New Strain Of Coronavirus Research Articles

Virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation study of plant protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein

Due to the outbreak of a new strain of pandemic coronavirus, there is a huge loss of economy and health. In 2021, some vaccines are recommended as emergency licensed vaccines to protect against the virus, and efforts are continuously ongoing to evaluate the vaccine safety measures for licensed vaccines. Recently, there was an increase in the cases of a new variant of coronavirus (omicron). Envelope protein plays an important role in virus packaging and assembly. If viral assembly is blocked, there is less chance of spreading the infection to another cell.In the present study, the plant protease inhibitors (PPIs) were screened against the envelope protein of SARS CoV 2. The structures were downloaded from the protein data bank. The plant protease inhibitors cystatin-I, Eravatmin, squash, Kunitz, Bowman-Birk, Alpha-amylase inhibitors, and potato serine protease inhibitors were screened and out of them Kunitz, alpha-amylase, and squash protease inhibitors have shown maximum binding energy. The molecular dynamics simulation was performed for docked complexes showing the lowest binding energy by NMA (normal mode analysis) to visualize the motion and stability of complexes. These plant-based protease inhibitors are a good target to fight against the new emerging strain of coronavirus because plant extracted compounds are natural and there is fewer side effect than synthetic compounds.

Comparing knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma associated with SARS- COV-2 Infection among Healthcare students of Bangalore city: A cross sectional study

Background: In 2020, a new global pandemic has emerged, caused by a new strain of Corona virus called SARS-CoV-2. A poor understanding of the disease among healthcare students may implicate in delayed treatment and rapid spread of infection and development of complications. Objectives: 1) To estimate the knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma associated with SARS- CoV-2 infection among healthcare students. 2) To estimate the association between socio-demographic determinants with knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma of SARS- CoV-2 infection among healthcare students. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 493 healthcare i.e., medical, nursing and allied sciences students, during 1st May to 20th May 2020, using a pre-designed and semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Chi square test, t-test, one way Anova and Bonferroni test was used for assessing the association among the study variables. Results: The study revealed that, there were about 225(45.64%) medical, 165(33.46%) nursing and 103(20.89%) allied sciences students. Majority were females 349(70.79%), majority were Hindus 333(67.54%). Mean knowledge score of medical, nursing and allied sciences students were 15.66 (2.518), 14.16 (2.92) and 14.46 (3.11) respectively. Practice score was good among nursing than allied sciences students at ‘p’ (0.003). Conclusion: Even though the overall knowledge was less in our study participants, majority of them had followed good practices for preventing SARS- CoV-2 infection.

COVID-19 and Higher Education in Nigeria: The Present and the Future

The surge of COVID-19 pandemic in December, 2019 became an issue of concern to everyone globally including Nigerians. Its sporadic spread into the human environment entrenched awful experiences in all facets of life across the countries of the world. This is a type of virus also traceable to animals but now is ravaging the human environment as a new strain of coronavirus that makes it to be zoonotic in nature. To contain the spread of the virus ushered in some preventive policies and strategies in every people’s gathering including higher educational institutions. The alternative option to forestall and contain the spread of the virus in institutions of higher learning was to embrace the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices in the teaching and learning activities. Against the background, this study examined the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the present and the future of higher education in Nigeria. It identified the present state of Nigeria’s higher educational institutions in the face of COVID-19 pandemic disease, the use of ICT in the teaching-learning activities in the higher education institutions and what the future of higher educational institutions portends. Arising from all these, conclusion was drawn and recommendations were given to include: Government should be ready to provide more infrastructural facilities such as physical facilities like buildings amongst others; and the ICT facilities/equipment in the tertiary institutions of learning should be upgraded to meet the global standard.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthy Related Issues, A structured Review

Coronavirus: (COVID-19) is a recently discovered viral disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus.
 The majority of patients with corona-virus infections will have a mild-moderate respiratory disease that recovers without special care. Most often, the elderly, and others with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, coronary disease, respiratory illness, and malignancy are seriously ill.
 COVID-19 is spread mostly by salivary droplets or nasal secretions when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
 COVID-19 causes severe acute respiratory illness (SARS-COV-2). The first incidence was recorded in Wuhan, China, in 2019. Since then it spreads leading to a pandemic.
 The typical incubation time for COVID-19 infection is 2-14 days (normally 5). The common features include fever, cough, tiredness, difficulty in breathing, loss of smell or taste. Occasionally, signs are absent. COVID-19 complications include renal failure, syndrome of cytokine release, pneumonia, respiratory failure, lung fibrosis.

SOME ASPECTS OF PREDICTING THE SEVERITY OF VIRUS-INDUCED BRONCHIAL ASTHMA EXACERBATION IN CHILDREN DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

bronchial asthma is an important medical and social issue directly affects the health of patients, their quality of life, and the direct and indirect economic costs associated with the disease are quite significant. Due to the pandemic caused by a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, international and domestic regulations documents have updated the management of patients with asthma. In particular, there have been recommendations for remote visits to assess the patients’ complaints however physical analysis and objective examination are not available during such consultations. It can lead to errors in diagnostic of asthma exacerbation severity and treatment tactic for prescription the reliever therapy. So it is actuality to find out additional indicators to improve the diagnostic and prediction of the severity of the disease exacerbations. Given the urgency of the problem, the aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and paraclinical parameters in children with virus-induced bronchial asthma exacerbation to predict the severity of the asthma attack and personify the management of patients. Have been examined 47 patients who were hospitalized for disease exacerbation. The severity of a asthma attack was considered a group-forming feature. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and nonparametric calculation methods, methods of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. The results of the study give grounds to predict a more severe asthma attack among urban residents who have a phenotype of late-onset asthma. An additional, anamnestic risk of more severe exacerbation of the disease is body weight at birth, which exceeds 3500 g. Among spirometric indicators the highest prognostic criterion for severe bronchial asthma exacerbation was the general index of bronchodilation, which was 15% and above, as well as the index of bronchodilation at the level of the distal airways with a cut-off point of 30% and above. In the presence of the above risk factors for severe asthma attack on the background of confirmed infection with the coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2 the patient needs hospitalization, antiviral treatment, increasing the dose of inhaled steroids and additional β2-agonists. When predicting a mild or moderate asthma attack provoked by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, it is advisable to continue remote monitoring by an allergist and the management of exacerbation includes a temporary increase daily dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroids and additional using of β2-agonists. It is recommended to avoid taking nebulizers and use individual metered powder or aerosol inhalers in cases of inpatient treatment.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccination among People in Selected Community of West Bengal

Several Coronaviruses have caused serious problems in humans. In early March, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus and scientists are still collecting information and conducting research on the virus. Vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect the population from COVID-19 infection and several vaccines have been approved against the disease globally. But, the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination among general community people are very poorly understood. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination among selected community people in West Bengal and it is observed that 66.75% people had moderate knowledge and 98.25% people had high attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Keywords: Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Vaccination, Knowledge and Attitude, community people.

COVID-19 Reinfection in 60-Year-Old Man with Diabetes Mellitus, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease which is caused by a new strain of coronavirus. Older individuals and people with comorbidities have a higher risk to develop more severe illness. COVID-19 survivors will have active immunity in conjunction with increase of SARS-CoV-2 antibody (Ab) titer 2-weeks after the symptoms onset and will be lasted until 12-weeks. Therefore, it will give protection against reinfection of COVID-19. This study reports a case of COVID-19 rapid reinfection in sixty-year-old man with diabetes mellitus. Case illustration: a sixty-year-old man presented to the emergency department with fever accompanied by cough, runny nose, malaise, and metallic taste since one day before admission to hospital. There was a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) and COVID-19 infection 35-days before hospital admission without any symptoms. The current physical examinations demonstrated a mild dyspnea with oxygen saturation 97%, and diffuse rhonchi at the right area of chest auscultation. Chest X-ray discovered a multiple consolidation of the right lung, with suspicion of viral pneumonia. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was 205 mg/dl, and 2-hour postprandial glucose was 508 mg/dl. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of SARS-CoV-2 via nasopharyngeal swab was taken and the result was positive. COVID-19 Ab titers IgM and IgG were 0.18 U/ml and 0.43 U/ml (<0.8 U/ml → non-reactive), respectively. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 reinfection and DM. The patient was treated with convalescent plasma, antivirus, antibiotics, insulin, steroid, anticoagulant, and other symptomatic medications. As the results, a well improvement of his clinical condition and the increase of Ab COVID-19 IgM and IgG evaluation test after convalescent plasma administration, 0.28 AU/ml and 17.67 AU/ml, respectively, were recorded. Summary: Researches revealed that DM might cause the specific immunity system dysfunction and the low production of antibody. This study found that poor blood-glucose control with a low Ab of SARS-CoV-2 production might induce this patient to have a COVID-19 reinfection. Advance immunological study about the correlation between DM and COVID-19 is very essential in the management of COVID-19 patients with DM.

COVID-19 AND SOUTH AFRICA’S SMALL, MEDIUM AND MICRO ENTERPRISES: CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have a major role to play in sustainable development. SMMEs create incomes through employment and help to reduce poverty and income inequality, and to spur economic growth. However, the performance of SMMEs has been negatively impacted by Covid -19, a communicable respiratory disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus that causes illness in humans. The paper explores the challenges faced by SMMEs because of Covid-19. In addition, the paper suggests recommendations that can help to mitigate the challenges faced by SMMEs because of Covid- 19. The study adopted the desk research methodology that involved the synthesis of extant local and international secondary data sources on Covid- 19 and SMMEs.

Dietary Recommendation for Survival During COVID-19

Corona viruses are a large family of viruses that exist in many different species of animals including camels, bovine animals, and bats. The new strain of corona virus identified as the cause of outbreaks of respiratory disease in people first detected in Wuhan, China, was COVID-19.WHO has published a new guide on how to eat healthily during the COVID-19 COVID pandemic and self-quarantine.The guideline contains valuable information about nutrition to help keep the immune system strong. It also has tips for a diet that supports good health while advised to stay at home and may have less opportunity to consume fresh foods and be physically active.The FDA continues important research to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic along with other federal, state , and local agencies and public health officials around the country [1,2,3].

UK Variant COVID-19

Virus has a nature of antigenic drift and shift so over time their genetic make-up changes through the mutation and emerged a new strain of virus. Six type of coronavirus are known to infect the human being till now. The latest one and seventh number coronavirus is COVID-19. Diseases caused by coronavirus ranging from common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV). One more strain or mutant COVID-19 identified at UK in September 2020 and this strain is fast and quick spreading that is 70% more transmissible than the old strain. The first “Variant Under Investigation” in December -2020 in which most significant mutation known as N501Y change the protein spike (S) of the virus that is the receptor binding domain, used to bind the human ACE2 receptors. Five alarming warning signs of new strain of coronavirus are Breathing problem, Confusion, Persistent chest pain, Tired and unable to stay awake, Bluish lips or face. RT-PCR and genetic sequencing still reliable diagnostic method for new variant of corona. Control and prevention need to follow all guidelines which are following previously and till now many vaccines developed but scientist need more research and data for its efficacy on new variant of corona.

Mental Health Status of the Professionals Working With Covid-19 atHospital in Dhaka

Background:The recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was first diagnosed in Wuhan, China in late December of 2019. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has a large negative psychological effect and mental health issues worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The unexpectedly rapid spread of COVID -19 endowed HCWs with increased work burden, lack of personal protective equipment, high risk of exposure and contracting the diseases, as well as increased mortality amongst HCWs. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carry out to assess the Mental Health status of the professionals working with Covid-19 at Hospital in Dhaka. Primary data were collected through field survey including the observation and interview method. This survey, were covered doctors, nurses and Medical technicians in all clinical departments of Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka between 1st May to July 30th, 2021. Mental health variables were assessed via Somatic Symptom scale-8 (SSS-8).

Changing pace: Using implementation intentions to enhance social distancing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. on January 20, 2020, the disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus has spread exponentially across the country. While the spread of this disease can be significantly slowed if people practice "social distancing," it is difficult to break old habits and acquire new behaviors at the needed speed. The purpose of this study is to challenge how health risk messages are currently communicated (specifically by considering how the Center of Disease Control (CDC) communicates its recommendations for social distancing) and suggest an alternative way. We tested and applied the use of a robust behavioral intervention known as "if-then" plans (plans that spell out in advance how one wants to achieve a goal they have previously set) to encourage the acquisition of a new behavior (e.g., social distancing) during this time of crisis. Using a longitudinal mixed design (within-/between-subjects study) daily diary study, we hypothesized and observed (via multilevel modeling) that those randomized into the experimental group (those who created and practiced if-then plans) demonstrated increased social distancing over time, whereas engagement in social distancing did not change in the control condition (those who observed the CDC guidelines). These results were sustained in a 3-week follow-up examination for those who were strongly committed to the goal to social distance. Such evidence suggests that risk communication messaging that includes if-then plans is an effective way of acquiring new behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

China's financial services market in the post-pandemic period 2020–2021: Trends and development prospects

Subject. The article addresses the development of the financial services market of China in the context of overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021. Objectives. The focus is on the specific features, advantages and disadvantages of the complex of modern financial services in China; substantiating the reasons for the high efficiency of China's exit from the post-pandemic crisis in comparison with the leading economies of the world; forecasting the potential threats to the Chinese financial services market due to the active spread of a new strain of coronavirus in May?June 2021. Methods. The study employs the systems and comparative analysis, using the tabular, graphic and illustrative materials, and current statistical and reported data of international organizations, audit companies, consulting structures and rating agencies in major scientific Russian and foreign publications. Results. The paper underpins the difficulties of implementing a number of specific features of the financial services market in China from theoretical and practical point of view, presents a prognostic scenario of the Chinese financial services market development in the post-pandemic period. Conclusions. I conclude on high efficiency and effectiveness of support measures taken by the Chinese leadership to preserve the financial balance and facilitate the restoring of China's financial services in the post-pandemic period, prove the optimistic scenario for the development of China's financial services against the background of economic stagnation and a noticeable weakening of foreign competitors, describe potential threats and weaknesses in unstable global economy.

Ranking of Key Resources in the Humanitarian Supply Chain in the Emergency department of Iranian hospital: A Real Case Study in COVID-19 conditions

China introduces a new strain of coronavirus as a causative of a new respiratory disease after several people contracted an unusual pneumonia in December 2019. The World Health Organization stated that the outbreak of the virus resulted in public health emergencies around the world. Humanitarian supply chain management is concerned with managing the efficient flow of aid materials, information and services and aim to reduce the impact of disaster on human lives. In this paper, provides a ranking for key resources in the humanitarian supply chain in the emergency department of Iranian hospital using hybrid decision-making method under COVID-19 conditions. According to the obtain results, Nurses in RK 1, Receptionists RK 2, General surgeon RK 3, Heart residents RK 4 and Pulmonologist RK 5. Hybrid decision-making method in this paper is an invaluable contribution to the emergency department and medical managers for evaluates of current situation Emergency Department when crisis occur.

Exploring active compounds of kelor (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves as an alternative medicine to improve immunity in facing COVID-19 via in silico study

SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus (CoV) that was identified in Wuhan in 2019. This virus is known to have the ability to reduce human immunity. Kelor (Moringa oleifera) is a potential natural resource in Indonesia, which is very abundant and contains several metabolic compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, cytokines, and caffeoylquinic acid, which was reported to show antioxidants, antibacterial and antiviral. This study aims to predict the biological activity, physicochemical properties, toxicity, and affinity-interactions of the active compounds of M. oleifera leave. The active compounds of M. oleifera were obtained from the KNApSAcK and PubChem. Analysis of the bioactivity of the compounds using the Way2Drug Pass Online. Analysis of drug-likeness and toxicity using the Lipinski web server and pkCSM. Docking is done using Autodock vina software to analyze the interaction of the compounds with Mpro. The results indicate that the compound astragalin is the compound with the highest affinity value, namely -8.7 (kcal/mol), compared to lopinavir as a control compound with an affinity value -6.6 (kcal/mol). The types of bonds in astragalin compounds are hydrogen bonds with amino acids Glutamine 127 and Arginine 298. From these results, it is predicted that astragalin compounds have the highest potential as alternative drugs to increase body immunity against the COVID-19.

PSCNN: PatchShuffle Convolutional Neural Network for COVID-19 Explainable Diagnosis.

Objective: COVID-19 is a sort of infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. This study aims to develop a more accurate COVID-19 diagnosis system.Methods: First, the n-conv module (nCM) is introduced. Then we built a 12-layer convolutional neural network (12l-CNN) as the backbone network. Afterwards, PatchShuffle was introduced to integrate with 12l-CNN as a regularization term of the loss function. Our model was named PSCNN. Moreover, multiple-way data augmentation and Grad-CAM are employed to avoid overfitting and locating lung lesions.Results: The mean and standard variation values of the seven measures of our model were 95.28 ± 1.03 (sensitivity), 95.78 ± 0.87 (specificity), 95.76 ± 0.86 (precision), 95.53 ± 0.83 (accuracy), 95.52 ± 0.83 (F1 score), 91.7 ± 1.65 (MCC), and 95.52 ± 0.83 (FMI).Conclusion: Our PSCNN is better than 10 state-of-the-art models. Further, we validate the optimal hyperparameters in our model and demonstrate the effectiveness of PatchShuffle.

The Treatment of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients with Hypertension: A Narrative Review

A new strain of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) induces coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a contagious respiratory disorder resulting in illness. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization classified this virus as a pandemic due to its rapid transmission and daily growing fatality rates. The condition is commonly manifested as clinical symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular disease. Although there is a high probability of COVID-19 patients developing cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension, there is no established causative association between both conditions. In general, this type of comorbidity is extremely common in the elderly, which increases their risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The International Society of Hypertension issued the most recent guidelines for the treatment and management of hypertension in 2020, of which the most employed are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Therefore, this research aims to investigate the treatment of ACE-i/ARB in hypertensive individuals with COVID-19. The reason is that there have been some concerns expressed about the usage of these medications due to their influence on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is the entrance site for SARS-CoV-2, particularly in the lungs. Subsequently, the results showed that discontinuing ACE-i/ARB is not advised, especially during the pandemic. This is based on data comparing mortality rates between participants on ACE-i/ARB and those not on ACE-i/ARB using cases and guidelines for managing hypertension during the pandemic.

Phantosmia as a rare neurological manifestation in patient infected with COVID-19: A case report

SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus, responsible for respiratory illness known as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread to several countries worldwide. Numerous otolaryngologists reported sudden event of anosmia or hyposmia as one of the symptoms of COVID-19 disease. Phantosmia often undetected because it only diagnosed through the patient's history. The diagnosis often missed because these symptoms were not specific.

Evidence for facial nerve palsy and SARS-CoV-2

Introduction. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized a new strain of coronavirus, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The mildest and most common symptoms include fever, fatigue and cough; however, more severe cases of the disease can cause breathing difficulties, kidney and heart failure and, eventually, death. However, an increasing number of reports of neurological manifestations have emerged. Objective. Provide a comprehensive review of the neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and especially the relationship between acute facial nerve palsy and COVID-19, as well as their results in mortality and the implications that this has in clinical practice. Method. The search in seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Scielo, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) was carried out by two independent reviewers in search of evidence of Facial Nerve Palsy (VII) and SARS-CoV-2 . After screening, data were collected and discussed. Results. Idiopathic facial palsy is called Bell's palsy and studies have shown that facial palsy increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period. There are many reports on the relationship between COVID-19 and facial paralysis, but little real evidence of their relationship. Conclusion. It is still questionable whether these neuroimmune disorders occur directly from viral infection or as autoimmune sequelae. The pathogenesis of the disease behind this manifestation is not yet fully understood. We believe that more research should be carried out to clarify the association raised by this study.

Co-Spray Dried Nafamostat Mesylate with Lecithin and Mannitol as Respirable Microparticles for Targeted Pulmonary Delivery: Pharmacokinetics and Lung Distribution in Rats.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a new strain of coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is spreading rapidly worldwide. Nafamostat mesylate (NFM) suppresses transmembrane serine protease 2 and SARS-CoV-2 S protein-mediated fusion. In this study, pharmacokinetics and lung distribution of NFM, administered via intravenous and intratracheal routes, were determined using high performance liquid chromatography analysis of blood plasma, lung lumen using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue. Intratracheal administration had higher drug delivery and longer residual time in the lung lumen and tissue, which are the main sites of action, than intravenous administration. We confirmed the effect of lecithin as a stabilizer through an ex vivo stability test. Lecithin acts as an inhibitor of carboxylesterase and delays NFM decomposition. We prepared inhalable microparticles with NFM, lecithin, and mannitol via the co-spray method. The formulation prepared using an NFM:lecithin:mannitol ratio of 1:1:100 had a small particle size and excellent aerodynamic performance. Spray dried microparticles containing NFM, lecithin, and mannitol (1:1:100) had the longest residual time in the lung tissue. In conclusion, NFM-inhalable microparticles were prepared and confirmed to be delivered into the respiratory tract, such as lung lumen and lung tissue, through in vitro and in vivo evaluations.