Impact of covid-19 on quality of life in COVID recovered patients: A cross-sectional survey

COVID-19 pandemic has affected India to a great extent. Till date total of 3.30 crore peoples has been cured and discharged and 44.6 lakh are died due to covid -19 in India. COVID-19 has a long-term systemic effect on lungs, liver, spleen, anxiety and depression and persistence of inflammatory response even after getting cured or COVID negative. Which may affect quality of life. So, there is a need to evaluate quality of life in post COVID patients.A cross-sectional study was conducted on the 100 COVID-19 recovered Participants. Participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criterion. Basic assessment of symptom history, medical history and hospitalisation was done by investigator. A quality of life was evaluated using short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft excel-2019.A total of 100 participants 61% were male and 39% were female participants. We found that general health component was greatly affected with 68.50%. Following general health emotional well-being (69.68%), social functioning (68.14), pain (64.38%), limitation due to emotional problems (64.19%), energy/fatigue (63.3%), limitation due to physical health (59.61) and physical functioning (48.27%) were affected.We found that there was mild – moderate affection in quality of life in covid recovered subjects. There was more affection in quality of life in participants with other comorbidities. We also found that there were persistence of breathlessness and fatigue after recovery.

Preliminary Study to Investigate the Distribution and Effects of Certain Metals After Inhalation of Welding Fumes in Mice

The most important welding processes used are the Gas Metal Arc (GMA) welding, the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, and the Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding processes. The goal of our investigation was to monitor the distribution of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the lung, spleen, liver, and kidney of mice after inhalation exposure of different welding methods using different steel base materials. The treatment groups were the following: MMA-mild steel, MMA-molybdenum-manganese (MoMn) alloy, TIG-mild steel, and TIG-stainless steel. The samples were taken 24- and 96 hours after the treatments.Most importantly, it was found that the Mn concentration in the lung’ samples of the MMA-mild steel and the MMA-MoMn groups was increased extremely at both sampling times and in the spleen’ samples also. In the TIG groups, the rise of the Mn concentration was only considerable in the lungs and spleens at 24h, and emerged concentration was found in the liver in 96h samples. Histopathology demonstrated emerged siderin content in the spleens of the treated animals and in siderin filled macrophages in the lungs mostly in all treated groups. Traces of high-level glycogen retention was found in the MMA groups at both sampling times. Similar glycogen retention in TIG-Ms and TIG stainless group’s liver samples and emerged number of vacuoles, especially in the hepatocytes of the TIG-stainless steel 96h group were also found.The mentioned results raise the consequence that there is a considerable difference in the kinetics of the Mn distribution between the MMA- and the TIG-fume treated groups. Hence, the result suggests that manganese has a particle-size dependent toxico-kinetics property. The anomaly of the glycogen metabolism indicates the systemic effect of the welding fumes. Also, the numerous vacuoles mentioned above show a possible liver-specific adverse effect of some components of the TIG-stainless steel welding fumes.

Justification of a rational option of development of the highspeed railway according to technical, technological and economic criteria

When a new high-speed railway is designed on the routes with the existing mixed(freight and passenger) traffic, part of the trains can be relocated from the existing railway to thenew one. This will have an additional effect of the increasing current capacity of the existing railway. A method is proposed for justification of a rational option for the development of a high-speedrail on the basis of technical, technological and economic criteria. It is proposed to solve the problemof determining the rational option for the development of a high-speed railway as the problem ofoptimal distribution of resources among the components of the railway, taking into account technical,technological and economic criteria. The result is a set of solutions consisting of options for thedevelopment of each component of the railway, which will provide the maximum systemic effect forthe railway as a whole. Each jth option of the development of the ith component of a high-speed railwaycan be described by three main indicators: the travel time of a high-speed train; capital investmentsrequired to implement this option; and the available traffic capacity of the component. Depending onthe problem being solved, each of the listed parameters can act both as a criterion and as a limitation.Depending on the purposes of the design, it is proposed to consider the problem of determiningthe rational option for the railway development either in the direct or inverse setting. In the first case,the systemic effect is expressed by an objective function that minimizes the amount of necessarycapital investments in the railway infrastructure while ensuring the stipulated travel time of a highspeed train. In the second case, the purpose is to minimize the travel time of the train withoutexceeding the specified amount of capital investment in the development of all components of therailway.The results obtained can be used to justify decisions on the use of single-track components andto determine the rational configuration of single-track lines when high-speed traffic is organized.

Local delivery of hydrogel encapsulated vascular endothelial growth factor for the prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

The anti-angiogenic effects of bisphosphonates have been hypothesized as one of the major etiologic factors in the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a severe debilitating condition with limited treatment options. This study evaluated the potential of a gelatine-hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with the angiogenic growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as a local delivery system to aid in maintaining vascularization in a bisphosphonate-treated (Zoledronic Acid) rodent maxillary extraction defect. Healing was assessed four weeks after implantation of the VEGF-hydrogel into extraction sockets. Gross examination and histological assessment showed that total osteonecrosis and inflammatory infiltrate was significantly reduced in the presence of VEGF. Also, total vascularity and specifically neovascularization, was significantly improved in animals that received VEGF hydrogel. Gene expression of vascular, inflammatory and bone specific markers within the defect area were also significantly altered in the presence of VEGF. Furthermore, plasma cytokine levels were assessed to determine the systemic effect of locally delivered VEGF and showed similar outcomes. In conclusion, the use of locally delivered VEGF within healing extraction sockets assists bone healing and prevents MRONJ via a pro-angiogenic and immunomodulatory mechanism.

Ultrasound-triggered on Demand Lidocaine Release Relieves Postoperative Pain

BackgroundSafe and noninvasive on-demand relief is a crucial and effective treatment for postoperative pain because it considers variable timing and intensity of anesthetics. Ultrasound modulation is a promising technique for this treatment because it allows convenient timed and noninvasive controlled drug release.MethodsWe created an ultrasound-triggered lidocaine (Lido) release platform using an amino acid hydrogel functioning as three dimensional (3D) scaffold material (Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel). Optimal preparation conditions and ultrasound-triggered parameters were evaluated. In the postoperative pain SD rat model, the Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel or free lidocaine was administered by subcutaneous injection immediately after making the paw incision. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed using calibrated von Frey filaments after an individualized (highly variable) ultrasound-triggered process. The safety of the treatment was also evaluated.ResultsThe Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel allows control of the timing, intensity and duration of lidocaine (Lido) to relieve postoperative pain. The hydrogel releases Lido due to the elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels generated by PPIX under ultrasound triggering. The optimal ultrasound parameter (0.3 W/cm2, 30 s) was chosen for in vitro and in vivo studies. The Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel (with lidocaine, 5.6 mg/mL) under individualized ultrasound triggering (every 2 h in the first 12 h, every 4 h for the next 36 h, and then every 6 h until 72 h postsurgery) released lidocaine and provided effective analgesia for more than 72 h. Additionally, the withdrawal threshold was higher than that in the control group at all time points measured. The hydrogel showed repeatable and adjustable ultrasound-triggered nerve blocks in vivo, the duration of which depended on the extent and intensity of insonation. On histopathology, no systemic effect or tissue reaction was observed in the ultrasound-triggered Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel-treated group.ConclusionsThe Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel with individualized (highly variable) ultrasound triggering is a convenient and effective method that offers timed and spatiotemporally controlled Lido release to manage postoperative pain.

Co-option of immune effectors by the hormonal signalling system triggering metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster

Insect metamorphosis is triggered by the production, secretion and degradation of 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysone). In addition to its role in developmental regulation, increasing evidence suggests that ecdysone is involved in innate immunity processes, such as phagocytosis and the induction of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production. AMP regulation includes systemic responses as well as local responses at surface epithelia that contact with the external environment. At pupariation, Drosophila melanogaster increases dramatically the expression of three AMP genes, drosomycin (drs), drosomycin-like 2 (drsl2) and drosomycin-like 5 (drsl5). We show that the systemic action of drs at pupariation is dependent on ecdysone signalling in the fat body and operates via the ecdysone downstream target, Broad. In parallel, ecdysone also regulates local responses, specifically through the activation of drsl2 expression in the gut. Finally, we confirm the relevance of this ecdysone dependent AMP expression for the control of bacterial load by showing that flies lacking drs expression in the fat body have higher bacterial persistence over metamorphosis. In contrast, local responses may be redundant with the systemic effect of drs since reduction of ecdysone signalling or of drsl2 expression has no measurable negative effect on bacterial load control in the pupa. Together, our data emphasize the importance of the association between ecdysone signalling and immunity using in vivo studies and establish a new role for ecdysone at pupariation, which impacts developmental success by regulating the immune system in a stage-dependent manner. We speculate that this co-option of immune effectors by the hormonal system may constitute an anticipatory mechanism to control bacterial numbers in the pupa, at the core of metamorphosis evolution.

The renaissance of barrier contraception (based on the data from an international clinical trial)

Background. In recent years, interest in the use of barrier methods of contraception has increased, since many women prefer them in connection with the change in the epidemiological situation associated with COVID-19, with contraindications to other methods of contraception, as well as with irregular sex life and casual sexual intercourse. In addition, these methods of contraception are preferred for breastfeeding mothers and pre- and postmenopausal women. Studies of the efficacy of spermicidal agents in late reproductive age women have not previously been carried out, although their use in this population is of particular interest, since these agents do not have a systemic effect and, if used correctly, can prevent unwanted pregnancies. The article presents data from an international French-Russian study of the efficacy of spermicides containing benzalkonium chloride in late reproductive age women (over 40 years). The study was carried out on the basis of 7 private offices of obstetricians and gynecologists in France and 6 obstetric and gynecological clinics in Russia. Aim. Assessment of the contraceptive efficacy, safety and acceptability of a cream containing benzalkonium chloride in women over 40 years of age. Materials and methods. The study included non-pregnant women aged 40 and over who had at least 1 menstrual period in the past 3 months and who would like to use spermicides as contraception for at least 6 months. After a 6-month period of mandatory use of spermicide, patients could, if desired, continue to use it for the next 6 months. All women were given Pharmatex (1.2%), a vaginal cream containing benzalkonium chloride (1.2 g per 100 g of cream) as the active ingredient, 1 standard dose before each intercourse. The primary endpoint was the Pearl Index. The acceptability of the method after each use of the cream, the moisturizing effect, and the woman's and researcher's overall satisfaction with this method of contraception were also assessed. Safety was assessed using adverse event monitoring. Results. An analysis of efficacy of the study drug showed that during study, pregnancy did not occur in any of the women. Pearl Index for 12 months was 0. Over the mandatory 6-month period, the use of Pharmatex cream was assessed by patients as acceptable (to some extent acceptable, acceptable, completely acceptable) in 98% of sexual intercourse, and over the 12-month period in 98.6% of intercourse. The moisturizing effect of the cream was noted by 96.1% of women. In 6 months of the use of Pharmatex cream, overall satisfaction was rated as quite good, good, or very good by 99.3% of patients and in 12 months by 100% of patients. Adverse events were noted only in 0.5% of cases. Most of these events were assessed as unrelated to the study drug. Conclusion. The use of a benzalkonium chloride spermicidal cream can be considered an effective and acceptable method of contraception for women over the age of 40. It is well tolerated, has a moisturizing effect on the vaginal mucosa, and meets the needs and lifestyle of women. The contraceptive with benzalkonium chloride has a favorable safety profile: it does not adversely affect the normal flora of the vagina, can be used during breastfeeding, since it does not penetrate into the vascular bed and doesnt have systemic effects.

Angiotensin II and the Renal Hemodynamic Response to an Isolated Increased Renal Venous Pressure in Rats

Elevated central venous pressure increases renal venous pressure (RVP) which can affect kidney function. We previously demonstrated that increased RVP reduces renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and renal vascular conductance (RVC). We now investigate whether the RAS and RBF autoregulation are involved in the renal hemodynamic response to increased RVP. Angiotensin II (ANG II) levels were clamped by infusion of ANG II after administration of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in male Lewis rats. This did not prevent the decrease in ipsilateral RBF (−1.9±0.4ml/min, p<0.05) and GFR (−0.77±0.18ml/min, p<0.05) upon increased RVP; however, it prevented the reduction in RVC entirely. Systemically, the RVP-induced decline in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was more pronounced in ANG II clamped animals vs. controls (−22.4±4.1 vs. −9.9±2.3mmHg, p<0.05), whereas the decrease in heart rate (HR) was less (−5±6bpm vs. −23±4bpm, p<0.05). In animals given vasopressin to maintain a comparable MAP after ACE inhibition (ACEi), increased RVP did not impact MAP and HR. RVC also did not change (0.018±0.008ml/minˑmmHg), and the reduction of GFR was no longer significant (−0.54±0.15ml/min). Furthermore, RBF autoregulation remained intact and was reset to a lower level when RVP was increased. In conclusion, RVP-induced renal vasoconstriction is attenuated when ANG II is clamped or inhibited. The systemic effect of increased RVP, a decrease in HR related to a mild decrease in blood pressure, is attenuated also during ANG II clamp. Last, RBF autoregulation remains intact when RVP is elevated and is reduced to lower levels of RBF. This suggests that in venous congestion, the intact RBF autoregulation could be partially responsible for the vasoconstriction.

The use of metformin in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and malignancies have several common risk factors, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperinsulinemia, and chronic inflammation. Currently these factors are considered as possible mechanisms that increase the risk of the development of malignanttumors, including gastrointestinal cancer. Epidemiological studies and meta-analyses indicate that patients with diabetes have a higher incidence and mortality from malignancies. Metformin is well-known oral hypoglycemic drug that belongs to the biguanide class and is being used to treat diabetes mellitus for almost a century. It has been established that in patients with diabetes mellitus, long-term use of metformin reduces the incidence of tumors and mortality from various cancers. The results of recent studies suggest that metformin may have direct pleiotropic anticancer activity against many tumor cells and their microenvironment. Its potential mechanisms include both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent. Moreover, metformin promotes antitumor immunosuppressive metabolic control of T lymphocytes and cancer cells, it is able to modulate the intestinal microbiota and renders a systemic effect on a body metabolism. The article presents data that reveal possible mechanisms of anticancer action of metformin and justify the use of metformin as a drug that may be useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. Although most of the clinical trials have retrospective design, they are often limited in time and patient bias, recent data from preclinical studies on the antitumor effects of metformin suggest that its effects on carcinogenesis and gastrointestinal cancer progression need to be further investigated. Future studies should consider the diabetic status, prognostic biomarkers, disease stage, and treatment regimens. Given that metformin is a safe and widely available drug with low cost, the feasibility of further study of its anti-cancer effects is beyond doubt.