Medical Crisis Research Articles

Edge Computing for Smart-City Human Habitat: A Pandemic-Resilient, AI-Powered Framework

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a robust medical infrastructure and crisis management strategy as part of smart-city applications, with technology playing a crucial role. The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a promising solution, leveraging sensor arrays, wireless communication networks, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven decision-making. Advancements in edge computing (EC), deep learning (DL), and deep transfer learning (DTL) have made IoT more effective in healthcare and pandemic-resilient infrastructures. DL architectures are particularly suitable for integration into a pandemic-compliant medical infrastructures when combined with medically oriented IoT setups. The development of an intelligent pandemic-compliant infrastructure requires combining IoT, edge and cloud computing, image processing, and AI tools to monitor adherence to social distancing norms, mask-wearing protocols, and contact tracing. The proliferation of 4G and beyond systems including 5G wireless communication has enabled ultra-wide broadband data-transfer and efficient information processing, with high reliability and low latency, thereby enabling seamless medical support as part of smart-city applications. Such setups are designed to be ever-ready to deal with virus-triggered pandemic-like medical emergencies. This study presents a pandemic-compliant mechanism leveraging IoT optimized for healthcare applications, edge and cloud computing frameworks, and a suite of DL tools. The framework uses a composite attention-driven framework incorporating various DL pre-trained models (DPTMs) for protocol adherence and contact tracing, and can detect certain cyber-attacks when interfaced with public networks. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles containing Cichorium intybus to treat the sepsis-induced DNA damage in the liver of Wistar albino rats

Abstract Sepsis is a severe reaction of the body to an infection, presenting a critical medical crisis. It represents an imbalance between the body’s anti- and pro-inflammatory reactions. The occurrence of sepsis, which leads to multiple-organ failure and increased mortality, is marked by dysfunction in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. The involvement of reactive oxygen species is believed to contribute to the progression of sepsis. Data suggest potential advantages of phenolic compounds derived from plants in combating sepsis. Plant polyphenols can be antioxidants by scavenging free radicals, chelating metals, and binding to proteins. In this research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced by the aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus leaf for the purpose of treating sepsis-induced DNA harm. The recent study focused on the biological aspect including the cytotoxicity properties on normal (HUVEC) cell line. The AgNPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and UV-Vis. The TEM and SEM images of AgNPs exhibited the average size of 35.29 nm with spherical morphology. In the in vivo study, the animals were categorized into four groups: sepsis-induced, sham, AgNPs-20, and AgNPs-100. AgNPs treatment resulted in a significant decrease in tissues damage (p < 0.01). The sepsis-induced group showed a significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) level in comparison to the sham group (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, the groups that received AgNPs experienced a decrease in MDA levels and an increase in glutathione and superoxide dismutases levels (p < 0.01). Additionally, the rats treated with AgNPs exhibited a reduction in the IL-1β mRNA expression levels (p < 0.01).

Evaluating the Incidence, Response, and Management Proficiency of Medical Emergencies in Dental Practices

Background: Dental professionals must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies that may arise in unexpected locations, such as dental offices. Given its sizable population and expanding dental sector, Pakistan is not exempt from such potential catastrophes. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of medical emergencies in dental outpatient departments (public and private). In addition, we aimed to pinpoint any inadequacies in procedures that impede efficient administration and offer ideas for enhancing the capacity to handle medical crises in dental offices. Methods: In a six-month cross-sectional study, dental professionals were given a reliable, closed-ended questionnaire to evaluate their attitudes, procedures, and level of expertise in handling medical emergencies. A total of 271 responses were evaluated. Results: Most instances recorded in medical crises were syncope (36%), followed by hypoglycemia (26%). The majority of reported medical situations (77.8%) were managed successfully within the hospital according to the findings of the study. Of the practitioners, approximately 55.9% adhered to all required guidelines for handling medical emergencies, while 34.8% only partially did so. Approximately 69.6% of practitioners did not follow the protocol when it came to using emergency equipment or drugs. Approximately 65% of practitioners stated that the most difficult aspects of handling medical emergencies were panic or disorientation and a lack of training. Dental professionals and personnel were trained in basic life support (39%), demonstration/lectures (21%), and addressing medical crises (figure 2). Conclusion: The fact that medical emergencies at dental offices are uncommon does not mean that a large percentage of dentists are well-equipped to manage these circumstances. By filling these gaps, the dental profession can improve patient safety and emergency practitioner competencies.

Between Escapism and Social Engagement: Ted Lasso and the Privileges of Comfort Viewing in 2020

During the hectic context of 2020 America, television became a salve for many, while an increased middle-class emphasis on staying at home to mitigate COVID-19 spread softly benefited streaming services’ bottom lines. Ted Lasso (AppleTV+, 2020-2023) was beloved for its positive outlook and comforting tone during these unsettled times. This paper discusses three “discursive mantras” which white Ted Lasso fans deploy in interviews about the series, and argues that fans use these to code their engagement with television as acceptable and necessary. In their description of the series’ impact, white fans use Ted Lasso as an escape, but also as a way of thinking through the nation’s political, racial, and medical crises. In so doing, they reveal the position of white comfort viewers during the early pandemic, a group who are living through vast cultural unrest but privileged enough to be soothed by television.

Derivation of Indices of Cognitive Change Among Hispanic Adults and Elders.

Determining the influence of race and ethnicity on change in cognitive test performance has significant implications for clinical practice and research in populations at risk for Alzheimer disease. To evaluate the significance of race and ethnicity in predicting longitudinal cognitive test performance and to develop models to support evidence-based practice. This prognostic study included baseline and 24-month follow-up data that were obtained from the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (HABS-HD) study, an ongoing longitudinal observational study of aging and dementia in a multiracial, multiethnic cohort. Participants included community-dwelling adults and elders living in the Dallas and Fort Worth metropolitan area who were Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults older than the age of 50 years and were cognitively unimpaired. The primary exposure of interest was time, measured in months. Demographic variables included age, sex, education, and race and ethnicity. Cognitive domains included attention and working memory, processing speed, language, memory, and executive functioning. Linear regression models predicted follow-up performance from baseline performance and demographic variables for 13 commonly used neuropsychological tests. Follow-up testing was the primary outcome for all domains. Raw scores from 13 standardized tests were used for analyses. This study included 799 adults who were cognitively unimpaired (352 Hispanic individuals [44.1%]; 447 non-Hispanic individuals [55.9%]; 524 female [65.6%]; mean [SD] age, 65.4 [8.1] years). In the regression models, all 13 follow-up scores were significantly predicted from their respective baseline scores and demographic variables. Baseline performance and education were the most consistent predictors of follow-up scores, contributing to all 13 models. Age was significantly associated with follow-up in 11 models, and sex was significant in 5 models. Race and ethnicity contributed to 10 of 13 models, with Hispanic participants predicted to have poorer follow-up scores than their non-Hispanic White counterparts on each test. In this longitudinal study of cognitive change in Hispanic and non-Hispanic older adults who were cognitively unimpaired, standardized regression-based models were influenced by multiple demographic variables, including race and ethnicity. These findings highlight the importance of including race and ethnicity in such cognitive change models. This ability to accurately predict cognitive change is expected to become increasingly important as clinical practice and clinical trials need to become more diverse and culturally appropriate in this burgeoning global medical and societal crisis.

Impact of Covid 19 Vaccine on Male and Female Fertility

Background:The COVID-19 outbreak has emerged as one of the most difficult global medical crises in a decade. SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for the disease, has contaminated more than 110 million individuals and resulted in over 2.30 million deaths worldwide within the first year of its emergence. The global scientific community has been working tirelessly to understand the virus, develop vaccines, and comprehend natural immunity. Objective:This review aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on male and female fertility, with a primary focus on the mechanisms and effects of different COVID-19 vaccines on fertility. Methodology:We reviewed existing literature on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on fertility and the various COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use. Special emphasis was placed on the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson–Janssen vaccines, which received emergency use approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2022. Results:The study will provide insights into the direct effects of the virus on male and female fertility and how different vaccines might influence these effects. Each vaccine has a unique mechanism of action, which may have varying implications for fertility. Conclusion:This review highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between COVID-19 vaccines and fertility, as this knowledge is crucial for informed decision-making regarding vaccination, particularly among individuals concerned about reproductive health. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the long-term impacts of these vaccines on male and female fertility.

Viral Drugs and Antiviral Politics

Abstract This article focuses on the social biography of the Soviet-made antiviral pharmaceutical “Arbidol” (umifenovir), used in Russia as a popular medication to treat influenza. Despite doubts cast on its efficacy, the drug remained a staple for treating upper respiratory infections in Russia. When H1N1 arrived in Siberia in 2009, a shortage of medicine on pharmacy shelves caused by Arbidol’s rapid bulk purchasing led to a social outcry, as well as to discussions about the political corruption underpinning the drug’s production, promotion, and supply chain. By tracking the ways in which Arbidol endured over time through different epidemic waves, this article explores how both viruses and antiviral medicines weave medical and political efficacies together. By using Arbidol as a productive hinge, I analyze the ways in which conspiracy in times of social and medical crisis demonstrate how pharmaceutical and political efficacies are mutually co-constituted.

Medical Intelligence And Public Health In The Complexities Of Contemporary Societies The Role Of FBI In The United States

The term Medical Intelligence (Medint) defines the activities of collection, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of medical, bio-scientific and environmental information, regarding a specific country or geographical area, carried out mainly by military or intelligence agencies and carried out abroad, and useful for military or humanitarian strategic planning. It is of interest to Medint to know the potential of local health facilities, both civil and military, in the diagnostic evaluation, in case of infectious pathologies and in the evaluation of environmental risks as well as the "state of the art" of the development of computerized diagnostic technology and of biotechnology. The SMI (Strategic Medical Intelligence) is instead institutionally delegated to the intelligence agencies that deal with territorial control (counter-terrorism). In the United States, the SMI bioterrorism experts depend on the FBI. According to the definition offered by the FBI, Strategic Medical Intelligence (SMI) deals with all the management activities of a medical or health crisis situation following a terrorist act.

Medical crisis in 2024: challenges for Korea’s medical policy

Background: On February 6, 2024, the Korean government announced a drastic increase in the medical schools’ admission quota to 2,000, sending shockwaves through the medical community. In protest, residents submitted their resignations and medical students submitted their leaves of absence.Current Concepts: The government has used many shocking tactics in pushing for greater medical school quotas. First, the government used lies to incite public opinion and socially isolate a group of doctors. Second, it violently imposed law enforcement against residents in the process of promoting the medical school expansion policy. Third, it pursued a medical school expansion policy that did not consider the quality of medical education. Triggered by the government’s rapid expansion of medical schools, fierce resistance from doctors and medical students has revealed structural contradictions in the Korean healthcare system.Discussion and Conclusion: In essence, the medical crisis of 2024 has been created by the government. The medical community cannot stop its legitimate criticism and resistance for the following reasons. First, this is not just a medical crisis but a crisis of the Korean constitution, rule of law, and democracy. Second, the fate of future generations depends on the resolution of the 2024 medical crisis. Third, the government’s policies are not saving essential medicine, but pushing it off the cliff.

Analysis of events from sudden isolated dysarthria to diagnosis of myasthenic crisis: myasthenia gravis mimicking acute lacunar stroke—a case report

BackgroundMyasthenic crisis (MC) is a life-threatening complication of myasthenia gravis (MG), necessitating ventilation. Achieving a safe and timely diagnosis of myasthenic crisis with atypical, isolated presentation is a considerable challenge particularly in elderly patients, where myasthenia gravis can present with isolated dysarthria in rare instances, giving a clinical impression of lacunar stroke.Case presentationWe present a compelling case of a 73-year-old Caucasian female presenting with abrupt onset of isolated dysarthria. Despite initial treatment for a presumed lacunar stroke, subsequent evaluations led to her diagnosis of a myasthenic crisis. Within 72 h of admission, the patient developed dysphagia and shortness of breath, requiring supplemental oxygen. The case highlights the sequential progression of events from the atypical presentation of isolated dysarthria and its course to the management of a myasthenic crisis.ConclusionOur reported case focuses on the discussion of myasthenia that mimicked a lacunar stroke and was finally diagnosed at a critical time of medical crisis. This case highlights the imperative notion that isolated dysarthria in elderly individuals warrants vigilant monitoring for possible myasthenia gravis, given the low incidence of lacunar stroke presenting with only dysarthria.

Enhancing sustainability in medical product supply chains: The role of remanufacturing and government subsidies

This study explores the impact of government subsidies on the production dynamics within the medical product supply chain, particularly focusing on the remanufacturing of medical goods. Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the critical shortages in medical supplies, our research delves into the adoption of remanufacturing practices by medical product manufacturers as a strategic response to these shortages and environmental concerns. We investigate how government subsidies influence the production volumes of original manufacturers and remanufacturers and examine the competitive interplay between newly manufactured and remanufactured medical products. Through the development of three production game models—Scenario B (manufacturers produce both new and refurbished products), Scenario N (separate production of new and refurbished products by manufacturers and remanufacturers, respectively), and Scenario C (similar to Scenario N but includes a certification fee paid by remanufacturers to original manufacturers)—we analyze the strategies that could mitigate supply deficiencies during medical crises. Our findings indicate that the certification strategy (Scenario C) not only yields the highest total production of medical products but also offers a viable solution to enhance the sustainability of the entire medical production system by alleviating supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, we discuss the managerial implications of our results, emphasizing the potential of a joint remanufacturing strategy to stabilize the supply chain and foster environmental conservation. Lastly, we highlight our study's limitations and suggest future research directions, particularly concerning the variability in product quality and the reliance on government subsidies. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of green remanufacturing within the pharmaceutical supply chain, offering insights for manufacturers, remanufacturers, and policymakers aiming for sustainable industry practices.

Medical Quality Improvement Activity in the Medical Crisis

Quality improvement activities are especially important in middle to small-sized hospitals as well as in large hospitals. Hospital accreditation would play a crucial role in the re-establishment of the healthcare delivery system, which is now nearly collapsed in Korea. To achieve all these goals, it is also important to educate prospective medical personnel at college on the concepts of quality improvement and patient safety.

The Abyss from Which We Must Arise Despite Our Pain: The 2024 Medical Crisis and the Moral Injury of Medical School Professors

The Abyss from Which We Must Arise Despite Our Pain: The 2024 Medical Crisis and the Moral Injury of Medical School Professors

The 2024 Medical Crisis : Challenges for Medical Education

The 2024 Medical Crisis : Challenges for Medical Education

Use of a gas-operated ventilator as a noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in critically Ill COVID-19 patients in a middle-income country.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable undersupply of respiratory support devices, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As a result, many hospitals turned to alternative respiratory therapies, including the use of gas-operated ventilators (GOV). The aim of this study was to describe the use of GOV as a noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in critically ill COVID-19 patients and to compare clinical outcomes achieved with this device to conventional respiratory therapies. Retrospective cohort analysis of critically ill COVID-19 patients during the first local wave of the pandemic. The final analysis included 204 patients grouped according to the type of respiratory therapy received in the first 24h, as follows: conventional oxygen therapy (COT), n = 28 (14%); GOV, n = 72 (35%); noninvasive ventilation (NIV), n = 49 (24%); invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), n = 55 (27%). In 72, GOV served as noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in 42 (58%) of these patients. In the other 30 patients (42%), 20 (28%) presented clinical improvement and were discharged; 10 (14%) died. In the COT and GOV groups, 68% and 39%, respectively, progressed to intubation (P ≤ 0.001). Clinical outcomes in the GOV and NIV groups were similar (no statistically significant differences). GOV was successfully used as a noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in more than half of patients. Clinical outcomes in the GOV group were comparable to those of the NIV group. These findings support the use of GOV as an emergency, noninvasive bridging respiratory therapy in medical crises when alternative approaches to the standard of care may be justifiable.

Negative health classifications: understanding avoidance and social exclusion during a pandemic

During a pandemic, there is a fine line between distancing and avoiding other people, with stigmatizing classifications sometimes transforming social distance into social exclusion. Drawing on Bourdieu's under-utilised theory of classification struggles, this paper conceptualises schemes of pandemic Othering in terms of Negative Health Classifications. Complementing the interactionist approach in pandemic stigma research, classification struggles are a social practice that denote a conceptual link between the individual and social structures of inequality. When social structures are unstable, as was the case during the pandemic, an established common sense can become questionable. Based on the analysis of survey data from 2606 respondents collected during one of the peaks of COVID-19 in Austria and Germany, the paper explores two struggles over health classifications, (1) social cleavages created and exacerbated by individuals who strive to tackle medical crises by avoiding the 'disease carriers', and (2) conflict over illegitimate pandemic practices resulting in the loss of social capital and a polarization of social groups. The findings offer evidence of widespread negative health classifications emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic that future research should explore in their implications for inequalities in other health policy contexts.

The Impact of Multiple Crises on the Economy. A Comparative Analysis of GFC, COVID-19 and the Ukraine War Period

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the correlation between the gross domestic product (GDP) and its components as well as the Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HICP) total, electricity and gas by deploying principal components analysis and factor analysis on wards linkage and compare the results for GFC period, COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine period for EU27, Romania, Greece, Italy and Hungary. The result obtained show that each crisis has its specificity given their different source, GFC was borne in the financial system the COVID-19 crisis in the medical crisis and the war in Ukraine a military one and that starting with 2020 the economy has faced multiple crisis. Government consumption is found to be one of the significant variables for all crisis as a result of the efforts made by the governments to limit the negative effects of the GFC, pandemic and the war in Ukraine and HICP electricity and HICP gas due to the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain prior to the war in Ukraine and the shortage of personnel, as well due to the sanctions applied to Russia and the fact that it is the main exporter for the European Union.

The Economic Evolution of the Romanian Defense Market in the Context of the World Crisis (Post-pandemic) and the Imbalance of International Security (Military Conflict in Ukraine)

Abstract The analysis of crisis management shows that any crisis will generate risks and opportunities for certain industrial sectors. The current security crisis overlaps today with other crises (climatic, economic, energy, and medical crises generated by COVID-19). The medical crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has recorded considerable profits for the pharmaceutical industry and companies in the medical equipment manufacturing industry. (John A. Parnel). The defense market and armaments production industry has been steadily growing at national and international levels due to the imbalance in international security caused by Russia's military conflict. An economical inside perspective is provided due to an internal study case based on the evolution of this industry's key sector. As per the analyzed data, the market demand is currently higher than the production capacity, both at European and national levels. The industry cannot meet the requirements of the defense market. Nonetheless, the turnover of the profile companies experienced significant increases with positive effects on the recorded profit rates. After conducting a thorough evaluation of the domestic defense industry, the solution might be to privatize state-owned companies in the security industry, which may involve merging companies with similar activity profiles. Also, financial incentives, such as tax measures like those granted to personnel working in the IT industry, can help overcome the human resources issue that the Romanian defense industry is currently facing.

Severely compromised supply of patch test allergens in Europe hampers adequate diagnosis of occupational and non-occupational contact allergy. A European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD), European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) task forces 'Contact Dermatitis' and 'Occupational Skin Disease' position paper.

Patch testing is the only clinically applicable diagnostic method for Type IV allergy. The availability of Type IV patch test (PT) allergens in Europe, however, is currently scarce. This severely compromises adequate diagnostics of contact allergy, leading to serious consequences for the affected patients. Against this background, the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) has created a task force (TF) (i) to explore the current availability of PT substances in different member states, (ii) to highlight some of the unique characteristics of Type IV vs. other allergens and (iii) to suggest ways forward to promote and ensure availability of high-quality patch testing substances for the diagnosis of Type IV allergies throughout Europe. The suggestions of the TF on how to improve the availability of PT allergens are supported by the ESCD, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and intend to provide potential means to resolve the present medical crisis.

Blood Group Detection Using Image Processing

During medical crises, access to an ample blood supply is crucial for saving lives. Shortages of required blood types in hospitals can result in significant delays in patient treatment. To tackle this urgent issue, we introduce BloodHub, an extensive web platform designed to streamline blood search, availability assessment, and compatibility determination using Support Vector Machines (SVM). BloodHub acts as a centralized hub where both donors and recipients can register and participate in the blood donation process. The platform offers a user-friendly interface for individuals in need of blood donations, enabling them to locate specific blood types nearby. Additionally, BloodHub provides real-time updates on blood unit availability across registered blood banks and donation centers, simplifying the procurement process for healthcare facilities and emergency responders. One of BloodHub's standout features is its SVM- powered blood group detection capability. By examining genetic markers in blood samples, SVM algorithms accurately identify donors' blood groups, ensuring compatibility with recipient needs. This functionality not only improves blood-matching efficiency but also reduces the risk of transfusion-related complications. Moreover, BloodHub implements robust security measures to protect user privacy and confidentiality.