Browsing by Subject "COVID-19"

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Access to medicines through global health diplomacy
(Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 2023-06-10T00:00:00) Chattu, Vijay Kumar; Singh, Bawa; Pattanshetty, Sanjay; Reddy, Srikanth
The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasizes that equitable access to safe and affordable medicines is vital to attaining the highest possible standard of health by all. Ensuring equitable access to medicines (ATM) is also a key narrative of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as SDG 3.8 specifies �access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all� as a central component of universal health coverage (UHC). The SDG 3.b emphasizes the need to develop medicines to address persistent treatment gaps. However, around 2 billion people globally have no access to essential medicines, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries. The states� recognition of health as a human right obligates them to ensure access to timely, acceptable, affordable health care. While ATM is inherent in minimizing the treatment gaps, global health diplomacy (GHD) contributes to addressing these gaps and fulfilling the state�s embracement of health as a human right. � 2023 The Author(s).
Advancing african medicines agency through global health diplomacy for an equitable pan-african universal health coverage: A scoping review
(MDPI, 2021-11-09T00:00:00) Chattu, Vijay Kumar; Dave, Vishal B.; Reddy, K. Srikanth; Singh, Bawa; Sahiledengle, Biniyam; Heyi, Demisu Zenbaba; Nattey, Cornelius; Atlaw, Daniel; Jackson, Kioko; El-Khatib, Ziad; Eltom, Akram Ali
The African continent is home to 15% of the world�s population and suffers from a disease burden of more than 25% globally. In this COVID-19 era, the high burden and mortality are further worsened due to inequities, inequalities such as inadequate health systems, scarce financial and human resources, as well as unavailability of inexpensive medicines of good quality, safety, and efficacy. The Universal Health Coverage ensures that people have access to high-quality essential health services, secure, reliable, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines, as well as financial security. This paper aimed at addressing the critical need for a continental African Medicines Agency (AMA) in addressing the inequities and the role of global health diplomacy in building consensus to support the ratification of the Treaty of AMA. A literature review was done in Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Google Scholar search engine to identify the critical literature in the context of study objectives. All the articles published after 2015 till 2021 in the context of AMA were included. African Health Strategy 2016�2030 highlighted the importance of an African regulatory mechanism for medicines and medical products. Through global health diplomacy (GHD), the African Union and its partners can negotiate and cooperate in providing infrastructural, administrative, and regulatory support for establishing the AMA. The paper emphasizes the South�South cooperation and highlights the contributions of India and China in the supply of medicines and vaccines to Africa. A strong AMA created through GHD can be a vital instrument in utilizing Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities extension and an ideal partner for European and other regional regulatory authorities seeking to stem the tide of counterfeit, sub-standard, or fake products. � 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Antimicrobial and anti-viral effects of selenium nanoparticles and selenoprotein based strategies: COVID-19 and beyond
(Editions de Sante, 2023-06-08T00:00:00) Khurana, Amit; Allawadhi, Prince; Singh, Vishakha; Khurana, Isha; Yadav, Poonam; Sathua, Kshirod Bihari; Allwadhi, Sachin; Banothu, Anil Kumar; Navik, Umashanker; Bharani, Kala Kumar
Deficiency of selenium (Se) has been described in a significant number of COVID-19 patients having a higher incidence of mortality, which makes it a pertinent issue to be addressed clinically for effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) provide a unique option for managing the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SeNPs possess promising anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects by virtue of their nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-stimulator of activated B cells (NF?B), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?) modulatory activity. In addition, SeNPs possess remarkable immunomodulatory effects, making them a suitable option for supplementation with a much lower risk of toxicity compared to their elemental counterpart. Further, SeNPs have been shown to curtail viral and microbial infections, thus, making it a novel means to halt viral growth. In addition, it can be administered in the form of aerosol spray, direct injection, or infused thin-film transdermal patches to reduce the spread of this highly contagious viral infection. Moreover, a considerable decrease in the expression of selenoprotein along with enhanced expression of IL-6 in COVID-19 suggests a potential association among selenoprotein expression and COVID-19. In this review, we highlight the unique antimicrobial and antiviral properties of SeNPs and the immunomodulatory potential of selenoproteins. We provide the rationale behind their potentially interesting properties and further exploration in the context of microbial and viral infections. Further, the importance of selenoproteins and their role in maintaining a successful immune response along with their association to Se status is summarized. � 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Beyond laughter and smiles: analytical paradigms in social media COVID-19 humour studies
(Cracow Tertium Society for the Promotion of Language Studies, 2023-08-28T00:00:00) Bageshwar, Bageshree Ramdas; Zafar, Shahila
Amid the deluge of serious social media posts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, humorous posts brought users much-needed respite. This article reviews studies on social media-based COVID-19 humour in 42 research articles that were selected from four databases, viz. Science Direct, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, and Web of Science. After the classification and analysis of the articles on the basis of some key features, a detailed description and discussion of the findings have been carried out. The results concerning the characteristics and functions of COVID-19 humour reveal that most studies investigated image-text memes; the most important feature found was �humour�, in addition to others like sarcasm, irony, satire, criticism, juxtaposition, and locality. Intertextuality played a significant role in the structure of humorous posts, especially those related to specific countries. Additionally, it shows that although research on COVID-19 humour on social media is still in an early phase, several findings appear stable across various studies included in this review. Moreover, most humour studied is not only about the virus or the disease itself, but also focuses on absurd situations individuals found themselves in due to the pandemic and the lockdown that followed. � 2023,European Journal of Humour Research. All Rights Reserved.
Can bilirubin nanomedicine become a hope for the management of COVID-19?
(Churchill Livingstone, 2021-02-15T00:00:00) Khurana, Isha; Allawadhi, Prince; Khurana, Amit; Srivastava, Amit Kumar; Navik, Umashanker; Banothu, Anil Kumar; Bharani, Kala Kumar
Bilirubin has been proven to possess significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral activities. Recently, it has been postulated as a metabolic hormone. Further, moderately higher levels of bilirubin are positively associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity. However, due to poor solubility the therapeutic delivery of bilirubin remains a challenge. Nanotechnology offers unique advantages which may be exploited for improved delivery of bilirubin to the target organ with reduced risk of systemic toxicity. Herein, we postulate the use of intravenous administration or inhalational delivery of bilirubin nanomedicine (BNM) to combat systemic dysfunctions associated with COVID-19, owing to the remarkable preclinical efficacy and optimistic results of various clinical studies of bilirubin in non-communicable disorders. BNM may be used to harness the proven preclinical pharmacological efficacy of bilirubin against COVID-19 related systemic complications. � 2021 Elsevier Ltd
A case study of 2019-nCOV cases in Argentina with the real data based on daily cases from March 03, 2020 to March 29, 2021 using classical and fractional derivatives
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021-07-20T00:00:00) Kumar, Pushpendra; Erturk, Vedat Suat; Murillo-Arcila, Marina; Banerjee, Ramashis; Manickam, A.
In this study, our aim is to explore the dynamics of COVID-19 or 2019-nCOV in Argentina considering the parameter values based on the real data of this virus from March�03, 2020 to March�29, 2021 which is a data range of more than one complete year. We propose a Atangana�Baleanu type fractional-order model and simulate it by using predictor�corrector (P-C) method. First we introduce the biological nature of this virus in theoretical way and then formulate a mathematical model to define its dynamics. We use a well-known effective optimization scheme based on the renowned trust-region-reflective (TRR) method to perform the model calibration. We have plotted the real cases of COVID-19 and compared our integer-order model with the simulated data along with the calculation of basic reproductive number. Concerning fractional-order simulations, first we prove the existence and uniqueness of solution and then write the solution along with the stability of the given P-C method. A�number of graphs at various fractional-order values are simulated to predict the future dynamics of the virus in Argentina which is the main contribution of this paper. � 2021, The Author(s).
Collective Affirmation in Action: Understanding the Success of Lockdown in India During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, 2022-08-29T00:00:00) Tiwari, Gyanesh Kumar; Kashyap, Anil Kumar; Rai, Pramod Kumar; Tiwari, Raghavendra Prasad; Pandey, Ruchi
Background: This study explores the role of collective affirmation in attracting mass cooperation to motivate people to observe preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, a heterogeneous sample (n=32) comprising postgraduate (n=10) and doctorates (n=22) was chosen and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interview contents were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed via the thematic analysis method. Results: Five themes were generated in this study: perceived psychological distress, pandemic as a serious challenge to the national interest and human existence, the Janata curfew as a positive faith of the government in the abilities of Indians, lockdown as a strong faith of the government in the unshakable support of the Indians and strong affinity and pride of the Indians in their cultural heritage. The novelty, suddenness, and incurability of COVID-19 caused a set of perceived psychological distress and danger to individual and collective life. The Janata (public) curfew was perceived as a curfew of the people, by the people, and for the people. The lockdown denoted a strong faith of the Indian government in the positive virtues of the Indian people and vice versa. The mass support and adherence to the suggested preventive government measures were facilitated by collective affirmation of the well-known positive Indian cultural values (e.g. humanism, interdependence, collective pride, compassion, universal brotherhood, and so on) to the world. Conclusion: Collective affirmation inherent in the Indian cultural values catalyzed mass behavior change in the form of adherence to the essential restrictions and recommendations. Collective affirmation may have occurred because of the perceived faith of the government in the virtues of the Indians and their perceived administrative capability of the government. A culture-specific collective affirmation seems to emerge which initiated mass behavior changes leading to a successful lockdown. � 2022, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
COVID-19 in Mass Media: Manufacturing Mass Perceptions of the Virus among Older Adults
(Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2023-03-17T00:00:00) Pelletier, Petra; Kanozia, Rubal; Arya, Ritu; Lefort, Claire; McLaughlin, C�cile; Boespflug, Magali; Alain, Sophie
According to the latest The Global Risks Report (2022) of World Economic Forum, the large-scale coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat creates various tensions that might lead to unexpected cascading impacts in various domains. Nevertheless, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, about 120 nm in diameter, remains invisible to people whose cognition, emotions, and health-related behaviors are driven primarily by the subjective perception of the virus. Mass media communicating information, symbols, beliefs, and codes of conduct to the population contribute widely to the socially constructed representations of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus. Thus, the aim of the current research is to investigate the impacts of the common COVID-19 mass media image of the "ball with spikes"representing the SARS-CoV-2 virus on older adults particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus disease and fake news dissemination. This research is based on an innovative mixed-methods research design that combines questionnaires (N = 144), semi-structured research interviews, and pictographic measures (N = 26). The primary results demonstrate that individuals' perceptions of and emotional reactions to the invisible SARS-CoV-2 virus are shaped by mass media exposure, as the "ball with spikes"became a familiar symbol of the COVID-19 virus, marked by the symbolism of dangerousness and mystery with a divisive aesthetic. The current research that aims to highlight the role of mass media as the vector of an icon image of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus provides additional elements that may contribute to improved crisis management effectiveness of future pandemic outbreaks. � 2023 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.
Covid-19 pandemic and reimagination of multilateralism through global health diplomacy
(MDPI, 2021-10-21T00:00:00) Gupta, Nippun; Singh, Bawa; Kaur, Jaspal; Singh, Sandeep; Chattu, Vijay Kumar
The ongoing pandemic COVID-19 has made it very clear that no one is safe until everyone is safe. But how can everyone be safe when the pandemic has broken every nerve of the economy and put an extra burden on the already crippled healthcare systems in low-income countries? Thus, the pandemic has changed the orientation of domestic as well as global politics, with many geopolitical shifts. The exponential growing infected cases and more than four million deaths has demanded a global response in terms of multilateralism. However, declining multilateralism and the need for its reforms was a much-delayed response. Given this context, this paper aimed to link the decline of multilateralism in the face of the pandemic by highlighting various instances of its failure and success; and highlighting the need for its revival. The article critically examines and evaluates the responses of multilateralism and global health diplomacy (GHD) during the pandemic. The ongoing black swan kind of event (an unexpected event) has obligated global leadership to think in terms of the revival of multilateralism through GHD. Historically, multilateralism through GHD has been shown to play an important role in managing and combating pandemics. The article further discusses various theoretical aspects such as sovereignty and hegemonic stability theory as reasons for the failing of multilateralism. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of foresight in reviving multilateralism in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. � 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
COVID-19 pandemic and stock market reaction: empirical insights from 15 Asian countries
(Routledge, 2021-05-31T00:00:00) Mishra, Pabitra Kumar; Mishra, Santosh Kumar
Since 2020, the world has been passing through a difficult time due to the outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic. This novel public health emergency has created both demand- and supply-side shocks affecting both real and financial sectors of economies globally. One of the noteworthy immediate consequences of it was sudden nosedive of stock markets across countries in the globe. In this pre-text, this study examined the stock market behaviour in 15 selected Asian markets amid the pandemic. The results infer about the surge in market return volatilities amid the rapid spread of the coronavirus which was primarily triggered through the impaired investors� sentiments due to the announcement effects. During this period, the stock market performances in selected Asian countries have been observed to be influenced by the reporting of the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and death cases, stock index returns, market volatility, oil prices, inflation rate, and interest rates. � 2021 Denfar Transnational Development INC.
COVID-19 pandemic: An outlook on its impact on air quality and its association with environmental variables in major cities of Punjab and Chandigarh, India
(Bellwether Publishing, Ltd., 2020-10-31T00:00:00) Sahoo, Prafulla Kumar; Chauhan, Amit Kumar; Mangla, Sherry; Pathak, Ashok Kumar; Garg, V.K.
The present study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality and to explore the association of daily COVID-19 confirmed cases with meteorological parameters and criteria pollutants in the major cities of Punjab and Chandigarh, India during the different phase of pre-lockdown (March 1 to March 24), lockdown (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0; March 25 to May 31), and unlock (1.0, 2.0; > June 1) in 2020. Our results show that the COVID-19 lockdown has drastically improved the quality of air in major cities of Punjab and Chandigarh. Compared to pre-lockdown, maximum reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 levels (up to ?52 and ?53.5%, respectively) was witnessed during lockdown 1.0, but their levels were rising again during the last phase of lockdown and unlock phases. This is due to more relaxation and traffic returned on the road. Among other pollutants, NO2 also reduced during lockdown 1.0, but remained variable between cities and different phases of lockdown and unlock periods. However, surface-level ozone resulted in an overall increase trend during the lockdown and unlock phases. Regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and meteorological parameters, Spearman correlation test shows that ambient temperature is positively correlated with COVID-19 daily confirmed cases (r < 0.77, p < 0.01). This result indicates that the study region�s hot tropical weather is less effective in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Relative humidity and wind speed are also weakly correlated with COVID-19. Furthermore, among criteria pollutants, PM2.5 and PM10 are positively correlated (r < 0.55, p < 0.01) with COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, suggesting that these pollutants could lead to the spreading of the virus. However, further in-depth studies are required to validate this finding. The results of this study can contribute to the understanding of the role of environmental factors in the transmission of COVID-19 in tropical and sub-tropical countries like India, Brazil, etc. This study also indicates that the temporarylockdown like COVID-19 can be emerged as an effective way to control environmental imbalancein the study area, as well as in other areas. � 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
COVID-19 Vaccine, TRIPS, and Global Health Diplomacy: India's Role at the WTO Platform
(Hindawi Limited, 2021-08-27T00:00:00) Chattu, Vijay Kumar; Singh, Bawa; Kaur, Jaspal; Jakovljevic, Mihajlo
In light of the devastation caused by COVID-19, the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and vaccine research and development (R&D) have been occupying a prominent position in the field of global health diplomacy (GHD). Most countries, international organizations, and charitable organizations have been engaged in the R&D of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure timely affordability and accessibility to all countries. Concomitantly, the World Trade Organization (WTO) provides some provisions and enforcements regarding copyrights, patents, trademarks, geographical indications, and industrial designs. Given these safeguards, it is considered that intellectual property rights (IPRs) have become major barriers to the affordability and accessibility of vaccines/medicines/technology, particularly to the developing/least developed countries. Realizing the gravity of the pandemic impact, as well as its huge population and size, India has elevated this issue in its global health diplomacy by submitting a joint proposal with South Africa to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a temporary waiver of IPRs to ensure timely affordability and accessibility of COVID-19 medical products to all countries. However, the issue of the temporary waive off had become a geopolitical issue. Countries that used to claim per se as strong advocates of human rights, egalitarianism, and healthy democracy have opposed this proposal. In this contrasting milieu, this paper is aimed at examining how the TRIPS has become a barrier for developing countries' development and distribution of vaccines/technology; secondly, how India strategizes its role in the WTO in pursuant of its global health diplomacy? We conclude that the IPRs regime should not become a barrier to the accessibility/affordability of essential drugs and vaccines. To ensure access, India needs to get more engaged in GHD with all the involved global stakeholders to get strong support for their joint proposal. The developed countries that rejected/resisted the proposal can rethink their full support. � 2021 Vijay Kumar Chattu et al.
COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2021-12-30T00:00:00) Bhattacharyya, Anusuya; Sarma, Phulen; Kaur, Hardeep; Kumar, Subodh; Bhattacharyya, Jaimini; Prajapat, Manisha; Prakash, Ajay; Sharma, Saurabh; Reddy, Dibbanti Harikrishna; Thota, Prasad; Bansal, Seema; Gautam, Bhaswati Sharma; Medhi, Bikash
BACKGROUND: Till now, no meta-analysis is available to address the clinical profile, risk factors, different interventions, and outcomes among COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (C-ROCM) cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight literature databases were screened using appropriate keywords from November 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021. The objectives were to analyze the clinical and microbiological profile, risk factor/comorbidity, intervention, and outcome. 'R-metafor package' was used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included. The mean age of presentation of C-ROCM was 54.6 years. The most common presentation was ptosis (72.7%), lid edema (60.6%), proptosis (60.6%), ophthalmoplegia (57.3%), loss of vision (53.7%), facial edema (34.7%), and nasal-blockage (11.8%). Evidence of intracranial spread was seen in 42.8% of cases. Rhizopus was the most common fungus (57.1%) isolated in fungal culture. Among C-ROCM patients, diabetes was the commonest comorbid condition, and the use of corticosteroids related to COVID-19 treatment was the most common risk factor (85.75%). Compared to controlled diabetics, C-ROCM was significantly higher among uncontrolled diabetics (odds ratio [OR] 0.15, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] 0.041-0.544, P = 0.0010). However, no significant association was seen between C-ROCM and COVID-19 severity (OR 0.930, 95% C.I. 0.212-4.087, P = 0.923). For treatment, amphotericin-B was the most common antifungal drug used which was followed by surgical options. However, mortality was high (prevalence 0.344, 95% C.I. 0.205-0.403) despite treatment. CONCLUSION: Although local rhino-orbito symptoms were the first to appear, rapid intracranial extension was seen in a significant number of C-ROCM cases. Uncontrolled diabetes and excessive use of corticosteroid were the most common risk factors present among the C-ROCM cases. High index clinical suspicion is imperative (specifically among COVID-19 patients with diabetes), and routine screening may be helpful. � 2021 Indian Journal of Pharmacology Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow.
Current Insights and Molecular Docking Studies of the Drugs under Clinical Trial as RdRp Inhibitors in COVID-19 Treatment
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2022-11-08T00:00:00) Pauly, Irine; Singh, Ankit Kumar; Kumar, Adarsh; Singh, Yogesh; Thareja, Suresh; Kamal, Mohammad A.; Verma, Amita; Kumar, Pradeep
Study Background & Objective: After the influenza pandemic (1918), COVID-19 was declared a Vth pandemic by the WHO in 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA-enveloped single-stranded virus. Based on the structure and life cycle, Protease (3CLpro), RdRp, ACE2, IL-6, and TMPRSS2 are the major targets for drug development against COVID-19. Pre-existing several drugs (FDA-approved) are used to inhibit the above targets in different diseases. In coronavirus treatment, these drugs are also in different clinical trial stages. Remdesivir (RdRp inhibitor) is the only FDA-approved medicine for coronavirus treatment. In the present study, by using the drug repurposing strategy, 70 preexisting clinical or under clinical trial molecules were used in scrutiny for RdRp inhibitor potent molecules in coronavirus treatment being surveyed via docking studies. Molecular simulation studies further confirmed the binding mechanism and stability of the most potent compounds. Material and Methods: Docking studies were performed using the Maestro 12.9 module of Schrodinger soft-ware over 70 molecules with RdRp as the target and remdesivir as the standard drug and further confirmed by simulation studies. Results: The docking studies showed that many HIV protease inhibitors demonstrated remarkable binding interactions with the target RdRp. Protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir are effective. Along with these, AT-527, ledipasvir, bicalutamide, and cobicistat showed improved docking scores. RMSD and RMSF were further analyzed for potent ledipasvir and ritonavir by simulation studies and were identified as potential candidates for corona disease. Conclusion: The drug repurposing approach provides a new avenue in COVID-19 treatment. � 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.
Currently available COVID-19 management options
(Elsevier, 2023-01-20T00:00:00) Ludhiadch, Abhilash; Yadav, Umesh Prasad; Munshi, Anjana
The pandemic caused by new coronavirus (COVID-19), i.e., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), started from the Wuhan state of China. COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease characterized by atypical pneumonia with the symptoms like fever, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and dyspnea. As of January 2022, more than 298 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (WHO). Changes in personal behavior like the use of face masks, proper hand hygiene, social distancing, and some interventions and control measures led by Governments all over the world resulted in decline of SARS-CoV-2 infections globally. The main concern of this pandemic is the risk of transmission and reinfection with new variants of COVID-19, and therefore, this COVID-19 pandemic is still a matter of great concern. It is a major challenge for clinicians and researchers worldwide to develop a specific strategy to eliminate this virus. The complications on account of COVID-19 disease manifest from mild to moderate. Only 5%�10% of the cases show severe and life-threatening complications with an approximately 2% of death rate worldwide [1]. Based on the severity of infection the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has classified COVID-19 into five different stages: asymptomatic infection, mild illness, moderate illness, severe illness, and critical illness [2]. Currently, many supportive measures such as ventilation systems and fluid management are being followed to save lives, but there is a dire need to develop antiviral treatment strategy to counter the spread of this virus completely. The treatment strategies also include blocking of enzymes or proteins that are essential for the survival of the virus, inhibition of viral structural proteins to prevent the affinity with human cells or virion formation, further by stimulating the immunity of the host, and inhibition of receptors in host that aid in entry of the virus. Currently, battling COVID-19 is the top most priority in the scientific world. Various pharmaceutical companies and research fraternities around the globe are working on interventions to reduce the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and prevent subsequent infections. Many clinical trials and animal studies are being carried out to identify the most potent drug alone or combination against the disease. The management of COVID-19 is being achieved by general treatment, specific treatments, and supplementation of vitamins and essential micronutrients like zinc and magnesium. General treatment strategies basically include antiviral therapies, antiinflammatory therapies and use of corticosteroids. The treatment of critically ill patients includes specific treatment strategies such as the use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody products, immunomodulatory agents, and oxygenation and ventilation management. Supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, etc., is also being used to reduce the symptoms during the course of infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection also poses a risk of developing post-COVID-19 complications in the patients who suffered severe infection [3]. The management of post-COVID complications is currently under focus and there is a need to manage such patients with proper care. The post-COVID complications affect multiple organ systems such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, neuropsychiatric, hematologic, and several others. Developing a significantly potent treatment will help the medical fraternity to eradicate the virus without overburdening the existing healthcare system. This chapter has been compiled with an aim to sum up information on currently available treatment strategies and management for COVID-19. � 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Decorin as a possible strategy for the amelioration of COVID-19
(Churchill Livingstone, 2021-05-20T00:00:00) Allawadhi, Prince; Singh, Vishakha; Khurana, Isha; Rawat, Pushkar Singh; Renushe, Akshata Patangrao; Khurana, Amit; Navik, Umashanker; Allwadhi, Sachin; Kumar Karlapudi, Satish; Banothu, Anil Kumar; Bharani, Kala Kumar
Coronavirus pandemic has emerged as an extraordinary healthcare crisis in modern times. The SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus has high transmission rate, is more aggressive and virulent in comparison to previously known coronaviruses. It primarily attacks the respiratory system by inducing cytokine storm that causes systemic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. Decorin is a pluripotent molecule belonging to a leucine rich proteoglycan group that exerts critical role in extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and regulates cell growth, adhesion, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. Interestingly, decorin has potent anti-inflammatory, cytokine inhibitory, and anti-fibrillogenesis effects which make it a potential drug candidate against the COVID-19 related complications especially in the context of lung fibrosis. Herein, we postulate that owing to its distinctive pharmacological actions and immunomodulatory effect, decorin can be a promising preclinical therapeutic agent for the therapy of COVID-19. � 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Digital Practices by Citizens During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From an International Multisite Study
(JMIR Publications Inc., 2023-03-06T00:00:00) Marston, Hannah Ramsden; Ko, Pei-Chun; Prabhu, Vishnunarayan Girishan; Freeman, Shannon; Ross, Christopher; Sharaievska, Iryna; Browning, Matthew HEM; Earle, Sarah; Ivan, Loredana; Kanozia, Rubal; �al?ko?lu, Halime �zt�rk; Arslan, Hasan; Bilir-Koca, Burcu; Silva, Paula Alexandra; Buttigieg, Sandra; Gro�sch�dl, Franziska; Sch�ttengruber, Gerhilde
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought digital practices and engagement to the forefront of society, which were based on behavioral changes associated with adhering to different government mandates. Further behavioral changes included transitioning from working in the office to working from home, with the use of various social media and communication platforms to maintain a level of social connectedness, especially given that many people who were living in different types of communities, such as rural, urban, and city spaces, were socially isolated from friends, family members, and community groups. Although there is a growing body of research exploring how technology is being used by people, there is limited information and insight about the digital practices employed across different age cohorts living in different physical spaces and residing in different countries. Objective: This paper presents the findings from an international multisite study exploring the impact of social media and the internet on the health and well-being of individuals in different countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data were collected via a series of online surveys deployed between April 4, 2020, and September 30, 2021. The age of respondents varied from 18 years to over 60 years across the 3 regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. On exploring the associations of technology use, social connectedness, and sociodemographic factors with loneliness and well-being through bivariate and multivariate analyses, significant differences were observed. Results: The levels of loneliness were higher among respondents who used social media messengers or many social media apps than among those who did not use social media messengers or used ?1 social media app. Additionally, the levels of loneliness were higher among respondents who were not members of an online community support group than among those who were members of an online community support group. Psychological well-being was significantly lower and loneliness was significantly higher among people living in small towns and rural areas than among those living in suburban and urban communities. Younger respondents (18-29 years old), single adults, unemployed individuals, and those with lower levels of education were more likely to experience loneliness. Conclusions: From an international and interdisciplinary perspective, policymakers and stakeholders should extend and explore interventions targeting loneliness experienced by single young adults and further examine how this may vary across geographies. The study findings have implications across the fields of gerontechnology, health sciences, social sciences, media communication, computers, and information technology. �Hannah Ramsden Marston, Pei-Chun Ko, Vishnunarayan Girishan Prabhu, Shannon Freeman, Christopher Ross, Iryna Sharaievska, Matthew HEM Browning, Sarah Earle, Loredana Ivan, Rubal Kanozia, Halime �zt�rk �al?ko?lu, Hasan Arslan, Burcu Bilir-Koca, Paula Alexandra Silva, Sandra C Buttigieg, Franziska Gro�sch�dl, Gerhilde Sch�ttengruber.
Distribution and concentration pathway of particulate pollution during pandemic-induced lockdown in metropolitan cities in India
(Institute for Ionics, 2023-06-12T00:00:00) Anand, A.; Garg, V.K.; Agrawal, A.; Mangla, S.; Pathak, A.
To characterize the pollutant dispersal across major metropolitan cities in India, daily particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) data for the study areas were collected from the National Air Quality Monitoring stations database provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India. The data were analysed for three temporal ranges, i.e. before the pandemic-induced lockdown, during the lockdown, and after the upliftment of lockdown restrictions. For the purpose, the time scale ranged from 1st April to 31st May for the years 2019 (pre), 2020, and 2021 (post). Statistical distributions (lognormal, Weibull, and Gamma), aerosol optical thickness, and back trajectories were assessed for all three time periods. Most cities followed the lognormal distribution for PM2.5 during the lockdown period except Mumbai and Hyderabad. For PM10, all the regions followed the lognormal distribution. Delhi and Kolkata observed a maximum decline in particulate pollution of 41% and 52% for PM2.5 and 49% and 53% for PM10, respectively. Air mass back trajectory suggests local transmission of air mass during the lockdown period, and an undeniable decline in aerosol optical thickness was observed from the MODIS sensor. It can be concluded that statistical distribution analysis coupled with pollution models can be a counterpart in studying the dispersal and developing pollution abatement policies for specific sites. Moreover, incorporating remote sensing in pollution study can enhance the knowledge about the origin and movement of air parcels and can be helpful in taking decisions beforehand. � 2023, The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Iranian Society of Environmentalists (IRSEN) and Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University.
Do Banking and Financial Services Sectors Show Herding Behaviour in Indian Stock Market Amid COVID-19 Pandemic? Insights from Quantile Regression Approach
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2021-07-24T00:00:00) Mishra, P.K.; Mishra, S.K.
In India, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic-induced country-wide regulatory lockdown and consequential supply-chain disruptions and market instability have all posed serious challenges before the regulators and policymakers. Amid the pandemic, the stock market showed return volatilities primarily due to the unexpected investors� behaviour. One of the behavioural biases is herding, which has the power to wreck the market equilibrium and shatter the market efficiency. Given that the pandemic has generated unprecedented spirals of uncertainties across the globe, thereby creating interruptions in the pattern of stock market investment decisions, this study examined the herding behaviour of 54 stocks of banking and financial services sectors listed in the national stock exchange. In the quantile regression framework, the study provides evidence of the presence of herding for public sector banking and financial services under the bull market conditions during the pandemic in the 90th quantile of the return distribution. This finding has implications for the mispricing of financial assets in these sectors. So, the study suggests removing information asymmetry among the market participants and devising policy initiatives for ensuring market stability. � 2023 Association of Asia Scholars.
The double whammy of pandemic and war: A systematic review of india�s education diplomacy to address educational inequities in afghanistan
(MDPI, 2021-10-18T00:00:00) Singh, Bawa; Kaur, Jaspal; Sen, Rajinder Kumar; Singh, Balinder; Chattu, Vijay Kumar
Higher education is considered an important tool for the overall development of any country, and it holds true in the context of Afghanistan as well. At the same time, a good eco-environment in terms of political will, leaders� farsighted vision, a fair budget, good infrastructure, and a good teaching community are some of the basic requirements for higher education to move in the direction of new and higher horizons. However, due to the ongoing war during the last couple of decades, the country�s education system has become out of reach for a substantial part of the population due to poverty, lack of infrastructure, refugees and internally displaced, digital division, etc., critically affecting the education equity. This systematic review examines India�s education diplomacy in addressing the inequities in Afghanistan�s education system and making them more equitable. Education was further dilapidated with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Afghanistan is caught between a war and a pandemic and suffers from a double whammy in losses. Subsequently, given their chilling effects, higher education becomes devoid of multiples equities, including education. However, because of their historical and geo-civilizational ties, India has focused on development diplomacy in general and education diplomacy (E.D) in particular to improve educational infrastructures. � 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.