Objectives: Convalescent plasma (CP) as a passive source of neutralizing antibodies and immunomodulators is a century-old therapeutic option used for the management of viral diseases. We investigated its effectiveness for the treatment of COVID-19. Design: Open-label, parallel-arm, phase II, multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Thirty-nine public and private hospitals across India. Participants: Hospitalized, moderately ill confirmed COVID-19 patients (PaO2/FiO2: 200-300 or respiratory rate > 24/min and SpO2 ≤ 93% on room air). Intervention: Participants were randomized to either control (best standard of care (BSC)) or intervention (CP + BSC) arm. Two doses of 200 mL CP was transfused 24 hours apart in the intervention arm. Main Outcome Measure: Composite of progression to severe disease (PaO2/FiO2<100) or all-cause mortality at 28 days post-enrolment. Results: Between 22 nd April to 14 th July 2020, 464 participants were enrolled; 235 and 229 in intervention and control arm, respectively. Composite primary outcome was achieved in 44 (18.7%) participants in the intervention arm and 41 (17.9%) in the control arm [aOR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.77]. Mortality was documented in 34 (13.6%) and 31 (14.6%) participants in intervention and control arm, respectively [aOR) 1.06 95% CI: -0.61 to 1.83]. Interpretation: CP was not associated with reduction in mortality or progression to severe COVID-19. This trial has high generalizability and approximates real-life setting of CP therapy in settings with limited laboratory capacity. A priori measurement of neutralizing antibody titres in donors and participants may further clarify the role of CP in management of COVID-19.

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Background The prognosis of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be poor in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Limited information is available on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of such patients in Arab countries. The present study aimed to address this gap. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 101 patients with ESKD who were hospitalized for COVID-19 between May 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 at King Fahad Central Hospital (single center), Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Chi-square test, independent samples t -test, Mann–Whitney U -test, and Cox regression were performed in the statistical analysis. Results Of the 101 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with ESKD, 20 patients died (19.8%). Patients aged ≥ 65 years had a significant mortality risk. Mortality was higher in male patients (70%) than in female patients (30%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (88%), diabetes mellitus (47%), and heart disease (17%). The presence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases along with ESKD increased the mortality risk [relative risk (RR) = 6.5 and RR = 3.8, respectively]. The most frequently reported clinical symptoms were fever (50%), shortness of breath (41%), and cough (35%). In total, 17% of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and required mechanical ventilation. Most patients had bilateral lung infiltrates (88%). Hemoglobin levels and platelet counts were significantly lower in the deceased patients than in the surviving ones. Moreover, compared with the surviving patients, higher degree of lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, ferritin, D-dimer, blood urea nitrogen, and aspartate transaminase were detected in the deceased patients. Septic shock (20%) and respiratory failure (19%) were the most prevalent complications resulting in death. Conclusion COVID-19 patients with ESKD have an increased risk of poor outcomes and mortality. The mortality risk increases with an increase in age and the presence of other comorbidities, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers correlate with disease severity and are associated with in-hospital mortality in this population.

The isobaric binary vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for the mixture of 2-phenylethanol (2PEA) with 1-phenylethanol (1PEA), 2-phenylpropan-2-ol (2P2P), ethylbenzene (ETB), and isopropylbenzene (IPB) is generated at 101.3 kPa. The Fredenslund test and Redlich–Kister area test methods were used to confirm the consistency of the measured VLE experimental data. Subsequently, the data sets are correlated by the nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) and universal quasi-chemical (UNIQUAC) thermodynamic models, and the binary interaction parameters for the two models were estimated using the Britt–Luecke algorithm and the maximum likelihood objective function. The estimation was found to be good for both the activity coefficient models.

Software or web application security is the main objective in the era of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Distinguishing proof of security at the initial stage produces significant results to comprehend the administration of security relics for best potential outcomes. A security alternative gives several methods and algorithms to ensure the software security. Security estimation is the vital factor in assessing, administrating, controlling security to improve the nature of security. It is to be realized that assessment of security at early stage of development helps in identifying distinctive worms, dangers, weaknesses and threats. This paper will talk about the definition and characterization of quantum computing in software security. For software security, we use different cryptography (methods or algorithms to secure our financial organizations, medical devices, military weapons, planes, ships, automobiles, navigators, etc. However, many cryptosystems are likely to collapse when the large quantum computer is developed. Recently, Google developed the Sycamore Processor 53 qubits. Such innovations indicate the advent of large quantum computer in future. Since cryptographic algorithm can be solved by the quantum computers, the present cryptosystem would be rendered obsolete. Hence, it is imperative to focus more on intensive research in the context of the present quantum cyber security. The main challenges in quantum era would be cryptography methods that fulfill the demands of security usability and flexibility without sacrificing the users' confidence. This research study, in particular, focuses on 'Software durability' which is a quality of security that alludes to the capacity to execution of an item on schedule. In the context of software and web application, a thorough assessment of security factors will significantly influence the software's durability in the era of quantum computing.