Papers by Jasrita Singh
Journal of undergraduate life sciences, Jul 31, 2021
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Academia Letters, 2021
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to worldwide stay-at-home orders and social isolation. Despite th... more The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to worldwide stay-at-home orders and social isolation. Despite the lack of research exploring the potential influence of loneliness and isolation on the severity of SARS-CoV-2, studies have related loneliness and isolation to factors directly attributing to aggravating the severity of SARS-CoV-2. Although there are many factors that contribute to severe illness from SARS-CoV-2, taking measures to reduce the feeling of isolation may serve as a viable prevention measure. This review sought to examine both basic science and clinical literature and databases. Primary research articles, including case studies, and non-primary studies centered around human and animal studies regarding isolation and their health effects were additionally included. This review aims to provide an alternative perspective to isolation measures put in place by public health and bring to light the importance of mitigating isolation.
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Academia Letters, 2021
The current Coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of many. Everyday, new information about t... more The current Coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of many. Everyday, new information about the virus emerges from the many studies taking place across the globe. Many countries have enacted social distancing and quarantine protocols to slow the spread of the virus. However, these restrictions have had a severe impact on the mental health of many individuals across the globe. Substance use has been on a rise since the onset of restrictions in March 2020. An increase in depression and anxiety has been correlated with the increase in substance use. This correlation points to the use of substances as a coping mechanism in many people to combat the negative feelings associated with the pandemic. Continued use of drugs to cope with the pandemic has long-lasting impacts on social functioning as well as the possibility for future substance abuse problems. The Canadian mental health system is not equipped to effectively treat a surge in mental health issues and needs help. Increased funding of the Canadian mental health system and increased importance placed on mental health issues is imperative to ensuring all Canadians receive the help they need.
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University of Toronto Medical Journal, 2021
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become notorious for its transmissibility and virulence a... more Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become notorious for its transmissibility and virulence among adults and the elderly. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that children are not spared from the grips of this infectious disease. As the six-month anniversary of the pandemic approaches, a notable rise is evident in pediatric COVID-19 cases, particularly severe cases. Yet, coronavirus-related research has been concentrated towards older demographics, the result of which is an insufficient understanding of the disease in children. This makes it more difficult to manage severe pediatric cases in clinical settings. This narrative review presents a summary of COVID-19 literature from a pediatric lens, as it is understood today. It consolidates the range of clinical features observed in child-related cases, evaluates the features unique to pediatric patients and explores the unprecedented spike of multisystem inflammatory conditions coinciding with the pandemic. Regarding the current understanding of COVID-19 in children, three areas requiring further research were identified. First, clinical trials determining the safety and efficacy of remdesivir, and other drug candidates, must be elucidated in pediatric patients. A shift towards larger-scale, multicenter case studies are also needed when examining the poorly understood, child-specific COVID-19 features that have been observed. Further investigation into these features, which include delayed symptoms, prolonged viral presence, and prevalence of asymptomatic cases, may help in achieving a better understanding of the disease pathogenesis in children. Finally, the effectiveness of interventions like aspirin for long-term complications of inflammatory conditions associated with COVID-19, must be established. It is imperative to elucidate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and gain a better understanding of treatment guidelines for children to manage the mounting rates of infection and cases of increased severity observed in this young demographic.
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Academia Letters, 2021
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to worldwide stay-at-home orders and social isolation. Social
isolati... more The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to worldwide stay-at-home orders and social isolation. Social
isolation—a lack of social interaction within groups and communities [16], has prevailed
during quarantine and social distancing orders. Additionally, perceived isolation (i.e.,
loneliness)—the subjective feeling of being isolated while not physically alone, can co-occur
with social isolation. The perception and physical isolation during this pandemic have affected
many demographics. For example, seniors in nursing homes may be at greater risk
for isolation. As most nursing homes have canceled group activities, confinement to their
rooms and the lack of digital literacy among elders has exacerbated the feeling of isolation
within nursing homes and other elders living alone [17]. Additionally, groups with a lack of
technological connectivity can also feel increased loneliness during lockdowns [14].
Despite the lack of research exploring the potential influence of loneliness and isolation
on the severity of SARS-CoV-2, studies have shown that loneliness and isolation contribute to
factors directly attributing to aggravating the severity of SARS-CoV-2 [1, 2, 4, 6-9, 12, 13, 15,
19, 21]. These studies have demonstrated an association between isolation, lowered immune
response, higher inflammation markers, cardiovascular disease, and risk for diabetes [1, 2, 4, 6-9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 21]. Although several factors contribute to severe illness from SARSCoV-
2, taking measures to reduce the feeling of isolation may serve as a viable prevention
measure. This review evaluates current literature examining the association between loneliness
and severe SARS-CoV-2 illness. It aims to provide an alternative perspective to isolation
measures in place by public health highlighting the importance of mitigating isolation.
This review examined both basic science, clinical literature, and databases, including
PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. No time, setting, or language restrictions
were imposed on the search strategy. Primary research articles, including case studies,
and non-primary studies centered around human and animal isolation studies and their health
effects, were also included. Studies concerning meta-analysis were excluded from this review.
Studies focused on the feeling of loneliness and health effects, determined if their subjects
were lonely using the UCLA Loneliness Scale [8]. While studies focusing on isolation placed
the test animals in physical isolation [2].
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Journal of Student Research
Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, there has been an urgent need for a safe and effective vaccine... more Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, there has been an urgent need for a safe and effective vaccine to end this global pandemic. One such vaccine is the Ad5-nCoV, developed by CanSino Biologics Inc. This review aims to examine all animal and human trials conducted for this vaccine candidate. Search terms such as “Ad5-nCoV”, “recombinant adenovirus”, “COVID-19”, and “vaccine”, were used in varying combinations in the PubMed database to find published trial reports. It was concluded that Ad5-nCoV can induce a strong immune response in mice and ferret models and offer them protection against the inoculation of SARS-CoV-2. It also has a strong safety profile in human and can induce an adequate immune response in terms of RBD-specific antibodies and T cell responses, while neutralizing antibody response and seroconversion was mediocre. The publish trial reports support the further testing of this vaccine candidate and it is preparing to enter phase 3 clinical trials.
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Academia Letters, 2021
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University of Toronto Medical Journal, 2021
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become notorious for its transmissibility and virulence a... more Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become notorious for its transmissibility and virulence among adults and the elderly. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that children are not spared from the grips of this infectious disease. As the six-month anniversary of the pandemic approaches, a notable rise is evident in pediatric COVID-19 cases, particularly severe cases. Yet, coronavirus-related research has been concentrated towards older demographics, the result of which is an insufficient understanding of the disease in children. This makes it more difficult to manage severe pediatric cases in clinical settings. This narrative review presents a summary of COVID-19 literature from a pediatric lens, as it is understood today. It consolidates the range of clinical features observed in child-related cases, evaluates the features unique to pediatric patients and explores the unprecedented spike of multisystem inflammatory conditions coinciding with the pandemic. Regarding the current understanding of COVID-19 in children, three areas requiring further research were identified. First, clinical trials determining the safety and efficacy of remdesivir, and other drug candidates, must be elucidated in pediatric patients. A shift towards larger-scale, multicenter case studies are also needed when examining the poorly understood, child-specific COVID-19 features that have been observed. Further investigation into these features, which include delayed symptoms, prolonged viral presence, and prevalence of asymptomatic cases, may help in achieving a better understanding of the disease pathogenesis in children. Finally, the effectiveness of interventions like aspirin for long-term complications of inflammatory conditions associated with COVID-19, must be established. It is imperative to elucidate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and gain a better understanding of treatment guidelines for children to manage the mounting rates of infection and cases of increased severity observed in this young demographic.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Academia Letters, 2021
The current Coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of many. Everyday, new information about t... more The current Coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of many. Everyday, new information about the virus emerges from the many studies taking place across the globe. Many countries have enacted social distancing and quarantine protocols to slow the spread of the virus. However, these restrictions have had a severe impact on the mental health of many individuals across the globe. Substance use has been on a rise since the onset of restrictions in March 2020. An increase in depression and anxiety has been correlated with the increase in substance use. This correlation points to the use of substances as a coping mechanism in many people to combat the negative feelings associated with the pandemic. Continued use of drugs to cope with the pandemic has long-lasting impacts on social functioning as well as the possibility for future substance abuse problems. The Canadian mental health system is not equipped to effectively treat a surge in mental health issues and needs help. Increased funding of the Canadian mental health system and increased importance placed on mental health issues is imperative to ensuring all Canadians receive the help they need.
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Newspaper articles by Jasrita Singh
Medicine Hat News, 2020
The federal government continues to advise all Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of... more The federal government continues to advise all Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada, despite many countries still promoting international tourism.
Some people believe the economic benefits of tourism outweigh the risk of increasing COVID-19 cases, while others argue that international travel for pleasure at this stage in the pandemic is irresponsible and unethical.
As of July 21, there are nearly 50 countries that have opened their borders to Canadians. Many of these countries are in Europe and include France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Spain. Many of these countries rely on tourism to fuel their economy and because of this, they are offering incentives to travellers.
Italy was one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19, and many people are still uneasy about travelling there. To remedy this, the island region of Sicily is willing to cover every third night in a hotel and half of the cost of airfare for tourists that choose to travel there. This deal is enticing, and many tourists see it as a green light to travel.
Despite the potential economic boost from increased tourism, some locals are still against it, specifically tourists coming from other coronavirus hot spots such as the United States.
Travellers may not initially have symptoms of the virus, but could contract it en-route to their destination or in airports as they hop between locations. Small towns that are popular tourist destinations do not have the resources to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak that could be caused by travellers.
Some countries have isolation requirements upon arrival in an attempt to diminish the spread of the virus. These rules come with the expectation that all travellers will responsibly follow them, along with the other guidelines set out by the country, such as wearing masks or not having large gatherings. Upon returning to Canada, regardless of presentation of symptoms, travellers must isolate for 14 days.
If these laws and guidelines are not followed, a second round of outbreaks around the world may become prevalent, putting a further strain on health-care systems and economies. Any personal benefits of travelling internationally are surely undone by the mass public health impact that these actions cause.
Though ultimately it is each person’s individual choice to travel internationally, it is vital to consider how travel could affect the place being visited and whether the positives outweigh the negatives. Travellers must agree to abide by the country’s pandemic policies whether that be by isolating, getting tested, or wearing a mask. Canadians must understand that their vacation time will be at least two weeks longer due to Canada’s mandatory isolation laws upon their return.
Another important consideration is that travel insurance may not cover tourists if they get sick overseas, which could create a financial burden on families. As the world’s borders begin to open to Canadians, it is important that each person consider all repercussions and consequences (real and potential) before choosing to travel internationally.
Katie Turner, BA (University of Alberta) is a student at the Antarctic Institute of Canada with a background in psychology and sociology. Peter A. Johnson, MSc (University of Alberta) is a medical scientist with a background in infection control & strong technical writing expertise. John C. Johnson, MSc Biomedical Engineering graduate student (University of Alberta) is a scientist, author, entrepreneur, and disability advocate. Jasrita Singh, BHSc (McMaster University) is an undergraduate student with a background in Biochemistry, Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization. Elisia Snyder, English and Film Studies (University of Alberta) is affiliated with the University of Alberta Press and has a background in technical writing, editing & publishing. Austin Albert Mardon, CM, FRSC (University of Alberta) is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, an Order of Canada member, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
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Books: Non-fiction by Jasrita Singh
Golden Meteorite Press, 2021
Research into the question of how antibiotic resistance is affected primarily by an emerging pand... more Research into the question of how antibiotic resistance is affected primarily by an emerging pandemic. Recent breakthroughs in technology can be an effective way of combating growing antibiotic resistance. In this anthology of research articles, the promise of specific therapies and ideas will be delved into as well as the dangers of increased antibiotic resistance and the implications of said resistance in a growing pandemic environment. Antibiotic resistance will be covered extensively in this book, as well as research prospects and ideas that contribute to locating and combating various forms of bacterium.
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Papers by Jasrita Singh
isolation—a lack of social interaction within groups and communities [16], has prevailed
during quarantine and social distancing orders. Additionally, perceived isolation (i.e.,
loneliness)—the subjective feeling of being isolated while not physically alone, can co-occur
with social isolation. The perception and physical isolation during this pandemic have affected
many demographics. For example, seniors in nursing homes may be at greater risk
for isolation. As most nursing homes have canceled group activities, confinement to their
rooms and the lack of digital literacy among elders has exacerbated the feeling of isolation
within nursing homes and other elders living alone [17]. Additionally, groups with a lack of
technological connectivity can also feel increased loneliness during lockdowns [14].
Despite the lack of research exploring the potential influence of loneliness and isolation
on the severity of SARS-CoV-2, studies have shown that loneliness and isolation contribute to
factors directly attributing to aggravating the severity of SARS-CoV-2 [1, 2, 4, 6-9, 12, 13, 15,
19, 21]. These studies have demonstrated an association between isolation, lowered immune
response, higher inflammation markers, cardiovascular disease, and risk for diabetes [1, 2, 4, 6-9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 21]. Although several factors contribute to severe illness from SARSCoV-
2, taking measures to reduce the feeling of isolation may serve as a viable prevention
measure. This review evaluates current literature examining the association between loneliness
and severe SARS-CoV-2 illness. It aims to provide an alternative perspective to isolation
measures in place by public health highlighting the importance of mitigating isolation.
This review examined both basic science, clinical literature, and databases, including
PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. No time, setting, or language restrictions
were imposed on the search strategy. Primary research articles, including case studies,
and non-primary studies centered around human and animal isolation studies and their health
effects, were also included. Studies concerning meta-analysis were excluded from this review.
Studies focused on the feeling of loneliness and health effects, determined if their subjects
were lonely using the UCLA Loneliness Scale [8]. While studies focusing on isolation placed
the test animals in physical isolation [2].
Newspaper articles by Jasrita Singh
Some people believe the economic benefits of tourism outweigh the risk of increasing COVID-19 cases, while others argue that international travel for pleasure at this stage in the pandemic is irresponsible and unethical.
As of July 21, there are nearly 50 countries that have opened their borders to Canadians. Many of these countries are in Europe and include France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Spain. Many of these countries rely on tourism to fuel their economy and because of this, they are offering incentives to travellers.
Italy was one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19, and many people are still uneasy about travelling there. To remedy this, the island region of Sicily is willing to cover every third night in a hotel and half of the cost of airfare for tourists that choose to travel there. This deal is enticing, and many tourists see it as a green light to travel.
Despite the potential economic boost from increased tourism, some locals are still against it, specifically tourists coming from other coronavirus hot spots such as the United States.
Travellers may not initially have symptoms of the virus, but could contract it en-route to their destination or in airports as they hop between locations. Small towns that are popular tourist destinations do not have the resources to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak that could be caused by travellers.
Some countries have isolation requirements upon arrival in an attempt to diminish the spread of the virus. These rules come with the expectation that all travellers will responsibly follow them, along with the other guidelines set out by the country, such as wearing masks or not having large gatherings. Upon returning to Canada, regardless of presentation of symptoms, travellers must isolate for 14 days.
If these laws and guidelines are not followed, a second round of outbreaks around the world may become prevalent, putting a further strain on health-care systems and economies. Any personal benefits of travelling internationally are surely undone by the mass public health impact that these actions cause.
Though ultimately it is each person’s individual choice to travel internationally, it is vital to consider how travel could affect the place being visited and whether the positives outweigh the negatives. Travellers must agree to abide by the country’s pandemic policies whether that be by isolating, getting tested, or wearing a mask. Canadians must understand that their vacation time will be at least two weeks longer due to Canada’s mandatory isolation laws upon their return.
Another important consideration is that travel insurance may not cover tourists if they get sick overseas, which could create a financial burden on families. As the world’s borders begin to open to Canadians, it is important that each person consider all repercussions and consequences (real and potential) before choosing to travel internationally.
Katie Turner, BA (University of Alberta) is a student at the Antarctic Institute of Canada with a background in psychology and sociology. Peter A. Johnson, MSc (University of Alberta) is a medical scientist with a background in infection control & strong technical writing expertise. John C. Johnson, MSc Biomedical Engineering graduate student (University of Alberta) is a scientist, author, entrepreneur, and disability advocate. Jasrita Singh, BHSc (McMaster University) is an undergraduate student with a background in Biochemistry, Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization. Elisia Snyder, English and Film Studies (University of Alberta) is affiliated with the University of Alberta Press and has a background in technical writing, editing & publishing. Austin Albert Mardon, CM, FRSC (University of Alberta) is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, an Order of Canada member, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Books: Non-fiction by Jasrita Singh
isolation—a lack of social interaction within groups and communities [16], has prevailed
during quarantine and social distancing orders. Additionally, perceived isolation (i.e.,
loneliness)—the subjective feeling of being isolated while not physically alone, can co-occur
with social isolation. The perception and physical isolation during this pandemic have affected
many demographics. For example, seniors in nursing homes may be at greater risk
for isolation. As most nursing homes have canceled group activities, confinement to their
rooms and the lack of digital literacy among elders has exacerbated the feeling of isolation
within nursing homes and other elders living alone [17]. Additionally, groups with a lack of
technological connectivity can also feel increased loneliness during lockdowns [14].
Despite the lack of research exploring the potential influence of loneliness and isolation
on the severity of SARS-CoV-2, studies have shown that loneliness and isolation contribute to
factors directly attributing to aggravating the severity of SARS-CoV-2 [1, 2, 4, 6-9, 12, 13, 15,
19, 21]. These studies have demonstrated an association between isolation, lowered immune
response, higher inflammation markers, cardiovascular disease, and risk for diabetes [1, 2, 4, 6-9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 21]. Although several factors contribute to severe illness from SARSCoV-
2, taking measures to reduce the feeling of isolation may serve as a viable prevention
measure. This review evaluates current literature examining the association between loneliness
and severe SARS-CoV-2 illness. It aims to provide an alternative perspective to isolation
measures in place by public health highlighting the importance of mitigating isolation.
This review examined both basic science, clinical literature, and databases, including
PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. No time, setting, or language restrictions
were imposed on the search strategy. Primary research articles, including case studies,
and non-primary studies centered around human and animal isolation studies and their health
effects, were also included. Studies concerning meta-analysis were excluded from this review.
Studies focused on the feeling of loneliness and health effects, determined if their subjects
were lonely using the UCLA Loneliness Scale [8]. While studies focusing on isolation placed
the test animals in physical isolation [2].
Some people believe the economic benefits of tourism outweigh the risk of increasing COVID-19 cases, while others argue that international travel for pleasure at this stage in the pandemic is irresponsible and unethical.
As of July 21, there are nearly 50 countries that have opened their borders to Canadians. Many of these countries are in Europe and include France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Spain. Many of these countries rely on tourism to fuel their economy and because of this, they are offering incentives to travellers.
Italy was one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19, and many people are still uneasy about travelling there. To remedy this, the island region of Sicily is willing to cover every third night in a hotel and half of the cost of airfare for tourists that choose to travel there. This deal is enticing, and many tourists see it as a green light to travel.
Despite the potential economic boost from increased tourism, some locals are still against it, specifically tourists coming from other coronavirus hot spots such as the United States.
Travellers may not initially have symptoms of the virus, but could contract it en-route to their destination or in airports as they hop between locations. Small towns that are popular tourist destinations do not have the resources to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak that could be caused by travellers.
Some countries have isolation requirements upon arrival in an attempt to diminish the spread of the virus. These rules come with the expectation that all travellers will responsibly follow them, along with the other guidelines set out by the country, such as wearing masks or not having large gatherings. Upon returning to Canada, regardless of presentation of symptoms, travellers must isolate for 14 days.
If these laws and guidelines are not followed, a second round of outbreaks around the world may become prevalent, putting a further strain on health-care systems and economies. Any personal benefits of travelling internationally are surely undone by the mass public health impact that these actions cause.
Though ultimately it is each person’s individual choice to travel internationally, it is vital to consider how travel could affect the place being visited and whether the positives outweigh the negatives. Travellers must agree to abide by the country’s pandemic policies whether that be by isolating, getting tested, or wearing a mask. Canadians must understand that their vacation time will be at least two weeks longer due to Canada’s mandatory isolation laws upon their return.
Another important consideration is that travel insurance may not cover tourists if they get sick overseas, which could create a financial burden on families. As the world’s borders begin to open to Canadians, it is important that each person consider all repercussions and consequences (real and potential) before choosing to travel internationally.
Katie Turner, BA (University of Alberta) is a student at the Antarctic Institute of Canada with a background in psychology and sociology. Peter A. Johnson, MSc (University of Alberta) is a medical scientist with a background in infection control & strong technical writing expertise. John C. Johnson, MSc Biomedical Engineering graduate student (University of Alberta) is a scientist, author, entrepreneur, and disability advocate. Jasrita Singh, BHSc (McMaster University) is an undergraduate student with a background in Biochemistry, Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization. Elisia Snyder, English and Film Studies (University of Alberta) is affiliated with the University of Alberta Press and has a background in technical writing, editing & publishing. Austin Albert Mardon, CM, FRSC (University of Alberta) is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, an Order of Canada member, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.