Global Pandemic Research Articles

Adaptive evolution of traits for parasitism and pathogen transmission potential in bat flies

Abstract Deciphering the mechanisms underlying the transmission and spillover of zoonoses from reservoir hosts is essential in preventing future global pandemics. Bat flies, obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of bats, are known carriers of diverse viruses. Here, we conducted a de novo assembly of a chromosome-level genome for the bat fly species Phthiridium sp. Comparative genomic analysis unveiled genes associated with specialized traits, such as the loss of eyes and wings, as well as elongated legs, which have adapted to parasitism on the dense fur of bats. Utilizing small RNA (sRNA) sequencing, we identified a spectrum of known and previously unclassified viruses in bat flies. Notably, experimental evidence indicated that bat flies can also feed on mammalian hosts other than bats, suggesting the potential for the spillover of bat-borne viruses. Furthermore, we demonstrated the role of the bat fly's RNA interference pathway in influencing the diversity and evolution of viruses. In summary, this study not only presents a new genome catalog to unveil the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning bat fly parasitism, but also provides a novel research system that can be used to investigate the mechanisms of cross-species transmission of bat-borne viruses and the co-evolution of bats and viruses.

Effect of virtual cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life of older adults with cardiac problems

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer, routine elective hospital medical activity was suspended and a national ‘stay at home order’ was implemented for a period of 16 weeks in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Most hospitals suspended their Cardiac Rehabilitation services. Many older adults did not receive the medical help they needed. This will have an impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) now and thereafter. OBJECTIVE: Explore the effect of Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation VCR delivered during Covid-19 Pandemics on the overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults with cardiac problems. METHODS: A retrospective study design was used. Rand-36 scores in a population of older adults aged 60+ who participated in VCR between March 2020 and September 2021 were compared pre- and post-program. Convenience sampling method was used and only those who gave informed written consent for data use were included. SPSS version 27 was used to analyze data using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Significant increases in median post-VCR scores, compared to pre-VCR scores (p < 0.001) were shown in the Physical domain from (95% CI 307.5–342.5). Mental health domain from (95% CI 301.5–340.5). There was statistically highly significant difference in scores in Chester Step Test METs pre- post VCR 16% (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences found in patients’ perception of Physical Function, Role Limit (Emotional) and Energy/Fatigue (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VCR delivered during Covid-19 Pandemic, had positive effect on the overall HRQoL of older adults with cardiac problems. VCR offered as an option in CR may potentially improve completion rate and facilitate behavioral modifications.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Investigation of Trigger Factors in a Single Center.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, chronic inflammatory disease associated with multiple triggers. As the world struggles with the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to review the trigger factors for chronically ill HS patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work investigates the self-described trigger factors of HS patients that emerged during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: We anonymously surveyed 110 HS patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic using a 25-question questionnaire that included trigger factors for deterioration. Demographic, personal, and HS-specific information was also collected to identify potential trigger factors for HS exacerbation. All HS patients were asked if their HS had worsened compared to the time before the pandemic. Results: Compared to before the pandemic, 20% of HS patients (n = 22) reported a worsening of HS. Patients with an HS exacerbation were significantly more likely to avoid contact with a doctor than those without an exacerbation (45.5% vs. 18.2%; p = 0.007). HS involvement, severity, exercise activity, and BMI had no association with worsening HS (p > 0.05). Interestingly, dietary changes and increased consumption of sweets and treats were associated with worsening HS (p = 0.011 and p = 0.013). Specifically, eating more sweets and treats was associated with a 6-fold increased risk of worsening HS. The results suggest that diet has an important influence on HS relapses. Further investigation is needed to determine whether diet is a triggering factor independent of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In addition, gluteal HS involvement was associated with a more than 4.3-fold risk of HS exacerbation. Conclusions: In the management of HS patients, it is important to consider that gluteal involvement and the consumption of sweets are more often associated with deterioration.

Impact of COVID-19 on Indian biomedical research: A bibliometric analysis using online data from 2017 to 2022

Objective. The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to a notable surge in research productivity across many academic disciplines, except research specifically focused on the virus. A significant increase in published research articles evidences this. In this study, we have analyzed the impact of the pandemic on recent publication trends in India by comparing data from three years before the pandemic with data from three years following the pandemic. Additionally, we have considered various factors that may have influenced this change. Methods. The Scopus database was searched for biomedical publications from January 1st, 2017, to December 31st, 2022, with India's country or territory specified as the limiting factor. The period was then divided into two parts: pre- and post-COVID-19. The pre-COVID-19 period spanned from 2017 to 2019, while the post-COVID-19 period spanned from 2020 to 2022. The publication trends in all subject areas across the periods above (pre- and post-COVID-19) were analyzed using appropriate nonparametric statistical tests and graphics. Results. In the specified period, India produced 231,370 research documents, which exceeded that of Australia (214,750) and France (207,220). However, it was lower than that of the top-performing publishing countries. The United States (148,448), China (71,484), the United Kingdom (42,446), Germany (31,727), Italy (7183), Japan (251,357), and Canada (241,759) also demonstrated notable research output. The discrepancy in research output between the pre-and post-pandemic periods was statistically significant (P < 0.001; Wilcoxon rank sum test, Z = 4.107). The publication output from the top institutions was significantly higher (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Z = 8.115). The statistically significant increase persisted in subgroup analysis for public and privately funded medical institutions, including medical colleges (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in the rise in publication output pre- vs. post-COVID was observed when public institutions, private institutions, and medical colleges were mutually compared (P = 0.434, Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusion. The global pandemic of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) benefitted India's research output of biomedical disciplines. This effect was observed in public and privately funded medical institutions and academic centers. However, when the publication figures from these institutions were compared, no significant difference in the rise due to the 2019-nCoV pandemic was seen.

DNA tweezer-assembled, regenerated nanosensor for one-step and sustainable detection of viral RNA and Hg2+

Transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the golden standard to detect viral RNA. However, it suffers from several inherent defects such as high false-negative rates, time-consuming and expensive. To exploit better analytical methods for future global pandemics, it is vital to develop rapid, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly sensing methods. Here, a one-step, regenerated nanosensor assembled by DNA tweezers is developed for rapid and sustainable detection of viral RNA. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA is selected as model analyte. The DNA tweezer is designed with a central strand and two arm strands containing overhangs complementary to SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA hybridizes with the two arm overhangs and strains the DNA tweezer to closed conformation, resulting in the close proximity of the donor and acceptor fluorophores. With the addition of an anti-strand complementary to the SARS-CoV-2 RNA, the closed DNA tweezer is relaxed to open conformation through a strand displacement process, leading to the separation of the dual fluorophores. Thus, the DNA tweezer is revived for fresh SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The proposed nanosensor can be regenerated for three cycles with the same performance. Moreover, the viral RNA can be detected within 30 min with a detection limit of 0.04 nM. By altering the sequences of the DNA tweezer, rapid, sensitive, and sustainable detection of Hg2+ is achieved. The proposed nanosensor provides a novel approach for rapid, flexible, and sustainable detection of viral RNA and Hg2+, exhibiting great potential for routine preliminary coronavirus disease tests, epidemic control, and environmental monitoring.

The co-assembly of spike silica nanoparticles with high affinity to nucleic acid for airborne virus detection

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlights the shortcomings of the current testing paradigm for viral disease diagnostics. Though the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique is currently used for nucleic acid detection in liquid samples, its application in airborne virus has not yet been developed, due to low viral load in the air, lack of efficient capture probe and supporting equipment. Herein, we developed an ultrasensitive biosensing nanoplatform for airborne virus detection. The extraction and concentration of nucleic acid from test samples has been accomplished by novel spike silica nanoparticles (SSNPs)-based nucleic acid capture probe with high spike length to nanoparticle diameter ratio and appropriate surface potential. When integrated with air sampler and Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) equipment, nucleic acid enrichment can be achieved significantly. Our results demonstrated a successful detection of the virus in the air with the limit of detection (LoD) of 500 copies/L, which greatly surpasses the LoD of 1 × 106 copies/L. This detection method effectively addresses the obstacle posed by the low abundance of pathogens in the environment and could be applied for the detection of pathogens in air or water, aiming to achieve the goal of disease prevention and control prior to its onset.

And now everything is supposed to be normal again – just like that?!

The global pandemic of Covid-19 has had massive effects on many levels. For many sectors, the restrictions are gone but normalcy is not fully restored. The performing arts, for example, have been especially vulnerable to sharp restrictions, with audiences staying at home. The aim of this article is to explore what it means for freelance musicians in the art/classical music genre to re-establish their careers after the pandemic. The empirical data consists of interviews with Swedish freelance musicians from 2021 and 2022. The article concludes that the pandemic and its aftermath present the freelancers with substantial practical challenges and emotional dilemmas. Some of the freelancers have been able to re-establish their careers and performer identities, while others are still struggling to get back into the loop. The pandemic has started processes of change, which are now negotiated in relation to going back to ‘normal’.

A prediction model for secondary invasive fungal infection among severe SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in ICU.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over seven million deaths, and IFI can further complicate the clinical course of COVID-19. Coinfection of COVID-19 and IFI (secondary IFI) pose significant threats not only to healthcare systems but also to patient lives. After the control measures for COVID-19 were lifted in China, we observed a substantial number of ICU patients developing COVID-19-associated IFI. This creates an urgent need for predictive assessment of COVID-19 patients in the ICU environment for early detection of suspected fungal infection cases. This study is a single-center, retrospective research endeavor. We conducted a case-control study on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive patients. The cases consisted of patients who developed any secondary IFI during their ICU stay at Jilin University China-Japan Union Hospital in Changchun, Jilin Province, China, from December 1st, 2022, to August 31st, 2023. The control group consisted of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients without secondary IFI. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed, and a logistic regression prediction model for secondary IFI in COVID-19 patients was established. Additionally, we observed an increased incidence of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) during this pandemic. Therefore, we conducted a univariate subgroup analysis on top of IFI, using non-CAPA patients as the control subgroup. From multivariate analysis, the prediction model identified 6 factors that are significantly associated with IFI, including the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for more than 2 weeks (aOR=4.14, 95% CI 2.03-8.67), fever (aOR=2.3, 95%CI 1.16-4.55), elevated log IL-6 levels (aOR=1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.43) and prone position ventilation (aOR=2.38, 95%CI 1.15-4.97) as independent risk factors for COVID-19 secondary IFI. High BMI (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2) (aOR=0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.94) and the use of COVID-19 immunoglobulin (aOR=0.45, 95% CI 0.2-0.97) were identified as independent protective factors against COVID-19 secondary IFI. The Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of this model was 0.81, indicating good classification. We recommend paying special attention for the occurrence of secondary IFI in COVID-19 patients with low BMI (BMI < 28 kg/m2), elevated log IL-6 levels and fever. Additionally, during the treatment of COVID-19 patients, we emphasize the importance of minimizing the duration of broad-spectrum antibiotic use and highlight the potential of immunoglobulin application in reducing the incidence of IFI.

Prevalence and risk of burnout among HIV service providers in South Africa and Zambia: findings from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial

BackgroundIn the high disease burden and resource-constrained contexts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), health workers experience a range of psychosocial stressors that leave them vulnerable to developing burnout, which can reduce service quality and negatively impact their own health and wellbeing. As universal testing and treatment (UTT) for HIV scales up across SSA, we sought to understand the implications of this human resource-intensive approach to HIV prevention to inform decision-making about health workforce staffing and support needs.MethodsUsing the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), we assessed the prevalence of three domains of burnout—emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment—among three cadres of health workers delivering health services in areas receiving a UTT intervention in Zambia and South Africa. These cadres included health facility workers (n = 478), community health workers (n = 159), and a study-specific cadre of community HIV care providers (n = 529). We used linear regression to assess risk factors associated with emotional exhaustion, the only domain with sufficient variation in our sample.ResultsThe MBI-HSS was completed by 1499/2153 eligible participants (69.6% response rate). Less than 1% of health workers met Maslach’s definition for burnout. All groups of health workers reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion than found in previous studies of this type (mean score scores ranged from 10.7 to 15.4 out of 54 across health cadres). Higher emotional exhaustion was associated with higher educational attainment (βadj = 2.24, 95% CI 0.76 to 3.72), greater years providing HIV services (βadj = 0.20, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.36), and testing negative for HIV at last HIV test (βadj = − 3.88 − 95% CI 5.69 to − 2.07). Working as a CHW was significantly associated with lower emotional exhaustion (βadj = − 2.52, 95% CI − 4.69 to − 0.35). Among all health workers, irrespective of HIV status, witnessing stigmatizing behaviors towards people living with HIV among their co-workers was associated with significantly increased emotional exhaustion (βadj = 3.38, 95% CI 1.99 to 4.76).ConclusionsThe low level of burnout detected among health workers is reassuring. However, it remains important to assess how UTT may affect levels of emotional exhaustion among health workers over time, particularly in the context of emerging global pandemics, as burnout may impact the quality of HIV services they provide and their own mental health and wellbeing. Interventions to reduce HIV stigma in health facilities may protect against emotional exhaustion among health workers, as well as interventions to increase mindfulness and resilience among health workers at risk of burnout.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01900977.

Theorizing MacGyver: Entrepreneurial action in the face of environmental turbulence

Sometimes, entrepreneurial action is driven by necessity. Whether global pandemics, climate change, or the oxygen system failure in Apollo 13, time-constrained and high-stakes decisions increasingly confront entrepreneurs and managers. Yet, our literature tends to favor intendedly rational and practiced approaches to entrepreneurial action in the face of perceived uncertainty. This study views entrepreneurial action from the other side of the mirror – imposed opportunities (not created), high time pressure, and limited resources (no trove access to resources and an inability to leverage contingencies). Using a mixed-methods approach and drawing upon data from the empirical setting of professional chefs and discourse from popular media, we explore these unique forms of entrepreneurial action through the lens of MacGyvering – a term developed from a 1980's hit television show where seemingly impossible odds and idiosyncratic challenges are routinely overcome. Our findings suggest that MacGyvering does not map neatly onto any single established concept of entrepreneurial action. Instead, it integrates some aspects of effectuation, causation, bricolage, and improvisation while explicitly adapting and eschewing others. Our insights can help entrepreneurs and managers act expeditiously to create new value in the face of environmental turbulence.

From Virtual to Physical

Since the beginning of the third decade of the 21st century, teachers of all levels of education have been experiencing turbulent times. Beginner teachers as well as experienced ones have been forced to rethink their skillset to reflect the changes not only in opportunities provided by the development of technology and globalisation but also the sudden, unexpected consequences of the global pandemic. The governmental decision to close all educational institutions in the Czech Republic because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to move the teaching and learning process into an online environment had an impact on university initial teacher education for future teachers of English, among others. Everyone had to cope with the challenges the situation brought about; educators had to re-evaluate their approach to initial teacher education so that their students would feel better prepared for the challenges of the crisis. Teacher educators, among others, have embraced the changing environment and have been actively searching for ways to best support students in their preparation for the teaching profession. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss the results of research conducted at the Department of English and American Studies at a regional Czech university in response to the consequences of the pandemic. The aim of the small-scale study was to explore student teachers’ perceptions of whether and how their microteaching sessions, conducted online because of the pandemic restrictions, prepared them for their face-to-face placement practice teaching the following semester. The context, therefore, was heavily influenced by the circumstances of the global pandemic. The theoretical framework of the initial English language teacher education programme, and of this paper, is based on the models of teacher professionalism (Spilková, 2019), the reflective practitioner (Černá, Píšová, &amp; Vlčková, 2017), and the realistic approach (Korthagen et al., 2001). In the study, the data from reflection sessions, two focus group discussions, and a questionnaire were collected, analysed, and evaluated. The participants in the study were second-year bachelor students of the English for Education programme. The results of the research indicate that the students did not see the aims and content of the selected study programme as being affected by changes of external conditions; however, the processes of their professional learning were perceived as having been affected. These outcomes are in alignment with the research of Yochanna and Levy (2022) into the effective implementation of microteaching practice in teacher preparation. The implications of this study, in terms of both education and research, suggest that initial teacher education for future teachers of English needs to address the challenge of enabling the students to get ready for their profession regardless of whether they are teaching online or face-to-face classes. Initial teacher education should aim to prepare future teachers to expect the unexpected, which is a theme to be explored in further research.

Immunogenicity and Adverse Events after Covid-19 Vaccination in Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract Background The first cases of COVID-19 began in Wuhan, Hubei Province china, in December 2019. Since then, this disease caused by a highly pathogenic virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2), has been labelled as a global pandemic. It is believed that the primary means of viral spread is via respiratory droplets during close-range, human-to-human contact. Aim of the Work To assess immunogenicity and to compare adverse effect following COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases vs matched healthy controls. Patients and Methods This is a cross sectional study. Two groups of subjects were enrolled in the study after consideration of both inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A: patients with systemic inflammatory auto immune disease (60 subjects) including (30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis) who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Group B: age-matched healthy controls who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine (30 Subjects). All patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of department of Internal Medicine – Rheumatology division at Ain Shams University Hospital. Control group were recruited from medical and non-medical staff working at Ain Shams University Hospital. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the titre of anti-spikes antibodies with the use of different immune suppressive drugs in RA group such as methotrexate and leflunomide with p-value =0.935,0.257, respectively,also in SLE patients there was no statistically significant difference in the titre of anti-spikes antibodies with the use of different immune suppressive drugs in SLE group such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide with p-value = 0.317, 1.000 and 0.513 respectively,(all patients in our study were on corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine). There was statistically significant difference as regarding disease activity in RA patients before and after covid-19 vaccine with p-value = 0.001,with a total percentage of 26.70% of patients developed mild disease activity,13.30% developed moderate disease activity while 3.3% of patients developed severe activity and as regarding SLE patients there was statistically significant difference as regarding disease activity in SLE patients before and after covid-19 vaccine with p-value = 0.002,with a total percentage of 23.3% of patients developed mild disease activity,6.7% developed moderate disease activity while 10% of patients developed severe activity. Conclusion Comparable side effects in both control and patients group with only minor side effects were reported. The Sinopharm BIBP COVID-19 vaccine was immunogenic in the majority of patients in comparison to control group, with an acceptable safety profile. The use of different immune suppressive therapies (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil,cyclophosphamide) didn’t affect humoral response after two doses of the vaccine. Apparent impact on disease activity of both SLE and RA patients but mainly in the form of mild disease activity.

Immunogenicity and Adverse Events after Covid-19 Vaccination in Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract Background The first cases of COVID-19 began in Wuhan, Hubei Province china, in December 2019. Since then, this disease caused by a highly pathogenic virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2), has been labelled as a global pandemic. It is believed that the primary means of viral spread is via respiratory droplets during close-range, human-to-human contact. Aim of the Work To assess immunogenicity and to compare adverse effect following COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases vs matched healthy controls. Patients and Methods This is a cross sectional study. Two groups of subjects were enrolled in the study after consideration of both inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A: patients with systemic inflammatory auto immune disease (60 subjects) including (30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis) who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Group B: age-matched healthy controls who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine (30 Subjects). All patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of department of Internal Medicine – Rheumatology division at Ain Shams University Hospital. Control group were recruited from medical and non-medical staff working at Ain Shams University Hospital. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the titre of anti-spikes antibodies with the use of different immune suppressive drugs in RA group such as methotrexate and leflunomide with p- value = 0.935,0.257, respectively,also in SLE patients there was no statistically significant difference in the titre of anti-spikes antibodies with the use of different immune suppressive drugs in SLE group such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide with p-value = 0.317, 1.000 and 0.513 respectively,(all patients in our study were on corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine). There was statistically significant difference as regarding disease activity in RA patients before and after covid-19 vaccine with p-value = 0.001,with a total percentage of 26.70% of patients developed mild disease activity,13.30% developed moderate disease activity while 3.3% of patients developed severe activity and as regarding SLE patients there was statistically significant difference as regarding disease activity in SLE patients before and after covid-19 vaccine with p-value = 0.002,with a total percentage of 23.3% of patients developed mild disease activity, 6.7% developed moderate disease activity while 10% of patients developed severe activity. Conclusion Comparable side effects in both control and patients group with only minor side effects were reported. The Sinopharm BIBP COVID-19 vaccine was immunogenic in the majority of patients in comparison to control group, with an acceptable safety profile. The use of different immune suppressive therapies (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide) didn’t affect humoral response after two doses of the vaccine. Apparent impact on disease activity of both SLE and RA patients but mainly in the form of mild disease activity.

Moving towards single fraction peripheral lung stereotactic body radiation therapy: patient care during and after the global COVID-19 pandemic

Moving towards single fraction peripheral lung stereotactic body radiation therapy: patient care during and after the global COVID-19 pandemic

Unmasking the escalation: a comparative analysis of diabetic ketoacidosis severity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Tunisian pioneer study

ABSTRACT Background The severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis increased during the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic on the clinical and biological severity of DKA in patients with new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in Tunisia. Research design and methods The study included patients hospitalized for new-onset DKA 2 years prior and 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected retrospectively, and DKA severity was classified based on biological parameters like potential of hydrogen (pH) and HCO3-. Results The results showed that DKA was more severe during COVID-19, as evidenced by lower potential of hydrogen (pH) (p = 0.006), and serum bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels (p = 0,005). Despite the higher severity of DKA was higher during COVID-19, intensive care unit hospitalizations remained equivalent (p = 0.359). The prevalence of hyponatremia was also higher during COVID-19 (p = 0.024). Conclusion The findings suggest that delayed diagnosis and COVID-19 May contribute to the increased severity of DKA and electrolyte imbalance during the pandemic. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop appropriate strategies to address this issue.

A Biochemical and Biophysical Analysis of the Interaction of nsp9 with nsp12 from SARS-CoV-2-Implications for Future Drug Discovery Efforts.

The ongoing global pandemic of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, with very few highly effective antiviral treatments currently available. The machinery responsible for the replication and transcription of viral RNA during infection is made up of several important proteins. Two of these are nsp12, the catalytic subunit of the viral polymerase, and nsp9, a cofactor of nsp12 involved in the capping and priming of viral RNA. While several recent studies have determined the structural details of the interaction of nsp9 with nsp12 in the context of RNA capping, very few biochemical or biophysical details are currently available. In this study, we have used a combination of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) experiments, and biochemical assays to identify specific nsp9 residues that are critical for nsp12 binding as well as RNAylation, both of which are essential for the RNA capping process. Our data indicate that nsp9 dimerization is unlikely to play a significant functional role in the virus. We confirm that a set of recently discovered antiviral peptides inhibit nsp9-nsp12 interaction by specifically binding to nsp9; however, we find that these peptides do not impact RNAylation. In summary, our results have important implications for future drug discovery efforts to combat SARS-CoV-2 and any newly emerging coronaviruses.

The Oral History of “Pandemic Time”: Students’ Lives Through the Global COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT This article offers a reflective account of student memories of the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic in both the Czech Republic and Israel. By comparing the narratives of students from these nations, we introduce the notion of “pandemic time” to describe the ways in which personal experiences of time rest betwixt and between objective historical events and individual meaning-making. In this way, we argue that university students narrated the crisis inherent in pandemic time on two overlapping levels. On the one hand, students’ memories revolved around the broader objective timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic (to include specific dates of lockdowns, university closures, openings, etc.). On the other hand, our student informants in both countries appeared to experience these events in ways that diverged from this objective timeline. Specific events in both countries that appeared to supersede the health threat posed by the pandemic shaped how they recounted their experiences of the pandemic. Using narrative analysis, we identified several key themes to explore student perspectives about pandemic time: how social isolation impacted an understanding of time, both referentially (when things happened in relation to each other) and temporally (within the overall span of the pandemic); how our narrators perceived the pandemic overall; broad and intimate experiences with COVID-19; how long remote learning lasted; and when narrators perceived the pandemic as having ended. By exploring this concept of pandemic time, we show how an international focus on oral history across national and cultural boundaries makes it possible to tease apart diverging experiences of time, memory, and crisis and to demonstrate how that relates directly to oral history theory and methodology.

Analysis and visualization of the research progress on surgical smoke

BackgroundWith the advancement of medical technology, tools such as electrosurgical equipment, laser knives, and ultrasonic scalpels have made modern medical procedures more convenient and effective. However, the generation of surgical smoke during these procedures poses significant health risks to medical personnel. Despite this, only a few studies have examined the literature systematically in this area. By analyzing bibliometric data on surgical smoke, we can gain insights into current research hotspots and forecast future trends. MethodsThis study included literature related to surgical smoke from the Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, covering the period from 2000 to 2024. We used VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and BioBERT to visualize research trends and hotspots. ResultsIn the early stages of research, the focus was mainly on the composition, generation mechanisms, and susceptible populations related to surgical smoke. In recent years, with the development of laparoscopic surgery and the global COVID-19 pandemic, research interests have shifted towards occupational protection of healthcare workers and public health. Currently, the research in this field primarily explores the promoting effects of surgical smoke on conditions such as inflammation and tumors, as well as occupational protection and health education for healthcare workers. Disease research focuses heavily on Smoke Inhalation Injury, Infections, Neoplasms, Postoperative Complications, and Inflammation. ConclusionWe explored future research directions in the field of surgical smoke using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and BioBERT. Our findings indicate that current research focuses on investigating the promoting effects of surgical smoke on conditions such as inflammation and tumors, as well as on occupational protection and health education for healthcare workers. We summarized existing preventive measures, aiming to facilitate further research advancements and the translation of research outcomes into clinical results. These efforts provide new insights for advancing research in occupational protection of healthcare workers.

The Importance Of Digital Transformation In A Post-Pandemic World

In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the business landscape has undergone a profound transformation, necessitating a paradigm shift towards digitalization for sustained resilience and growth. This article explores the pivotal role of digital transformation in the post-pandemic world, encompassing technological innovation, organizational adaptation, and cultural evolution. Drawing on insights from scholarly sources, we delve into the accelerated digital trends triggered by the pandemic and the challenges faced by businesses in this transformative journey. The importance of digital transformation is underscored by its role in enhancing resilience, adapting to unforeseen challenges, improving customer experiences, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. While acknowledging the inherent challenges, a well-defined digital strategy emerges as a crucial determinant for success. As we navigate the evolving business landscape, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance of digital transformation in fostering organizational agility and long-term success.

Trends in co-morbidities during COVID-19 waves: A study of prevalence and dynamics in India

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants have instigated the global COVID-19 pandemic, which unfolded in waves over nearly three years since its emergence in 2019. Variances in host immune responses have resulted in a spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to mild, moderate, severe pneumonia-like, or critical conditions. For many individuals, symptomatic conditions exacerbated and posed life-threatening risks, particularly when co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), hypertension, malignancies, and HIV were present. This study was aimed to ascertain the co-morbidity trends across the two major waves of COVID-19. Method: In India, COVID-19 patients from the first wave (April 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021) and the second wave (March 1, 2021 to October 1, 2021) were categorized into asymptomatic, moderate, severe, and critical groups, with 100 patients in each category. These patient groups were further subdivided based on co-morbidities and subjected to data analysis. Results: Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and lung complications were identified as common co-morbidities significantly impacting the quality of life for COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Our data analysis has highlighted the influence of co-morbidities or multi-morbidities in exacerbating severe and critical conditions during both waves 1 and 2 of COVID-19 infections. Keywords: co-morbidities; COVID-19; diabetes mellitus; hypertension; lung complications