Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fernanda Guadagnin, Dhiordan Cardoso da Silva, Karine Schwarz, Anna Paula Villas Boas, Maria Ines Rodrigues Lobato
Summary: This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological and social aspects of individuals diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria (GD). The results indicate a deterioration in social vulnerability regarding formal employment, access to health services, and mental health among the study population.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
B. Buchmann, L. K. Engelbrecht, P. Fernandez, F. P. Hutterer, M. K. Raich, C. H. Scheel, A. R. Bausch
Summary: The authors estimated COVID-19 mortality in Italy using a counterfactual time series analysis, finding that the actual deaths were approximately 1.5 times higher than official statistics. The proportion of population deaths and infection rates were also calculated for the most affected regions, showing significant differences from reported numbers.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Victor Perez-Segura, Raquel Caro-Carretero, Antonio Rua
Summary: There are contradictory academic studies on the relationship between population wealth and the incidence of COVID-19. This study aims to examine whether wealth and disease incidence have a unidirectional and stable relationship, and to investigate if the statistical production capacity of countries is masking the real incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of an international ecological study show that there is a dynamic relationship between wealth and COVID-19 incidence, with wealth initially acting as a risk factor and later becoming a protective element. Moreover, the statistical capacity of countries plays a role in explaining the number of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths, suggesting that inadequate statistical production capacity in low-income countries may hide the true incidence of the disease.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Nitya Mittal, Janina Isabel Steinert, Sebastian Vollmer
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livelihoods, income, and consumption expenditure of slum dwellers in Pune, India. The findings reveal limited and uneven recovery of livelihoods among individuals living just above subsistence level, even two years after the start of the pandemic. Younger and less educated individuals are found to be more vulnerable to welfare losses. The study also highlights the implications of the pandemic on nutritional health, as the consumption of fruits and vegetables remains below pre-pandemic levels.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin Lindgren, Triantafyllia Toska, Christian Alex, Christina E. Lundberg, Ottmar Cronie, Annika Rosengren, Martin Adiels, Helen Sjoland
Summary: High BMI is associated with severe COVID-19, but findings on the need for intensive care and mortality are mixed. This study found no association between BMI and 30-day mortality risk, but BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² was associated with the need for intensive care, particularly in women.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jinghua An, Shelley Hoover, Sreenivas Konda, Sage J. J. Kim
Summary: This study examines the effectiveness of a COVID-19 specific social vulnerability index and finds that COVID-19 specific themes play an important role in explaining COVID-19 mortality rates. However, further improvements are needed for the accuracy of the index, and the development of robust local data infrastructure is critical.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Motohiro Okada, Ryusuke Matsumoto, Eishi Motomura, Takashi Shiroyama, Masahiko Murata
Summary: This study analyzes the trend change in suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and finds an increase in rates in 2020 and 2021. The trend change is associated with gender, region, suicide method, and household. The study also finds that suicide rates among those who hang themselves at home and single-person households fluctuate in synchronization with the overall rates. Furthermore, the increase in the number of infected patients and diagnostic examinations is positively and negatively related to the suicide rate, respectively.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christina Huber, Sasha Brietzke, Tristen K. Inagaki, Meghan L. Meyer
Summary: In the United States, there is evidence of anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people's fear of contracting the virus is related to prejudice against Asian individuals. This study found that perceived threat of COVID-19 infection is associated with less warmth toward individuals from China, and this effect is moderated by trait-level prejudice. The results suggest that the perceived threat of COVID-19 infection may lead to prejudice against the national outgroup associated with the disease's origin (i.e., China).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Remote Sensing
Mengling Qiao, Bo Huang
Summary: This study presents a framework for assessing community vulnerability to COVID-19, considering both internal and external factors. The framework takes into account social vulnerability, exposure, and sensitivity to comprehensively evaluate vulnerability. A case study in Hong Kong demonstrates the value of the framework and highlights the role of vulnerability in shaping community infection by COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shandiz Moslehi, Alireza Dehdashti, Behrad Pourmohammdi, Farin Fatemi
Summary: This study aimed to determine the main social vulnerability indicators in the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran through a systematic review, a virtual panel expert, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The study found that population density, accessibility to healthcare facilities, and relevant services and vulnerable groups are the main social vulnerability indicators in COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
K. Baig
Summary: The study found that countries with institutionalized gender disparities and poor healthcare access and quality tend to have higher male to female ratios of confirmed COVID-19 cases. This highlights the underutilization of testing services influenced by multiple individual, social, and policy factors.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jeisson Prieto, Rafael Malagon, Jonatan Gomez, Elizabeth Leon
Summary: The paper proposes an Urban Vulnerability Assessment (UVA) methodology to assess vulnerability in urban areas related to pandemics by investigating various vulnerability factors. By constructing a vulnerability index, it helps quantify pandemic potential and prioritize surveillance in highly vulnerable urban areas. This methodology is useful for evaluating and developing policies aimed at reducing disaster risk at different scales and for different audiences.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Naidoo Saloshni, Naidoo Rajen Nithiseelan
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa has significantly increased the vulnerability of women workers. Many women work in vulnerable employment situations, without employment contracts or health insurance. During the pandemic, they faced challenges related to employment vulnerability, dual domestic and working responsibilities, and risks associated with the disease.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Haidong Wang, Katherine R. Paulson, Spencer A. Pease, Stefanie Watson, Haley Comfort, Peng Zheng, Aleksandr Y. Aravkin, Catherine Bisignano, Ryan M. Barber, Tahiya Alam, John E. Fuller, Erin A. May, Darwin Phan Jones, Meghan E. Frisch, Cristiana Abbafati, Christopher Adolph, Adrien Allorant, Joanne O. Amlag, Bree Bang-Jensen, Gregory J. Bertolacci, Sabina S. Bloom, Austin Carter, Emma Castro, Suman Chakrabarti, Jhilik Chattopadhyay, Rebecca M. Cogen, James K. Collins, Kimberly Cooperrider, Xiaochen Dai, William James Dangel, Farah Daoud, Carolyn Dapper, Amanda Deen, Bruce B. Duncan, Megan Erickson, Samuel B. Ewald, Tatiana Fedosseeva, Alize J. Ferrari, Joseph Jon Frostad, Nancy Fullman, John Gallagher, Amiran Gamkrelidze, Gaorui Guo, Jiawei He, Monika Helak, Nathaniel J. Henry, Erin N. Hulland, Bethany M. Huntley, Maia Kereselidze, Alice Lazzar-Atwood, Kate E. LeGrand, Akiaja Lindstrom, Emily Linebarger, Paulo A. Lotufo, Rafael Lozano, Beatrice Magistro, Deborah Carvalho Malta, Johan Mansson, Ana M. Mantilla Herrera, Fatima Marinho, Alemnesh H. Mirkuzie, Awoke Temesgen Misganaw, Lorenzo Monasta, Paulami Naik, Shuhei Nomura, Edward G. O'Brien, James Kevin O'Halloran, Latera Tesfaye Olana, Samuel M. Ostroff, Louise Penberthy, Robert C. Reiner Jr, Grace Reinke, Antonio Luiz P. Ribeiro, Damian Francesco Santomauro, Maria Ines Schmidt, David H. Shaw, Brittney S. Sheena, Aleksei Sholokhov, Natia Skhvitaridze, Reed J. D. Sorensen, Emma Elizabeth Spurlock, Ruri Syailendrawati, Roman Topor-Madry, Christopher E. Troeger, Rebecca Walcott, Ally Walker, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Nahom Alemseged Worku, Bethany Zigler, David M. Pigott, Mohsen Naghavi, Ali H. Mokdad, Stephen S. Lim, Simon Hay, Emmanuela Gakidou, Christopher J. L. Murray
Summary: This study estimated excess mortality from the COVID-19 pandemic in 191 countries and territories, as well as 252 subnational units in selected countries from Jan 1, 2020, to Dec 31, 2021. The findings showed that globally, there were 18.2 million excess deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic during this period. The highest excess mortality rates were observed in countries such as India, the USA, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Andrea Nachon-Acosta, Gustavo Martinez-Mier, Victor Flores-Gamboa, Octavio Avila-Mercado, Indira Morales Garcia, Carlos Yoldi-Aguirre, Irais Olivares-Garcia, Maritza de la Paz-roman
Summary: The study aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in a third level reference hospital in Mexico. The results showed that patients with COVID-19 infection had higher postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, with significant associations with respiratory, infection, transfusion, renal function, and other complications.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Asad Ullah, Neelam Mabood, Muhammad Maqbool, Luqman Khan, Maria Khan, Mujib Ullah
Summary: As the world grapples with a fourth wave of COVID-19, scientists have focused on understanding the success of the Delta variant, which is believed to be highly contagious due to the significantly higher virus production in infected individuals. Research has been published on the origins of immune responses and disparities in immune cell types among COVID-19 survivors, with the primary factor behind these differences yet to be discovered. The essay highlights the role of the AID protein in triggering molecular processes for the production of powerful antibodies and specific B cells to combat SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it may hold the key to achieving long-lasting immunity.
SAUDI PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asma Akbar, Nagavalli Pillalamarri, Sriya Jonnakuti, Mujib Ullah
Summary: Microbubbles are nanosized gas-filled bubbles used for medical imaging and targeted drug delivery. They can be filled with various therapeutics and drugs, protected by a specialized encapsulated shell, and circulate safely and efficiently to reach the target area in the body.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Asma Akbar, Farzaneh Malekian, Neda Baghban, Sai Priyanka Kodam, Mujib Ullah
Summary: This study discusses the sources of extracellular vesicles and emphasizes the importance of standardization in isolation and purification methods. It suggests that standardization can lead to more extensive clinical applications with less concerns about side effects and better understanding of therapeutic mechanisms.
Review
Neurosciences
Farzaneh Malekian, Alireza Shamsian, Sai Priyanka Kodam, Mujib Ullah
Summary: Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles that play an important role in drug delivery. However, limitations in isolation and delivery procedures restrict their clinical use. Bioengineering of exosomes can enhance their drug delivery potential.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2022)
Retraction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mehdi Razavi, Rosita Primavera, Bhavesh Kevadiya, Jing Wang, Mujib Ullah, Peter Buchwald, Avnesh S. Thakor
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Khurshaid Khan, Muhammad Sajjad, Sobia Wahid, Muhammad Gul, Luqman Khan, Haseen Ullah, Yasin Rahman, Dawood Khan, Kashif Khan, Muhammad Younas Khan, Saqib Khan, Safeer Ullah Shah
Summary: This study investigated the bionomics of sand flies, their spatial distribution pattern, and the risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis in District Mohmand, Pakistan. The results showed variations in the relative abundance of different sand fly species in different geographical environments and factors that may affect their abundance.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Leila Bahmani, Mujib Ullah
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising biotherapeutic agents and drug delivery vehicles in human medicine, with the ability to bypass membranous barriers and deliver bioactive components. Different EVs derived from various cell sources have been shown to have therapeutic effects on different human disorders. However, there are still challenges hindering the clinical translation of EV therapies.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Muneeb Ullah, Abdul Wahab, Shahid Ullah Khan, Umber Zaman, Khalil Ur Rehman, Shah Hamayun, Muhammad Naeem, Haider Ali, Tayyaba Riaz, Sumbul Saeed, Amnah Mohammed Alsuhaibani, Moamen S. Refat
Summary: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a cardiovascular disease characterized by narrowed and hardened blood vessels, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the heart. The prevalence of CAD is increasing globally, causing higher mortality and morbidity rates and negatively impacting quality of life. It is also a significant burden on healthcare systems. Risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension contribute to the development of CAD. Diagnosis and management involve medication and stent technology, which has proven to be beneficial but also comes with potential complications.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yihua Pei, Jianping Wang, Nisar Ul Khaliq, Fanfei Meng, Kaoutar A. Oucherif, Jie Xue, Sarena D. Horava, Amy L. Cox, Coralie A. Richard, Monica R. Swinney, Kinam Park, Yoon Yeo
Summary: Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymers are commonly used for drug delivery due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. This study focused on achieving sustained drug release from PLGA microparticles (MPs) for two weeks using meloxicam. By encapsulating meloxicam as a solid and incorporating magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), the researchers were able to control the drug release kinetics of the MPs. The study demonstrated the feasibility of controlling drug release from PLGA MPs over weeks based on the physical state of the drug and the inclusion of Mg(OH)2 to neutralize the microenvironmental pH of the MPs.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Letter
Neurosciences
Mujib Ullah
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Abdullah Khan, Asfandyar Khan, Muneeb Ullah, Muhammad Mansoor Alam, Javed Iqbal Bangash, Mazliham Mohd Suud
Summary: Cancer, especially breast cancer, is a prevalent and challenging disease to detect and classify. This study proposes a new convolutional neural network (CNN) model based on VGGNet for breast cancer diagnosis and classification. By reducing the number of layers, the VGGNet-12 model overcomes the problem of overfitting and achieves better performance compared to other models.
FRONTIERS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nisar Ul Khaliq, Juyeon Lee, Joohyeon Kim, Yejin Kim, Sohyeon Yu, Jisu Kim, Sangwoo Kim, Daekyung Sung, Hyungjun Kim
Summary: Cancer remains a major global health challenge, and traditional chemotherapy often leads to side effects and drug resistance, necessitating the development of alternative treatments like gene therapy. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer numerous advantages as gene delivery carriers, including high loading capacity, controlled drug release, and easy surface functionalization. They are biodegradable and biocompatible, making them promising candidates for drug delivery applications. Recent studies have reviewed the use of MSNs for delivering therapeutic nucleic acids to cancer cells and discussed their potential as a tool for cancer therapy. The major challenges and future interventions of MSNs as gene delivery carriers for cancer therapy are also discussed.
Article
Electrochemistry
Jisu Kim, Kum Ju Baek, Sohyun Yu, Hee Sun Yang, Nisar Ul Khaliq, Won Il Choi, Hyungjun Kim, Daekyung Sung
Summary: Sensitivity and reliability of electrochemical sensors can be optimized using appropriate electron-transfer media and strategies to prevent surface contamination. In this study, ferrocene-based polymers were synthesized to minimize biofilm formation and bacterial infections, resulting in biosensors with excellent detection limits and sensitivity. The coated sensors also had high reproducibility and biocompatibility, making them suitable for disease diagnosis and biomarker detection.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nisar Ul Khaliq, Juyeon Lee, Sangwoo Kim, Daekyung Sung, Hyungjun Kim
Summary: Pluronics are amphiphilic triblock copolymers consisting of hydrophilic poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains connected by a hydrophobic polypropylene oxide (PPO) segment. Pluronics can induce micelle formation and gelation at critical micelle concentrations and temperatures due to their low molecular weight and more PEO segments. Pluronics F-68 and F-127, the only FDA-approved Pluronic classes in the United States, have been extensively used in biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue regeneration scaffolds.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Neda Baghban, Arezoo Khoradmehr, Iraj Nabipour, Amin Tamadon, Mujib Ullah
Summary: This article reviews the application of marine-based gold nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, highlighting their potential in detecting and imaging cancer cells, drug delivery systems, and cancer treatment. However, limited research has been conducted on the use of gold nanoparticles in marine natural products for cancer therapy, with most studies focusing on their role as drug delivery systems.
