient training, unfulfilled career development, and unknown future have been prevalent daily. However, surgeons have always managed to confront and overcome difficulties and challenges with courage and fearlessness. Hence, it is also important that we face the COVID-19 pandemic situation and adapt wisely.

Can parkland mitigate mental health burden imposed by the COVID-19? A national study in China

The worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seriously affected not only physical health but also mental wellbeing (i.e mental stress and suicide intention) of numerous urban inhabitants across the globe. While many studies have elucidated urban parkland enhances and mental wellbeing of urban residents, the potential for parkland to mitigate mental health burden imposed by the COVID-19 has received no attention. This nationwide study systematically explored the association between parkland, the COVID-19 pandemic situation and mental wellbeing from 296 cities in China. The study innovatively used big data from Baidu Search Engine to assess city-level mental wellbeing, thereby enabling comparisons among cities. The results show that the provision of parkland is positively associated with mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 epidemic. For COVID-19-related indicators, the geographical distance to Wuhan city, work resumption rate, and travel intensity within the city are also positively associated with mental wellbeing, while the number of COVID-19 infections and the proportion of migrants from Hubei Province for each city are negatively associated with mental wellbeing. Last, the most important finding is that parkland reduces the negative effect of COVID-19 on mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 epidemic. To achieve the goal of promoting mental wellbeing through urban planning and design during the future pandemics, policymakers and planners are advised to provide more well-maintained and accessible parkland and encourage residents to use them with proper precautions.

Does the Implementation of Regulation Affect COVID-19 Transmissibility and Mortality? Lessons Learned from Nganjuk Regency

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic is ineluctable, transmission that originated from a foreign country became the local transmission in Indonesia. As several regional authorities implemented a large-scale social restriction policy to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, the Nganjuk Regency government chose to implement a different strategy with the implementation of Regent Regulation number 28 of 2020 about novel practice in the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the impact of the implementation of the regulation on COVID-19 transmissibility and mortality at the Nganjuk Regency. Methods: Data were collected from the daily confirmed cases and death of COVID-19 made accessible for the public by the Nganjuk Regency Task Force for COVID-19 and Nganjuk Regency Health Office starting from March 30th to September 20th. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to estimate the impact of the implementation of regent regulation on COVID-19 transmission and mortality parameters. Result: The trend of new confirmed cases and deaths of COVID-19 in the Nganjuk Regency continued to fluctuate before and even after the implementation of regent regulation. It was found that there were reductions in case of fatality rates by -0.002 ± 0.003 (ρ 0.002) on CFR and -0.008 ± 0.008 (ρ 0.007) on eCFR after the regent regulation was implemented but there was no significant reduction on COVID-19 transmissibility parameter. Conclusion: Implementation of regent regulation in Nganjuk Regency significantly affected the reduction of case fatality rate but failed to slow down the COVID-19 transmissibility. Intensive community engagement to comply with the health preventive measures should be considered as an effective preventive strategy to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Facing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Situation in Pharmaceutical Companies: Challenges and Solutions

Facing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Situation in Pharmaceutical Companies: Challenges and Solutions

Impact of customers' interpersonal interactions in social commerce on customer relationship management performance

PurposeSocial commerce is a subpart of electronic commerce (e-commerce), where social media is forced to support user contributions. The purpose of this study is to measure the impact of customers' interpersonal interactions in social commerce on customer relationship management (CRM) performance, based on the flow, commitment-trust and stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theories.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of the SOR framework, the authors developed a study model to determine the impact on CRM performance of customers' interpersonal interactions in social commerce. The primary data of the study were collected from 640 users of social commerce through a web questionnaire during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic situation, and the authors tested the study model using the approach of covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsResults of the current study reveal that customers' interpersonal interactions in social commerce optimistically influence their perceived flow. Moreover, perceived flow absolutely controls users' trust and CRM performance. In turn, collective users' trust positively influences users' commitment and CRM performance. Finally, collective users' commitment absolutely influences the performance of CRM.Practical implicationsThe authors provide a valuable contribution to the theoretical field of online marketing and CRM. Besides, the findings of this study are relevant for marketers to know the issues for increasing customer trust, commitment and performance of CRM.Originality/valueThe current study develops a model based on the flow, commitment-trust and stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theories. The authors' research is the first to estimate the effect of customers' interpersonal interactions in social commerce on CRM performance.

The Role of Pulmonary Surfactants in the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in COVID-19.

Lung alveolar type-II (AT-II) cells produce pulmonary surfactant (PS), consisting of proteins and lipids. The lipids in PS are primarily responsible for reducing the air-fluid surface tension inside the alveoli of the lungs and to prevent atelectasis. The proteins are of two types: hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Hydrophilic surfactants are primarily responsible for opsonisation, thereby protecting the lungs from microbial and environmental contaminants. Hydrophobic surfactants are primarily responsible for respiratory function. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the lungs through ACE-2 receptors on lungs and replicates in AT-II cells leading to the etiology of Coronavirus disease – 2019 (COVID-19). The SARS-CoV-2 virus damages the AT-II cells and results in decreased production of PS. The clinical symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients are like those of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). The PS treatment is first-line treatment option for NRDS and found to be well tolerated in ARDS patients with inconclusive efficacy. Over the past 70°years, a lot of research is underway to produce natural/synthetic PS and developing systems for delivering PS directly to the lungs, in addition to finding the association between PS levels and respiratory illnesses. In the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, the scientific community all over the world is searching for the effective therapeutic options to improve the clinical outcomes. With a strong scientific and evidence-based background on role of PS in lung homeostasis and infection, few clinical trials were initiated to evaluate the functions of PS in COVID-19. Here, we connect the data on PS with reference to pulmonary physiology and infection with its possible therapeutic benefit in COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus and disease such as cancer

A recently published article confirmed that more than 50.0% of infected patients with cancer are susceptible to develop severe form of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, acute and chronic diseases caused by COVID-19 in humans are spreading quickly worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a better understanding of the COVID-19 and disease such as cancer. Based on our previous studies and experiences in the field of cancers' prevalence and incidence, we searched, selected, and studied articles in PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Scopus, and Web of Science with the keywords relevant to “Coronavirus,” “Disease,” and “Cancer.” In the initiation of cancer, viral infection plays a key role in signaling factor activation. Due to immunocompromised state, there is a higher risk of severe illness such as severe acute respiratory symptoms from COVID-19 in those with cancer. Patients with lymphoblastic leukemia or those who need to undergo chemotherapy are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection. Mild flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, fatigue, sputum production and shortness of breath, respiratory failure, arrhythmias, brain stroke, acute cardiac injury, shock, multiple organ failure, and death are some of the reported signs of infection to COVID-19 in patients with cancer. Published articles, emphasis for more attention during COVID-19 pandemic situation in patients with different types of cancers such as; Skin, stomach, colon, bladder, and lung cancer. Forecasts a time of change for a new type of coronavirus that might be associated with a silent period of at least 3–7 years in the near future. Finally, as patients with cancer are more susceptible to develop severe clinical consequences, therefore, health authorities should have advanced pharmacotherapy plans to alleviate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 on cancer patients.

Forecasting of the COVID-19 pandemic situation of Korea.

For the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), predictive modeling, in the literature, uses broadly susceptible exposed infected recoverd (SEIR)/susceptible infected recoverd (SIR), agent-based, curve-fitting models. Governments and legislative bodies rely on insights from prediction models to suggest new policies and to assess the effectiveness of enforced policies. Therefore, access to accurate outbreak prediction models is essential to obtain insights into the likely spread and consequences of infectious diseases. The objective of this study is to predict the future COVID-19 situation of Korea. Here, we employed 5 models for this analysis; SEIR, local linear regression (LLR), negative binomial (NB) regression, segment Poisson, deep-learning based long short-term memory models (LSTM) and tree based gradient boosting machine (GBM). After prediction, model performance comparison was evelauated using relative mean squared errors (RMSE) for two sets of train (January 20, 2020‒December 31, 2020 and January 20, 2020‒January 31, 2021) and testing data (January 1, 2021‒February 28, 2021 and February 1, 2021‒February 28, 2021) . Except for segmented Poisson model, the other models predicted a decline in the daily confirmed cases in the country for the coming future. RMSE values’ comparison showed that LLR, GBM, SEIR, NB, and LSTM respectively, performed well in the forecasting of the pandemic situation of the country. A good understanding of the epidemic dynamics would greatly enhance the control and prevention of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Therefore, with increasing daily confirmed cases since this year, these results could help in the pandemic response by informing decisions about planning, resource allocation, and decision concerning social distancing policies.