COVID-19 Contraction Research Articles

DISINTEGRATION OF THE SELF SYSTEM IN A PATIENT WITH SEMANTIC VARIANT PPA (SVPPA) DIAGNOSED FOLLOWING SARS-COV-2 INFECTION AND COVID-19

The aim of this study is to present a patient with semantic variant PPA (svPPA) diagnosed following SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 contraction, who experienced a dramatic disintegration of the Self system.The patient, a 45-year-old bilingual physician with no chronic diseases, contracted SARS-CoV-2 in November 2020, confirmed by RT-PCR. During acute COVID-19, he developed high fever (40C) and neurological symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of smell. About 16 weeks later, he had difficulties understanding common words in Polish and English (he was bilingual). One year post-COVID-19, his language impairment has intensified affecting word comprehension and naming. His syntax and phonology in Polish remained relatively intact, but he appeared confused. Despite losing word meaning, he could still use various objects. Psychiatric examination showed no mental illness, while neurological and neuropsychological assessments revealed long COVID with predominant aphasia symptoms. He had problems with lexical classification and higher-level differentiation. A MRI one year after COVID-19 showed significant asymmetric cortical atrophy in the temporal regions, predominantly on the left side, and in subcortical areas. In the Polish Boston Naming Test (BNT), he had difficulty recalling well-known items and used general descriptions instead (the patient occasionally mixed Polish and English). In the Pyramids and Palm Trees Test (PPTT) we found impairment of semantic memory. Surface dyslexia and dysgraphia were also found. Working memory impairment increased as the disease progressed. Information flow was profoundly disturbed, and ERPs to all stimuli significantly reduced. Two years after contracting COVID-19, the patient exhibited significant loss of object knowledge and constructional apraxia. He developed blank speech, making incoherent statements. As the disease progressed the patient lost his sense of identity, unable to recognize objects or faces, including his reflection. In June 2023, just over two and a half years after contracting COVID-19, the patient developed pneumonia. He was hospitalized and died a few days later. Post-mortem examinations revealed asymmetric cortical atrophy of the temporal lobes, more severe in the left hemisphere, which is associated with language functions. TDP-43 proteinopathy was also diagnosed. We will discuss the multifaceted symptoms and significance of this case study for modern medicine.This reliably documented case serves as a significant contribution to modern neuroscience, offering valuable insights into the intersection of COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases, and paving the way for future research and improved patient care.

Do patients infected with human coronavirus before the COVID-19 pandemic have less risk of being infected with COVID-19?

Although seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have long been recognized as respiratory tract viruses, the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 caused a pandemic associated with severe respiratory failure. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 infection in patients diagnosed in three tertiary teaching hospitals, both with and without prior confirmed HCoV infection, and to compare these cohorts in terms of COVID-19 contraction. In our study, we examined HCoV PCR-positive cases obtained retrospectively between January 2014 and March 2020 from three University Hospital Microbiology Laboratories (Cohort 1), as well as PCR-negative patients detected in the same PCR cycle as the positive cases (Cohort 2). We also evaluated subgroups of HCoV-positive cases. There was no difference in COVID-19 contraction rates between Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 (p = 0.724). When previous HCoV subgroups of COVID-19-positive patients were examined, no significant difference was found between the betacoronavirus and alphacoronavirus subgroups (p = 0.822), among the four groups (NL63, 229E, OC43, HKU-1) (p = 0.207), or between the OC43 subgroup and the other groups (p = 0.295). Being previously infected with HCoV did not provide protection against COVID-19 in our study group. We suggest evaluating the possible effect of previous OC43 infection on COVID-19 contraction in larger cohorts.

The effectiveness of vaccination on the COVID-19 epidemic in California

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused overwhelming morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization worldwide, including in the state of California. Vaccination efforts have been an important measure in curtailing the adverse outcomes of COVID-19. To quantify the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations in California, we conducted a retrospective cohort study investigating how vaccination has impacted the extent of COVID-19 contraction, hospitalizations, and death totals. We compared outcomes ofthe Delta Wave, Omicron Wave, and Pre-Delta Period. Vaccinated individuals have far-lower incidence risk ratio (IRR) of and odds of contracting a COVID-19 case (Delta IRR: 0.197) being hospitalized from COVID-19 (Delta IRR: 0.105), and dying from COVID-19 compared with an unvaccinated individual (Delta IRR: 0.0941). The preventive fraction of the unexposed and population-preventive fractions for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations also showed significant proportions. All tests showed P<.001. Vaccination was most effective in the Delta Wave, then in the Omicron Wave, and least effective in the Pre-Delta Period. Deaths were the most prevented outcome, followed by hospitalizations, then cases. This study exposes the massive impact of vaccinations in California in reducing COVID-19 outcomes and the potential for fewer adverse outcomes had there been greater vaccination compliance, demonstrating the need to increase vaccination efforts.

Evaluation of the changes in trabecular bone density of angle and condyle regions of the mandible before and after COVID-19 contraction using fractal analysis

This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the trabecular bone thickness in the mandible using fractal analysis. The researchers selected 82 healthy patients who had previously been infected with COVID-19 and had dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) prior to contracting the virus. DPRs were obtained again after infection, and the trabecular thickness was analyzed before and after COVID-19 using statistical tests. The results revealed that the average trabecular thickness of the mandible at the angle and condyle regions decreased significantly after contracting COVID-19. The mean thickness before infection was 1.479 ± 0.128 at the angle point and 1.469 ± 0.124 at the condylar region, while after infection, it decreased to 1.200 ± 0.123 and 1.159 ± 0.114, respectively. The reduction in trabecular thickness was found to be statistically significant. This study underscores the importance of monitoring bone density in COVID-19 patients. The findings suggest that COVID-19 can have extrapulmonary effects on skeletal health, specifically the mandibular bone. The results highlight the need for preventive interventions to mitigate pathological bone loss in individuals affected by COVID-19. Overall, this research emphasizes the significance of considering skeletal manifestations and implementing appropriate measures for COVID-19 patients to safeguard their bone health.

Testing Positive for Covid-19, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, and Covid-19-Related Anxiety: A Case of Factory Workers

Objective: This paper investigated the incidence of COVID-19 contraction, signs and symptoms, treatment, pandemic-related anxiety, and related factors in factory workers.&#x0D; Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in a factory operating in the textile industry. No sampling was performed. The sample consisted of 287 volunteers. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form.&#x0D; Results: Less than half the participants tested positive for COVID-19 (41.1%). They were treated at home (68.6%) or in a hospital (19.5%). The most common symptoms were fatigue, joint pain, change in the sense of taste, and headache. The mean duration of home and hospital treatment was 7.00±0.00 and 12.49±6.14, respectively. Participants had a mean anxiety scale score of 7.65±3.71. Less than half the&#x0D; participants (31%) had high COVID-19 anxiety levels. The incidence of COVID-19 infection and anxiety was higher in participants who were on medication for chronic illnesses. Age and BMI were correlated with hospitalization for COVID-19.&#x0D; Conclusions: The incidence of COVID-19 infection is high among factory workers. Therefore, authorities should consider them a priority group for vaccination and provide them with training on COVID-19 risk factors and preventive measures.

НОВАЯ КОРОНАВИРУСНАЯ ИНФЕКЦИЯ БЕРЕМЕННЫХ ЖЕНЩИН: ОСОБЕННОСТИ ТЕЧЕНИЯ БЕРЕМЕННОСТИ И ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЯ ПНЕВМОНИИ НОВОРОЖДЕННЫХ

Introduction. Pregnancy profoundly impacts the immune system, yet the influence of gestational age at COVID-19 contraction and its implications for perinatal outcomes remain uncertain. Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 contracted at various gestational stages on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Materials and Methods. Retrospective analysis of medical records from 113 mother-newborn pairs, including COVID-19-positive pregnant women, was conducted at the clinical sites of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Novosibirsk State Medical University from 2021 to 2022. The sample was categorized into three study groups based on gestational age at COVID-19 contraction, with a control group of COVID-19-negative pregnant women. Results. Findings revealed a higher incidence of mild COVID-19 in Group 1, while Groups 2 and 3 exhibited a moderate course (p=0.03). Additionally, Groups 2 and 3 demonstrated a higher prevalence of pneumonia (p=0.03) and antibiotic therapy (p=0.02). Complications such as preeclampsia (p=0.002), oligohydramnios (p&lt;0.001), and fetal growth restriction (p=0.02) were more frequent in patients with COVID-19 during pregnancy. Furthermore, fetal distress was more common in study groups 1 and 2 (p=0.002). Neural network analysis allowed for the prediction of pneumonia in newborns with 98.2% accuracy based on factors such as gestational age at COVID-19 contraction, disease severity, presence of oligohydramnios and fetal growth retardation, meconium amniotic fluid, and delivery date. Conclusions. In conclusion, COVID-19 contraction before 34 weeks of gestation often complicates pregnancy, leading to placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus, thereby increasing the risk of early delivery and the birth of low-birth-weight children with reduced adaptive capabilities. The development of pneumonia in these newborns exacerbates their condition, often resulting in perinatal losses. Utilizing a neural network for pneumonia prediction may potentially mitigate perinatal losses.

Spiritual-Cultural Needs as the Main Causative Factor of Death Anxiety in Iranian COVID-19 Patients: A Qualitative Study.

COVID-19 patients have been reported to more than likely experience a variety of difficult physical and psychological problems. This qualitative study aims to perceive psychological experiences in COVID-19 patients in Iran. The study method is qualitative, with a conventional content analysis approach adopted.Purposivesampling was applied to 20 COVID-19 patients admitted to medical wards at hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Additionally, data were collected using semi-structured interviews. All data were analyzed based on the method proposed by Lindgren et al. (Int J Nurs Stud 108:103632, 2020). Data analysis identified the main theme to be "death fear and anxiety" with five main categories. These categories included the feelings of death panic and apprehension, uncertainty and ambiguity, fear of abandonment, fear of an unknown future for the family, and fear of unmet spiritual-cultural needs. Accordingly, the patients' experiences of COVID-19 contraction were unique. Against this backdrop, understanding COVID-19 patients' complexities, experiences, beliefs, and attitudes about anxiety and death,can lead to an improved awareness andunderstanding of thepsychological consequences of COVID-19by executive decision-makers, healthcare personnel and mental health professionals.

Transmission risk of COVID-19 infection with office-based flexible laryngoscopy

Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, recommendations to ensure safety in clinical practice have fluctuated. Within the Otolaryngology community, a variety of protocols have emerged to assure safety for both patients and healthcare workers while maintaining standard of care practices, especially surrounding aerosolizing in-office procedures. ObjectivesThis study aims to describe our Otolaryngology Department's Personal Protective Equipment protocol for both patients and providers during office laryngoscopy and to identify the risk of contracting COVID-19 after implementation of the protocol. Methods18,953 office visits divided between 2019 and 2020 where laryngoscopy was performed were examined and compared to the rate of COVID-19 contraction for both office staff and patients within a 14 day period after the encounter. Of these visits, two cases were examined and discussed; where a patient tested positive for COVID-19 ten days after office laryngoscopy, and one where a patient tested positive for COVID-19 ten days prior to office laryngoscopy. ResultsIn the year 2020, 8337 office laryngoscopies were performed, 100 patients tested positive within the year 2020, with only these 2 cases of COVID-19 infections occurring within 14 days prior to or after their office visit. ConclusionThese data suggest that using CDC-compliant protocol for aerosolizing procedures, such as office laryngoscopy, can provide a safe and effective method for mitigating infectious risk while providing timely quality care for the otolaryngology patient. Level of evidence3 Lay summaryDuring the COVID-19 Pandemic, ENTs have had to balance providing care while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission with routine office procedures such as flexible laryngoscopy. In this large chart review, we show that the risk of transmission is low with CDC-compliant protective equipment and cleaning protocols.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of workers and the associated social-economic aspects: A narrative review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has struck nations worldwide, pushing worldwide health and socio-economic systems to extreme limits. Upon exposure to an exceeding number of patients and supply shortages, the resilience of healthcare resources has been broadly challenged. We will firstly discuss the mental health turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary focus of this study and delve into the mental health repercussions among the workforce. Also, we debate the risk factors, particularly highlighting the impact of social behaviors and media exposure. We examine the pandemic's impact on occupational health services. Secondly, we thoroughly discuss the effect of socio-economic and race disparities in the COVID-19 contraction and the related psychologic sequelae. Economic outcomes are also highlighted, particularly alterations in poverty rates and occupational sectors. Peer-reviewed reports were extracted through Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar until June 2022. A constellation of untoward spillover effects of the pandemic, including dramatic changes in public and workplace environments, enduring curfew, and low wages, have put socio-economic aspects of daily life under exuberant strain. Indeed, occupational and public health stakeholders presume a coinciding social crisis to occur, provided the pandemic's implications on socioeconomics and psychological wellbeing are not addressed well with evidence-based approaches and peer services. Evaluating the socio-economic and mental health impact is imperative to cope with the pandemic. Also, we should assess the predisposing and protecting factors in a broad array of life aspects associated with COVID-19.

Revaccination in Age-Risk Groups with Sputnik V Is Immunologically Effective and Depends on the Initial Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies Level.

Vaccination against COVID-19 has occurred in Russia for more than two years. According to the Russian official clinical guidelines to maintain tense immunity in the conditions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to use booster immunization six months after primary vaccination or a previous COVID-19 contraction. It is especially important to ensure the maintenance of protective immunity in the elderly, who are at risk of severe courses of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the immunological effectiveness of the booster doses has not been sufficiently substantiated. To investigate the immunogenicity of Sputnik V within the recommended revaccination regimen and evaluate the effectiveness of booster doses, we conducted this study on 3983 samples obtained from individuals previously vaccinated with Sputnik V in Moscow. We analyzed the level of antibodies in BAU/mL three times: (i) six months after primary immunization immediately before the booster (RV), (ii) 3 weeks after the introduction of the first component of the booster (RV1), and (iii) 3 weeks after the introduction of the second component of the booster (RV2). Six months after the primary vaccination with Sputnik V, 95.5% of patients maintained a positive level of IgG antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. The degree of increase in the specific virus-neutralizing antibodies level after revaccination increased with a decrease in their initial level just before the booster dose application. In the group of people with the level of antibodies up to 100 BAU/mL six months after the vaccination, a more than eightfold increase (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon criterion with Bonferroni adjustment) in the level of specific antibodies was observed (Me = 8.84 (IQR: 3.63−30.61)). A significant increase in the IgG level after receiving both the first and the second booster doses occurred at the initial titer level up to 300 BAU/ mL (p < 0.001) in those who did not contract COVID-19 in the past and up to 100 BAU/mL (p < 0.001) in those who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. A significant increase in the antibody level after the first dose of the booster was noted for people who had up to 500 BAU/mL (p < 0.05), regardless of the previous COVID-19 infection. Thus, revaccination is most effective in individuals with an antibody level below 500 BAU/mL, regardless of the vaccinee age and COVID-19 contraction. For the first time, it has been shown that a single booster dose of the Sputnik vaccine is sufficient to form a protective immunity in most vaccinees regardless of age and preexisting antibody level.

Mental Health Risk Factors Related to COVID-19 among Canadian Public Safety Professionals

Public safety personnel (PSP) are known to experience difficult and demanding occupational environments, an environment that has been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Firefighters, paramedics, and public safety communicators were among the front-line workers that continued to serve the public throughout the course of the pandemic. The present study considered the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-reported symptoms of mental health challenges in Canadian firefighters, paramedics, and public safety communicators. Participants were firefighters (n = 123), paramedics (n = 246), and public safety communicators (n = 48), who completed an online survey, including demographics, questions related to COVID-19 exposure and worry, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Social Interaction Phobia Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5. Results revealed that risk factors for increased mental health symptom reporting were paramedic occupation, self-identified female, younger in age, COVID-19 personal contact, requirement to self-isolate, and self-perception of COVID-19 contraction (without confirmation through testing). The COVID-19 pandemic should be considered a risk factor for increased mental health symptom reporting in PSP.

The Psychological, Social, and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Nepali Migrant Workers

The global pandemic impacted Asian migrant workers disproportionately. During the first COVID-19 nationwide lockdown, Nepali migrant workers faced many challenges due to widespread misconceptions of them being vectors of COVID-19. This research examines COVID-19 impacts on international and internal Nepali migrant workers. A national survey on the social, economic, and psychological challenges of returning Nepali migrant workers was administered online from 10 May to 20 July 2020. A total of 672 responses were received. Using a binary logistic regression model, the research finds that the domestic migrant workers were less likely to get economic support, expect to borrow money during COVID-19, experience negative changes in their personal lives, and expect the COVID-19 contraction. In contrast, international migrant workers were less likely to return to their pre-pandemic employment. The research exposed long-standing vulnerabilities of migrant workers and identified immediate actions from Nepalese Central, Provincial, and Local governments to address their needs.

TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (TDCS) FOR POST- STROKE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION FOLLOWING SARS-COV2 INFECTION AND NEUROCOVID-19 CONTRACTION

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is effective in the management of patients with depression and anxiety. However, it is not known if it is effective in the case of anxiety and depression following SARS-CoV2 and NeuroCOVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of stimulating the brain with the use of a tDCS protocol ameliorated by a functional neuromarker, and here based on HBI methodology to reduce anxiety and depression following SARS-CoV2 infection and NeuroCOVID-19 contraction. A 47-year-old patient manifested severe anxiety and depression following a stroke following SARS-CoV2 infection and Neuro- COVID-19 contraction. The anxiety and depression were diagnosed using the HAD-Scale (Zigmond, Snaith 1983). A score of 8 to 10 is broad ly accepted as indicating mild symptoms, a score between 11- 16 suggests moderate anxiety or depression, and a score of 16 or more indicates severe anxiety or depressive symptoms. The patient received anodal tDCS to the left DLPFC using two different application protocols. Initially, a stimulation session of 2 milliamperes (mA) intensity for 20 minutes was administered every working day for 2 weeks. After 3 weeks, she subsequently received 7 daily sessions of periodic stimulations of an intensity of 2 mA for 13 minutes each with 20 minutes intersession intervals for 1 week. It was found that tDCS delivered via the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was effective in the reduction of post-stroke anxiety and depression following SARS- CoV2 infection and NeuroCOVID-19 contraction. Immediately follow- ing the final session of the initial protocol of stimulation, the Had Score was reduced for anxiety from 18 to 6 points, and for depression from 17 to 5 points and the symptoms disappeared. The HBI methodology allowed for the detection of a functional neuromarker of anxiety and depression and the development of a tDCS protocol. It was found that tDCS delivered via the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was effective in the reduction of post-stroke anxiety and depression following SARS-CoV2 infection and NeuroCOVID-19 contraction.

Psychosocial Predictors and Mediators Relating to the Preventive Behaviors of Hospital Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey.

The aim is to analyze the relation of psychosocial factors to COVID-19 contraction, vaccination, and preventive health behavior in and outside work. The questionnaire data from hospital-workers in Turkey is analyzed using independent-samples t-test, logistic regression, linear regression, and mediation analyses. We developed a questionnaire on mask-hygiene-distance measures and also used previously developed scales including the Big Five Personality Questionnaire, Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form 3, Schwartz's Basic Human Values Scale, Short Dark Triad. The odds of being infected by COVID-19 increases by self-direction. The odds of being vaccinated increases by age and conformity, and decreases by emotional stability. Education predicts certain preventive behaviors at work negatively and outside work positively. Older age, being a woman, having chronic disease, the self-transcendence and conservation values, agreeableness, and conscientiousness predict more preventive behaviors. The self-enhancement and openness to change values, the Dark Triad, and early maladaptive schemas predict more risky behaviors. Designing prohealth policies requires further elaboration on the relation of psychosocial factors to preventive behaviors.

COVID-19 infection rate after urgent versus elective total hip replacement among unvaccinated individuals: A multicenter prospective cohort amid the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have become unsafe for patients as potential sources of virus transmission. This study aims to determine the COVID-19 infection rate after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) among unvaccinated patients. THA patients undergoing elective or traumatic (urgent) THA were compared regarding COVID-19 contraction. MethodsPrimary THA patients were prospectively followed from three hospitals in *two great cities* of the country between April 2020 to August 2021. If the patient had suspected COVID-19 symptoms, had a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and/or chest CT scan. ResultsFinally, information was received from 436 patients, including 345 (79.1%) elective and 91 (20.9%) traumatic THAs. Eight patients (1.8%) contracted COVID-19 within a month after THA discharge, and two died due to COVID-19. There was no statistical difference between COVID-19 disease and type of surgery (elective 1.4% versus traumatic 3.3%, P = 0.24). Women (Odds ratio (95% CI) = 8.5 (2.1–35.2), P = 0.01) and those who have heart disease (Odds ratio with Haldane-Anscombe correction ≈ 14.0, P = 0.01) were more likely to contract COVID-19 postoperatively. ConclusionIn both elective and urgent cases of THA, researchers found that there is not a high risk of contracting the virus during the peri-surgery period. Urgent THA surgeries are comparable to elective THA-with those strict pre-elective surgery protocols-in terms of COVID-19 risk of infection from the hospital stay if appropriate health protocols are followed.

COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress and Loneliness in Chinese Residents in North America: The Role of Contraction Worry.

The current study examined the association of COVID-19 contraction worry for self and for family members with COVID-19 peritraumatic distress and loneliness in Chinese residents in North America. A sample of 943 Chinese residents (immigrants, citizens, visitors, and international students) in North America completed a cross-sectional online survey during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (between January and February 2021). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) models identified possible sociodemographic variables that were included in the subsequent hierarchical regression models. According to the hierarchical regression models, self-contraction worry was significantly associated with both COVID-19 peritraumatic distress (B = −4.340, p < 0.001) and loneliness (B = −0.771, p = 0.006) after controlling for related sociodemographic covariates; however, family-contraction worry was not significantly associated with the outcome variables. Additionally, poorer health status and experienced discrimination significantly predicted higher COVID-19 peritraumatic distress, whereas poorer health status and perceived discrimination significantly predicted increased loneliness. The results highlighted the detrimental impacts of self-contraction worry on peritraumatic distress and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chinese residents in North America.

COVID-19 Contraction Among Dental Healthcare Workers in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics - A Retrospective Analysis During the Pandemic.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to major challenges for the healthcare sector across the globe including dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) due to the increased risk of transmission of virus during aerosol-generating procedures. We conducted the present retrospective analysis determining the risk of contraction of COVID-19 infection among DHCWs since the outbreak of the pandemic for a year (March 2020 through March 2021) in Mumbai.MethodsIn total, 18,058 patients visited the Nair Hospital Dental College for dental treatment related to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics during the assessed year. All the patients were subjected to intensive triage, which included recording their body temperature, oxygen saturation level, travel, and COVID-19 exposure history.ResultsA total of 26 DHCWs were responsible for attending and treating the patients with all the standard infection control measures. Seventy-four (0.40%) patients out of 18058 were referred for a nasal rapid antigen test (RAT) on giving a positive affirmation about COVID-19 like symptoms when screened at the triage. Of those 74 patients referred, 20 reported a positive nasal rapid antigen test and the infection was confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Among 26, 9 (34,7%) DCHWs were found to have contracted the infection during the assessed year.ConclusionThe analysis found that the risk of COVID-19 infection contraction amongst the DHCWs is considerably less. This could be attributed to the intensive triage and the preventive measures taken while rendering treatment.

The image of a healthcare specialist on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic as a factor in the psychological stability of Internet users

IntroductionAs publications on social media have become an important regulator of group opinions, moods and psychological well-being during the spread of COVID-19, it seems necessary to study the contribution of various information as a source of preserving the psychological resources of the population.ObjectivesTo analyze the content in communities created during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to assess the image of health professionals on social media.MethodsUsing datamining methods, we analyzed publications about medical staff in a large community ‘StopCoronavirus.RF’ which unites more than 400 thousand users.ResultsMore than 700 thousand entries were ‘liked’ in the community from March 2020 to March 2021; more than 125000 thousand posts were shared, about 290 thousand comments were written, and all community publications were viewed more than 3 billion times. Publications about medical staff working in the ‘red zones’ in Russia are distinguished by the largest number of ‘likes’ (more than 5000) and comments (more than 300). In the publications and comments, the model of modern heroes saving human lives is emphasized. This type of information contributes to the reduction of anxiety and promotion of psychological safety in case of COVID-19 contraction through establishing confidence in the competence of medical staff and their involvement in the fight against the pandemic.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the image of a doctor on social media during the pandemic has acquired special value for the population. Publications on the work of medical staff in the ‘red zones’ help to cope with anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-04-60174.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Utilization of Random Forest and Deep Learning Neural Network for Predicting Factors Affecting Perceived Usability of a COVID-19 Contact Tracing Mobile Application in Thailand "ThaiChana".

The continuous rise of the COVID-19 Omicron cases despite the vaccination program available has been progressing worldwide. To mitigate the COVID-19 contraction, different contact tracing applications have been utilized such as Thai Chana from Thailand. This study aimed to predict factors affecting the perceived usability of Thai Chana by integrating the Protection Motivation Theory and Technology Acceptance Theory considering the System Usability Scale, utilizing deep learning neural network and random forest classifier. A total of 800 respondents were collected through convenience sampling to measure different factors such as understanding COVID-19, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards using, intention to use, actual system use, and perceived usability. In total, 97.32% of the deep learning neural network showed that understanding COVID-19 presented the most significant factor affecting perceived usability. In addition, random forest classifier produced a 92% accuracy with a 0.00 standard deviation indicating that understanding COVID-19 and perceived vulnerability led to a very high perceived usability while perceived severity and perceived ease of use also led to a high perceived usability. The findings of this study could be considered by the government to promote the usage of contact tracing applications even in other countries. Finally, deep learning neural network and random forest classifier as machine learning algorithms may be utilized for predicting factors affecting human behavior in technology or system acceptance worldwide.

Expert Recommender System for Mapping Optimum Crop Type

Background: Over the centuries many revolutions have happened, lot of innovations took place, several discoveries changed the way the world would have been, these may be credited to discovery of paper, compass, steel, steam engine, anti-biotics, lenses, transistors, electricity, or computer. Civilizations have evolved but, in every era, agriculture played a major role in fueling the prosperity of the nation and establishing its growth. Agriculture in India provides livelihood to almost about 60% of India’s population. Percentage contribution of agriculture and allied sectors in gross value added for India at present prices stood at 17.8% in 2020. Investment through consumer in India should grow in 2021, post losses due to COVID-19 contraction. Food sector in India is set for huge growth owing to its immense potential for diversity and value addition. Food processing sectors contributes approximately 32% of total market share, supposedly one of biggest sectors and stands fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth. Methods: Farming as a sector is a vulnerable investment owing to dependency on diversified geographical locations, environmental conditions and pest attacks, it is of prime importance to devise technological assisted methods to monitor and provide early remedial actions for the damage and infections to the crop. Work proposed is an effort to increase the yield a farmer would otherwise have; system implements the recommender system assisted by sensor data and weather conditions prevailing to suggest ideal crops to be sown for the region. Model acquires data: moisture content, rainfall estimated, NPK content of soil, temperature conditions and Ph value of the soil in addition to climatic conditions of the region for recommending the suitable crop. Result: Model proposed estimated the required parameters employing calibrated sensors from a maize farm and climatic conditions from government weather prediction platform, crop gave us a small window of six months from June to November to conduct the experiment, site selected was at Safedabad, Lucknow (U.P.) and classification was achieved through random forest algorithm trained on labeled dataset which achieved an accuracy of 96%, the testing data when fed to the model gave output with an accuracy of 93%.