Emergence Of Coronavirus Disease Research Articles

Post-Traumatic Growth of Nurses Who Faced the COVID-19 Epidemic and Its Correlation With Professional Self-Identity and Social Support.

Objective:To investigate post-traumatic growth (PTG) and analyze its correlation with professional self-identity and social support in Chinese nurses who faced the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive design was used in this study. An online questionnaire was completed by 266 nurses who faced the COVID-19 emergency in Hubei Province, China. The Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Professional Self-identity Scale, and Perceived Social Support Scale were used to assess the level of PTG, professional self-identity, and social support. Descriptive, univariate analysis and multiple regression analyses were used in exploring related influencing factors.Results:Participants' mean scores were 96.26 (SD = 21.57) for PTG, 115.30 (SD = 20.82) for professional self-identification, and 66.27 (SD = 12.90) for social support. Multiple regression analysis showed that nurses from other provinces moving to support Hubei Province, professional self-identity, and social support were the main factors affecting nurse stress (p = 0.014, < 0.001, and 0.017, respectively). Professional self-identity and social support were positively correlated with PTG (r = 0.720 and 0.620, respectively).Conclusions:There was a phenomenon of PTG when the nurses faced COVID-19 in Hubei Province. Providing an active coping style helps to improve the level of PTG.

Risk Factors for Severity and Mortality in Adult Patients Confirmed with COVID-19 in Sierra Leone: A Retrospective Study.

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease. There is no recommended antiviral treatment approved for COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, and supportive care and protection of vital organ function are performed for the patients. This study summarized the clinical characteristics, drug treatments, and risk factors for the severity and prognosis of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone to provide evidence for the treatment of COVID-19.Methods:Data of 180 adult COVID-19 patients from the 34th Military Hospital in Freetown Sierra Leone between March 31, 2020 and August 11, 2020 were retrospectively collected. Patients with severe and critically ill are classified in the severe group, while patients that presented asymptomatic, mild, and moderate disease were grouped in the non-severe group. The clinical and laboratory information was retrospectively collected to assess the risk factors and treatment strategies for severe COVID-19. Demographic information, travel history, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory detection results, chest examination findings, therapeutics, and clinical outcomes were collected from each case file. Multivariate logistic analysis was adopted to identify the risk factors for deaths. Additionally, the clinical efficacy of dexamethasone treatment was investigated.Results:Seventy-six (42.22%) cases were confirmed with severe COVID-19, while 104 patients (57.78%) were divided into the non-severe group. Fever (56.67%, 102/180) and cough (50.00%, 90/180) were the common symptoms of COVID-19. The death rate was 18.89% (34/180), and severe pneumonia (44.12%, 15/34) and septic shock (23.53%, 8/34) represented the leading reasons for deaths. The older age population, a combination of hypertension and diabetes, the presence of pneumonia, and high levels of inflammatory markers were significantly associated with severity of COVID-19 development (P < 0.05 for all). Altered level of consciousness [odds ratio (OR) = 56.574, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.645–566.940, P = 0.001], high levels of neutrophils (OR = 1.341, 95%CI 1.109–1.621, P = 0.002) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR = 1.014, 95%CI 1.003–1.025, P = 0.016) might be indicators for COVID-19 deaths. Dexamethasone treatment could reduce mortality [30.36% (17/56) vs. 50.00% (10/20)] among severe COVID-19 cases, but the results were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusions:The development and prognosis of COVID-19 may be significantly correlated with consciousness status, and the levels of neutrophils and CRP.

COVID-19 Is Changing Our Understanding of the Neuroscience of Viral Infections: What We Can Do to Prepare for the Future?

In the approximately two years since the emergence of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) myriad neurological symptoms have been reported that are seemingly unrelated to each other [...].

Dental education practices during COVID-19: A scoping review.

IntroductionDental education was brought to a halt with the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Traditional dental education comprised students working closely with instructors in a clinical laboratory setting; however, public health precautions necessitated a shift to a virtual learning platform. A scoping review of dental education practices since the start of the pandemic will help to understand approaches instructors have taken to provide dental education during this unprecedented time and suggest future applications of virtual learning in dental education.MethodsWe performed an exhaustive scoping literature search of primary peer‐reviewed intervention articles published between December 2019 and April 2021 using the following databases: Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, Embase, ERIC, LitCovid, MedEdPortal, MedRxiv, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. The selection process included two independent reviewers through each phase of review. Articles were categorized and analyzed by domain.ResultsA total of 629 articles were identified; after titles and abstracts were reviewed, 66 articles were selected for full‐text review. Following full‐text review, 41 articles met eligibility criteria and comprised our study sample. Articles were arranged within domains of assessment, instruction, instructional technology, and software. The advantages to online dental education included improved accessibility, willingness to accept new assessment techniques, and lower anxiety levels. Barriers included problems with technology, classroom time management, lack of student interaction, and absence of hands‐on training.ConclusionEvidence suggests emerging best practices in dental education during COVID‐19, and recommendations for the future of virtual and distance learning in dental education.

Zambia’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Lessons, Challenges and Implications for Future Policies and Strategies

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global public health problem that has affected the globe in different ways. There is little information published on the challenges and lessons learnt in responding to the COVID-19 epidemic in Zambia. Objective: To establish Zambia’s response, lessons and the challenges experienced in the fight against COVID-19. Results: Since the emergence of COVID-19, Zambia has experienced three waves, with the third wave being the most severe. The Zambian government responded positively and effectively to all three pandemics with the help of cooperating partners. Zambia adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended prevention methods such as hand hygiene, masking up in public, physical distancing, avoiding crowded areas and staying at home to prevent the further spread of the disease. Additionally, surveillance of COVID-19 was strengthened, which led to the early detection of cases. Besides, there has been a strong call for all Zambian adults to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as a way of controlling the epidemic. However, since the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination programs, there has been a high level of vaccine hesitancy, causing Zambia to fall below the 10% of the adult population required to be vaccinated. Conclusion: The Zambian government put in place effective strategies in the fight against COVID-19. However, a lack of resources, misinformation, myths and vaccine hesitancy posed challenges in the fight against COVID-19 in Zambia. There is a need for continuous public education and sensitization on COVID-19 and the importance of vaccinations.

Multi-organ system involvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A mega review.

Since the pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, many people have been affected in different ways. The majority of infected people experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without the need for hospitalization. However, in some affected people, it may lead to catastrophic disease. The severity of COVID-19 infection is widely influenced by co-morbidities, immune system functions, and extra-pulmonary organ injuries. Since the emergence of COVID-19, multi-organ involvement has been documented. In order to implement preventative and protective measures, full attention to potential organ injuries is required. Most existing articles and review papers are focused on a specific organ system, and their numbers are growing. In this review paper, attempts were made to collect review papers and articles published on seven organ system involvements in COVID-19 infection published till 15 July and highlight conclusions and managements of all affected organs. We tried to add to the medical knowledge on COVID-19, pointing out its multi-organ system impact. Finally, we tried to facilitate access to organized information and optimum conclusion by representing review tables for each organ system. Besides, this review article can clarify and magnify the empty research space easily for future investigations.

Adaptation from Conventional to Virtual Teaching Practices during COVID-19 Emergence: Perceptions of Multidisciplinary Teaching Faculty of Pakistan

Abstract Objectives The perceptions maintained by the teaching profession have a plausible influence on the effectiveness of online teaching practices, but they have not been well comprehended in many institutions in Pakistan. This study is the first to demonstrate how different academic disciplines address the challenges and opportunities regarding online teaching during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and whether there exists a strong correlation between respondents' attitudes and their field of discipline. Materials and Methods A multi-centric cross-sectional survey was conducted online, and data gathered from the online survey were analyzed using SPSS version 16, demographic and categorical data were analyzed in frequencies and percentages. A relationship between the attitudes of teachers with their areas of discipline and a difference in response between genders and age groups were analyzed using a chi-square test. Results The findings of our study provide valuable understandings that most of the higher education faculty felt positively (64.1%) regarding the online mode of teaching. However, their perceived attitudes have a significant influence on the nature of their academic discipline. Conclusion These findings provide relevant suggestions to the core aspects of the use of the e-learning system during the COVID-19 pandemic to foster positive teaching experiences. The administrations and institutions can use it to identify the e-learning constraints within multiple fields of profession and help instructors generate quality materials that will reshape the framework of online education and preserve the practice of blended teaching even after the pandemic.

Insight into prognostics, diagnostics, and management strategies for SARS CoV-2.

The foremost challenge in countering infectious diseases is the shortage of effective therapeutics. The emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has posed a great menace to the public health system globally, prompting unprecedented endeavors to contain the virus. Many countries have organized research programs for therapeutics and management development. However, the longstanding process has forced authorities to implement widespread infrastructures for detailed prognostic and diagnostics study of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV-2). This review discussed nearly all the globally developed diagnostic methodologies reported for SARS CoV-2 detection. We have highlighted in detail the approaches for evaluating COVID-19 biomarkers along with the most employed nucleic acid- and protein-based detection methodologies and the causes of their severe downfall and rejection. As the variable variants of SARS CoV-2 came into the picture, we captured the breadth of newly integrated digital sensing prototypes comprised of plasmonic and field-effect transistor-based sensors along with commercially available food and drug administration (FDA) approved detection kits. However, more efforts are required to exploit the available resources to manufacture cheap and robust diagnostic methodologies. Likewise, the visualization and characterization tools along with the current challenges associated with waste-water surveillance, food security, contact tracing, and their role during this intense period of the pandemic have also been discussed. We expect that the integrated data will be supportive and aid in the evaluation of sensing technologies not only in current but also future pandemics.

To Drill or not to Drill: A Turnabout in Endodontic Practices during Corona Virus Disease -2019- A South India Based Study.

Introduction:The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses an immense global health challenge. It also had a profound impact on dentistry with all elective treatment grinding to half initially and a slow phased return to normal services. The aim of the article is to provide an insight into the effect of COVID-19 on endodontic treatment.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study among endodontists of various southern states of India was conducted from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021, using an online questionnaire. A total of 300 dentists who perform endodontic treatment in daily clinical practice were chosen for the survey. The information was coded, entered, and analyzed utilizing SPSS 20.0 version.Results:A total of 263 questionnaires were answered by the selected group. About 92.01% of endodontists have made changes in infection control including modification in their personal protective equipment and duration of the interval between their appointments. A whopping 74.14% of endodontists faced the economic loss of varying degrees due to the pandemic. In general tremendous changes have been occurred in their daily practice following the pandemic.Conclusion:The pandemic's current and enduring consequences on every part of our lives have been a cause of pain and frustration, but it has also highlighted the human spirit's resilience. Ideally, endodontists must be able to select the best arrangements for safely performing their procedures.

Coronavirus disease-19 pandemic and telework: Banking upon the collaboration between workers and employers

The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about a significant change in the dynamics of health and the work profile. Telework refers to the practice of working remotely with the help of different information and communication technology applications and thereby continuing the work. Although telework definitely minimized the probability to acquire the COVID-19 infection, gradually evidence emerged suggesting problems resulting because of defective design of the workplace and long duration of working hours. It is an undeniable fact that the ongoing pandemic frankly resulted in an overnight change in the work pattern of all employees. To conclude, considering the trends of the COVID-19 pandemic, telework is expected to be there, even in the postpandemic period. This calls for the need to enhance collaboration between workers and employees to enable a reduction in the incidence of physical and mental illnesses and promotion of safe and healthy behavior.

Awareness and Practice Concerning Biomedical Waste Management with Special Reference to COVID-19 among Healthcare Providers at a Tertiary Care Centre in Karnataka, India

Introduction: Growing healthcare facilities to provide better health for patients have contributed in increased generation of Biomedical Waste (BMW). Emergence of Coronavirus Disease2019 (COVID-19) has added to this burden. BMW carries a higher risk of infections, injuries and also environmental hazards. Effective management of BMW is a fundamental practice of healthcare providers in averting health and environmental hazards. Aim: To know about the awareness and practice concerning BMW management among healthcare provider at tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at district hospital attached to Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri, Karnataka, India, for seven months during July 2021 to January 2022. A total of 232 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who were involved in patient caring participated in this study. Study included Questionnaires (30 questions) regarding awareness and practice of BMW management. The data was procured by structured self-administered questionnaire through Google forms. Results: The study showed that majority of participants had good awareness and modest numbers of participants were practicing proper method of waste management. About 93.5% were aware of BMW management categories, 98.7% of participants knew regarding which coloured bags are used for collection. Study identified some gaps in awareness and practices. About 49.1% participants dispose used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during COVID-19 into proper bag, only 27.6% participants knew correctly regarding maximum time limit to store BMW. Conclusion: Every healthcare provider must have proper knowledge and awareness of BMW management. It is necessary to contain transmission of infection and prevention of environmental hazards caused due to BMW. The study emphasises the need for regular monitoring and training requirement at all level to bridge the awareness gap. Proper BMW handling and disposal are components of infection control measures.

Association between COVID-19 restrictions and emergency department presentations for paediatric mental health in Victoria, Australia.

Objective To determine the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions and paediatric mental health emergency department presentations. Methods Secondary analysis of Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset data from 38 Victorian public hospital emergency departments. Paediatric patients (birth to <18 years) attending emergency departments with an International Classification of Disease-Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) diagnosis of a mental health problem between 1 January 2018 and 31 October 2020 were included. We compared pre-COVID-19 (1 January 2018-27 March 2020) to the COVID-19 period (28 March-26 October 2020) to examine the number of mental health presentations by patient age, socioeconomic status, location, and emergency department triage category. A Poisson regression prediction model was built for each diagnosis group to predict the presentation number in the COVID-19 period, assuming the pandemic and associated restrictions had not happened. Results There were 15 898 presentations (589 presentations/month on average) in the pre-COVID-19 period and 4747 presentations (678 presentations/month on average) in the COVID-19 period. Compared with predicted presentations, there was an increase in observed presentations for eating disorders throughout lockdown (on average, an increase of 36 presentations/month) and for anxiety (11/month) and self-harm (18/month). There were no meaningful changes for mood disorders or developmental and behavioural problems, and presentations for substance abuse mostly fell. Conclusions Pandemic restrictions were associated with increased emergency department presentations for eating disorders and, to a lesser extent, anxiety and self-harm. Given the ongoing pandemic, clinicians and policy makers must work together to find timely, accessible solutions to better manage these conditions.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURES

Background- COVID-19, an emerging coronavirus disease is a major health problem. It has markedly affected the routine medical procedures including Gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopies. Inspite of guidelines suggested by various GI societies,for safe GI endoscopy procedures in period of COVID pandemic, most of the endoscopists as well as the patients were hesitant for the endoscopy procedures.We sought to measure the impact of the same on GI endoscopy activity in Pune. Method- A pre-validated questionnaire containing 28 questions was sent across to the GI endoscopy surgeons. Responses were collected to assess the perception of GI endoscopists regarding the practice of endoscopy and the risk of self-contamination during COVID-19 Pandemic. This data was analysed using appropriate statistical applications. Result-51 GI endoscopists from Pune participated in our study out of which 80.3% (41/51) were involved in the management of COVID-19 patients outside the endoscopy department. During the study period, 86.28% (44/51) of endoscopists had to cancel procedures on grounds of COVID19 pandemic.Symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection were reported by 29.41% (15/51) of the endoscopists out of which 13 (86%) responders had a positive RTPCR test for COVID-19 Conclusion- COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected GI endoscopy practice. COVID 19 infection rate was also remarkable in endoscopists and endoscopy staff. As the screening of patients with GI problems was hampered, there was definitive delay in diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, endoscopy centers should adapt and make changes in their practice to face future pandemic, emphasizing safety of staff without delaying patient care.

Training Strategies for Library Staff and Remote Clients in Academic Libraries Operating in a Distance Education Environment during COVID-19

This paper identified the training strategies for distance education academic libraries that could improve remote clients’ access to information resources during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The positivism research paradigm anchored this study and employed a quantitative approach. Eighty-two (82) online questionnaire was sent to the library staff working in academic libraries that operate in a distance education environment in Gauteng Province of South Africa. The collected data were analyzed with frequency counts and percentages. The hypothesis was tested using multinomial logistic regression statistics. The findings revealed that academic libraries provided training through the library staff to ensure that remote clients cope with the technological advancement facilitated by the emergence of COVID-19. This study recommended that the library staff should consider training intervention in the areas that seem to be neglected, such as identifying information resources relevant to their information needs, introduction to library products and services, and introduction to reference techniques to facilitate the usage and access to information resources by the remote clients.

Rancang Bangun “Siwani” Media Pembelajaran Perakitan Komputer Di Masa Covid 19

Currently the world is facing a big problem, namely the emergence of corona virus disease (covid-19), the entry of this virus inhibits all human activities, including in the field of education. Based on interviews with teachers of computer subjects and basic networks, the subject of computer assembly in the learning process is still hampered by time when learning theory during the Covid-19 period, the application of current learning is using whatsapp groups, where the teacher provides material files and assignments. Online learning with this whatsapp group is considered less than optimal from both teachers and students resulting in students having difficulty understanding the material, based on these problems a solution is given by developing learning media with the name "SIWANI". The objectives of this research are: 1) to build SIWANI as a learning media for computer assembly; 2) determine the feasibility of SIWANI as a learning media for computer assembly; 3) knowing students' responses to SIWANI as a learning media for computer assembly. The method used is Research and Development (R&amp;D) with the ADDIE development model. The results showed that the material expert feasibility test obtained an average of 85% with a very feasible category. While the feasibility test by media experts obtained an average percentage of 81% with a very feasible category. While student responses obtained an average percentage of 83% with a very high category.

Online team based learning in teaching Biochemistry for first year MBBS students during COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergence of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had unprecedented effects on medical education worldwide. Sustaining student engagement in virtual learning is an arduous task. Team based learning (TBL) is a learner-centered approach that can facilitate better student engagement. Adapting TBL to online platform may address the challenges faced in virtual learning. This study was conducted to implement and evaluate online TBL among first year MBBS students in Biochemistry. After obtaining informed consent, three online TBL sessions were planned. The Individual Readiness Assessment Test, Group Readiness Assessment Test, and team application were assigned in Google classroom. The students used online platforms for their team interactions. After submitting their assignments, they joined online discussion with facilitator. Peer evaluation was done via Google forms. At the end of all the sessions, the students' perceptions on the process were collected using a structured anonymous feedback with open comments. Analysis of their feedback showed that the students found the process useful and it helped in fostering their team skills. Five major themes emerged on content analysis of the open comments; 'Enriched team skills', 'Gain in knowledge', 'Impact on attitude', 'Interaction during pandemic', and 'Emotional responses'. Students perceived that the online TBL is effective in improving their engagement, learning, and team skills.

The Association of Work-related Stress According to the Demand-Control Model With Aggravation of Pre-existing Disease During the First State of COVID-19 Emergency in Japan.

BackgroundThe job environment has changed a lot during the period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the association between work-related stress and aggravation of pre-existing disease in workers during the first state of COVID-19 emergency in Japan.MethodsData were obtained from a large internet survey conducted between August 25 and September 30, 2020 in Japan. Participants who reported that they had a job as well as current history of disease(s) (ie, pre-existing conditions) were included (n = 3,090). Aggravation of pre-existing disease during the state of emergency was self-reported. Work-related stress from April 2020 (since the state of COVID-19 emergency) was assessed according to a job demand–control model. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association.ResultsAggravation of pre-existing diseases was reported by 334 participants (11%). The numbers of participants with high demand and low control were 112 (18%) and 100 (14%), respectively. Compared to medium demand, high demand was significantly associated with aggravation of pre-existing diseases (odds ratio 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.42). Low control compared to medium control was also significantly associated with aggravation of pre-existing diseases (odds ratio 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.92).ConclusionWork-related stress during the first state of COVID-19 emergency was associated with aggravation of pre-existing disease during that period.

414. Observed Time Burden with Nursing Practices in an Emergency Room COVID-19 Isolation Zone at a University Affiliated Hospital in Korea

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused great burdens on emergency room (ER) and front-line ER healthcare personnel faced with great challenges, including threats to their safety. This study aimed to provide a basis for additional workload of ER nurses who are charged with providing care for COVID-19 confirmed or suspicious cases.Table 1. Summary of Frequency and Time Burden with Nursing Practices in an Emergency Room COVID-19 Isolation Zone. Note. IV, intravenous; IM, intramuscular; ID, intradermal; SC, subcutaneous; PPE, personal protective equipment; CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation MethodsWith institutional review board approval, we recruited ER nurses who were assigned to COVID-19 isolation zone with more than 6 months’ ER work experience. After their demographic information were collected through a questionnaire, their nursing practices and practice time during their 1 shift (day or evening) were recorded by one researcher using a stopwatch and an observation form. For each observation shift, unit-related information was collected, including the numbers of hospitalized patients, admission, discharge, and transfer of patients. For each nursing practice, frequency and total time spent were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS 26.0 program. ResultsFrom January 4 to February 22, 2021, a total 18 nurses (27.4 years old on average with 25.2 months of ER experience) were observed from 20 different shifts. During the observation period, the average number of nurses’ working hours was 8.27 ± 0.39 hours. A total of 6,567 tasks were monitored with 337,703 seconds (93.81 hours) of the total time spent. Infection control practices were most frequent (33.88%) followed by nursing management (27.80%), assessment and observation (11.07%), medication (10.35%), pre and post examination care(4.86%), education (4.37%), communication (4.10%), safety care (1.10%), and others (0.03; Table 1). Nursing management (e.g., nursing recording) was most time-consuming (49.29%) followed by assessment and observation (15.03%), medication (12.94%), patient education (6.10%), infection control (5.30%), and safety care (1.64%).ConclusionThis study showed that infection control practices were most frequent while time spent was relatively insignificant among ER nurses in charge of COVID-19 isolation zones. Further studies for more observations or with different study designs at other ER settings are necessary to understand nurse’s burdens with COVID-19 emergency care.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Antimicrobial and Antiviral (SARS-CoV-2) Potential of Cannabinoids and Cannabis sativa: A Comprehensive Review.

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global health crisis and, therefore, new drug discovery is a paramount need. Cannabis sativa contains hundreds of chemical constituents produced by secondary metabolism, exerting outstanding antimicrobial, antiviral, and therapeutic properties. This paper comprehensively reviews the antimicrobial and antiviral (particularly against SARS-CoV-2) properties of C. sativa with the potential for new antibiotic drug and/or natural antimicrobial agents for industrial or agricultural use, and their therapeutic potential against the newly emerged coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Cannabis compounds have good potential as drug candidates for new antibiotics, even for some of the WHO’s current priority list of resistant pathogens. Recent studies revealed that cannabinoids seem to have stable conformations with the binding pocket of the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, which has a pivotal role in viral replication and transcription. They are found to be suppressive of viral entry and viral activation by downregulating the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 enzymes in the host cellular system. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory compounds is hypothesized for the treatment of COVID-19. However, more systemic investigations are warranted to establish the best efficacy and their toxic effects, followed by preclinical trials on a large number of participants.

Emergency Medical Service Utilization and Response Following COVID-19 Emergency and Stay-at-Home Policies: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.

ObjectiveExamine changing emergency medical services (EMS) utilization and response patterns associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency declaration and stay-at-home orders during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted an uncontrolled interrupted time series analysis of EMS calls (January 1, 2019 - March 1, 2021) in Marin County, California analyzing call volume (All calls, n=46,055); patient refusal of EMS care or transport and patient care resolved on scene (Calls with opportunity for transport; n=37,401); and call severity (Transported calls; n=27,887).ResultsPre-COVID-19 (1/1/2019-3/2/2020), EMS transported patients were predominately female (50.6%), 80+ years old (31.6%), and Marin County residents (68.0%). During COVID-19 (3/3/2020-3/1/2021), EMS transported patients were predominately male (52.7%), 35-64 years old (29.8%), and Marin County residents (70.4%). After the first stay-at-home order on 3/17/2020, call volume immediately decreased by 48% (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR]=0.52; 95% CI=0.35,0.79) for children (0-15 years) and 34% for adults 80+ years (aIRR=0.66;95% CI=0.46,0.95). The odds of a transported call being prioritized as severe doubled (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.26; 95% CI=1.11,4.59). Though transport refusals increased by 69% for children after the first order (aOR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.13-2.52]), immediately following the second order on 12/8/2020, transport refusals decreased by 30% for children but increased 38-40% for adults 35-79 years (aOR=1.40 [95% CI=1.04-1.89] for 35-64 years; 1.38 [95% CI=1.02-1.87] for 65-79 years). Calls resolved on scene by EMS increased after the first order among all ages and after the second order for adults 16-79 years. ConclusionsCall volume reduced for children and older adults after the first COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Changes in call severity, patient care refusals, and on-scene care provided by EMS indicated a changing role for EMS during the outbreak.