Estimation the state of the Covid-19 epidemic curve in Mayotte

We study in this work some statistical methods to estimate the parameters resulting from the use of an age-structured contact mathematical epidemic model in order to analyze the evolution of the epidemic curve of Covid-19 in the French overseas department Mayotte from march 13, 2020 to february 26,2021. Using several statistic methods based on time dependent method, maximum likelihood, mixture method, we fit the probability distribution which underlines the serial interval distribution and we give an adapted version of the generation time distribution from Package R0. The best-fit model of the serial interval was given by a mixture of Weibull distribution. Furthermore this estimation allows to obtain the evolution of the time varying effective reproduction number and hence the temporal transmission rates. Finally based on others known estimates parameters we incorporate the estimated parameters in the model in order to give an approximation of the epidemic curve in Mayotte under the conditions of the model. We also discuss the limit of our study and the conclusion concerned a probable impact of non pharmacological interventions of the Covid-19 in Mayotte such us the re-infection cases and the introduction of the variants which probably affect the estimates.

The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Infants’ Microbiota and the Probability of Development of Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases

The human microbiota plays a significant role in various mechanisms of the body. The formation of a healthy microbiota, especially in early childhood, has a significant effect on maintaining human health. Since the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease has caused many changes in human life. According to the available information, many of these factors affect the composition and diversity of the body’s microbiota, so this pandemic may alter and disrupt the microbiota and consequently increase the incidence of other diseases such as allergic and autoimmune disorders, especially in children and infants born in this era. In this review, the probable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body’s microbiota and its relationship with the emergence of future diseases is discussed.

Learning Styles Myth: what are the views of different professionals in the school context?

The learning styles theory is spread across the education field, despite previous research, especially from cognitive neuroscience, that concluded the lack of empirical support in its use in teaching. In this study, we used a survey to analyse the perception of learning styles in different professionals working in the Portuguese educational system. We recruited 136 participants, between the ages of 22 and 68 years (M=38,5 years; SD=10,51), 95% of them were female. The average of working experience it is 13.8 years (SD= 9.15). We analysed the answers of three groups of professional from different specializations, Teachers (n=42), Psychologists (n=44) and Speech-Language Pathologists (n=50) and no differences were found in their answers since all the groups scored above 80% as they classified as fact the benefits of teaching by learning styles. Our empirical data stand aligned with the scientific literature, suggesting that the learning styles myth is widely present in the school setting, affecting other professions beyond teachers. With this undistinguishable knowledge despite specialization, we discuss this bias's probable impact in the educational contexts.

A cross-sectional overview of SARS-CoV-2 genome variations in Turkey

Objectives We assessed SARS-CoV-2 genome diversity and probable impact on epidemiology, immune response and clinical disease in Turkey. Materials and methods Complete genomes and partial Spike (S) sequences were accessed from the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) database. The genomes were analysed for variations and recombinations using appropriate softwares. Results Four hundred ten complete genomes and 206 S region sequences were included. Overall, 1,200 distinct nucleotide variations were noted. Mean variation count was 14.2 per genome and increased significantly during the course of the pandemic. The most frequent variations were identified as A23403G (D614G; 92.9,%), C14408T (P323L, 92.2%), C3037T (89.8%), C241T (83.4%) and GGG28881AAC (RG203KR, 62.6%). The A23403G mutation was the most frequent variation in the S region sequences (99%). Most genomes (98.3%) belonged in the SARS-CoV-2 haplogroup A. No evidence for recombination was identified in genomes representing sub-haplogroup branches. The variants B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and P.1 were detected, with a statistically-significant time-associated increase in B.1.1.7 prevalence. Conclusions We described prominent SARS-CoV-2 variations as well as comparisons with global virus diversity. Continuing a molecular surveillance in agreement with local disease epidemiology appears to be crucial, as vaccination and mitigation efforts are ongoing.

The Effects of Statins on Neurotransmission and Their Neuroprotective Role in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

Statins are among the most widely used drug classes in the world. Apart from their basic mechanism of action, which is lowering cholesterol levels, many pleiotropic effects have been described so far, such as anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic effects. A growing number of scientific reports have proven that these drugs have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system. The first reports proving that lipid-lowering therapy can influence the development of neurological and psychiatric diseases appeared in the 1990s. Despite numerous studies about the mechanisms by which statins may affect the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS), there are still no clear data explaining this effect. Most studies have focused on the metabolic effects of this group of drugs, however authors have also described the pleiotropic effects of statins, pointing to their probable impact on the neurotransmitter system and neuroprotective effects. The aim of this paper was to review the literature describing the impacts of statins on dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and glutamate neurotransmission, as well as their neuroprotective role. This paper focuses on the mechanisms by which statins affect neurotransmission, as well as on their impacts on neurological and psychiatric diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), stroke, and depression. The pleiotropic effects of statin usage could potentially open floodgates for research in these treatment domains, catching the attention of researchers and clinicians across the globe.

The impact of blacklists on external deposits: one size does not fit all

Purpose This study aims to measure the impact of the Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and US PATRIOT Act Section 311 blacklists on external deposits from blacklisted jurisdictions into BIS reporting countries in 1996–2008, a period when anti-money laundering-related actions were consistently less stringent than post-2010, to see whether they had an effect even absent the threat of sizable financial fines. Design/methodology/approach The study uses descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate regressions to analyze the probable impact from blacklists on non-bank external deposits. The country sample is divided into offshore financial centers (OFCs) and non-OFCs and includes 158 non-listed countries. The impact of the blacklists is tested both jointly and individually for the respective blacklists. Findings The authors find mixed impact from jurisdictions being blacklisted on the growth rate of stocks of deposits into BIS reporting countries. Effects are often zero, negative in several cases and positive in some cases. This is consistent with the “stigma effect” and the “stigma paradox” in the literature. An overall impact from blacklisting is difficult to discern. Different blacklists had different effects, and the same blacklist impacted countries differently, illustrating the importance of disaggregating the analysis by individual countries. Research limitations/implications Interpretation of these data is limited by the absence of comparable data on non-resident deposits in blacklisted jurisdictions. Practical implications The impact of a blacklist depends in part on the structure of the listed jurisdictions’ economies, implying that country-specific sanctions may be more effective than blacklists. Originality/value This is one of the very few papers to date to rigorously test the impact of blacklists on external deposits.

A cross-sectional overview of SARS-CoV-2 genome variations in Turkey

Introduction: Nearly a year following the emergence of COVID-19 in Turkey, we analysed SARS-CoV-2 sequences to identify virus genome variations and their probable impact on epidemiology, immune response and clinical disease.Materials and Methods: Complete genomes and partial Spike (S) region sequences originating from Turkey were accessed from the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) database. The genomes were aligned and analysed for variations and recombinations using appropriate softwares. Results: 410 complete genomes and 206 S region sequences were included. Overall, 1200 distinct nucleotide variations were noted. Mean variation count was noted as 14.2 per genome and increased significantly during the course of the pandemic. The most frequent variations were identified as A23403G (D614G; 92.9,%), C14408T (P323L, 92.2%), C3037T (89.8%), C241T (83.4%) and GGG28881AAC (RG203KR, 62.6%). The A23403G mutation was the most frequent variation in the S region sequences (99%). Majority of the genomes (%98.3) belonged in the SARS-CoV-2 haplogroup A. No evidence for recombination was identified in genomes representing sub-haplogroup branches. The variants of concern B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and P.1 were detected, with a statistically-significant time-associated increase in the variant B.1.1.7 prevalence. Discussion: We described prominant SARS-CoV-2 variantions as well as comparisons with global virus diversity. Continuing a molecular surveillence in agreement with local disease epidemiology appears to be crucial, as vaccination and mitigation efforts are ongoing.

APPLICATIONS OF EPIGENETICS IN FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS: A BRIEF REVIEW

Forensic science is a discipline that has the capacity to be merged with every promise to offer a solution to a criminal investigation to help the legal system. Epigenetics is a branch of genetics that deals with the study of environmental interaction with the genome. The emerging field of forensic epigenetics has a variety of applications in criminal investigations. It provides an addictive tool to solve criminal activity-related issues. In this review, we have showcased the brief use of epigenetics to sort out forensic-related issues and help the legal system. We have briefly taken a snapshot of genetics, epigenetics, and application of epigenetics in forensic science that how it could offer solutions to queries of forensic nature. Also, potential future developments in the field and their probable impact have been anticipated. It has many potential applications which are still to be explored. It complements forensic science at many potential levels.

Digitisation in India and its Impact on the Economy

India has emerged on the global landscape as a major growth potential with a promising future on account of its rich resources and big market. Against this backdrop, governments and authorities are continuously striving to optimize processes to take the next big leap by leveraging the gift of technology and digitilisation. The opportunities on the digital front completely align with India’s aspirations and would play the facilitator in its growth story. The paper focuses on the present status of the digital revolution in the country. Moreover, to make the case for digitilisation stronger there is a deep-dive into the impact seen on ground on account of this impending, yet imperative, change. The actual as well as probable impact is studied across the areas of employment, productivity and efficiency.