The document summarizes the latest information from the WHO on the COVID-19 global situation and the Omicron variant of concern. It notes that as of December 10th, over 262 million cases and 5.2 million deaths have been reported globally. It describes how viruses evolve over time and defines WHO classifications of variants of interest and variants of concern. It states that Omicron was designated a variant of concern due to evidence of increased transmissibility and that it has over 30 mutations in the spike protein targeted by vaccines. The document outlines the WHO's global approach to monitoring variants and collecting evidence on Omicron's properties and impact.
WHO declares Omicron as variant of concern?
It was 26 November 2021 that WHO declared that the world was facing a new variant of concern: Omicron.21K (omicron) is of primarily concern because of the detection of large number of mutation in its spike gene Figure 1. Most of these variants plays an important role in antibody recognition and ACE2 binding and are in the N-terminal or receptor-binding domain.
WHO declares Omicron as variant of concern?
It was 26 November 2021 that WHO declared that the world was facing a new variant of concern: Omicron.21K (omicron) is of primarily concern because of the detection of large number of mutation in its spike gene Figure 1. Most of these variants plays an important role in antibody recognition and ACE2 binding and are in the N-terminal or receptor-binding domain.
Covid-19 Pandemic, where are we now? Latest update on Covid-19 Second Wave 20...Shivam Parmar
Disclaimer -
The Content belongs to WHO (World Health Organisation). Sharing here is just to spread awareness about Covid-19.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/risk-comms-updates/update51_pandemic_overview_where_are_we_now.pdf?sfvrsn=709278aa_5
All you (never) wanted to know about COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2Edward Rybicki
A talk about the basics of the virus and the disease, whether one can become immune, and what the prospects are for vaccines. For an undergrad-early postgrad molecular biology / microbiology oriented audience.
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019. It is very contagious and has quickly spread around the world. The U.S. currently has the highest number of cases and deaths from COVID-19.
Health Advances Demystifying COVID Testing - 4th Edition.pdfHealth Advances
• As we enter the endemic phase of COVID-19, we wanted to share our final edition of Demystifying COVID-19 Testing. In this edition, we provide an update on testing dynamics and share our assessment of the impact on the industry and our predictions for the future.
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[4] The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020.[5] As of 25 March, more than 422,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in more than 190 countries and territories, resulting in more than 18,900 deaths and more than 109,000 recoveries.
Prinsotel´s establishments have implemented health protocols for preventing COVID-19 that comply with the criteria and requirements set forth in UNE 0066-2:2020 Specifications, establishing the guidelines and recommendations for reducing the spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19: A guide for Medical Officers in Primary Health Centres. All Details...Shivam Parmar
Disclaimer -
The Content belongs to rajswasthya.nic.in (Govt. of Rajasthan) Sharing here is just to spread awareness about Covid-19.
http://www.rajswasthya.nic.in/PDF/PPT%20for%20MOs%20at%20PHCs%20for%20COVID19%20management%2009052020%20(1).pdf
Procedures to be followed for the re-opening of the road cycling season in th...Maxim Horssels
This document sets out instructions (mandatory measures) and makes recommendations for good practice (recommended and desired measures) for organising cycling events during the COVID-19 pandemic in the best possible conditions. Source: UCI
Covid-19 Pandemic, where are we now? Latest update on Covid-19 Second Wave 20...Shivam Parmar
Disclaimer -
The Content belongs to WHO (World Health Organisation). Sharing here is just to spread awareness about Covid-19.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/risk-comms-updates/update51_pandemic_overview_where_are_we_now.pdf?sfvrsn=709278aa_5
All you (never) wanted to know about COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2Edward Rybicki
A talk about the basics of the virus and the disease, whether one can become immune, and what the prospects are for vaccines. For an undergrad-early postgrad molecular biology / microbiology oriented audience.
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019. It is very contagious and has quickly spread around the world. The U.S. currently has the highest number of cases and deaths from COVID-19.
Health Advances Demystifying COVID Testing - 4th Edition.pdfHealth Advances
• As we enter the endemic phase of COVID-19, we wanted to share our final edition of Demystifying COVID-19 Testing. In this edition, we provide an update on testing dynamics and share our assessment of the impact on the industry and our predictions for the future.
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[4] The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020.[5] As of 25 March, more than 422,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in more than 190 countries and territories, resulting in more than 18,900 deaths and more than 109,000 recoveries.
Prinsotel´s establishments have implemented health protocols for preventing COVID-19 that comply with the criteria and requirements set forth in UNE 0066-2:2020 Specifications, establishing the guidelines and recommendations for reducing the spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19: A guide for Medical Officers in Primary Health Centres. All Details...Shivam Parmar
Disclaimer -
The Content belongs to rajswasthya.nic.in (Govt. of Rajasthan) Sharing here is just to spread awareness about Covid-19.
http://www.rajswasthya.nic.in/PDF/PPT%20for%20MOs%20at%20PHCs%20for%20COVID19%20management%2009052020%20(1).pdf
Procedures to be followed for the re-opening of the road cycling season in th...Maxim Horssels
This document sets out instructions (mandatory measures) and makes recommendations for good practice (recommended and desired measures) for organising cycling events during the COVID-19 pandemic in the best possible conditions. Source: UCI
The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system
It is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system and is located in front of the rectum and just below the urinary bladder
Function is to store and secrete a clear, slightly alkaline fluid that constitutes 10-30% of the volume of the seminal fluid that along with the spermatozoa, constitutes semen
A healthy human prostate measures (4cm-vertical, by 3cm-horizontal, 2cm ant-post ).
It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. It has anterior, median, posterior and two lateral lobes
It’s work is regulated by androgens which are responsible for male sex characteristics
Generalised disease of the prostate due to hormonal derangement which leads to non malignant enlargement of the gland (increase in the number of epithelial cells and stromal tissue)to cause compression of the urethra leading to symptoms (LUTS
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramLevi Shapiro
June 20, 2024, Prix Galien International and Jerusalem Ethics Forum in ROME. Detailed agenda including panels:
- ADVANCES IN CARDIOLOGY: A NEW PARADIGM IS COMING
- WOMEN’S HEALTH: FERTILITY PRESERVATION
- WHAT’S NEW IN THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS,
ONCOLOGICAL AND INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASES?
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ETHICS
- GENE THERAPY
- BEYOND BORDERS: GLOBAL INITIATIVES FOR DEMOCRATIZING LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROMOTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
- ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN LIFE SCIENCES
- Prix Galien International Awards Ceremony
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
Anti ulcer drugs and their Advance pharmacology ||
Anti-ulcer drugs are medications used to prevent and treat ulcers in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These ulcers are often caused by an imbalance between stomach acid and the mucosal lining, which protects the stomach lining.
||Scope: Overview of various classes of anti-ulcer drugs, their mechanisms of action, indications, side effects, and clinical considerations.
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), or beverage alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol
that is rapidly distributed in the body and brain. Ethanol alters many
neurochemical systems and has rewarding and addictive properties. It
is the oldest recreational drug and likely contributes to more morbidity,
mortality, and public health costs than all illicit drugs combined. The
5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single
disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), with mild, moderate,
and severe subclassifications (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In the DSM-5, all types of substance abuse and dependence have been
combined into a single substance use disorder (SUD) on a continuum
from mild to severe. A diagnosis of AUD requires that at least two of
the 11 DSM-5 behaviors be present within a 12-month period (mild
AUD: 2–3 criteria; moderate AUD: 4–5 criteria; severe AUD: 6–11 criteria).
The four main behavioral effects of AUD are impaired control over
drinking, negative social consequences, risky use, and altered physiological
effects (tolerance, withdrawal). This chapter presents an overview
of the prevalence and harmful consequences of AUD in the U.S.,
the systemic nature of the disease, neurocircuitry and stages of AUD,
comorbidities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, genetic risk factors, and
pharmacotherapies for AUD.
For Better Surat #ℂall #Girl Service ❤85270-49040❤ Surat #ℂall #Girls
Update on SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern Omicron
1. THE LATEST ON THE COVID-19 GLOBAL SITUATION
& SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern Omicron
LAST UPDATE: 10 DECEMBER 2021
CORONAVIRUS
UPDATE
70
2. 2
* Data are incomplete for the current week. Cases depicted by bars; deaths depicted by line
Current global situation
CASES REPORTED TO WHO AS OF 10 DECEMBER 2021
CHECK OUT THE LATEST
GLOBAL SITUATION
WHO
Coronavirus
Disease (COVID-19)
Dashboard
• Cases: > 262 million • Deaths: > 5.2 million
3. • The more the virus circulates, the more the virus will
evolve
• Most changes have little to no impact on the virus’s
properties or behaviour
• However, some changes to SARS-CoV-2 lead to the
emergence of variants that may affect:
➢ virus transmissibility
➢ disease severity and presentation
➢ effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostic
tools or public health and social measures
• Several SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified and
some have been characterized by WHO as variants of
interest (VOI) or variants of concern (VOC)
3
All viruses evolve over time
https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern
Spikes, used by
the virus to attach
to human cells
Changes to the
spike protein may
result in changes in
virus transmissibility
or the virus may
escape immunity
4. 4
SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and variants of concern
SARS-CoV-2
variant of interest (VOI)
• Meets the definition of a VOI and, through a
comparative assessment, has been associated with
one or more of the following changes at a degree of
global public health significance:
➢ increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in
COVID-19 epidemiology; OR
➢ increase in virulence or change in clinical disease
presentation; OR
➢ decrease in effectiveness of public health and
social measures or available diagnostics, vaccines,
therapeutics
SARS-CoV-2
variant of concern (VOC)
• A variant with genetic changes that are predicted or
known to affect virus characteristics such as
transmissibility, disease severity, immune escape,
diagnostic or therapeutic escape; AND
• Causes community transmission or multiple COVID-19
cases/clusters in multiple countries with increasing
relative prevalence or other epidemiological impacts
to suggest an emerging risk to global public health
https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern
5. • On 26 November WHO designated B.1.1.529
a variant of concern (VOC) because of
preliminary evidence of a detrimental
change in COVID-19 epidemiology. As a VOC,
it was named Omicron
• Omicron has a large number of mutations
including more than 30 genetic mutations of
the spike protein
• The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is targeted
by some of the currently approved COVID-19
vaccines; mutations in the spike protein
therefore need to be closely monitored
• Some mutations have previously been
associated with increasing transmissibility
and making it easier for the virus to bind and
attach to cells
5
Omicron designated a variant of concern (VOC) by WHO
https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern
Fig: Delta compared to Omicron with mutations in the S1 domain of the spike protein
Spike protein of
SARS-CoV-2
Areas with mutations
Delta Omicron
More than 70% 40 to 70% 15 to 40% 5 to 15% 1 to 5%
Image: AFP
6. Transmissibility:
It is not yet clear whether
Omicron is more
transmissible, causes more
or less severe disease
compared to other variants,
or impacts the effectiveness
of current COVID-19
vaccines
6
Current knowledge about Omicron
*https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2021-update-on-omicron
While characteristics of Omicron are being studied, evidence shows that
COVID-19 vaccines are still effective to protect against severe disease due
to current circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta
Reinfection:
Preliminary evidence
suggests there may be
an increased risk of
reinfection with
Omicron, however
information is limited*
Detection:
Diagnostic tests,
including PCR and
antigen detection
tests, continue to
detect infection with
Omicron
Clinical
management:
Corticosteroids and IL-6
receptor blockers do
not target the spike
protein and are still
effective for managing
patients with severe
COVID-19
8. 8
A global approach to monitor and assess
SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron
WHO has set up a multidisciplinary mechanism of external experts for decision making
Monitoring &
surveillance
Evidence &
assessment Policy
https://www.who.int/groups/technical-advisory-group-on-covid-19-vaccine-composition-(tag-co-vac)
Technical Advisory Group for
Virus Evolution (TAG-VE)
assesses whether variants
• Alter transmission or disease
characteristics
• Impact vaccines, therapeutics and
diagnostics, or
• effectiveness of PHSM
The R&D Blueprint for
Epidemics convenes researchers to
identify knowledge gaps, studies to
answer questions
Strategic Advisory Group of
Experts (SAGE) for vaccines
Advises on vaccine use and
implementation
TAG for COVID-19 Vaccine
Composition (TAG-CO-VAC)
assesses
• impact of VOCs on current vaccines
• determines whether changes to the
composition of vaccines are needed
9. 9
Additional processes to gather information on SARS-
CoV-2 variants, including Omicron
https://www.who.int/groups/technical-advisory-group-on-covid-19-vaccine-composition-(tag-co-vac)
WG on vaccines Target Product Profiles
reviewing current desirable and minimum criteria for vaccines
The Joint Advisory Group on Therapeutics Prioritization
analysing the possible effects on treatment of hospitalized patients
Working Group (WG) for Clinical Management Networks
assessing impacts of VOCs on current vaccines
WG on outpatient platform trials
reviewing trial designs and challenges
Multidisciplinary mechanism of external experts for information gathering
10. Preventive measures continue to be effective and should continue to be implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19
10
Preventive measures effectively reduce the risk
of COVID-19, including Delta and Omicron
Avoid poorly ventilated
or crowded spaces
Keep a physical distance of at
least 1 metre from others
Wear a
well-fitting mask
Open windows to
improve ventilation
Wash hands
frequently
Cough or sneeze into a
bent elbow or tissue
Get vaccinated, when it is
your turn
11. • Continue to implement effective public health
and social measures to reduce COVID-19
circulation
• Increase vaccination coverage in at-risk
populations in all countries
➢ Identify those populations who are not yet
vaccinated
➢ Target the most vulnerable populations
11
Robust response to Delta helps response to
Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants
Advice for all countries:
• Enhance surveillance and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants,
including Omicron
➢ Submit complete genome sequences to a publicly available database, such as Global Initiative on
Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID)
➢ Report initial cases or clusters associated with VOC infections to WHO
➢ Where capacity exists, perform field investigations and laboratory assessments to improve
understanding of the potential impacts of VOCs
12. • In response to the emergence of Omicron, many countries have
reintroduced travel-related health measures, including travel bans
• Travel bans will not prevent international spread, will place a
heavy burden on lives and livelihoods, and may disincentivize
countries to report and share epidemiological data
• An evidence-informed and risk-based approach to international
travel should be applied in the context of COVID-19, in line with
the IHR (2005)
• Travel for essential purposes should continue to be prioritised,
including emergency and humanitarian missions, travel of
essential personnel, repatriations and cargo transport of essential
supplies
12
Risk-based approach to
international travel in the
context of SARS-CoV-2 variants
• https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-
the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant
• https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Risk-based-international-travel-2021.1
• https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Policy-Brief-Risk-based-international-
travel-2021.1
Risk assessment should consider:
❖ The local epidemiological situation in
departure and destination countries
❖ The risk of importing and exporting
SARS-CoV-2 (including variants)
❖ Vaccine-induced and natural immunity
❖ Health system capacities
❖ Volume of travel and arrangements for
follow-up of incoming travellers who
test positive
❖ Public health and social measures in
departure and destination countries
❖ Contextual factors, including economic
impact, feasibility of applying measures
13. 13
Travel risk mitigation measures that
may be implemented
• National authorities may apply a multi-layered risk mitigation approach to potentially delay and/or
reduce exportation or importation of the new variant
• Such measures may include exit/entry screening of passengers, including via the use of SARS-CoV-2
testing, or the quarantine of travellers
• All measures should be defined though a risk assessment and be commensurate with the risk, time-
limited and applied with respect to traveller’ dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as
per the IHR (2005)
• Travellers should remain vigilant for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, follow recommendations and
continue to adhere to protective measures such as the use of masks and physical distancing both
during travel and at point of entry
• Persons who have not been fully vaccinated or do not have proof of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and
are at increased risk of developing severe disease, including people 60 years of age or older or those
with comorbidities should be advised to postpone travel to areas with community transmission
Travel advice:
https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant
15. 15
Additional resources
• Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants
https://www.who.int/news/item/08-05-2015-who-
issues-best-practices-for-naming-new-human-
infectious-diseases
• WHO issues best practices for
naming new human infectious
diseases
https://www.who.int/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-
variants
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-
coronavirus-2019/situation-reports
• COVID-19 weekly epidemiological
update & weekly operational
update
• www.gisaid.org
The GISAID Initiative promotes the rapid sharing of data
from all influenza viruses and the coronavirus causing
COVID-19
https://www.gisaid.org/
• Classification of Omicron
(B.1.1.529): SARS-CoV-2 Variant
of Concern (who.int)
• Update on Omicron (who.int)
https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-
classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-
variant-of-concern
https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2021-
update-on-omicron