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Kajiita RM, Kang’ethe SM. The Pandemics of Mass Destruction: A Comparative Analysis of HIV/AIDS and Coronavirus (COVID-19). J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:889-899. [PMID: 38445068 PMCID: PMC10913803 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s440243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically, humanity has suffered and endured deadly pandemics of varying mortality rates. Irrefutably, research shows that the outbreak of pandemics is flooded by mythical and fallacious information among the public, hence stifling the prevention, treatment, and management of diseases. This paper focused on comparing selected aspects of the two pandemics, that is, HIV/AIDS and Coronavirus. This comparative analysis is important for drawing informative lessons for effective response and management of pandemics in the future. Through a literature review analysis, the paper established that both pandemics have more similarities than distinctions. The etiology and epidemiology of the diseases assume a similar cascading trajectory; the public health information about the diseases is characterized by myths, conspiracy theories, illusions, and delusions from the public. The myths associated with pandemics prevail around causation, disease transmission, and cure. The pandemics present economic paradoxes, though arguably the negatives outdo the positives. There is a need for the governments and international health custodians to be richly prepared for the pandemics in the future. This implies having special budgetary allocations for possible pandemic outbreaks, investing in vaccine development and disease surveillance, and training and skilling personnel in all social-health-related sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Mutemi Kajiita
- Department of Social Work; Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Simon Murote Kang’ethe
- Department of Social Work; Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
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Salvetat ML, Musa M, Pellegrini F, Salati C, Spadea L, Zeppieri M. Considerations of COVID-19 in Ophthalmology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2220. [PMID: 37764064 PMCID: PMC10538084 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in early 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 infection has had a significant impact on the entire eye care system. Ophthalmologists have been categorized as a high-risk group for contracting the virus due to the belief that the eye may be a site of inoculation and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, clinical ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eyecare professionals have had to familiarize themselves with the ocular manifestations of COVID-19, as well as its treatments and vaccines. The implementation of measures to prevent the transmission of the virus, such as restrictions, lockdowns, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI), have led to substantial and potentially irreversible changes in routine clinical practice, education, and research. This has resulted in the emergence of a new mode of managing patients in a routine clinical setting. This brief review aims to provide an overview of various aspects of COVID-19 in ophthalmology, including the ocular manifestations related to the disease, the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, precautions taken in ophthalmic practice to prevent the spread of the virus, drugs, and vaccines used in the treatment of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic on patients, clinicians, and the eye care system as a whole, and the future of ophthalmology conditioned by this global pandemic experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Salvetat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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3
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Pilati Campos IM, Marques M, Peiter GC, Brandalize APC, dos Santos MB, de Melo FF, Teixeira KN. Temporal pattern of humoral immune response in mild cases of COVID-19. World J Biol Chem 2023; 14:40-51. [PMID: 37034134 PMCID: PMC10080547 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v14.i2.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the humoral response pattern of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the essential factors to better characterize the immune memory of patients, which allows understanding the temporality of reinfection, provides answers about the efficacy and durability of protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and consequently helps in global public health and vaccination strategy. Among the patients who became infected with SARS-CoV-2, the majority who did not progress to death were those who developed the mild COVID-19, so understanding the pattern and temporality of the antibody response of these patients is certainly relevant.
AIM To investigate the temporal pattern of humoral response of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in mild cases of COVID-19.
METHODS Blood samples from 191 COVID-19 real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)-positive volunteers from the municipality of Toledo/ Paraná/Brazil, underwent two distinct serological tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and detection of anti-nucleocapsid IgG. Blood samples and clinicoepidemiological data of the volunteers were collected between November 2020 and February 2021. All assays were performed in duplicate and the manufacturers' recommendations were strictly followed. The data were statistically analyzed using multiple logistic regression; the variables were selected by applying the P < 0.05 criterion.
RESULTS Serological tests to detect specific IgG were performed on serum samples from volunteers who were diagnosed as being positive by RT-qPCR for COVID-19 or had disease onset in the time interval from less than 1 mo to 7 mo. The time periods when the highest number of participants with detectable IgG was observed were 1, 2 and 3 mo. It was observed that 9.42% of participants no longer had detectable IgG antibodies 1 mo only after being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 1.57% were also IgG negative at less than 1 mo. At 5 mo, 3.14% of volunteers were IgG negative, and at 6 or 7 mo, 1 volunteer (0.52%) had no detectable IgG. During the period between diagnosis by RT-qPCR/symptoms onset and the date of collection for the study, no statistical significance was observed for any association analyzed. Moreover, considering the age category between 31 and 59 years as the exposed group, the P value was 0.11 for the category 31 to 59 years and 0.32 for the category 60 years or older, showing that in both age categories there was no association between the pair of variables analyzed. Regarding chronic disease, the exposure group consisted of the participants without any comorbidity, so the P value of 0.07 for the category of those with at least one chronic disease showed no association between the two variables.
CONCLUSION A temporal pattern of IgG response was not observed, but it is suggested that immunological memory is weak and there is no association between IgG production and age or chronic disease in mild COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena Marques
- Campus Toledo, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Toledo 85.919-899, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Campus Anísio Teixeira, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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Zhan K, Wang L, Lin H, Fang X, Jia H, Ma X. Novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2023; 17:17534666231199679. [PMID: 37727063 PMCID: PMC10515606 DOI: 10.1177/17534666231199679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The central role of inflammatory progression in the development of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in severe cases, is indisputable. However, the role of some novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19 remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of some novel inflammatory biomarkers in the occurrence and prognosis of COVID-19. METHODS We systematically retrieved the studies related to COVID-19 and the inflammatory biomarkers of interest. The data of each biomarker in different groups were extracted, then were categorized and pooled. The standardized mean difference was chosen as an effect size measure to compare the difference between groups. RESULTS A total of 90 studies with 12,059 participants were included in this study. We found higher levels of endocan, PTX3, suPAR, sRAGE, galectin-3, and monocyte distribution width (MDW) in the COVID-19 positive groups compared to the COVID-19 negative groups. No significant differences for suPAR and galectin-3 were detected between the severe group and mild/moderate group of COVID-19. In addition, the deaths usually had higher levels of PTX3, sCD14-ST, suPAR, and MDW at admission compared to the survivors. Furthermore, patients with higher levels of endocan, galectin-3, sCD14-ST, suPAR, and MDW usually developed poorer comprehensive clinical prognoses. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this meta-analysis provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive evidence for the role of the mentioned novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19, especially in evaluating death and other poor prognoses, with most biomarkers showing a better discriminatory ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegang Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- College of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Luhan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Lin
- West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Fang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Jia
- College of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xiangyu Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
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Fernandes RRA, Santos MDS, Magliano CADS, Tura BR, Macedo LSDN, Padila MP, França ACW, Braga AA. Cost Utility of Vaccination Against COVID-19 in Brazil. Value Health Reg Issues 2022; 31:18-24. [PMID: 35325693 PMCID: PMC8935121 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-utility of the Oxford, CoronaVac, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system. Methods A total of 3 microsimulation models were constructed with individual data to evaluate the 3 vaccines. The simulation contains 7 transition states that are related to the natural history of the disease. The model with a daily cycle has a time horizon of 1 year and uses data from 289 days of the pandemic. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system considering direct medical costs. For the model inputs, outpatient and hospital databases were used with information on treated patients stratified by age. Information on mortality was also stratified based on patients' age in the mortality database (SIM). The efficacy of vaccines to reduce the likelihood of patients becoming ill was evaluated independently for each vaccine. Information on the quality of life of patients in outpatient or hospital treatment and the sequelae resulting from the disease were extracted from the literature. The main outcome of the analysis was quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Results The vaccines showed incremental cost-utility ratios ranging from R$−23 161.3/QALY (Oxford) to R$17 757.85/QALY (CoronaVac). The older the population, the lower was the incremental cost-utility ratio. Given a willingness-to-pay threshold of R$17 586/QALY, all the vaccines were considered cost-effective in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Conclusions The results of the analysis by age group can help in the preparation of a vaccination prioritization plan.
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6
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Abulikemu M, Booker EP, E.A. Tabrizi B, Jabbour GE. Fast and Effective Deactivation of Human Coronavirus with Copper Oxide Suspensions. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2022; 5:3734-3740. [PMID: 35830575 PMCID: PMC9305719 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for versatile and robust countermeasures against viral threats. A wide range of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be deactivated by metal and metal-oxide surface coatings. However, such coatings are expensive and cannot easily be retrofitted to existing infrastructure. Low-cost materials to halt the propagation of a variety of viruses must be produced with minimal quantities of expensive precursors. In this regard, we show that commercially available copper oxide nanoparticle suspensions can deactivate more than 99.55% of the human coronavirus 229E in 30 min, confirming the particles' efficiency as a fast antiviral material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutalifu Abulikemu
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,
University of Ottawa, 800 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, Ontarip
K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Edward P. Booker
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,
University of Ottawa, 800 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, Ontarip
K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Bita E.A. Tabrizi
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,
University of Ottawa, 800 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, Ontarip
K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Ghassan E. Jabbour
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,
University of Ottawa, 800 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, Ontarip
K1N 6N5, Canada
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Farhud DD, Mojahed N. SARS-COV-2 Notable Mutations and Variants: A Review Article. Iran J Public Health 2022; 51:1494-1501. [PMID: 36248293 PMCID: PMC9529736 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v51i7.10083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) the virus that caused an epidemic of sever acute respiratory syndrome is what the world has been dealing with since Dec 2019. As the pandemic continues different variants that emerge during mutations have become the latest concern, with notable examples detected in South Africa, Brazil, and UK. Variants are complicated and each one is a collection of several mutations, all of which have the potential to change the virus in unexpected ways. Studying variants is imperative as they can lead the epidemic to the increase of population immunity. In the present study, we reviewed key mutations and concerning variants according to the WHO tracking Sars-Cov-2 program. Databases were searched through Feb to Mar 2022. Overall, 477 studies were extracted from databases, among them 165 studies included mutations, 239 included COVID-19 variants and 43 included both mutations and variants. At the final step of data screening 24 studies associated to mutations, 31 studies with the highlighted information on COVID-19 variants and 31 studies related to both mutations and variants were extracted for this review article. In conclusion, analyses of the genomic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 indicate that structural proteins are key molecules in the assembly of virus while NSPs can have different biochemical properties and possibly cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariush D Farhud
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Departments of Basic Sciences/Ethics, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Farhud Genetics Clinic, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nooshin Mojahed
- Farhud Genetics Clinic, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Sabitha S, Shobana N, Prakash P, Padmanaban S, Sathiyashree M, Saigeetha S, Chakravarthi S, Uthaman S, Park IK, Samrot AV. A Review of Different Vaccines and Strategies to Combat COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050737. [PMID: 35632493 PMCID: PMC9145217 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In December 2019, an unknown viral infection emerged and quickly spread worldwide, resulting in a global pandemic. This novel virus caused severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has caused 6.25 millions of deaths worldwide and remains a major concern for health, society, and the economy. As vaccination is one of the most efficient ways to combat this pandemic, different vaccines were developed in a short period. This review article discusses how coronavirus affected the top nations of the world and the vaccines being used for the prevention. Amongst the vaccines, some vaccines have already been approved, and some have been involved in clinical studies. The article also provides insight into different COVID-19 vaccine platforms, their preparation, working, efficacy, and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasan Sabitha
- School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Sholinganallur, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai 600119, India; (S.S.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Nagarajan Shobana
- School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Sholinganallur, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai 600119, India; (S.S.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Pandurangan Prakash
- School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Sholinganallur, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai 600119, India; (S.S.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Sathiyamoorthy Padmanaban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Korea;
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Gwangju 58128, Korea
| | - Mahendran Sathiyashree
- School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Sholinganallur, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai 600119, India; (S.S.); (N.S.); (P.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Subramanian Saigeetha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India;
| | - Srikumar Chakravarthi
- School of Bioscience, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jalan SP2, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia;
| | - Saji Uthaman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Correspondence: (S.U.); (I.-K.P.); (A.V.S.)
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 58128, Korea;
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Gwangju 58128, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.U.); (I.-K.P.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Antony V. Samrot
- School of Bioscience, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jalan SP2, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia;
- Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur 600073, India
- Correspondence: (S.U.); (I.-K.P.); (A.V.S.)
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Belay W, Manyazewal T, Woldeamanuel Y, Makonnen E, Teferra S, Addissie A, Hanlon C, Haile T, Amogne W, Hailemariam D, Asaminew A, Habtamu K, Araya M, Ajeme T, Eshetu T, Bisrat H, Shiferaw K, Kassa M, Abayneh A, Ambaw F, Berhane Y, Gebremariam R, Davey G, Medhin G, Fekadu A. Impact of COVID-19 on population health and economic wellbeing in Ethiopia: A national pilot survey. Ethiop Med J 2022; 60:32-39. [PMID: 38170151 PMCID: PMC10760987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The COVD-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global health and economic crisis, particularly in countries struggling with poverty. We conducted a national survey to understand the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Methods A pilot, population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults randomly selected from the Ethio Telecom list of mobile phone numbers. Participants underwent a comprehensive phone interview about the impact of COVID-19 on their economic well-being and the health-related risks associated with COVID-19. Results Of 4,180 calls attempted, 1194 were answered, of which a successful interview was made with 614 participants. COVID-19 affected the family income of 343 [55.9%] participants, 56 [9.1%] lost their job, 105 [17.1%] perceived high stress in their household, and 7 [1.14%] reported death in their family in the past month. The odds of having a decreased income due to COVID-19 were 2.4 times higher among self-employed [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.4, 95% CI (1.58-3.77)] and 2.8 times higher among unemployed [AOR 2.8, 95% CI (1.35-5.85)] participants. Two-hundred twenty-one [36%] participants had comorbidity in their household with hypertension, 72 [11.7%], diabetes,50 [8.1%], asthma, 48 [7.8%], and other chronic diseases, 51 [8.4%]. Forty-six [7.5%] participants had COVID-like symptoms in the previous month, where cough, headache, and fatigue were the most common. Conclusion COVID-19 posed serious economic pressure on households. Self-employed and unemployed were the most affected. Continuous surveillance is needed to actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 in the community and safeguard the economic and health well-being of individuals and households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winini Belay
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, Immunology and Pathology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Teferra
- Addis Ababa University, WHO Collaborating Center for Mental Health Research and Capacity Building, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adamu Addissie
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa University, WHO Collaborating Center for Mental Health Research and Capacity Building, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Centre for Global Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Tewodros Haile
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Amogne
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Damen Hailemariam
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Azeb Asaminew
- Addis Ababa University, WHO Collaborating Center for Mental Health Research and Capacity Building, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Habtamu
- Addis Ababa University, College of Education and Behavioral Studies, School of Psychology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mesele Araya
- Addis Ababa University, Department of Economics, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tigest Ajeme
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Eshetu
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Haileleuel Bisrat
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kehabtimer Shiferaw
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Munir Kassa
- Ministry of Health-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aschalew Abayneh
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fentie Ambaw
- Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Rahel Gebremariam
- Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gail Davey
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton, UK
| | - Girmay Medhin
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa University, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Addis Ababa University, Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa University, WHO Collaborating Center for Mental Health Research and Capacity Building, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton, UK
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Pant S, Jena NR. Inhibition of the RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase of the SARS-CoV-2 by Short Peptide Inhibitors. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 167:106012. [PMID: 34543728 PMCID: PMC8445883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients has become detrimental to their lives. However, blocking the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 will help in suppressing the viral loads in patients, which would ultimately help in the early recovery. To discover such drugs, molecular docking, MD-simulations, and MM/GBSA approaches have been used herein to examine the role of several short ionic peptides in inhibiting the RNA binding site of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Out of the 49 tri- and tetrapeptide inhibitors studied, 8 inhibitors were found to bind RdRp strongly as revealed by the docking studies. Among these inhibitors, the Ala1-Arg2-Lys3-Asp4 and Ala1-Lys2-Lys3-Asp4 are found to make the most stable complexes with RdRp and possess the ΔGbind of -17.41 and -14.21 kcal/mol respectively as revealed by the MD and MM/GBSA studies. Hence these peptide inhibitors would be highly potent in inhibiting the activities of RdRp. It is further found that these inhibitors can occupy the positions of the nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) insertion site, thereby inhibiting the replication of the viral genome by obstructing the synthesis of new nucleotides. Structural and energetic comparisons of these inhibitors with Remdesivir and similar nucleotide drugs show that these peptides would be more specific and hence may act as promiscuous antiviral agents against RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyash Pant
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, 700054, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - N R Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing, Dumna Airport Road, Jabalpur-482005, India.
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Girón-Navarro R, Linares-Hernández I, Castillo-Suárez LA. The impact of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in water: potential risks. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:52651-52674. [PMID: 34453253 PMCID: PMC8397333 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes research data on SARS-CoV-2 in water environments. A literature survey was conducted using the electronic databases Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer. This complete research included and discussed relevant studies that involve the (1) introduction, (2) definition and features of coronavirus, (2.1) structure and classification, (3) effects on public health, (4) transmission, (5) detection methods, (6) impact of COVID-19 on the water sector (drinking water, cycle water, surface water, wastewater), (6.5) wastewater treatment, and (7) future trends. The results show contamination of clean water sources, and community drinking water is vulnerable. Additionally, there is evidence that sputum, feces, and urine contain SARS-CoV-2, which can maintain its viability in sewage and the urban-rural water cycle to move towards seawater or freshwater; thus, the risk associated with contracting COVID-19 from contact with untreated water or inadequately treated wastewater is high. Moreover, viral loads have been detected in surface water, although the risk is lower for countries that efficiently treat their wastewater. Further investigation is immediately required to determine the persistence and mobility of SARS-CoV-2 in polluted water and sewage as well as the possible potential of disease transmission via drinking water. Conventional wastewater treatment systems have been shown to be effective in removing the virus, which plays an important role in pandemic control. Monitoring of this virus in water is extremely important as it can provide information on the prevalence and distribution of the COVID-19 pandemic in different communities as well as possible infection dynamics to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Girón-Navarro
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 14.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P, 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Ivonne Linares-Hernández
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 14.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P, 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - Luis Antonio Castillo-Suárez
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 14.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P, 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
- Consejo Mexiquense de Ciencia y Tecnología - COMECYT, Diagonal Alfredo del Mazo 198 y 103, Guadalupe y Club Jardín, C.P. 50010, Toluca de Lerdo, Estado de México, México.
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El-Tanbouly R, Hassan Z, El-Messeiry S. The Role of Indoor Plants in air Purification and Human Health in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proposal for a Novel Line of Inquiry. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:709395. [PMID: 34277711 PMCID: PMC8279815 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.709395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The last two decades have seen the discovery of novel retroviruses that have resulted in severe negative consequences for human health. In late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged with a high transmission rate and severe effects on human health, with 5% infected persons requiring hospitalisation and 3.81 million deaths to date globally. Aerosol particles containing virions are considered the main source of SARS CoV-2 transmission in this pandemic, with increased infection rates in confined spaces. Consequently, public and private institutions had to institute mitigation measures including the use of facial masks and social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Moreover, the role of air purification and bio-decontamination is understood as being essential to mitigate viral spread. Various techniques can be applied to bio-decontaminate the air such as the use of filtration and radiation; however, these methods are expensive and not feasible for home use. Another method of air purification is where indoor plants can purify the air by the removal of air pollutants and habituated airborne microbes. The use of indoor plants could prove to be a cost-efficient way of indoor air-purification that could be adapted for a variety of environments with no need for special requirements and can also add an aesthetic value that can have an indirect impact on human health. In this review, we discuss the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the currently used air purification methods, and we propose the use of indoor plants as a new possible eco-friendly tool for indoor air purification and for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in confined places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania El-Tanbouly
- Department of Floriculture, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ziad Hassan
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah El-Messeiry
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Abstract
The vaccination for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is undergoing its final stages of analysis and testing. It is an impressive feat under the circumstances that we are on the verge of a potential breakthrough vaccination. This will help reduce the stress for millions of people around the globe, helping to restore worldwide normalcy. In this review, the analysis looks into how the new branch of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) came into the forefront of the world like a pandemic. This review will break down the details of what COVID-19 is, the viral family it belongs to and its background of how this family of viruses alters bodily functions by attacking vital human respiratory organs, the circulatory system, the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. This review also looks at the process a new drug analogue undergoes, from (i) being a promising lead compound to (ii) being released into the market, from the drug development and discovery stage right through to FDA approval and aftermarket research. This review also addresses viable reasoning as to why the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may have taken much less time than normal in order for it to be released for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Daou
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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