The discovery of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has sparked alarm globally because of its rapid rate of infection and trespassing acquired immunity due to vaccination or natural infection. This heavily mutated variant is rapidly spreading around the world. Infected individuals with the Omicron variant may suffer from flu-like symptoms, and infected with the Delta variant frequently report low oxygen levels, high pulse rates, and a loss of smell and taste. Also, the Omicron variant causes asymptomatic or mild disease so far, and not any severe illness as like Delta, and this new variant has a 15% to 80% reduced risk of hospitalization than the Delta variant. Scientists are worried about the possibility of escaping the immunity by the Omicron variants and subvariants among fully vaccinated and recovered COVID-19 patients. Two doses of available vaccines are found to be partially ineffective in protecting this new variant, therefore, the third dose as a booster is recommended to enhance antibody level. Moreover, some antiviral drugs significantly reduce hospitalization or death among mild to severe COVID-19 patients. All authorized antiviral drugs are effective against viral replication for most SARS-CoV-2 variants, and particularly some monoclonal antibodies may not now be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. There is an urgent need to update existing vaccines, develop more effective and newer vaccines as well as additional monoclonal antibodies to counter Omicron. Therefore, along with close monitoring of Omicron characteristics, the present study suggests that health safety guidelines, mass immunization, early diagnosis, and search for effective antiviral drugs should be the approaches to fight against newer SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Background and Aims Problematic internet use (PIU) by children and adolescents is a concern for many parents. Several factors, including students’ education level, the method of instruction, the dependence on the internet, and their intended use of the internet, could all be contributing factors to PIU and depression. Disturbed mental health may be attributed to the cancellation of physical education classes because of the COVID‐19 outbreak. This study aimed to assess the association of COVID‐19 pandemic with PIU and depressive symptoms in adolescent students. Methods We performed this cross‐sectional study among 491 school‐going adolescents of 10 to 16 years. Self‐administered questionnaires were applied to collect sociodemographic information and the internet usage pattern of the participants. We measured the prevalence of PIU and depressive symptoms using the PIU questionnaire (PIUQ‐SF‐6) and patient health questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). Results The estimations of the risk group for PIU and depressive symptoms among school‐going adolescents were 80.04% and 77.80%, respectively. The latent profiling of PIU scores for obsession, neglect, and control sub‐groups were 5.82, 6.12, and 6.35, respectively. Moreover, we observed mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms in 48.68%, 27.70%, and 1.43% of cases. Age, education level, medium of education, financial impression, internet connection, the device used, the purpose for internet use, and the living status of respondents were significantly associated with the PIU. Reported mental health issues was associated with education level, medium of education, financial impression, and internet connection. Conclusion The present study revealed an association of PIU and depressive symptoms with sociodemographic factors and internet usage patterns. Therefore, these results might have practical implications in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. The healthcare professional can develop a context‐specific comprehensive clinical intervention plan for children and adolescents.

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Blunt abdominal trauma is associated with a variety of medical complications. Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are a rare sequela of blunt trauma. Of the various forms of TAWH, a rare subtype described as a "spontaneous lateral ventral hernia" or flank hernia occurs in less than 1% of all blunt abdominal traumas. We present a case of a 39-year-old male with a past medical history of epilepsy who was involved in a rollover motor vehicle collision. It was reported that the patient had a seizure while driving. On physical exam, the patient had a large left lower flank contusion. Computed tomography revealed a complex TAWH with complete avulsion of the abdominal wall musculature from the iliac crest and near to total disruption of the internal oblique. To address this, we used a biological mesh inlay, reinforced with a synthetic Ventralight™ mesh secured to the iliac crest. In this article, we describe the patient's experience and management of a complex TAWH.

Loratadine, a second generation H1-receptor antagonist, works by blocking the action of histamine and is widely prescribed for itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergic conditions. To ensure quality the main requirements for a medicinal product are safety, potency, efficacy and stability. This research work aimed to compare and assess the quality levels of different local brands of loratadine tablets available in the drug market of Bangladesh. Six different brands of loratadine 10 mg tablet manufactured by the local companies were used for the analysis. The evaluation was performed through the determination of weight variation, hardness, friability, percent potency, disintegration time, and dissolution profile in accordance with USP-NF specifications. All brands showed acceptable weight variation and % friability. The percent potency for tested samples by UV method ranges from 97.02%-108%, showing none of the brands contains less than 90% of the active principle as per the specification. The result of the physical and chemical studies, such as in-vitro dissolution, disintegration, hardness, etc., has been found to differ but lie within the specified limit. After analyzing the data obtained from the tests, it can be claimed that loratadine 10 mg tablets manufactured and marketed by several local companies in Bangladesh meet the quality standard required to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes.