scholarly journals Nuclear medicine practices during the COVID-19 pandemic—review of some recently published protocols

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Shahbaz ◽  
Owais Bin Qadeer ◽  
Kanwal Nazir ◽  
Muhammad Naeem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Medicine ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Medicine Department ◽  
Smooth Flow ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Future Outbreak

Abstract Background With the global surge in COVID-19 pandemic, it has become inevitable for everyone, inclusive of nuclear medicine personnel, to play their role in combating and containing its transmission. During fall 2019, China encountered a novel coronavirus in Wuhan city which was later on termed as COVID-19. The pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is characterized by dry cough, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breathing (dyspnea). Until now, this virus has spread worldwide and continues to cause exponential causalities. Main body This global catastrophic scenario calls for stringent measures to control COVID-19 infection. Thus herein, the respective authors have endeavored to review precautionary measures for nuclear medicine department, encompassing its personnel as well as the patients so that intradepartmental transmission can be prevented. This requires development and execution of a robust and dynamic plan elaborating the healthcare guidelines. Hence, our review paper covers the arena of nuclear medicine services in particular. Conclusion Nuclear medicine can play its role in mitigating COVID-19 transmission to personnel and patients if provided with ample PPEs and guidelines are strictly followed. With implementing SOPs (standard operating procedures) based on these guidelines, nuclear medicine facilities will be better prepared for impromptu actions in case of any future outbreak while retaining the smooth flow of obligatory healthcare services.

scholarly journals The Novel Coronavirus and Undocumented Farmworkers in the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 104829112198900
Author(s):  
Olayemi O. Matthew ◽  
Paul F. Monaghan ◽  
John S. Luque
Keyword(s):  
Legal Status ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Working And Living Conditions

The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly impacted frontline workers’ health in 2020. The objective of this commentary is to evaluate some of the challenges faced by undocumented farmworkers in the context of the current global pandemic and possible risk mitigation strategies. Undocumented farmworkers make considerable contributions to the U.S. economy and food production, but they are at an elevated risk for contracting Covid-19. Their risk is compounded by their employment and legal status, as well as their poor working and living conditions which makes it difficult for them to observe Covid-19 precautionary measures. U.S. immigration policy disincentivizes undocumented farmworkers from seeking healthcare services. Contact tracing challenges could be overcome by gaining trust with subsequent increased testing and care. Extending eligibility of safety net programs for undocumented farmworkers will help to ease the burden of Covid-19, thereby improving their overall health and productivity.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-26
Author(s):  
Charles Elikwu ◽  
Oladapo Walker
Keyword(s):  
International Committee ◽  
Dominant Mode ◽  
Main Body ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Rapid Rise ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: An ongoing outbreak of pneumonia associated with a novel coronavirus was reported in Wuhan city, China. This new virus was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the Coronavirus Study Group (CSG) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. That disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the WHO. The outbreak has since spread across the globe, including countries in Africa. Main body: The dominant mode of transmission is from the respiratory tract, via droplets or indirectly via fomites, and to a lesser extent via aerosols.  The rapidity with which the infection spread throughout the world was unexpected. The disease has now affected 212 countries, areas, or territories, with more than 2.1 million total confirmed cases and over 144 thousand fatalities as at the time of writing. It, therefore, behooves countries of the world to take firm public health measures for the pandemic is to be contained. Conclusion: Nigeria, with a population of at least 170 million people, is of global interest because a rapid rise in the number of infected people will have serious implications not only for the country but for the whole African continent.%MCEPASTEBIN%

scholarly journals A comprehensive review on global contributions and recognition of pharmacy professionals amidst COVID-19 pandemic: moving from present to future

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saad Ahmed Sami ◽  
Kay Kay Shain Marma ◽  
Agnila Chakraborty ◽  
Tandra Singha ◽  
Ahmed Rakib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Information ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Drug Shortage ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Disease Condition ◽  
Drug Supply Chain ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background COVID-19, a respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a burning question worldwide as it gives rise to a pandemic situation. No specific medications are still recommended for COVID-19; however, healthcare support is crucial for ameliorating the disease condition. Pharmacists are the frontline fighters who are responsible for providing healthcare support to the COVID-19 infected patients around the world. This review endeavored to briefly rationalize the contributions of several pharmacy professionals in diverse fields along with their collaborative efforts and dedication regarding their limitations during the COVID-19 situation and view the prospects of pharmaceutical care services in the post-pandemic period. Main body of the abstract Online databases were utilized to search for scholarly articles and organizational websites, to sum up the information about the contemporary and expanded role of pharmacists. Key articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases using terms: “COVID-19,” “novel coronavirus,” “community,” “industrial,” “hospital,” “clinical,” “recognition,” “obstacles,” “collaboration,” “SARS-CoV-2,” “healthcare,” and “outbreak” in combination with “pharmacist.” The articles were included from the inception of the pandemic to January 25, 2021. The current review found pharmacist’s global contributions and involvements with other professionals to provide healthcare services amidst COVID-19. This included testing of suspects, providing medical information, psycho-social support, debunking myths, mitigating drug shortage events, telemedicine, e-prescription, infection control, and controlling the drug supply chain. In many countries, pharmacists’ activities were much appreciated but in some countries, they were not properly acknowledged for their contributions amidst COVID-19 outbreak. They played additional roles such as participating in the antimicrobial stewardship team, improving value-added services, conducting clinical data analysis to suppress the outspread of the SARS-CoV-2. Short conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic while the whole world is fighting against an invisible virus, the pharmacists are the earnest hero to serve their responsibilities along with additional activities. They need to be prepared and collaborate with other healthcare professionals further to meet the challenges of post-pandemic circumstances.

scholarly journals Estimation of the SARS-CoV-2 specific reproduction number in SAARC countries: A 60-days Data-driven analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 628-634
Author(s):  
Mohammed Nizam Uddin ◽  
A.N.M. Rezaul Karim ◽  
Sofi Mahmud Parvez ◽  
RiazMahmud ◽  
H. M. Shahadat Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
World Health ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Reproduction Numbers ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) was acknowledged as a global pandemic by WHO, which was first observed at the end of December 2019 in Wuhan city, China, caused by extreme acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2). According to the Weekly operation Update on COVID-19 (November 13, 2020) of the World Health Organization, more than 53 million confirmed cases are reported, including 1.3 million deaths. Various precautionary measures have been taken worldwide to reduce its transmission, and extensive researches are going on. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the initial number of reproductions (Ro) of the coronavirus of SAARC countries named Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri-Lanka for the first 60 days as the growth is exponential in the early 60 days. The reproduction numbers of coronavirus for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are 1.47, 3.86, 2.07, 1.43, 1.31, 3.22, 1.75, and 2.39 respectively. The basic reproduction number (R0) 3.86 for Bangladesh and 1.31 for Bhutan indicated that up to 60-days of the outbreak COVID-19, the epidemic was more severe in Bangladesh and less severe in Bhutan among all the SAARC countries. Our predictions can be helpful in planning alertness and taking the appropriate measures to monitor it.

Treatment Options in COVID-19: The Role of Bioavailable Antiviral Ribonucleoside Analog on NHC in vitro

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Bittmann
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Clinical Picture ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
World Health ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

On December 31, 2019, WHO was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan City, China. A novel coronavirus was identified as the cause by Chinese authorities on January 7, 2020 and was provisionally named "2019-nCoV". This new Coronavirus causes a clinical picture which has received now the name COVID-19. The virus has spread subsequently worldwide and was explained on the 11th of March, 2020 by the World Health Organization to the pandemic.

Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine: A Compassionate Use in Covid-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amritpal Kaur ◽  
Gaurav Chaudhary ◽  
Pargat Singh ◽  
Sandeep Arora ◽  
Rajwinder Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Literature Search ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Off Label Use ◽  
Compassionate Use ◽  
Off Label ◽  
Parenteral Route ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Microsoft Office ◽  
Antiparasitic Agents

Objective:: Early in December 2019, a mass of sufferers with Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (SAS-CoV-19) in Wuhan (China) roused worldwide concern. Hardly any drugs showed the light of hope concerning the depletion in the period of treatment and virological suppression is troubled. Furthermore, numerous sufferers have undergone off-label use or compassionate use treatments as well as antiretroviral, antiparasitic agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, and convales-cent plasma in either oral/parenteral route. This study aims to compile and analyze the efficient value of Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine and give an insight to their drug profile in the treatment and management of COVID-19 patients. Method:: The literature search from PubMed, Crossref, Springer, Bentham Sciences, Google Scholar, DOAJ, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE by using keywords like COVID-19, SAS-COV-2, Remdesivir, and hydroxychloroquine was done and ap-propriate peer-reviewed review articles, as well as research articles, were included and compiled in this review paper. The figures were prepared by using ChemOffice 2016 (ChemDraw Professional 2016) and Microsoft Office. Results:: The results of this study indicate that remdesivir in 5/10 studies from collected literature show a reduction in time of recovery and 5/10 shows no variance and having limitations. However, 6/12 shows an increase in the survival/reduction in time of recovery and 6/12 shows no effect or has limitations in the case of hydroxychloroquine. Conclusion:: There is a need to assess more pharmacokinetics and randomized controlled trials (RCT) for both remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine. Furthermore, studies should be conducted in different combinations along with hydroxychloro-quine and remdesivir to get efficient results.

Can Mandated BCG Vaccine Promote herd Immunity against Novel Coronavirus? A Potential Solution at Hand to Tackle Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Ashok Arasu ◽  
Pavithra Balakrishnan ◽  
Thirunavukkarasu Velusamy ◽  
Thiagarajan Ramesh
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factor ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
Intestinal Cells ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Live Attenuated Vaccine ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Lung Epithelial ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection is an emerging pandemic that poses a severe threat to global public health. This pandemic started from the Wuhan City of Hubei Province in China, and is speculated to have originated from bats and spread among humans with an unknown intermediate transmitter. The virus binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is abundantly expressed on various human cells, including lung epithelial and intestinal cells, thereby entering into these cells and causing infection. It is transmitted to other humans through airborne droplets from infected patients. Presently there are no specific treatments or vaccines that are available to curtail the spread of this disease. There are few indirect reports that explain the potential importance of the mandated BCG vaccine as a protective factor against COVID-19. There is a speculation that a live attenuated vaccine (BCG vaccine) can be beneficial against COVID-19 to develop the initial immune response, and can also spread in the community, thereby boosting herd immunity to fight against COVID-19. This review summarizes the conclusions of various reports on the BCG vaccine, and is an attempt to establish BCG-vaccination mediated herd immunity as an effective instant intermediate approach in curbing COVID-19 spread in highly populous countries.

scholarly journals An outline of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the complement cascade of immune system

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Padmalochan Hembram
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Main Body ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Transmission Chain ◽  
The World ◽  
Therapeutic Molecules ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Near Future

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 19 is a viral infection caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first notified in Wuhan, China, is now spread into numerous part of the world. Thus, the world needs urgent support and encouragement to develop a vaccine or antiviral treatments to combat the atrocious outbreak. Main body of the abstract The origin of this virus is yet unknown; however, rapid transmission from human-to-human “Anthroponosis” has widely confirmed. The world is witnessing a continuous hike in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19, we have aimed to highlight the basic and vital information about the novel coronavirus. We provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, timeline and its pathophysiological properties which would be an aid for the development of therapeutic molecules and antiviral drugs. Immune system plays a crucial role in virus infection in order to control but may have dark side when becomes uncontrollable. The host and SARS-CoV-2 interaction describe how the virus exploits host machinery and how overactive host immune response can cause disease severity also addressed in this review. Short conclusion Safe and effective vaccines may be the game-changing tools, but in the near future wearing mask, washing hands at regular intervals, avoiding crowed, maintaining physical distancing and hygienic surrounding, must be good practices to reduce and break the transmission chain. Still, research is ongoing not only on how vaccines protect against disease, but also against infection and transmission.

scholarly journals Factors influencing decision making for implementing e-health in light of the COVID-19 outbreak in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad M Al-Anezi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Gulf Cooperation Council ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background Electronic health (e-health) approaches such as telemedicine, mobile health, virtual healthcare and electronic health records are considered to be effective in increasing access to healthcare services, reducing operational costs and improving the quality of healthcare services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, a pandemic resulting from the spread of a novel coronavirus discovered in December 2019. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify the most important factors influencing decision making on the implementation of e-health in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), which are in the process of digitizing healthcare services. Methods This study reviewed the literature to identify the important factors influencing decision making on e-health. In addition, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted in order to identify the most important criteria to be considered in decision making on e-health. The survey link was forwarded to 978 healthcare practitioners and 42 experts (purposive sampling), from which a final sample of 892 (864 practitioners and 28 experts) was achieved, reflecting a response rate of 87.45%. Results Of the 44 factors identified under seven themes (strategic, quality, management, technology, function characteristics, economic, sociocultural and demographic factors), 22 factors were identified to be the most important criteria. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that decision making in relation to e-health is a complex process that requires consideration of various factors. It was also found that attention should be paid to sociocultural and demographic factors, which may need to be considered in increasing healthcare access during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document