@article {pmid37274302, year = {2023}, author = {Aldossari, HM}, title = {Exploring interrelationships of COVID-19 dimensions in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review.}, journal = {Bulletin of the National Research Centre}, volume = {47}, number = {1}, pages = {73}, pmid = {37274302}, issn = {2522-8307}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affected the world threatening medical, social, economic and community dimensions. Along with the other countries of the world, Saudi Arabia also witnessed critical emergencies leading to serious disaster due mainly to the overcrowding at certain urban residential localities. Nevertheless, the situation handled meticulously not only with measures and combating strategies but also with documentations and researches to build sustainable confrontation systems and lateral programs.

MAIN BODY OF ABSTRACT: This attempt is a consolidation of the academic efforts on COVID-19 in the country aiming to contribute to the knowledge base aiding to future planning on preparedness. An online survey of published academic research from peer reviewed journals were carried out during August-December 2022, using COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia as search criteria. Many areas of concern are assessed in the context which are classified into spread and burden, patient statistics, symptoms and other clinical dimensions, vaccinations and vaccine acceptance/hesitance, psychosocial impact, impact on education, impact on health staff, impact on migration, impact on nutrition, and control measures adopted.

SHORT CONCLUSIONS: A consolidation of these research findings explains the scientific academic community alertness in raising up to the emergency pandemic situation, which facilitated strategy and policy formulations by the Government ministries and other governing bodies. These researches are linked to stagewise programmatic efforts to curtail the epidemic as a mode of accomplishments.}, } @article {pmid37274102, year = {2023}, author = {Wu, S and Wang, C and Bai, D and Chen, N and Hu, J and Zhang, J}, title = {Perspectives of international multi-center clinical trials on traditional Chinese herbal medicine.}, journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1195364}, pmid = {37274102}, issn = {1663-9812}, abstract = {With the introduction of various subjects, such as clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine, the qualities and levels of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) in China improved substantially, and the processes of internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are further accelerated. Since, a variety of drug products in China have been approved for marketing in other countries, and approximately 10 products have submitted the IND application to FDA of United States, of which various Chinese herbal preparations such as compound Danshen dripping pills, Xingling granules, and HMPL-004 have been approved to be investigated in phase III clinical trials. In general, multi-center studies of TCHM are increasing with years, but most of the studies are performed in some certain country, and the actual international multi-center clinical trials are very rare. Number of SCI literatures on multi-center clinical trials of TCHM that published in the recent decade also showed increasing tendency with years, despite the evident reduction in the past 2 years due to the influence of COVID-19 pandemic. Of the multi-center clinical trials of TCHM that performed by mainland China and other oversees regions, except for Taiwan, China, nearly 70% were focused on classic Chinese medicinal formulae and Chinese patent medicine, while the other 30% were on dietary supplements and plant extracts. Facing the future, the "human experience" has attracted close attentions from researchers throughout the world. Effectively utilizing the historic "human experience" is an important method to vitalize potential of original scientific and technological resources of TCHM. Performing multi-center clinical trials with high qualities is still an essential method for TCHM in accessing the mainstream medicine market. In addition, it is also required to further improve the evaluation techniques and methods that not only meet the international standards but also meet the characteristics of TCHM. Furthermore, we should also focus on the TCHM specific clinical values and scientific reports.}, } @article {pmid37273918, year = {2023}, author = {Choudry, H and Ata, F and Ibrahim, W and Rana, MOR and Ahmad, S and Mehmood, A and Gill, BA and Suheb, MK}, title = {Saddle pulmonary embolism in the setting of COVID-19 infection: A systematic review of case reports and case series.}, journal = {Open medicine (Warsaw, Poland)}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {20230724}, pmid = {37273918}, issn = {2391-5463}, abstract = {Saddle pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare type of pulmonary embolism that can lead to hemodynamic compromise causing sudden deaths. Due to a dearth of large prospective studies in this area, little is known regarding the epidemiology, and prognosis and factors affecting the latter for COVID-19-associated SPE. We aimed to describe COVID-19-associated SPE and quantify and compare mortality and factors affecting mortality among the cases. We included a total of 25 publications with a total of 35 cases. The average age was 45 ± 16.3 years with 11 females and 24 males. Dyspnoea (82.5%), orthopnoea (43.5%), and cough (43.5%) were the most common symptoms, and obstructive shock was present in five (21.7%) patients. The average reported oxygen (O2) saturation was 85.8% ± 11.9 mm Hg. Hypertension (26.1%), diabetes (21.7%), and deep vein thrombosis (21.7%) were the most commonly reported comorbidities. Right heart strain was recognized in seven (30%) patients on electroencephalogram (S1QIIITIII) and 12 (52.2%) patients on echocardiogram. Anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and percutaneous intervention were tried in 21 (91.3%), 13 (56.5%), and 6 (26.1%) cases, respectively. Despite the aggressive management, 2 of 25 (8.7%) patients died in our smaller case report cohort. We conclude that despite aggressive management modalities, the mortality of SPE remains high in COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37273802, year = {2023}, author = {Zeinivand, M and Sharifi, M and Hassanshahi, G and Nedaei, SE}, title = {Deferoxamine has the Potential to Improve the COVID-19-Related Inflammatory Response in Diabetic Patients.}, journal = {International journal of peptide research and therapeutics}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {63}, pmid = {37273802}, issn = {1573-3149}, abstract = {The clinical state of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been considered a pandemic disease (COVID-19) that is rapidly spreading worldwide. Despite all global efforts, the only treatment for COVID-19 is supportive care and there has been no efficient treatment to fight this plague. It is confirmed that patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorder and diabetes; are more vulnerable to COVID-19. In the severe type of COVID-19, laboratory findings showed a remarkably enhanced C-reactive protein, IL-6 serum, Iron, and ferritin, which suggest an inflammatory response. Inflammation results in iron homeostasis imbalance and causes iron overload, exacerbating the SARSCOV2 infection. More importantly, recent studies have established that SARS-CoV-2 needs iron for viral replication and also activation. As a result, managing iron overload in diabetic patients with COVID-19 could be an early therapeutic approach to limit the lethal inflammatory response of COVID-19. In this review, Deferoxamine (DFO) has been proposed as an effective iron chelator agent.}, } @article {pmid37273689, year = {2023}, author = {Iacono, S and Schirò, G and Davì, C and Mastrilli, S and Abbott, M and Guajana, F and Arnao, V and Aridon, P and Ragonese, P and Gagliardo, C and Colomba, C and Scichilone, N and D'Amelio, M}, title = {COVID-19 and neurological disorders: what might connect Parkinson's disease to SARS-CoV-2 infection.}, journal = {Frontiers in neurology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1172416}, pmid = {37273689}, issn = {1664-2295}, } @article {pmid37273513, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, Q and Zhao, L and Qi, G and Zhang, X and Tian, C}, title = {Raman and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques for detection of coronavirus (COVID-19): a mini review.}, journal = {Frontiers in chemistry}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1193030}, pmid = {37273513}, issn = {2296-2646}, abstract = {Coronavirus pandemic has been a huge jeopardy to human health in various systems since it outbroke, early detection and prevention of further escalation has become a priority. The current popular approach is to collect samples using the nasopharyngeal swab method and then test for RNA using the real-time polymerase chain reaction, which suffers from false-positive results and a longer diagnostic time scale. Alternatively, various optical techniques, namely, optical sensing, spectroscopy, and imaging shows a great promise in virus detection. In this mini review, we briefly summarize the development progress of vibrational spectroscopy techniques and its applications in the detection of SARS-CoV family. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy received increasing appreciation in bio-analysis for their speediness, accuracy and cost-effectiveness in detection of SARS-CoV. Further, an account of emerging photonics technologies of SARS-CoV-2 detection and future possibilities is also explained. The progress in the field of vibrational spectroscopy techniques for virus detection unambiguously show a great promise in the development of rapid photonics-based devices for COVID-19 detection.}, } @article {pmid37273430, year = {2023}, author = {Garg, P and Kumar, V and Verma, UP and Lal, N and Rastogi, P and Singhal, R and Pathak, AK and Kaushal, S and Pal, US}, title = {COVID-19 outbreak… journey of dental care workers: A systematic review.}, journal = {National journal of maxillofacial surgery}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {16-21}, pmid = {37273430}, issn = {0975-5950}, abstract = {The conditions of health-care professionals including dental fraternity have been extremely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental care workers have suspended all routine dental activities with the fear of transmission of the virus from aerosol-generating dental procedures. They have also stood with medical care professionals as frontline warriors because of the exponentially overburdened of the COVID-19-positive patients worldwide. With the available literature, the aim of this article is to address the trajectories of the life of oral health workers during the outbreak of COVID-19 as well as to analyze what measures shall be taken to improve their overall physical, mental, social, and economic health and precautions while working in dental environment.}, } @article {pmid37273345, year = {2023}, author = {Kumari, U and Sharma, RK and Keshari, JR and Sinha, A}, title = {Environmental Exposure: Effect on Maternal Morbidity and Mortality and Neonatal Health.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {e38548}, pmid = {37273345}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Environmental factors are important causes that impair global pregnancy outcomes and are, importantly, responsible for maternal morbidity and mortality. However, apart from the direct reasons for maternal deaths, mainly obstetric and neonatal complications, such factors are ignored or given less importance. The recent surge in research on the impact of various environmental factors on pregnancy outcomes suggests the need for immediate attention to such factors and device-specific policies to counter the situation. Moreover, the recent coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global warming, and climate change showed a lack of preparedness to counter the impact of such events on maternal survival and safe and successful pregnancy outcomes. In the present review, we have emphasized the specific factors responsible for increased maternal and neonatal deaths and their association with specific environmental factors. Increased attention on maternal healthcare, preparedness to counter sudden environmental challenges and improvement of the conventional requirement for better maternal healthcare access and nutrition at a global level may improve the scenario.}, } @article {pmid37273244, year = {2023}, author = {Joob, B and Wiwanitkit, V}, title = {COVID-19 vaccination and diabetic ketoacidosis.}, journal = {World journal of diabetes}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {560-564}, pmid = {37273244}, issn = {1948-9358}, abstract = {An efficient coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is urgently required to fight the pandemic due to its high transmission rate and quick dissemination. There have been numerous reports on the side effects of the COVID-19 immu-nization, with a focus on its negative effects. Clinical endocrinology is extremely interested in the endocrine issue that arises after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. As was already mentioned, after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, many clinical problems could occur. Additionally, there are some compelling reports on diabetes. After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, a patient experienced hyperosmolar hyperglycemia state, a case of newly-onset type 2 diabetes. There has also been information on a potential connection between the COVID-19 vaccine and diabetic ketoacidosis. Common symptoms include thirst, polydipsia, polyuria, palpitations, a lack of appetite, and weariness. In extremely rare clinical circumstances, a COVID-19 vaccine recipient may develop diabetes complications such as hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. In these circumstances, routine clinical care has a successful track record. It is advised to give vaccine recipients who are vulnerable to problems, such as those with type 1 diabetes as an underlying illness, extra attention.}, } @article {pmid37273072, year = {2023}, author = {Alnimr, A}, title = {Antimicrobial Resistance in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Predictive Microbiology and Evidence-Based Therapy.}, journal = {Infectious diseases and therapy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37273072}, issn = {2193-8229}, abstract = {Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious intensive care unit (ICU)-related infection in mechanically ventilated patients that is frequent, as more than half of antibiotics prescriptions in ICU are due to VAP. Various risk factors and diagnostic criteria for VAP have been referred to in different settings. The estimated attributable mortality of VAP can go up to 50%, which is higher in cases of antimicrobial-resistant VAP. When the diagnosis of pneumonia in a mechanically ventilated patient is made, initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy must be prompt. Microbiological diagnosis of VAP is required to optimize timely therapy since effective early treatment is fundamental for better outcomes, with controversy continuing regarding optimal sampling and testing. Understanding the role of antimicrobial resistance in the context of VAP is crucial in the era of continuously evolving antimicrobial-resistant clones that represent an urgent threat to global health. This review is focused on the risk factors for antimicrobial resistance in adult VAP and its novel microbiological tools. It aims to summarize the current evidence-based knowledge about the mechanisms of resistance in VAP caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria in clinical settings with focus on Gram-negative pathogens. It highlights the evidence-based antimicrobial management and prevention of drug-resistant VAP. It also addresses emerging concepts related to predictive microbiology in VAP and sheds lights on VAP in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).}, } @article {pmid37272720, year = {2023}, author = {Gordon, AJ and Varelas, A and Eytan, DF}, title = {Bell's Palsy After Vaccination Against Covid-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.}, journal = {Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ohn.385}, pmid = {37272720}, issn = {1097-6817}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify studies reporting the incidence of Bell's Palsy after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and assess whether this incidence is greater than among the general population.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Databases were searched from inception to May 9, 2022, for studies reporting the incidence of Bell's Palsy among individuals vaccinated against Covid-19 and control populations. Meta-analyses of odds ratios (ORs) were performed to compare the incidence of Bell's Palsy in these groups.

RESULTS: We identified 7 studies reporting the incidence of Bell's Palsy after vaccination and among the general population, including 20,234,931 total vaccinated patients. The length of postvaccination follow-up ranged from 7 to 43 days in these studies. The incidence of Bell's Palsy was not significantly greater among vaccinated individuals (OR: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-1.71; p = .82). Stratifying by dose, the incidence of Bell's Palsy was not significantly greater after receiving either the first dose (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.47-1.49; p = .54) or second dose (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.58-1.79; p = .96).

CONCLUSION: Among the available evidence, the incidence of Bell's Palsy after vaccination against Covid-19 is comparable to that of the general unvaccinated population. Patient counseling should provide reassurance that there is no known association between Bell's Palsy and Covid-19 vaccination.}, } @article {pmid37272269, year = {2023}, author = {McNamara, CL and Kotzias, V and Bambra, C and Labonté, R and Stuckler, D}, title = {Have COVID-19 Stimulus Packages Mitigated the Negative Health Impacts of Pandemic-Related Job Losses? A Systematic Review of Global Evidence from the First Year of the Pandemic.}, journal = {International journal of social determinants of health and health services}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {27551938231176374}, doi = {10.1177/27551938231176374}, pmid = {37272269}, issn = {2755-1946}, abstract = {Social protection can buffer the negative impacts of unemployment on health. Have stimulus packages introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic mitigated potential harms to health from unemployment? We performed a systematic review of the health effects of job loss during the first year of the pandemic. We searched three electronic databases and identified 49 studies for inclusion. Three United States-based studies found that stimulus programs mitigated the impact of job loss on food security and mental health. Furloughs additionally appeared to reduce negative impacts when they were paid. However, despite the implementation of large-scale stimulus packages to reduce economic harms, we observed a clear pattern that job losses were nevertheless significantly associated with negative impacts, particularly on mental health, quality of life, and food security. We also observe suggestive evidence that COVID-related job loss was associated with child maltreatment, worsening dental health, and poor chronic disease outcomes. Overall, although we did find evidence that income-support policies appeared to help protect people from the negative health consequences of pandemic-related job loss, they were not sufficient to fully offset the threats to health. Future research should ascertain how to ensure adequate access to and generosity of social protection programs during epidemics and economic downturns.}, } @article {pmid37272217, year = {2023}, author = {Chung, MKY and Gong, L and Kwong, DL and Lee, VH and Lee, AW and Guan, XY and Kam, NW and Dai, W}, title = {Functions of double-negative B cells in autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancers.}, journal = {EMBO molecular medicine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e17341}, doi = {10.15252/emmm.202217341}, pmid = {37272217}, issn = {1757-4684}, abstract = {Most mature B cells can be divided into four subtypes based on the expression of the surface markers IgD and CD27: IgD[+] CD27[-] naïve B cells, IgD[+] CD27[+] unswitched memory B cells, IgD[-] CD27[+] switched memory B cells, and IgD[-] CD27[-] double-negative (DN) B cells. Despite their small population size in normal peripheral blood, DN B cells play integral roles in various diseases. For example, they generate autoimmunity in autoimmune conditions, while these cells may generate both autoimmune and antipathogenic responses in COVID-19, or act in a purely antipathogenic capacity in malaria. Recently, DN B cells have been identified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and non-small-cell lung cancers, where they may play an immunosuppressive role. The distinct functions that DN B cells play in different diseases suggest that they are a heterogeneous B-cell population. Therefore, further study of the mechanisms underlying the involvement of DN B cells in these diseases is essential for understanding their pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic strategies. Further research is thus warranted to characterize the DN B-cell population in detail.}, } @article {pmid37271130, year = {2023}, author = {Tsuchiya, H}, title = {COVID-19 Oral Sequelae: Persistent Gustatory and Saliva Secretory Dysfunctions after Recovery from COVID-19.}, journal = {Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1159/000531373}, pmid = {37271130}, issn = {1423-0151}, abstract = {Diverse manifestations have been recognized to last for a long time in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, understanding of oral sequelae after recovery from COVID-19 is relatively poor compared with that of oral symptoms in the acute phase of COVID-19 and other COVID-19 sequelae. The aim of the present study was to characterize persistent gustatory and saliva secretory dysfunctions, and speculate their pathogenic mechanisms. Articles were retrieved by searching scientific databases with a cutoff date of September 30, 2022. The literature search indicated that ageusia/dysgeusia and xerostomia/dry mouth are reported by 1-45% of COVID-19 survivors at follow-ups of 21-365 days and by 2-40% of COVID-19 survivors at follow-ups of 28-230 days, respectively. The prevalence of gustatory sequelae partly depends on difference in ethnicity, gender, age, and disease severity of subjects. Co-occurring gustatory and saliva secretory sequelae are pathogenically related to either or both of the following: expression of SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry-relevant receptors in taste buds and salivary glands, and SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced deficiency in zinc that is essential to maintain normality of taste perception and saliva secretion. Given the long-term oral sequelae, hospital discharge is not the end of the disease, therefore careful attention should be continuously paid to oral conditions of post-COVID-19 patients.}, } @article {pmid37270878, year = {2023}, author = {Velez, GM}, title = {College and COVID-19: The Pandemic's reverberations on adolescents and emerging adults on campus.}, journal = {Current opinion in psychology}, volume = {51}, number = {}, pages = {101592}, pmid = {37270878}, issn = {2352-2518}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic deeply disrupted all aspects of life for young people in college. Beginning early in the pandemic, research has documented how young people experienced these challenges and the impacts on their psychosocial wellbeing and development. This review highlights patterns in identified challenges, mental health, and associated risk and protective factors. Overall, the pandemic led to rises in negative affect and emotional struggles, though the review of the literature also raises critical areas for supporting these young people. Additionally, the review suggests providing resources that focus on valuable elements of young people's experiences on college campuses; namely social support and connection, belonging, and effective psychosocial coping strategies.}, } @article {pmid37270272, year = {2023}, author = {Kunutsor, SK and Laukkanen, JA}, title = {Does the Combination of Finnish Sauna Bathing and Other Lifestyle Factors Confer Additional Health Benefits? A Review of the Evidence.}, journal = {Mayo Clinic proceedings}, volume = {98}, number = {6}, pages = {915-926}, doi = {10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.01.008}, pmid = {37270272}, issn = {1942-5546}, mesh = {Humans ; *Steam Bath/adverse effects ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control/etiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/etiology ; *Hypertension/etiology ; Inflammation/etiology ; }, abstract = {Sauna bathing, a tradition deeply rooted in the Finnish culture, has been used for thousands of years for leisure, relaxation, and wellness. Sauna bathing is linked with substantial health benefits beyond its use for leisure and relaxation. Several observational and interventional studies suggest that regular or frequent sauna bathing reduces the incidence of vascular and nonvascular diseases, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and respiratory conditions; may improve the severity of conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, COVID-19, headache, and influenza; and increases the life span. The beneficial effects of sauna bathing on adverse outcomes have been linked to its blood pressure-reducing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytoprotective, and stress-reducing properties and its synergistic effect on neuroendocrine, circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune function. Evidence suggests that frequent sauna bathing is an emerging protective risk factor that may augment the beneficial effects of other protective risk or lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, or attenuate or offset the adverse effects of other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, systemic inflammation, and low socioeconomic status. This review summarizes the available epidemiologic and interventional evidence linking the combined effects of Finnish sauna bathing and other risk factors on vascular outcomes including cardiovascular disease and intermediate cardiovascular phenotypes, nonvascular outcomes, and mortality. We also discuss the mechanistic pathways underlying the joint contributions of Finnish sauna bathing and other risk factors on health outcomes, the public health and clinical implications of the findings, gaps in the existing evidence base, and future directions.}, } @article {pmid37270103, year = {2023}, author = {Panwala, V and Joudrey, P and Kowalski, M and Bach, P and Amram, O}, title = {Changes to methadone maintenance therapy in the United States, Canada, and Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review.}, journal = {Journal of substance use and addiction treatment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {209086}, pmid = {37270103}, issn = {2949-8759}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across the world made adaptations to policies regulating the provision of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) to facilitate social distancing for health care providers and people in treatment. Many countries issued guidance about increasing take-home methadone doses after the onset of the pandemic.

METHODS: In this review, we compare the regulation of MMT prior to the pandemic in the United States, Canada, and Australia, analyze changes to treatment policy in the context of COVID-19, and review emerging data on treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: The United States only permits the prescription and disbursement of methadone for MMT treatment at federally designated opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Conversely, Australia and Canada operate on a community pharmacy-based distribution model, where patients can access methadone doses either in participating pharmacies or in some methadone clinics.

CONCLUSION: Given reports of similar treatment outcomes and increased patient satisfaction since the pandemic-related policy changes, some changes including increased receipt of take-home doses should be considered for incorporation into post-pandemic treatment policies and regulations.}, } @article {pmid37269883, year = {2023}, author = {Braga, BC and Cash, SB and Sarson, K and Chang, R and Mosca, A and Wilson, NLW}, title = {The gamification of nutrition labels to encourage healthier food selection in online grocery shopping: A randomized controlled trial.}, journal = {Appetite}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {106610}, doi = {10.1016/j.appet.2023.106610}, pmid = {37269883}, issn = {1095-8304}, abstract = {Food purchase choices, one of the main determinants of food consumption, is highly influenced by food environments. Given the surge in online grocery shopping because of the COVID-19 pandemic, interventions in digital environments present more than ever an opportunity to improve the nutritional quality of food purchase choices. One such opportunity can be found in gamification. Participants (n = 1228) shopped for 12 items from a shopping list on a simulated online grocery platform. We randomized them into four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design: presence vs. absence of gamification, and high vs. low budget. Participants in the gamification groups saw foods with 1 (least nutritious) to 5 (most nutritious) crown icons and a scoreboard with a tally of the number of crowns the participant collected. We estimated ordinary least squares and Poisson regression models to test the impact of the gamification and budget on the nutritional quality of the shopping basket. In the absence of gamification and low budget, participants collected 30.78 (95% CI [30.27; 31.29]) crowns. In the gamification and low budget condition, participants increased the nutritional quality of their shopping basket by collecting more crowns (B = 4.15, 95% CI [3.55; 4.75], p < 0.001). The budget amount ($50 vs. $30) did not alter the final shopping basket (B = 0.45, 95% CI [-0.02; 1.18], p = 0.057), nor moderated the gamification effect. Gamification increased the nutritional quality of the final shopping baskets and nine of 12 shopping list items in this hypothetical experiment. Gamifying nutrition labels may be an effective strategy to improve the nutritional quality of food choices in online grocery stores, but further research is needed.}, } @article {pmid37269880, year = {2023}, author = {Li, M and Pan, Y and Xi, Y and Wang, M and Zeng, Q}, title = {Insights and progress on epidemic characteristics, genotyping, and preventive measures of PEDV in China: A review.}, journal = {Microbial pathogenesis}, volume = {181}, number = {}, pages = {106185}, doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106185}, pmid = {37269880}, issn = {1096-1208}, abstract = {Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED) is an acute, extremely infectious intestinal disease of pigs caused by the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus (PEDV). The virus can affect pigs of all breeds and age groups and shows varying degrees of symptoms, with piglets, in particular, being infected with mortality rates of up to 100%. PEDV was first identified in China in the 1980s and in October 2010 a large-scale PED outbreak caused by a variant of PEDV occurred in China, resulting in huge economic losses. Initially, vaccination can effectively prevent the classical strain, but since December 2010, the PEDV variant has caused "persistent diarrhoea" with severe vomiting, watery diarrhoea, and high morbidity and mortality in newborn piglets as the dominant clinical features, with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. This indicates that PEDV strains have mutated during evolution and that traditional vaccines no longer provide effective cross-immune protection, so it is necessary to optimize immunization programs and find effective treatments through epidemiological surveys of PEDV to reduce the economic losses caused by infections with mutated strains. This article reviews the progress of research on the aetiology, epidemiological characteristics, genotyping, pathogenesis, transmission routes, and comprehensive control of PEDV infection in China.}, } @article {pmid37269693, year = {2023}, author = {Khamees, A and Awadi, S and Al-Shami, K and Alkhoun, HA and Al-Eitan, SF and Alsheikh, AM and Saeed, A and Al-Zoubi, RM and Zoubi, MSA}, title = {Human monkeypox virus in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Journal of infection and public health}, volume = {16}, number = {8}, pages = {1149-1157}, pmid = {37269693}, issn = {1876-035X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The end of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent stopping of vaccination against smallpox was followed by the emergence of monkeypox (mpox), a viral disease of animal origin, meaning that it is transmitted from animal to human. The symptoms of mpox are similar to smallpox, except that they are less severe in terms of clinical features. In the case of public health, the mpox virus is one of the most important orthopoxviruses (such as variola, cowpox, and vaccinia) that come from the family Poxviridae. Mpox occurs mostly in central Africa and sometimes in tropical rainforests or some urban areas. Also, there are threats other than COVID-19, that must be addressed and prevented from spreading, as there has been an outbreak of mpox cases since May 7, 2022, throughout the USA, Europe, Australia, and part of Africa.

OBJECTIVES: In this review, we will discuss mpox between the past, the present and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it offers an updated summary of the taxonomy, etiology, transmission, and epidemiology of mpox illness. In addition, the current review aims to highlight the importance of emerging pandemics in the same era such as mpox and COVID-19.

METHODS: A literature search was done for the study using online sources like PubMed and Google Scholar. Publications in English were included. Data for study variables were extracted. After the duplicate articles were eliminated, full-text screening was performed on the papers' titles and abstracts.

RESULTS: The evaluation included a series documenting mpox virus outbreaks, and both prospective and retrospectiveinvestigations.

CONCLUSIONS: monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is primarily found in central and western Africa. The disease is transmitted from animals to humans and presents symptoms similar to those of smallpox, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. Monkeypox can lead to complications such as secondary integument infection, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis, as well as corneal infection that can result in blindness. There is no specific clinically proven treatment for monkeypox, and treatment is primarily supportive. However, antiviral drugs and vaccines are available for cross-protection against the virus, and strict infection control measures and vaccination of close contacts of affected individuals can help prevent and control outbreaks.}, } @article {pmid37269591, year = {2023}, author = {Wijenayake, S and Martz, J and Lapp, HE and Storm, JA and Champagne, FA and Kentner, AC}, title = {The contributions of parental lactation on offspring development: It's not udder nonsense!.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {153}, number = {}, pages = {105375}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105375}, pmid = {37269591}, issn = {1095-6867}, abstract = {The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis describes how maternal stress exposures experienced during critical periods of perinatal life are linked to altered developmental trajectories in offspring. Perinatal stress also induces changes in lactogenesis, milk volume, maternal care, and the nutritive and non-nutritive components of milk, affecting short and long-term developmental outcomes in offspring. For instance, selective early life stressors shape the contents of milk, including macro/micronutrients, immune components, microbiota, enzymes, hormones, milk-derived extracellular vesicles, and milk microRNAs. In this review, we highlight the contributions of parental lactation to offspring development by examining changes in the composition of breast milk in response to three well-characterized maternal stressors: nutritive stress, immune stress, and psychological stress. We discuss recent findings in human, animal, and in vitro models, their clinical relevance, study limitations, and potential therapeutic significance to improving human health and infant survival. We also discuss the benefits of enrichment methods and support tools that can be used to improve milk quality and volume as well as related developmental outcomes in offspring. Lastly, we use evidence-based primary literature to convey that even though select maternal stressors may modulate lactation biology (by influencing milk composition) depending on the severity and length of exposure, exclusive and/or prolonged milk feeding may attenuate the negative in utero effects of early life stressors and promote healthy developmental trajectories. Overall, scientific evidence supports lactation to be protective against nutritive and immune stressors, but the benefits of lactation in response to psychological stressors need further investigation.}, } @article {pmid37269566, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, R and Luo, J and Li, C and Chen, J and Zhu, N}, title = {Antiviral drugs in wastewater are on the rise as emerging contaminants: A comprehensive review of spatiotemporal characteristics, removal technologies and environmental risks.}, journal = {Journal of hazardous materials}, volume = {457}, number = {}, pages = {131694}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131694}, pmid = {37269566}, issn = {1873-3336}, abstract = {Antiviral drugs (ATVs) are widely used to treat illnesses caused by viruses. Particularly, ATVs were consumed in such large quantities during the pandemic that high concentrations were detected in wastewater and aquatic environment. Since ATVs are not fully absorbed by the human or animal body, this results in large amounts of them being discharged into the sewage through urine or feces. Most ATVs can be degraded by microbes at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), while some ATVs either require deep treatment to reduce concentration and toxicity. Parent and metabolites residing in effluent posed a varying degree of risk when entering the aquatic environment, while increasing the potential of natural reservoirs for environmentally acquired antiviral drug resistance potential. There is a rising research on the behavior of ATVs in the environment has surged since the pandemic. In the context of multiple viral diseases worldwide, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic, a comprehensive assessment of the occurrence, removal, and risk of ATVs is urgently needed. This review aims to discuss the fate of ATVs in WWTPs from various regions in the world with wastewater as the main analyzing object. The ultimate goal is to focus on ATVs with high ecological impact and regulate their use or develop advanced treatment technologies to mitigate the risk to the environment.}, } @article {pmid37269203, year = {2023}, author = {Rathore, D and Marino, MJ and Nita-Lazar, A}, title = {Omics and systems view of innate immune pathways.}, journal = {Proteomics}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2200407}, doi = {10.1002/pmic.202200407}, pmid = {37269203}, issn = {1615-9861}, support = {/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Multiomics approaches to studying systems biology are very powerful techniques that can elucidate changes in the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels within a cell type in response to an infection. These approaches are valuable for understanding the mechanisms behind disease pathogenesis and how the immune system responds to being challenged. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance and utility of these tools have become evident in garnering a better understanding of the systems biology within the innate and adaptive immune response and for developing treatments and preventative measures for new and emerging pathogens that pose a threat to human health. In this review, we focus on state-of-the-art omics technologies within the scope of innate immunity.}, } @article {pmid37269068, year = {2023}, author = {Mercier, N and Belhadi, D and DeChanet, A and Delmas, C and Saillard, J and Dumousseaux, M and Le Mestre, S and Fougerou-Leurent, C and Ferrane, A and Burdet, C and Espérou, H and Ader, F and Hites, M and Peiffer-Smadja, N and Poissy, J and Andrejak, C and Paiva, JA and Tacconelli, E and Staub, T and Greil, R and Costagliola, D and Mentre, F and Yazdanpanah, Y and Diallo, A and , }, title = {Management of pharmacovigilance during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis by the safety department of an academic sponsor: Lessons learnt and challenges from the EU DisCoVeRy clinical trial.}, journal = {Pharmacology research & perspectives}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {e01072}, pmid = {37269068}, issn = {2052-1707}, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; Pharmacovigilance ; Communicable Disease Control ; Hydroxychloroquine/adverse effects ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Multicenter Studies as Topic ; }, abstract = {The current COVID-19 pandemic was an exceptional health situation, including for drug use. As there was no known effective drug for COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic, different drug candidates were proposed. In this article, we present the challenges for an academic Safety Department to manage the global safety of a European trial during the pandemic. The National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm) conducted a European multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial involving three repurposed and one-in development drugs (lopinavir/ritonavir, IFN-β1a, hydroxychloroquine, and remdesivir) in adults hospitalized with COVID-19. From 25 March 2020 to 29 May 2020, the Inserm Safety Department had to manage 585 Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) initial notification and 396 follow-up reports. The Inserm Safety Department's staff was mobilized to manage these SAEs and to report Expedited safety reports to the competent authorities within the legal timeframes. More than 500 queries were sent to the investigators due to a lack of or incoherent information on SAE forms. At the same time, the investigators were overwhelmed by the management of patients suffering from COVID-19 infection. These particular conditions of missing data and lack of accurate description of adverse events made evaluation of the SAEs very difficult, particularly the assessment of the causal role of each investigational medicinal product. In parallel, working difficulties were accentuated by the national lockdown, frequent IT tool dysfunctions, delayed implementation of monitoring and the absence of automatic alerts for SAE form modification. Although COVID-19 is a confounding factor per se, the delay in and quality of SAE form completion and the real-time medical analysis by the Inserm Safety Department were major issues in the quick identification of potential safety signals. To conduct a high-quality clinical trial and ensure patient safety, all stakeholders must take their roles and responsibilities.}, } @article {pmid37268995, year = {2023}, author = {Baniasadi, T and Hassaniazad, M and Rostam Niakan Kalhori, S and Shahi, M and Ghazisaeedi, M}, title = {Developing a mobile health application for wound telemonitoring: a pilot study on abdominal surgeries post-discharge care.}, journal = {BMC medical informatics and decision making}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {103}, pmid = {37268995}, issn = {1472-6947}, mesh = {Humans ; Patient Discharge ; *Mobile Applications ; Pilot Projects ; Aftercare ; Surgical Wound Infection/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Telemedicine ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many early signs of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) developed during the first thirty days after discharge remain inadequately recognized by patients. Hence, it is important to use interactive technologies for patient support in these times. It helps to diminish unnecessary exposure and in-person outpatient visits. Therefore, this study aims to develop a follow-up system for remote monitoring of SSIs in abdominal surgeries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This pilot study was carried out in two phases including development and pilot test of the system. First, the main requirements of the system were extracted through a literature review and exploration of the specific needs of abdominal surgery patients in the post-discharge period. Next extracted data was validated according to the agreement level of 30 clinical experts by the Delphi method. After confirming the conceptual model and the primary prototype, the system was designed. In the pilot test phase, the usability of the system was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by the participation of patients and clinicians.

RESULTS: The general architecture of the system consists of a mobile application as a patient portal and a web-based platform for patient remote monitoring and 30-day follow-up by the healthcare provider. Application has a wide range of functionalities including collecting surgery-related documents, and regular assessment of self-reported symptoms via systematic tele-visits based on predetermined indexes and wound images. The risk-based models embedded in the database included a minimum set with 13 rules derived from the incidence, frequency, and severity of SSI-related symptoms. Accordingly, alerts were generated and displayed via notifications and flagged items on clinicians' dashboards. In the pilot test phase, out of five scheduled tele-visits, 11 (of 13) patients (85%), completed at least two visits. The nurse-centered support was very helpful in the recovery stage. Finally, the result of a pilot usability evaluation showed users' satisfaction and willingness to use the system.

CONCLUSION: Implementing a telemonitoring system is potentially feasible and acceptable. Applying this system as part of routine postoperative care management can provide positive effects and outcomes, especially in the era of coronavirus disease when more willingness to telecare service is considered.}, } @article {pmid37268721, year = {2023}, author = {Bokuda, K and Ichihara, A}, title = {Preeclampsia up to date-What's going on?.}, journal = {Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37268721}, issn = {1348-4214}, abstract = {Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy characterized by placental malperfusion and subsequent multi-organ injury. It accounts for approximately 14% of maternal deaths and 10-25% of perinatal deaths globally. In addition, preeclampsia has been attracting attentions for its association with risks for developing chronic diseases in later life for both mother and child. This mini-review discusses on latest knowledge on prediction, prevention, management, and long-term outcomes of preeclampsia and also touches on association between COVID-19 and preeclampsia. HTN hypertension, HDP hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, PE preeclampsia, BP blood pressure, cfDNA cell-free DNA, ST2 human suppression of tumorigenesis 2, sFlt-1 soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, PIGF placental growth factor, VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGFR VEGF receptor, TGFβ transforming growth factor β, ENG endoglin, sENG soluble ENG, PRES posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, AKI acute kidney injury, CVD cardiovascular disease, ESKD end-stage kidney disease, ACE angiotensinogen converting enzyme, Ang angiotensin.}, } @article {pmid37268473, year = {2023}, author = {Lin, KY and Pan, SC and Wang, JT and Fang, CT and Liao, CH and Cheng, CY and Tseng, SH and Yang, CH and Chen, YC and Chang, SC}, title = {Preventing and controlling intra-hospital spread of COVID-19 in Taiwan - Looking back and moving forward.}, journal = {Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37268473}, issn = {0929-6646}, abstract = {COVID-19 has exposed major weaknesses in the healthcare settings. The surge in COVID-19 cases increases the demands of health care, endangers vulnerable patients, and threats occupational safety. In contrast to a hospital outbreak of SARS leading to a whole hospital quarantined, at least 54 hospital outbreaks following a COVID-19 surge in the community were controlled by strengthened infection prevention and control measures for preventing transmission from community to hospitals as well as within hospitals. Access control measures include establishing triage, epidemic clinics, and outdoor quarantine stations. Visitor access restriction is applied to inpatients to limit the number of visitors. Health monitoring and surveillance is applied to healthcare personnel, including self-reporting travel declaration, temperature, predefined symptoms, and test results. Isolation of the confirmed cases during the contagious period and quarantine of the close contacts during the incubation period are critical for containment. The target populations and frequency of SARS-CoV-2 PCR and rapid antigen testing depend on the level of transmission. Case investigation and contact tracing should be comprehensive to identify the close contacts to prevent further transmission. These facility-based infection prevention and control strategies help reduce hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to a minimum in Taiwan.}, } @article {pmid37268332, year = {2023}, author = {Wauthier, L and Favresse, J and Hardy, M and Douxfils, J and Le Gal, G and Roy, PM and van Es, N and Ay, C and Ten Cate, H and Lecompte, T and Lippi, G and Mullier, F}, title = {D-dimer testing: A narrative review.}, journal = {Advances in clinical chemistry}, volume = {114}, number = {}, pages = {151-223}, doi = {10.1016/bs.acc.2023.02.006}, pmid = {37268332}, issn = {2162-9471}, mesh = {Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/metabolism/therapeutic use ; *Venous Thromboembolism/diagnosis/drug therapy ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; *Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/diagnosis ; Blood Coagulation Tests ; }, abstract = {D-dimer containing species are soluble fibrin degradation products derived from plasmin-mediated degradation of cross-linked fibrin, i.e., 'D-dimer'. D-dimer can hence be considered a biomarker of in vivo activation of both coagulation and fibrinolysis, the leading clinical application in daily practice of which is ruling out venous thromboembolism (VTE). D-dimer has been further evaluated for assessing the risk of VTE recurrence and helping define optimal duration of anticoagulation treatment in VTE, for diagnosing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and for screening those at enhanced risk of VTE. D-dimer assays should however be performed as intended by regulatory agencies, as their use outside these indications might make them a laboratory-developed test (LDT). This narrative review is aimed at: (1) reviewing the definition of D-dimer, (2) discussing preanalytical variables affecting D-dimer measurement, (3) reviewing and comparing the assays performance and some postanalytical variables (e.g., different units and age-adjusted cutoffs), and (4) discussing the interest of D-dimer measurement across different clinical settings, including pregnancy, cancer, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).}, } @article {pmid37268078, year = {2023}, author = {Abduljalil, JM and Elghareib, AM and Samir, A and Ezat, AA and Elfiky, AA}, title = {How helpful were molecular dynamics simulations in shaping our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein dynamics?.}, journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {125153}, pmid = {37268078}, issn = {1879-0003}, abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) represents an important viral component that is required for successful viral infection in humans owing to its essential role in recognition of and entry to host cells. The spike is also an appealing target for drug designers who develop vaccines and antivirals. This article is important as it summarizes how molecular simulations successfully shaped our understanding of spike conformational behavior and its role in viral infection. MD simulations found that the higher affinity of SARS-CoV-2-S to ACE2 is linked to its unique residues that add extra electrostatic and van der Waal interactions in comparison to the SARS-CoV S. This illustrates the spread potential of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 relative to the epidemic SARS-CoV. Different mutations at the S-ACE2 interface, which is believed to increase the transmission of the new variants, affected the behavior and binding interactions in different simulations. The contributions of glycans to the opening of S were revealed via simulations. The immune evasion of S was linked to the spatial distribution of glycans. This help the virus to escape the immune system recognition. This article is important as it summarizes how molecular simulations successfully shaped our understanding of spike conformational behavior and its role in viral infection. This will pave the way to us preparing for the next pandemic as the computational tools are tailored to help fight new challenges.}, } @article {pmid37268073, year = {2023}, author = {Li, G and Li, Q and Wang, X and Liu, X and Zhang, Y and Li, R and Guo, J and Zhang, G}, title = {Lateral flow immunoassays for antigens, antibodies and haptens detection.}, journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules}, volume = {242}, number = {Pt 4}, pages = {125186}, pmid = {37268073}, issn = {1879-0003}, abstract = {Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is widely used as a rapid point-of-care testing (POCT) technique in food safety, veterinary and clinical detection on account of the accessible, fast and low-cost characteristics. After the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), different types of LFIAs have attracted considerable interest because of their ability of providing immediate diagnosis directly to users, thereby effectively controlling the outbreak. Based on the introduction of the principles and key components of LFIAs, this review focuses on the major detection formats of LFIAs for antigens, antibodies and haptens. With the rapid innovation of detection technologies, new trends of novel labels, multiplex and digital assays are increasingly integrated with LFIAs. Therefore, this review will also introduce the development of new trends of LFIAs as well as its future perspectives.}, } @article {pmid37268064, year = {2023}, author = {Kumar, R and Rivkin, MJ and Raffini, L}, title = {Thrombotic Complications in Children with COVID-19 and MIS-C.}, journal = {Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtha.2023.05.020}, pmid = {37268064}, issn = {1538-7836}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated coagulopathy is multifactorial and involves inflammation driven hypercoagulability, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation and impaired fibrinolysis. Hospitalized adults with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of both venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) and ischemic stroke, resulting in adverse outcomes including mortality. While children with COVID-19 follow a less severe course, both arterial and venous thrombosis have been reported in hospitalized children with COVID-19. Additionally, some children develop a post-infectious, hyper-inflammatory illness termed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome of Childhood (MIS-C), which is also associated with hypercoagulability and thrombosis. Several randomized trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy in adults with COVID-19, though similar pediatric data are lacking. In this narrative review we discuss the postulated pathophysiology of COVID-19 coagulopathy, and summarize principal findings of the recently completed adult trials of antithrombotic therapy. We provide an up-to-date summary of pediatric studies investigating the rate of VTE and ischemic stroke in COVID-19 and MIS-C, in addition to reviewing the findings of the single, non-randomized pediatric trial investigating the safety of prophylactic anticoagulation. Lastly, we outline the adult and pediatric consensus guidelines on the use of antithrombotic therapy in this cohort. A detailed discussion of the practical implementation and current limitations of published data will hopefully address knowledge deficits surrounding the use of antithrombotic therapy in children with COVID-19, and generate hypotheses for future research.}, } @article {pmid37267758, year = {2023}, author = {Müller, S and Schultze, JL}, title = {Systems analysis of human innate immunity in COVID-19.}, journal = {Seminars in immunology}, volume = {68}, number = {}, pages = {101778}, pmid = {37267758}, issn = {1096-3618}, abstract = {Recent developments in sequencing technologies, the computer and data sciences, as well as increasingly high-throughput immunological measurements have made it possible to derive holistic views on pathophysiological processes of disease and treatment effects directly in humans. We and others have illustrated that incredibly predictive data for immune cell function can be generated by single cell multi-omics (SCMO) technologies and that these technologies are perfectly suited to dissect pathophysiological processes in a new disease such as COVID-19, triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Systems level interrogation not only revealed the different disease endotypes, highlighted the differential dynamics in context of disease severity, and pointed towards global immune deviation across the different arms of the immune system, but was already instrumental to better define long COVID phenotypes, suggest promising biomarkers for disease and therapy outcome predictions and explains treatment responses for the widely used corticosteroids. As we identified SCMO to be the most informative technologies in the vest to better understand COVID-19, we propose to routinely include such single cell level analysis in all future clinical trials and cohorts addressing diseases with an immunological component.}, } @article {pmid37267121, year = {2023}, author = {Petersen, CM and DeLucia, PR and Oswald, FL and Kortum, P and Leal, SL and Pickens, S and Hekel, BE}, title = {Toward user-centered assistive technologies for aging in place with cognitive impairment: a survey.}, journal = {Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-7}, doi = {10.1080/17483107.2023.2217848}, pmid = {37267121}, issn = {1748-3115}, abstract = {PURPOSE: To reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease, the use of assistive technologies for patients and their informal caregivers is considered essential. However, these technologies are made as "one size fits all" instead of being tailored to accommodate people with varying degrees of cognitive impairment and those with diverse races/ethnicities. Thus, the aim of this survey was to determine whether the types of assistance needed most, and the technology used by those with cognitive impairment differed by race (White/non-Hispanics, Black or African Americans, and Hispanic/Latinos or Puerto Ricans) and severity of dementia (mild, moderate, severe).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty informal caregivers of people with different levels of severity of cognitive impairment and several different races/ethnicities filled out an online survey regarding assistance needed and technologies used.

RESULTS: The results show that racial minorities considered the needs for assistance with Basic Activities of Daily Living as more important compared to White/non-Hispanics with mild dementia. Furthermore, Hispanic/Latinos or Puerto Ricans and White/non-Hispanics with severe dementia were shown to use technology that is designed to help with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living more than those with moderate dementia. Lastly, during COVID-19, devices to assist with walking, preparing meals and personal hygiene have been used significantly more by White/non-Hispanics with severe dementia compared to Hispanic/Latinos or Puerto Ricans.

CONCLUSION: The results point to the need to design for those with severe dementia, regardless of race, and should focus on addressing needs related to both Instrumental and Basic Activities of Daily Living.}, } @article {pmid37266983, year = {2023}, author = {Riboli-Sasco, E and El-Osta, A and Alaa, A and Webber, I and Karki, M and El Asmar, ML and Purohit, K and Painter, A and Hayhoe, B}, title = {Triage and Diagnostic Accuracy of Online Symptom Checkers: Systematic Review.}, journal = {Journal of medical Internet research}, volume = {25}, number = {}, pages = {e43803}, doi = {10.2196/43803}, pmid = {37266983}, issn = {1438-8871}, mesh = {Humans ; *Triage/methods ; Artificial Intelligence ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; Pandemics ; Algorithms ; COVID-19 Testing ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the context of a deepening global shortage of health workers and, in particular, the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing international interest in, and use of, online symptom checkers (OSCs). However, the evidence surrounding the triage and diagnostic accuracy of these tools remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to summarize the existing peer-reviewed literature evaluating the triage accuracy (directing users to appropriate services based on their presenting symptoms) and diagnostic accuracy of OSCs aimed at lay users for general health concerns.

METHODS: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC), and Web of Science, as well as the citations of the studies selected for full-text screening. We included peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 1, 2010, and February 16, 2022, with a controlled and quantitative assessment of either or both triage and diagnostic accuracy of OSCs directed at lay users. We excluded tools supporting health care professionals, as well as disease- or specialty-specific OSCs. Screening and data extraction were carried out independently by 2 reviewers for each study. We performed a descriptive narrative synthesis.

RESULTS: A total of 21,296 studies were identified, of which 14 (0.07%) were included. The included studies used clinical vignettes, medical records, or direct input by patients. Of the 14 studies, 6 (43%) reported on triage and diagnostic accuracy, 7 (50%) focused on triage accuracy, and 1 (7%) focused on diagnostic accuracy. These outcomes were assessed based on the diagnostic and triage recommendations attached to the vignette in the case of vignette studies or on those provided by nurses or general practitioners, including through face-to-face and telephone consultations. Both diagnostic accuracy and triage accuracy varied greatly among OSCs. Overall diagnostic accuracy was deemed to be low and was almost always lower than that of the comparator. Similarly, most of the studies (9/13, 69 %) showed suboptimal triage accuracy overall, with a few exceptions (4/13, 31%). The main variables affecting the levels of diagnostic and triage accuracy were the severity and urgency of the condition, the use of artificial intelligence algorithms, and demographic questions. However, the impact of each variable differed across tools and studies, making it difficult to draw any solid conclusions. All included studies had at least one area with unclear risk of bias according to the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.

CONCLUSIONS: Although OSCs have potential to provide accessible and accurate health advice and triage recommendations to users, more research is needed to validate their triage and diagnostic accuracy before widescale adoption in community and health care settings. Future studies should aim to use a common methodology and agreed standard for evaluation to facilitate objective benchmarking and validation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020215210; https://tinyurl.com/3949zw83.}, } @article {pmid37266628, year = {2023}, author = {Wakabayashi, H and Iwayanagi, M and Sakai, D and Sugiura, Y and Hiruta, N and Matsuzawa, Y and Kaneko, K}, title = {Development of giant cell arteritis after vaccination against SARS-CoV2: A case report and literature review.}, journal = {Medicine}, volume = {102}, number = {22}, pages = {e33948}, pmid = {37266628}, issn = {1536-5964}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; Aged ; *Giant Cell Arteritis/etiology/complications ; RNA, Viral ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use ; Headache/etiology ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; }, abstract = {RATIONALE: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune vasculitis that affects large and medium-sized blood vessels. The mRNA vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has been associated with the development of immune-mediated diseases. In this article, we present a case of GCA that developed after vaccination against SARS-CoV2.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 77-year-old man developed fever, general fatigue, and headache 1 day after the third dose of vaccination against SARS-CoV2. Nodular swelling and tenderness of the bilateral temporal arteries were observed.

DIAGNOSES: Although right temporal artery biopsies were negative, the patient was diagnosed with GCA based on criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology for the classification of GCA.

INTERVENTIONS: The patient received methylprednisolone 1000 mg for 3 days. This was followed by prednisolone 1 mg/kg/d, which was decreased by 10 mg every week to 30 mg. From day 16 of hospitalization, the patient received tocilizumab 162 mg/wk every other week.

OUTCOMES: There was no occurrence of acute side effects. After 38 days of treatment, the condition improved and the patient was discharged from the hospital; as stated above, the dose of prednisolone was tapered to 30 mg/d.

LESSONS: We experienced a case of GCA that occurred immediately after vaccination against SARS-CoV2 with an mRNA vaccine. Early signs of GCA include fever, fatigue, and headache, and often resemble those noted after vaccination against SARS-CoV2. The potential presence of GCA should be determined in individuals with persistent fever and headache after vaccination against SARS-CoV2.}, } @article {pmid37264401, year = {2023}, author = {Kissi, J and Annobil, C and Mensah, NK and Owusu-Marfo, J and Osei, E and Asmah, ZW}, title = {Telehealth services for global emergencies: implications for COVID-19: a scoping review based on current evidence.}, journal = {BMC health services research}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {567}, pmid = {37264401}, issn = {1472-6963}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; Emergencies ; Developing Countries ; Health Services Accessibility ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The availability of low-cost computing and digital telecommunication in the 1980s made telehealth practicable. Telehealth has the capacity to improve healthcare access and outcomes for patients while reducing healthcare costs across a wide range of health conditions and situations.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the adoption, advantages, and challenges of telehealth services between high-income (HICs) and low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The key search terms were: "Telehealth", "Telehealth in HICs", "Telehealth in LMICs", "Telehealth before COVID-19", "Telehealth during COVID-19". We searched exhaustively ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases from 2012. Booleans OR/AND were combined with key search terms to increase relevant search results. The literature search and selection process followed the Sample, Phenomena of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research (SPIDER) question format.

RESULTS: The adoption of telehealth before COVID-19 was generally low in both HICs and LMICs. The impact of COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of telehealth at the facility level but not nationwide in both high-income countries and LMICs. The rapid adoption of telehealth at the facility level in both high-income and LMICs introduced several challenges that are unique to each country and need to be addressed.

CONCLUSION: The lack of national policies and regulations is making the adoption of telehealth at the national level challenging in both high and low-middle-income countries. Governments and Stakeholders of healthcare must consider telehealth as a healthcare procedure that should be deployed in clinical working procedures. Primary quantitative and qualitative studies must be conducted to address challenges encountered during the pilot implementation of telehealth services in both high-income countries and LMICs before and during pandemics.}, } @article {pmid37260797, year = {2023}, author = {Alharbi, S and Alsubaie, M and Alzayyat, R and Alattas, B and AlAhmadi, H and Alabdullatif, H}, title = {Herpes Zoster Virus Reactivation in a 16 Year Old Female Post COVID-19 Vaccine. Case report and Review of the Literature.}, journal = {Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)}, volume = {77}, number = {2}, pages = {146-149}, pmid = {37260797}, issn = {1986-5961}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; Chickenpox Vaccine ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *Herpes Zoster ; *Herpes Zoster Vaccine/adverse effects ; Herpesvirus 3, Human/physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: According to WHO, there have been 9205 fatal COVID-19 cases confirmed in Saudi Arabia out of 793,729 cases overall (5). During the development of COVID-19 vaccines, several technologies were used including DNA-based, RNA-based vaccines, non-replicating viral vector vaccines, and inactivated vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: We present a case of varicella zoster virus reactivation post COVID-19 vaccine in a young medically free 16 years old female and review of the literature using the keywords "Herpes Zoster, "varicella zoster"," shingles", "post COVID-19 vaccine", "Post COVID-19 cutaneous manifestations".

METHODS: The search was conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science data bases.

RESULTS: We encountered 241 published studies in regard to post COVID-19 dermatologic manifestations including post COVID-19 vaccine herpes zoster reactivation in the English literature and one case in German. Our case and 4 other reported cases in the literature are patients aged of 20 years old and below.

CONCLUSION: Varicella zoster virus falls under the family of Herpesviridae, It's characterized by its ability to escape host immune system and remain dormant in ganglionic neurons. Reactivation of the infection will result in herpes zoster manifesting as painful vesicles in a dermatomal distribution. Possible link is the suppression of type-one interferons caused by the mRNA-based vaccine such as COVID-19 vaccines. Yet, potential correlation remains to be demonstrated.}, } @article {pmid37198019, year = {2023}, author = {Black, SB and Chandler, RE and Edwards, KM and Sturkenboom, MCJM}, title = {Assessing vaccine safety during a pandemic: Recent experience and lessons learned for the future.}, journal = {Vaccine}, volume = {41}, number = {25}, pages = {3790-3795}, pmid = {37198019}, issn = {1873-2518}, mesh = {Humans ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Vaccines/adverse effects ; Pharmacovigilance ; }, abstract = {During the roll out of vaccines during a pandemic, questions regarding vaccine safety often arise. This was surely true during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Different tools and capabilities exist during the pre-authorization phase and post introduction each with its strengths and limitations. Here we review the various tools and their strengths and limitations and discuss what functioned well in high income settings and the limitations that unequal vaccine safety pharmacovigilance capacity imposed upon middle and low income countries.}, } @article {pmid37080423, year = {2023}, author = {Koff, WC and Rappuoli, R and Plotkin, SA}, title = {Historical Advances in Structural and Molecular Biology and How They Impacted Vaccine Development.}, journal = {Journal of molecular biology}, volume = {435}, number = {13}, pages = {168113}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168113}, pmid = {37080423}, issn = {1089-8638}, mesh = {Humans ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Vaccines ; *Virus Diseases ; Molecular Biology ; }, abstract = {Vaccines are among the greatest tools for prevention and control of disease. They have eliminated smallpox from the planet, decreased morbidity and mortality for major infectious diseases like polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, significantly blunted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and prevented viral induced cancers such as cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus. Recent technological advances, in genomics, structural biology, and human immunology have transformed vaccine development, enabling new technologies such as mRNA vaccines to greatly accelerate development of new and improved vaccines. In this review, we briefly highlight the history of vaccine development, and provide examples of where advances in genomics and structural biology, paved the way for development of vaccines for bacterial and viral diseases.}, } @article {pmid36963657, year = {2023}, author = {Larsen, SE and Baldwin, SL and Coler, RN}, title = {Tuberculosis vaccines update: Is an RNA-based vaccine feasible for tuberculosis?.}, journal = {International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases}, volume = {130 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {S47-S51}, pmid = {36963657}, issn = {1878-3511}, support = {R01 AI125160/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Tuberculosis Vaccines ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Tuberculosis/prevention & control ; *Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics ; Antigens, Bacterial ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Despite concerted efforts, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the pathogen that causes tuberculosis (TB), continues to be a burden on global health, regaining its dubious distinction in 2022 as the world's biggest infectious killer with global COVID-19 deaths steadily declining. The complex nature of M.tb, coupled with different pathogenic stages, has highlighted the need for the development of novel immunization approaches to combat this ancient infectious agent. Intensive efforts over the last couple of decades have identified alternative approaches to improve upon traditional vaccines that are based on killed pathogens, live attenuated agents, or subunit recombinant antigens formulated with adjuvants. Massive funding and rapid advances in RNA-based vaccines for immunization have recently transformed the possibility of protecting global populations from viral pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2. Similar efforts to combat bacterial pathogens such as M.tb have been significantly slower to implement.

METHODS: In this review, we discuss the application of a novel replicating RNA (repRNA)-based vaccine formulated and delivered in nanostructured lipids.

RESULTS: Our preclinical data are the first to report that RNA platforms are a viable system for TB vaccines and should be pursued with high-priority M.tb antigens containing cluster of differentiation (CD4+) and CD8+ T-cell epitopes.

CONCLUSION: This RNA vaccine shows promise for use against intracellular bacteria such as M.tb as demonstrated by the feasibility of construction, enhanced induction of cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, and improved bacterial burden outcomes in in vivo aerosol-challenged preclinical TB models.}, } @article {pmid36606292, year = {2023}, author = {Kishibe, M and Koike, K and Kanno, K and Ishida-Yamamoto, A}, title = {Autoimmunity-related neutrophilic dermatosis after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: A case report and literature review.}, journal = {The Journal of dermatology}, volume = {50}, number = {6}, pages = {820-823}, doi = {10.1111/1346-8138.16718}, pmid = {36606292}, issn = {1346-8138}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Autoimmunity ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *COVID-19 ; Erythema ; *Autoimmune Diseases/etiology ; *Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; *Dermatitis ; Pruritus/etiology ; }, abstract = {Autoimmune diseases triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination have been emerging. Here, we report the case of a 27-year-old Japanese man with autoimmunity-related neutrophilic dermatosis, occurring as an initial cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus with Sjögren syndrome after the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. The patient presented with urticarial erythema and partially annular erythema on the trunk and extremities with severe pruritus. Histopathological analysis showed vacuolar degeneration at the dermo-epidermal junction and interstitial neutrophil infiltration. We reviewed eight patients, including the aforementioned patient, with exacerbation or new-onset of SLE after COVID-19 vaccination and found the patient had relatively mild symptoms, itchy annular erythema, and positive anti-SS-A/SS-B antibodies. COVID-19 mRNA vaccination can induce the production of type-I interferon, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SLE and may cause autoimmunity-related neutrophilic dermatosis in susceptible individuals. In the case that itchy annular erythema develops approximately 2 weeks after the vaccination, the possibility of systemic or cutaneous lupus erythematosus should be considered. For an accurate diagnosis, dermatologists should obtain a recent vaccination history and perform complete antibody profiling and skin biopsy for patients presenting with annular or erythema multiforme-like lesions.}, } @article {pmid36288566, year = {2023}, author = {Knight, S and Lipoth, J and Namvari, M and Gu, C and Hedayati, M and Syed-Abdul, S and Spiteri, RJ}, title = {The Accuracy of Wearable Photoplethysmography Sensors for Telehealth Monitoring: A Scoping Review.}, journal = {Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association}, volume = {29}, number = {6}, pages = {813-828}, doi = {10.1089/tmj.2022.0182}, pmid = {36288566}, issn = {1556-3669}, mesh = {Humans ; Photoplethysmography ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; Heart Rate/physiology ; *Wearable Electronic Devices ; *Telemedicine ; }, abstract = {Background and Objectives: Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors have been increasingly used for remote patient monitoring, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, for the management of chronic diseases and neurological disorders. There is an urgent need to evaluate the accuracy of these devices. This scoping review considers the latest applications of wearable PPG sensors with a focus on studies that used wearable PPG sensors to monitor various health parameters. The primary objective is to report the accuracy of the PPG sensors in both real-world and clinical settings. Methods: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Studies were identified by querying the Medline, Embase, IEEE, and CINAHL databases. The goal was to capture eligible studies that used PPG sensors to monitor various health parameters for populations with a minimum of 30 participants, with at least some of the population having relevant health issues. A total of 2,996 articles were screened and 28 are included in this review. Results: The health parameters and disorders identified and investigated in this study include heart rate and heart rate variability, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure (BP), obstructive sleep apnea, blood glucose, heart failure, and respiratory rate. An overview of the algorithms used, and their limitations is provided. Conclusion: Some of the barriers identified in evaluating the accuracy of multiple types of wearable devices include the absence of reporting standard accuracy metrics and a general paucity of studies with large subject size in real-world settings, especially for parameters such as BP.}, } @article {pmid36097790, year = {2023}, author = {Saha, M and Dhiman, S and Gupta, GD and Asati, V}, title = {An Investigative Review for Pharmaceutical Analysis of Fenofibrate.}, journal = {Journal of chromatographic science}, volume = {61}, number = {5}, pages = {494-504}, doi = {10.1093/chromsci/bmac072}, pmid = {36097790}, issn = {1945-239X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Fenofibrate/analysis ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods ; Pharmaceutical Preparations ; }, abstract = {HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), lipoprotein lipase activators (PPARα agonists) or fibrates are commonly used for controlling increased lipid levels in hyperlipidemia. Fenofibrate (FEN) belongs to the second generation prodrug fibric acid (isobutyric acid) derivative belonging to lipoprotein lipase activator class of drug. Results of clinical studies suggest that FEN can substantially reduce severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. alpha and beta variant infection in human cell efficiently. This review article provides an in-depth examination of critical analytical methodologies used in the pharmaceutical analysis of FEN in pure forms, biological samples and pharmaceuticals. According to literature study reports several analytical techniques have been used for determination of FEN alone or in the combined dosage forms. Based on the literature, it was determined that high-performance liquid chromatography and UV/vis-spectrophotometry are the most widely used methods for FEN analysis. Sahoo et al. have developed the best HPLC method in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form with the retention time of 19.268 min using phosphate buffer (pH 3.0): acetonitrile in the ratio of 30:70 (% v/v) as mobile phase. The information presented here may provide a solid foundation for future research on FEN in the field of drug analysis.}, } @article {pmid35761143, year = {2023}, author = {Babic, S and McNiven, AL and Bezjak, A and Balogh, JM and Mah, K and Tsao, MN}, title = {Evolution and Evaluation of a Structured Applied Physics Course for Radiation Oncology and Radiation Physics Trainees.}, journal = {Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education}, volume = {38}, number = {3}, pages = {813-820}, pmid = {35761143}, issn = {1543-0154}, mesh = {Humans ; *Radiation Oncology/education ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; Health Physics/education ; Curriculum ; *Internship and Residency ; }, abstract = {We sought to supplement medical physics textbook knowledge and clinical learning with case-based discussions. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a structured combined applied physics curriculum for radiation oncology (RO) and medical physics (MP) trainees. We reviewed our yearly applied physics course given from the years 2016-2021 inclusive. The number of applied physics trainees ranged from 7 to 14 per year (2-9 RO and 3-6 MP residents per year). Each session was taught by a pair of (RO and MP) faculty members. Twenty-nine case-based sessions were given yearly (2016 to 2019). Because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the course was shortened to 8 case-based sessions in 2020 and 2021. For the years 2016-2021, the mean and median teaching evaluation scores were 4.65 and 5, respectively (range 2-5), where 1 represents worse teaching quality and 5, the best teaching quality. For the year 2021, 2 questions relating to the video virtual format (implemented due to the covid-19 pandemic), revealed consistent high scores with the mean and median responses of 4.14 and 5, respectively (range 1-5). The results from the teaching evaluation scores indicate that the trainees highly valued the teaching sessions and teachers. Our experience indicates that a case-based applied physics course was delivered successfully with continued high teaching evaluation scores. A video virtual platform for an applied physics course could be useful, especially for small programs without a structured applied physics curriculum.}, } @article {pmid34967842, year = {2022}, author = {Mignogna, C and Costanzo, S and Ghulam, A and Cerletti, C and Donati, MB and de Gaetano, G and Iacoviello, L and Bonaccio, M}, title = {Impact of Nationwide Lockdowns Resulting from the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Intake, Eating Behaviors, and Diet Quality: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {388-423}, pmid = {34967842}, issn = {2156-5376}, abstract = {The lockdowns resulting from the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted deeply on all life activities, including diet. We performed a systematic review to investigate changes in food intake, eating behaviors, and diet quality during lockdown as compared with before the lockdown. A literature search was performed using 3 electronic databases from inception until 13 June 2021. Observational studies evaluating changes in general populations during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were eligible. Of 1963 studies retrieved from the search strategy, 95 met inclusion criteria (85 in adults, 10 in children/adolescents), and the majority were of high quality (72.6%). Most of the studies were web-based surveys using convenience sampling, mainly focused on variations in the consumption of foods and eating behaviors during lockdown, whereas only 15 studies analyzed diet quality through dietary indices. On the basis of the definition of a healthful diet as reflected by a traditional Mediterranean diet, an increase in recommended foods such as fruit and vegetables, legumes, cereals, and olive oil was observed, although a sharp decrease in fish intake and an increase in dairy products were documented. Accordingly, a reduction in foods that should be eaten less frequently was reported-namely, red and processed meat. However, a higher consumption of unhealthy foods (e.g., snacks and sweets) was also observed. Results indicated improved diet quality in Europe, especially among Mediterranean countries, with the exception of France, while a switch to poor nutrient patterns was observed in Colombia and Saudi Arabia. Analyses of eating behaviors suggest an increase in food intake, number of daily meals, and snacking. In conclusion, changes in intake of major food groups, apart from fish intake, were in line with the definition of a traditional Mediterranean diet, indicating a consistent moderate improvement in dietary habits worldwide. This review protocol was registered at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020225292.}, } @article {pmid34932789, year = {2022}, author = {Jandaghi, P and Hosseini, Z and Chilibeck, P and Hanley, AJ and Deguire, JR and Bandy, B and Pahwa, P and Vatanparast, H}, title = {The Role of Immunomodulatory Nutrients in Alleviating Complications Related to SARS-CoV-2: A Scoping Review.}, journal = {Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {424-438}, pmid = {34932789}, issn = {2156-5376}, abstract = {The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has warranted the need to investigate potential therapies or prophylaxis against this infectious respiratory disease. There is emerging evidence about the potential role of nutrients on COVID-19 in addition to using medications such as hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. This scoping review aims to explore the literature evaluating the effect of immunomodulatory nutrients on the outcomes including hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, oxygen requirement, and mortality in COVID-19 patients. A literature search of databases including Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed, as well as hand-searching in Google Scholar (up to 10 February 2021) was conducted. All human studies with different study designs and without limitation on publication year were included except for non-English-language and review articles. Overall, out of 4412 studies, 19 met our inclusion criteria. Four studies examined the impact of supplementation with vitamin C, 4 studies - zinc, 8 studies - vitamin D, and 3 studies investigated the combination of 2 (zinc and vitamin C) or 3 (vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and magnesium) nutrients. Although limited data exist, available evidence demonstrated that supplementation with immune-supportive micronutrients such as vitamins D and C and zinc may modulate immunity and alleviate the severity and risk of infection. The effectiveness of vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc on COVID-19 was different based on baseline nutrient status, the duration and dosage of nutrient therapy, time of administration, and severity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease. This review indicated that supplementation with high-dose vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc may alleviate the complications caused by COVID-19, including inflammatory markers, oxygen therapy, length of hospitalization, and mortality; however, studies were mixed regarding these effects. Further randomized clinical trials are necessary to identify the most effective nutrients and the safe dosage to combat SARS-CoV-2.}, } @article {pmid37266868, year = {2023}, author = {Geraci, G and Bernat, J and Rodier, C and Acha, V and Acquah, J and Beakes-Read, G}, title = {Medicinal Product Development and Regulatory Agilities Implemented During the Early Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Implications for the Future-An Industry View.}, journal = {Therapeutic innovation & regulatory science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37266868}, issn = {2168-4804}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable disruption to the development, regulatory evaluation, production, and distribution of medicinal products. Key healthcare stakeholders were under pressure to develop and review medicinal products to address the health emergency, while preserving the continuity of activities to ensure patient access to other medicinal products. In the light of this challenging situation, the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and the biopharmaceutical industry applied and utilized product development and regulatory agilities to accelerate the development and authorization of safe, effective and quality COVID-19 vaccines and treatments as well as other non-COVID-19 medicinal products. On the basis of the literature review and primary research conducted, this review article gathered insights on experiences and challenges in the use of agilities related to regulatory assessment of initial marketing and post-approval change (PAC) applications, oversight of product manufacturing quality and supply chain continuity, and product development/clinical trial processes during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Agilities were thus implemented in an emergency context characterized by the lack of medicinal products to help tackle a disease that was devastating for the global public health. This review article concludes that useful lessons can be learned from these insights to improve product development practices and regulatory processes during both normal and health emergency times. Standard regulatory frameworks during normal times can be enhanced by leveraging digitalization, further simplifying and harmonizing requirements, and using reliance mechanisms which can help to increase efficiency in regulatory decision-making regarding medicinal products. During health emergencies, such as a pandemic, maximizing global coordination, collaboration, reliance, and harmonization of regulatory requirements and guidance are important to facilitate the rapid development and assessment of key medicinal products to address the health emergency.}, } @article {pmid37266705, year = {2023}, author = {Böckelmann, I and Meyer, F and Thielmann, B}, title = {[COVID-19 as an insurance case of the statutory accident insurance: occupational disease or occupational accident : Relevant knowledge for the (general and abdominal) surgeon].}, journal = {Chirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37266705}, issn = {2731-698X}, abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic resulted in many infections with the virus and sickness due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, there was a dramatic increase in the number of reported and recognized occupational diseases (Berufskrankheit, BK) and occupational accidents (Arbeitsunfall, AU) at the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions (BG) and accident insurance funds (Unfallkassen).The publication aims to show the differences between BK and AU and to review the current data on occupational diseases. It deals with the definitions of BK and AU, the differences in the conditions for recognition as BK or AU. Furthermore, the claims for benefits are presented. Finally, statistical key figures of the BK according to No. 3101 and the AU are presented.Results (key points)- According to § 7 SGB VII, AU and BK are insured events of the statutory accident insurance.- In surgery, like specifically in the rest of the healthcare system, the relevance of the SARS-CoV‑2 infection with post-COVID in personnel for occupational medical prevention and as a case to be recognized by the statutory accident insurance (BK or AU) becomes clear.- Relevant for the recognition are the duration and the intensity of the contact (local proximity) and the SARS-CoV‑2 occupational health and safety rule of 20 August 2020 essentially recognizes a contact duration of at least 15 min at a spatial distance of less than 1.5-2 m (further aspects: more intensive shorter contacts, number of verifiably infected persons in the closer activity environment or the usual personal contacts, spatial situation, work route, special constellations).- No case numbers can be elicited for the detailed presentation of the surgery setting.- There are still immense problems and challenges in the assessment of COVID-19 consequences or post-COVID as occupational disease, as numerous uncertainty factors, such as insufficiently secured knowledge about the further long-term course over the years or the widely varied symptom spectrum complicates the medical assessment of the consequences of this disease.Conclusion: the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic is a special challenge for surgery with intensive patient contact and for the entire healthcare system. This caused long-lasting changes and the adequate health care as well as insurance law processing of the (case-specific) consequences might still require considerable efforts and resources.}, } @article {pmid37266588, year = {2023}, author = {Shah, DD and Raghani, NR and Chorawala, MR and Singh, S and Prajapati, BG}, title = {Harnessing three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models for pulmonary infections: State of the art and future directions.}, journal = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37266588}, issn = {1432-1912}, abstract = {Pulmonary infections have been a leading etiology of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Upper and lower respiratory tract infections have multifactorial causes, which include bacterial, viral, and rarely, fungal infections. Moreover, the recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has created havoc and imposes a huge healthcare burden. Drug and vaccine development against these pulmonary pathogens like respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, Mycobacteria, etc., requires a systematic set of tools for research and investigation. Currently, in vitro 2D cell culture models are widely used to emulate the in vivo physiologic environment. Although this approach holds a reasonable promise over pre-clinical animal models, it lacks the much-needed correlation to the in vivo tissue architecture, cellular organization, cell-to-cell interactions, downstream processes, and the biomechanical milieu. In view of these inadequacies, 3D cell culture models have recently acquired interest. Mammalian embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells may display their remarkable self-organizing abilities in 3D culture, and the resulting organoids replicate important structural and functional characteristics of organs such the kidney, lung, gut, brain, and retina. 3D models range from scaffold-free systems to scaffold-based and hybrid models as well. Upsurge in organs-on-chip models for pulmonary conditions has anticipated encouraging results. Complexity and dexterity of developing 3D culture models and the lack of standardized working procedures are a few of the setbacks, which are expected to be overcome in the coming times. Herein, we have elaborated the significance and types of 3D cell culture models for scrutinizing pulmonary infections, along with the in vitro techniques, their applications, and additional systems under investigation.}, } @article {pmid37266192, year = {2023}, author = {Fast, N and van Kessel, R and Humphreys, K and Ward, NF and Roman-Urrestarazu, A}, title = {The Evolution of Telepsychiatry for Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19: a Narrative Review.}, journal = {Current addiction reports}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {187-197}, pmid = {37266192}, issn = {2196-2952}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article aims to review and synthesize the current research evidence regarding the efficacy of telepsychiatry-delivered substance use disorder treatment using a narrative review with a focus on the effects of remote healthcare delivery within the substance abuse treatment space.

RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic exerted substantial pressures on all levels of society. Social isolation, loss of employment, stress, physical illness, overburdened health services, unmet medical needs, and rapidly changing pandemic restrictions had particularly severe consequences for people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Since the start of the pandemic, addiction treatment (and medical treatment overall) using remote health platforms has significantly expanded to different platforms and delivery systems. The USA, in particular, reported transformational policy developments to enable the delivery of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, systemic barriers such as a widespread lack of internet access and insufficient patient and provider digital skills remain.

SUMMARY: Overall, telepsychiatry is a promising approach for the treatment of substance use disorders, but more randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to assess the evidence base of available interventions.}, } @article {pmid37266184, year = {2023}, author = {Mekid, S and Chenaoua, K}, title = {IoT-enabled smart mask for monitoring body parameters and location through cloud.}, journal = {Internet of things (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {22}, number = {}, pages = {100794}, pmid = {37266184}, issn = {2542-6605}, abstract = {In the last interim guidance, the WHO advised the use of masks in communities, during home care, and in healthcare settings in areas with reported cases of COVID-19. This advice was intended for individuals in the community, public health and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals, healthcare managers, healthcare workers (HCWs), and community health workers. As the two primary routes of transmission of the COVID-19 virus are respiratory droplets and contact, face masks have become potential safety tools in public places. Subsequent contact with the face, eyes, nose, and mouth following contamination is detrimental. However, during this pandemic, physicians and nurses have suffered the consequences of wearing face masks for several hours. Therefore. a full-face mark, which ensures filtered breathing during the day, is critical. The proposed smart mask model protects the respiration of mask wearers and monitors their body temperature, sneezing attacks, and social distancing. Moreover, it registers their geographical location after ensuring ID registration. The proposed mask can be used both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, data can be processed locally for alarms related to temperature and social distancing. The remaining data are sent to a cloud for post-processing to record the histories of mask wearers in all parameters, including their geographical dynamic location, to track the possible spread of contamination. The prototype and measurement results demonstrate the practicality and potential utility of mass numbers.}, } @article {pmid37265897, year = {2023}, author = {Dabbagh, R and Jamal, A and Bhuiyan Masud, JH and Titi, MA and Amer, YS and Khayat, A and Alhazmi, TS and Hneiny, L and Baothman, FA and Alkubeyyer, M and Khan, SA and Temsah, MH}, title = {Harnessing Machine Learning in Early COVID-19 Detection and Prognosis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {e38373}, pmid = {37265897}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing faced limitations, prompting the exploration of machine learning (ML) alternatives for diagnosis and prognosis. Providing a comprehensive appraisal of such decision support systems and their use in COVID-19 management can aid the medical community in making informed decisions during the risk assessment of their patients, especially in low-resource settings. Therefore, the objective of this study was to systematically review the studies that predicted the diagnosis of COVID-19 or the severity of the disease using ML. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), we conducted a literature search of MEDLINE (OVID), Scopus, EMBASE, and IEEE Xplore from January 1 to June 31, 2020. The outcomes were COVID-19 diagnosis or prognostic measures such as death, need for mechanical ventilation, admission, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We included peer-reviewed observational studies, clinical trials, research letters, case series, and reports. We extracted data about the study's country, setting, sample size, data source, dataset, diagnostic or prognostic outcomes, prediction measures, type of ML model, and measures of diagnostic accuracy. Bias was assessed using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with the number CRD42020197109. The final records included for data extraction were 66. Forty-three (64%) studies used secondary data. The majority of studies were from Chinese authors (30%). Most of the literature (79%) relied on chest imaging for prediction, while the remainder used various laboratory indicators, including hematological, biochemical, and immunological markers. Thirteen studies explored predicting COVID-19 severity, while the rest predicted diagnosis. Seventy percent of the articles used deep learning models, while 30% used traditional ML algorithms. Most studies reported high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the ML models (exceeding 90%). The overall concern about the risk of bias was "unclear" in 56% of the studies. This was mainly due to concerns about selection bias. ML may help identify COVID-19 patients in the early phase of the pandemic, particularly in the context of chest imaging. Although these studies reflect that these ML models exhibit high accuracy, the novelty of these models and the biases in dataset selection make using them as a replacement for the clinicians' cognitive decision-making questionable. Continued research is needed to enhance the robustness and reliability of ML systems in COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis.}, } @article {pmid37265847, year = {2023}, author = {Chen, CY and Su, TC}, title = {Benefits and Harms of COVID-19 Vaccines in Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review.}, journal = {Journal of lipid and atherosclerosis}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {119-131}, pmid = {37265847}, issn = {2287-2892}, abstract = {Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) who contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tend to have a worse prognosis and more severe cardiovascular side effects. COVID-19 vaccines, which are intended to prevent COVID-19, may also potentially reduce the severity and complications (including cardiovascular sequelae) of COVID-19, especially in patients with a history of CVD. However, there have also been reports of cardiovascular side effects from COVID-19 vaccines of various brands and types. The purpose of this study is to review the benefits and harms of COVID-19 vaccines in relation to CVD. In this thorough review of the most current evidence on the benefits and harms of COVID-19 vaccines, we present information about the characteristics of cardiovascular complications. Most of the evidence focuses on myocarditis or pericarditis, which are most strongly associated with mRNA vaccines and predominantly occur in young males within days of receiving the second dose. Meanwhile, post-vaccination myocardial infarction is more common in older males, and the first dose of adenoviral vector vaccines appears to play a greater role in this complication. This information may guide us in formulating alternative options and implementing targeted surveillance. Gaining more knowledge about the potential benefits and harms of COVID-19 vaccines will improve our ability to make informed decisions and judgments about the balance of these factors.}, } @article {pmid37265696, year = {2023}, author = {Rosta, L and Menyhart, A and Mahmeed, WA and Al-Rasadi, K and Al-Alawi, K and Banach, M and Banerjee, Y and Ceriello, A and Cesur, M and Cosentino, F and Firenze, A and Galia, M and Goh, SY and Janez, A and Kalra, S and Kapoor, N and Lessan, N and Lotufo, P and Papanas, N and Rizvi, AA and Sahebkar, A and Santos, RD and Stoian, AP and Toth, PP and Viswanathan, V and Kempler, P and Rizzo, M}, title = {Telemedicine for diabetes management during COVID-19: what we have learnt, what and how to implement.}, journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1129793}, pmid = {37265696}, issn = {1664-2392}, abstract = {The past two decades have witnessed telemedicine becoming a crucial part of health care as a method to facilitate doctor-patient interaction. Due to technological developments and the incremental acquisition of experience in its use, telemedicine's advantages and cost-effectiveness has led to it being recognised as specifically relevant to diabetology. However, the pandemic created new challenges for healthcare systems and the rate of development of digital services started to grow exponentially. It was soon discovered that COVID-19-infected patients with diabetes had an increased risk of both mortality and debilitating sequelae. In addition, it was observed that this higher risk could be attenuated primarily by maintaining optimal control of the patient's glucose metabolism. As opportunities for actual physical doctor-patient visits became restricted, telemedicine provided the most convenient opportunity to communicate with patients and maintain delivery of care. The wide range of experiences of health care provision during the pandemic has led to the development of several excellent strategies regarding the applicability of telemedicine across the whole spectrum of diabetes care. The continuation of these strategies is likely to benefit clinical practice even after the pandemic crisis is over.}, } @article {pmid37265584, year = {2023}, author = {Perumal, R and Shunmugam, L and Naidoo, K and Wilkins, D and Garzino-Demo, A and Brechot, C and Vahlne, A and Nikolich, J}, title = {Biological mechanisms underpinning the development of long COVID.}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, pages = {106935}, pmid = {37265584}, issn = {2589-0042}, abstract = {As COVID-19 evolves from a pandemic to an endemic disease, the already staggering number of people that have been or will be infected with SARS-CoV-2 is only destined to increase, and the majority of humanity will be infected. It is well understood that COVID-19, like many other viral infections, leaves a significant fraction of the infected with prolonged consequences. Continued high number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, viral evolution with escape from post-infection and vaccinal immunity, and reinfections heighten the potential impact of Long COVID. Hence, the impact of COVID-19 on human health will be seen for years to come until more effective vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments become available. To that effect, it is imperative that the mechanisms underlying the clinical manifestations of Long COVID be elucidated. In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis of the evidence on several potential mechanisms of Long COVID and discuss their relevance to its pathogenesis.}, } @article {pmid37265524, year = {2023}, author = {Kreulen, RT and Margalit, A and Miller, AS and Srikumaran, U and Wilckens, JH and Laporte, D}, title = {The Effect of Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections on Vaccine Efficacy: A Current Concepts Review.}, journal = {The archives of bone and joint surgery}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {306-312}, pmid = {37265524}, issn = {2345-4644}, abstract = {Orthopedic surgeons commonly perform corticosteroid injections. These injections have systemic side effects, including suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis. Due to this suppression, there is a theoretical risk of corticosteroid injections affecting the efficacy of the novel COVID-19 vaccines. This potential interaction led the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons to recommend, "avoiding musculoskeletal corticosteroid injections for two weeks before and one week after COVID vaccine administration." This review examines the literature underlying this recommendation. An extensive literature review was performed through PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar from database inception to May 2022. Keywords searched were COVID, coronavirus, vaccine, vaccination, steroids, and corticosteroids. Search results included articles written in the English language and encompassed reviews, case series, empirical studies, and basic science articles. There is no definitive evidence that corticosteroid injections affect COVID-19 vaccine efficacy or increase the risk of contracting COVID. The authors recommend orthopedic surgeons follow the AAOS guidelines, which recommend avoiding injections two weeks before and one week following COVID vaccine administration. Additional research is needed to better define this theoretical risk, especially since there is good evidence that injections suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis.}, } @article {pmid37265376, year = {2023}, author = {Simadibrata, DM and Lesmana, E and Gunawan, J and Quigley, EM and Simadibrata, M}, title = {A systematic review of gut microbiota profile in COVID-19 and among those who have recovered from COVID-19 patients.}, journal = {Journal of digestive diseases}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1751-2980.13195}, pmid = {37265376}, issn = {1751-2980}, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Given the scale and persistence of COVID-19, significant attention has been given to understanding the relationship between human gut microbiota and COVID-19. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the gut microbiota composition in COVID-19 and recovered COVID-19 patients in comparison to healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS: Peer-reviewed articles and preprints published up to September 1, 2022, were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and SCOPUS. Observational studies reporting the gut microbiota profile in adult (≥18 years old) COVID-19 patients or recovered COVID-19 patients compared to HCs were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The quality assessment of studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULT: We identified 27 studies comprising 18 that compared COVID-19 patients and six studies that compared recovered COVID-19 patients to HCs, while three studies compared both COVID-19 and recovered COVID-19 patients to HCs. Compared to HCs, decreased gut microbial diversity and richness and a distinctive microbial composition were reported in COVID-19 patients and recovered COVID-19 patients. In COVID-19 patients, Bacteroidetes were found to be enriched, and Firmicutes depleted. Decreased SCFA-producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium, among others, were also observed in COVID-19 patients, which were not restored to normal levels in those who recovered.

CONCLUSION: Gut dysbiosis was evident in COVID-19, and available data suggested that dysbiosis persisted even in recovered COVID-19 patients, with decreased Firmicutes and SCFA-producing bacteria.}, } @article {pmid37265097, year = {2023}, author = {Kedisso, EG and Guenthner, J and Maredia, K and Elagib, T and Oloo, B and Assefa, S}, title = {Sustainable access of quality seeds of genetically engineered crops in Eastern Africa - Case study of Bt Cotton.}, journal = {GM crops & food}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {1-23}, doi = {10.1080/21645698.2023.2210134}, pmid = {37265097}, issn = {2164-5701}, abstract = {The genetically engineered bollworm-resistant Bt cotton hybrid varieties offer opportunities for reducing crop losses and enhancing productivity. In Eastern Africa region, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya have approved and released Bt cotton in 2012, in 2018, and in 2019, respectively. The region has potential to grow cotton in over 5 million hectares. For commercial plantings in Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya, hybrid Bt cotton seeds have been imported from India. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, high shipment costs, bureaucratic procedures for importing seeds, and foreign exchange shortages, farmers have not been able to access Bt cotton seeds. Stakeholders are seeking local production of seeds to provide sustainable access by farmers at affordable cost. Country case studies reveal the importance of enhancing capacity for local seed production and extension advisory services. Revival of the cotton sector needs enhanced public-private partnerships to pave the way for sustainable seeds access in the region.}, } @article {pmid37264452, year = {2023}, author = {Salehi, Z and Motlagh Ghoochani, BFN and Hasani Nourian, Y and Jamalkandi, SA and Ghanei, M}, title = {The controversial effect of smoking and nicotine in SARS-CoV-2 infection.}, journal = {Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {49}, pmid = {37264452}, issn = {1710-1484}, abstract = {The effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke in many diseases, notably COVID-19 infection, are being debated more frequently. The current basic data for COVID-19 is increasing and indicating the higher risk of COVID-19 infections in smokers due to the overexpression of corresponding host receptors to viral entry. However, current multi-national epidemiological reports indicate a lower incidence of COVID-19 disease in smokers. Current data indicates that smokers are more susceptible to some diseases and more protective of some other. Interestingly, nicotine is also reported to play a dual role, being both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. In the present study, we tried to investigate the effect of pure nicotine on various cells involved in COVID-19 infection. We followed an organ-based systematic approach to decipher the effect of nicotine in damaged organs corresponding to COVID-19 pathogenesis (12 related diseases). Considering that the effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke are different from each other, it is necessary to be careful in generalizing the effects of nicotine and cigarette to each other in the conducted researches. The generalization and the undifferentiation of nicotine from smoke is a significant bias. Moreover, different doses of nicotine stimulate different effects (dose-dependent response). In addition to further assessing the role of nicotine in COVID-19 infection and any other cases, a clever assessment of underlying diseases should also be considered to achieve a guideline for health providers and a personalized approach to treatment.}, } @article {pmid37263969, year = {2023}, author = {Pang, K and Dong, S and Zhu, Y and Zhu, X and Zhou, Q and Gu, B and Jin, W and Zhang, R and Fu, Y and Yu, B and Sun, D and Duanmu, Z and Wei, X}, title = {Advanced flow cytometry for biomedical applications.}, journal = {Journal of biophotonics}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/jbio.202300135}, pmid = {37263969}, issn = {1864-0648}, abstract = {Flow cytometry is a versatile tool with excellent capabilities to detect and measure multiple characteristics of a population of cells or particles. Notable advancements in in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry, coherent Raman flow cytometry, microfluidic flow cytometry, etc. have been achieved in the last two decades, which endows flow cytometry with new functions and expands its applications in basic research and clinical practice. The advanced flow cytometry broadens the tools available to researchers to conduct research involving cancer detection, microbiology (COVID-19, HIV, bacteria, etc.), and nucleic acid analysis. This review presents an overall picture of advanced flow cytometers and provides not only a clear understanding of their mechanisms but also new insights into their practical applications. We identify the latest trends in this area and aim to raise awareness of advanced techniques of flow cytometry. We hope this review expands the applications of flow cytometry and accelerates its clinical translation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, } @article {pmid37263545, year = {2023}, author = {Anjani, QK and Sabri, AHB and Hutton, AJ and Cárcamo-Martínez, Á and Wardoyo, LAH and Mansoor, AZ and Donnelly, RF}, title = {Microarray patches for managing infections at a global scale.}, journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.05.038}, pmid = {37263545}, issn = {1873-4995}, abstract = {Since the first patent for micro array patches (MAPs) was filed in the 1970s, research on utilising MAPs as a drug delivery system has progressed significantly, evidenced by the transition from the simple 'poke and patch' of solid MAPs to the development of bio responsive systems such as hydrogel-forming and dissolving MAPs. In addition to the extensive research on MAPs for improving transdermal drug delivery, there is a growing interest in using these devices to manage infectious diseases. This is due to the minimally invasive nature of this drug delivery platform which enable patients to self-administer therapeutics without the aid of healthcare professionals. This review aims to provide a critical analysis on the potential utility of MAPs in managing infectious diseases which are still endemic at a global scale. The range of diseases covered in this review include tuberculosis, skin infections, malaria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections and Covid-19. These diseases exert a considerable socioeconomic burden at a global scale with their impact magnified in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Due to the painless and minimally invasive nature of MAPs application, this technology also provides an efficient solution not only for the delivery of therapeutics but also for the administration of vaccine and prophylactic agents that could be used in preventing the spread and outbreak of emerging infections. Furthermore, the ability of MAPs to sample and collect dermal interstitial fluid that is rich in disease-related biomarkers could also open the avenue for MAPs to be utilised as a minimally invasive biosensor for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. The efficacy of MAPs along with the current limitations of such strategies to prevent and treat these infections will be discussed. Lastly, the clinical and translational hurdles associated with MAP technologies will also be critically discussed.}, } @article {pmid37263440, year = {2023}, author = {Barcellos, DS and Barquilha, CER and Oliveira, PE and Prokopiuk, M and Etchepare, RG}, title = {How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted wastewater-based epidemiology?.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {892}, number = {}, pages = {164561}, pmid = {37263440}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was one of the areas of scientific knowledge that developed significantly with the COVID-19 pandemic, with robust worldwide application to monitor the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in urban communities at different scales and levels. This mini-review assesses how the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the WBE based on the investigation of 1305 scientific reports published (research, review, and conference papers) up to the end of 2022, considering the research objects, funding sources, actors, and countries involved. As a result, 71 % of all WBE-based publications occurred since the beginning of the pandemic, with 62 % addressing SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating the migration of WBE's relative importance in studies on drug abuse, pharmaceuticals consumption, and other disease-causing organisms to the constitution of a tool to support the monitoring of the coronavirus. Before the pandemic, WBE was a tool used for epidemiological surveillance of several diseases (54 % of studies), drug abuse (30 %), and pharmaceutical consumption (9 %). With the pandemic, these research topics lost to space, constituting only 37 % of the area's studies, and SARS-CoV-2 became the central object of studies. In addition, there has been a 4.7 % expansion of developing country participation in sewage surveillance publications and greater diversification of collaborators and funders, especially from government, businesses, and the water industry. International research partnerships had a reduction of 8 %, consequently, there was an increase in local and regional partnerships. With the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for research in WBE became approximately 6.5 % less dependent on traditional research funds. The future of WBE involves different approaches, including different focuses of research and technological advancements to improve the sensitivity, precision, and applicability of these investigations. The new WBE research arrangements are promising, although the post-pandemic challenges are likely to be in maintaining them and overcoming the trend toward a lack of diversity in study subjects.}, } @article {pmid37263252, year = {2023}, author = {Lertussavavivat, T and Srisawat, N}, title = {Hemoperfusion in COVID-19.}, journal = {Contributions to nephrology}, volume = {200}, number = {}, pages = {1-9}, doi = {10.1159/000527583}, pmid = {37263252}, issn = {1662-2782}, abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the global emergency outbreak disease that devastatingly affected world public health and the economy. The pathogenesis of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans has been linked to a strong immunological response that leads to a hyperinflammatory state, or "cytokine storm," which is a sepsis-like state resulting in capillary leakage, microvascular and macrovascular thrombosis, and multiple organ destruction. In recent years, there have been several case series and few randomized controlled trials studying the effectiveness and risk of various hemoperfusion techniques in the context of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection including HA330, CytoSorb, Polymyxin, oXiris, and Seraph 100 cartridges. Because inconsistencies exist between studies, there is currently no consensus regarding the use of hemoperfusion in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further well-designed research is needed to validate its potential clinical benefits and identify the timing and characteristics of patients who might benefit the most.}, } @article {pmid37263197, year = {2023}, author = {Bellomo, R and Ronco, C}, title = {Clinical Applications of Adsorption: The New Era of Jafron Sorbents.}, journal = {Contributions to nephrology}, volume = {200}, number = {}, pages = {1-7}, doi = {10.1159/000529845}, pmid = {37263197}, issn = {1662-2782}, abstract = {The Jafron series of sorbent cartridges provides a comprehensive array of coated, highly biocompatible sorbent beads made of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers. Such beads carry a mean diameter of 0.8 mm with a range from 0.60 to 1.18 mm. The maximal pore size of these coated beads and the volume of the cartridge vary according to the type of cartridge ranging between 50 Da and 60 kDa. The sorbents, the size of the cartridge, the volume of sorbent, and the pore size (which reaches 60 kDa with the HA330 cartridge) aim to take advantage of the principles of molecular adsorption in a variety of diseases from uremic toxin retention to poisoning and drug overdose, from kidney disease to liver failure, from acute respiratory distress syndrome to sepsis, from toxic skin injury to COVID-19. The preliminary data from ex vivo studies, animal investigations, and human pilot work look promising and justify a program of systematic investigation of these products to advance our understanding of how they may be incorporated into our therapeutic arsenal.}, } @article {pmid37263191, year = {2023}, author = {Cecchi, M and Ulsamer, A and Villa, G}, title = {Oxiris Membrane in Sepsis and Multiple Organ Failure.}, journal = {Contributions to nephrology}, volume = {200}, number = {}, pages = {1-11}, doi = {10.1159/000527355}, pmid = {37263191}, issn = {1662-2782}, abstract = {Sepsis and multiple organ failure (MOF) are characterized by multiple hemodynamic changes and imbalanced immune response of the patient. Oxiris is a highly adsorptive membrane with the ability to remove cytokines and endotoxins, as well as to perform renal replacement therapy. Here we describe the evolution from previous AN69 to the 3-in-1 Oxiris membrane, and review its characteristics and performance. In clinical practice, Oxiris showed consistent effects in mean arterial pressure recovery, a decrease in vasopressor needs, and reduction of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. These results have been reproduced by several independent studies addressing both sepsis and, to a lesser extent, COVID-19 patients. In addition, more recent studies in sepsis showed improvements in MOF duration and the length of stay in the ICU, as well as some promising results regarding mortality. Finally, we review ongoing clinical trials and discuss its potential significance to clinical practice improvement and to further reinforce knowledge on the use of blood purification in sepsis and acute kidney injury.}, } @article {pmid37261700, year = {2023}, author = {Haridoss, M and Ayyasamy, L and Bagepally, BS}, title = {Is COVID-19 severity associated with telomere length? A systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Virus genes}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-10}, pmid = {37261700}, issn = {1572-994X}, abstract = {Telomere shortening, a marker of cellular aging, has been linked to hospitalization and the severity of COVID-19. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the mean difference in telomere length between non-severe and severe COVID-19 individuals was pooled to determine the association between short telomeres and COVID-19 severity. Relevant studies were retrieved through searches conducted in PubMed-Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Medrxiv, Biorxiv, EuroPMC, and SSRN databases up to November 2022. Selected studies were systematically reviewed and assessed for risk of bias using AXIS tool. The standardized mean difference in telomere length between non-severe and severe COVID-19 was pooled using random-effects model. A total of thirteen studies were included in the review, out of which seven (1332 patients with the severe COVID-19 disease and 6321 patients with non-severe COVID-19) were eligible for meta-analysis. The estimated pooled mean difference in Leukocyte telomere length between severe COVID-19 and non-severe COVID-19 was 0.39 (95% CI - 0.02 to 0.81, I[2] = 93.5%) with substantial heterogeneity. Our findings do not provide clear evidence for association of shorter telomere length and severe COVID-19 disease. More extensive studies measuring absolute telomere length with age and gender adjustments are needed to draw definitive conclusions on the potential causal association between telomere shortening and COVID-19 severity.}, } @article {pmid37261613, year = {2023}, author = {Pattanaik, A and Bhandarkar B, S and Lodha, L and Marate, S}, title = {SARS-CoV-2 and the nervous system: current perspectives.}, journal = {Archives of virology}, volume = {168}, number = {6}, pages = {171}, pmid = {37261613}, issn = {1432-8798}, abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently causes neurological impairment in both adults and children. Recent publications have described significant aspects of the viral pathophysiology associated with neurological dysfunction. In theory, neurological manifestations following SARS-CoV-2 infection may be caused directly by the effects of the virus infecting the brain or indirectly by the local and systemic immune responses against the virus. Neurological manifestations can occur during the acute phase as well as in the post-acute phase of the infection. In this review, we discuss recent literature describing the association of nervous system disorders with COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37261528, year = {2023}, author = {Shabani, T and Jerie, S}, title = {A review of the applicability of Environmental Management Systems in waste management in the medical sector of Zimbabwe.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {195}, number = {6}, pages = {789}, pmid = {37261528}, issn = {1573-2959}, abstract = {Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are currently the cornerstone of achieving sustainability globally. Nevertheless, the question is applicability of EMS in the medical sector. Hence, the review focused on applicability of EMS in medical waste management Zimbabwe. EMS involves overall processes that facilitate reduction of dire impacts of company's activities while increasing performance. EMS framework consists of environmental policy, planning, implementation, checking, review and improvement stages. To examine applicability of EMS in management of medical sector waste, published secondary sources with information related to the topic were utilised. Analysis of strengths and opportunities of EMS was used as a base to examine its applicability in medical waste management. Zimbabwean medical sector consist of hospitals and primary healthcare facilities. Medical waste includes pathological, pharmaceutical, cytotoxic, radioactive, chemical, sharp, infectious and general waste. However, twenty-first century witnessed expansion of medical institutions to accommodate COVID-19 patients, resulting in generation of construction and demotion waste. Medical institutions in Zimbabwe are accountable for solid waste management at generation source although municipalities are responsible for conveying solid waste to landfills. Solid waste from medical sector is disposed through traditional strategies namely landfilling, incineration, open pits and open burning, resulting in water, air, and soil contamination. However, EMS can reduce quantity of solid waste disposed through waste reuse, recycle and recovery. Moreover, achievement of integrated approach, effective legislation, policies and inclusive participation in medical waste management is adopted through use of EMS. Therefore, EMS were utilised to develop an integrated sustainable medical waste management model to achieve sustainability.}, } @article {pmid37261508, year = {2023}, author = {Adeva-Andany, MM and Funcasta-Calderón, R and Fernández-Fernández, C and Ameneiros-Rodríguez, E and Vila-Altesor, M and Castro-Quintela, E}, title = {The metabolic effects of APOL1 in humans.}, journal = {Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-22}, pmid = {37261508}, issn = {1432-2013}, abstract = {Harboring apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) variants coded by the G1 or G2 alleles of the APOL1 gene increases the risk for collapsing glomerulopathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, albuminuria, chronic kidney disease, and accelerated kidney function decline towards end-stage kidney disease. However, most subjects carrying APOL1 variants do not develop the kidney phenotype unless a second clinical condition adds to the genotype, indicating that modifying factors modulate the genotype-phenotype correlation. Subjects with an APOL1 high-risk genotype are more likely to develop essential hypertension or obesity, suggesting that carriers of APOL1 risk variants experience more pronounced insulin resistance compared to noncarriers. Likewise, arterionephrosclerosis (the pathological correlate of hypertension-associated nephropathy) and glomerulomegaly take place among carriers of APOL1 risk variants, and these pathological changes are also present in conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as essential hypertension, aging, and diabetes. Insulin resistance may contribute to the clinical features associated with the APOL1 high-risk genotype. Unlike carriers of wild-type APOL1, bearers of APOL1 variants show impaired formation of lipid droplets, which may contribute to inducing insulin resistance. Nascent lipid droplets normally detach from the endoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm, although the proteins that enable this process remain to be fully defined. Wild-type APOL1 is located in the lipid droplet, whereas mutated APOL1 remains sited at the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that normal APOL1 may participate in lipid droplet biogenesis. The defective formation of lipid droplets is associated with insulin resistance, which in turn may modulate the clinical phenotype present in carriers of APOL1 risk variants.}, } @article {pmid37261460, year = {2023}, author = {Ulrich, RG and Drewes, S and Haring, V and Panajotov, J and Pfeffer, M and Rubbenstroth, D and Dreesman, J and Beer, M and Dobler, G and Knauf, S and Johne, R and Böhmer, MM}, title = {[Viral zoonoses in Germany: a One Health perspective].}, journal = {Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-18}, pmid = {37261460}, issn = {1437-1588}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing occurrence of monkeypox (mpox) diseases outside Africa have illustrated the vulnerability of populations to zoonotic pathogens. In addition, other viral zoonotic pathogens have gained importance in recent years.This review article addresses six notifiable viral zoonotic pathogens as examples to highlight the need for the One Health approach in order to understand the epidemiology of the diseases and to derive recommendations for action by the public health service. The importance of environmental factors, reservoirs, and vectors is emphasized, the diseases in livestock and wildlife are analyzed, and the occurrence and frequency of diseases in the population are described. The pathogens selected here differ in their reservoirs and the role of vectors for transmission, the impact of infections on farm animals, and the disease patterns observed in humans. In addition to zoonotic pathogens that have been known in Germany for a long time or were introduced recently, pathogens whose zoonotic potential has only lately been shown are also considered.For the pathogens discussed here, there are still large knowledge gaps regarding the transmission routes. Future One Health-based studies must contribute to the further elucidation of their transmission routes and the development of prevention measures. The holistic approach does not necessarily include a focus on viral pathogens/diseases, but also includes the question of the interaction of viral, bacterial, and other pathogens, including antibiotic resistance and host microbiomes.}, } @article {pmid37261334, year = {2023}, author = {Weichert, V and Rosga, C and Nohl, A and Zeiger, S and Ohmann, T and Ben-Abdallah, H and Steinhausen, ES and Dudda, M}, title = {[Polytrauma care in air rescue in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: impact and development of case numbers].}, journal = {Notfall & rettungsmedizin}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {284-291}, pmid = {37261334}, issn = {1434-6222}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Changes in patient care occurred as a result of the SARS-CoV‑2 virus, and both intrahospital and prehospital care were profoundly affected. Public shutdowns during lockdown periods were intended to prevent overstretching existing resources, resulting in noticeable changes in medical care for both elective treatments and emergency medicine. This study now considered the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on air ambulance services at a central air ambulance site in 2020 compared to the previous 2 years.

METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of all missions of the rescue helicopter Christoph 9 in the first COVID-19 pandemic year 2020 in comparison to the years 2018 and 2019 was performed. The mission logs were evaluated for the analysis.

RESULTS: There was a 20% reduction in the number of missions in 2020, with primarily internal medicine missions affected. Despite the lockdown periods and reduction in social life, the proportion of trauma deployments remained nearly the same. As expected, the proportion of occupational accidents decreased, and recreational activities resulted in accidents more frequently. Injury or illness severity showed no significant differences. In terms of internal diseases, there was a reduction in alerts for acute coronary syndrome and respiratory emergencies. The proportion of suicide-related injuries remained constant over the years.

CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 study period, a decrease in the number of deployments and aborted deployments was observed. However, no significant differences in deployment and injury characteristics were observed for trauma-related deployments. These results highlight the importance of air ambulance services to ensure patient care even during pandemic periods.}, } @article {pmid37261306, year = {2023}, author = {Lan, CC and Hsieh, PC and Yang, MC and Su, WL and Wu, CW and Huang, HY and Wu, YK}, title = {Early pulmonary rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in an isolation ward and intensive care unit.}, journal = {Tzu chi medical journal}, volume = {35}, number = {2}, pages = {137-142}, pmid = {37261306}, issn = {2223-8956}, abstract = {When patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are hospitalized, the limited space for activity, disease itself causes fever, muscle aches, fatigue, respiratory failure with mechanical ventilation, or medications such as steroids or neuromuscular blocking can cause muscle dysfunction. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) should be arranged for these patients with COVID-19. However, the literature on early PR within 1 week of admission on patients with COVID-19 are limited. This review focuses on early PR in COVID-19 patients admitted to isolation wards or intensive care units. The essential components of early PR programs include education, breathing exercise, airway clearance, and physical activity training. Breathing exercises, including diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing, are known to improve lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are also recommended for COVID-19 patients. Poor airway clearance can further aggravate pneumonia. Airway clearance techniques help patients to clear sputum and prevent the aggravation of pneumonia. Early physical activity training allows patients to maintain limb muscle function during hospitalization. It is recommended to design appropriate indoor exercise training for patients with frequency 1-2 times a day, and intensity should not be too high (dyspnea Borg Scale ≤3) in the acute stage. In order to achieve safe training, criteria for selecting stable patients and training termination are important. Early PR may help reduce the length of hospital stay, maintain functional status, improve symptoms of dyspnea, relieve anxiety, and maintain health-related quality of life in these patients after discharge.}, } @article {pmid37261148, year = {2023}, author = {Nadgir, CA and Biswas, DA}, title = {Antibiotic Resistance and Its Impact on Disease Management.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e38251}, pmid = {37261148}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Antibiotic resistance has been a challenge to the medical fraternity and has had a massive impact on disease management. The overuse of antibiotics and careless prescription by doctors have been one of the primary reasons for the development of antibiotic resistance among the masses. This article draws attention to the significant reasons causing antibiotic resistance, such as overuse, antibiotic resistance genes, and extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture. It also brings forward the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in the management of various diseases like tuberculosis, COVID-19, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections. The article includes a case study that depicts the threat posed by antibiotic resistance in tuberculosis treatment. This article also shows the effects of antibiotic resistance on COVID-19 patient care and treatment. It further includes methods that can be implemented on international levels as well as individual ground levels to curb antibiotic resistance. One of the methods has a recent finding in which proteins produced in the body are being modified and used in treatments to reduce the use of antibiotics, which ultimately serves the goal of curbing antibiotic resistance by reducing overuse.}, } @article {pmid37261122, year = {2023}, author = {Roytenberg, R and García-Sastre, A and Li, W}, title = {Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia: what do we know hitherto?.}, journal = {Frontiers in medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1155727}, pmid = {37261122}, issn = {2296-858X}, abstract = {Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), also known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, is a catastrophic and life-threatening reaction to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, which occurs disproportionately in response to vaccination with non-replicating adenovirus vector (AV) vaccines. The mechanism of VITT is not well defined and it has not been resolved why cases of VITT are predominated by vaccination with AV vaccines. However, virtually all VITT patients have positive platelet-activating anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibody titers. Subsequently, platelets are activated and depleted in an Fcγ-receptor IIa (FcγRIIa or CD32a)-dependent manner, but it is not clear why or how the anti-PF4 response is mounted. This review describes the pathogenesis of VITT and provides insight into possible mechanisms that prompt the formation of a PF4/polyanion complex, which drives VITT pathology, as an amalgam of current experimental data or hypotheses.}, } @article {pmid37260945, year = {2023}, author = {Yugar-Toledo, JC and Yugar, LBT and Sedenho-Prado, LG and Schreiber, R and Moreno, H}, title = {Pathophysiological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cardiovascular system and its clinical manifestations-a mini review.}, journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1162837}, pmid = {37260945}, issn = {2297-055X}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 may have a mild presentation, with few symptoms, or progress to a severe condition, characterized by generalized inflammation, systemic microvascular involvement, coagulopathy, and pulmonary and cardiovascular complications. Men present with more severe symptoms than women, especially men who are older and who present with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a history of atherosclerotic diseases. Owing to its association with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, thrombosis, and microvascular obstruction, SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause lesions in several organs, including the myocardium and the coronary arterial bed, which can result in clinical manifestations involving the cardiovascular system. In this mini review, we summarize the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cardiovascular system in both children and adults and characterize the various clinical manifestations associated with this disease.}, } @article {pmid37260884, year = {2023}, author = {Tarannum, T and Ahmed, S}, title = {Recent development in antiviral surfaces: Impact of topography and environmental conditions.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {e16698}, pmid = {37260884}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {The transmission of viruses is largely dependent on contact with contaminated virus-laden communal surfaces. While frequent surface disinfection and antiviral coating techniques are put forth by researchers as a plan of action to tackle transmission in dire situations like the Covid-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, these procedures are often laborious, time-consuming, cost-intensive, and toxic. Hence, surface topography-mediated antiviral surfaces have been gaining more attention in recent times. Although bioinspired hydrophobic antibacterial nanopatterned surfaces mimicking the natural sources is a very prevalent and successful strategy, the antiviral prospect of these surfaces is yet to be explored. Few recent studies have explored the potential of nanopatterned antiviral surfaces. In this review, we highlighted surface properties that have an impact on virus attachment and persistence, particularly focusing and emphasizing on the prospect of the nanotextured surface with enhanced properties to be used as antiviral surface. In addition, recent developments in surface nanopatterning techniques depending on the nano-scaled dimensions have been discussed. The impacts of environments and surface topology on virus inactivation have also been reviewed.}, } @article {pmid37259404, year = {2023}, author = {Macklin, M and Yadav, S and Jan, R and Reid, P}, title = {Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Scleroderma and Scleroderma Mimics.}, journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {37259404}, issn = {1424-8247}, abstract = {Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are the standard of care for various malignancies and have been associated with a wide spectrum of complications that are phenotypically akin to primary autoimmune diseases. While the literature on these toxicities is growing, there is a paucity of data regarding ICI-associated scleroderma which can carry significant morbidity and limit the ability to continue effective ICI therapy. Our review aimed to analyze the current literature on ICI-associated systemic scleroderma (ICI-SSc) and key scleroderma mimics. Cases of ICI-SSc had notable differences from primary SSc, such as fewer vascular features and less seropositivity (such as scleroderma-specific antibodies and antinuclear antibodies). We found that patients with a diagnosis of SSc prior to the start of ICI can also experience flares of pre-existing disease after ICI treatment used for their cancer. Regarding scleroderma mimics, several cases of ICI-eosinophilic fasciitis have also been described with variable clinical presentations and courses. We found no cases of scleroderma mimics: ICI-scleromyxedema or ICI-scleroedema. There is a critical need for multi-institutional efforts to collaborate on developing a patient database and conducting robust, prospective research on ICI-scleroderma. This will ultimately facilitate more effective clinical evaluations and management for ICI-scleroderma.}, } @article {pmid37258928, year = {2023}, author = {Piplani, S and Winkler, D and Honda-Okubo, Y and Khanna, V and Petrovsky, N}, title = {In Silico Structure-Based Vaccine Design.}, journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)}, volume = {2673}, number = {}, pages = {371-399}, pmid = {37258928}, issn = {1940-6029}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; }, abstract = {Structure-based vaccine design (SBVD) is an important technique in computational vaccine design that uses structural information on a targeted protein to design novel vaccine candidates. This increasing ability to rapidly model structural information on proteins and antibodies has provided the scientific community with many new vaccine targets and novel opportunities for future vaccine discovery. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the status of in silico SBVD and discusses the current challenges and limitations. Key strategies in the field of SBVD are exemplified by a case study on design of COVID-19 vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.}, } @article {pmid37258824, year = {2023}, author = {C Trudzinski, F}, title = {[Not Available].}, journal = {MMW Fortschritte der Medizin}, volume = {165}, number = {11}, pages = {26}, doi = {10.1007/s15006-023-2744-z}, pmid = {37258824}, issn = {1613-3560}, mesh = {Humans ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *COVID-19 ; }, } @article {pmid37115906, year = {2023}, author = {Ferdinand, KC and Charbonnet, RM and Laurent, J and Villavaso, CD}, title = {Eliminating hypertension disparities in U.S. non-Hispanic black adults: current and emerging interventions.}, journal = {Current opinion in cardiology}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, pages = {304-310}, doi = {10.1097/HCO.0000000000001040}, pmid = {37115906}, issn = {1531-7080}, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology/prevention & control ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Hypertension/drug therapy/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; United States/epidemiology ; *Black or African American ; *Health Status Disparities ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension in non-Hispanic black (NHB) adults in the United States has an earlier onset, higher prevalence, and increased severity compared with other racial/ethnic populations. Uncontrolled hypertension is responsible for the increased burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality and decreased longevity in NHB adults. Unfortunately, eliminating the persistent hypertension-associated disparities and the white/black mortality gap, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been challenging. Overcoming the social determinants of health (SDOH), implementing therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC), and using intensive guideline-directed medical therapy are required. Moreover, novel approaches, including community-based interventions and self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, may mitigate U.S. disparities in hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we discuss recent data regarding the U.S. NHB adult disparate hypertension control and CVD morbidity and mortality. We note current approaches to address disparities, such as TLC, evidence-based pharmacotherapy, community-based interventions and SMBP. Finally, we explore future research and initiatives to seek hypertension-related health equity.

SUMMARY: In the final analysis, longstanding, unacceptable hypertension and CVD morbidity and mortality in U.S. NHB adults must be addressed. Appropriate TLC and evidence-based pharmacotherapy benefit all populations, especially NHB adults. Ultimately, novel community-based interventions and SMBP may help overcome the SDOH that cause hypertension disparities.}, } @article {pmid37115857, year = {2023}, author = {Cohen, MI and St Louis, J and Fazio, J}, title = {Building resilient heart center teams.}, journal = {Current opinion in cardiology}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, pages = {380-384}, doi = {10.1097/HCO.0000000000001060}, pmid = {37115857}, issn = {1531-7080}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; *Resilience, Psychological ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Health Personnel ; Pandemics ; Empathy ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to move beyond measures to improve individual resilience but to focus on measures to achieve better team resilience.

RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID pandemic, shortages of heath care workers, and subsequent viral resurgence in 2022 placed tremendous stress on pediatric healthcare systems. Much has been written about individual wellness, mindfulness, and strategies to be a more resilient individual. However, little has been written on the importance of team resilience. Resilient teams work together to overcome daily stressors and challenges. Although leaders must create and foster a collaborative culture to establish cohesive and resilient teams; it also requires tremendous institutional support. Four key factors have emerged with regards to successful team resilience: candor, humility, resourcefulness, and compassion and empathy. This article discusses the key elements required for resilient teams to not only survive but also to thrive.

SUMMARY: Effective heart centers, like the symphony, are a collection of individuals all coming together to care for a child or create a singular piece of music. Heart centers without effective leaders will most certainly fail, but even with the most accomplished and passionate leaders, there must be administrative institutional support and a shared vision.}, } @article {pmid36355076, year = {2023}, author = {Fernandez, D and Wilkins, SS and Melrose, RJ and Hall, KM and Abbate, LM and Morey, MC and Castle, SC and Zeng, A and Lee, CC}, title = {Physical Function Effects of Live Video Group Exercise Interventions for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Veteran's Gerofit Group Case Study.}, journal = {Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association}, volume = {29}, number = {6}, pages = {829-840}, doi = {10.1089/tmj.2022.0175}, pmid = {36355076}, issn = {1556-3669}, abstract = {Background: Literature on telehealth interventions for older adults has been primarily on asynchronous interventions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adult exercise programs transitioned to an online format. This systematic review and case study examines the effectiveness of older adult live video exercise group interventions on physical health with insights from a Los Angeles VA program, Gerofit. Methods: PubMed was searched for live video older adult exercise groups from database inception to November 2021. All eligible studies included assessments of physical health and were limited to participants with an average age of 65 years or greater. Ten Veterans, who had participated in both in-person and virtual Gerofit sessions, were surveyed in the case study. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies included an equivalent in-person group as a comparator to the live video group and reported no significant between-group differences in outcomes, including energy expenditure and 6-minute walking distance test (6MWD). The other five studies reported statistically significant in-group improvement in outcomes including isokinetic knee strength. Case study participants reported similar attendance rates and perceived benefits, such as improved balance, when comparing virtual and in-person sessions. Discussion: Live video exercise groups in older adults demonstrated an improvement in physical function that was not statistically different from the comparison in-person sessions with the added benefit of averaging a higher attendance rate, providing initial support for the use of live video in older adult exercise programs. Insights from the case study supplement this by demonstrating older adults' positive attitude on these groups.}, } @article {pmid36264184, year = {2023}, author = {Song, M and Song, YM}, title = {Randomized Controlled Trials of Digital Mental Health Interventions on Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association}, volume = {29}, number = {6}, pages = {798-812}, doi = {10.1089/tmj.2022.0135}, pmid = {36264184}, issn = {1556-3669}, abstract = {Background: This systematic review aimed to examine the study protocol of Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHIs) and to review the effect of DMHIs among patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD). Methods: This review followed the guideline of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO electronic databases to identify randomized clinical trials without any limit on the publication year. Overall, 18 studies were selected and evaluated for the quality assessment utilizing the Risk of Bias 2 tool of Cochranes' Collaboration. In the quality assessment, four studies evaluated as overall high risk of bias were excluded from the selection, and the final 14 studies were chosen. Results: No DMHIs were provided for acute schizophrenia-related symptoms, and there were some studies related to schizophrenia-related symptoms (26.4%). Some studies for improving cognitive function (42.9%) were reported, and there was a significant effect when interventions that were proven to be effective when implemented in a face-to-face manner were delivered using various online devices and sensory stimuli. Nearly half of the studies reported intervention frequency and time (57.1%), and those with unclear reports relied either on a mobile app or telemedicine and were designed to self-pace the frequency and speed of the intervention. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it will be possible to understand the characteristics of DMHIs, without physical contact, for only SSD patients, providing a basis for digital mental health services.}, } @article {pmid35343335, year = {2023}, author = {Ghidei, W and Montesanti, S and Tomkow, K and Silverstone, PH and Wells, L and Campbell, S}, title = {Examining the Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of Virtually Delivered Trauma-Focused Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Interventions: A Rapid Evidence Assessment.}, journal = {Trauma, violence & abuse}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, pages = {1427-1442}, doi = {10.1177/15248380211069059}, pmid = {35343335}, issn = {1552-8324}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid shift to virtual delivery of treatment and care to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. A rapid evidence assessment (REA) was undertaken to examine the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of trauma-focused virtual interventions for persons affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. The findings from this review will provide guidance for service providers and organizational leaders with the implementation of virtual domestic violence and sexual violence-focused interventions. The REA included comprehensive search strategies and systematic screening of and relevant articles. Papers were included into this review (1) if they included trauma-focused interventions; (2) if the intervention was delivered virtually; and (3) if the article was published in the English-language. Twenty-one papers met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Findings from the rapid review demonstrate that virtual interventions that incorporate trauma-focused treatment are scarce. Online interventions that incorporate trauma-focused treatment for this at-risk group are limited in scope, and effectiveness data are preliminary in nature. Additionally, there is limited evidence of acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of virtual interventions for ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse populations experiencing domestic violence and sexual violence. Accessing virtual interventions was also highlighted as a barrier to among participants in studies included in the review. Despite the potential of virtual interventions to respond to the needs of individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual violence, the acceptability and effectiveness of virtual trauma-focused care for a diverse range of populations at risk of violence are significantly understudied.}, } @article {pmid37261225, year = {2021}, author = {Patel, HY and West, DJ}, title = {Hospital at Home: An Evolving Model for Comprehensive Healthcare.}, journal = {Global journal on quality and safety in healthcare}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, pages = {141-146}, pmid = {37261225}, issn = {2589-9449}, abstract = {Hospital at Home (HaH) is a sustainable, innovative, and next-generation model of healthcare. From the healthcare management point of view, this model provides cost benefits and quality improvement, and from the physicians' point of view, it helps in providing patient-centered medical care and keeps patients away from hospital admission and its complications. The HaH model was first introduced at John Hopkins in the United States in 1995, which showed very promising results in context to the length of stay, readmission rates, patient satisfaction, and hospital-acquired infections. The HaH model of care provides acute critical care to patients at home and reduces unnecessary hospitalization and related complications. The identified patients for this model of care are elderly patients with chronic conditions and multiple comorbidities. The emergence of technology in today's world and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have increased the demand for the HaH model of care. Although there are many benefits and advantages, the HaH model of care has significant barriers and limitations, such as reimbursement for payment, physician and patient resistance, patient safety, and lack of quantifying research data to support the use of this model. Specific training for the physician, nursing, and other members of the HaH multidisciplinary team is necessary for HaH treatment protocols, along with patient and family caregiver education for those who elect the HaH model of care. HaH is the future of comprehensive healthcare services and helps in achieving the triple aim of access to healthcare, improved quality of care, and reduced cost for healthcare.}, } @article {pmid37260696, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, J and Zhang, X and Yang, X and Yu, H and Bu, M and Fu, J and Zhang, Z and Xu, H and Hu, J and Lu, J and Zhang, H and Zhai, Z and Yang, W and Wu, X and Wang, Y and Tong, Q}, title = {Revitalizing myocarditis treatment through gut microbiota modulation: unveiling a promising therapeutic avenue.}, journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1191936}, pmid = {37260696}, issn = {2235-2988}, abstract = {Numerous studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota plays an important role in the development and treatment of different cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, evidence from recent studies has shown that gut microbiota contributes to the development of myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease that often results in myocardial damage. Myocarditis is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults. The incidence of myocarditis and its associated dilated cardiomyopathy has been increasing yearly. Myocarditis has gained significant attention on social media due to its association with both COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations. However, the current therapeutic options for myocarditis are limited. In addition, little is known about the potential therapeutic targets of myocarditis. In this study, we review (1) the evidence on the gut-heart axis, (2) the crosslink between gut microbiota and the immune system, (3) the association between myocarditis and the immune system, (4) the impact of gut microbiota and its metabolites on myocarditis, (5) current strategies for modulating gut microbiota, (6) challenges and future directions for targeted gut microbiota in the treatment of myocarditis. The approach of targeting the gut microbiota in myocarditis is still in its infancy, and this is the study to explore the gut microbiota-immune system-myocarditis axis. Our findings are expected to pave the way for the use of gut microbiota as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of myocarditis.}, } @article {pmid37260143, year = {2023}, author = {Huang, H and Leung, KSK and Garg, T and Mazzoleni, A and Miteu, GD and Zakariya, F and Awuah, WA and Yin, ETS and Haroon, F and Hussain, Z and Aji, N and Jaiswal, V and Tse, G}, title = {Barriers and shortcomings in access to cardiovascular management and prevention for familial hypercholesterolemia during the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Clinical cardiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/clc.24059}, pmid = {37260143}, issn = {1932-8737}, abstract = {Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary condition caused by mutations in the lipid pathway. The goal in managing FH is to reduce circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and, therefore, reduce the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Because FH patients were considered high risk groups due to an increased susceptible for contracting COVID-19 infection, we hypothesized whether the effects of the pandemic hindered access to cardiovascular care. In this review, we conducted a literature search in databases Pubmed/Medline and ScienceDirect. We included a comprehensive analysis of findings from articles in English related and summarized the effects of the pandemic on cardiovascular care through direct and indirect effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FH patients presented with worse outcomes and prognosis, especially those that have suffered from early ASCVD. This caused avoidance in seeking care due to fear of transmission. The pandemic severely impacted consultations with lipidologists and cardiologists, causing a decline in lipid profile evaluations. Low socioeconomic communities and ethnic minorities were hit the hardest with job displacements and lacked healthcare coverage respectively, leading to treatment nonadherence. Lock-down restrictions promoted sedentary lifestyles and intake of fatty meals, but it is unclear whether these factors attenuated cardiovascular risk in FH. To prevent early atherogenesis in FH patients, universal screening programs, telemedicine, and lifestyle interventions are important recommendations that could improve outcomes in FH patients. However, the need to research in depth on the disproportionate impact within different subgroups should be the forefront of FH research.}, } @article {pmid37260086, year = {2023}, author = {Ghosn, L and Assi, R and Evrenoglou, T and Buckley, BS and Henschke, N and Probyn, K and Riveros, C and Davidson, M and Graña, C and Bonnet, H and Jarde, A and Ávila, C and Nejstgaard, CH and Menon, S and Ferrand, G and Kapp, P and Breuer, C and Schmucker, C and Sguassero, Y and Nguyen, TV and Devane, D and Meerpohl, JJ and Rada, G and Hróbjartsson, A and Grasselli, G and Tovey, D and Ravaud, P and Chaimani, A and Boutron, I}, title = {Interleukin-6 blocking agents for treating COVID-19: a living systematic review.}, journal = {The Cochrane database of systematic reviews}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {CD013881}, pmid = {37260086}, issn = {1469-493X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: It has been reported that people with COVID-19 and pre-existing autoantibodies against type I interferons are likely to develop an inflammatory cytokine storm responsible for severe respiratory symptoms. Since interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the cytokines released during this inflammatory process, IL-6 blocking agents have been used for treating people with severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To update the evidence on the effectiveness and safety of IL-6 blocking agents compared to standard care alone or to a placebo for people with COVID-19.

SEARCH METHODS: We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, the Living OVerview of Evidence (L·OVE) platform, and the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register to identify studies on 7 June 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating IL-6 blocking agents compared to standard care alone or to placebo for people with COVID-19, regardless of disease severity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pairs of researchers independently conducted study selection, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach for all critical and important outcomes. In this update we amended our protocol to update the methods used for grading evidence by establishing minimal important differences for the critical outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS: This update includes 22 additional trials, for a total of 32 trials including 12,160 randomized participants all hospitalized for COVID-19 disease. We identified a further 17 registered RCTs evaluating IL-6 blocking agents without results available as of 7 June 2022.  The mean age range varied from 56 to 75 years; 66.2% (8051/12,160) of enrolled participants were men. One-third (11/32) of included trials were placebo-controlled. Twenty-two were published in peer-reviewed journals, three were reported as preprints, two trials had results posted only on registries, and results from five trials were retrieved from another meta-analysis. Eight were funded by pharmaceutical companies.  Twenty-six included studies were multicenter trials; four were multinational and 22 took place in single countries. Recruitment of participants occurred between February 2020 and June 2021, with a mean enrollment duration of 21 weeks (range 1 to 54 weeks). Nineteen trials (60%) had a follow-up of 60 days or more. Disease severity ranged from mild to critical disease. The proportion of participants who were intubated at study inclusion also varied from 5% to 95%. Only six trials reported vaccination status; there were no vaccinated participants included in these trials, and 17 trials were conducted before vaccination was rolled out. We assessed a total of six treatments, each compared to placebo or standard care. Twenty trials assessed tocilizumab, nine assessed sarilumab, and two assessed clazakizumab. Only one trial was included for each of the other IL-6 blocking agents (siltuximab, olokizumab, and levilimab). Two trials assessed more than one treatment. Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab and sarilumab compared to standard care or placebo for treating COVID-19 At day (D) 28, tocilizumab and sarilumab probably result in little or no increase in clinical improvement (tocilizumab: risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.11; 15 RCTs, 6116 participants; moderate-certainty evidence; sarilumab: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.05; 7 RCTs, 2425 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). For clinical improvement at ≥ D60, the certainty of evidence is very low for both tocilizumab (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.48; 1 RCT, 97 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and sarilumab (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.63; 2 RCTs, 239 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The effect of tocilizumab on the proportion of participants with a WHO Clinical Progression Score (WHO-CPS) of level 7 or above remains uncertain at D28 (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.12; 13 RCTs, 2117 participants; low-certainty evidence) and that for sarilumab very uncertain (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.33; 5 RCTs, 886 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Tocilizumab reduces all cause-mortality at D28 compared to standard care/placebo (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.94; 18 RCTs, 7428 participants; high-certainty evidence). The evidence about the effect of sarilumab on this outcome is very uncertain (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.30; 9 RCTs, 3305 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is uncertain for all cause-mortality at ≥ D60 for tocilizumab (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.04; 9 RCTs, 2775 participants; low-certainty evidence) and very uncertain for sarilumab (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.07; 6 RCTs, 3379 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Tocilizumab probably results in little to no difference in the risk of adverse events (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.12; 9 RCTs, 1811 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence about adverse events for sarilumab is uncertain (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.28; 4 RCT, 860 participants; low-certainty evidence).  The evidence about serious adverse events is very uncertain for tocilizumab (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.07; 16 RCTs; 2974 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and uncertain for sarilumab (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.21; 6 RCTs; 2936 participants; low-certainty evidence). Efficacy and safety of clazakizumab, olokizumab, siltuximab and levilimab compared to standard care or placebo for treating COVID-19 The evidence about the effects of clazakizumab, olokizumab, siltuximab, and levilimab comes from only one or two studies for each blocking agent, and is uncertain or very uncertain.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized people with COVID-19, results show a beneficial effect of tocilizumab on all-cause mortality in the short term and probably little or no difference in the risk of adverse events compared to standard care alone or placebo. Nevertheless, both tocilizumab and sarilumab probably result in little or no increase in clinical improvement at D28. Evidence for an effect of sarilumab and the other IL-6 blocking agents on critical outcomes is uncertain or very uncertain. Most of the trials included in our review were done before the waves of different variants of concern and before vaccination was rolled out on a large scale. An additional 17 RCTs of IL-6 blocking agents are currently registered with no results yet reported. The number of pending studies and the number of participants planned is low. Consequently, we will not publish further updates of this review.}, } @article {pmid37259341, year = {2023}, author = {Kaczyńska, K and Jampolska, M and Wojciechowski, P and Sulejczak, D and Andrzejewski, K and Zając, D}, title = {Potential of Lactoferrin in the Treatment of Lung Diseases.}, journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ph16020192}, pmid = {37259341}, issn = {1424-8247}, abstract = {Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein that exhibits a variety of properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer, that can be used to treat numerous diseases. Lung diseases continue to be the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Many of the therapies currently used to treat these diseases have limited efficacy or are associated with side effects. Therefore, there is a constant pursuit for new drugs and therapies, and LF is frequently considered a therapeutic agent and/or adjunct to drug-based therapies for the treatment of lung diseases. This article focuses on a review of the existing and most up-to-date literature on the contribution of the beneficial effects of LF on the treatment of lung diseases, including asthma, viral infections, cystic fibrosis, or lung cancer, among others. Although in vitro and in vivo studies indicate significant potency of LF in the treatment of the listed diseases, only in the case of respiratory tract infections do human studies seem to confirm them by demonstrating the effectiveness of LF in reducing episodes of illness and shortening the recovery period. For lung cancer, COVID-19 and sepsis, the reports are conflicting, and for other diseases, there is a paucity of human studies conclusively confirming the beneficial effects of LF.}, } @article {pmid37259180, year = {2023}, author = {Choi, S and Kim, B}, title = {Comparison of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Chronic Allergic Diseases before and after COVID-19: Using Raw Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveyin2019 and 2021.}, journal = {The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-16}, doi = {10.1080/02770903.2023.2220791}, pmid = {37259180}, issn = {1532-4303}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of chronic allergic diseases before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2019 and 2021.

DATA SOURCES: A representative sample of Korean adults (n = 10,346) aged 19-85 years who completed the survey in 2019 and 2021 was analyzed.

STUDY SELECTION: General and health-related characteristics, as well as the prevalence and diagnosis of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, were compared between the two years. Sub-analyses by gender and age were also conducted.

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in marital status, subjective health perception, sleep quality, and walking status between 2019 and 2021. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence and diagnosis of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. In a sub-analysis by gender and age, the prevalence of asthma in teenagers showed a statistically significant increase in 2021 compared to 2019, while it decreased significantly in the 30s group.

CONCLUSION: This study found no significant changes in the prevalence and diagnosis of chronic allergic diseases before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. However, changes in lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and sleep quality, were observed. The increase in asthma prevalence in teenagers after COVID-19 can be attributed to age-specific differences in asthma treatment. Further research on the relationship between COVID-19 and chronic allergic diseases is necessary, and healthcare providers should consider lifestyle changes in their treatment of chronic allergic disease patients during the pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37257735, year = {2023}, author = {Chen, C and Liang, J and Hu, H and Li, X and Wang, L and Wang, Z}, title = {Research progress in methods for detecting neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.}, journal = {Analytical biochemistry}, volume = {673}, number = {}, pages = {115199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ab.2023.115199}, pmid = {37257735}, issn = {1096-0309}, abstract = {The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has seriously affected the lives of people worldwide. Clarifying the attenuation rule of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody (NAb) in vivo is the key to prevent reinfection and recurrence of virus. Currently, the commonly used methods for detecting NAb include virus neutralization tests, pseudovirus neutralization assays, lateral flow immunochromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The detection of NAb not only can be used to evaluate the level of immunity after vaccination or infection but also can provide important theoretical support for virus reinfection, recurrence and vaccine iteration. In this research, the related technologies of SARS-CoV-2 NAb detection were reviewed, aiming to provide better research ideas for SARS-CoV-2 epidemic prevention and control.}, } @article {pmid37257164, year = {2023}, author = {Priyal, and Sehgal, V and Kapila, S and Taneja, R and Mehmi, P and Gulati, N}, title = {Review of Neurological Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e38194}, pmid = {37257164}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect any part of the neuraxis. Many neurological conditions have been attributed to be caused by SARS-CoV-2, namely encephalopathy (acute necrotizing encephalopathy and encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesions), seizures, stroke, cranial nerve palsies, meningoencephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis (long and short segment), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and its variants, polyneuritis cranialis, optic neuritis (ON), plexopathy, myasthenia gravis (MG), and myositis. The pathophysiology differs depending on the time frame of presentation. In patients with concomitant pulmonary disease, for instance, acute neurological illness appears to be caused by endotheliopathy and cytokine storm. Autoimmunity and molecular mimicry are causative for post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-sequelae. It has not yet been shown that the virus can penetrate the central nervous system (CNS) directly. This review aims to describe the disease and root pathogenic cause of the various neurological manifestations of COVID-19. We searched Pubmed/Medline and Google Scholar using the keywords "SARS-CoV-2" and "neurological illness" for articles published between January 2020 and November 2022. Then, we used the SWIFT-Review (Sciome LLC, North Carolina, United States), a text-mining workbench for systematic review, to classify the 1383 articles into MeSH hierarchical tree codes for articles on various parts of the nervous system, such as the CNS, peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, sensory system, and musculoskeletal system. Finally, we reviewed 152 articles in full text. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found in multiple brain areas without any histopathological changes. Despite the absence of in vivo virions or virus-infected cells, CNS inflammation has been reported, especially in the olfactory bulb and brain stem. SARS-CoV-2 genomes and proteins have been found in affected individuals' brain tissues, but corresponding neuropathologic changes are seldom found in these cases. Additionally, viral RNA can rarely be identified in neurological patients' CSF post hoc SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most patients with neurological symptoms do not have active viral replication in the nervous system and infrequently have typical clinical and laboratory characteristics of viral CNS infections. Endotheliopathy and the systemic inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection play a crucial role in developing neuro-COVID-19, with proinflammatory cytokine release mediating both pathological pathways. The systemic inflammatory mediators likely activate astrocytes and microglia across the blood-brain barrier, indirectly affecting CNS-specific immune activation and tissue injury. The management differs according to co-morbidities and the neurological disorder.}, } @article {pmid37256471, year = {2023}, author = {Moitra, M and Owens, S and Hailemariam, M and Wilson, KS and Mensa-Kwao, A and Gonese, G and Kamamia, CK and White, B and Young, DM and Collins, PY}, title = {Global Mental Health: Where We Are and Where We Are Going.}, journal = {Current psychiatry reports}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37256471}, issn = {1535-1645}, support = {U91HA06801/HRSA/HRSA HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent findings in global mental health along several domains including socioeconomic determinants, inequities, funding, and inclusion in global mental health research and practice.

RECENT FINDINGS: Mental illness continues to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and treatment coverage continues to be low globally. Advances in integrating mental health care and adopting task-shifting are accompanied by implementation challenges. The mental health impact of recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geo-political events, and environmental change is likely to persist and require coordinated care approaches for those in need of psychosocial support. Inequities also exist in funding for global mental health and there has been gradual progress in terms of building local capacity for mental health care programs and research. Lastly, there is an increasing effort to include people with lived experiences of mental health in research and policy shaping efforts. The field of global mental health will likely continue to be informed by evidence and perspectives originating increasingly from low- and middle-income countries along with ongoing global events and centering of relevant stakeholders.}, } @article {pmid37256207, year = {2023}, author = {Bannister-Tyrrell, M and Chen, M and Choi, V and Miglietta, A and Galea, G}, title = {Systematic scoping review of the implementation, adoption, use, and effectiveness of digital contact tracing interventions for COVID-19 in the Western Pacific Region.}, journal = {The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific}, volume = {34}, number = {}, pages = {100647}, pmid = {37256207}, issn = {2666-6065}, support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; }, abstract = {A systematic scoping review of digital contact tracing (DCT) interventions for COVID-19 was conducted to describe the implementation, adoption, use and effectiveness of DCT interventions implemented as part of the COVID-19 response in the Western Pacific Region (WPR). A systematic search identified 341 studies and 128 grey literature sources, of which 18 studies and 41 grey literature sources were included. 17 (46%) WPR countries and areas implemented DCT interventions. Adoption ranged from 14.6% to 92.7% in different adult populations and epidemiological contexts. Trust in authorities, and privacy concerns and beliefs, were the most frequent determinants of adoption and use. Only two studies analysed DCT effectiveness, which showed limited to no effectiveness of DCT interventions in low transmission settings. Overall, there is limited evidence available to evaluate the contribution of DCT to mitigating COVID-19 in the WPR. Preparedness for future health emergencies should include developing robust frameworks for DCT effectiveness evaluations.}, } @article {pmid37256125, year = {2023}, author = {Esposito, S and Amirthalingam, G and Bassetti, M and Blasi, F and De Rosa, FG and Halasa, NB and Hung, I and Osterhaus, A and Tan, T and Torres, JP and Vena, A and Principi, N}, title = {Monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis and therapy of respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency virus, rabies and bacterial infections: an update from the World Association of Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders and the Italian Society of Antinfective Therapy.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1162342}, pmid = {37256125}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {Monoclonal antibodies (mABs) are safe and effective proteins produced in laboratory that may be used to target a single epitope of a highly conserved protein of a virus or a bacterial pathogen. For this purpose, the epitope is selected among those that play the major role as targets for prevention of infection or tissue damage. In this paper, characteristics of the most important mABs that have been licensed and used or are in advanced stages of development for use in prophylaxis and therapy of infectious diseases are discussed. We showed that a great number of mABs effective against virus or bacterial infections have been developed, although only in a small number of cases these are licensed for use in clinical practice and have reached the market. Although some examples of therapeutic efficacy have been shown, not unlike more traditional antiviral or antibacterial treatments, their efficacy is significantly greater in prophylaxis or early post-exposure treatment. Although in many cases the use of vaccines is more effective and cost-effective than that of mABs, for many infectious diseases no vaccines have yet been developed and licensed. Furthermore, in emergency situations, like in epidemics or pandemics, the availability of mABs can be an attractive adjunct to our armament to reduce the impact. Finally, the availability of mABs against bacteria can be an important alternative, when multidrug-resistant strains are involved.}, } @article {pmid37255909, year = {2023}, author = {Alhazmi, A and Mahzari, MM and Alshehri, S and Alhazmi, A}, title = {The Use of Telemedicine in the Preoperative Care of Pheochromocytoma: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e38290}, pmid = {37255909}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor that may present with headaches, palpitations, and hypertension, and if left unresected, it can lead to serious complications and fatal cardiac mortality. Adequate preoperative management can decrease the risk of intraoperative complications. In this systematic review, we address and discuss what has been published in the literature about the optimization of pheochromocytoma preoperative care via various types of telemedicine (TM). We searched health research databases PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for literature on various types of TM employed for PCC preoperative management. We searched peer-reviewed literature in the English language published in the literature until November 5, 2022, using medical subject heading (MeSh) terms in PubMed like "telemedicine" and "pheochromocytoma." We used "telemedicine" or "telehealth" and "pheochromocytoma" in other databases. We considered all types of TM, including synchronous, asynchronous, and remote patient monitoring. Our search yielded five publications in PubMed, 59 results in Google Scholar, and none in the Cochrane Library. After excluding duplicates and evaluating the articles for relevance, five papers were selected for this review. Studies came from the United States and Italy. Findings from these studies suggested safe outcomes and reduced costs compared to what is traditionally followed in physical settings. Overall, this systematic review shows the convenience and safety of TM use for a broad spectrum of patients. Further studies are needed to consolidate these findings. Moreover, guidelines on patients' selection and procedures for safe and effective TM care for patients with PCC are required.}, } @article {pmid37255844, year = {2023}, author = {Aulakh, K and Roul, RK and Kaushal, M}, title = {E-learning enhancement through educational data mining with Covid-19 outbreak period in backdrop: A review.}, journal = {International journal of educational development}, volume = {101}, number = {}, pages = {102814}, pmid = {37255844}, issn = {0738-0593}, abstract = {E-learning is fast becoming an integral part of the teaching- learning process, particularly after the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Educational institutions across the globe are striving to enhance their e-learning instructional mechanism in accordance with the aspirations of present-day students who are widely using numerous technological tools - computers, tablets, mobiles, and Internet for educational purposes. In the wake of the evident incorporation of e-learning into the educational process, research related to the application of Educational Data Mining (EDM) techniques for enhancing e-learning systems has gained significance in recent times. The various data mining techniques applied by researchers to study hidden trends or patterns in educational data can provide valuable insights for educational institutions in terms of making the learning process adaptive to student needs. The insights can help the institutions achieve their ultimate goal of improving student academic performance in technology-assisted learning systems of the modern world. This review paper aims to comprehend EDM's role in enhancing e-learning environments with reference to commonly-used techniques, along with student performance prediction, the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on e-learning and priority e-learning focus areas in the future.}, } @article {pmid37255742, year = {2023}, author = {Vengalil, A and Nizamutdinov, D and Su, M and Huang, JH}, title = {Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced Encephalopathy and Encephalitis in COVID-19 Cases.}, journal = {Neuroscience insights}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {26331055231172522}, pmid = {37255742}, issn = {2633-1055}, abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused an unprecedented pandemic around the globe, infecting 36.5 million people and causing the death of over 1 million in the United States of America alone. COVID-19 patients demonstrated respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular complications, and neurologic symptoms, which in most severe cases included encephalopathy and encephalitis. Hypoxia and the uncontrolled proliferation of cytokines are commonly recognized to cause encephalopathy, while the retrograde trans-synaptic spread of the virus is thought to cause encephalitis in SARS-CoV-2-induced pathogenesis. Although recent research revealed some mechanisms explaining the development of neurologic symptoms, it still remains unclear whether interactions between these mechanisms exist. This review focuses on the discussion and analysis of previously reported hypotheses of SARS-CoV-2-induced encephalopathy and encephalitis and looks into possible overlaps between the pathogenesis of both neurological outcomes of the disease. Promising therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2-induced neurological complications are also covered. More studies are needed to further investigate the dominant mechanism of pathogenesis for developing more effective preventative measures in COVID-19 cases with the neurologic presentation.}, } @article {pmid37255741, year = {2023}, author = {Morgan, L and Hollist, M and Au, K and Ayari, L and Betts, C and Kirmani, BF}, title = {Neuromuscular Disorders Associated With COVID-19.}, journal = {Neuroscience insights}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {26331055231176251}, pmid = {37255741}, issn = {2633-1055}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an enormous impact on practically every aspect of daily life, and those with neuromuscular disorders have certainly not been spared. The effects of COVID-19 infection are far-reaching, going well beyond respiratory symptoms alone. From simple myalgias to debilitating critical illness neuromyopathies, we continue to learn and catalog the diverse pathologies presented by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as it relates to the neuromuscular system. Complications have been documented both as a direct result of primary infection but also in those with pre-existing neuromuscular disorders from myasthenia gravis to devastating critical illness neuromyopathies. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between COVID-19 infection and critical illness neuromyopathy, peripheral nerve palsies, myalgias, positional compressive neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.}, } @article {pmid37255704, year = {2023}, author = {Rolling, CC and Barrett, TJ and Berger, JS}, title = {Platelet-monocyte aggregates: molecular mediators of thromboinflammation.}, journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {960398}, pmid = {37255704}, issn = {2297-055X}, abstract = {Platelets, key facilitators of primary hemostasis and thrombosis, have emerged as crucial cellular mediators of innate immunity and inflammation. Exemplified by their ability to alter the phenotype and function of monocytes, activated platelets bind to circulating monocytes to form monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA). The platelet-monocyte axis has emerged as a key mechanism connecting thrombosis and inflammation. MPA are elevated across the spectrum of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including cardiovascular disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and COVID-19, and are positively associated with disease severity. These clinical disorders are all characterized by an increased risk of thromboembolic complications. Intriguingly, monocytes in contact with platelets become proinflammatory and procoagulant, highlighting that this interaction is a central element of thromboinflammation.}, } @article {pmid37255528, year = {2023}, author = {Thaivalappil, A and Bhattacharyya, A and Young, I and Gosselin, S and Pearl, DL and Papadopoulos, A}, title = {Environmental determinants of infectious and chronic disease prevention behaviours: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research.}, journal = {Health psychology open}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {20551029231179157}, pmid = {37255528}, issn = {2055-1029}, abstract = {Regulatory health policies facilitate desired health behaviours in communities, and among them, smoke-free policies and COVID-19 restrictions have been widely implemented. Qualitative research studies have explored how these measures and other environmental influences shape preventive behaviours. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize previously published qualitative research, generate across-study themes, and propose recommendations for behaviour change interventions. We used a comprehensive search strategy, relevance screening and confirmation, data extraction, quality assessment, thematic synthesis, and quality-of-evidence assessment. In total, 87 relevant studies were identified. Findings were grouped under six overarching themes and mapped under three categories: (i) the political environment, (ii) the sociocultural environment, and (iii) the physical environment. These findings provide insights into the environmental influences of behaviour and indicate future interventions may be more effective by considering moral norms, community norms, policy support, and group identity.}, } @article {pmid37255250, year = {2023}, author = {Marcianò, G and Muraca, L and Rania, V and Gallelli, L}, title = {Ibuprofen in the Management of Viral Infections: The Lesson of COVID-19 for Its Use in a Clinical Setting.}, journal = {Journal of clinical pharmacology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/jcph.2258}, pmid = {37255250}, issn = {1552-4604}, abstract = {Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for the management of fever, pain, and inflammation. However, they have always been considered to have a double-faced role, according to their capacity to manage inflammation but also their possible reduction of immune system response and diagnosis delay. This last point could favor a dramatic increase of viral infection diffusion, possibly leading to a more severe outcome. The advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 excluded the use of NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, and then indicated this drug as the better NSAID to manage infected outpatients and prevent complications. Several authors described the role of NSAIDs and ibuprofen in preventing cytokine storm and modulating the immune system. However, the development of both adverse drug reactions (i.e., gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and cardiovascular) and drug interaction recalled the necessity of prescribing the better NSAID for each patient. In this narrative review, we describe the role of NSAIDs, particularly of ibuprofen, in the management of viral symptoms, suggesting that the NSAID may be chosen considering the characteristics of the patient, the comorbidity, and the polytherapy.}, } @article {pmid37255121, year = {2023}, author = {Andrade, SGA and Andrade, FM and Silva, AD and Cardoso, MRA and Ferraz, GR and Barros, ENC and Braga, PE and Cristófalo, MM and Vieira, JRG and Lopes, CS and Niyama, A and Carvalho, JL and Aldrighi, JM}, title = {Overview of SARS-COV-2 infection at the Butantan Penitentiary Progression Center.}, journal = {Revista de saude publica}, volume = {57}, number = {suppl 1}, pages = {10s}, pmid = {37255121}, issn = {1518-8787}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Antibodies, Viral ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Prisons ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus among individuals living in restricted freedom.

METHODS: A seroprevalence survey was carried out with the population of the female penitentiary of the Centro de Progressão Penitenciária (CPP) in Butantan (municipality of São Paulo), between June 24 and August 20, 2020. During this period, according to the Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (SAP), the positivity of rapid tests among inmates ranged from 65% to 78%. The evaluation method used in the study was the "One Step COVID-19" rapid test (chromatography), from the company Wondfo, also using the RT-PCR method in symptomatic participants to confirm the viral condition. The study population consisted of 879 female inmates and 170 employees of the institution.

RESULTS: The prevalence of total antibodies (IgG/IgM) against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the total population of 1049 study participants was 6.1%; among the population of 879 inmates,a prevalence of 5.8% was observed, and among the institution's employees, 7.5%.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of covid-19 at the Butantan CPP was low, which is due to the implementation of simple prevention measures at the institution, such as the use of masks (with appropriate changes), emphasis on hygiene, hand washing and social distancing, in addition to other strategies, such as suspending inmates' visits from relatives and friends and cutting back on elective medical appointments and outside work.}, } @article {pmid37255115, year = {2023}, author = {Freire, MP and Silva, LG and Meira, ALP and Louvison, MCP}, title = {Telemedicine in healthcare access during the covid-19 pandemic: a scoping review.}, journal = {Revista de saude publica}, volume = {57}, number = {suppl 1}, pages = {4s}, pmid = {37255115}, issn = {1518-8787}, mesh = {Humans ; Brazil ; *COVID-19 ; Health Services Accessibility ; Pandemics ; *Telemedicine ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Mapping the role of telemedicine in the health access of patients with chronic diseases in continuous care actions (except for covid-19) during the pandemic.

METHODS: This is a scoping review, with an adapted version of the Prisma-Scr methodology and using the Population (patients with chronic diseases), Concept (telemedicine as a health access tool) and Context (covid-19 pandemic) strategy. We searched through the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Lilacs and SciELO, resulting in 18 articles at the end of the review. We used the technological, sociocultural and assistance analysis dimensions.

RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent of the analyzed papers posited that telemedicine use to provide care increased during the pandemic. We identified that this use was positively related to the reduction of complications and the absence of physical displacement for care, expanding it to rural areas. Important barriers were presented, most importantly the digital exclusion, language sociocultural barriers, and inaccessibility to technological instruments for disabled people.

CONCLUSIONS: Innovation in care arrangements calls attention to how living labor is important to produce healthcare, using various technologies, and reveals tensions caused by the forces acting on healthcare micro politics. We conclude that, despite important barriers, telemedicine contributed to the care of chronic patients during the covid-19 pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37254909, year = {2023}, author = {Naughton, CC and Holm, RH and Lin, NJ and James, BP and Smith, T}, title = {Online dashboards for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater data need standard best practices: An environmental health communication agenda.}, journal = {Journal of water and health}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, pages = {615-624}, doi = {10.2166/wh.2023.312}, pmid = {37254909}, issn = {1477-8920}, mesh = {Humans ; Wastewater ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring ; *Health Communication ; Environmental Health ; }, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the benefits of wastewater surveillance to supplement clinical data. Numerous online information dashboards have been rapidly, and typically independently, developed to communicate environmental surveillance data to public health officials and the public. In this study, we review dashboards presenting SARS-CoV-2 wastewater data and propose a path toward harmonization and improved risk communication. A list of 127 dashboards representing 27 countries was compiled. The variability was high and encompassed aspects including the graphics used for data presentation (e.g., line/bar graphs, maps, and tables), log versus linear scale, and 96 separate ways of labeling SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations. Globally, dashboard presentations also differed by region. Approximately half of the dashboards presented clinical case data, and 25% presented variant monitoring. Only 30% of dashboards provided downloadable source data. While any single dashboard is likely useful in its own context and locality, the high variation across dashboards at best prevents optimal use of wastewater surveillance data on a broader geographical scale and at worst could lead to risk communication issues and the potential for public health miscommunication. There is a great opportunity to improve scientific communication through the adoption of uniform data presentation conventions, standards, and best practices in this field.}, } @article {pmid37254831, year = {2023}, author = {Ren, Y and Wang, G and Han, D}, title = {Statins in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.}, journal = {Journal of medical virology}, volume = {95}, number = {6}, pages = {e28823}, doi = {10.1002/jmv.28823}, pmid = {37254831}, issn = {1096-9071}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Intensive Care Units ; Respiration, Artificial ; }, abstract = {This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of statins in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of COVID-19 with statins, compared with placebo or standard of care, were reviewed. Seven RCTs (enrolling 1830 participants) met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-1.13), length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference: -0.21 days, 95% CI: -1.01 to 0.59 days), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.45-7.55), and mechanical ventilation (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.70-1.70) between the two groups. Statins failed to reduce mortality, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and length of stay in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Statins probably should not be used routinely in COVID-19 patients.}, } @article {pmid37254830, year = {2023}, author = {Li, CJ and Chang, SC}, title = {SARS-CoV-2 spike S2-specific neutralizing antibodies.}, journal = {Emerging microbes & infections}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {2220582}, doi = {10.1080/22221751.2023.2220582}, pmid = {37254830}, issn = {2222-1751}, abstract = {Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), numerous neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed and authorized for emergency use to control the pandemic. Most COVID-19 therapeutic NAbs prevent the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein from binding to the human host receptor. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 immune escape variants, which possess frequent mutations on the S1 subunit, may render current NAbs ineffective. In contrast, the relatively conserved S2 subunit of the S protein can elicit NAbs with broader neutralizing potency against various SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this review, the binding specificity and functional features of SARS-CoV-2 NAbs targeting different domains of S2 subunit are collectively discussed. The knowledge learned from the investigation of the S2-specific NAbs provides insights and potential strategies for developing antibody cocktail therapy and next-generation coronavirus vaccine.}, } @article {pmid37254734, year = {2023}, author = {Guillaume, YC and André, C}, title = {New liquid chromatography columns for highlighting the interaction of ligand candidates with humic acid.}, journal = {Journal of separation science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2300203}, doi = {10.1002/jssc.202300203}, pmid = {37254734}, issn = {1615-9314}, abstract = {Humic acid was the main compound in soil and reduced the availability of some organic compounds in soils. In this work, humic acid was immobilized for the first time on a homemade neutravidin poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) capillary column with a 20 μm i.d. for the screening of potential ligands to humic acid and the evaluation of their molecular recognition mechanism. This homemade humic acid column enabling it to work at very low backpressure (0.60 MPa at 20 nl/min flow rate), had a long lifetime, excellent repeatability, and negligible non-specific binding sites. The performance of this affinity humic acid column was demonstrated by the evaluation of recognition assay for a series of known ligands of humic acid (a series of rodenticide molecules) which is the heart of the fragment-based drug design. In addition, this column was used successfully for highlighting the binding mechanism to humic acid of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2-spike protein. As well this new humic acid miniaturized liquid chromatography column developed in this work could be used in the feature for another solute molecule-humic acid binding studies or for a separative mode.}, } @article {pmid37254567, year = {2023}, author = {Tratrat, C and Petrou, A and Fesatidou, M and Haroun, M and Athina, G and Venugopala, K and Sreeharsha, N and Chemali, J}, title = {5-Membered Heterocyclic Compounds as Antiviral Agents.}, journal = {Current topics in medicinal chemistry}, volume = {23}, number = {7}, pages = {520-538}, doi = {10.2174/1568026623666230325153927}, pmid = {37254567}, issn = {1873-4294}, mesh = {Humans ; Antiviral Agents/chemistry ; *COVID-19 ; *Virus Diseases/drug therapy ; *Heterocyclic Compounds/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Thiadiazoles/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Viral infections range from self-limiting to more serious and fatal infections; therefore, some viral infections are of great public health concern worldwide, e.g., Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, and HIV. Recently, the world faced a new infection due to the coronavirus, COVID-19, which was announced as a pandemic in early 2020. This virus infected more than 500 million people, killing around 6 million people worldwide. On the other hand, the increase in drug-resistant strains is also creating serious health problems. Thus, developing new selective antiviral agents with a different mode of action to fight against mutated and novel viruses is a primary goal of many researchers. Taking into account the role of heterocyclic compounds in drug discovery as a key structural component of most of the bioactive molecules; herein, we report an extensive review of the antiviral activity of five-membered heterocyclic compounds reported from 2015 to date. In this review, the antiviral activities of the agents containing the specified ring systems thiadiazoles, triazoles, oxadiazoles, and thiazoles are discussed.}, } @article {pmid37254497, year = {2023}, author = {Sarkar, A and Omar, S and Alshareef, A and Fanous, K and Sarker, S and Alroobi, H and Zamir, F and Yousef, M and Zakaria, D}, title = {The relative prevalence of the Omicron variant within SARS-CoV-2 infected cohorts in different countries: A systematic review.}, journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {2212568}, doi = {10.1080/21645515.2023.2212568}, pmid = {37254497}, issn = {2164-554X}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Italy/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in October 2021 and exhibited high transmissibility, immune evasion, and reduced severity when compared to the earlier variants. The lesser vaccine effectiveness against Omicron and its reduced severity created vaccination hesitancy among the public. This review compiled data reporting the relative prevalence of Omicron as compared to the early variants to give an insight into the existing variants, which may shape the decisions regarding the targets of the newly developed vaccines. Complied data revealed more than 90% prevalence within the infected cohorts in some countries. The BA.1 subvariant predominated over the BA.2 during the early stages of the Omicron wave. Moreover, BA.4/BA.5 subvariants were detected in South Africa, USA and Italy between October 2021 and April 2022. It is therefore important to develop vaccines that protect against Omicron as well as the early variants, which are known to cause more severe complications.}, } @article {pmid37254275, year = {2023}, author = {Balzanelli, MG and Distratis, P and Lazzaro, R and Pham, VH and Tran, TC and Dipalma, G and Inchingolo, F and Serlenga, EM and Aityan, SK and Ballini, A and Nguyen, KCD and Isacco, CG}, title = {The Anti-Viral Activity of Stem Cells: A Rational Explanation for their Use in Clinical Application.}, journal = {Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets}, volume = {23}, number = {6}, pages = {739-747}, doi = {10.2174/1871530323666221117094330}, pmid = {37254275}, issn = {2212-3873}, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *Stem Cells ; *Interferons ; Antiviral Agents ; }, abstract = {It is well established the importance of stem cells (SCs) in tissue growth, regeneration and repair, given their ability to self-renew and differentiate into mature cells. Stem cells are present in all individuals and are potentially active to the end of life. However, less is known about their unique function within the immune system as immune regulators and their important task in viral protection. Antiviral resistance is a common mechanism in all cells though stem cells utilize an antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism, while adult cells react by using the interferondependent repression pathway via interferon-associated protein-based response to induce an antiviral response. Therefore, the idea behind this review is to highlight the mechanisms of viral evasion of host defense, which would then allow us to highlight the rationale use of autologous stem cells and their biochemical and immunological ability to reset the subverted immune responses. Recently, scientists have highlighted their use in the field of immune-therapy, establishing the possibilities of using them outside the conventional protocol with the advancement in manipulating these cells in such a way that specific body activity can be restored. This paper describes the remarkable SCs profile and discusses some ideas regarding their promising use in vivo.}, } @article {pmid37253842, year = {2023}, author = {Karamitros, G and Kontoes, P and Wiedner, M and Goulas, S}, title = {The Impact of COVID-19 on Plastic Surgery Residents Across the World: A Country-, Region-, and Income-level Analysis.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37253842}, issn = {1432-5241}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has upended graduate medical education globally. We investigated the COVID-19 impact on learning inputs and expected learning outputs of plastic surgery residents across the world.

METHODS: We administered an online survey capturing training inputs before and during the pandemic and retrieved residents' expected learning outputs compared with residents who completed their training before COVID. The questionnaire reached residents across the world through the mobilization of national and international societies of plastic surgeons.

RESULTS: The analysis included 412 plastic surgery residents from 47 countries. The results revealed a 44% decline (ranging from - 79 to 10% across countries) and an 18% decline (ranging from - 76 to across 151% countries) in surgeries and seminars, respectively, per week. Moreover, 74% (ranging from 0 to 100% across countries) and 43% (ranging from 0 to 100% across countries) of residents expected a negative COVID-19 impact on their surgical skill and scientific knowledge, respectively. We found strong correlations only between corresponding input and output: surgeries scrubbed in with surgical skill (ρ = -0.511 with p < 0.001) and seminars attended with scientific knowledge (ρ = - 0.274 with p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS: Our ranking of countries based on their COVID-19 impacts provides benchmarks for national strategies of learning recovery. Remedial measures that target surgical skill may be more needed than those targeting scientific knowledge. Our finding of limited substitutability of inputs in training suggests that it may be challenging to make up for lost operating room time with more seminars. Our results support the need for flexible training models and competency-based advancement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .}, } @article {pmid37252417, year = {2023}, author = {Im Teoh, JH and Mustafa, N and Wahab, N}, title = {New-onset Thyroid Eye Disease after COVID-19 Vaccination in a Radioactive Iodine-Treated Graves' Disease Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.}, journal = {Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, pages = {125-130}, pmid = {37252417}, issn = {2308-118X}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *Graves Disease/drug therapy ; *Graves Ophthalmopathy ; Iodine Radioisotopes/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Thyroid Neoplasms ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; }, abstract = {Autoimmunity associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been well-described as the mechanism of development of thyroid dysfunction following Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) infection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. However, the occurrence of thyroid eye disease (TED) after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is scarcely described. The postulated mechanisms include immune reactivation, molecular mimicry and the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). We report a case of new-onset TED after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.}, } @article {pmid37250066, year = {2023}, author = {von Zweck, C and Naidoo, D and Govender, P and Ledgerd, R}, title = {Current Practice in Occupational Therapy for COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Conditions.}, journal = {Occupational therapy international}, volume = {2023}, number = {}, pages = {5886581}, pmid = {37250066}, issn = {1557-0703}, mesh = {Humans ; *Occupational Therapy ; *COVID-19 ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Occupational Therapists ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {The onset of the pandemic highlighted the need for a review of rehabilitation practices to ensure coordinated, effective, and efficient services for people affected by COVID-19. This paper reports on a global survey highlighting the delivery of occupational therapy services to people with COVID-19/post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) and makes recommendations to facilitate quality service delivery for this population. An online cross-sectional descriptive survey was developed and distributed to the global occupational therapy community via member organisations and communication channels of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists to collect information for this study. The survey obtained qualitative and quantitative data from respondents who were occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants regarding (i) demographic characteristics, (ii) work experience with persons with COVID-19 and PCC, (iii) modes of working, (iv) education and training, (iv) occupational therapy intervention provided to persons with COVID-19 and PCC, and (v) the perceived quality of the occupational therapy services provided. Findings indicate that respondents provided a range of occupational therapy interventions for people affected by COVID-19/PCC aligned with evidence-based practice guidelines. While respondents identified a strong role for occupational therapy and generally rated their services as effective, issues related to the accessibility of their services impacted quality and user satisfaction. The study highlighted the need to advocate for access to occupational therapy to facilitate engagement in desired and needed occupations for COVID-19 survivors. Other recommendations emerging from the findings include the need to develop, disseminate, and use research evidence for guiding services for people with COVID-19/PCC, create quality service standards, and ensure the availability of necessary resources and supports such as referral pathways and screening criteria, availability of staff, training, personal protective equipment, and assistive devices and technology.}, } @article {pmid37198943, year = {2023}, author = {Groves, D and Hepp, C and Kapanidis, AN and Robb, NC}, title = {Single-molecule FRET for virology: 20 years of insight into protein structure and dynamics.}, journal = {Quarterly reviews of biophysics}, volume = {56}, number = {}, pages = {e3}, doi = {10.1017/S0033583523000021}, pmid = {37198943}, issn = {1469-8994}, abstract = {Although viral protein structure and replication mechanisms have been explored extensively with X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and population imaging studies, these methods are often not able to distinguish dynamic conformational changes in real time. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) offers unique insights into interactions and states that may be missed in ensemble studies, such as nucleic acid or protein structure, and conformational transitions during folding, receptor-ligand interactions, and fusion. We discuss the application of smFRET to the study of viral protein conformational dynamics, with a particular focus on viral glycoprotein dynamics, viral helicases, proteins involved in HIV reverse transcription, and the influenza RNA polymerase. smFRET experiments have played a crucial role in deciphering conformational changes in these processes, emphasising the importance of smFRET as a tool to help elucidate the life cycle of viral pathogens and identify key anti-viral targets.}, } @article {pmid37172609, year = {2023}, author = {Al-Halawani, R and Charlton, PH and Qassem, M and Kyriacou, PA}, title = {A review of the effect of skin pigmentation on pulse oximeter accuracy.}, journal = {Physiological measurement}, volume = {44}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1088/1361-6579/acd51a}, pmid = {37172609}, issn = {1361-6579}, support = {FS/20/20/34626/BHF_/British Heart Foundation/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Objective. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive optical technique used to measure arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in a variety of clinical settings and scenarios. Despite being one the most significant technological advances in health monitoring over the last few decades, there have been reports on its various limitations. Recently due to the Covid-19 pandemic, questions about pulse oximeter technology and its accuracy when used in people with different skin pigmentation have resurfaced, and are to be addressed.Approach. This review presents an introduction to the technique of pulse oximetry including its basic principle of operation, technology, and limitations, with a more in depth focus on skin pigmentation. Relevant literature relating to the performance and accuracy of pulse oximeters in populations with different skin pigmentation are evaluated.Main Results. The majority of the evidence suggests that the accuracy of pulse oximetry differs in subjects of different skin pigmentations to a level that requires particular attention, with decreased accuracy in patients with dark skin.Significance. Some recommendations, both from the literature and contributions from the authors, suggest how future work could address these inaccuracies to potentially improve clinical outcomes. These include the objective quantification of skin pigmentation to replace currently used qualitative methods, and computational modelling for predicting calibration algorithms based on skin colour.}, } @article {pmid37158652, year = {2023}, author = {Edmondson, C and Lechtzin, N}, title = {Telemedicine and remote monitoring in cystic fibrosis.}, journal = {Current opinion in pulmonary medicine}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {277-284}, doi = {10.1097/MCP.0000000000000968}, pmid = {37158652}, issn = {1531-6971}, mesh = {Humans ; *Cystic Fibrosis/therapy ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Spirometry ; *Telemedicine ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Guidelines for cystic fibrosis (CF) care recommend multidisciplinary teams see patients at least quarterly with frequent measurement of spirometry and collection of respiratory cultures. This can be burdensome for people with CF, particularly if they live far from a specialized care center. This has led to an interest in telehealth coupled with remote monitoring. We review the recent literature on these topics for people with CF.

RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a move toward remote delivery of CF care and multiple recent publications have reported on the feasibility of telehealth, remote spirometry, remote collection of respiratory cultures, adherence monitoring, cough assessment, symptom monitoring and activity tracking. Useful data can be obtained and both clinicians and patients have favorable opinions about remote delivery of healthcare, though the impact on clinical outcomes is not yet known.

SUMMARY: Telehealth and remote monitoring for people with CF is feasible and has grown in use, though it is too early to know how prominently these approaches will fit into routine care for CF.}, } @article {pmid37158218, year = {2023}, author = {Majoor, K and Vorselaars, ADM}, title = {Home monitoring of coronavirus disease 2019 patients in different phases of disease.}, journal = {Current opinion in pulmonary medicine}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {293-301}, doi = {10.1097/MCP.0000000000000964}, pmid = {37158218}, issn = {1531-6971}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Delivery of Health Care ; Hospitalization ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Various home monitoring programs have emerged through the COVID-19 pandemic in different phases of COVID-19 disease.

RECENT FINDINGS: The prehospital monitoring of COVID-19-positive patients detects early deterioration. Hospital care at home provides early discharge with oxygen to empty hospital beds for other patients. Home monitoring during recovery can be used for rehabilitation and detection of potential relapses. General goals of home monitoring in COVID-19 are early detection of deterioration and prompt escalation of care such as emergency department presentation, medical advice, medication prescription and mental support. Due to the innovations of vaccination and treatment changes, such as dexamethasone and tocilizumab, the challenge for the healthcare system has shifted from large numbers of admitted COVID-19 patients to lower numbers of admitted patients with specific risk profiles (such as immunocompromised). This also changes the field of home monitoring in COVID-19. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of home monitoring interventions depend on the costs of the intervention (use of devices, apps and medical staff) and the proposed patient group (depending on risk factors and disease severity).

SUMMARY: Patient satisfaction of COVID-19 home monitoring programs was mostly high. Home monitoring programs for COVID-19 should be ready to be re-escalated in case of a new global pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37132294, year = {2023}, author = {Mariniello, DF and Aronne, L and Vitale, M and Schiattarella, A and Pagliaro, R and Komici, K}, title = {Current challenges and perspectives in lung cancer care during COVID-19 waves.}, journal = {Current opinion in pulmonary medicine}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {239-247}, doi = {10.1097/MCP.0000000000000967}, pmid = {37132294}, issn = {1531-6971}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; RNA, Viral ; *Lung Neoplasms/therapy ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the era of the SARS-Cov2 pandemic, the multidisciplinary care of patients with lung cancer is the main challenge for clinicians. The depiction of complex networking between SARS-CoV2 and cancer cells is crucial to understanding the downstream signalling pathways leading to more severe clinical behaviour of COVID-19 among lung cancer patients.

RECENT FINDINGS: The immunosuppressive status caused by both blunted immune response and active anticancer treatments (e.g. radiotherapy, chemotherapy) affects also the response to vaccines. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced early detection, therapeutic management, and clinical research for patients with lung cancer.

SUMMARY: SARS-CoV-2 infection does undoubtedly represent a challenge for care of patients with lung cancer. Since symptoms of infection may overlap with underlying condition, diagnosis must be reached and treatment should start as soon as possible. Although any cancer treatment should be procrastinated as long as infection is not cured, every choice must be pondered on individual basis, according to clinical conditions. Underdiagnosis should be avoided, and both surgical and medical treatment must be tailored to each patient. Therapeutic scenario standardization represents a major challenge for clinicians and researchers.}, } @article {pmid37132293, year = {2023}, author = {Cox, NS and Khor, YH}, title = {Telerehabilitation in pulmonary diseases.}, journal = {Current opinion in pulmonary medicine}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {313-321}, doi = {10.1097/MCP.0000000000000962}, pmid = {37132293}, issn = {1531-6971}, mesh = {Humans ; *Telerehabilitation ; Quality of Life ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; *Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/rehabilitation ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Telerehabilitation is an alternative delivery model for pulmonary rehabilitation, an evidence-based nonpharmacological intervention, in people with chronic pulmonary disease. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding the telerehabilitation model for pulmonary rehabilitation with an emphasis on its potential and implementation challenges, as well as the clinical experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic.

RECENT FINDINGS: Different models of telerehabilitation for delivering pulmonary rehabilitation exist. Current studies comparing telerehabilitation to centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation primarily focus on the evaluation in people with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which demonstrated equivalent improvements in exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and symptoms with improved programme completion rates. Although telerehabilitation may improve access to pulmonary rehabilitation by addressing travel burden, improving schedule flexibility and geographic disparity, there are challenges of ensuring satisfaction of healthcare interactions and delivering core components of initial patient assessment and exercise prescription remotely.

SUMMARY: Further evidence is needed on the role of telerehabilitation in various chronic pulmonary diseases, as well as the effectiveness of different modalities in delivering telerehabilitation programmes. Economic and implementation evaluation of currently available and emerging models of telerehabilitation in delivering pulmonary rehabilitation are needed to ensure sustainable adoption into clinical management for people with chronic pulmonary disease.}, } @article {pmid36545712, year = {2023}, author = {Farghaly, TA and Harras, MF and Alsaedi, AMR and Thakir, HA and Mahmoud, HK and Katowah, DF}, title = {Antiviral Activity of Pyrimidine Containing Compounds: Patent Review.}, journal = {Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry}, volume = {23}, number = {7}, pages = {821-851}, doi = {10.2174/1389557523666221220142911}, pmid = {36545712}, issn = {1875-5607}, mesh = {Humans ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19 ; *Influenza, Human/drug therapy ; Pyrimidines/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {Viruses are still the most prevalent infectious pathogens on a worldwide scale, with many of them causing life-threatening illnesses in humans. Influenza viruses, because of their significant morbidity and mortality, continue to pose a major threat to human health. According to WHO statistics, seasonal influenza virus epidemics are predicted to cause over 2 million severe illness cases with high death rates yearly. The whole world has been suffering from the COVID-19 epidemic for two years and is still suffering so far, and the deaths from this virus have exceeded three million cases. Because the great majority of viral infections do not have a specific medication or vaccination, discovering novel medicines remains a vital task. This review covers reports in the patent literature from 1980 to the end of 2021 on the antiviral activities of pyrimidine moieties. The patent database, SciFinder, was used to locate patent applications. A large variety of pyrimidine molecules have been produced and tested for antiviral activity over the last decade. These molecules were reported to inhibit a wide range of viruses, including influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, dengue virus, herpes virus, hepatitis B and C, and human immunodeficiency virus. The cytotoxicity of the developed pyrimidine derivatives was tested in almost all reported studies and the selectivity index was calculated to show the selectivity and safety of such molecules. From the remarkable activity of pyrimidine compounds as antivirals for several dangerous viruses, we expect that these derivatives will be used as potent drugs in the very near future.}, } @article {pmid36397624, year = {2023}, author = {Afrisham, R and Jadidi, Y and Davoudi, M and Moayedi, K and Soliemanifar, O and Eleni Xirouchaki, C and Ashtary-Larky, D and Seyyedebrahimi, S and Alizadeh, S}, title = {Gastrointestinal, Liver, Pancreas, Oral and Psychological Long-term Symptoms of COVID-19 After Recovery: A Review.}, journal = {Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry}, volume = {23}, number = {7}, pages = {852-868}, doi = {10.2174/1389557523666221116154907}, pmid = {36397624}, issn = {1875-5607}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2/metabolism ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism ; Liver/metabolism ; Pancreas/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Due to the importance of control and prevention of COVID-19-correlated long-term symptoms, the present review article has summarized what has been currently known regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking COVID-19 to important long-term complications including psychological complications, liver and gastrointestinal manifestations, oral signs as well as even diabetes. COVID-19 can directly affect the body cells through their Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) to induce inflammatory responses and cytokine storm. The cytokines cause the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequently initiate and promote cell injuries. Another way, COVID-19-associated dysbiosis may be involved in GI pathogenesis. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 reduces butyrate-secreting bacteria and leads to the induction of hyperinflammation. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress induces de novo lipogenesis in hepatocytes, which leads to hepatic steatosis and inhibits autophagy via increasing mTOR. In pancreas tissue, the virus damages beta-cells and impairs insulin secretion. SARS-COV-2 may change the ACE2 activity by modifying ANGII levels in taste buds which leads to gustatory dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 infection and its resulting stress can lead to severe inflammation that can subsequently alter neurotransmitter signals. This, in turn, negatively affects the structure of neurons and leads to mood and anxiety disorders. In conclusion, all the pathways mentioned earlier can play a crucial role in the disease's pathogenesis and related comorbidities. However, more studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism of the pathogenesis of the new coming virus.}, } @article {pmid36284383, year = {2023}, author = {Sharma, V and Sharma, AK and Yadav, M and Sehrawat, N and Kumar, V and Kumar, S and Gupta, A and Sharma, P and Chakrabarti, S}, title = {Prediction Models based on miRNA-disease Relationship: Diagnostic Relevance to Multiple Diseases Including COVID-19.}, journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {1213-1227}, doi = {10.2174/1389201024666221025114500}, pmid = {36284383}, issn = {1873-4316}, mesh = {Humans ; *MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/genetics ; *Neoplasms/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Computational Biology/methods ; COVID-19 Testing ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Small, non-coding microRNAs, usually of 20-25 nucleotides, are known to regulate the post-transcriptional gene expression, which has a significant role in human biological processes, including immune-biogenesis, homeostasis and infection control as differential expression of such miRNAs is responsible for fine-tuning the organismic development.

METHODS: A search of bibliographic databases was carried out with a focused question on microRNA- Disease Prediction. A deductive qualitative content analysis approach was employed to assess the research's overall outcomes, review articles on prediction tools in miRNA-Diseases, and analyse the interventions.

RESULTS: Diagnosis and therapeutics of diseases and miRNA prediction methods hold importance in identifying the regulatory mechanisms. Collections of efficient miRNA prediction methods to identify miRNA-mRNA-disease regulatory relationships have been presented through this review, consolidating the potential of miRNAs as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of multiple diseases, including COVID-19.

CONCLUSION: The role of miRNA in the aetiology and pathogenesis of wide-range of pathologies, including viral, bacterial to chronic diseases such as cancer, is quite feasible through the modern tools in bioinformatics which has been elaborated focusing upon miRNA-disease prediction methods and their application potential establishing miRNAs as a robust and reliable biomarker in clinicomedical studies.}, } @article {pmid36200257, year = {2023}, author = {de Melo Silva, VG and da Conceição, JM and Vieira Costa Silva, CC and Leal, AC and Araújo, DL and Nunes, JS and da Silva, ETN and da Silva, AJFS and de Barros Dias, MCH and Lima Leite, AC}, title = {Outlining the Molecules Tested In Vivo for Chagas Disease, Malaria, and Schistosomiasis Over the Last Six Years - A Literature Review Focused on New Synthetic Drug Identities and Repurposing Strategies.}, journal = {Current medicinal chemistry}, volume = {30}, number = {26}, pages = {2932-2976}, doi = {10.2174/0929867329666220930112136}, pmid = {36200257}, issn = {1875-533X}, mesh = {Humans ; Drug Repositioning ; *COVID-19 ; *Malaria/drug therapy ; *Schistosomiasis/drug therapy ; *Chagas Disease/drug therapy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 disrupted NTD programs in 60% of countries, impairing public health goals. Thus, boosting NTD's research knowledge is demanding, and in vivo screening of candidates allows for the prospect of promising options based on their overall profile.

OBJECTIVE: In this work, we highlighted the relevant research done between 2015-2021 in the fields of synthetic and repurposed drugs that were tested in vivo for Chagas disease, malaria, and schistosomiasis.

METHODS: MEDLINE, PUBMED, CAPES PERIODIC, and ELSEVIER databases were used for a comprehensive literature review of the last 6 years of research on each area/disease.

RESULTS: Overall, research focused on nitro heterocyclic, aromatic nitro, nucleoside, and metal-based scaffolds for analogue-based drug generation. Repurposing was widely assessed, mainly with heterocyclic drugs, their analogues, and in combinations with current treatments. Several drug targets were aimed for Chagas treatment, specific ones such as iron superoxide dismutase, and more general ones, such as mitochondrial dysfunction. For malaria, hemozoin is still popular, and for schistosomiasis, more general structural damage and/or reproduction impairment were aimed at in vitro analysis of the mechanism of action.

CONCLUSION: Latest in vivo results outlined trends for each disease - for Chagas Disease, heterocyclics as thiazoles were successfully explored; for Malaria, quinoline derivatives are still relevant, and for schistosomiasis, repurposed drugs from different classes outstood in comparison to synthetic compounds. This study uprises the continuous development of Chagas disease, malaria, and schistosomiasis drugs, providing researchers with tools and information to address such unmet therapeutic needs.}, } @article {pmid36200217, year = {2023}, author = {Vincenzi, M and Mercurio, FA and Leone, M}, title = {Looking for SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutics Through Computational Approaches.}, journal = {Current medicinal chemistry}, volume = {30}, number = {28}, pages = {3158-3214}, doi = {10.2174/0929867329666221004104430}, pmid = {36200217}, issn = {1875-533X}, mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *COVID-19 ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Drug Repositioning ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the last few years, in silico tools, including drug repurposing coupled with structure-based virtual screening, have been extensively employed to look for anti-COVID-19 agents.

OBJECTIVE: The present review aims to provide readers with a portrayal of computational approaches that could be conducted more quickly and cheaply to novel anti-viral agents. Particular attention is given to docking-based virtual screening.

METHODS: The World Health Organization website was consulted to gain the latest information on SARS-CoV-2, its novel variants and their interplay with COVID-19 severity and treatment options. The Protein Data Bank was explored to look for 3D coordinates of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their free and bound states, in the wild-types and mutated forms. Recent literature related to in silico studies focused on SARS-CoV-2 proteins was searched through PubMed.

RESULTS: A large amount of work has been devoted thus far to computationally targeting viral entry and searching for inhibitors of the S-protein/ACE2 receptor complex. Another large area of investigation is linked to in silico identification of molecules able to block viral proteases -including Mpro- thus avoiding maturation of proteins crucial for virus life cycle. Such computational studies have explored the inhibitory potential of the most diverse molecule databases (including plant extracts, dietary compounds, FDA approved drugs).

CONCLUSION: More efforts need to be dedicated in the close future to experimentally validate the therapeutic power of in silico identified compounds in order to catch, among the wide ensemble of computational hits, novel therapeutics to prevent and/or treat COVID- 19.}, } @article {pmid36177622, year = {2023}, author = {Mishra, R and Chaudhary, K and Mishra, I}, title = {AI in Health Science: A Perspective.}, journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {9}, pages = {1149-1163}, doi = {10.2174/1389201023666220929145220}, pmid = {36177622}, issn = {1873-4316}, mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *Transition to Adult Care ; }, abstract = {By helping practitioners understand complicated and varied types of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has influenced medical practice deeply. It is the use of a computer to mimic intelligent behaviour. Many medical professions, particularly those reliant on imaging or surgery, are progressively developing AI. While AI cognitive component outperforms human intellect, it lacks awareness, emotions, intuition, and adaptability. With minimum human participation, AI is quickly growing in healthcare, and numerous AI applications have been created to address current issues. This article explains AI, its various elements and how to utilize them in healthcare. It also offers practical suggestions for developing an AI strategy to assist the digital healthcare transition.}, } @article {pmid36154593, year = {2023}, author = {Kumar, R and Harilal, S and Al-Sehemi, AG and Pannipara, M and Mathew, GE and Mathew, B}, title = {Advancements in COVID-19 Testing: An In-depth Overview.}, journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {9}, pages = {1122-1148}, doi = {10.2174/1389201023666220921144150}, pmid = {36154593}, issn = {1873-4316}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Testing ; Artificial Intelligence ; Clinical Laboratory Techniques/methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; }, abstract = {COVID-19 rapidly evolved as a pandemic, killing and hospitalising millions of people, and creating unprecedented hurdles for communities and health care systems worldwide. The rapidly evolving pandemic prompted the head of the World Health Organisation to deliver a critical message: "test, test, test." The response from the diagnostic industry and researchers worldwide was overwhelming, resulting in more than a thousand commercial tests being available worldwide. Several sampling approaches and diagnostic techniques have been employed from the early stages of the pandemic, such as SARS-CoV-2 detection by targeting the viral RNA or protein indirectly via antibody testing, biochemical estimation, and various imaging techniques, and many are still in the various stages of development and yet to be marketed. Accurate testing techniques and appropriate sampling are the need of the hour to manage, diagnose and treat the pandemic, especially in the current crisis where SARS-CoV-2 undergoes constant mutation, evolving into various strains, which are pretty challenging. The article discusses various testing techniques as well as screening methods for detection, treatment, and management of COVID-19 transmissions, such as NAAT, PCR, isothermal detection including RT-LAMP, RPA, NASBA, RCA, SDA, NEAR, and TMA, CRISPR strategy, nanotechnology approach, metagenomic profiling, point of care tests, virus neutralization test, ELISA, biomarker estimation, utilization of imaging techniques such as CT, ultrasonography, brain MRI in COVID-19 complications, and other novel strategies including microarray methods, microfluidic methods and artificial intelligence with an emphasis on advancements in the testing strategies for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid35894466, year = {2023}, author = {Pandya, T and Joshi, P and Pathak, R and Shah, S}, title = {Nano-vaccination Strategies: Applications and Challenges for Intranasal Immunization.}, journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {8}, pages = {946-969}, doi = {10.2174/1389201023666220727105901}, pmid = {35894466}, issn = {1873-4316}, mesh = {Administration, Intranasal ; *Vaccination ; Immunization ; *Vaccines ; Immunity, Mucosal ; }, abstract = {The nasal route, a subgroup of mucosal delivery systems, constitutes a lucrative and encouraging substitute for administering drugs and vaccines. Over the years, a lot of research has been done in this area, and scientists have successfully explored this pathway using novel formulations to combat several infections. This review article aims to address the pathways of mucosal immunization, the dominance of the nasal route over other mucosal routes for immunization, and the mechanism of generation of immunogenic response via nasal route and nanotechnology-based approaches for intranasal vaccination. The immunotherapeutic and vaccinations for intranasal administration available in the market are also discussed, along with a brief overview of the products in the pipeline. It can also be assumed that such an approach can prove to be favorable in designing vaccinations for the current uncertain times. In spite of some dubious views on this.}, } @article {pmid35881839, year = {2023}, author = {Holst, M and Nowak, D and Hoch, E}, title = {Cannabidiol As a Treatment for COVID-19 Symptoms? A Critical Review.}, journal = {Cannabis and cannabinoid research}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {487-494}, doi = {10.1089/can.2021.0135}, pmid = {35881839}, issn = {2378-8763}, abstract = {Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 has caused >211 million infections and >5.5 million deaths within 24 months globally (WHO). Internationally, a debate emerged about potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) as treatment of corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). Objective: To assess the effects of CBD in the treatment of COVID-19-related inflammatory symptoms from the literature. Methods: We searched Cochrane COVID-19 study register, CENTRAL (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), for studies testing CBD as inflammation intervention. All types of studies and populations were considered. All pre-clinical, clinical, and pharmacological outcomes were of interest. Results: Of 18 articles found, 9 were included: 5 in vivo animal studies, 3 in vitro human tissue studies and, 1 randomized clinical trial. Outcomes in four in vivo animal studies and three human tissue studies were immune response markers, which decreased. One in vivo study showed enhancement of monocytes. One human study did not show group differences in COVID-19 evolution. There was no information on adverse effects or drug interaction. Conclusion: There is not enough evidence to support or refute CBD as a repurpose drug to treat inflammation and other symptoms of COVID-19. Clinical trials are needed to test its efficacy and adverse effects.}, } @article {pmid35838218, year = {2023}, author = {Gopika, KM and Sivajith, S and Sugunan, A and Sudheesh, MS}, title = {Therapeutic Approaches for Intravascular Microthrombi-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 Infection.}, journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {8}, pages = {970-987}, doi = {10.2174/1389201023666220713113713}, pmid = {35838218}, issn = {1873-4316}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/etiology ; Multiple Organ Failure ; }, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed our health care capacity in an unprecedented way due to the sheer number of critically infected patients admitted to hospitals during the last two years. Endothelial injury is seen as one of the central hallmarks of COVID-19 infection that is the starting point in the generation of microthrombi and sepsis eventually leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs) and multi-organ failure. The dramatic fall in lung function during ARDs is attributed to the microthrombi-induced coagulopathy primed by a hyperactive immune system. Due to the lack of effective antiviral agents, the line of treatment is limited to the management of two key risk factors i.e., immune activation and coagulopathy. In the present review, we describe the mechanistic role, therapeutic targets, and opportunities to control immune activation and coagulopathy during the pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced ARDs.}, } @article {pmid35593332, year = {2023}, author = {Selvaraj, H and Damadarosamy, K and Kiruthiga, N and Rani, KRV and Duraisamy, K and Dhanasekaran, M and Deruiter, J and Ren, J and Thangavel, S and Parise, R}, title = {Critical Clinical Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients with Tuberculosis in the Indian Sub-Continent.}, journal = {Current drug safety}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {276-283}, doi = {10.2174/1574886317666220518092819}, pmid = {35593332}, issn = {2212-3911}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *Tuberculosis/diagnosis/drug therapy/epidemiology ; Developing Countries ; Health Personnel ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) are infectious diseases that predominantly affect the respiratory system with common symptoms, such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath, making them dual burdens.

METHODS: This review will discuss the characteristics of the coexistence of TB and new infectious illnesses to provide a framework for addressing the current epidemic. Currently, there are no clear and significant data on COVID-19 infection in TB patients, they may not respond appropriately to drug therapy and may have worse treatment outcomes, especially if their TB treatment is interrupted. Due to emergence, measurements should be taken to minimize TB and COVID-19 transmission in communal settings and health care institutions were created. For both TB and COVID-19, accurate diagnostic testing and well-designed, and established therapeutic strategies are required for effective treatment.

RESULTS: Several health care organizations and networks have specimen transit methods that can be utilized to diagnose and monitor the etiology and progression of COVID 19 and perform contact tracing in developed and underdeveloped nations. Furthermore, patients and health care programs could benefit from increased use of digital health technology, which could improve communication, counseling, treatment, and information management, along with other capabilities to improve health care.

CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 pulmonary/respiratory problems may seek treatment from respiratory physicians, pulmonologists, TB experts, and even primary health care workers. To have prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against COVID-19, TB patients should take the appropriate health care measures recommended by health care professionals/government officials and maintain their TB therapy as indicated.}, } @article {pmid35524656, year = {2023}, author = {Ghosh, K and Chattopadyay, B and Maity, T and Acharya, A}, title = {A Multi-dimensional Review on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2.}, journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {8}, pages = {988-1017}, doi = {10.2174/1389201023666220507003726}, pmid = {35524656}, issn = {1873-4316}, mesh = {Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *COVID-19 ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; *Viral Vaccines ; }, abstract = {The advent and spread of novel coronavirus (nCoV) has posed a new public health crisis since December 2019. Several cases of unexplained pneumonia occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, only a month before the Chinese Spring festival. After the diagnosis of bronchoalveolar fluid samples of people infected, the new coronavirus was identified using nextgeneration sequence technology. This work aims to provide information regarding COVID-19 that will help the researchers to identify the vital therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 and also will provide insights into some significant findings of recent times highlighted by scientific communities around the globe. In this review, we have tried to explore multiple aspects related to COVID-19, including epidemiology, etiology, COVID-19 variants, vaccine candidates, potential therapeutic targets, the role of natural products, and computational studies in drug design and development, repurposing, and analysis of crystal structures available for COVID-19 related protein structures. Druggable targets include all viral enzymes and proteins involved in viral replication and regulation of host cellular machines. The medical community tracks several therapies to combat the infection by investigating various antiviral and immunomodulatory mechanisms. While some vaccines are approved in this worldwide health crisis, a more precise therapy or drug is formally recommended to be used against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Natural products other than synthetic drugs have been tested by in silico analysis against COVID-19. However, important issues still need to be addressed regarding in vivo bioavailability and better efficacy.}, } @article {pmid37253656, year = {2023}, author = {Valdetaro, L and Thomasi, BBM and Ricciardi, MCG and Santos, KM and Coelho-Aguiar, JM and Tavares Gomes, AL}, title = {Enteric nervous system as a target and source of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections.}, journal = {American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1152/ajpgi.00229.2022}, pmid = {37253656}, issn = {1522-1547}, abstract = {Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, great efforts have been made by the academic community to better understand SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 features. COVID-19 has been demonstrated to affect several systems of the human body, including the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a division of the autonomic nervous system that extends throughout the gut, regulates gastrointestinal function, and is therefore involved in most gut dysfunctions, including those resulting from many viral infections. In this regard, growing evidence highlights enteric glial cells and microbiota as important players in gut inflammation and dysfunction. Moreover, its influence may not be restricted to the gastrointestinal environment. In recent years, ENS and microbiota have also been implicated as players in the systemic inflammatory state and in the initiation and propagation of several CNS pathologies, which seem to be hallmarks of COVID-19. In this review, we aim to discuss the possible mechanisms by which ENS may be involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology based mainly on previous findings in other viral infections, such as other human coronavirus infections.}, } @article {pmid37252646, year = {2023}, author = {Jungmann, PM and Lange, T and Wenning, M and Baumann, FA and Bamberg, F and Jung, M}, title = {Ankle Sprains in Athletes: Current Epidemiological, Clinical and Imaging Trends.}, journal = {Open access journal of sports medicine}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {29-46}, pmid = {37252646}, issn = {1179-1543}, abstract = {PURPOSE: Ankle injuries are frequent sports injuries. Despite optimizing treatment strategies during recent years, the percentage of chronification following an ankle sprain remains high. The purpose of this review article is, to highlight current epidemiological, clinical and novel advanced cross-sectional imaging trends that may help to evaluate ankle sprain injuries.

METHODS: Systematic PubMed literature research. Identification and review of studies (i) analyzing and describing ankle sprain and (ii) focusing on advanced cross-sectional imaging techniques at the ankle.

RESULTS: The ankle is one of the most frequently injured body parts in sports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a change in sporting behavior and sports injuries. Ankle sprains account for about 16-40% of the sports-related injuries. Novel cross-sectional imaging techniques, including Compressed Sensing MRI, 3D MRI, ankle MRI with traction or plantarflexion-supination, quantitative MRI, CT-like MRI, CT arthrography, weight-bearing cone beam CT, dual-energy CT, photon-counting CT, and projection-based metal artifact reduction CT may be introduced for detection and evaluation of specific pathologies after ankle injury. While simple ankle sprains are generally treated conservatively, unstable syndesmotic injuries may undergo stabilization using suture-button-fixation. Minced cartilage implantation is a novel cartilage repair technique for osteochondral defects at the ankle.

CONCLUSION: Applications and advantages of different cross-sectional imaging techniques at the ankle are highlighted. In a personalized approach, optimal imaging techniques may be chosen that best detect and delineate structural ankle injuries in athletes.}, } @article {pmid37252469, year = {2023}, author = {Kundu, P and Gupta, N and Sood, N}, title = {The Fragile Patient: Considerations in the Management of Invasive Mould Infections (IMIs) in India.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e38085}, pmid = {37252469}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Invasive mould infections (IMIs), which are mostly caused by Aspergillus spp. and Mucormycetes, are opportunistic infections that impose a substantial threat to patients who are considered to be 'fragile'. There is no fixed definition for fragile patients; however, patients with cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), patients who have undergone organ transplants, and patients being treated in the intensive care units (ICUs) were considered fragile. Management of IMIs in fragile patients is challenging, owing to their compromised immune status. The diagnostic challenges associated with IMIs due to insufficient sensitivity and specificity of the current diagnostic tests lead to delayed treatment. A widening demographic of at-risk patients and a broadening spectrum of pathogenic fungi have added to the challenges to ascertain a definite diagnosis. A recent surge of mucormycosis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections and the resultant steroid usage has been reported. Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) is the mainstay for treating mucormycosis while voriconazole has displaced amphotericin B as the mainstay for treating Aspergillus infection due to its better response, improved survival, and fewer severe side effects. The selection of antifungal treatment has to be subjected to more scrutiny in fragile patients owing to their comorbidities, organ impairment, and multiple ongoing treatment modalities. Isavuconazole has been documented to have a better safety profile, stable pharmacokinetics, fewer drug-drug interactions, and a broad spectrum of coverage. Isavuconazole has thus found its place in the recommendations and can be considered a suitable option for treating fragile patients with IMIs. In this review, the authors have critically appraised the challenges in ascertaining an accurate diagnosis and current management considerations and suggested an evidence-based approach to managing IMIs in fragile patients.}, } @article {pmid37252063, year = {2023}, author = {Rupprecht, CE and Mshelbwala, PP and Reeves, RG and Kuzmin, IV}, title = {Rabies in a postpandemic world: resilient reservoirs, redoubtable riposte, recurrent roadblocks, and resolute recidivism.}, journal = {Animal diseases}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {15}, pmid = {37252063}, issn = {2731-0442}, abstract = {Rabies is an ancient disease. Two centuries since Pasteur, fundamental progress occurred in virology, vaccinology, and diagnostics-and an understanding of pathobiology and epizootiology of rabies in testament to One Health-before common terminological coinage. Prevention, control, selective elimination, and even the unthinkable-occasional treatment-of this zoonosis dawned by the twenty-first century. However, in contrast to smallpox and rinderpest, eradication is a wishful misnomer applied to rabies, particularly post-COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons are minion. Polyhostality encompasses bats and mesocarnivores, but other mammals represent a diverse spectrum of potential hosts. While rabies virus is the classical member of the genus, other species of lyssaviruses also cause the disease. Some reservoirs remain cryptic. Although global, this viral encephalitis is untreatable and often ignored. As with other neglected diseases, laboratory-based surveillance falls short of the notifiable ideal, especially in lower- and middle-income countries. Calculation of actual burden defaults to a flux within broad health economic models. Competing priorities, lack of defined, long-term international donors, and shrinking local champions challenge human prophylaxis and mass dog vaccination toward targets of 2030 for even canine rabies impacts. For prevention, all licensed vaccines are delivered to the individual, whether parenteral or oral-essentially 'one and done'. Exploiting mammalian social behaviors, future 'spreadable vaccines' might increase the proportion of immunized hosts per unit effort. However, the release of replication-competent, genetically modified organisms selectively engineered to spread intentionally throughout a population raises significant biological, ethical, and regulatory issues in need of broader, transdisciplinary discourse. How this rather curious idea will evolve toward actual unconventional prevention, control, or elimination in the near term remains debatable. In the interim, more precise terminology and realistic expectations serve as the norm for diverse, collective constituents to maintain progress in the field.}, } @article {pmid37251489, year = {2023}, author = {Su, Y}, title = {Delving into EFL teachers' digital literacy and professional identity in the pandemic era: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {e16361}, pmid = {37251489}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {The recent decades have witnessed an accelerated pace of educational development due to the advancement of digital technology. The recent inclusive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced this development, resulting in the emergence of an educational revolution that extensively uses online courses. These changes entail figuring out how teachers' digital literacy has expanded along with this phenomenon. In addition, given the new technological advances in recent years, an upheaval has taken place in teachers' understanding of their dynamic roles, which is known as professional identity. Professional identity influences teaching practices with special consideration devoted to English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is considered an effective framework whereby the incorporation of technology into different theoretical situations such as EFL classes is understood. This initiative was introduced as an academic structure to improve the knowledge base, which helps the teachers to efficiently teach using technology. This yields important insight for teachers, particularly, English teachers, who can use them to improve three aspects of education, namely, technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge. Along the same lines, this paper aims to consider the relevant literature on the contribution of teacher identity and literacy to teaching practices, using the TPACK framework. Accordingly, some implications are presented to educational stakeholders such as teachers, learners, and material developers.}, } @article {pmid37251387, year = {2023}, author = {Huang, Z and Zhang, Y and Li, H and Zhu, J and Song, W and Chen, K and Zhang, Y and Lou, Y}, title = {Vaccine development for mosquito-borne viral diseases.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1161149}, pmid = {37251387}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {Mosquito-borne viral diseases are a group of viral illnesses that are predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes, including viruses from the Togaviridae and Flaviviridae families. In recent years, outbreaks caused by Dengue and Zika viruses from the Flaviviridae family, and Chikungunya virus from the Togaviridae family, have raised significant concerns for public health. However, there are currently no safe and effective vaccines available for these viruses, except for CYD-TDV, which has been licensed for Dengue virus. Efforts to control the transmission of COVID-19, such as home quarantine and travel restrictions, have somewhat limited the spread of mosquito-borne viral diseases. Several vaccine platforms, including inactivated vaccines, viral-vector vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, protein vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines, are being developed to combat these viruses. This review analyzes the various vaccine platforms against Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses and provides valuable insights for responding to potential outbreaks.}, } @article {pmid37251383, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, M and Yu, F and Chang, W and Zhang, Y and Zhang, L and Li, P}, title = {Inflammasomes: a rising star on the horizon of COVID-19 pathophysiology.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1185233}, pmid = {37251383}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a contagious respiratory virus that is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which has posed a serious threat to public health. COVID-19 is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infection to mild cold-like symptoms, severe pneumonia or even death. Inflammasomes are supramolecular signaling platforms that assemble in response to danger or microbial signals. Upon activation, inflammasomes mediate innate immune defense by favoring the release of proinflammatory cytokines and triggering pyroptotic cell death. Nevertheless, abnormalities in inflammasome functioning can result in a variety of human diseases such as autoimmune disorders and cancer. A growing body of evidence has showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce inflammasome assembly. Dysregulated inflammasome activation and consequent cytokine burst have been associated with COVID-19 severity, alluding to the implication of inflammasomes in COVID-19 pathophysiology. Accordingly, an improved understanding of inflammasome-mediated inflammatory cascades in COVID-19 is essential to uncover the immunological mechanisms of COVID-19 pathology and identify effective therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings on the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and inflammasomes and the contribution of activated inflammasomes to COVID-19 progression. We dissect the mechanisms involving the inflammasome machinery in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of inflammasome-targeted therapies or antagonists that have potential clinical utility in COVID-19 treatment.}, } @article {pmid37251376, year = {2023}, author = {Cecchinato, V and Martini, V and Pirani, E and Ghovehoud, E and Uguccioni, M}, title = {The chemokine landscape: one system multiple shades.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1176619}, pmid = {37251376}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {Leukocyte trafficking is mainly governed by chemokines, chemotactic cytokines, which can be concomitantly produced in tissues during homeostatic conditions or inflammation. After the discovery and characterization of the individual chemokines, we and others have shown that they present additional properties. The first discoveries demonstrated that some chemokines act as natural antagonists on chemokine receptors, and prevent infiltration of leukocyte subsets in tissues. Later on it was shown that they can exert a repulsive effect on selective cell types, or synergize with other chemokines and inflammatory mediators to enhance chemokine receptors activities. The relevance of the fine-tuning modulation has been demonstrated in vivo in a multitude of processes, spanning from chronic inflammation to tissue regeneration, while its role in the tumor microenvironment needs further investigation. Moreover, naturally occurring autoantibodies targeting chemokines were found in tumors and autoimmune diseases. More recently in SARS-CoV-2 infection, the presence of several autoantibodies neutralizing chemokine activities distinguished disease severity, and they were shown to be beneficial, protecting from long-term sequelae. Here, we review the additional properties of chemokines that influence cell recruitment and activities. We believe these features need to be taken into account when designing novel therapeutic strategies targeting immunological disorders.}, } @article {pmid37251107, year = {2023}, author = {Yosep, I and Mardhiyah, A and Sriati, A}, title = {Mindfulness Intervention for Improving Psychological Wellbeing Among Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.}, journal = {Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {1425-1437}, pmid = {37251107}, issn = {1178-2390}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic can cause mental health problems such as stress, social anxiety, depression, and decrease social life on students. Mental health problems need to be taken seriously to develop the stage of development and improve the psychological well-being of students on learning in the school. The aim of this study was to explore mindfulness interventions to improve psychological well-being among students. This study used the Scoping Review method. Literature from CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The keywords used in English are psychological wellbeing, students, and mindfulness. The inclusion criteria were full text, study design randomized control trial or quasi-experimental, English language, population and sample were students, and the publication period is the last 10 years (2013-2022). From 2194 articles based on initial research, we found 10 articles were analyzed related to mindfulness interventions consisting of several methods, namely internet-based mindfulness, mindfulness-based intervention, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Most of samples the study from the United States with the range samples were 20-166 students. Mindfulness interventions can be carried out improve the psychological well-being of students. Mindfulness therapy is done by fully concentrating the mind in meditation so that it can improve psychological health. Providing mindfulness therapy involves health workers such as nurses and psychologists to provide comprehensive therapy covering both physical and psychological aspects.}, } @article {pmid37250901, year = {2023}, author = {Liu, J and Ali, MK and Mao, Y}, title = {Emerging role of long non-coding RNA MALAT1 related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of lung disease.}, journal = {Frontiers in cell and developmental biology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1149499}, pmid = {37250901}, issn = {2296-634X}, abstract = {Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are endogenously expressed RNAs longer than 200 nt that are not translated into proteins. In general, lncRNAs bind to mRNA, miRNA, DNA, and proteins and regulate gene expression at various cellular and molecular levels, including epigenetics, transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation. LncRNAs play important roles in many biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell metabolism, angiogenesis, migration, endothelial dysfunction, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, regulation of cell cycle, and cellular differentiation, and have become an important topic of study in genetic research in health and disease due to their close link with the development of various diseases. The exceptional stability, conservation, and abundance of lncRNAs in body fluids, have made them potential biomarkers for a wide range of diseases. LncRNA MALAT1 is one of the best-studied lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancers and cardiovascular diseases. A growing body of evidence suggests that aberrant expression of MALAT1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung cancers, and pulmonary hypertension through different mechanisms. Here we discuss the roles and molecular mechanisms of MALAT1 in the pathogenesis of these lung diseases.}, } @article {pmid37250438, year = {2023}, author = {Marino, G and Iannelli, L}, title = {Seven years of studying the associations between political polarization and problematic information: a literature review.}, journal = {Frontiers in sociology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {1174161}, pmid = {37250438}, issn = {2297-7775}, abstract = {This literature review examines the intersection between political polarization and problematic information, two phenomena prominent in recent events like the 2016 Trump election and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed 68 studies out of over 7,000 records using quantitative and qualitative methods. Our review revealed a lack of research on the relationship between political polarization and problematic information and a shortage of theoretical consideration of these phenomena. Additionally, US samples and Twitter and Facebook were frequently analyzed. The review also found that surveys and experiments were commonly used, with polarization significantly predicting problematic information consumption and sharing.}, } @article {pmid37250369, year = {2023}, author = {Devi, SM and Pamreddy, A and Narendra, VR}, title = {Risks associated with acute pancreatitis (AP) with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in COVID-19 patients: a literature review.}, journal = {Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {135-146}, pmid = {37250369}, issn = {2251-6581}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has become a global pandemic, and medical experts are scrambling to understand the wide range of symptoms and consequences of the virus. Although acute pancreatitis (AP) and pancreatic damage have been associated with SARS-CoV-2, the mechanism behind this is still unclear. The current article explores whether COVID-19 is an additional cause of AP and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The article illustrates the conditions associated with AP and DKA among COVID-19 patients and diabetes mellitus (DM). Another critical condition is acute kidney injury (AKI), often associated with DKA.

METHODS: A search strategy for the article was assigned and retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from 2020 to June 2022. The articles which discussed case studies on AP, DKA, and AKI were included in the study.

RESULTS: The present review of 24 reported case studies represented conditions of AP (12), DKA (5), AP and DKA (5), AP and AKI (1), and DKA and AKI (1) among COVID-19 participants, and showed a potential relationship between the complications.

CONCLUSION: Healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic plays a major role among AP, DKA, and AKI-associated COVID-19 patients. A compilation of case studies suggests effective management of COVID-19 infection-related complications such as AP, DKA, and AKI.}, } @article {pmid37250231, year = {2023}, author = {Garcia, A and Santa-Helena, E and De Falco, A and de Paula Ribeiro, J and Gioda, A and Gioda, CR}, title = {Toxicological Effects of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Health Risks and Associated Systemic Injuries-Systematic Review.}, journal = {Water, air, and soil pollution}, volume = {234}, number = {6}, pages = {346}, pmid = {37250231}, issn = {0049-6979}, abstract = {Previous studies focused on investigating particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) have shown the risk of disease development, and association with increased morbidity and mortality rates. The current review investigate epidemiological and experimental findings from 2016 to 2021, which enabled the systemic overview of PM2.5's toxic impacts on human health. The Web of Science database search used descriptive terms to investigate the interaction among PM2.5 exposure, systemic effects, and COVID-19 disease. Analyzed studies have indicated that cardiovascular and respiratory systems have been extensively investigated and indicated as the main air pollution targets. Nevertheless, PM2.5 reaches other organic systems and harms the renal, neurological, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. Pathologies onset and/or get worse due to toxicological effects associated with the exposure to this particle type, since it can trigger several reactions, such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress generation and genotoxicity. These cellular dysfunctions lead to organ malfunctions, as shown in the current review. In addition, the correlation between COVID-19/Sars-CoV-2 and PM2.5 exposure was also assessed to help better understand the role of atmospheric pollution in the pathophysiology of this disease. Despite the significant number of studies about PM2.5's effects on organic functions, available in the literature, there are still gaps in knowledge about how this particulate matter can hinder human health. The current review aimed to approach the main findings about the effect of PM2.5 exposure on different systems, and demonstrate the likely interaction of COVID-19/Sars-CoV-2 and PM2.5.}, } @article {pmid37250083, year = {2023}, author = {Hastenreiter Filho, HN and Peres, IT and Maddalena, LG and Baião, FA and Ranzani, OT and Hamacher, S and Maçaira, PM and Bozza, FA}, title = {What we talk about when we talk about COVID-19 vaccination campaign impact: a narrative review.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1126461}, pmid = {37250083}, issn = {2296-2565}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The lack of precise definitions and terminological consensus about the impact studies of COVID-19 vaccination leads to confusing statements from the scientific community about what a vaccination impact study is.

OBJECTIVE: The present work presents a narrative review, describing and discussing COVID-19 vaccination impact studies, mapping their relevant characteristics, such as study design, approaches and outcome variables, while analyzing their similarities, distinctions, and main insights.

METHODS: The articles screening, regarding title, abstract, and full-text reading, included papers addressing perspectives about the impact of vaccines on population outcomes. The screening process included articles published before June 10, 2022, based on the initial papers' relevance to this study's research topics. The main inclusion criteria were data analyses and study designs based on statistical modelling or comparison of pre- and post-vaccination population.

RESULTS: The review included 18 studies evaluating the vaccine impact in a total of 48 countries, including 32 high-income countries (United States, Israel, and 30 Western European countries) and 16 low- and middle-income countries (Brazil, Colombia, and 14 Eastern European countries). We summarize the main characteristics of the vaccination impact studies analyzed in this narrative review.

CONCLUSION: Although all studies claim to address the impact of a vaccination program, they differ significantly in their objectives since they adopt different definitions of impact, methodologies, and outcome variables. These and other differences are related to distinct data sources, designs, analysis methods, models, and approaches.}, } @article {pmid37241068, year = {2023}, author = {Droc, G and Martac, C and Buzatu, CG and Jipa, M and Punga, MD and Isac, S}, title = {Orthotopic Liver Transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 Negative Recipient from a Positive Donor: The Border between Uncertainty and Necessity in a Pandemic Era- Case Report and Overview of the Literature.}, journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)}, volume = {59}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37241068}, issn = {1648-9144}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Antibodies, Neutralizing ; *COVID-19 ; *Liver Transplantation ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Uncertainty ; }, abstract = {(1) Introduction: Liver transplantation represents the gold-standard therapy in eligible patients with acute liver failure or end-stage liver disease. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the transplantation landscape by reducing patients' addressability to specialized healthcare facilities. Since evidence-based acceptance guidelines for non-lung solid organ transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors are lacking, and the risk of bloodstream-related transmission of the disease is debatable, liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors could be lifesaving, even if long-term interactions are unpredictable. The aim of this case report is to highlight the relevance of performing liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors to negative recipients by emphasizing the perioperative care and short-term outcome. (2) Case presentation: A 20-year-old female patient underwent orthotropic liver transplantation for Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis secondary to overlap syndrome, from a SARS-CoV-2 positive brain death donor. The patient was not infected nor vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and the titer of neutralizing antibodies against the spike protein was negative. The liver transplantation was performed with no significant complications. As immunosuppression therapy, the patient received 20 mg basiliximab (Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., Barcelona, Spain) and 500 mg methylprednisolone (Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V, Puurs, Belgium) intraoperatively. Considering the risk of non-aerogene-related SARS-CoV-2 reactivation syndrome, the patient received remdesivir 200 mg (Gilead Sciences Ireland UC, Carrigtohill County Cork, Ireland) in the neo-hepatic stage, which was continued with 100 mg/day for 5 days. The postoperative immunosuppression therapy consisted of tacrolimus (Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd., Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland) and mycophenolate mofetil (Roche România S.R.L, Bucharest, Romania) according to the local protocol. Despite the persistent negative PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 in the upper airway tract, the blood titer of neutralizing antibodies turned out positive on postoperative day 7. The patient had a favorable outcome, and she was discharged from the ICU facility seven days later. (3) Conclusions: We illustrated a case of liver transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 negative recipient, whose donor was SARS-CoV-2 positive, performed in a tertiary, university-affiliated national center of liver surgery, with a good outcome, in order to raise the medical community awareness on the acceptance limits in the case of COVID-19 incompatibility for non-lung solid organs transplantation procedures.}, } @article {pmid35953263, year = {2023}, author = {Aletaha, D and Kerschbaumer, A and Kastrati, K and Dejaco, C and Dougados, M and McInnes, IB and Sattar, N and Stamm, TA and Takeuchi, T and Trauner, M and van der Heijde, D and Voshaar, M and Winthrop, KL and Ravelli, A and Betteridge, N and Burmester, GR and Bijlsma, JW and Bykerk, V and Caporali, R and Choy, EH and Codreanu, C and Combe, B and Crow, MK and de Wit, M and Emery, P and Fleischmann, RM and Gabay, C and Hetland, ML and Hyrich, KL and Iagnocco, A and Isaacs, JD and Kremer, JM and Mariette, X and Merkel, PA and Mysler, EF and Nash, P and Nurmohamed, MT and Pavelka, K and Poor, G and Rubbert-Roth, A and Schulze-Koops, H and Strangfeld, A and Tanaka, Y and Smolen, JS}, title = {Consensus statement on blocking interleukin-6 receptor and interleukin-6 in inflammatory conditions: an update.}, journal = {Annals of the rheumatic diseases}, volume = {82}, number = {6}, pages = {773-787}, doi = {10.1136/ard-2022-222784}, pmid = {35953263}, issn = {1468-2060}, support = {G1001518/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy ; COVID-19 ; Interleukin-6 ; *Receptors, Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors ; Still's Disease, Adult-Onset/drug therapy ; *Inflammation/drug therapy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Targeting interleukin (IL)-6 has become a major therapeutic strategy in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Interference with the IL-6 pathway can be directed at the specific receptor using anti-IL-6Rα antibodies or by directly inhibiting the IL-6 cytokine. This paper is an update of a previous consensus document, based on most recent evidence and expert opinion, that aims to inform on the medical use of interfering with the IL-6 pathway.

METHODS: A systematic literature research was performed that focused on IL-6-pathway inhibitors in inflammatory diseases. Evidence was put in context by a large group of international experts and patients in a subsequent consensus process. All were involved in formulating the consensus statements, and in the preparation of this document.

RESULTS: The consensus process covered relevant aspects of dosing and populations for different indications of IL-6 pathway inhibitors that are approved across the world, including rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular-course and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, adult-onset Still's disease, Castleman's disease, chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell-induced cytokine release syndrome, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and severe COVID-19. Also addressed were other clinical aspects of the use of IL-6 pathway inhibitors, including pretreatment screening, safety, contraindications and monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS: The document provides a comprehensive consensus on the use of IL-6 inhibition to treat inflammatory disorders to inform healthcare professionals (including researchers), patients, administrators and payers.}, } @article {pmid34382906, year = {2023}, author = {Farsimadan, M and Motamedifar, M}, title = {SARS-CoV-2 effects on male reproduction: should men be worried??.}, journal = {Human fertility (Cambridge, England)}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {50-60}, doi = {10.1080/14647273.2021.1962986}, pmid = {34382906}, issn = {1742-8149}, abstract = {The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has placed a global challenge on both healthcare and society. So far, studies have shown that men are more prone to become ill than women and are more likely to die compared to female patients. Higher rates of positive cases and fatality in men than women have drawn the attention of scientists to investigate the possible impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system. In this review, we tried to summarise so far findings on the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive function to further assess the potential risks of this novel coronavirus on male reproductive health.}, } @article {pmid34114919, year = {2023}, author = {Kirubarajan, A and Patel, P and Tsang, J and Prethipan, T and Sreeram, P and Sierra, S}, title = {The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility care: a qualitative systematic review.}, journal = {Human fertility (Cambridge, England)}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {61-68}, doi = {10.1080/14647273.2021.1938245}, pmid = {34114919}, issn = {1742-8149}, abstract = {The objective of this systematic review was to characterise psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic related to fertility care. We conducted a systematic search following PRISMA guidelines of five databases (EMBASE, Medline-OVID, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) from March 17[th] 2020 to April 10[th] 2021. Citing articles were also hand-searched using Scopus. Of the 296 original citations, we included fifteen studies that encompassed 5,851 patients seeking fertility care. Eleven studies only included female participants, while four included both male and female participants. The fifteen studies unanimously concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic caused negative psychological impacts on fertility care. Risk factors included female sex, single marital state, previous ART failure, prior diagnoses of anxiety or depression, and length of time trying to conceive. Specific concerns included the worry and frustration of clinic closure, concerns about pregnancy and COVID-19 infection, and advancing age. There were contrasting beliefs on whether the decision to stop fertility treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic was justified. In addition, we found that many patients preferred to resume fertility treatment, despite anxieties regarding the risk of the COVID-19 virus. We recommend that fertility providers screen patients for risk factors for poor mental health and tailor support for virtual care.}, } @article {pmid37250046, year = {2023}, author = {Lotti, V and Lagni, A and Diani, E and Sorio, C and Gibellini, D}, title = {Crosslink between SARS-CoV-2 replication and cystic fibrosis hallmarks.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1162470}, pmid = {37250046}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {SARS-CoV-2, the etiological cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, can cause severe illness in certain at-risk populations, including people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Nevertheless, several studies indicated that pwCF do not have higher risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection nor do they demonstrate worse clinical outcomes than those of the general population. Recent in vitro studies indicate cellular and molecular processes to be significant drivers in pwCF lower infection rates and milder symptoms than expected in cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These range from cytokine releases to biochemical alterations leading to morphological rearrangements inside the cells associated with CFTR impairment. Based on available data, the reported low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pwCF is likely a result of several variables linked to CFTR dysfunction, such as thick mucus, IL-6 reduction, altered ACE2 and TMPRSS2 processing and/or functioning, defective anions exchange, and autophagosome formation. An extensive analysis of the relation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and pwCF is essential to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this lower-than-expected infection impact and to possibly suggest potential new antiviral strategies.}, } @article {pmid37249402, year = {2023}, author = {Zhong, Q and Zheng, C and Yi, K and Mintz, RL and Lv, S and Tao, Y and Li, M}, title = {Structural and componential design: new strategies regulating the behavior of lipid-based nanoparticles in vivo.}, journal = {Biomaterials science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1039/d3bm00387f}, pmid = {37249402}, issn = {2047-4849}, abstract = {Lipid-based nanoparticles have made a breakthrough in clinical disease as delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, thermal and long-term stability, high loading ability, simplicity of preparation, inexpensive production costs, and scalable manufacturing production. In particular, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this delivery system served as a vital vaccine component for virus confrontation. To obtain effective drug delivery, lipid-based nanoparticles should reach the desired sites with high efficiency, enter target cells, and release drugs. The structures and compositions of lipid-based nanoparticles can be modified to regulate these behaviors in vivo to enhance the therapeutic effects. Herein, we briefly review the development of lipid-based nanoparticles, from simple self-assembled nanovesicle-structured liposomes to multifunctional lipid nanoparticles. Subsequently, we summarize the strategies that regulate their tissue distribution, cell internalization, and drug release, highlighting the importance of the structural and componential design. We conclude with insights for further research to advance lipid-based nanotechnology.}, } @article {pmid37249296, year = {2023}, author = {Al-Kuraishy, HM and Hussien, NR and Al-Niemi, MS and Fahad, EH and Al-Buhadily, AK and Al-Gareeb, AI and Al-Hamash, SM and Tsagkaris, C and Papadakis, M and Alexiou, A and Batiha, GE}, title = {SARS-CoV-2 induced HDL dysfunction may affect the host's response to and recovery from COVID-19.}, journal = {Immunity, inflammation and disease}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {e861}, doi = {10.1002/iid3.861}, pmid = {37249296}, issn = {2050-4527}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia, dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Furthermore, SARS-Co-2 infection is associated with noteworthy changes in lipid profile, which is suggested as a possible biomarker to support the diagnosis and management of Covid-19.

METHODS: This paper adopts the literature review method to obtain information about how Covid-19 affects high-risk group patients and may cause severe and critical effects due to the development of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. A narrative and comprehensive review is presented.

RESULTS: Reducing HDL in Covid-19 is connected to the disease severity and poor clinical outcomes, suggesting that high HDL serum levels could benefit Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 binds HDL, and this complex is attached to the co-localized receptors, facilitating viral entry. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce the development of dysfunctional HDL through different mechanisms, including induction of inflammatory and oxidative stress with activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. In turn, the induction of dysfunctional HDL induces the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress, increasing Covid-19 severity.

CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia in general and dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. Therefore, the present study aimed to overview the causal relationship between dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein and Covid-19.}, } @article {pmid37249286, year = {2023}, author = {Malekpour, M and Khanmohammadi, S and Meybodi, MJE and Shekouh, D and Rahmanian, MR and Kardeh, S and Azarpira, N}, title = {COVID-19 as a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome: A review of the molecular mechanism.}, journal = {Immunity, inflammation and disease}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {e875}, doi = {10.1002/iid3.875}, pmid = {37249286}, issn = {2050-4527}, abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic with serious complications. After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several post-acute COVID-19 syndromes (PACSs) and long-COVID sequels were reported. PACSs involve many organs, including the nervous, gustatory, and immune systems. One of the PACSs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The incidence rate of GBS after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination is low. However, the high prevalence of COVID-19 and severe complications of GBS, for example, autonomic dysfunction and respiratory failure, highlight the importance of post-COVID-19 GBS. It is while patients with simultaneous COVID-19 and GBS seem to have higher admission rates to the intensive care unit, and demyelination is more aggressive in post-COVID-19 GBS patients. SARS-CoV-2 can trigger GBS via several pathways like direct neurotropism and neurovirulence, microvascular dysfunction and oxidative stress, immune system disruption, molecular mimicry, and autoantibody production. Although there are few molecular studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of GBS occurrence after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, we aimed to discuss the possible pathomechanism of post-COVID-19 GBS by gathering the most recent molecular evidence.}, } @article {pmid37248942, year = {2023}, author = {de Lima Barroso, BI and da Silva, CAA and Mascarenhas, IL and Nogueira, LFZ and Ferreira, WB and Araújo, AB and de Oliveira E Silva, AC}, title = {Continuing work in times of covid-19: Protection measures in the workplace for health professionals.}, journal = {Work (Reading, Mass.)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3233/WOR-220656}, pmid = {37248942}, issn = {1875-9270}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The arrival of COVID-19 in Brazil and the accelerated process of dissemination/contamination added to the evolution of the clinical picture of the disease, and the saturation of the capacity of health services, creating new challenges for researchers, governments, and professionals involved in the occupational health area.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to systematize and synthesize the proposals adopted by the legislation and by the Brazilian State, with a focus on worker protection and guaranteeing a safe work environment for the performance of their professional activities.

METHODS: This is qualitative bibliographical research of the narrative literature review type, developed from October 2020 to June 2021 in legislation databases using the strategy: "COVID-19" AND "coronavirus/coronavirus" AND "worker health" on official Brazilian government websites.

RESULTS: The lack of an emergency plan for efficient actions to respond to the epidemic caused and is still causing the daily deaths of workers.

CONCLUSION: There is a need to guarantee the effectiveness of national and international policies and norms that have been neglected by the Brazilian government.}, } @article {pmid37248802, year = {2023}, author = {McRae, JE and McHugh, L and King, C and Beard, FH and Blyth, CC and Danchin, MH and Giles, ML and Mohammed, H and Wood, N and Macartney, K}, title = {Influenza and pertussis vaccine coverage in pregnancy in Australia, 2016-2021.}, journal = {The Medical journal of Australia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.5694/mja2.51989}, pmid = {37248802}, issn = {1326-5377}, abstract = {Vaccination in pregnancy is the best strategy to reduce complications from influenza or pertussis infection in infants who are too young to be protected directly from vaccination. Pregnant women are also at risk of influenza complications preventable through antenatal vaccination. Both vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women in Australia, but coverage is not routinely reported nationally. We reviewed all reported Australian maternal influenza and pertussis vaccine coverage data for the period 2016-2021, to identify gaps and information needs. Maternal influenza vaccine coverage was suboptimal at < 58% for 2016-2018, with higher coverage of 62-75% reported in two states (Victoria and Western Australia) for 2019-2021. Maternal pertussis vaccine coverage from 2016 was generally higher than for influenza at > 70%, with the highest jurisdictional coverage of 89% reported in Western Australia in 2020. Vaccination rates were often suboptimal among First Nations pregnant women and up to 20% lower than among non-First Nations Australian women; while data were limited, coverage was low among culturally and linguistically diverse women and among women of lower socio-economic status. Jurisdictional perinatal data collections were the best source of information on antenatal vaccine coverage but were only available for a minority of the population; a nationally consistent systematic approach is lacking. Timely and comprehensive data are needed to provide feedback to improve maternal vaccination coverage, particularly among groups with higher risk and/or low uptake, and as new vaccines are recommended, including COVID-19 vaccination.}, } @article {pmid37247986, year = {2023}, author = {Braud, S}, title = {[Foot reflexology for caregivers in palliative care].}, journal = {Revue de l'infirmiere}, volume = {72}, number = {291}, pages = {35-36}, doi = {10.1016/j.revinf.2023.04.009}, pmid = {37247986}, issn = {1293-8505}, abstract = {Foot reflexology is the use of massage and acupressure techniques on the feet, which represent each organ of the human body. The reflexologist knows precisely the anatomy of the body and the reflex points on the feet in order to relieve and treat the person's problems. A team from the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand shares a very positive experience, unfortunately interrupted by the Covid-19 health crisis.}, } @article {pmid37247744, year = {2023}, author = {Ding, H and Zhang, J and Feng, T and Liu, R}, title = {Dependence analysis of social contact behaviors under the impacts of COVID-19 based on a copula approach.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {164437}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164437}, pmid = {37247744}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic was intricately linked with contact between people, but many of the policies designed to encourage safe contact behaviors were unsuccessful. One reason was that the determinants of social contact decisions have not been thoroughly investigated using scientifically sound methodologies. To fill this gap, a unique survey was designed which sought data on social contact behaviors and their determinants. Second, a copula-based behavior model was developed to jointly represent the choices of contact modes (including direct and indirect contact) and the number of contacted persons. The survey was conducted in six countries from March to May 2021 and collected valid responses from >7000 people. A comparison of five key copula functions found that the Frank function outperformed the others. The results of a Frank-based model showed that indirect contacts were significantly and positively associated with the number of contacted persons. Then the influence of various determinants, including activity attributes (e.g., frequency and travel distance), protective measures, safety level of activity settings, and psychological factors related to activity participation and risk perception, were extensively analyzed. In particular, the various heterogeneous influences in different social contact settings were examined. The findings provide scientific evidence for policymakers to promote safe social distancing, even for the post-pandemic era.}, } @article {pmid37247640, year = {2023}, author = {Satitsuksanoa, P and Iwasaki, S and Boersma, J and Bel Imam, M and Schneider, SR and Chang, I and Veen, WV and Akdis, M}, title = {B cells: The many facets of B cells in allergic diseases.}, journal = {The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaci.2023.05.011}, pmid = {37247640}, issn = {1097-6825}, abstract = {B cells play a key role in our immune system through their ability to produce antibodies, suppress a pro-inflammatory state, and contribute to central immune tolerance. We aim to provide an in-depth knowledge of the molecular biology of B cells, including their origin, developmental process, types and subsets, and functions. In allergic diseases, B cells are well-known to induce and maintain immune tolerance through the production of suppressor cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). Similarly, B cells protect against viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 that caused the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the unique and multifaceted functions of B cells, we hereby provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of B cell biology and its clinical applications in allergic diseases, organ transplantation and cancer.}, } @article {pmid37247169, year = {2023}, author = {Osteraas, ND and Dafer, RM}, title = {Advances in Management of the Stroke Etiology One-Percenters.}, journal = {Current neurology and neuroscience reports}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37247169}, issn = {1534-6293}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Uncommon causes of stroke merit specific attention; when clinicians have less common etiologies of stoke in mind, the diagnosis may come more easily. This is key, as optimal management will in many cases differs significantly from "standard" care.

RECENT FINDINGS: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the best medical therapy in the treatment of cervical artery dissection (CeAD) have demonstrated low rates of ischemia with both antiplatelet and vitamin K antagonism. RCT evidence supports the use of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonism in "high-risk" patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS), and there is new evidence supporting the utilization of direct oral anticoagulation in malignancy-associated thrombosis. Migraine with aura has been more conclusively linked not only with increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, but also with cardiovascular mortality. Recent literature has surprisingly not provided support the utilization of L-arginine in the treatment of patients with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS); however, there is evidence at this time that support use of enzyme replacement in patients with Fabry disease. Additional triggers for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) have been identified, such as capsaicin. Imaging of cerebral blood vessel walls utilizing contrast-enhanced MRA is an emerging modality that may ultimately prove to be very useful in the evaluation of patients with uncommon causes of stroke. A plethora of associations between cerebrovascular disease and COVID-19 have been described. Where pertinent, authors provide additional tips and guidance. Less commonly encountered conditions with updates in diagnosis, and management along with clinical tips are reviewed.}, } @article {pmid37246774, year = {2023}, author = {Mewborn, EK and Fingerhood, ML and Johanson, L and Hughes, V}, title = {Examining moral injury in clinical practice: A narrative literature review.}, journal = {Nursing ethics}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {9697330231164762}, pmid = {37246774}, issn = {1477-0989}, abstract = {Healthcare workers experience moral injury (MI), a violation of their moral code due to circumstances beyond their control. MI threatens the healthcare workforce in all settings and leads to medical errors, depression/anxiety, and personal and occupational dysfunction, significantly affecting job satisfaction and retention. This article aims to differentiate concepts and define causes surrounding MI in healthcare. A narrative literature review was performed using SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PubMed for peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 2017 and 2023. Search terms included "moral injury" and "moral distress," identifying 249 records. While individual risk factors predispose healthcare workers to MI, root causes stem from healthcare systems. Accumulation of moral stressors and potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) (from administrative burden, institutional betrayal, lack of autonomy, corporatization of healthcare, and inadequate resources) result in MI. Individuals with MI develop moral resilience or residue, leading to burnout, job abandonment, and post-traumatic stress. Healthcare institutions should focus on administrative and climate interventions to prevent and address MI. Management should ensure autonomy, provide tangible support, reduce administrative burden, advocate for diversity of clinical healthcare roles in positions of interdisciplinary leadership, and communicate effectively. Strategies also exist for individuals to increase moral resilience, reducing the impact of moral stressors and PMIEs.}, } @article {pmid37246757, year = {2023}, author = {Underwood, E and Dunkle, LM and Madhi, SA and Gay, CL and Heath, PT and Kotloff, KL and Smith, K and Chau, G and Galbiati, S and McGarry, A and Woo, W and Cho, I and Alves, K and Áñez, G and Bennett, C and Shinde, V and Fries, L and Mallory, RM and Glenn, GM and Toback, S}, title = {Safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine.}, journal = {Expert review of vaccines}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1080/14760584.2023.2218913}, pmid = {37246757}, issn = {1744-8395}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. As SARS-CoV-2 moves into endemic status, vaccination remains a key element in protecting the health of individuals, societies, and economies worldwide.

AREAS COVERED: NVX-CoV2373 (Novavax, Gaithersburg, MD) is a recombinant protein vaccine composed of SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer nanoparticles formulated with saponin-based Matrix-M™ adjuvant (Novavax, Gaithersburg, MD). NVX-CoV2373 is authorized for emergency use in adults and adolescents aged ≥12 years in the United States and numerous other countries.

EXPERT OPINION: In clinical trials, NVX-CoV2373 showed tolerable reactogenicity and favorable safety profiles characterized by mostly mild-to-moderate adverse events of short duration and by low rates of severe and serious adverse events comparable to those seen with placebo. The two-dose primary vaccination series resulted in robust increases in anti-spike protein immunoglobulin G, neutralizing antibody titers, and cellular immune responses. NVX-CoV2373 vaccination was associated with complete protection against severe disease and a high (90%) rate of protection against symptomatic disease in adults, including symptomatic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 variants. Additionally, the NVX-CoV2373 adjuvanted recombinant protein platform offers a means to address issues of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and global vaccine equity.}, } @article {pmid37246678, year = {2022}, author = {Babur, MN and Azim, ME}, title = {Neurorehabilitation in time of COVID 19: A perspective from Pakistan.}, journal = {JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association}, volume = {72}, number = {12}, pages = {2509-2511}, doi = {10.47391/JPMA.6225}, pmid = {37246678}, issn = {0030-9982}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Pakistan ; Communicable Disease Control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Neurological Rehabilitation ; }, abstract = {A global public health emergency, the coronovirus disease-2019 pandemic has impacted every way of life, including neuro-rehabilitation, worldwide. Issues related to increased service demand in primary care, exhausted or insufficient healthcare facilities were significantly high in low and middle-income countries, like Pakistan, with already a struggling health infrastructure. This required major change in health service delivery and impacted rehabilitation care of vulnerable patients with neurological conditions and impairments. For the current review, relevant key words and their combinations were used for literature search, including 'COVID 19', 'SARS-CoV-2', 'Corona Virus', 'rehabilitation', 'physical rehabilitation', 'pandemic', 'NCOC', 'lockdown', 'health services', 'physical therapy', 'disability', 'access', 'tele-rehabilitation', 'research', 'human resource', 'healthcare', etc. The platforms searched were Google search, Google Scholar and PubMed. The idea was to highlight how the pandemic impacted neuro-rehabilitation care in countries like Pakistan throughout the pandemic duration and during the lockdowns.}, } @article {pmid37246677, year = {2022}, author = {Memon, FN and Naz, S and Rahat, T}, title = {Pregnancy outcomes with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during first wave: A review.}, journal = {JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association}, volume = {72}, number = {12}, pages = {2503-2508}, doi = {10.47391/JPMA.5182}, pmid = {37246677}, issn = {0030-9982}, mesh = {Infant, Newborn ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Cesarean Section ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; *Premature Birth ; }, abstract = {Maternal and foetal care has become an important concern in the wake of enormous global spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), but there is scarcity of information about maternal and perinatal outcomes. The current review was conducted from March to July 2020. Appropriate and related databases were searched electronically by using terms, like "COVID-19 and pregnancy", "pregnancy outcomes of COVID-19". Pooled analysis of the reviewed studies showed that of the 164 newborns, vertical transmission was noted in 7(2.95%). The most common element 140(84.98%) was caesarean section deliveries. COVID-19 pneumonia developed in almost 54(30.90%) of 175 women. The most common symptom of COVID-19 among women was fever 88(50.77%). Adverse maternal and foetal outcomes were found to be associated with COVID-19 in the form of severe illness, increased rates of caesarean section deliveries and worse birth outcomes. Yet, vertical transmission of COVID-19 infection remains debatable.}, } @article {pmid37246237, year = {2023}, author = {Roham, PH and Kamath, JJ and Sharma, S}, title = {Dissecting the Interrelationship between COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus.}, journal = {Advanced biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2300107}, doi = {10.1002/adbi.202300107}, pmid = {37246237}, issn = {2701-0198}, abstract = {COVID-19 disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to enormous morbidity and mortality worldwide. After gaining entry into the human host, the virus initially infects the upper and lower respiratory tract, subsequently invading multiple organs, including the pancreas. While on one hand, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection and associated death, recent reports have shown the onset of DM in COVID-19-recovered patients. SARS-CoV-2 infiltrates the pancreatic islets and activates stress response and inflammatory signaling pathways, impairs glucose metabolism, and consequently leads to their death. Indeed, the pancreatic autopsy samples of COVID-19 patients reveal the presence of SARS-CoV-2 particles in β-cells. The current review describes how the virus enters the host cells and activates an immunological response. Further, it takes a closer look into the interrelationship between COVID-19 and DM with the aim to provide mechanistic insights into the process by which SARS-CoV-2 infects the pancreas and mediates dysfunction and death of endocrine islets. The effects of known anti-diabetic interventions for COVID-19 management are also discussed. The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a future therapy for pancreatic β-cells damage to reverse COVID-19-induced DM is also emphasized.}, } @article {pmid37245876, year = {2023}, author = {Chen, Y and Zhang, C and Wang, N and Feng, Y}, title = {Deciphering suppressive effects of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule on COVID-19 and synergistic effects of its major botanical drug pairs.}, journal = {Chinese journal of natural medicines}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, pages = {383-400}, doi = {10.1016/S1875-5364(23)60455-8}, pmid = {37245876}, issn = {1875-5364}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; }, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in excess deaths worldwide. Conventional antiviral medicines have been used to relieve the symptoms, with limited therapeutic effect. In contrast, Lianhua Qingwen Capsule is reported to exert remarkable anti-COVID-19 effect. The current review aims to: 1) uncover the main pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19; 2) verify the bioactive ingredients and pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule by network analysis; 3) investigate the compatibility effect of major botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule; and 4) clarify the clinical evidence and safety of the combined therapy of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs. Numerous bioactive ingredients in Lianhu Qingwen, such as quercetin, naringenin, β-sitosterol, luteolin, and stigmasterol, were identified to target host cytokines, and to regulate the immune defence in response to COVID-19. Genes including androgen receptor (AR), myeloperoxidase (MPO), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin (INS), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) were found to be significantly involved in the pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule against COVID-19. Four botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule were shown to have synergistic effect for the treatment of COVID-19. Clinical studies demonstrated the medicinal effect of the combined use of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs against COVID-19. In conclusion, the four main pharmacological mechanisms of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19 are revealed. Therapeutic effect has been noted against COVID-19 in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.}, } @article {pmid37245787, year = {2023}, author = {Huber, JM and Wieland, ML and Bornstein, SL and Mauck, KF and Szostek, JH and Post, JA and Wingo, MT}, title = {Update in Outpatient General Internal Medicine: Practice-Changing Evidence Published in 2022.}, journal = {The American journal of medicine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.05.014}, pmid = {37245787}, issn = {1555-7162}, abstract = {It can be difficult for clinicians to stay updated on practice changing articles. Synthesis of relevant articles and guideline updates can facilitate staying informed on important new data impacting clinical practice. The titles and abstracts from the seven general internal medicine outpatient journals with highest impact factors and relevance were reviewed by eight internal medicine physicians. Coronavirus disease-19 research was excluded. New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), The Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The British Medical Journal (BMJ), Annals of Internal Medicine, JAMA Internal Medicine, and Public Library of Science Medicine were reviewed. Additionally, article synopsis collections and databases were reviewed: American College of Physicians Journal Club, NEJM Journal Watch, BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, McMaster/DynaMed Evidence Alerts, and Cochrane Reviews. A modified Delphi method was used to gain consensus based on clinical relevance to outpatient internal medicine, potential impact on practice, and strength of evidence. Article qualities and importance were debated until consensus was reached. Clusters of articles pertinent to the same topic were considered together. In total, five practice-changing articles were included in addition to a highlight of key guideline updates.}, } @article {pmid37245600, year = {2023}, author = {Tian, F and Feng, Q and Chen, Z}, title = {Efficacy and safety of molnupiravir treatment for COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.}, journal = {International journal of antimicrobial agents}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {106870}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106870}, pmid = {37245600}, issn = {1872-7913}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: At present, there are some differences in the research results of molnupiravir. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in the treatment of COVID-19.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), and medRxiv were searched to identify relevant RCTs (randomized controlled trials) from inception to January 1, 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB) was used to assess the bias risk of the included studies. Revman 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis (PROSPERO Code No: CRD42023388502).

RESULTS: A total of nine RCTs were included, including 31573 COVID-19 patients, of whom 15846 received molnupiravir. The meta-analysis results showed that the molnupiravir group had a higher proportion in terms of clinical improvement (risk ratio [RR] = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18 to 4.92, Day 5; RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.01, Day 10) and RT‒PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) negativity (RR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.38 to 5.62, Day 5; RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.31, Day 10). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of mortality, hospitalization, adverse events, and serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: Molnupiravir can accelerate the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients, but it does not significantly reduce mortality and hospitalization.}, } @article {pmid37245047, year = {2023}, author = {Natarajan, A and Shetty, A and Delanerolle, G and Zeng, Y and Zhang, Y and Raymont, V and Rathod, S and Halabi, S and Elliot, K and Shi, JQ and Phiri, P}, title = {A systematic review and meta-analysis of long COVID symptoms.}, journal = {Systematic reviews}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {88}, pmid = {37245047}, issn = {2046-4053}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Testing ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Mental Health ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ongoing symptoms or the development of new symptoms following a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis has caused a complex clinical problem known as "long COVID" (LC). This has introduced further pressure on global healthcare systems as there appears to be a need for ongoing clinical management of these patients. LC personifies heterogeneous symptoms at varying frequencies. The most complex symptoms appear to be driven by the neurology and neuropsychiatry spheres.

METHODS: A systematic protocol was developed, peer reviewed, and published in PROSPERO. The systematic review included publications from the 1st of December 2019-30th June 2021 published in English. Multiple electronic databases were used. The dataset has been analyzed using a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis based on geographical location. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were established based on the data identified.

RESULTS: Of the 302 studies, 49 met the inclusion criteria, although 36 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The 36 studies had a collective sample size of 11,598 LC patients. 18 of the 36 studies were designed as cohorts and the remainder were cross-sectional. Symptoms of mental health, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and pain were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: The quality that differentiates this meta-analysis is that they are cohort and cross-sectional studies with follow-up. It is evident that there is limited knowledge available of LC and current clinical management strategies may be suboptimal as a result. Clinical practice improvements will require more comprehensive clinical research, enabling effective evidence-based approaches to better support patients.}, } @article {pmid37244811, year = {2023}, author = {Joudeh, AI and Lutf, AQ and Mahdi, S and Tran, G}, title = {Efficacy and safety of mRNA and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases: A systematic review.}, journal = {Vaccine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37244811}, issn = {1873-2518}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are at a potentially higher risk for COVID-19 infection complications. Given their inherent altered immune system and the use of immunomodulatory medications, vaccine immunogenicity could be unpredictable with a suboptimal or even an exaggerated immunological response. The aim of this study is to provide real-time data on the emerging evidence of COVID-19 vaccines' efficacy and safety in patients with ARDs.

METHODS: We performed a literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases up to 11-13 April 2022 on the efficacy and safety of both types of the mRNA-vaccines and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in patients with ARD. The risk of bias in the retrieved studies was evaluated using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Also, current clinical practice guidelines from multiple international professional societies were reviewed.

RESULTS: We identified 60 prognostic studies, 69 case reports and case series, and eight international clinical practice guidelines. Our results demonstrated that most patients with ARDs were able to mount humoral and/or cellular responses after two doses of COVID-19 vaccine although this response was suboptimal in patients receiving certain disease-modifying medications including rituximab, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, daily glucocorticoids >10 mg, abatacept, as well as in older individuals, and those with comorbid interstitial lung diseases. Safety reports on COVID-19 vaccines in patients with ARDs were largely reassuring with mostly self-limiting adverse events and very minimal post-vaccination disease flares.

CONCLUSION: Both types of the mRNA-vaccines and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and safe in patients with ARD. However, due to their suboptimal response in some patients, alternative mitigation strategies such as booster vaccines and shielding practices should also be followed. Management of immunomodulatory treatment regimens during the peri vaccination period should be individualized through shared decision making with patients and their attending rheumatologists.}, } @article {pmid37244709, year = {2023}, author = {Robbins, MR and Strauch, KA}, title = {Periodontal Maintenance in a Patient with a Lung Transplantation Post-COVID-19 Infection.}, journal = {Dental clinics of North America}, volume = {67}, number = {3}, pages = {435-437}, pmid = {37244709}, issn = {1558-0512}, mesh = {Humans ; *Periodontal Diseases ; *COVID-19 ; Oral Health ; *Lung Transplantation/adverse effects ; Dental Care ; }, abstract = {Early dental screening and treatment before and after solid organ transplantation are recommended infection prophylaxis measures. Dental treatment after transplantation should only be rendered after a discussion with the patient's health-care provider and/or transplant surgeon to determine the patient's stability for dental care. Potential sources of acute or chronic oral infections should be evaluated at every visit. Periodontal evaluation and through dental prophylaxis should be performed. Oral hygiene instruction including the importance of maintaining excellent oral health after transplant should be reviewed.}, } @article {pmid37244354, year = {2023}, author = {Kawamoto, Y and Wu, Y and Takahashi, Y and Takakura, Y}, title = {Development of Nucleic Acid Medicines Based on Chemical Technology.}, journal = {Advanced drug delivery reviews}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {114872}, doi = {10.1016/j.addr.2023.114872}, pmid = {37244354}, issn = {1872-8294}, abstract = {Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have attracted attention as an emerging modality that includes the modulation of genes and their binding proteins related to diseases, allowing us to take action on previously undruggable targets. Since the late 2010s, the number of oligonucleotide medicines approved for clinical uses has dramatically increased. Various chemistry-based technologies have been developed to improve the therapeutic properties of oligonucleotides, such as chemical modification, conjugation, and nanoparticle formation, which can increase nuclease resistance, enhance affinity and selectivity to target sites, suppress off-target effects, and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Similar strategies employing modified nucleobases and lipid nanoparticles have been used for developing coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of chemistry-based technologies aimed at using nucleic acids for developing therapeutics over the past several decades, with a specific emphasis on the structural design and functionality of chemical modification strategies.}, } @article {pmid37244209, year = {2023}, author = {Bonfim, LCMG and Guerini, IS and Zambon, MG and Pires, GB and Silva, ACF and Gobatto, ALN and Lopes, MA and Brosnahan, SB}, title = {Optimal dosing of heparin for prophylactic anticoagulation in critically ill COVID-19 patients a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.}, journal = {Journal of critical care}, volume = {77}, number = {}, pages = {154344}, pmid = {37244209}, issn = {1557-8615}, abstract = {PURPOSE: The optimal amount of anticoagulation for critically ill COVID-19 patients is controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of escalated doses of anticoagulation in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of three major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, from inception to May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included comparing therapeutic or intermediate doses to standard prophylactic doses of anticoagulants in critically ill COVID-19 patients, with heparins as the only anticoagulation therapy considered.

RESULTS: Out of the six RCTs, 2130 patients were administered escalated dose anticoagulation (50.2%) and standard thromboprophylaxis therapy (49.8%). The escalated dose showed no significant impact on mortality (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.90-1.13). Although there was no significant difference in DVT (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.61-1.08), the risk of PE was significantly reduced in patients receiving escalated dose anticoagulation (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.21-0.60), with an increased risk of bleeding events (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.08-2.53).

CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis fail to support escalated anticoagulation doses to reduce mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, higher doses of anticoagulants appear to reduce thrombotic events while increasing the risk of bleeding effectively.}, } @article {pmid37244162, year = {2023}, author = {Pang, X and Xu, W and Liu, Y and Li, H and Chen, L}, title = {The research progress of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors from 2020 to 2022.}, journal = {European journal of medicinal chemistry}, volume = {257}, number = {}, pages = {115491}, pmid = {37244162}, issn = {1768-3254}, abstract = {The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide. The main protease (M[pro]) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a central role in viral replication and transcription and represents an attractive drug target for fighting COVID-19. Many SARS-CoV-2 M[pro] inhibitors have been reported, including covalent and noncovalent inhibitors. The SARS-CoV-2 M[pro] inhibitor PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir) designed by Pfizer has been put on the market. This paper briefly introduces the structural characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 M[pro] and summarizes the research progress of SARS-CoV-2 M[pro] inhibitors from the aspects of drug repurposing and drug design. These information will provide a basis for the drug development of treating the infection of SARS-CoV-2 and even other coronaviruses in the future.}, } @article {pmid37243809, year = {2023}, author = {Gunathilaka, MDTL}, title = {Utilization of Marine Seaweeds as a Promising Defense Against COVID-19: a Mini-review.}, journal = {Marine biotechnology (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37243809}, issn = {1436-2236}, abstract = {COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which mainly affects the respiratory system. It has been declared as a "pandemic" in March 2020 by the World Health Organization due to the high spreading rate. SARS-CoV-2 binds with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on the cell surface which leads to the downregulation of ACE2 and upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptors. The elevated level of cytokines and ACE receptors leads to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to the limited availability of vaccines and recurrent attacks of COVID-19 mainly in low-income countries, it is important to search for natural remedies to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection. Marine seaweeds are a rich source of bioactive compounds such as phlorotannins; fucoidan; carotenoids; omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; vitamins B12, D, and C; and minerals including zinc and selenium that exhibit antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, bioactive compounds present in marine seaweeds have the ability to inhibit ACEs by inducing ACE2 which exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in COVID-19. Correspondingly, soluble dietary fibers present in seaweeds are served as prebiotics by generating short-chain fatty acids through fermentation. Hence, seaweeds can be utilized to reduce the gastrointestinal infections associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.}, } @article {pmid37243585, year = {2023}, author = {Matsumori, A}, title = {Myocarditis and Autoimmunity.}, journal = {Expert review of cardiovascular therapy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1080/14779072.2023.2219895}, pmid = {37243585}, issn = {1744-8344}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune myocarditis may develop due to heterogeneous causes. Myocarditis is often caused by viral infections, but it can also be caused by systemic autoimmune diseases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and virus vaccines induce immune activation, and they can cause the development of myocarditis, as well as several immune-related adverse events. The development of myocarditis is dependent on the genetic factors of the host, and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) may be an important determinant of the type and severity of the disease. However, non-MHC immunoregulatory genes may also play a role in determining susceptibility.

AREA COVERED: This review summarizes the current knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune myocarditis with a particular focus on viral infection and autoimmunity, and biomarkers of myocarditis.

EXPERT OPINION: An endomyocardial biopsy may not be the gold standard for the diagnosis of myocarditis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is useful in diagnosing autoimmune myocarditis. Recently identified biomarkers of inflammation and myocyte injury are promising for the diagnosis of myocarditis when measured simultaneously. Future treatments should focus on the appropriate diagnosis of the etiologic agent, as well as on the specific stage of the evolution of immune and inflammatory processes.}, } @article {pmid37243393, year = {2023}, author = {Ali, N and Ghalibafian, M and Sykes-Martin, K and Parkes, J and Qureshi, B and Esiashvili, N}, title = {Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on delivery of pediatric radiotherapy: A critical review.}, journal = {Pediatric blood & cancer}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e30446}, doi = {10.1002/pbc.30446}, pmid = {37243393}, issn = {1545-5017}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the timely diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including pediatric cancer. Its impact on pediatric oncologic treatments warrants investigation. As radiotherapy is an integral component of cancer care, we reviewed the published data regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of pediatric radiotherapy to inform actions for future global events. We found that disruptions in radiotherapy were reported amongst interruptions in other therapies. Disruptions were more common in low-income countries (78%) and low middle-income countries (68%) compared with upper middle-income countries (46%) and high-income countries (10%). Several papers included recommendations for mitigation strategies. Altered treatment regimens were common, including increasing the use of active surveillance and systemic therapy to delay local therapies, and accelerated/hypofractionated dose delivery. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has impacted radiotherapy delivery in the pediatric population globally. Countries with limited resources may be more affected. Various mitigation strategies have been developed. The efficacy of mitigation measures warrants further investigation.}, } @article {pmid37243300, year = {2023}, author = {Quiros-Roldan, E and Sottini, A and Signorini, SG and Serana, F and Tiecco, G and Imberti, L}, title = {Autoantibodies to Interferons in Infectious Diseases.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37243300}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Humans ; Autoantibodies ; Interferons ; *Autoimmune Diseases ; *COVID-19 ; Cytokines ; *Interferon Type I ; *Communicable Diseases ; }, abstract = {Anti-cytokine autoantibodies and, in particular, anti-type I interferons are increasingly described in association with immunodeficient, autoimmune, and immune-dysregulated conditions. Their presence in otherwise healthy individuals may result in a phenotype characterized by a predisposition to infections with several agents. For instance, anti-type I interferon autoantibodies are implicated in Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pathogenesis and found preferentially in patients with critical disease. However, autoantibodies were also described in the serum of patients with viral, bacterial, and fungal infections not associated with COVID-19. In this review, we provide an overview of anti-cytokine autoantibodies identified to date and their clinical associations; we also discuss whether they can act as enemies or friends, i.e., are capable of acting in a beneficial or harmful way, and if they may be linked to gender or immunosenescence. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the production of autoantibodies could improve the approach to treating some infections, focusing not only on pathogens, but also on the possibility of a low degree of autoimmunity in patients.}, } @article {pmid37243259, year = {2023}, author = {Baroni, C and Potito, J and Perticone, ME and Orausclio, P and Luna, CM}, title = {How Does Long-COVID Impact Prognosis and the Long-Term Sequelae?.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37243259}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Prognosis ; Diarrhea ; Disease Progression ; }, abstract = {CONTEXT: We reviewed what has been studied and published during the last 3 years about the consequences, mainly respiratory, cardiac, digestive, and neurological/psychiatric (organic and functional), in patients with COVID-19 of prolonged course.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a narrative review synthesizing current clinical evidence of abnormalities of signs, symptoms, and complementary studies in COVID-19 patients who presented a prolonged and complicated course.

METHODS: A review of the literature focused on the involvement of the main organic functions mentioned, based almost exclusively on the systematic search of publications written in English available on PubMed/MEDLINE.

RESULTS: Long-term respiratory, cardiac, digestive, and neurological/psychiatric dysfunction are present in a significant number of patients. Lung involvement is the most common; cardiovascular involvement may happen with or without symptoms or clinical abnormalities; gastrointestinal compromise includes the loss of appetite, nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, diarrhea, etc.; and neurological/psychiatric compromise can produce a wide variety of signs and symptoms, either organic or functional. Vaccination is not associated with the emergence of long-COVID, but it may happen in vaccinated people.

CONCLUSIONS: The severity of illness increases the risk of long-COVID. Pulmonary sequelae, cardiomyopathy, the detection of ribonucleic acid in the gastrointestinal tract, and headaches and cognitive impairment may become refractory in severely ill COVID-19 patients.}, } @article {pmid37239533, year = {2023}, author = {Idrose, NS and Zhang, J and Lodge, CJ and Erbas, B and Douglass, JA and Bui, DS and Dharmage, SC}, title = {A Review of the Role of Pollen in COVID-19 Infection.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {37239533}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; }, abstract = {There is current interest in the role of ambient pollen in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) infection risk. The aim of this review is to summarise studies published up until January 2023 investigating the relationship between airborne pollen and the risk of COVID-19 infection. We found conflicting evidence, with some studies showing that pollen may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection by acting as a carrier, while others showed that pollen may reduce the risk by acting as an inhibiting factor. A few studies reported no evidence of an association between pollen and the risk of infection. A major limiting factor of this research is not being able to determine whether pollen contributed to the susceptibility to infection or just the expression of symptoms. Hence, more research is needed to better understand this highly complex relationship. Future investigations should consider individual and sociodemographic factors as potential effect modifiers when investigating these associations. This knowledge will help to identify targeted interventions.}, } @article {pmid37233729, year = {2023}, author = {Mohandas, S and Jagannathan, P and Henrich, TJ and Sherif, ZA and Bime, C and Quinlan, E and Portman, MA and Gennaro, M and Rehman, J and , }, title = {Immune mechanisms underlying COVID-19 pathology and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37233729}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {OT2HL161847/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Disease Progression ; Health Status ; }, abstract = {With a global tally of more than 500 million cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections to date, there are growing concerns about the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as long COVID. Recent studies suggest that exaggerated immune responses are key determinants of the severity and outcomes of the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as subsequent PASC. The complexity of the innate and adaptive immune responses in the acute and post-acute period requires in-depth mechanistic analyses to identify specific molecular signals as well as specific immune cell populations which promote PASC pathogenesis. In this review, we examine the current literature on mechanisms of immune dysregulation in severe COVID-19 and the limited emerging data on the immunopathology of PASC. While the acute and post-acute phases may share some parallel mechanisms of immunopathology, it is likely that PASC immunopathology is quite distinct and heterogeneous, thus requiring large-scale longitudinal analyses in patients with and without PASC after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. By outlining the knowledge gaps in the immunopathology of PASC, we hope to provide avenues for novel research directions that will ultimately lead to precision therapies which restore healthy immune function in PASC patients.}, } @article {pmid37231599, year = {2023}, author = {Oeser, C and Rangaka, MX and Abubakar, I}, title = {Digital approaches to reducing TB treatment loss to follow-up.}, journal = {The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease}, volume = {27}, number = {6}, pages = {432-437}, doi = {10.5588/ijtld.23.0027}, pmid = {37231599}, issn = {1815-7920}, mesh = {Humans ; *Tuberculosis/drug therapy/prevention & control ; Follow-Up Studies ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; *COVID-19 ; }, abstract = {Poor adherence to TB treatment leads to adverse clinical outcomes. A range of digital technologies to support adherence have been developed and the COVID-19 pandemic considerably accelerated the implementation of digital interventions. Here, we review the current evidence on digital adherence support tools and update the findings of a previous review, with evidence published from 2018 to date. Interventional and observational studies, as well as primary and secondary analyses were included, and we summarised available evidence on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability. The studies were heterogenous and varied in outcome measures and approaches used. Overall, our findings show that digital approaches, such as digital pillboxes and asynchronous video-observed treatment, are acceptable and have the potential to improve adherence and be cost-effective over time if implemented at scale. Digital tools should be part of multiple strategies to support adherence. Further research to integrate behavioural data on reasons for non-adherence will help to determine how to best implement these technologies in different settings.}, } @article {pmid37229730, year = {2023}, author = {Medina, E and Rueda, C and Batlle, D}, title = {FSGS and COVID-19 in Non-African American Patients.}, journal = {Kidney360}, volume = {4}, number = {5}, pages = {687-699}, pmid = {37229730}, issn = {2641-7650}, mesh = {Humans ; United States/epidemiology ; *Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental/genetics/pathology ; Apolipoprotein L1/genetics ; *COVID-19/genetics ; Genotype ; }, abstract = {Collapsing Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has been reported relatively frequently in African American (AA) patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and it is associated almost always with Apolipoprotein L gen 1 (APOL1) high-risk variants. We reviewed the published literature from April 2020 to November 2022 searching for non-African American (non-AA) patients with FSGS associated with COVID-19 (eight White patients, six Hispanic patients, three Asian patients, one Indian patient, and one Asian Indian patient). The following histologic patterns were found: collapsing (n=11), not otherwise specified (n=5), tip (n=2), and perihilar (n=1). Fifteen of the 19 patients had AKI. The APOL1 genotype was reported in only six of the 19 non-AA patients. Three of them (two Hispanic patients and one White patient) with collapsing FSGS had high-risk APOL1 variants. The other three patients (two White patients and one Hispanic patient with the collapsing variant, tip variant, and not otherwise specified) had low-risk APOL1 variants. Among 53 African American patients with collapsing FSGS associated with COVID-19, 48 had high-risk APOL1 variants and five had low-risk APOL1 variants. We conclude that in non-AA patients, FSGS is a rare complication of COVID-19. FSGS associated with COVID-19 can occur rarely with low-risk APOL1 variants in non-AA and AA patients. Non-AA patients reported to be associated with high-risk APOL1 variants possibly reflect inaccuracy of self-reported race with AA admixture because of unknown ancestry. Given the importance of APOL1 in the pathogenesis of FSGS associated with viral infection and to avoid racial bias, it seems appropriate that APOL1 testing be considered in patients with FSGS associated with COVID-19, regardless of self-reported race.}, } @article {pmid37227199, year = {2023}, author = {Sirico, D and Basso, A and Alaimo, A and Spaziani, G and Ancona, R and Domenicucci, S and Castaldi, B and Donti, A and Chessa, M and Limongelli, G and Luciani, GB and Gagliardi, MG and Rinelli, G and Vairo, U and Egidy Assenza, G and Favilli, S and Di Salvo, G and Russo, MG}, title = {[Heart involvement in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a review by ANMCO/SICP].}, journal = {Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006)}, volume = {24}, number = {6}, pages = {413-422}, doi = {10.1714/4041.40199}, pmid = {37227199}, issn = {1972-6481}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/diagnosis ; Heart ; *Coronary Aneurysm ; }, abstract = {Acute clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are generally less severe in childhood, however a proportion of them can develop a severe systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, MIS-C). Cardiovascular manifestations in MIS-C are frequent (34-82%), including myocardial dysfunction, coronary artery dilation or aneurysms, arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, pericarditis and valvulitis. The most affected cases can develop cardiogenic shock needing intensive care unit admission, inotropic support and sometimes even mechanical circulatory support. The elevation of myocardial necrosis markers, the frequently transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the presence of changes on magnetic resonance imaging, support the hypothesis of an immune-mediated post-viral pathogenesis similar to myocarditis. Although MIS-C shows excellent short-term survival, further studies are needed to demonstrate complete reversibility of residual subclinical heart damage.}, } @article {pmid37088868, year = {2023}, author = {Yang, DW and Ju, MJ and Wang, H and Jia, YC and Wang, XD and Fang, H and Fan, J}, title = {Proxalutamide for the treatment of COVID-19 rebound following Paxlovid treatment: Report of four cases and review of the literature.}, journal = {Journal of clinical laboratory analysis}, volume = {37}, number = {7}, pages = {e24880}, pmid = {37088868}, issn = {1098-2825}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Oxazoles ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The pandemic the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global health crisis. Although Paxlovid is recommended for the early-stage treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in patients at increased risk of progression to severe COVID-19, more and more cases are reported a COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment. Currently, information on the additional treatment for COVID-19 rebound following Paxlovid treatment is limited.

CASE REPORT: Here, we present four cases with COVID-19 who were mild on admission. All cases experienced a COVID-19 rebound and progressed to severe COVID-19, following treatment with Paxlovid (300 mg of nirmatrelvir with 100 mg ritonavir, twice daily for 5 days). After being treated with proxalutamide (300 mg/day), all cases finally turned real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative.

CONCLUSION: Our cases suggested that proxalutamide might be an effective remedial treatment option for patients experiencing a COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment.}, } @article {pmid36999525, year = {2023}, author = {Ghanekar, K and Ghanekar, H and Saxena, R}, title = {Late onset granulomatous interstitial nephritis after booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination: Case report and review of literature.}, journal = {Clinical nephrology}, volume = {99}, number = {6}, pages = {299-306}, doi = {10.5414/CN110965}, pmid = {36999525}, issn = {0301-0430}, mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Tin ; *COVID-19 ; Vaccination ; *Nephritis, Interstitial/chemically induced ; }, abstract = {Billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Though the vaccine is generally well tolerated, several cases of new onset or relapsing glomerulonephritis have been reported. In comparison, post-vaccination tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) has rarely been reported, mostly after the first or the second dose of the vaccine. Acute interstitial nephritis after booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination has not yet been reported. We report a case of acute granulomatous TIN shortly after the booster dose of Moderna vaccine. Our patient had no clinical evidence of renal injury after the first two doses of vaccine. Renal dysfunction was incidentally observed ~ 1 month after the booster dose of vaccine. The patient responded to steroids with rapid improvement in kidney function. While it is difficult to ascertain the causal relationship between the vaccination and development of TIN, it is important to be vigilant about such delayed side effects of the vaccine.}, } @article {pmid36925449, year = {2023}, author = {Hanhart, J and Wiener, R and Totah, H and Brosh, K and Zadok, D}, title = {Pseudophakia as a surprising protective factor in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.}, journal = {Journal francais d'ophtalmologie}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, pages = {527-535}, doi = {10.1016/j.jfo.2022.11.015}, pmid = {36925449}, issn = {1773-0597}, mesh = {Humans ; Pseudophakia/epidemiology/complications ; Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; Protective Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; *COVID-19/complications ; Intravitreal Injections ; *Macular Degeneration/complications/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To assess the impact of lens status on macular function among patients treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) in whom scheduled intravitreal injections were delayed.

METHODS: We reviewed demographic and clinical data as well as macular optical coherence tomographic images of 34 patients (48 eyes) who did not follow their injection schedule during the first wave of COVID-19 in Israel. Functional worsening was defined as a loss of at least 0.1 in decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Morphological worsening was defined as new or increased subretinal/intraretinal fluid or a new hemorrhage. OCT indices of quality were used as a measure for cataract density and progression.

RESULTS: Pseudophakia was associated with a better functional outcome than phakic status: there was a loss of 0.06±0.12 vs. 0.15±0.10 decimal BCVA in the pseudophakic and phakic eyes, respectively (P=.001). A similar trend was observed for morphological changes over the same period: there was an increase in macular thickness of 9±26% vs.12±40%, respectively (P=0.79). During the first wave of COVID-19, the index of OCT quality remained stable for phakic eyes (26±3.6 before the first wave of COVID-19, 26±2.9 afterward; P=1) and pseudophakic eyes (30±2.4 before the first wave of COVID-19, 30±2.6 afterward; P=1).

CONCLUSION: Pseudophakic eyes with nvAMD that missed their scheduled intravitreal injections experienced fewer morphological and functional complications than phakic eyes with nvAMD.}, } @article {pmid36890698, year = {2023}, author = {Mlynska, L and Malouhi, A and Ingwersen, M and Güttler, F and Gräger, S and Teichgräber, U}, title = {Artificial intelligence for assistance of radiology residents in chest CT evaluation for COVID-19 pneumonia: a comparative diagnostic accuracy study.}, journal = {Acta radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)}, volume = {64}, number = {6}, pages = {2104-2110}, pmid = {36890698}, issn = {1600-0455}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnostic imaging ; Artificial Intelligence ; Retrospective Studies ; Case-Control Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Pneumonia ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods ; *Radiology ; COVID-19 Testing ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In hospitals, it is crucial to rule out coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) timely and reliably. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides sufficient accuracy to identify chest computed tomography (CT) scans with signs of COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists with different levels of experience with and without assistance of AI in CT evaluation for COVID-19 pneumonia and to develop an optimized diagnostic pathway.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective, single-center, comparative case-control study included 160 consecutive participants who had undergone chest CT scan between March 2020 and May 2021 without or with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia in a ratio of 1:3. Index tests were chest CT evaluation by five radiological senior residents, five junior residents, and an AI software. Based on the diagnostic accuracy in every group and on comparison of groups, a sequential CT assessment pathway was developed.

RESULTS: Areas under receiver operating curves were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.88-0.99), 0.96 (95% CI=0.92-1.0), 0.77 (95% CI=0.68-0.86), and 0.95 (95% CI=0.9-1.0) for junior residents, senior residents, AI, and sequential CT assessment, respectively. Proportions of false negatives were 9%, 3%, 17%, and 2%, respectively. With the developed diagnostic pathway, junior residents evaluated all CT scans with the support of AI. Senior residents were only required as second readers in 26% (41/160) of the CT scans.

CONCLUSION: AI can support junior residents with chest CT evaluation for COVID-19 and reduce the workload of senior residents. A review of selected CT scans by senior residents is mandatory.}, } @article {pmid36852805, year = {2023}, author = {Dinodia, M}, title = {Recent Advances in N-Heterocycles for COVID-19 Treatment - A Mini Review.}, journal = {Medicinal chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates))}, volume = {19}, number = {8}, pages = {717-729}, doi = {10.2174/1573406419666230228115410}, pmid = {36852805}, issn = {1875-6638}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; *Heterocyclic Compounds/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {Severe emergencies occurred across the globe, beginning with the outbreak of SARSCoV in 2002, followed by MERS-CoV in 2012. In December 2019, an acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, China as the agent responsible for the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The virus rapidly spread throughout the world due to its high transmissibility, leading to enormous health problems and complexities. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected public health, the weak persons were severely affected by this virus. To stop the disease from spreading further, effective remedies are the need of the hour. Although SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaigns are being carried out all over the globe, several new SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged, and each has caused a wave of infections, highlighting an urgent need for therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2. Heterocyclic compounds have been explored extensively for a very long time for their biological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antitubercular, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and many more bio-activities. Through this review, the author has tried to report the heterocyclic compounds synthesized all over the world over the last 2 years to fight against the SARS CoV-2 coronaviruses. The heterocyclic motifs mentioned in the review can serve as important resources for the development of COVID-19 treatment methods.}, } @article {pmid36593537, year = {2023}, author = {Deshmukh, R and Mishra, S and Singh, R}, title = {Biosensors - A Miraculous Detecting Tool in Combating the War against COVID-19.}, journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology}, volume = {24}, number = {11}, pages = {1430-1448}, doi = {10.2174/1389201024666230102121605}, pmid = {36593537}, issn = {1873-4316}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Testing ; Artificial Intelligence ; *Metal Nanoparticles ; Silver ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; }, abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), commonly known as COVID-19, created rack and ruin and erupted as a global epidemic. Nearly 482.3 million cases and approximately 6.1 million deaths have been reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated it an international medical emergency on January 30, 2020; shortly in March 2020, it was declared a pandemic. To address this situation, governments and scientists around the globe were urged to combat and prevent its spread, mainly when no treatment was available. Presently, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most widely utilized technique for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2. But this method is cumbersome, tedious, and might not be quickly accessible in isolated areas with a circumscribed budget. Therefore, there is a quest for novel diagnostic techniques which can diagnose the disease in a lesser time in an economical way. This paper outlines the potential of biosensors in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. This review highlights the current state of presently available detection techniques, expected potential limits, and the benefits of biosensor-implicated tests against SARS-Cov-2 diagnosis. CRISPR-Cas9 implanted paper strip, field-effect transistor (FET) implanted sensor, nucleic-acid centric, aptamers-implanted biosensor, antigen-Au/Ag nanoparticles-based electrochemical biosensor, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensor, Surface Plasmon Resonance, potential electrochemical biosensor, optical biosensor, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) are some of the novel biosensing devices that are being utilized in the prognosis of coronaviruses.}, } @article {pmid36472714, year = {2023}, author = {Hamm, J and Duncan, MS and Robertson, NM and Keck, JW and Crabtree, K}, title = {COVID-19 in Patients with a Primary Refugee-Associated Language in a Kentucky Emergency Department During 2020.}, journal = {Journal of immigrant and minority health}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, pages = {728-732}, pmid = {36472714}, issn = {1557-1920}, support = {KL2 TR001996/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001998/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; KL2TR001996/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001998/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; KL2TR001996/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; United States ; Kentucky/epidemiology ; *Refugees ; COVID-19 Testing ; *COVID-19 ; Language ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {COVID-19 has heavily impacted the refugee population in the United States due to exposure risks, living and working conditions, and healthcare access, but little is known about outcomes. We reviewed emergency department visits to a Kentucky hospital among 2163 patients from March-December 2020, studying incidence of COVID-19 diagnosis for patients with a primary refugee-associated language compared to English speakers, and outcomes after diagnosis including hospitalization, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Patients in the population of interest had higher odds of COVID-19 diagnosis in the hospital (OR = 12.31, 95% CI 7.80-19.40), but, among those with COVID-19, lower odds of hospital admission (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.90) and shorter median length of stay (4.1 vs. 10.5 days) compared to English speakers. The study corroborates reports of comparatively higher COVID-19 incidence in patients speaking a primary refugee-associated language, but implies milder illness severity, possibly reflecting this population's baseline health.}, } @article {pmid36043749, year = {2023}, author = {Al-Kuraishy, HM and Al-Gareeb, AI and Alexiou, A and Batiha, GE}, title = {Cannabinoids Receptors in COVID-19: Perpetrators and Victims.}, journal = {Current medicinal chemistry}, volume = {30}, number = {34}, pages = {3832-3845}, doi = {10.2174/0929867329666220829145029}, pmid = {36043749}, issn = {1875-533X}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Receptors, Cannabinoid ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Cannabinoids/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Cytokines ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/drug therapy ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and leads to acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and extrapulmonary manifestations in severely affected cases. However, most of the affected cases are mild or asymptomatic. Cannabinoids (CBs) such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which act on G-protein-coupled receptors called CB1 and CB2, have anti-inflammatory effects. Many published studies show that CBs are effective in various inflammatory disorders, viral infections, and attenuation of ALI and ARDS. Therefore, the present narrative review aimed to summarize the possible immunological role of CBs in COVID-19. The effects of CBs are controversial, although they have beneficial effects via CB2 receptors and adverse effects via CB1 receptors against ALI, ARDS, and hyperinflammation, which are hallmarks of COVID-19. The present narrative review has shown that CBs effectively manage ALI and ARDS by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are common in COVID-19. Therefore, CBs may be used to manage COVID-19 because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways.}, } @article {pmid37243253, year = {2023}, author = {Akinosoglou, K and Rigopoulos, EA and Schinas, G and Kaiafa, G and Polyzou, E and Tsoupra, S and Tzouvelekis, A and Gogos, C and Savopoulos, C}, title = {Remdesivir Use in the Real-World Setting: An Overview of Available Evidence.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37243253}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {In the years of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), various treatment options have been utilized. COVID-19 continues to circulate in the global population, and the evolution of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has posed significant challenges to the treatment and prevention of infection. Remdesivir (RDV), an anti-viral agent with in vitro efficacy against coronaviruses, is a potent and safe treatment as suggested by a plethora of in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials. Emerging real-world data have confirmed its effectiveness, and there are currently datasets evaluating its efficacy and safety against SARS-CoV-2 infections in various clinical scenarios, including some that are not in the SmPC recommendations according for COVID-19 pharmacotherapy. Remdesivir increases the chance of recovery, reduces progression to severe disease, lowers mortality rates, and exhibits beneficial post-hospitalization outcomes, especially when used early in the course of the disease. Strong evidence suggests the expansion of remdesivir use in special populations (e.g., pregnancy, immunosuppression, renal impairment, transplantation, elderly and co-medicated patients) where the benefits of treatment outweigh the risk of adverse effects. In this article, we attempt to overview the available real-world data of remdesivir pharmacotherapy. With the unpredictable course of COVID-19, we need to utilize all available knowledge to bridge the gap between clinical research and clinical practice and be sufficiently prepared for the future.}, } @article {pmid37243251, year = {2023}, author = {Schinas, G and Moustaka, V and Polyzou, E and Almyroudi, MP and Dimopoulos, G and Akinosoglou, K}, title = {Targeting CMV Reactivation to Optimize Care for Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Review on the Therapeutic Potential of Antiviral Treatment.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37243251}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation has been linked to adverse clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, with emerging evidence suggesting a potential connection with severe COVID-19. Mechanisms driving this association may include primary lung injury, amplification of systemic inflammation, and secondary immunosuppression. Diagnostic challenges in detecting and assessing CMV reactivation necessitate a comprehensive approach to improve accuracy and inform treatment decisions. Currently, there is limited evidence on the efficacy and safety of CMV pharmacotherapy in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Although insights from non-COVID-19 critical illness studies suggest a potential role for antiviral treatment or prophylaxis, the risks and benefits must be carefully balanced in this vulnerable patient population. Understanding the pathophysiological role of CMV in the context of COVID-19 and exploring the advantages of antiviral treatment are crucial for optimizing care in critically ill patients. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of available evidence, emphasizing the need for additional investigation to establish the role of CMV treatment or prophylaxis in the management of severe COVID-19 and to develop a framework for future research on this topic.}, } @article {pmid37243246, year = {2023}, author = {Principi, N and Autore, G and Ramundo, G and Esposito, S}, title = {Epidemiology of Respiratory Infections during the COVID-19 Pandemic.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37243246}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {To face the COVID-19 outbreak, a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) aimed at limiting the spread of the virus in communities, such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, social distancing, travel restrictions, and school closures, were introduced in most countries. Thereafter, a significant reduction of new asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 cases occurred, although there were differences between countries according to the type and duration of the NPIs. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by significant variations in the global incidence of diseases due to the most common non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses and some bacteria. In this narrative review, the epidemiology of the most common non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic is detailed. Moreover, factors that could have had a role in modifying the traditional circulation of respiratory pathogens are discussed. A literature analysis shows that NPIs were the most important cause of the general reduction in the incidence of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection in the first year of the pandemic, although the different sensitivity of each virus to NPIs, the type and duration of measures used, as well as the interference among viruses may have played a role in modulating viral circulation. Reasons for the increase in the incidences of Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A Streptococcus infections seem strictly linked to immunity debt and the role played by NPIs in reducing viral infections and limiting bacterial superimposed infections. These results highlight the importance of NPIs during pandemics, the need to monitor the circulation of infectious agents that cause diseases similar to those caused by pandemic agents, and the need to make efforts to improve coverage with available vaccines.}, } @article {pmid37243244, year = {2023}, author = {Cheng, Y and Ji, C and Zhou, HY and Zheng, H and Wu, A}, title = {Web Resources for SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Database, Annotation, Analysis and Variant Tracking.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v15051158}, pmid = {37243244}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 genomic data continue to grow, providing valuable information for researchers and public health officials. Genomic analysis of these data sheds light on the transmission and evolution of the virus. To aid in SARS-CoV-2 genomic analysis, many web resources have been developed to store, collate, analyze, and visualize the genomic data. This review summarizes web resources used for the SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology, covering data management and sharing, genomic annotation, analysis, and variant tracking. The challenges and further expectations for these web resources are also discussed. Finally, we highlight the importance and need for continued development and improvement of related web resources to effectively track the spread and understand the evolution of the virus.}, } @article {pmid37243203, year = {2023}, author = {Dutta, D and Liu, J and Xiong, H}, title = {The Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV-1 and HIV-1-Associated Neurological Complications.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v15051117}, pmid = {37243203}, issn = {1999-4915}, support = {R01 DA050540/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative pathogen of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a fatal respiratory illness. The associated risk factors for COVID-19 are old age and medical comorbidities. In the current combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era, a significant portion of people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) with controlled viremia is older and with comorbidities, making these people vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-associated severe outcomes. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 is neurotropic and causes neurological complications, resulting in a health burden and an adverse impact on PLWH and exacerbating HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity on neuroinflammation, the development of HAND and preexisting HAND is poorly explored. In the present review, we compiled the current knowledge of differences and similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1, the conditions of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and HIV-1/AIDS syndemic and their impact on the central nervous system (CNS). Risk factors of COVID-19 on PLWH and neurological manifestations, inflammatory mechanisms leading to the neurological syndrome, the development of HAND, and its influence on preexisting HAND are also discussed. Finally, we have reviewed the challenges of the present syndemic on the world population, with a particular emphasis on PLWH.}, } @article {pmid37243186, year = {2023}, author = {Tian, WJ and Wang, XJ}, title = {Broad-Spectrum Antivirals Derived from Natural Products.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v15051100}, pmid = {37243186}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {Scientific advances have led to the development and production of numerous vaccines and antiviral drugs, but viruses, including re-emerging and emerging viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, remain a major threat to human health. Many antiviral agents are rarely used in clinical treatment, however, because of their inefficacy and resistance. The toxicity of natural products may be lower, and some natural products have multiple targets, which means less resistance. Therefore, natural products may be an effective means to solve virus infection in the future. New techniques and ideas are currently being developed for the design and screening of antiviral drugs thanks to recent revelations about virus replication mechanisms and the advancement of molecular docking technology. This review will summarize recently discovered antiviral drugs, mechanisms of action, and screening and design strategies for novel antiviral agents.}, } @article {pmid37243158, year = {2023}, author = {Buchynskyi, M and Kamyshna, I and Oksenych, V and Zavidniuk, N and Kamyshnyi, A}, title = {The Intersection of COVID-19 and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: An Overview of the Current Evidence.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v15051072}, pmid = {37243158}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {The global population is currently experiencing the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which has caused the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With our profound comprehension of COVID-19, encompassing the involvement sequence of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, and cardiovascular apparatus, the multiorgan symptoms of this infectious disease have been discerned. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a pervasive public health concern intricately linked with metabolic dysregulation and estimated to afflict one-fourth of the global adult population. The burgeoning focus on the association between COVID-19 and MAFLD is justified by the potential role of the latter as a risk factor for both SARS-CoV-2 infection and the subsequent emergence of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Investigations have suggested that changes in both innate and adaptive immune responses among MAFLD patients may play a role in determining the severity of COVID-19. The remarkable similarities observed in the cytokine pathways implicated in both diseases imply the existence of shared mechanisms governing the chronic inflammatory responses characterizing these conditions. The effect of MAFLD on the severity of COVID-19 illness remains uncertain, as indicated by conflicting results in cohort investigations.}, } @article {pmid37243131, year = {2023}, author = {Devaux, CA and Camoin-Jau, L}, title = {Molecular Mimicry of the Viral Spike in the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Possibly Triggers Transient Dysregulation of ACE2, Leading to Vascular and Coagulation Dysfunction Similar to SARS-CoV-2 Infection.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v15051045}, pmid = {37243131}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {The benefits of SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccines are well known, including a significant decline in COVID-19 morbidity and a decrease in the mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 infected persons. However, pharmacovigilance studies have revealed the existence of rare cases of cardiovascular complications after mass vaccination using such formulations. Cases of high blood pressure have also been reported but were rarely documented under perfectly controlled medical supervision. The press release of these warning signals triggered a huge debate over COVID-19 vaccines' safety. Thereby, our attention was quickly focused on issues involving the risk of myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome, hypertension and thrombosis. Rare cases of undesirable post-vaccine pathophysiological phenomena should question us, especially when they occur in young subjects. They are more likely to occur with inappropriate use of mRNA vaccine (e.g., at the time when the immune response is already very active during a low-noise infection in the process of healing), leading to angiotensin II (Ang II) induced inflammation triggering tissue damage. Such harmful effects observed after the COVID-19 vaccine evoke a possible molecular mimicry of the viral spike transiently dysregulating angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) function. Although the benefit/risk ratio of SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine is very favorable, it seems reasonable to suggest medical surveillance to patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases who receive the COVID-19 vaccine.}, } @article {pmid37243127, year = {2023}, author = {Hessien, M and Donia, T and Tabll, AA and Adly, E and Abdelhafez, TH and Attia, A and Alkafaas, SS and Kuna, L and Glasnovic, M and Cosic, V and Smolic, R and Smolic, M}, title = {Mechanistic-Based Classification of Endocytosis-Related Inhibitors: Does It Aid in Assigning Drugs against SARS-CoV-2?.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v15051040}, pmid = {37243127}, issn = {1999-4915}, abstract = {Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) canonically utilizes clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and several other endocytic mechanisms to invade airway epithelial cells. Endocytic inhibitors, particularly those targeting CME-related proteins, have been identified as promising antiviral drugs. Currently, these inhibitors are ambiguously classified as chemical, pharmaceutical, or natural inhibitors. However, their varying mechanisms may suggest a more realistic classification system. Herein, we present a new mechanistic-based classification of endocytosis inhibitors, in which they are segregated among four distinct classes including: (i) inhibitors that disrupt endocytosis-related protein-protein interactions, and assembly or dissociation of complexes; (ii) inhibitors of large dynamin GTPase and/or kinase/phosphatase activities associated with endocytosis; (iii) inhibitors that modulate the structure of subcellular components, especially the plasma membrane, and actin; and (iv) inhibitors that cause physiological or metabolic alterations in the endocytosis niche. Excluding antiviral drugs designed to halt SARS-CoV-2 replication, other drugs, either FDA-approved or suggested through basic research, could be systematically assigned to one of these classes. We observed that many anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs could be included either in class III or IV as they interfere with the structural or physiological integrity of subcellular components, respectively. This perspective may contribute to our understanding of the relative efficacy of endocytosis-related inhibitors and support the optimization of their individual or combined antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2. However, their selectivity, combined effects, and possible interactions with non-endocytic cellular targets need more clarification.}, } @article {pmid37243115, year = {2023}, author = {Calabrò, GE and Pappalardo, C and D'Ambrosio, F and Vece, M and Lupi, C and Lontano, A and Di Russo, M and Ricciardi, R and de Waure, C}, title = {The Impact of Vaccination on COVID-19 Burden of Disease in the Adult and Elderly Population: A Systematic Review of Italian Evidence.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11051011}, pmid = {37243115}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {COVID-19 is a major global health threat, with millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. Containment and mitigation strategies, including vaccination, have been implemented to reduce transmission and protect the population. We conducted two systematic reviews to collect nonrandomized studies investigating the effects of vaccination on COVID-19-related complications and deaths in the Italian population. We considered studies conducted in Italian settings and written in English that contained data on the effects of vaccination on COVID-19-related mortality and complications. We excluded studies that pertained to the pediatric population. In total, we included 10 unique studies in our two systematic reviews. The results showed that fully vaccinated individuals had a lower risk of death, severe symptoms, and hospitalization compared to unvaccinated individuals. The review also looked at the impact of vaccination on post-COVID-19 syndrome, the effectiveness of booster doses in older individuals, and nationwide adverse events. Our work highlights the crucial role that vaccination campaigns have played in reducing the burden of COVID-19 disease in the Italian adult population, positively impacting the pandemic trajectory in Italy.}, } @article {pmid37243100, year = {2023}, author = {Fu, C and Lin, N and Zhu, J and Ye, Q}, title = {Association between Overweight/Obesity and the Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050996}, pmid = {37243100}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to appraise the interrelation between overweight/obesity and the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination by synthesizing the currently available evidence.

METHODS: A systematic review of published studies on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in people who were overweight or obese was conducted. Databases including Embase, Medline Epub (Ovid), PsychInfo (Ovid), Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies. The databases of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) were also searched for relevant unpublished and gray literature.

RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in the review. All the included studies used observational study designs; there were ten cohort studies and five cross-sectional studies. The sample size of these studies ranged from 21 to 9,171,524. Thirteen studies reported using BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech, USA), four reported using ChAdOx-nCov19 (AstraZeneca, U.K), two were reported using CoronaVac (Sinovac, China), and two were reported using mRNA1273 (Moderna, USA). The efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively studied in individuals with overweight/obesity. Most studies have shown that the humoral response decreases with increasing BMI. The available evidence does not conclusively indicate that these vaccines are generally safe in this population.

CONCLUSION: While the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine may be less than ideal in people who are overweight or obese, it does not mean that obese people should not be vaccinated, as the vaccine can still provide some protection. There is a lack of evidence for conclusions to be drawn about the safety of the vaccine in the population. This study calls on health professionals, policymakers, caregivers, and all other stakeholders to focus on monitoring the possible adverse effects of injections in overweight/obese people.}, } @article {pmid37243096, year = {2023}, author = {Meade, E and Rowan, N and Garvey, M}, title = {Bioprocessing and the Production of Antiviral Biologics in the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infectious Disease.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050992}, pmid = {37243096}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {Emerging, re-emerging and zoonotic viral pathogens represent a serious threat to human health, resulting in morbidity, mortality and potentially economic instability at a global scale. Certainly, the recent emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (and its variants) highlighted the impact of such pathogens, with the pandemic creating unprecedented and continued demands for the accelerated production of antiviral therapeutics. With limited effective small molecule therapies available for metaphylaxis, vaccination programs have been the mainstay against virulent viral species. Traditional vaccines remain highly effective at providing high antibody titres, but are, however, slow to manufacture in times of emergency. The limitations of traditional vaccine modalities may be overcome by novel strategies, as outlined herein. To prevent future disease outbreaks, paradigm shift changes in manufacturing and distribution are necessary to advance the production of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cytokines and other antiviral therapies. Accelerated paths for antivirals have been made possible due to advances in bioprocessing, leading to the production of novel antiviral agents. This review outlines the role of bioprocessing in the production of biologics and advances in mitigating viral infectious disease. In an era of emerging viral diseases and the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance, this review provides insight into a significant method of antiviral agent production which is key to protecting public health.}, } @article {pmid37243095, year = {2023}, author = {Uversky, VN and Redwan, EM and Makis, W and Rubio-Casillas, A}, title = {IgG4 Antibodies Induced by Repeated Vaccination May Generate Immune Tolerance to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050991}, pmid = {37243095}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {Less than a year after the global emergence of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a novel vaccine platform based on mRNA technology was introduced to the market. Globally, around 13.38 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses of diverse platforms have been administered. To date, 72.3% of the total population has been injected at least once with a COVID-19 vaccine. As the immunity provided by these vaccines rapidly wanes, their ability to prevent hospitalization and severe disease in individuals with comorbidities has recently been questioned, and increasing evidence has shown that, as with many other vaccines, they do not produce sterilizing immunity, allowing people to suffer frequent re-infections. Additionally, recent investigations have found abnormally high levels of IgG4 in people who were administered two or more injections of the mRNA vaccines. HIV, Malaria, and Pertussis vaccines have also been reported to induce higher-than-normal IgG4 synthesis. Overall, there are three critical factors determining the class switch to IgG4 antibodies: excessive antigen concentration, repeated vaccination, and the type of vaccine used. It has been suggested that an increase in IgG4 levels could have a protecting role by preventing immune over-activation, similar to that occurring during successful allergen-specific immunotherapy by inhibiting IgE-induced effects. However, emerging evidence suggests that the reported increase in IgG4 levels detected after repeated vaccination with the mRNA vaccines may not be a protective mechanism; rather, it constitutes an immune tolerance mechanism to the spike protein that could promote unopposed SARS-CoV2 infection and replication by suppressing natural antiviral responses. Increased IgG4 synthesis due to repeated mRNA vaccination with high antigen concentrations may also cause autoimmune diseases, and promote cancer growth and autoimmune myocarditis in susceptible individuals.}, } @article {pmid37243087, year = {2023}, author = {Thammathiwat, T and Banjongjit, A and Iampenkhae, K and Townamchai, N and Kanjanabuch, T}, title = {ANCA Associated Glomerulonephritis Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Case Series and Systematic Review.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050983}, pmid = {37243087}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) proved beneficial for COVID-19 disease attenuation and preventing virus spreading. Cumulative reports of the rarity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) raise concerns about its relationship with COVID-19 vaccination. Several case reports described ANCA-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) following COVID-19 vaccination with some uniqueness. We systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine-induced ANCA-GN from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library databases until 1 January 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines and presented our three cases. Twenty-six cases from 25 articles, including our 3 cases, were analyzed. Most cases were diagnosed following the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (59%) with a median (IQR) interval onset of 14 (16) days. The highest prevalence was related to the mRNA-type vaccine. Anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) ANCA was far more common than the other ANCAs, with various positive autoantibodies. Fourteen cases (out of 29 cases, 48%) had extra-kidney AAV manifestation. Although severe kidney injury was observed in 10/29 (34%), remission was achieved in 89% (25/28) with no death. The mechanisms of the vaccine-inducing ANCA-GN were postulated here. Since ANCA-GN after the COVID-19 vaccine was rare, the benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine could outweigh the risk of ANCA-GN side effects in the pandemic era.}, } @article {pmid37243078, year = {2023}, author = {Nabia, S and Wonodi, CB and Vilajeliu, A and Sussman, S and Olson, K and Cooke, R and Udayakumar, K and Twose, C and Ezeanya, N and Adefarrell, AA and Lindstrand, A}, title = {Experiences, Enablers, and Challenges in Service Delivery and Integration of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Rapid Systematic Review.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050974}, pmid = {37243078}, issn = {2076-393X}, support = {COVID Global Accountability Platform/GATES/Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/United States ; }, abstract = {The COVID-19 vaccination is a crucial public health intervention for controlling the spread and severity of the SARS-CoV2 virus. COVID-19 vaccines have been developed in record time, but their deployment has varied across countries, owing to differences in health system capacity, demand for the vaccine, and purchasing power of countries. The aim of this rapid review is to summarize and synthesize experiences on COVID-19 vaccine service delivery and integration to inform future COVID-19 vaccination programming and contribute to the knowledge base for future pandemic management. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus databases. Twenty-five studies were included in the analysis. Included studies spanned nine countries where COVID-19 vaccines were delivered through mass, mobile, and fixed-post vaccination service delivery models. There was limited evidence of integrating COVID-19 vaccines into routine services for pregnant women, people who inject drugs, and leveraging existing health programs to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the general population. Common challenges reported were vaccine skepticism, lack of adequate health workers, and linguistic barriers to access. Partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and the involvement of volunteers were vital in overcoming barriers and contributed to the efficient functioning of COVID-19 vaccination programs.}, } @article {pmid37243073, year = {2023}, author = {Rodilla, AM and Tavolacci, S and Cagan, J and Shah, T and Mittan, S and Mack, PC and Hirsch, FR}, title = {Serological Response to SARS-CoV-2 after COVID-19 Vaccination in Lung Cancer Patients: Short Review.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050969}, pmid = {37243073}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {In comparison to the general population, lung cancer patients are more likely to suffer from severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and associated mortality. Considering this increased risk, and in order to prevent symptoms and severe disease, patients with lung cancer have been prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination primary and booster doses. Despite this, the pivotal clinical trials did not include these patients, which leaves open questions regarding vaccine efficacy and humoral immune response. This review outlines the findings of recent investigations into the humoral responses of lung cancer patients to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly the primary doses and first boost.}, } @article {pmid37243057, year = {2023}, author = {Albayat, S and Almaslamani, M and Alromaihi, H and Khogali, H and Mundodan, J and Joury, J and Haridy, H}, title = {Key Lessons from COVID-19: A Narrative Review Describing Qatar's Multifactorial Approach in Executing a Vaccination Campaign.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050953}, pmid = {37243057}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {Widespread vaccination programs have been implemented in many countries to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying success and challenges. To better understand the successes and challenges of the global COVID-19 response in the face of emerging new variants and epidemiologic data, we discuss how Qatar engaged the healthcare sector, governmental bodies, and the populace to combat COVID-19, with a focus on the country's vaccination strategy. This narrative provides the history and timeline of the Qatar COVID-19 vaccination campaign; factors that helped the vaccination campaign and the transferable lessons learned are discussed. Details regarding how Qatar responded to challenges, such as vaccine hesitancy and mitigation of misinformation, are highlighted. Qatar was one of the first countries to procure the BNT162b2 (Comirnaty[®]; Pfizer-BioNTech, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA) and mRNA-1273 (Spikevax[®]; Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA) COVID-19 vaccines. A relatively high vaccination rate and low case mortality rate (0.14% as of 4 January 2023) was observed in Qatar compared with other countries (global case mortality rate, 1.02%). Learnings will be carried forward as a basis for addressing this evolving pandemic and any future national emergencies in Qatar.}, } @article {pmid37243010, year = {2023}, author = {Alcendor, DJ and Matthews-Juarez, P and Smoot, D and Edwards, A and Hildreth, JEK and Juarez, PD}, title = {Vaccine Confidence and Uptake of the Omicron Bivalent Booster in Tennessee: Implications for Vulnerable Populations.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050906}, pmid = {37243010}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {The COVID-19 Omicron variant and its subvariants are now the dominant variants circulating in the US. Therefore, the original COVID-19 vaccine cannot offer full protection. Instead, vaccines that target the spike proteins of the Omicron variants are warranted. Hence, the FDA recommended the development of a bivalent booster. Unfortunately, despite the safety and immunogenicity of the Omicron bivalent boosters from Pfizer and Moderna, uptake in the US has been poor. At this time, only 15.8% of individuals in the US aged five and older have received the Omicron bivalent booster (OBB). The rate is 18% for those aged 18 and older. Poor vaccine confidence and booster uptake are often fueled by misinformation and vaccine fatigue. These result in more problems associated with vaccine hesitancy, which are particular prevalent in Southern states in the US. In Tennessee, the OBB vaccination rate for eligible recipients is only 5.88% at time of writing (16 February 2023). In this review, we discuss (1) the rationale for developing the OBBs; (2) the efficacy and safety of the bivalent boosters; (3) the adverse events associated with these boosters; (4) vaccine hesitancy associated with the OBBs uptake in Tennessee; (5) implications for vulnerable populations, disparities in uptake of OBBs in Tennessee, and strategies to improve vaccine confidence and OBB uptake. In support of public health, it is essential that we continue to provide education, awareness, and vaccine access to the vulnerable and medically underserved populations in Tennessee. Receiving the OBBs is the most effective method to date of protecting the public against severe COVID disease, hospitalization, and death.}, } @article {pmid37243006, year = {2023}, author = {Castrodeza-Sanz, J and Sanz-Muñoz, I and Eiros, JM}, title = {Adjuvants for COVID-19 Vaccines.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050902}, pmid = {37243006}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {In recent decades, the improvement of traditional vaccines has meant that we have moved from inactivated whole virus vaccines, which provoke a moderate immune response but notable adverse effects, to much more processed vaccines such as protein subunit vaccines, which despite being less immunogenic have better tolerability profiles. This reduction in immunogenicity is detrimental to the prevention of people at risk. For this reason, adjuvants are a good solution to improve the immunogenicity of this type of vaccine, with much better tolerability profiles and a low prevalence of side effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination focused on mRNA-type and viral vector vaccines. However, during the years 2022 and 2023, the first protein-based vaccines began to be approved. Adjuvanted vaccines are capable of inducing potent responses, not only humoral but also cellular, in populations whose immune systems are weak or do not respond properly, such as the elderly. Therefore, this type of vaccine should complete the portfolio of existing vaccines, and could help to complete vaccination against COVID-19 worldwide now and over the coming years. In this review we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of adjuvants, as well as their use in current and future vaccines against COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37243000, year = {2023}, author = {De Vito, A and Colpani, A and Trunfio, M and Fiore, V and Moi, G and Fois, M and Leoni, N and Ruiu, S and Babudieri, S and Calcagno, A and Madeddu, G}, title = {Living with HIV and Getting Vaccinated: A Narrative Review.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050896}, pmid = {37243000}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {After 40 years of its appearance, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a leading public health challenge worldwide. Since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV infection has become a chronic condition, and people living with HIV could have life expectancies close to those of the general population. People with HIV often have an increased risk of infection or experience more severe morbidity following exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases. Nowadays, several vaccines are available against bacteria and viruses. However, national and international vaccination guidelines for people with HIV are heterogeneous, and not every vaccine is included. For these reasons, we aimed to perform a narrative review about the vaccinations available for adults living with HIV, reporting the most updated studies performed for each vaccine among this population. We performed a comprehensive literature search through electronic databases (Pubmed-MEDLINE and Embase) and search engines (Google Scholar). We included English peer-reviewed publications (articles and reviews) on HIV and vaccination. Despite widespread use and guideline recommendations, few vaccine trials have been conducted in people with HIV. In addition, not all vaccines are recommended for people with HIV, especially for those with low CD4 cells count. Clinicians should carefully collect the history of vaccinations and patients' acceptance and preferences and regularly check the presence of antibodies for vaccine-preventable pathogens.}, } @article {pmid37242990, year = {2023}, author = {Kawuki, J and Chen, S and Fang, Y and Liang, X and Chan, PS and Wang, Z}, title = {COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance, Attitude and Perception among Slum and Underserved Communities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/vaccines11050886}, pmid = {37242990}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {This systematic review summarises the literature on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, including acceptance, uptake, hesitancy, attitude and perceptions among slum and underserved communities. Relevant studies were searched from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, following a pre-registered protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42022355101) and PRISMA guidelines. We extracted data, used random-effects models to combine the vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and uptake rates categorically, and performed meta-regression by R software (version 4.2.1). Twenty-four studies with 30,323 participants met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence was 58% (95% CI: 49-67%) for vaccine acceptance, 23% (95% CI: 13-39%) for uptake and 29% (95% CI: 18-43%) for hesitancy. Acceptance and uptake were positively associated with various sociodemographic factors, including older age, higher education level, male gender, ethnicity/race (e.g., Whites vs African Americans), more knowledge and a higher level of awareness of vaccines, but some studies reported inconsistent results. Safety and efficacy concerns, low-risk perception, long distance to vaccination centres and unfavourable vaccination schedules were prominent reasons for hesitancy. Moreover, varying levels of attitudes and perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were reported with existing misconceptions and negative beliefs, and these were strong predictors of vaccination. Infodemic management and continuous vaccine education are needed to address existing misconceptions and negative beliefs, and this should target young, less-educated women and ethnic minorities. Considering mobile vaccination units to vaccinate people at home or workplaces would be a useful strategy in addressing access barriers and increasing vaccine uptake.}, } @article {pmid37242804, year = {2023}, author = {Akanchise, T and Angelova, A}, title = {Ginkgo Biloba and Long COVID: In Vivo and In Vitro Models for the Evaluation of Nanotherapeutic Efficacy.}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics15051562}, pmid = {37242804}, issn = {1999-4923}, abstract = {Coronavirus infections are neuroinvasive and can provoke injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and long-term illness consequences. They may be associated with inflammatory processes due to cellular oxidative stress and an imbalanced antioxidant system. The ability of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, such as Ginkgo biloba, to alleviate neurological complications and brain tissue damage has attracted strong ongoing interest in the neurotherapeutic management of long COVID. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb) contains several bioactive ingredients, e.g., bilobalide, quercetin, ginkgolides A-C, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and luteolin. They have various pharmacological and medicinal effects, including memory and cognitive improvement. Ginkgo biloba, through its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, impacts cognitive function and other illness conditions like those in long COVID. While preclinical research on the antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection has shown promising results, clinical translation remains slow due to several challenges (e.g., low drug bioavailability, limited half-life, instability, restricted delivery to target tissues, and poor antioxidant capacity). This review emphasizes the advantages of nanotherapies using nanoparticle drug delivery approaches to overcome these challenges. Various experimental techniques shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the oxidative stress response in the nervous system and help comprehend the pathophysiology of the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To develop novel therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems, several methods for mimicking oxidative stress conditions have been used (e.g., lipid peroxidation products, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors, and models of ischemic brain damage). We hypothesize the beneficial effects of EGb in the neurotherapeutic management of long-term COVID-19 symptoms, evaluated using either in vitro cellular or in vivo animal models of oxidative stress.}, } @article {pmid37242799, year = {2023}, author = {Usman Khan, M and Cai, X and Shen, Z and Mekonnen, T and Kourmatzis, A and Cheng, S and Gholizadeh, H}, title = {Challenges in the Development and Application of Organ-on-Chips for Intranasal Drug Delivery Studies.}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics15051557}, pmid = {37242799}, issn = {1999-4923}, abstract = {With the growing demand for the development of intranasal (IN) products, such as nasal vaccines, which has been especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of novel technologies to accurately test the safety and effectiveness of IN products in vitro so that they can be delivered promptly to the market is critically acknowledged. There have been attempts to manufacture anatomically relevant 3D replicas of the human nasal cavity for in vitro IN drug tests, and a couple of organ-on-chip (OoC) models, which mimic some key features of the nasal mucosa, have been proposed. However, these models are still in their infancy, and have not completely recapitulated the critical characteristics of the human nasal mucosa, including its biological interactions with other organs, to provide a reliable platform for preclinical IN drug tests. While the promising potential of OoCs for drug testing and development is being extensively investigated in recent research, the applicability of this technology for IN drug tests has barely been explored. This review aims to highlight the importance of using OoC models for in vitro IN drug tests and their potential applications in IN drug development by covering the background information on the wide usage of IN drugs and their common side effects where some classical examples of each area are pointed out. Specifically, this review focuses on the major challenges of developing advanced OoC technology and discusses the need to mimic the physiological and anatomical features of the nasal cavity and nasal mucosa, the performance of relevant drug safety assays, as well as the fabrication and operational aspects, with the ultimate goal to highlight the much-needed consensus, to converge the effort of the research community in this area of work.}, } @article {pmid37242591, year = {2023}, author = {Feng, YX and Hu, H and Wong, YY and Yao, X and He, ML}, title = {Microneedles: An Emerging Vaccine Delivery Tool and a Prospective Solution to the Challenges of SARS-CoV-2 Mass Vaccination.}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics15051349}, pmid = {37242591}, issn = {1999-4923}, abstract = {Vaccination is an effective measure to prevent infectious diseases. Protective immunity is induced when the immune system is exposed to a vaccine formulation with appropriate immunogenicity. However, traditional injection vaccination is always accompanied by fear and severe pain. As an emerging vaccine delivery tool, microneedles overcome the problems associated with routine needle vaccination, which can effectively deliver vaccines rich in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to the epidermis and dermis painlessly, inducing a strong immune response. In addition, microneedles have the advantages of avoiding cold chain storage and have the flexibility of self-operation, which can solve the logistics and delivery obstacles of vaccines, covering the vaccination of the special population more easily and conveniently. Examples include people in rural areas with restricted vaccine storage facilities and medical professionals, elderly and disabled people with limited mobility, infants and young children afraid of pain. Currently, in the late stage of fighting against COVID-19, the main task is to increase the coverage of vaccines, especially for special populations. To address this challenge, microneedle-based vaccines have great potential to increase global vaccination rates and save many lives. This review describes the current progress of microneedles as a vaccine delivery system and its prospects in achieving mass vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.}, } @article {pmid37242447, year = {2023}, author = {Schaefer, D and Cheng, X}, title = {Recent Advances in Covalent Drug Discovery.}, journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ph16050663}, pmid = {37242447}, issn = {1424-8247}, abstract = {In spite of the increasing number of biologics license applications, the development of covalent inhibitors is still a growing field within drug discovery. The successful approval of some covalent protein kinase inhibitors, such as ibrutinib (BTK covalent inhibitor) and dacomitinib (EGFR covalent inhibitor), and the very recent discovery of covalent inhibitors for viral proteases, such as boceprevir, narlaprevir, and nirmatrelvir, represent a new milestone in covalent drug development. Generally, the formation of covalent bonds that target proteins can offer drugs diverse advantages in terms of target selectivity, drug resistance, and administration concentration. The most important factor for covalent inhibitors is the electrophile (warhead), which dictates selectivity, reactivity, and the type of protein binding (i.e., reversible or irreversible) and can be modified/optimized through rational designs. Furthermore, covalent inhibitors are becoming more and more common in proteolysis, targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for degrading proteins, including those that are currently considered to be 'undruggable'. The aim of this review is to highlight the current state of covalent inhibitor development, including a short historical overview and some examples of applications of PROTAC technologies and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.}, } @article {pmid37242424, year = {2023}, author = {Zuo, J and Meng, T and Wang, Y and Tang, W}, title = {A Review of the Antiviral Activities of Glycyrrhizic Acid, Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid Monoglucuronide.}, journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ph16050641}, pmid = {37242424}, issn = {1424-8247}, abstract = {Licorice, a natural medicine derived from the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza species, possesses a wide range of therapeutic applications, including antiviral properties. Glycyrrhizic acid (GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) are the most important active ingredients in licorice. Glycyrrhetinic acid 3-O-mono-β-d-glucuronide (GAMG) is the active metabolite of GL. GL and its metabolites have a wide range of antiviral activities against viruses, such as, the hepatitis virus, herpes virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and so on. Although their antiviral activity has been widely reported, the specific mechanism of action involving multiple links such as the virus itself, cells, and immunity are not clearly established. In this review, we will give an update on the role of GL and its metabolites as antiviral agents, and detail relevant evidence on the potential use and mechanisms of actions. Analyzing antivirals, their signaling, and the impacts of tissue and autoimmune protection may provide promising new therapeutic strategies.}, } @article {pmid37242413, year = {2023}, author = {Loyola-Cruz, MÁ and Gonzalez-Avila, LU and Martínez-Trejo, A and Saldaña-Padilla, A and Hernández-Cortez, C and Bello-López, JM and Castro-Escarpulli, G}, title = {ESKAPE and Beyond: The Burden of Coinfections in the COVID-19 Pandemic.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12050743}, pmid = {37242413}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {The ESKAPE group constitute a threat to public health, since these microorganisms are associated with severe infections in hospitals and have a direct relationship with high mortality rates. The presence of these bacteria in hospitals had a direct impact on the incidence of healthcare-associated coinfections in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In recent years, these pathogens have shown resistance to multiple antibiotic families. The presence of high-risk clones within this group of bacteria contributes to the spread of resistance mechanisms worldwide. In the pandemic, these pathogens were implicated in coinfections in severely ill COVID-19 patients. The aim of this review is to describe the main microorganisms of the ESKAPE group involved in coinfections in COVID-19 patients, addressing mainly antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, epidemiology, and high-risk clones.}, } @article {pmid37242383, year = {2023}, author = {Devaux, CA and Fantini, J}, title = {Unravelling Antigenic Cross-Reactions toward the World of Coronaviruses: Extent of the Stability of Shared Epitopes and SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike Cross-Neutralizing Antibodies.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12050713}, pmid = {37242383}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {The human immune repertoire retains the molecular memory of a very great diversity of target antigens (epitopes) and can recall this upon a second encounter with epitopes against which it has previously been primed. Although genetically diverse, proteins of coronaviruses exhibit sufficient conservation to lead to antigenic cross-reactions. In this review, our goal is to question whether pre-existing immunity against seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs) or exposure to animal CoVs has influenced the susceptibility of human populations to SARS-CoV-2 and/or had an impact upon the physiopathological outcome of COVID-19. With the hindsight that we now have regarding COVID-19, we conclude that although antigenic cross-reactions between different coronaviruses exist, cross-reactive antibody levels (titers) do not necessarily reflect on memory B cell frequencies and are not always directed against epitopes which confer cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the immunological memory of these infections is short-term and occurs in only a small percentage of the population. Thus, in contrast to what might be observed in terms of cross-protection at the level of a single individual recently exposed to circulating coronaviruses, a pre-existing immunity against HCoVs or other CoVs can only have a very minor impact on SARS-CoV-2 circulation at the level of human populations.}, } @article {pmid37242368, year = {2023}, author = {Zhao, J and Zhao, Y and Zhang, G}, title = {Key Aspects of Coronavirus Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12050698}, pmid = {37242368}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is an enveloped and positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. IBV was the first coronavirus to be discovered and predominantly causes respiratory disease in commercial poultry worldwide. This review summarizes several important aspects of IBV, including epidemiology, genetic diversity, antigenic diversity, and multiple system disease caused by IBV as well as vaccination and antiviral strategies. Understanding these areas will provide insight into the mechanism of pathogenicity and immunoprotection of IBV and may improve prevention and control strategies for the disease.}, } @article {pmid37242315, year = {2023}, author = {Scendoni, R and Bury, E and Lima Arrais Ribeiro, I and Cingolani, M and Cameriere, R and De Benedictis, A and De Micco, F}, title = {Leading Pathogens Involved in Co-Infection and Super-Infection with COVID-19: Forensic Medicine Considerations after a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens12050646}, pmid = {37242315}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about the potential for co-infection or over-infection with other respiratory infections, as they can complicate the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the disease. This is also a challenge for forensic pathologists, who may come across cases where the presence of co-infection or over-infection is suspected or confirmed, and it is important that they take this into account when determining the cause of death. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the prevalence of each specific pathogen co-infecting or over-infecting patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In total, 575 studies were selected from the Scopus and Pub-Med online databases and 8 studies were included in a meta-analysis. Male gender, advanced age and nursing home care are risk factors associated with the development of co-infection, whereas age, tachypnoea, hypoxaemia and bacterial infection are predictors of mortality. Overall, however, having a SARS-CoV-2 infection does not represent a real risk for the development of co-infections/super-infections.}, } @article {pmid37242281, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, S and Wu, J and Ran, D and Ou, G and Chen, Y and Xu, H and Deng, L and Chen, X}, title = {Study of the Relationship between Mucosal Immunity and Commensal Microbiota: A Bibliometric Analysis.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {15}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/nu15102398}, pmid = {37242281}, issn = {2072-6643}, abstract = {This study presents the first bibliometric evaluation and systematic analysis of publications related to mucosal immunity and commensal microbiota over the last two decades and summarizes the contribution of countries, institutions, and scholars in the study of this field. A total of 1423 articles related to mucosal immunity and commensal microbiota in vivo published in 532 journals by 7774 authors from 1771 institutions in 74 countries/regions were analyzed. The interaction between commensal microbiota in vivo and mucosal immunity is essential in regulating the immune response of the body, maintaining communication between different kinds of commensal microbiota and the host, and so on. Several hot spots in this field have been found to have received extensive attention in recent years, especially the effects of metabolites of key strains on mucosal immunity, the physiopathological phenomena of commensal microbiota in various sites including the intestine, and the relationship between COVID-19, mucosal immunity and microbiota. We hope that the full picture of the last 20 years in this research area provided in this study will serve to deliver necessary cutting-edge information to relevant researchers.}, } @article {pmid37241870, year = {2023}, author = {Ambra, R and Melloni, S and Venneria, E}, title = {Could Selenium Supplementation Prevent COVID-19? A Comprehensive Review of Available Studies.}, journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {28}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/molecules28104130}, pmid = {37241870}, issn = {1420-3049}, abstract = {The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the scientific evidence investigating selenium's relationship with COVID-19, aiming to support, or refute, the growing hypothesis that supplementation could prevent COVID-19 etiopathogenesis. In fact, immediately after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several speculative reviews suggested that selenium supplementation in the general population could act as a silver bullet to limit or even prevent the disease. Instead, a deep reading of the scientific reports on selenium and COVID-19 that are available to date supports neither the specific role of selenium in COVID-19 severity, nor the role of its supplementation in the prevention disease onset, nor its etiology.}, } @article {pmid37241556, year = {2023}, author = {Tieu, MV and Le, HTN and Cho, S}, title = {Using Nanomaterials for SARS-CoV-2 Sensing via Electrochemical Techniques.}, journal = {Micromachines}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/mi14050933}, pmid = {37241556}, issn = {2072-666X}, abstract = {Advancing low-cost and user-friendly innovations to benefit public health is an important task of scientific and engineering research. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), electrochemical sensors are being developed for low-cost SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings. Nanostructures with sizes ranging from 10 nm to a few micrometers could deliver optimum electrochemical behavior (e.g., quick response, compact size, sensitivity and selectivity, and portability), providing an excellent alternative to the existing techniques. Therefore, nanostructures, such as metal, 1D, and 2D materials, have been successfully applied in in vitro and in vivo detection of a wide range of infectious diseases, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Electrochemical detection methods reduce the cost of electrodes, provide analytical ability to detect targets with a wide variety of nanomaterials, and are an essential strategy in biomarker sensing as they can rapidly, sensitively, and selectively detect SARS-CoV-2. The current studies in this area provide fundamental knowledge of electrochemical techniques for future applications.}, } @article {pmid37241191, year = {2023}, author = {Anand, A and Aoyagi, H}, title = {Understudied Hyperphosphatemia (Chronic Kidney Disease) Treatment Targets and New Biological Approaches.}, journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)}, volume = {59}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/medicina59050959}, pmid = {37241191}, issn = {1648-9144}, abstract = {Hyperphosphatemia is a secondary disorder of chronic kidney disease that causes vascular calcifications and bone-mineral disorders. As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, renal damage requires first-priority medical attention for patients with COVID-19; according to a Johns Hopkins Medicine report, SARS-CoV-2 can cause renal damage. Therefore, addressing the research inputs required to manage hyperphosphatemia is currently in great demand. This review highlights research inputs, such as defects in the diagnosis of hyperphosphatemia, flaws in understanding the mechanisms associated with understudied tertiary toxicities, less cited adverse effects of phosphate binders that question their use in the market, socioeconomic challenges of renal treatment and public awareness regarding the management of a phosphate-controlled diet, novel biological approaches (synbiotics) to prevent hyperphosphatemia as safer strategies with potential additional health benefits, and future functional food formulations to enhance the quality of life. We have not only introduced our contributions to emphasise the hidden aspects and research gaps in comprehending hyperphosphatemia but also suggested new research areas to strengthen approaches to prevent hyperphosphatemia in the near future.}, } @article {pmid37241099, year = {2023}, author = {Porosnicu, TM and Sirbu, IO and Oancea, C and Sandesc, D and Bratosin, F and Rosca, O and Jipa, D and Boeriu, E and Bandi, SSS and Pricop, M}, title = {The Impact of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Inflammatory Markers and Acute Phase Reactants in Patients with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection.}, journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)}, volume = {59}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/medicina59050867}, pmid = {37241099}, issn = {1648-9144}, abstract = {Background and Objectives: Due to the poor prognosis and the very high mortality rate associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, various regimens have been tried to stop the evolution of the inflammatory cascade, such as immunomodulatory therapy and plasma clearance of the acute phase reactants involved. Therefore, the objective of this review was to analyze the effects of using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), also known as plasmapheresis, on the inflammatory markers of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: A thorough scientific database search was performed, and it included a review of articles published on PubMed, Cochrane Database, Scopus, and Web of Science from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 until September 2022 that focused on the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections using plasma exchange for patients admitted to the ICU. The current study included original articles, reviews, editorials, and short or special communications regarding the topic of interest. Results: A total of 13 articles were selected after satisfying the inclusion criterion of three or more patients enrolled with clinically severe COVID-19 that were eligible for TPE. From the included articles, it was observed that TPE was used as a last-resort salvage therapy that can be regarded as an alternative treatment method when the standard management for these patients fails. TPE significantly decreased the inflammatory status as measured by Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocyte count, and D-dimers, as well as improving the clinical status measured with PaO2/FiO2 and duration of hospitalization. The pooled mortality risk reduction after TPE was 20%. Conclusions: There are sufficient studies and evidence to show that TPE reduces inflammatory mediators and improves coagulation function and the clinical/paraclinical status. Nevertheless, although it was shown that TPE decreases the severe inflammatory status without significant complications, the improvement of survival rate remains unclear.}, } @article {pmid37241050, year = {2023}, author = {Shaik, L and Boike, S and Ramar, K and Subramanian, S and Surani, S}, title = {COVID-19 and Sleep Disturbances: A Literature Review of Clinical Evidence.}, journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)}, volume = {59}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/medicina59050818}, pmid = {37241050}, issn = {1648-9144}, abstract = {The need for adequate good quality sleep to optimally function is well known. Over years, various physical, psychological, biological, and social factors have been investigated to understand their impact on sleep. However, understanding the etiological processes that are involved in causing sleep disturbances (SD) as impacted by stressful phases such as pandemics has not been well studied. Many such etiological and management strategies have surfaced during the latest "coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The occurrence of these SD in the infected and uninfected individuals poses a need to investigate factors linked to such occurrence during this phase. Some of such factors include stressful practices such as social distancing, masking, vaccines, and medications availability, changes in routines, and lifestyles. As the status of infection improved, a collective term for all the prolonged effects of COVID-19 after the resolution of the primary infection called the post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) surfaced. Apart from impacting sleep during the infectious phase, the aftereffects of this virus left an even greater impact during the PCS. Various mechanisms have been hypothesized to be linked to such SD during the PCS, but the available data are inconclusive. Further, the varied patterns of incidence of these SDs differed by many factors, such as age, gender, and geographical location, making clinical management even more challenging. This review elucidates the impact of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID) disease on sleep health during the various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also investigate different causal relationships, management strategies, and knowledge gaps related to SD during the COVID-19 pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37240967, year = {2023}, author = {Juliá-Burchés, C and Martínez-Varea, A}, title = {An Update on COVID-19 Vaccination and Pregnancy.}, journal = {Journal of personalized medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jpm13050797}, pmid = {37240967}, issn = {2075-4426}, abstract = {Pregnant women are more prone to experience severe COVID-19 disease, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of invasive ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and mortality compared to non-pregnant individuals. Additionally, research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and stillbirth, as well as adverse neonatal outcomes, including hospitalization and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. This review assessed the available literature from November 2021 to 19 March 2023, concerning the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccination administered during pregnancy is not linked to significant adverse events related to the vaccine or negative obstetric, fetal, or neonatal outcomes. Moreover, the vaccine has the same effectiveness in preventing severe COVID-19 disease in pregnant individuals as in the general population. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination is the safest and most effective method for pregnant women to protect themselves and their newborns from severe COVID-19 disease, hospitalization, and ICU admission. Thus, vaccination should be recommended for pregnant patients. While the immunogenicity of vaccination in pregnancy appears to be similar to that in the general population, more research is needed to determine the optimal timing of vaccination during pregnancy for the benefit of the neonate.}, } @article {pmid37240943, year = {2023}, author = {Shad, MU}, title = {Recent Developments in Pharmacotherapy of Depression: Bench to Bedside.}, journal = {Journal of personalized medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jpm13050773}, pmid = {37240943}, issn = {2075-4426}, abstract = {For the last 70 years, we did not move beyond the monoamine hypothesis of depression until the approval of the S-enantiomer of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker and the first non-monoaminergic antidepressant characterized by rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects. A similar profile has been reported with another NMDA receptor antagonist, dextromethorphan, which has also been approved to manage depression in combination with bupropion. More recently, the approval of a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, brexanolone, has added to the list of recent breakthroughs with the relatively rapid onset of antidepressant efficacy. However, multiple factors have compromised the clinical utility of these exciting discoveries in the general population, including high drug acquisition costs, mandatory monitoring requirements, parenteral drug administration, lack of insurance coverage, indirect COVID-19 effects on healthcare systems, and training gaps in psychopharmacology. This narrative review aims to analyze the clinical pharmacology of recently approved antidepressants and discuss potential barriers to the bench-to-bedside transfer of knowledge and clinical application of exciting recent discoveries. Overall, clinically meaningful advances in the treatment of depression have not reached a large proportion of depressed patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression, who might benefit the most from the novel antidepressants.}, } @article {pmid37240926, year = {2023}, author = {De Rose, DU and Pace, PG and Ceccherini-Silberstein, F and Dotta, A and Andreoni, M and Sarmati, L and Iannetta, M}, title = {T Lymphocyte Subset Counts and Interferon-Gamma Production in Adults and Children with COVID-19: A Narrative Review.}, journal = {Journal of personalized medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jpm13050755}, pmid = {37240926}, issn = {2075-4426}, abstract = {Adults and children exhibit a broad range of clinical outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection, with minimal to mild symptoms, especially in the pediatric age. However, some children present with a severe hyperinflammatory post-infectious complication named multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), mainly affecting previously healthy subjects. Understanding these differences is still an ongoing challenge, that can lead to new therapeutic strategies and avoid unfavorable outcomes. In this review, we discuss the different roles of T lymphocyte subsets and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the immune responses of adults and children. Lymphopenia can influence these responses and represent a good predictor for the outcome, as reported by most authors. The increased IFN-γ response exhibited by children could be the starting point for the activation of a broad response that leads to MIS-C, with a significantly higher risk than in adults, although a single IFN signature has not been identified. Multicenter studies with large cohorts in both age groups are still needed to study SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis with new tools and to understand how is possible to better modulate immune responses.}, } @article {pmid37240592, year = {2023}, author = {Jalil, Y and Ferioli, M and Dres, M}, title = {The COVID-19 Driving Force: How It Shaped the Evidence of Non-Invasive Respiratory Support.}, journal = {Journal of clinical medicine}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jcm12103486}, pmid = {37240592}, issn = {2077-0383}, abstract = {During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) became crucial in treating patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Despite the fear of viral aerosolization, non-invasive respiratory support has gained attention as a way to alleviate ICU overcrowding and reduce the risks associated with intubation. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented increased demand for research, resulting in numerous publications on observational studies, clinical trials, reviews, and meta-analyses in the past three years. This comprehensive narrative overview describes the physiological rationale, pre-COVID-19 evidence, and results of observational studies and randomized control trials regarding the use of high-flow nasal oxygen, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and continuous positive airway pressure in adult patients with COVID-19 and associated acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. The review also highlights the significance of guidelines and recommendations provided by international societies and the need for further well-designed research to determine the optimal use of NIRS in treating this population.}, } @article {pmid37240552, year = {2023}, author = {Lee, MH and Shomanov, A and Kudaibergenova, M and Viderman, D}, title = {Deep Learning Methods for Interpretation of Pulmonary CT and X-ray Images in Patients with COVID-19-Related Lung Involvement: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Journal of clinical medicine}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jcm12103446}, pmid = {37240552}, issn = {2077-0383}, abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that has been affecting the global population by spreading rapidly and causing severe complications, which require prompt and elaborate emergency treatment. Automatic tools to diagnose COVID-19 could potentially be an important and useful aid. Radiologists and clinicians could potentially rely on interpretable AI technologies to address the diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19 patients. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art deep learning techniques for COVID-19 classification. The previous studies are methodically evaluated, and a summary of the proposed convolutional neural network (CNN)-based classification approaches is presented. The reviewed papers have presented a variety of CNN models and architectures that were developed to provide an accurate and quick automatic tool to diagnose the COVID-19 virus based on presented CT scan or X-ray images. In this systematic review, we focused on the critical components of the deep learning approach, such as network architecture, model complexity, parameter optimization, explainability, and dataset/code availability. The literature search yielded a large number of studies over the past period of the virus spread, and we summarized their past efforts. State-of-the-art CNN architectures, with their strengths and weaknesses, are discussed with respect to diverse technical and clinical evaluation metrics to safely implement current AI studies in medical practice.}, } @article {pmid37240448, year = {2023}, author = {Sonoda, J and Mizoguchi, I and Inoue, S and Watanabe, A and Sekine, A and Yamagishi, M and Miyakawa, S and Yamaguchi, N and Horio, E and Katahira, Y and Hasegawa, H and Hasegawa, T and Yamashita, K and Yoshimoto, T}, title = {A Promising Needle-Free Pyro-Drive Jet Injector for Augmentation of Immunity by Intradermal Injection as a Physical Adjuvant.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24109094}, pmid = {37240448}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {Current worldwide mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 by intramuscular injection using a needled syringe has greatly protected numerous people from COVID-19. An intramuscular injection is generally well tolerated, safer and easier to perform on a large scale, whereas the skin has the benefit of the presence of numerous immune cells, such as professional antigen-presenting dendritic cells. Therefore, intradermal injection is considered superior to intramuscular injection for the induction of protective immunity, but more proficiency is required for the injection. To improve these issues, several different types of more versatile jet injectors have been developed to deliver DNAs, proteins or drugs by high jet velocity through the skin without a needle. Among them, a new needle-free pyro-drive jet injector has a unique characteristic that utilizes gunpower as a mechanical driving force, in particular, bi-phasic pyrotechnics to provoke high jet velocity and consequently the wide dispersion of the injected DNA solution in the skin. A significant amount of evidence has revealed that it is highly effective as a vaccinating tool to induce potent protective cellular and humoral immunity against cancers and infectious diseases. This is presumably explained by the fact that shear stress generated by the high jet velocity facilitates the uptake of DNA in the cells and, consequently, its protein expression. The shear stress also possibly elicits danger signals which, together with the plasmid DNA, subsequently induces the activation of innate immunity including dendritic cell maturation, leading to the establishment of adaptive immunity. This review summarizes the recent advances in needle-free jet injectors to augment the cellular and humoral immunity by intradermal injection and the possible mechanism of action.}, } @article {pmid37240292, year = {2023}, author = {Ragnoli, B and Da Re, B and Galantino, A and Kette, S and Salotti, A and Malerba, M}, title = {Interrelationship between COVID-19 and Coagulopathy: Pathophysiological and Clinical Evidence.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24108945}, pmid = {37240292}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {Since the first description of COVID-19 infection, among clinical manifestations of the disease, including fever, dyspnea, cough, and fatigue, it was observed a high incidence of thromboembolic events potentially evolving towards acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID-19-associated-coagulopathy (CAC). The hypercoagulation state is based on an interaction between thrombosis and inflammation. The so-called CAC represents a key aspect in the genesis of organ damage from SARS-CoV-2. The prothrombotic status of COVID-19 can be explained by the increase in coagulation levels of D-dimer, lymphocytes, fibrinogen, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prothrombin time. Several mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain this hypercoagulable process such as inflammatory cytokine storm, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and stasis for a long time. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms of coagulopathy that may characterize COVID-19 infection and inform on new areas of research. New vascular therapeutic strategies are also reviewed.}, } @article {pmid37240213, year = {2023}, author = {Gudima, G and Kofiadi, I and Shilovskiy, I and Kudlay, D and Khaitov, M}, title = {Antiviral Therapy of COVID-19.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24108867}, pmid = {37240213}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has focused on prophylactic vaccine development. In parallel, the experience of the pharmacotherapy of this disease has increased. Due to the declining protective capacity of vaccines against new strains, as well as increased knowledge about the structure and biology of the pathogen, control of the disease has shifted to the focus of antiviral drug development over the past year. Clinical data on safety and efficacy of antivirals acting at various stages of the virus life cycle has been published. In this review, we summarize mechanisms and clinical efficacy of antiviral therapy of COVID-19 with drugs based on plasma of convalescents, monoclonal antibodies, interferons, fusion inhibitors, nucleoside analogs, and protease inhibitors. The current status of the drugs described is also summarized in relation to the official clinical guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19. In addition, here we describe innovative drugs whose antiviral effect is provided by antisense oligonucleotides targeting the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Analysis of laboratory and clinical data suggests that current antivirals successfully combat broad spectra of emerging strains of SARS-CoV-2 providing reliable defense against COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37240091, year = {2023}, author = {Solimando, AG and Bittrich, M and Shahini, E and Albanese, F and Fritz, G and Krebs, M}, title = {Determinants of COVID-19 Disease Severity-Lessons from Primary and Secondary Immune Disorders including Cancer.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24108746}, pmid = {37240091}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with primary and secondary immune disorders-including patients suffering from cancer-were generally regarded as a high-risk population in terms of COVID-19 disease severity and mortality. By now, scientific evidence indicates that there is substantial heterogeneity regarding the vulnerability towards COVID-19 in patients with immune disorders. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the effect of coexistent immune disorders on COVID-19 disease severity and vaccination response. In this context, we also regarded cancer as a secondary immune disorder. While patients with hematological malignancies displayed lower seroconversion rates after vaccination in some studies, a majority of cancer patients' risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease were either inherent (such as metastatic or progressive disease) or comparable to the general population (age, male gender and comorbidities such as kidney or liver disease). A deeper understanding is needed to better define patient subgroups at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease courses. At the same time, immune disorders as functional disease models offer further insights into the role of specific immune cells and cytokines when orchestrating the immune response towards SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longitudinal serological studies are urgently needed to determine the extent and the duration of SARS-CoV-2 immunity in the general population, as well as immune-compromised and oncological patients.}, } @article {pmid37240057, year = {2023}, author = {Adimulam, T and Arumugam, T and Gokul, A and Ramsuran, V}, title = {Genetic Variants within SARS-CoV-2 Human Receptor Genes May Contribute to Variable Disease Outcomes in Different Ethnicities.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24108711}, pmid = {37240057}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into a global pandemic, with an alarming infectivity and mortality rate. Studies have examined genetic effects on SARS-CoV-2 disease susceptibility and severity within Eurasian populations. These studies identified contrasting effects on the severity of disease between African populations. Genetic factors can explain some of the diversity observed within SARS-CoV-2 disease susceptibility and severity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the SARS-CoV-2 receptor genes have demonstrated detrimental and protective effects across ethnic groups. For example, the TT genotype of rs2285666 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)) is associated with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 disease, which is found at higher frequency within Asian individuals compared to African and European individuals. In this study, we examined four SARS-CoV-2 receptors, ACE2, Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), and Basigin (CD147). A total of 42 SNPs located within the four receptors were reviewed: ACE2 (12), TMPRSS2 (10), BSG (CD147) (5), and NRP1 (15). These SNPs may be determining factors for the decreased disease severity observed within African individuals. Furthermore, we highlight the absence of genetic studies within the African population and emphasize the importance of further research. This review provides a comprehensive summary of specific variants within the SARS-CoV-2 receptor genes, which can offer a better understanding of the pathology of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and identify novel potential therapeutic targets.}, } @article {pmid37239926, year = {2023}, author = {Petersen, E and Chudakova, D and Erdyneeva, D and Zorigt, D and Shabalina, E and Gudkov, D and Karalkin, P and Reshetov, I and Mynbaev, OA}, title = {COVID-19-The Shift of Homeostasis into Oncopathology or Chronic Fibrosis in Terms of Female Reproductive System Involvement.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24108579}, pmid = {37239926}, issn = {1422-0067}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains a global public health concern due to the systemic nature of the infection and its long-term consequences, many of which remain to be elucidated. SARS-CoV-2 targets endothelial cells and blood vessels, altering the tissue microenvironment, its secretion, immune-cell subpopulations, the extracellular matrix, and the molecular composition and mechanical properties. The female reproductive system has high regenerative potential, but can accumulate damage, including due to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is profibrotic and can change the tissue microenvironment toward an oncogenic niche. This makes COVID-19 and its consequences one of the potential regulators of a homeostasis shift toward oncopathology and fibrosis in the tissues of the female reproductive system. We are looking at SARS-CoV-2-induced changes at all levels in the female reproductive system.}, } @article {pmid37239667, year = {2023}, author = {Buhmeida, A and Assidi, M and Budowle, B}, title = {Current Healthcare Systems in Light of Hyperendemic NCDs and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time to Change.}, journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/healthcare11101382}, pmid = {37239667}, issn = {2227-9032}, abstract = {Despite the significant achievements of current healthcare systems (CHCSs) in curing or treating several acute conditions, there has been far less success coping with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which have complex roots and nonconventional transmission vectors. Owing to the impact of the invisible hyperendemic NCDs and the COVID-19 pandemic, the limitations of CHCSs have been exposed. In contrast, the advent of omics-based technologies and big data science has raised global hope of curing or treating NCDs and improving overall healthcare outcomes. However, challenges related to their use and effectiveness must be addressed. Additionally, while such advancements intend to improve quality of life, they can also contribute the ever-increasing health disparity among vulnerable populations, such as low/middle-income populations, poorly educated people, gender-based violence victims, and minority and indigenous peoples, to name a few. Among five health determinants, the contribution of medical care to individual health does not exceed 11%. Therefore, it is time to implement a new well-being-oriented system complementary or parallel to CHCSs that incorporates all five health determinants to tackle NCDs and unforeseen diseases of the future, as well as to promote cost-effective, accessible, and sustainable healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce the current level of healthcare inequity.}, } @article {pmid37239614, year = {2023}, author = {Loofbourrow, BM and Scherr, RE}, title = {Food Insecurity in Higher Education: A Contemporary Review of Impacts and Explorations of Solutions.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph20105884}, pmid = {37239614}, issn = {1660-4601}, abstract = {Food insecurity is a global phenomenon which impacts a variety of social, economic, and life-stage groups. One such group affected by food insecurity is college students, who tend to experience food insecurity at a prevalence which exceeds the average of their local communities. The impacts of food insecurity in this population are multifaceted and have implications for their college experience and beyond. Food insecurity has been observed to have negative effects on college student academic performance, physical health, and mental health. This review explores the impacts of and solutions for food insecurity in this population globally, with particular emphasis on the United States, and specifically California.}, } @article {pmid37239552, year = {2023}, author = {Sorrentino, A and Sulla, F and Santamato, M and di Furia, M and Toto, GA and Monacis, L}, title = {Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Cyberbullying and Cybervictimization Prevalence among Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph20105825}, pmid = {37239552}, issn = {1660-4601}, abstract = {In light of the alarming results emerging from some studies and reports on the significant increase in aggressive online behaviors among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the current research aimed at providing a more detailed evaluation of the investigations focusing on the cyberbullying prevalence rates published between 2020 and 2023. To this purpose, systematic searches were conducted on four databases (Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, Scopus and Google Scholar), and following PRISMA guidelines, 16 studies were included and qualitatively reviewed. Although studies were characterized by a large variety in cyberbullying operationalization and measurement, and by different methodologies used for data collection, the prevalence rates of the involvement in cyberbullying and/or cybervictimization generally revealed opposite trends: an increase in many Asian countries and Australia and a decrease in Western countries. The findings were also discussed by considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, some suggestions were provided to policy makers for promoting prevention and intervention anti-cyberbullying programs in school contexts.}, } @article {pmid37239537, year = {2023}, author = {Giansanti, D}, title = {The Artificial Intelligence in Teledermatology: A Narrative Review on Opportunities, Perspectives, and Bottlenecks.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph20105810}, pmid = {37239537}, issn = {1660-4601}, abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) is recently seeing significant advances in teledermatology (TD), also thanks to the developments that have taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last two years, there was an important development of studies that focused on opportunities, perspectives, and problems in this field. The topic is very important because the telemedicine and AI applied to dermatology have the opportunity to improve both the quality of healthcare for citizens and the workflow of healthcare professionals. This study conducted an overview on the opportunities, the perspectives, and the problems related to the integration of TD with AI. The methodology of this review, following a standardized checklist, was based on: (I) a search of PubMed and Scopus and (II) an eligibility assessment, using parameters with five levels of score. The outcome highlighted that applications of this integration have been identified in various skin pathologies and in quality control, both in eHealth and mHealth. Many of these applications are based on Apps used by citizens in mHealth for self-care with new opportunities but also open questions. A generalized enthusiasm has been registered regarding the opportunities and general perspectives on improving the quality of care, optimizing the healthcare processes, minimizing costs, reducing the stress in the healthcare facilities, and in making citizens, now at the center, more satisfied. However, critical issues have emerged related to: (a) the need to improve the process of diffusion of the Apps in the hands of citizens, with better design, validation, standardization, and cybersecurity; (b) the need for better attention paid to medico-legal and ethical issues; and (c) the need for the stabilization of international and national regulations. Targeted agreement initiatives, such as position statements, guidelines, and/or consensus initiatives, are needed to ensure a better result for all, along with the design of both specific plans and shared workflows.}, } @article {pmid37239504, year = {2023}, author = {Borrelli, N and Grimaldi, N and Papaccioli, G and Fusco, F and Palma, M and Sarubbi, B}, title = {Telemedicine in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Usefulness of Digital Health Technology in the Assistance of Critical Patients.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph20105775}, pmid = {37239504}, issn = {1660-4601}, abstract = {The number of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) has progressively increased in recent years to surpass that of children. This population growth has produced a new demand for health care. Moreover, the 2019 coronavirus pandemic has caused significant changes and has underlined the need for an overhaul of healthcare delivery. As a result, telemedicine has emerged as a new strategy to support a patient-based model of specialist care. In this review, we would like to highlight the background knowledge and offer an integrated care strategy for the longitudinal assistance of ACHD patients. In particular, the emphasis is on recognizing these patients as a special population with special requirements in order to deliver effective digital healthcare.}, } @article {pmid37239140, year = {2023}, author = {Hromić-Jahjefendić, A and Sezer, A and Aljabali, AAA and Serrano-Aroca, Á and Tambuwala, MM and Uversky, VN and Redwan, EM and Barh, D and Lundstrom, K}, title = {COVID-19 Vaccines and Myocarditis: An Overview of Current Evidence.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11051469}, pmid = {37239140}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {COVID-19 vaccines have been widely used to reduce the incidence and disease severity of COVID-19. Questions have lately been raised about the possibility of an association between COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis, an inflammatory condition affecting the myocardium, or the middle layer of the heart. Myocarditis can be caused by infections, immune reactions, or toxic exposure. The incidence rate of myocarditis and pericarditis was calculated to be 5.98 instances per million COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered, which is less than half of the incidences after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Myocarditis rates in people aged 12 to 39 years are around 12.6 cases per million doses following the second dose of mRNA vaccination. Adolescent men are more likely than women to develop myocarditis after receiving mRNA vaccines. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to find out how often myocarditis occurs after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the risk factors and clinical repercussions of this condition. Nevertheless, the causal relationship between vaccination and myocarditis has been difficult to establish, and further research is required. It is also essential to distinguish between suggested cases of myocarditis and those confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy.}, } @article {pmid37239126, year = {2023}, author = {Maniu, I and Maniu, GC and Antonescu, E and Duica, L and Grigore, N and Totan, M}, title = {SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in Pediatric Patients: A Bibliometric Analysis.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11051455}, pmid = {37239126}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {The characteristics, dynamics and mechanisms/determinants of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are not fully understood. We performed a bibliometric review of studies that have assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in the pediatric population using Web of Science online databases, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix tools. The analysis was conducted on 84 publications, from 310 institutions located in 29 countries and published in 57 journals. The results showed the collaboration of scientists and organizations, international research interactions and summarized the findings on (i) the measured titers of antibodies (total antibody and/or individual antibody classes IgG, IgM, IgA) against different antigens (C-terminal region of N (N CT), full-length N protein (N FL), RBD, RBD Alpha, RBD Beta, RBD Gamma, RBD Delta, spike (S), S1, S2) in the case of different clinical forms of the disease; and (ii) the correlations between SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and cytokines, chemokines, neutrophils, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The presented study offers insights regarding research directions to be explored in the studied field and may provide a starting point for future research.}, } @article {pmid37239105, year = {2023}, author = {Martins, AC and Albericio, F and de la Torre, BG}, title = {FDA Approvals of Biologics in 2022.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11051434}, pmid = {37239105}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {The year 2022 witnessed the control of the COVID-19 pandemic in most countries through social and hygiene measures and also vaccination campaigns. It also saw a decrease in total approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nevertheless, there was no fall in the Biologics class, which was boosted through the authorization of 15 novel molecules, thus maintaining the figures achieved in previous years. Indeed, the decrease in approvals was only for the category of small molecules. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) continued to be the drug class with the most approvals, and cancer remained the most targeted disease, followed by autoimmune conditions, as in previous years. Interestingly, the FDA gave the green light to a remarkable number of bispecific Biologics (four), the highest number in recent years. Indeed, 2022 was another year without the approval of an antimicrobial Biologic, although important advancements were made in targeting new diseases, which are discussed herein. In this work, we only analyze the Biologics authorized in 2022. Furthermore, we also consider the orphan drugs authorized. We not only apply a quantitative analysis to this year's harvest, but also compare the efficacy of the Biologics with those authorized in previous years. On the basis of their chemical structure, the Biologics addressed fall into the following classes: monoclonal antibodies; antibody-drug conjugates; and proteins/enzymes.}, } @article {pmid37238973, year = {2023}, author = {Grewal, T and Buechler, C}, title = {Adipokines as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers for the Severity of COVID-19.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11051302}, pmid = {37238973}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Accumulating evidence implicates obesity as a risk factor for increased severity of disease outcomes in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Obesity is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction, which not only predisposes individuals to metabolic complications, but also substantially contributes to low-grade systemic inflammation, altered immune cell composition, and compromised immune function. This seems to impact the susceptibility and outcome of diseases caused by viruses, as obese people appear more vulnerable to developing infections and they recover later from infectious diseases than normal-weight individuals. Based on these findings, increased efforts to identify suitable diagnostic and prognostic markers in obese Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients to predict disease outcomes have been made. This includes the analysis of cytokines secreted from adipose tissues (adipokines), which have multiple regulatory functions in the body; for instance, modulating insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, lipid metabolism, appetite, and fertility. Most relevant in the context of viral infections, adipokines also influence the immune cell number, with consequences for overall immune cell activity and function. Hence, the analysis of the circulating levels of diverse adipokines in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been considered to reveal diagnostic and prognostic COVID-19 markers. This review article summarizes the findings aimed to correlate the circulating levels of adipokines with progression and disease outcomes of COVID-19. Several studies provided insights on chemerin, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and galectin-3 levels in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, while limited information is yet available on the adipokines apelin and visfatin in COVID-19. Altogether, current evidence points at circulating galectin-3 and resistin levels being of diagnostic and prognostic value in COVID-19 disease.}, } @article {pmid37238946, year = {2023}, author = {Niazi, SK}, title = {RNA Therapeutics: A Healthcare Paradigm Shift.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11051275}, pmid = {37238946}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {COVID-19 brought about the mRNA vaccine and a paradigm shift to a new mode of treating and preventing diseases. Synthetic RNA products are a low-cost solution based on a novel method of using nucleosides to act as an innate medicine factory with unlimited therapeutic possibilities. In addition to the common perception of vaccines preventing infections, the newer applications of RNA therapies include preventing autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Down syndrome; now, we can deliver monoclonal antibodies, hormones, cytokines, and other complex proteins, reducing the manufacturing hurdles associated with these products. Newer PCR technology removes the need for the bacterial expression of DNA, making mRNA a truly synthetic product. AI-driven product design expands the applications of mRNA technology to repurpose therapeutic proteins and test their safety and efficacy quickly. As the industry focuses on mRNA, many novel opportunities will arise, as hundreds of products under development will bring new perspectives based on this significant paradigm shift-finding newer solutions to existing challenges in healthcare.}, } @article {pmid37238844, year = {2023}, author = {Teixeira, CSS and Villa, C and Costa, J and Ferreira, IMPLVO and Mafra, I}, title = {Edible Insects as a Novel Source of Bioactive Peptides: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/foods12102026}, pmid = {37238844}, issn = {2304-8158}, abstract = {The production of food and feed to meet the needs of the growing world's population will soon become a serious challenge. In search for sustainable solutions, entomophagy is being proposed as an alternative source of proteins, with economic and environmental advantages when compared to meat. Edible insects are not only a valuable source of important nutrients, but their gastrointestinal digestion also originates small peptides with important bioactive properties. The present work intends to provide an exhaustive systematic review on research articles reporting bioactive peptides identified from edible insects, as demonstrated by in silico, in vitro, and/or in vivo assays. A total of 36 studies were identified following the PRISMA methodology, gathering 211 potentially bioactive peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemia, antimicrobial, anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory properties, originated from the hydrolysates of 12 different insect species. From these candidates, the bioactive properties of 62 peptides were characterized in vitro and 3 peptides were validated in vivo. Data establishing the scientific basis of the health benefits associated with the consumption of edible insects can be a valuable contribution to overcoming the cultural issues that hinder the introduction of insects in the Western diet.}, } @article {pmid37238755, year = {2023}, author = {Pérez de la Lastra, JM and Curieses Andrés, CM and Andrés Juan, C and Plou, FJ and Pérez-Lebeña, E}, title = {Hydroxytyrosol and Arginine as Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Immunostimulant Dietary Supplements for COVID-19 and Long COVID.}, journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/foods12101937}, pmid = {37238755}, issn = {2304-8158}, abstract = {Phytochemicals from plant extracts are becoming increasingly popular in the world of food science and technology because they have positive effects on human health. In particular, several bioactive foods and dietary supplements are being investigated as potential treatments for chronic COVID. Hydroxytyrosol (HXT) is a natural antioxidant, found in olive oil, with antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties that has been consumed by humans for centuries without reported adverse effects. Its use was approved by the European Food Safety Authority as a protective agent for the cardiovascular system. Similarly, arginine is a natural amino acid with anti-inflammatory properties that can modulate the activity of immune cells, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. The properties of both substances may be particularly beneficial in the context of COVID-19 and long COVID, which are characterised by inflammation and oxidative stress. While l-arginine promotes the formation of [•]NO, HXT prevents oxidative stress and inflammation in infected cells. This combination could prevent the formation of harmful peroxynitrite, a potent pro-inflammatory substance implicated in pneumonia and COVID-19-associated organ dysfunction, as well as reduce inflammation, improve immune function, protect against free radical damage and prevent blood vessel injury. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of HXT and arginine in the context of COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37238708, year = {2023}, author = {Alzahrani, FA and Khan, MI and Kameli, N and Alsahafi, E and Riza, YM}, title = {Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Exciting Potential as the Future of Next-Generation Drug Delivery.}, journal = {Biomolecules}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biom13050839}, pmid = {37238708}, issn = {2218-273X}, abstract = {Plant cells release tiny membranous vesicles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are rich in lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and pharmacologically active compounds. These plant-derived EVs (PDEVs) are safe and easily extractable and have been shown to have therapeutic effects against inflammation, cancer, bacteria, and aging. They have shown promise in preventing or treating colitis, cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and even COVID-19. PDEVs can also be used as natural carriers for small-molecule drugs and nucleic acids through various administration routes such as oral, transdermal, or injection. The unique advantages of PDEVs make them highly competitive in clinical applications and preventive healthcare products in the future. This review covers the latest methods for isolating and characterizing PDEVs, their applications in disease prevention and treatment, and their potential as a new drug carrier, with special attention to their commercial viability and toxicological profile, as the future of nanomedicine therapeutics. This review champions the formation of a new task force specializing in PDEVs to address a global need for rigor and standardization in PDEV research.}, } @article {pmid37238686, year = {2023}, author = {Maiese, K}, title = {Cellular Metabolism: A Fundamental Component of Degeneration in the Nervous System.}, journal = {Biomolecules}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biom13050816}, pmid = {37238686}, issn = {2218-273X}, abstract = {It is estimated that, at minimum, 500 million individuals suffer from cellular metabolic dysfunction, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), throughout the world. Even more concerning is the knowledge that metabolic disease is intimately tied to neurodegenerative disorders, affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as leading to dementia, the seventh leading cause of death. New and innovative therapeutic strategies that address cellular metabolism, apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), growth factor signaling with erythropoietin (EPO), and risk factors such as the apolipoprotein E (APOE-ε4) gene and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can offer valuable insights for the clinical care and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders impacted by cellular metabolic disease. Critical insight into and modulation of these complex pathways are required since mTOR signaling pathways, such as AMPK activation, can improve memory retention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and DM, promote healthy aging, facilitate clearance of β-amyloid (Aß) and tau in the brain, and control inflammation, but also may lead to cognitive loss and long-COVID syndrome through mechanisms that can include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cytokine release, and APOE-ε4 if pathways such as autophagy and other mechanisms of programmed cell death are left unchecked.}, } @article {pmid37238673, year = {2023}, author = {Kaiser, A}, title = {The Role of Spermidine and Its Key Metabolites in Important, Pathogenic Human Viruses and in Parasitic Infections Caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma brucei.}, journal = {Biomolecules}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biom13050803}, pmid = {37238673}, issn = {2218-273X}, abstract = {The triamine spermidine is a key metabolite of the polyamine pathway. It plays a crucial role in many infectious diseases caused by viral or parasitic infections. Spermidine and its metabolizing enzymes, i.e., spermidine/spermine-N[1]-acetyltransferase, spermine oxidase, acetyl polyamine oxidase, and deoxyhypusine synthase, fulfill common functions during infection in parasitic protozoa and viruses which are obligate, intracellular parasites. The competition for this important polyamine between the infected host cell and the pathogen determines the severity of infection in disabling human parasites and pathogenic viruses. Here, we review the impact of spermidine and its metabolites in disease development of the most important, pathogenic human viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, HIV, Ebola, and in the human parasites Plasmodium and Trypanosomes. Moreover, state-of-the-art translational approaches to manipulate spermidine metabolism in the host and the pathogen are discussed to accelerate drug development against these threatful, infectious human diseases.}, } @article {pmid37238657, year = {2023}, author = {Swiderski, J and Gadanec, LK and Apostolopoulos, V and Moore, GJ and Kelaidonis, K and Matsoukas, JM and Zulli, A}, title = {Role of Angiotensin II in Cardiovascular Diseases: Introducing Bisartans as a Novel Therapy for Coronavirus 2019.}, journal = {Biomolecules}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biom13050787}, pmid = {37238657}, issn = {2218-273X}, abstract = {Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Major pathogenic phenotypes of CVDs include the development of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hyper-inflammatory responses. These phenotypes have been found to overlap with the pathophysiological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CVDs have been identified as major risk factors for severe and fatal COVID-19 states. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulatory system in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, its dysregulation is observed in CVDs, where upregulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling via angiotensin II (AngII) leads to the AngII-dependent pathogenic development of CVDs. Additionally, the interaction between the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 leads to the downregulation of the latter, resulting in the dysregulation of the RAS. This dysregulation favors AngII/AT1R toxic signaling pathways, providing a mechanical link between cardiovascular pathology and COVID-19. Therefore, inhibiting AngII/AT1R signaling through angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been indicated as a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of COVID-19. Herein, we review the role of AngII in CVDs and its upregulation in COVID-19. We also provide a future direction for the potential implication of a novel class of ARBs called bisartans, which are speculated to contain multifunctional targeting towards COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37238382, year = {2023}, author = {Fancello, V and Fancello, G and Genovese, E and Pelucchi, S and Palma, S and Bianchini, C and Ciorba, A}, title = {Auditory Screening in Newborns after Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Overview.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/children10050834}, pmid = {37238382}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several viruses have previously been reported to be responsible for congenital hearing loss; therefore, since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 infection pandemic, various reports have investigated a possible link. The aim of this review is to assess the possible link between maternal COVID-19 infection and congenital hearing loss.

METHODS: This systematic review was performed using PRISMA criteria, searching Medline and Embase databases from March 2020 to February 2023. A total of 924 candidate papers were identified; however, considering the specific selection criteria, only nine were selected for additional analysis.

RESULTS: The overall number of children born from mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy identified through this review was 1687. The confirmed cases of hearing loss were 0.7% (12/1688); a description of its nature (sensorineural vs. conductive) is missing in the selected studies, and the follow-up period is variable across the analyzed papers. Surprisingly, a large proportion of false positives were recorded at the first stage of screening, which resulted normal at the re-test.

CONCLUSIONS: Currently, a correlation between congenital hearing loss and SARS-CoV-2 infection cannot be definitively established. Further studies are desirable to provide additional evidence on this topic.}, } @article {pmid37238357, year = {2023}, author = {Di Spirito, F and D'Ambrosio, F and Di Palo, MP and Giordano, F and Coppola, N and Contaldo, M}, title = {COVID-19 and Related Vaccinations in Children: Pathogenic Aspects of Oral Lesions.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/children10050809}, pmid = {37238357}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {Various clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infections and adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccination have been described in children. The present narrative review aimed to collect and synthesize reported findings on oral lesions detected in SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects following COVID-19 EMA-authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing-approved vaccine administration in the pediatric population to detail their clinical features and highlight possible pathogenic aspects of those lesions based on current evidence. Few and incomplete reports were retrieved from the literature, probably because most lesions belonged to a broad spectrum of systemic diseases and syndromes and were nonspecific or inaccurately described. The most common oral lesions in pediatric SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were erosive-ulcerative lesions and macules/petechiae, primarily erythematous. In the context of COVID-19 vaccination, oral adverse reactions were rare and typically presented as erosive-ulcerative lesions, with EM-like or unspecified patterns. Future studies should investigate oral lesions in SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects and after COVID-19 vaccination in the pediatric population, taking into account viral variants and newly developed vaccines. Deeper insight into oral lesions detectable in pediatric SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects and after COVID-19 vaccination may increase clinicians' ability to improve multidisciplinary pediatric oral and general care.}, } @article {pmid37238233, year = {2023}, author = {Sfayyih, AH and Sabry, AH and Jameel, SM and Sulaiman, N and Raafat, SM and Humaidi, AJ and Kubaiaisi, YMA}, title = {Acoustic-Based Deep Learning Architectures for Lung Disease Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Overview.}, journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13101748}, pmid = {37238233}, issn = {2075-4418}, abstract = {Lung auscultation has long been used as a valuable medical tool to assess respiratory health and has gotten a lot of attention in recent years, notably following the coronavirus epidemic. Lung auscultation is used to assess a patient's respiratory role. Modern technological progress has guided the growth of computer-based respiratory speech investigation, a valuable tool for detecting lung abnormalities and diseases. Several recent studies have reviewed this important area, but none are specific to lung sound-based analysis with deep-learning architectures from one side and the provided information was not sufficient for a good understanding of these techniques. This paper gives a complete review of prior deep-learning-based architecture lung sound analysis. Deep-learning-based respiratory sound analysis articles are found in different databases including the Plos, ACM Digital Libraries, Elsevier, PubMed, MDPI, Springer, and IEEE. More than 160 publications were extracted and submitted for assessment. This paper discusses different trends in pathology/lung sound, the common features for classifying lung sounds, several considered datasets, classification methods, signal processing techniques, and some statistical information based on previous study findings. Finally, the assessment concludes with a discussion of potential future improvements and recommendations.}, } @article {pmid37238232, year = {2023}, author = {Abbasi Habashi, S and Koyuncu, M and Alizadehsani, R}, title = {A Survey of COVID-19 Diagnosis Using Routine Blood Tests with the Aid of Artificial Intelligence Techniques.}, journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13101749}, pmid = {37238232}, issn = {2075-4418}, abstract = {Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing a disease called COVID-19, is a class of acute respiratory syndrome that has considerably affected the global economy and healthcare system. This virus is diagnosed using a traditional technique known as the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test. However, RT-PCR customarily outputs a lot of false-negative and incorrect results. Current works indicate that COVID-19 can also be diagnosed using imaging resolutions, including CT scans, X-rays, and blood tests. Nevertheless, X-rays and CT scans cannot always be used for patient screening because of high costs, radiation doses, and an insufficient number of devices. Therefore, there is a requirement for a less expensive and faster diagnostic model to recognize the positive and negative cases of COVID-19. Blood tests are easily performed and cost less than RT-PCR and imaging tests. Since biochemical parameters in routine blood tests vary during the COVID-19 infection, they may supply physicians with exact information about the diagnosis of COVID-19. This study reviewed some newly emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods to diagnose COVID-19 using routine blood tests. We gathered information about research resources and inspected 92 articles that were carefully chosen from a variety of publishers, such as IEEE, Springer, Elsevier, and MDPI. Then, these 92 studies are classified into two tables which contain articles that use machine Learning and deep Learning models to diagnose COVID-19 while using routine blood test datasets. In these studies, for diagnosing COVID-19, Random Forest and logistic regression are the most widely used machine learning methods and the most widely used performance metrics are accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC. Finally, we conclude by discussing and analyzing these studies which use machine learning and deep learning models and routine blood test datasets for COVID-19 detection. This survey can be the starting point for a novice-/beginner-level researcher to perform on COVID-19 classification.}, } @article {pmid37238075, year = {2023}, author = {Esposito, MM and Turku, S and Lehrfield, L and Shoman, A}, title = {The Impact of Human Activities on Zoonotic Infection Transmissions.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani13101646}, pmid = {37238075}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {As humans expand their territories across more and more regions of the planet, activities such as deforestation, urbanization, tourism, wildlife exploitation, and climate change can have drastic consequences for animal movements and animal-human interactions. These events, especially climate change, can also affect the arthropod vectors that are associated with the animals in these scenarios. As the COVID-19 pandemic and other various significant outbreaks throughout the centuries have demonstrated, when animal patterns and human interactions change, so does the exposure of humans to zoonotic pathogens potentially carried by wildlife. With approximately 60% of emerging human pathogens and around 75% of all emerging infectious diseases being categorized as zoonotic, it is of great importance to examine the impact of human activities on the prevalence and transmission of these infectious agents. A better understanding of the impact of human-related factors on zoonotic disease transmission and prevalence can help drive the preventative measures and containment policies necessary to improve public health.}, } @article {pmid37237970, year = {2023}, author = {Toledano, JM and Puche-Juarez, M and Moreno-Fernandez, J and Ochoa, JJ and Diaz-Castro, J}, title = {Antioxidant and Immune-Related Implications of Minerals in COVID-19: A Possibility for Disease Prevention and Management.}, journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/antiox12051104}, pmid = {37237970}, issn = {2076-3921}, abstract = {Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic appeared, both governments and the scientific community have focused their efforts on the search for prophylactic and therapeutic alternatives in order to reduce its effects. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been approved and administered, playing a key role in the overcoming of this situation. However, they have not reached the whole world population, and several doses will be needed in the future in order to successfully protect individuals. The disease is still here, so other strategies should be explored with the aim of supporting the immune system before and during the infection. An adequate diet is certainly associated with an optimal inflammatory and oxidative stress status, as poor levels of different nutrients could be related to altered immune responses and, consequently, an augmented susceptibility to infections and severe outcomes derived from them. Minerals exert a wide range of immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, which may be useful for fighting this illness. Although they cannot be considered as a definitive therapeutic solution, the available evidence to date, obtained from studies on similar respiratory diseases, might reflect the rationality of deeper investigations of the use of minerals during this pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37237547, year = {2023}, author = {Guerrero-Romero, F and Micke, O and Simental-Mendía, LE and Rodríguez-Morán, M and Vormann, J and Iotti, S and Banjanin, N and Rosanoff, A and Baniasadi, S and Pourdowlat, G and Nechifor, M}, title = {Importance of Magnesium Status in COVID-19.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biology12050735}, pmid = {37237547}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {A large amount of published research points to the interesting concept (hypothesis) that magnesium (Mg) status may have relevance for the outcome of COVID-19 and that Mg could be protective during the COVID disease course. As an essential element, Mg plays basic biochemical, cellular, and physiological roles required for cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, and neurological functions. Both low serum and dietary Mg have been associated with the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, including mortality; both are also associated with COVID-19 risk factors such as older age, obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and asthma. In addition, populations with high rates of COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization tend to consume diets high in modern processed foods, which are generally low in Mg. In this review, we review the research to describe and consider the possible impact of Mg and Mg status on COVID-19 showing that (1) serum Mg between 2.19 and 2.26 mg/dL and dietary Mg intakes > 329 mg/day could be protective during the disease course and (2) inhaled Mg may improve oxygenation of hypoxic COVID-19 patients. In spite of such promise, oral Mg for COVID-19 has thus far been studied only in combination with other nutrients. Mg deficiency is involved in the occurrence and aggravation of neuropsychiatric complications of COVID-19, including memory loss, cognition, loss of taste and smell, ataxia, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Potential of zinc and/or Mg as useful for increasing drug therapy effectiveness or reducing adverse effect of anti-COVID-19 drugs is reviewed. Oral Mg trials of patients with COVID-19 are warranted.}, } @article {pmid37237360, year = {2023}, author = {Xue, VW and Wong, SCC and Li, B and Cho, WCS}, title = {The discovery and development of mRNA vaccines for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.}, journal = {Expert opinion on drug discovery}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-12}, doi = {10.1080/17460441.2023.2218083}, pmid = {37237360}, issn = {1746-045X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most serious public health events of this century. There have been more than 670 million confirmed cases and more than 6 million deaths worldwide. From the emergence of the Alpha variant to the later rampant Omicron variant, the high transmissibility and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 accelerate the research and development of effective vaccines. Against this background, mRNA vaccines stepped onto the historical stage and became an important tool for COVID-19 prevention.

AREAS COVERED: This article introduces the characteristics of different mRNA vaccines in the prevention of COVID-19, including antigen selection, therapeutic mRNA design and modification, and different delivery systems of mRNA molecules. It also summarizes and discusses the mechanisms, safety, effectiveness, side effects, and limitations of current COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

EXPERT OPINION: Therapeutic mRNA molecules have plenty of advantages, including flexible design, rapid production, sufficient immune activation, safety without the risk of genome insertion in the host cells, and no viral vectors or particles involved, making them an important tool to fight diseases in the future. However, the application of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines also faces many challenges, such as storage and transportation, mass production, and nonspecific immunity.}, } @article {pmid37236514, year = {2023}, author = {Al-Haideri, MT and Mannani, R and Kaboli, R and Gharebakhshi, F and Darvishzadehdeldari, S and Tahmasebi, S and Faramarzi, F and Cotrina-Aliaga, JC and Khorasani, S and Alimohammadi, M and Darvishi, M and Akhavan-Sigari, R}, title = {The effects of methotrexate on the immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines in the patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease: A systematic review of clinical evidence.}, journal = {Transplant immunology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101858}, pmid = {37236514}, issn = {1878-5492}, abstract = {COVID-19 vaccines exhibit high levels of immunogenicity in the overall population. Data on the effects of immunomodulators on the consequences of COVID-19 in patients with Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) remains scarce. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines in IMID patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) compared to healthy individuals. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase up to August 2022 to identify eligible RCTs evaluating the effect of MTX on immune responses in patients with COVID-19. The PRISMA checklist protocol was applied for the quality assessment of the selected trials. Our findings demonstrated that MTX lowered the responses of T cells and antibodies in IMID patients compared to healthy controls. We also discovered that young age (<60 years) was the main parameter influencing the antibody response after vaccination, while MTX had little effect. Following vaccination, MTX-hold and age were considered the main factors influencing the antibody response. In patients older than 60 years of age, the time point of 10 days of MTX discontinuation was critical to boosting the humoral response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Because many IMID patients did not have adequate humoral and cellular responses, our findings highlighted the importance of second or booster doses of vaccine and temporary MTX discontinuation. As a result, it implies that individuals with IMIDs should be subjected to more research, particularly humoral and cellular immunity efficiency trials after COVID-19 vaccination, until credible information is achieved.}, } @article {pmid37236411, year = {2023}, author = {Ren, Y and Yan, C and Yang, H}, title = {Erythrocytes: Member of the Immune System that Should Not Be Ignored.}, journal = {Critical reviews in oncology/hematology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {104039}, doi = {10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104039}, pmid = {37236411}, issn = {1879-0461}, abstract = {Erythrocytes are the most abundant type of cells in the blood and have a relatively simple structure when mature; they have a long life-span in the circulatory system. The primary function of erythrocytes is as oxygen carriers; however, they also play an important role in the immune system. Erythrocytes recognize and adhere to antigens and promote phagocytosis. The abnormal morphology and function of erythrocytes are also involved in the pathological processes of some diseases. Owing to the large number and immune properties of erythrocytes, their immune functions should not be ignored. Currently, research on immunity is focused on immune cells other than erythrocytes. However, research on the immune function of erythrocytes and the development of erythrocyte-mediated applications is of great significance. Therefore, we aimed to review the relevant literature and summarize the immune functions of erythrocytes.}, } @article {pmid37236364, year = {2023}, author = {Ekpor, E and Akyirem, S}, title = {Global acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among persons with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Diabetes research and clinical practice}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {110731}, pmid = {37236364}, issn = {1872-8227}, abstract = {AIM: This review aimed to estimate the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among persons with diabetes.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL to identify relevant studies for this review. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to generate an overall estimate of vaccine acceptance. The I[2] statistic was used to quantify the degree of variation across studies, and subgroup analysis was conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. The review was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA).

RESULTS: This review included 18 studies involving 11,292 diabetes patients. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among persons with diabetes was 76.1% (95% CI: 66.7% - 83.5%). The pooled prevalence across the continent ranged from 68.9% (95% CI: 47.8% - 84.3%) in Asia to 82.1% (95% CI: 80.2% - 83.8%) in Europe. Barriers to vaccine acceptance included misinformation, lack of information, mistrust, health concerns, and external influences.

CONCLUSION: The barriers to vaccine acceptance identified in this review, could inform the formulation of health policies and public health interventions that are specifically tailored to address the needs of persons with diabetes.}, } @article {pmid37236218, year = {2023}, author = {Gibbons, JB and Harris, SJ and Solomon, KT and Sugarman, O and Hardy, C and Saloner, B}, title = {Increasing overdose deaths among Black Americans: a review of the literature.}, journal = {The lancet. Psychiatry}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00119-0}, pmid = {37236218}, issn = {2215-0374}, abstract = {In 2020, opioid overdose fatalities among Black Americans surpassed those among White Americans for the first time in US history. This Review analyses the academic literature on disparities in overdose deaths to highlight potential factors that could explain these increases in overdose deaths among Black Americans. Overall, we find that differences in structural and social determinants of health; inequality in the access, use, and continuity of substance use disorder and harm reduction services; variability in fentanyl exposure and risk; and changes in social and economic circumstances since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic are central to explaining this trend. We conclude with a discussion of opportunities for US policy reform and opportunities for future research.}, } @article {pmid37235921, year = {2023}, author = {Heeralall, C and Ibrahim, UH and Lazarus, L and Gathiram, P and Mackraj, I}, title = {The effects of COVID-19 on placental morphology.}, journal = {Placenta}, volume = {138}, number = {}, pages = {88-96}, pmid = {37235921}, issn = {1532-3102}, abstract = {The impact of the COVID-19 infection, caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), during the pandemic has been considerably more severe in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Therefore, a review detailing the morphological alterations and physiological changes associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy and the effect that these changes have on the feto-placental unit is of high priority. This knowledge is crucial for these mothers, their babies and clinicians to ensure a healthy life post-pandemic. Hence, we review the placental morphological changes due to COVID-19 to enhance the general understanding of how pregnant mothers, their placentas and unborn children may have been affected by this pandemic. Based on current literature, we deduced that COVID-19 pregnancies were oxygen deficient, which could further result in other pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and IUGR. Therefore, we present an up-to-date review of the COVID-19 pathophysiological implications on the placenta, covering the function of the placenta in COVID-19, the effects of this virus on the placenta, its functions and its link to other gestational complications. Furthermore, we highlight the possible effects of COVID-19 therapeutic interventions on pregnant mothers and their unborn children. Based on the literature, we strongly suggest that consistent surveillance for the mothers and infants from COVID-19 pregnancies be prioritised in the future. Though the pandemic is now in the past, its effects are long-term, necessitating the monitoring of clinical manifestations in the near future.}, } @article {pmid37235671, year = {2023}, author = {Koulas, I and Goldin, M and Schulman, S and Spyropoulos, AC}, title = {Antithrombotic therapy in the management of hospitalised patients with COVID-19.}, journal = {British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005)}, volume = {84}, number = {5}, pages = {1-11}, doi = {10.12968/hmed.2022.0519}, pmid = {37235671}, issn = {1750-8460}, abstract = {Hospitalised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at a significantly higher risk of having thromboembolic events while in hospital and in the immediate post-hospital discharge period. Based on early data from observational studies, multiple high quality randomised controlled trials have been conducted worldwide to evaluate optimal thromboprophylaxis regimens to reduce thromboembolism and other COVID-19-related adverse outcomes in hospitalised patients. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has published evidence-based guideline recommendations using established methodology for the management of antithrombotic therapy of COVID-19 patients, both in-hospital and in the immediate post-hospital discharge period. A good clinical practice statement supplemented these guidelines based on topics for which there was no or limited high-quality evidence. This review summarises the main recommendations of these documents to serve as a quick access tool for hospital doctors to use in their everyday practice when treating COVID-19 patients.}, } @article {pmid37235296, year = {2023}, author = {Rosca, EC and Heneghan, C and Spencer, EA and Plüddemann, A and Maltoni, S and Gandini, S and Onakpoya, IJ and Evans, D and Conly, JM and Jefferson, T}, title = {Coinfection with Strongyloides and SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/tropicalmed8050248}, pmid = {37235296}, issn = {2414-6366}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Treatments for COVID-19, including steroids, might exacerbate Strongyloides disease in patients with coinfection. We aimed to systematically review clinical and laboratory features of SARS-CoV-2 and Strongyloides coinfection, investigate possible interventions, assess outcomes, and identify research gaps requiring further attention.

METHODS: We searched two electronic databases, LitCOVID and WHO, up to August 2022, including SARS-CoV-2 and Strongyloides coinfection studies. We adapted the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) system for standardized case causality assessment to evaluate if using corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs in COVID-19 patients determined acute manifestations of strongyloidiasis.

RESULTS: We included 16 studies reporting 25 cases of Strongyloides and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection: 4 with hyperinfection syndrome; 2 with disseminated strongyloidiasis; 3 with cutaneous reactivation of strongyloidiasis; 3 with isolated digestive symptoms; and 2 with solely eosinophilia, without clinical manifestations. Eleven patients were asymptomatic regarding strongyloidiasis. Eosinopenia or normal eosinophil count was reported in 58.3% of patients with Strongyloides reactivation. Steroids were given to 18/21 (85.7%) cases. A total of 4 patients (19.1%) received tocilizumab and/or Anakirna in addition to steroids. Moreover, 2 patients (9.5%) did not receive any COVID-19 treatment. The causal relationship between Strongyloides reactivation and COVID-19 treatments was considered certain (4% of cases), probable (20% of patients), and possible (20% of patients). For 8% of cases, it was considered unlikely that COVID-19 treatment was associated with strongyloidiasis reactivations; the relationship between the Strongyloides infection and administration of COVID-19 treatment was unassessable/unclassifiable in 48% of cases. Of 13 assessable cases, 11 (84.6%) were considered to be causally associated with Strongyloides, ranging from certain to possible.

CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to assess the frequency and risk of Strongyloides reactivation in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our limited data using causality assessment supports recommendations that clinicians should screen and treat for Strongyloides infection in patients with coinfection who receive immunosuppressive COVID-19 therapies. In addition, the male gender and older age (over 50 years) may be predisposing factors for Strongyloides reactivation. Standardized guidelines should be developed for reporting future research.}, } @article {pmid37234770, year = {2023}, author = {Kim, JH and Ahn, C and Park, Y and Won, M}, title = {Comparison of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests during the COVID-19 pandemic with those before the pandemic: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1180511}, pmid = {37234770}, issn = {2296-2565}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, directly and indirectly, affected the emergency medical care system and resulted in worse out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes and epidemiological features compared with those before the pandemic. This review compares the regional and temporal features of OHCA prognosis and epidemiological characteristics. Various databases were searched to compare the OHCA outcomes and epidemiological characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic with before the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, survival and favorable neurological outcome rates were significantly lower than before. Survival to hospitalization, return of spontaneous circulation, endotracheal intubation, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) decreased significantly, whereas the use of a supraglottic airway device, the incidence of cardiac arrest at home, and response time of emergency medical service (EMS) increased significantly. Bystander CPR, unwitnessed cardiac arrest, EMS transfer time, use of mechanical CPR, and in-hospital target temperature management did not differ significantly. A subgroup analysis of the studies that included only the first wave with those that included the subsequent waves revealed the overall outcomes in which the epidemiological features of OHCA exhibited similar patterns. No significant regional differences between the OHCA survival rates in Asia before and during the pandemic were observed, although other variables varied by region. The COVID-19 pandemic altered the epidemiologic characteristics, survival rates, and neurological prognosis of OHCA patients. Review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022339435).}, } @article {pmid37234702, year = {2023}, author = {Lutz, M and Lazarus, S and Caldera, F}, title = {COVID-19 vaccination in adults with inflammatory bowel disease.}, journal = {Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {17562848231173130}, pmid = {37234702}, issn = {1756-283X}, abstract = {Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population, and most are not at increased risk for severe disease. COVID-19 is nonetheless common, and vaccination is critical. Four safe and efficacious vaccines are now available for the prevention of COVID-19, with most data available for mRNA vaccines. Patients with IBD have a robust humoral response to vaccination with rates of seroconversion exceeding 95% following a two-dose mRNA vaccine series and 99% following a three-dose mRNA series, although those on certain therapies including anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents may have lower antibody concentrations and waning of antibodies over time. Additionally, rates of cell-mediated immune response, even in those patients with IBD who did not have evidence of humoral immunity, are high. Vaccines are safe and have not been associated with flares in disease activity. Gastroenterology providers should take an active role in ensuring patients with IBD are appropriately vaccinated against COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37234537, year = {2023}, author = {Aganovic, A}, title = {pH-dependent endocytosis mechanisms for influenza A and SARS-coronavirus.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1190463}, pmid = {37234537}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the influenza epidemics have revived the interest in understanding how these highly contagious enveloped viruses respond to alterations in the physicochemical properties of their microenvironment. By understanding the mechanisms and conditions by which viruses exploit the pH environment of the host cell during endocytosis, we can gain a better understanding of how they respond to pH-regulated anti-viral therapies but also pH-induced changes in extracellular environments. This review provides a detailed explanation of the pH-dependent viral structural changes preceding and initiating viral disassembly during endocytosis for influenza A (IAV) and SARS coronaviruses. Drawing upon extensive literature from the last few decades and latest research, I analyze and compare the circumstances in which IAV and SARS-coronavirus can undertake endocytotic pathways that are pH-dependent. While there are similarities in the pH-regulated patterns leading to fusion, the mechanisms and pH activation differ. In terms of fusion activity, the measured activation pH values for IAV, across all subtypes and species, vary between approximately 5.0 to 6.0, while SARS-coronavirus necessitates a lower pH of 6.0 or less. The main difference between the pH-dependent endocytic pathways is that the SARS-coronavirus, unlike IAV, require the presence of specific pH-sensitive enzymes (cathepsin L) during endosomal transport. Conversely, the conformational changes in the IAV virus under acidic conditions in endosomes occur due to the specific envelope glycoprotein residues and envelope protein ion channels (viroporins) getting protonated by H+ ions. Despite extensive research over several decades, comprehending the pH-triggered conformational alterations of viruses still poses a significant challenge. The precise mechanisms of protonation mechanisms of certain during endosomal transport for both viruses remain incompletely understood. In absence of evidence, further research is needed.}, } @article {pmid37234527, year = {2023}, author = {Li, J and Wang, J and Wang, M and Zheng, L and Cen, Q and Wang, F and Zhu, L and Pang, R and Zhang, A}, title = {Bifidobacterium: a probiotic for the prevention and treatment of depression.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1174800}, pmid = {37234527}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Depression is a common psychological disease, which has become one of the main factors affecting human health. It has a serious impact on individuals, families, and society. With the prevalence of COVID-19, the incidence of depression has further increased worldwide. It has been confirmed that probiotics play a role in preventing and treating depression. Especially, Bifidobacterium is the most widely used probiotic and has positive effects on the treatment of depression. The mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effects might include anti-inflammation and regulation of tryptophan metabolism, 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis, and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. In this mini-review, the relationship between Bifidobacterium and depression was summarized. It is hoped that Bifidobacterium-related preparations would play a positive role in the prevention and treatment of depression in the future.}, } @article {pmid37234306, year = {2023}, author = {Sreeshyla, HS and Usha, H and Nitin, P and Sowmya, SV and Augustine, D and Haragannavar, VC}, title = {Digital microscopy: A routine mandate in future? A leaf out of Covid-19 pandemic laboratory experience.}, journal = {Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology : JOMFP}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {162-167}, pmid = {37234306}, issn = {0973-029X}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out lot of changes among the way people and organisations function. It has also reduced social gatherings and hence social relations considerably, forcing people to adjust to new ways of work and life. An outstanding difference between the current COVID-19 pandemic and previous epidemics or pandemics is the increased availability and use of technology currently, which has been validated by various reports from across the globe. Thus, even with the ensuing pandemic, lockdown and decreased social gatherings, with the technology support we have devised ways to keep in contact with friends, family and work place, so as to continue our lives. Social distancing guidelines and regulations have put pressure on a great many organisations to find new ways of keeping employees and students connected while working remotely. For more deskbound occupations and roles, this can be relatively straightforward, but it is challenging if not impossible for lab-based quality control, research and study. The answer to this is digital remote microscopy which enables sharing of data online, carrying out collaborative work through multi-viewing in real time and facilitates remote training functions.}, } @article {pmid37234147, year = {2023}, author = {Gupta, V and Acharya, S and Keerti, A}, title = {Common Coagulopathies Associated With COVID-19 Patients.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e38067}, pmid = {37234147}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which first appeared in the Chinese province of Hubei city of Wuhan, has been spreading internationally since December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus illness from 2019 to be a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Patients hospitalised with severe coronavirus or comorbid conditions (like cardiovascular disease and obesity) are linked to a worse prognosis. The rise in D-dimer and its relationship to prognosis are the most often documented aberrations in coagulation/fibrinolysis in COVID-19. However, the D-dimer assessment's utility is not limitless. Since the coagulation/fibrinolytic state might occasionally change over a short period of time, routine exams are also advantageous in understanding the relevance of the inquiry. Both thrombotic and hemorrhagic diseases should be taken into consideration, despite the fact that the pathophysiology of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) linked with coronavirus disease 19 differs significantly from that of septic disseminated intravascular coagulation. Coagulation as well as fibrinolysis indicators are used to make the diagnosis of COVID-19 thrombosis, which encompasses both macro- and micro-thrombosis. Compared to bacterial-sepsis-associated coagulopathy/DIC, COVID-19 has a lower prevalence of prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and decreased antithrombin activity. However, the causes of coagulopathy remain poorly understood. Hypoxia, endothelial injury, dysregulated immunological responses mediated by inflammatory cytokines, and lymphocyte cell death are thought to be implicated. While blood loss tends to be rare, it is uncertain if COVID-19 suffers from thrombosis or whether the current recommendations for regular venous thromboembolic dose are appropriate. It is important to decide on the COVID-19 therapy phases. Antiviral therapy, cytokine storm therapy, and thrombosis therapy are the steps. Future advancements are predicted, such as a therapy that combines heparin and nafamostat.}, } @article {pmid37234076, year = {2023}, author = {Pollack, B and von Saltza, E and McCorkell, L and Santos, L and Hultman, A and Cohen, AK and Soares, L}, title = {Female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID and associated illnesses including ME/CFS, POTS, and connective tissue disorders: a literature review.}, journal = {Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {1122673}, pmid = {37234076}, issn = {2673-6861}, abstract = {Long COVID disproportionately affects premenopausal women, but relatively few studies have examined Long COVID's impact on female reproductive health. We conduct a review of the literature documenting the female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID which may include disruptions to the menstrual cycle, gonadal function, ovarian sufficiency, menopause, and fertility, as well as symptom exacerbation around menstruation. Given limited research, we also review the reproductive health impacts of overlapping and associated illnesses including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and endometriosis, as these illnesses may help to elucidate reproductive health conditions in Long COVID. These associated illnesses, whose patients are 70%-80% women, have increased rates of dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, dyspareunia, endometriosis, infertility, vulvodynia, intermenstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and bleeding, pelvic congestion syndrome, gynecological surgeries, and adverse pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, maternal mortality, and premature birth. Additionally, in Long COVID and associated illnesses, symptoms can be impacted by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. We propose priorities for future research and reproductive healthcare in Long COVID based on a review of the literature. These include screening Long COVID patients for comorbid and associated conditions; studying the impacts of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause on symptoms and illness progression; uncovering the role of sex differences and sex hormones in Long COVID and associated illnesses; and addressing historical research and healthcare inequities that have contributed to detrimental knowledge gaps for this patient population.}, } @article {pmid37233973, year = {2023}, author = {Holloway, K and Cahill, G and Tieu, T and Njoroge, W}, title = {Reviewing the Literature on the Impact of Gun Violence on Early Childhood Development.}, journal = {Current psychiatry reports}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37233973}, issn = {1535-1645}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine the impacts of gun violence on early childhood development including early childhood mental health, cognitive development, and the assessment and treatment of survivors.

RECENT FINDINGS: The literature reflects that gun violence exposure is often associated with significant mental health outcomes including anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression in older youth. Historically, studies have focused on adolescents and their exposures to gun violence through proximity to gun violence within their communities, neighborhoods, and schools. However, the impacts of gun violence on young children are less known. Gun violence has significant impacts on mental health outcomes of youth aged 0-18. Few studies focus specifically on how gun violence impacts early childhood development. In light of the increase in youth gun violence over the past three decades with a significant uptick since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, continued efforts are needed to better understand how gun violence impacts early childhood development.}, } @article {pmid37233671, year = {2023}, author = {Lu, LW and Quek, SY and Lu, SP and Chen, JH}, title = {Potential Benefits of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (N3PUFAs) on Cardiovascular Health Associated with COVID-19: An Update for 2023.}, journal = {Metabolites}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/metabo13050630}, pmid = {37233671}, issn = {2218-1989}, abstract = {The accumulating literature demonstrates that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, N3PUFA) can be incorporated into the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes in the human body to positively affect the cardiovascular system, including improving epithelial function, decreasing coagulopathy, and attenuating uncontrolled inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Moreover, it has been proven that the N3PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are precursors of some potent endogenous bioactive lipid mediators that mediate some favorable effects attributed to their parent substances. A dose-response relationship between increased EPA and DHA intake and reduced thrombotic outcomes has been reported. The excellent safety profile of dietary N3PUFAs makes them a prospective adjuvant treatment for people exposed to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems associated with COVID-19. This review presented the potential mechanisms that might contribute to the beneficial effects of N3PUFA and the optimal form and dose applied.}, } @article {pmid37233525, year = {2023}, author = {Kwiatkowska, A and Granicka, LH}, title = {Anti-Viral Surfaces in the Fight against the Spread of Coronaviruses.}, journal = {Membranes}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/membranes13050464}, pmid = {37233525}, issn = {2077-0375}, abstract = {This review is conducted against the background of nanotechnology, which provides us with a chance to effectively combat the spread of coronaviruses, and which primarily concerns polyelectrolytes and their usability for obtaining protective function against viruses and as carriers for anti-viral agents, vaccine adjuvants, and, in particular, direct anti-viral activity. This review covers nanomembranes in the form of nano-coatings or nanoparticles built of natural or synthetic polyelectrolytes--either alone or else as nanocomposites for creating an interface with viruses. There are not a wide variety of polyelectrolytes with direct activity against SARS-CoV-2, but materials that are effective in virucidal evaluations against HIV, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV are taken into account as potentially active against SARS-CoV-2. Developing new approaches to materials as interfaces with viruses will continue to be relevant in the future.}, } @article {pmid37233449, year = {2023}, author = {Kraka, E and Antonio, JJ and Freindorf, M}, title = {Reaction mechanism - explored with the unified reaction valley approach.}, journal = {Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1039/d3cc01576a}, pmid = {37233449}, issn = {1364-548X}, abstract = {One of the ultimate goals of chemistry is to understand and manipulate chemical reactions, which implies the ability to monitor the reaction and its underlying mechanism at an atomic scale. In this article, we introduce the Unified Reaction Valley Approach (URVA) as a tool for elucidating reaction mechanisms, complementing existing computational procedures. URVA combines the concept of the potential energy surface with vibrational spectroscopy and describes a chemical reaction via the reaction path and the surrounding reaction valley traced out by the reacting species on the potential energy surface on their way from the entrance to the exit channel, where the products are located. The key feature of URVA is the focus on the curving of the reaction path. Moving along the reaction path, any electronic structure change of the reacting species is registered by a change in the normal vibrational modes spanning the reaction valley and their coupling with the path, which recovers the curvature of the reaction path. This leads to a unique curvature profile for each chemical reaction, with curvature minima reflecting minimal change and curvature maxima indicating the location of important chemical events such as bond breaking/formation, charge polarization and transfer, rehybridization, etc. A decomposition of the path curvature into internal coordinate components or other coordinates of relevance for the reaction under consideration, provides comprehensive insight into the origin of the chemical changes taking place. After giving an overview of current experimental and computational efforts to gain insight into the mechanism of a chemical reaction and presenting the theoretical background of URVA, we illustrate how URVA works for three diverse processes, (i) [1,3] hydrogen transfer reactions; (ii) α-keto-amino inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2 M[pro]; (iii) Rh-catalyzed cyanation. We hope that this article will inspire our computational colleagues to add URVA to their repertoire and will serve as an incubator for new reaction mechanisms to be studied in collaboration with our experimental experts in the field.}, } @article {pmid37234465, year = {2023}, author = {Noorain, S and Paola Scaparra, M and Kotiadis, K}, title = {Mind the gap: a review of optimisation in mental healthcare service delivery.}, journal = {Health systems (Basingstoke, England)}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {133-166}, doi = {10.1080/20476965.2022.2035260}, pmid = {37234465}, issn = {2047-6965}, abstract = {Well-planned care arrangements with effective distribution of available resources have the potential to address inefficiencies in mental health services. We begin by exploring the complexities associated with mental health and describe how these influence service delivery. We then conduct a scoping literature review of studies employing optimisation techniques that address service delivery issues in mental healthcare. Studies are classified based on criteria such as the type of planning decision addressed, the purpose of the study and care setting. We analyse the modelling methodologies used, objectives, constraints and model solutions. We find that the application of optimisation to mental healthcare is in its early stages compared to the rest of healthcare. Commonalities between mental healthcare service provision and other services are discussed, and the future research agenda is outlined. We find that the existing application of optimisation in specific healthcare settings can be transferred to mental healthcare. Also highlighted are opportunities for addressing specific issues faced by mental healthcare services.}, } @article {pmid37233303, year = {2023}, author = {Yang, N and Zhang, L and Feng, S}, title = {Clinical Features and Treatment Progress of Invasive Mucormycosis in Patients with Hematological Malignancies.}, journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jof9050592}, pmid = {37233303}, issn = {2309-608X}, abstract = {The incidence rate of invasive mucormycosis (IM) in patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) is increasing year by year, ranging from 0.07% to 4.29%, and the mortality rate is mostly higher than 50%. With the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) also became a global health threat. Patients with high risk factors such as active HMs, relapsed/refractory leukemia, prolonged neutropenia may still develop breakthrough mucormycosis (BT-MCR) even under the prophylaxis of Mucorales-active antifungals, and such patients often have higher mortality. Rhizopus spp. is the most common genus associated with IM, followed by Mucor spp. and Lichtheimia spp. Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is the most common form of IM in patients with HMs, followed by rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) and disseminated mucormycosis. The prognosis of IM patients with neutrophil recovery, localized IM and receiving early combined medical-surgical therapy is usually better. As for management of the disease, risk factors should be eliminated firstly. Liposome amphotericin B (L-AmB) combined with surgery is the initial treatment scheme of IM. Those who are intolerant to L-AmB can choose intravenous formulations or tablets of isavuconazole or posaconazole. Patients who are refractory to monotherapy can turn to combined antifungals therapy.}, } @article {pmid37233297, year = {2023}, author = {Tejeda-Garibay, S and Hoyer, KK}, title = {Coccidioidomycosis and Host Microbiome Interactions: What We Know and What We Can Infer from Other Respiratory Infections.}, journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jof9050586}, pmid = {37233297}, issn = {2309-608X}, abstract = {Between 70 and 80% of Valley fever patients receive one or more rounds of antibiotic treatment prior to accurate diagnosis with coccidioidomycosis. Antibiotic treatment and infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic) often have negative implications on host microbial dysbiosis, immunological responses, and disease outcome. These perturbations have focused on the impact of gut dysbiosis on pulmonary disease instead of the implications of direct lung dysbiosis. However, recent work highlights a need to establish the direct effects of the lung microbiota on infection outcome. Cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COVID-19, and M. tuberculosis studies suggest that surveying the lung microbiota composition can serve as a predictive factor of disease severity and could inform treatment options. In addition to traditional treatment options, probiotics can reverse perturbation-induced repercussions on disease outcomes. The purpose of this review is to speculate on the effects perturbations of the host microbiome can have on coccidioidomycosis progression. To do this, parallels are drawn to aa compilation of other host microbiome infection studies.}, } @article {pmid37232595, year = {2023}, author = {Grussu, P and Jorizzo, GJ and Alderdice, F and Quatraro, RM}, title = {Preventing, Mitigating, and Treating Women's Perinatal Mental Health Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Reviews with a Qualitative Narrative Synthesis.}, journal = {Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/bs13050358}, pmid = {37232595}, issn = {2076-328X}, abstract = {Meeting the mental health needs of perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious concern. This scoping review looks at how to prevent, mitigate or treat the mental health problems faced by women during a pandemic, and lays out suggestions for further research. Interventions for women with pre-existing mental health problems or health problems that develop during the perinatal period are included. The literature in English published in 2020-2021 is explored. Hand searches were conducted in PubMed and PsychINFO using the terms COVID-19, perinatal mental health and review. A total of 13 systematic and scoping reviews and meta-analyses were included. This scoping review shows that every woman should be assessed for mental health issues at every stage of her pregnancy and postpartum, with particular attention to women with a history of mental health problems. In the COVID-19 era, efforts should be focused on reducing the magnitude of stress and a perceived sense of lack of control experienced by perinatal women. Helpful instructions for women with perinatal mental health problems include mindfulness, distress tolerance skills, relaxation exercises, and interpersonal relationship building skills. Further longitudinal multicenter cohort studies could help improve the current knowledge. Promoting perinatal resilience and fostering positive coping skills, mitigating perinatal mental health problems, screening all prenatal and postpartum women for affective disorders, and using telehealth services appear to be indispensable resources. In future, governments and research agencies will need to pay greater attention to the trade-offs of reducing the spread of the virus through lockdowns, physical distancing, and quarantine measures and developing policies to mitigate the mental health impact on perinatal women.}, } @article {pmid37231897, year = {2023}, author = {Li, D and Feng, WD and Chen, TY and Fang, CS and Lin, MQ and Wang, RZ and Zhu, JX and He, XC and Zhang, JJ and Liu, QD and Xu, W and Wang, SL and Li, CQ and Zhou, YX and Ruan, Y and Zhou, M}, title = {Diagnosis and Treatment Strategy of Nasogenic Olfactory Dysfunction.}, journal = {International archives of allergy and immunology}, volume = {184}, number = {6}, pages = {529-538}, doi = {10.1159/000529024}, pmid = {37231897}, issn = {1423-0097}, abstract = {Since the global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a symptom of the onset of SARS-CoV-2, olfactory dysfunction (OD), has attracted tremendous attention. OD is not only a negative factor for quality of life but also an independent hazard and early biomarker for various diseases, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Therefore, early identification and treatment of OD in patients are critical. Many etiological factors are responsible for OD based on current opinions. Sniffin'Sticks are recommended to identify the initial position (central or peripheral) for OD when treating patients clinically. It is worth emphasizing that the olfactory region in nasal cavity is recognized as the primary and critical olfactory receptor. Many nasal diseases, such as those with traumatic, obstructive and inflammatory causes, can lead to OD. The key question is no refined diagnosis or treatment strategy for nasogenic OD currently. This study summarizes the differences in medical history, symptoms, auxiliary examination, treatment and prognosis of different types of nasogenic OD by analyzing the current studies. We propose using olfactory training after 4-6 weeks of initial treatment for nasogenic OD patients with no significant improvement in olfaction. We hope that our research can provide valuable clinical guidance by systematically summarizing the clinical characteristics of nasogenic OD.}, } @article {pmid37231476, year = {2023}, author = {Greistorfer, T and Jud, P}, title = {Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 associated vasculopathic diseases.}, journal = {Thrombosis journal}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {61}, pmid = {37231476}, issn = {1477-9560}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has shown to be an infectious disease affecting not only of the respiratory system, but also cardiovascular system leading to different COVID-19-associated vasculopathies. Venous and arterial thromboembolic events have been frequently described among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and inflammatory vasculopathic changes have also been observed. Several of the reported COVID-19 associated vasculopathies exhibit differences on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcome compared to non-COVID-19 types. This review focuses on the epidemiology, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics as well as outcome data of COVID-19 associated thromboembolic events and inflammatory vasculopathies, elaborating similarities and differences with non-COVID-19 cohorts.}, } @article {pmid37231280, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, J and Zou, H}, title = {Insights into artificial intelligence in myopia management: from a data perspective.}, journal = {Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37231280}, issn = {1435-702X}, abstract = {Given the high incidence and prevalence of myopia, the current healthcare system is struggling to handle the task of myopia management, which is worsened by home quarantine during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology is thriving, yet not enough in myopia. AI can serve as a solution for the myopia pandemic, with application potential in early identification, risk stratification, progression prediction, and timely intervention. The datasets used for developing AI models are the foundation and determine the upper limit of performance. Data generated from clinical practice in managing myopia can be categorized into clinical data and imaging data, and different AI methods can be used for analysis. In this review, we comprehensively review the current application status of AI in myopia with an emphasis on data modalities used for developing AI models. We propose that establishing large public datasets with high quality, enhancing the model's capability of handling multimodal input, and exploring novel data modalities could be of great significance for the further application of AI for myopia.}, } @article {pmid37230968, year = {2023}, author = {Lv, R and Liu, X and Zhang, Y and Dong, N and Wang, X and He, Y and Yue, H and Yin, Q}, title = {Pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.}, journal = {Signal transduction and targeted therapy}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {218}, pmid = {37230968}, issn = {2059-3635}, abstract = {Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common breathing disorder in sleep in which the airways narrow or collapse during sleep, causing obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence of OSAS continues to rise worldwide, particularly in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The mechanism of upper airway collapse is incompletely understood but is associated with several factors, including obesity, craniofacial changes, altered muscle function in the upper airway, pharyngeal neuropathy, and fluid shifts to the neck. The main characteristics of OSAS are recurrent pauses in respiration, which lead to intermittent hypoxia (IH) and hypercapnia, accompanied by blood oxygen desaturation and arousal during sleep, which sharply increases the risk of several diseases. This paper first briefly describes the epidemiology, incidence, and pathophysiological mechanisms of OSAS. Next, the alterations in relevant signaling pathways induced by IH are systematically reviewed and discussed. For example, IH can induce gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis, impair the intestinal barrier, and alter intestinal metabolites. These mechanisms ultimately lead to secondary oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and sympathetic activation. We then summarize the effects of IH on disease pathogenesis, including cardiocerebrovascular disorders, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, cancer, reproductive disorders, and COVID-19. Finally, different therapeutic strategies for OSAS caused by different causes are proposed. Multidisciplinary approaches and shared decision-making are necessary for the successful treatment of OSAS in the future, but more randomized controlled trials are needed for further evaluation to define what treatments are best for specific OSAS patients.}, } @article {pmid37230808, year = {2023}, author = {Vagg, T and Shanthikumar, S and Ibrahim, H and O'Regan, P and Chapman, WW and Kirwan, L and Ranganathan, SC and Plant, BJ}, title = {Telehealth in Cystic Fibrosis. A systematic review incorporating a novel scoring system and expert weighting to identify a 'top 10 manuscripts' to inform future best practices implementation.}, journal = {Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37230808}, issn = {1873-5010}, abstract = {The ongoing development and integration of telehealth within CF care has been accelerated in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many centres publishing their experiences. Now, as the restrictions of the pandemic ease, the use of telehealth appears to be waning, with many centres returning to routine traditional face-to-face services. For most, telehealth is not integrated into clinical care models, and there is a lack of guidance on how to integrate such a service into clinical care. The aims of this systematic review were to first identify manuscripts which may inform best CF telehealth practices, and second, to analyse these finding to determine how the CF community may use telehealth to improve care for patients, families, and Multidisciplinary Teams into the future. To achieve this, the PRISMA review methodology was utilised, in combination with a modified novel scoring system that consolidates expert weighting from key CF stakeholders, allowing for the manuscripts to be placed in a hierarchy in accordance with their scientific robustness. From the 39 found manuscripts, the top ten are presented and further analysed. The top ten manuscripts are exemplars of where telehealth is used effectively within CF care at this time, and demonstrate specific use cases of its potential best practices. However, there is a lack of guidance for implementation and clinical decision making, which remains an area for improvement. Thus, it is suggested that further work explores and provides guidance for standardised implementation into CF clinical practice.}, } @article {pmid37230728, year = {2023}, author = {Seok, Y and Mauk, MG and Li, R and Qian, C}, title = {Trends of respiratory virus detection in point-of-care testing: A review.}, journal = {Analytica chimica acta}, volume = {1264}, number = {}, pages = {341283}, doi = {10.1016/j.aca.2023.341283}, pmid = {37230728}, issn = {1873-4324}, abstract = {In resource-limited conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site detection of diseases using the Point-of-care testing (POCT) technique is becoming a key factor in overcoming crises and saving lives. For practical POCT in the field, affordable, sensitive, and rapid medical testing should be performed on simple and portable platforms, instead of laboratory facilities. In this review, we introduce recent approaches to the detection of respiratory virus targets, analysis trends, and prospects. Respiratory viruses occur everywhere and are one of the most common and widely spreading infectious diseases in the human global society. Seasonal influenza, avian influenza, coronavirus, and COVID-19 are examples of such diseases. On-site detection and POCT for respiratory viruses are state-of-the-art technologies in this field and are commercially valuable global healthcare topics. Cutting-edge POCT techniques have focused on the detection of respiratory viruses for early diagnosis, prevention, and monitoring to protect against the spread of COVID-19. In particular, we highlight the application of sensing techniques to each platform to reveal the challenges of the development stage. Recent POCT approaches have been summarized in terms of principle, sensitivity, analysis time, and convenience for field applications. Based on the analysis of current states, we also suggest the remaining challenges and prospects for the use of the POCT technique for respiratory virus detection to improve our protection ability and prevent the next pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37230555, year = {2023}, author = {Milner, KA}, title = {Evolution of Visiting the Intensive Care Unit.}, journal = {Critical care clinics}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {541-558}, doi = {10.1016/j.ccc.2023.01.005}, pmid = {37230555}, issn = {1557-8232}, abstract = {This article gives a historical perspective of visitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) since the establishment of critical care units. Initially, visitors were not allowed because it was thought to be harmful to the patient. Despite the evidence, ICUs with open visitation have consistently been in the minority and the COVID-19 pandemic halted progress in this area. Virtual visitation was introduced during the pandemic to maintain family presence, but limited evidence suggests that this is not equivalent to in-person visitation. Going forward ICUs and health systems must consider family presence policies that allow for visitation under any circumstance.}, } @article {pmid37230549, year = {2023}, author = {Brochard, LJ}, title = {Mechanical Ventilation: Negative to Positive and Back Again.}, journal = {Critical care clinics}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {437-449}, doi = {10.1016/j.ccc.2022.12.002}, pmid = {37230549}, issn = {1557-8232}, abstract = {Critical care and mechanical ventilation have a relatively brief history in medicine. Premises existed through the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries but modern mechanical ventilation started in the twentieth century. Noninvasive ventilation techniques had started both in the intensive care unit and for home ventilation at the end of the 1980s and the 1990s. The need for mechanical ventilation is increasingly influenced worldwide by the spread of respiratory viruses, and the last coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has seen a massive successful use of noninvasive ventilation.}, } @article {pmid37230399, year = {2023}, author = {Kan, AKC and Li, PH}, title = {Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines: potential concerns of antibody-dependent enhancement and original antigenic sin.}, journal = {Immunology letters}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.imlet.2023.05.007}, pmid = {37230399}, issn = {1879-0542}, abstract = {Inactivated vaccine is one of the platforms employed in COVID-19 vaccines. Inactivated vaccines have been associated with concerns of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and original antigenic sin (OAS), which are related to non-neutralising or poorly neutralising antibodies against the pathogen. Since inactivated COVID-19 vaccines use whole-SARS-CoV-2 virus as the immunogen, they are expected to generate antibodies against non-spike structural proteins, which are highly conservative across variants of SARS-CoV-2. These antibodies against non-spike structural proteins have found to be largely non-neutralising or poorly neutralising in nature. Hence, inactivated COVID-19 vaccines could possibly be associated with ADE and OAS, especially as novel variants emerge. This article explores the potential concern of ADE and OAS in the context of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, and outlines the future research directions.}, } @article {pmid37230397, year = {2023}, author = {Kuniduzi, Y and Chen, B and Zeng, J and Sun, X and Chen, T and Qian, X and Wang, J and Liang, F and Abuduxukuer, R and Yusufu, M and Xu, S and Zhang, X}, title = {Efficacy and safety of a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in kidney transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Transplant immunology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101864}, doi = {10.1016/j.trim.2023.101864}, pmid = {37230397}, issn = {1878-5492}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who become infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at greater risk of serious illness and death than the general population. To date, the efficacy and safety of the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in KTRs have not been systematically discussed.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included articles from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Med Online published before May 15, 2022. Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in kidney transplant recipients were selected.

RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 727 KTRs. The overall pooled seropositivity rate after the fourth COVID-19 vaccine was 60% (95% CI, 49%-71%, I[2] = 87.83%, p > 0.01). The pooled proportion of KTRs seronegative after the third dose that transitioned to seropositivity after the fourth dose was 30% (95% CI, 15%-48%, I[2] = 94.98%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was well tolerated in KTRs with no serious adverse effects. Some KTRs showed a reduced response even after receiving the fourth vaccine dose. Overall, the fourth vaccine dose effectively improved seropositivity in KTRs, as recommended by the World Health Organization for the general population.}, } @article {pmid37230393, year = {2023}, author = {Chandrasekar, NR and Cajigas, H}, title = {Covid-19, HLA, and race common link: A novel hypothesis.}, journal = {Transplant immunology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101859}, doi = {10.1016/j.trim.2023.101859}, pmid = {37230393}, issn = {1878-5492}, abstract = {The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) accountable for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) prompted a catastrophic pandemic striking millions of people with diverse presentations, from asymptomatic to severe, potentially lethal disease requiring unprecedented levels of specialized care and extraordinary resources that have overwhelmed healthcare systems around the world. In this detailed communication we postulating a novel hypothesis, based on the viral replication and transplantation immunology. This based on reviewing published journal articles and text book chapters to account for variable mortality and degrees of morbidity among various race and origins. Homo sapiens evolution over millions of years, for that the matter the origin of any biologic form of life form initiated by microorganisms. The entire body of a human has several millions of bacterial and viral genomes incorporated over millions of years. Perhaps the answer or a clue lies how compatible a foreign genomic sequence fits into three billion copies of human genome.}, } @article {pmid37230033, year = {2023}, author = {Raghuvanshi, V and Yadav, P and Ali, S}, title = {Interferon production by Viral, Bacterial & Yeast system: A comparative overview in 2023.}, journal = {International immunopharmacology}, volume = {120}, number = {}, pages = {110340}, doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110340}, pmid = {37230033}, issn = {1878-1705}, abstract = {Interferons play a critical role in the innate immune response against several infections and play a key role in the control of a variety of viral and bacterial infectious diseases such as hepatitis, covid-19, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Therefore, natural or synthetic IFN production is important and had three common methods, including bacterial fermentation, animal cell culture, and recombinant nucleic acid technology. However, the safety, purity, and accuracy of the most preferred INF production systems have not been extensively studied. This study provides a comprehensive comparative overview of interferon production in various systems that include viral, bacterial, yeast, and mammalian. We aim to determine the most efficient, safe, and accurate interferon production system available in the year 2023. The mechanisms of artificial interferon production were reviewed in various organisms, and the types and subtypes of interferons produced by each system were compared. Our analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the similarities and differences in interferon production and highlights the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies to combat infectious diseases. This review article offers the diverse strategies used by different organisms in producing and utilizing interferons, providing a framework for future research into the evolution and function of this critical immune response pathway.}, } @article {pmid37229914, year = {2023}, author = {Chenchula, S and Amerneni, KC and Ghanta, MK and Padmavathi, R and Chandra, MB and Adusumilli, MB and Chavan, M and Mudda, S and Gupta, R and Lakhawat, B}, title = {Clinical virology and effect of Covid-19 vaccination and monoclonal antibodies against highly infectious SARS- CoV-2 omicron sub variant BF.7 (BA.5.2.1.7): A systematic review.}, journal = {Virology}, volume = {584}, number = {}, pages = {38-43}, doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2023.04.007}, pmid = {37229914}, issn = {1096-0341}, abstract = {Over time, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has acquired several genetic mutations, particularly on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) spike glycoprotein. The Omicron variant is highly infectious, with enhanced immune escape activity, and has given rise to various sub-lineages due to mutations. However, there has been a sudden increase in COVID-19 reports of the Omicron subvariant BF.7 (BA.2.75.2), which has the highest number of reported cases, accounting for 76.2% of all cases worldwide. Hence, the present systematic review aimed to understand the viral mutations and factors associated with the increase in the reports of COVID-19 cases and to assess the effectiveness of vaccines and mAbs against the novel Omicron variant BF.7. The R346T mutation on the spike glycoprotein RBD might be associated with increased infection rates, severity, and resistance to vaccines and mAbs. Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccination with bivalent mRNA booster vaccine shots are effective in curtailing infections and decreasing the severity and mortality by enhancing the neutralizing antibodies (Abs) against the emerging Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, including BF.7 and future VOCs.}, } @article {pmid37229298, year = {2023}, author = {Garg, A and Posa, MK and Kumar, A}, title = {Diabetes and deaths of COVID-19 patients: Systematic review of meta-analyses.}, journal = {Health sciences review (Oxford, England)}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {100099}, pmid = {37229298}, issn = {2772-6320}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is affecting all kinds of patients including diabetics. This article provides an overview of conducted meta-analyses regarding the effect of diabetes on the deaths of COVID-19 patients.

METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted as per preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement.

DATA SOURCES: The relevant meta-analyses were searched on PubMed till April 2021 and data was extracted from 24 relevant meta-analyses. The overall estimate was calculated in terms of odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS: A total of 09 meta-analyses showed the association of diabetes with the death of COVID-19 patients and 15 meta-analyses have reported the association of diabetes with other comorbidities in the death of COVID-19 patients. The pooled odds ratio or relative risk has shown a significant association of diabetes alone or its associated comorbidities with deaths of COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes and its associated comorbidities need more monitoring if get SARS-Cov-2 infection to reduce deaths.}, } @article {pmid37229148, year = {2023}, author = {Yadav, SK and Yadav, RD and Tabassum, H and Arya, M}, title = {Recent Developments in Nanotechnology-Based Biosensors for the Diagnosis of Coronavirus.}, journal = {Plasmonics (Norwell, Mass.)}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {955-969}, pmid = {37229148}, issn = {1557-1955}, abstract = {The major challenge in today's world is that medical research is facing the existence of a vast number of viruses and their mutations, which from time to time cause outbreaks. Also, the continuous and spontaneous mutations occurring in the viruses and the emergence of resistant virus strains have become serious medical hazards. So, in view of the growing number of diseases, like the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has caused the deaths of millions of people, there is a need to improve rapid and sensitive diagnostic strategies to initiate timely treatment for such conditions. In the cases like COVID-19, where a real cure due to erratic and ambiguous signs is not available, early intervention can be life-saving. In the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, nanotechnology has evolved exponentially and can overcome multiple obstacles in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. Nanotechnology has developed exponentially in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields and can overcome numerous challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. At the nano stage, the molecular properties of materials such as gold, silver, carbon, silica, and polymers get altered and can be used for the creation of reliable and accurate diagnostic techniques. This review provides insight into numerous diagnostic approaches focused on nanoparticles that could have been established for quick and early detection of such diseases.}, } @article {pmid37017881, year = {2023}, author = {Ahsan, R and Mishra, A and Badar, B and Owais, M and Mishra, V}, title = {Therapeutic Application, Phytoactives and Pharmacology of Tinospora cordifolia: An Evocative Review.}, journal = {Chinese journal of integrative medicine}, volume = {29}, number = {6}, pages = {549-555}, pmid = {37017881}, issn = {1993-0402}, mesh = {Humans ; *Tinospora/chemistry ; *COVID-19 ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology/therapeutic use/chemistry ; Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi or Gurjo), a herbaceous vine or climbing deciduous shrub, is consider as an important medicine in the Ayurvedic system of medication, which is available in India, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Srilanka. Menispermaceae is the family of this compound. T. cordifolia have a variety of properties to treat various ailments such as fevers, jaundice, diabetes, dysentery, urinary infections, and skin diseases. This compound has been subjected to many chemicals, pharmacological, pre-clinical, or clinical investigations and some new therapeutic potential effects have been indicated. This review aims to summarize the critical information concerning in areas of chemical constituents, chemical structure, and pharmacokinetic activities such as anti-diabetic, anticancer, immune-modulatory, antivirus (especially in silico study about COVID-19), antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and its effect on cardiovascular and neurological disorders as well as rheumatoid arthritis. This traditional herb needs more experimental study on the clinical, pre-clinical study, and clinical efficacy of these compounds for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and needs large-scale clinical studies to prove the clinical efficacy of this compound, especially in stress-related diseases and other neuronal disorders.}, } @article {pmid34738884, year = {2023}, author = {Beneviat, AR and Waldhoff, SC and Vick, DJ and Kerr, BJ}, title = {A Review of 2020 State and DC Face Mask Guidelines for U.S. Healthcare Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic.}, journal = {Hospital topics}, volume = {101}, number = {2}, pages = {146-155}, doi = {10.1080/00185868.2021.1997130}, pmid = {34738884}, issn = {1939-9278}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Masks ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; District of Columbia ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Health Personnel ; }, abstract = {This study reviewed state and District of Columbia (DC) health department guidelines for the use of face masks by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic via an October 2020 internet search and compared these guidelines to those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines varied between states and DC with respect to N95 face mask and surgical mask use, as well as to extended use and re-use of N95 masks. Uniform guidance based on emerging evidence should be required for creating policy and procedures for healthcare workers during this and future pandemics.}, } @article {pmid37228622, year = {2023}, author = {Liu, Y and Zheng, P}, title = {CD24-Siglec interactions in inflammatory diseases.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1174789}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2023.1174789}, pmid = {37228622}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {CD24 is a small glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein with broad expression in multiple cell types. Due to differential glycosylation, cell surface CD24 have been shown to interact with various receptors to mediate multiple physiological functions. Nearly 15 years ago, CD24 was shown to interact with Siglec G/10 to selectively inhibit inflammatory response to tissue injuries. Subsequent studies demonstrate that sialylated CD24 (SialoCD24) is a major endogenous ligand for CD33-family of Siglecs to protect the host against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders and most notably respiratory distress in COVID-19. The discoveries on CD24-Siglec interactions propelled active translational research to treat graft-vs-host diseases, cancer, COVID-19 and metabolic disorders. This mini-review provides a succinct summary on biological significance of CD24-Siglec pathway in regulation of inflammatory diseases with emphasis on clinical translation.}, } @article {pmid37228604, year = {2023}, author = {Shen, J and Fan, J and Zhao, Y and Jiang, D and Niu, Z and Zhang, Z and Cao, G}, title = {Innate and adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and predisposing factors.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1159326}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2023.1159326}, pmid = {37228604}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has affected all countries worldwide. Although some symptoms are relatively mild, others are still associated with severe and even fatal clinical outcomes. Innate and adaptive immunity are important for the control of SARS-CoV-2 infections, whereas a comprehensive characterization of the innate and adaptive immune response to COVID-19 is still lacking and the mechanisms underlying immune pathogenesis and host predisposing factors are still a matter of scientific debate. Here, the specific functions and kinetics of innate and adaptive immunity involved in SARS-CoV-2 recognition and resultant pathogenesis are discussed, as well as their immune memory for vaccinations, viral-mediated immune evasion, and the current and future immunotherapeutic agents. We also highlight host factors that contribute to infection, which may deepen the understanding of viral pathogenesis and help identify targeted therapies that attenuate severe disease and infection.}, } @article {pmid37228364, year = {2023}, author = {Burshtein, J and Buethe, MG and Ghias, MH and Stein, AB and Glick, S and Marmon, S}, title = {Efficacy, perception, and utilization of pediatric teledermatology: A systematic review.}, journal = {JAAD international}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {3-11}, doi = {10.1016/j.jdin.2023.03.005}, pmid = {37228364}, issn = {2666-3287}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of teledermatology abruptly expanded with the arrival of COVID-19. Here, we review recent studies regarding the efficacy, perception, and utilization of telemedicine in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current state of pediatric teledermatology.

METHODS: A literature search was performed using the terms "pediatric," "teledermatology," "dermatology," "telemedicine" and "telehealth" in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. 44 articles published between 2008 and 2022 were included.

RESULTS: Diagnostic concordance between pediatric teledermatologist and in-person dermatologist ranged from 70.1% to 89%. Conditions treated with pediatric teledermatology were similar to those treated in-person. The rate of in-person follow-up after an initial telemedicine appointment pre and postpandemic was 12% to 51.9% and 13.5% to 28.1%, respectively. Patient satisfaction with teledermatology was between 70% to 98% and provider satisfaction was approximately 95%. The integration of teledermatology can reduce missed appointments and wait times among pediatric patients. However, considerable technological challenges exist, particularly in underserved communities. Globally, teledermatology may expand access to care though limited literature exists regarding its use in pediatric populations.

CONCLUSION: Telemedicine is effective for the diagnosis and treatment of many dermatological conditions in children, with high patient and provider satisfaction. Implementation of teledermatology can potentially increase access to care both locally and globally, but obstacles to engagement remain.}, } @article {pmid37228293, year = {2023}, author = {Valentin, S and Lopez Padilla, D and Nolasco, S and Ranilović, D and Guillamat-Prats, R and Marín, T and Ho, S and Tang, S and Papadopoulou, E and Malone, J and Leiva Agüero, S and Cantero, C and Patout, M and Fisser, C}, title = {ERS International Congress 2022: highlights from the Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly.}, journal = {ERJ open research}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1183/23120541.00532-2022}, pmid = {37228293}, issn = {2312-0541}, abstract = {Early Career Members of Assembly 2 (Respiratory Intensive Care) attended the 2022 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The conference covered acute and chronic respiratory failure. Sessions of interest to our Assembly members and to those interested in respiratory critical care included the state-of-the-art session on respiratory critical care, the journal session (ERS/Lancet) on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) phenotyping into precision medicine, and sessions on specificity of coronavirus disease 2019 ARDS and its post-critical care. A symposium on treatment of acute respiratory failure in patients with COPD and innovations in mechanical ventilation either in the intensive care unit or at home were also reported upon. These sessions are summarised in this article.}, } @article {pmid37228263, year = {2023}, author = {Price, OJ and Paixão, C and Poddighe, D and Miranda, S and Silva, R and Silva, L and Volpato, E and Sylvester, K and Nyberg, A and Šajnić, A and Cruz, J}, title = {ERS International Congress 2022: highlights from the Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly.}, journal = {ERJ open research}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1183/23120541.00013-2023}, pmid = {37228263}, issn = {2312-0541}, abstract = {In this article, we provide a brief overview of some of the outstanding sessions that were (co)organised by the Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly during the 2022 European Respiratory Society International Congress, which was held in a hybrid format. Early Career Members from Assembly 9 summarised the content of the sessions, with the support of the Officers from the four Assembly groups: Respiratory Function Technologists and Scientists (Group 9.01); Physiotherapists (Group 9.02); Nurses (Group 9.03); and Psychologists and Behavioural Scientists (Group 9.04). The sessions covered the following topics: recent advances in cardiopulmonary exercise and challenge testing; the role and new trends in physiotherapy, exercise and physical activity promotion interventions in chronic respiratory diseases; development of the international curriculum for respiratory nurses and nursing aspects in disease management; and treatment adherence, e-health interventions and post-coronavirus disease 2019 challenges. This Highlights article targets delegates who attended the Congress sessions, as well as those who were unable to attend, and provides valuable insight into the latest scientific data and emerging areas affecting the clinical practice of Allied Respiratory Professionals.}, } @article {pmid37227755, year = {2023}, author = {Liang, J and Aranda, MP}, title = {The Use of Telehealth Among People Living With Dementia-Caregiver Dyads During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review.}, journal = {Journal of medical Internet research}, volume = {25}, number = {}, pages = {e45045}, doi = {10.2196/45045}, pmid = {37227755}, issn = {1438-8871}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Telehealth has gained substantial attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reimbursement policies in health care settings have increased access to remote modes of care delivery. Telehealth has the potential to mitigate care concerns for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. There is a paucity of knowledge on the performance of telehealth services and user experiences, especially among caregiving dyads during the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the implementation, effectiveness, user experience, and barriers to accessing and using telehealth services for people living with dementia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist, we searched 7 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, AgeLine, CINAHL, Social Services Abstracts, Web of Science, and Scopus) and a web-based search engine (Google Scholar). The inclusion criteria for peer-reviewed English publications from March 2020 to August 2022 consisted of studies related to telehealth services for people living with dementia and their family caregivers and studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: A total of 24 articles (10 quantitative and 14 qualitative studies) from 10 different countries were included. The major findings of the reviewed articles were extracted and organized into the following 4 themes: study design characteristics-strategies were adopted to improve the accessibility and experience of people living with dementia-caregiver dyads; efficacy outcomes of telehealth services-robust evidence is lacking on the comparative effectiveness of in-person services; perceived experiences of people living with dementia and caregivers-most reviewed studies reported positive experiences of using telehealth services and perceived personal and social benefits from their participants; and barriers to accessing and using telehealth services-several barriers related to individuals, infrastructure, and telehealth environments were identified.

CONCLUSIONS: Although evidence of its effectiveness is still limited, telehealth is widely accepted as a viable alternative to in-person care for high-risk groups, such as people living with dementia and their caregivers. Future research should include expanding digital access for those with limited resources and low technology literacy, adopting randomized controlled trial designs to establish the comparative effectiveness of different modes of service delivery, and increasing the sample diversity.}, } @article {pmid37227647, year = {2023}, author = {Martínez-Alés, G and Szmulewicz, A and López-Cuadrado, T and Morrison, CN and Keyes, KM and Susser, ES}, title = {Suicide Following the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: Variation Across Place, Over Time, and Across Sociodemographic Groups. A Systematic Integrative Review.}, journal = {Current psychiatry reports}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37227647}, issn = {1535-1645}, support = {R01-MH121410/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To systematically examine changes in suicide trends following the initial COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on geographical and temporal heterogeneity and on differences across sociodemographic subgroups.

RECENT FINDINGS: Of 46 studies, 26 had low risk of bias. In general, suicides remained stable or decreased following the initial outbreak - however, suicide increases were detected during spring 2020 in Mexico, Nepal, India, Spain, and Hungary; and after summer 2020 in Japan. Trends were heterogeneous across sociodemographic groups (i.e., there were increases among racially minoritized individuals in the US, young adults and females across ages in Japan, older males in Brazil and Germany, and older adults across sex in China and Taiwan). Variations may be explained by differences in risk of COVID-19 contagion and death and in socioeconomic vulnerability. Monitoring geographical, temporal, and sociodemographic differences in suicide trends during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to guide suicide prevention efforts.}, } @article {pmid37227523, year = {2023}, author = {Canale, FA and Martino, M and Porto, G and Verduci, C and Console, G and Irrera, G and Loteta, B and Naso, V and Pugliese, M and Moscato, T and Ferreri, A and Nappi, D and Nicolini, F and Mazza, M and Martinelli, G and Cerchione, C}, title = {The power of telemedicine to improve CAR-T cell therapy programs: lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer}, volume = {31}, number = {6}, pages = {350}, pmid = {37227523}, issn = {1433-7339}, abstract = {PURPOSE: CAR-T programs will burden increasingly on healthcare systems, since the implementation of these therapies involves: multidisciplinary team collaboration, post-infusion hospitalization with risk of life-threatening toxicities, frequent in hospital visits and prolonged follow-up which heavily influence patients' quality of life. In this review we propose an innovative, telehealth-based, model for monitoring CAR-T patients: this method was used for managing a case of COVID-19 infection occurred two weeks after CAR-T cell infusion.

METHODS: Several benefits for management of all these aspects of CAR-T programs could be made using telemedicine: for example, telemedicine real-time clinical monitoring could reduce the COVID-19 contagion risks for CAR-T patients.

RESULTS: Our experience confirmed feasibility and utility of this approach in a real-life case. We believe that use of telemedicine for CAR-T patients could improve: the logistics of toxicity monitoring (frequent vital sign checks and neurologic assessments), the multidisciplinary team communication (patient selection, specialists consulting, coordination with pharmacists, etc.), the decrease in hospitalization time and the reduction of ambulatory visits.

CONCLUSIONS: This approach will be fundamental for future CAR-T cell program development, enhancing patients' quality of life and cost-effectiveness for healthcare systems.}, } @article {pmid37226951, year = {2023}, author = {Gaiser, M and Buche, J and Baum, NM and Grazier, KL}, title = {Mental Health Needs Due to Disasters: Implications for Behavioral Health Workforce Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic.}, journal = {Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)}, volume = {138}, number = {1_suppl}, pages = {48S-55S}, doi = {10.1177/00333549231151888}, pmid = {37226951}, issn = {1468-2877}, abstract = {Public health emergencies impact the well-being of people and communities. Long-term emotional distress is a pervasive and serious consequence of high levels of crisis exposure and low levels of access to mental health care. At highest risk for mental health trauma are historically medically underserved and socially marginalized populations and frontline health care workers (HCWs). Current public health emergency response efforts provide insufficient mental health services for these groups. The ongoing mental health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has implications for the resource-strained health care workforce. Public health has an important role in delivering psychosocial care and physical support in tandem with communities. Assessment of US and international public health strategies deployed during past public health emergencies can guide development of population-specific mental health care. The objectives of this topical review were (1) to examine scholarly and other literature on the mental health needs of HCWs and selected US and international policies to address them during the first 2 years of the pandemic and (2) to propose strategies for future responses. We reviewed 316 publications in 10 topic areas. Two-hundred fifty publications were excluded, leaving 66 for this topical review. Findings from our review indicate a need for flexible, tailored mental health outreach for HCWs after disasters. US and global research emphasizes the dearth of institutional mental health support for HCWs and of mental health providers who specialize in helping the health care workforce. Future public health disaster responses must address the mental health needs of HCWs to prevent lasting trauma.}, } @article {pmid37226756, year = {2023}, author = {Mitten, MJ}, title = {Playing the 2020 College Football Season: An Authorized, Lawful, and Reasonable Decision by NCAA Division I FBS Universities.}, journal = {The Journal of law, medicine & ethics : a journal of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics}, volume = {51}, number = {1}, pages = {119-122}, doi = {10.1017/jme.2023.46}, pmid = {37226756}, issn = {1748-720X}, } @article {pmid37226561, year = {2023}, author = {Kim, JY and Oh, S and Yoon, M and Yong, TS}, title = {Importance of Balanced Attention Toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Neglected Tropical Diseases.}, journal = {Yonsei medical journal}, volume = {64}, number = {6}, pages = {351-358}, doi = {10.3349/ymj.2022.0656}, pmid = {37226561}, issn = {1976-2437}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been spreading since 2019, causing a worldwide pandemic. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, tuberculosis, AIDS, and malaria have adversely affected the quality of life of patients and killed millions of people. In addition, COVID-19 continues to impede the delivery of health services, including those for the control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Furthermore, NTDs have been reported as possible co-pathogens among patients infected with COVID-19. However, studies regarding parasitic co-infection among these patients have been limited. This review aimed to explore and describe the cases and reports of parasitic infections in the backdrop of COVID-19 to provide comprehensive knowledge regarding this aspect. We reviewed seven cases of patients who had parasitic co-infection and tested positive for COVID-19, and summarized the literature on the importance of controlling parasitic diseases. In addition, we identified recommendations for the control of parasitic diseases under possible difficulties, such as declining funding for parasitic diseases in 2020. This review highlights the growing burden of NTDs under COVID-19 that may be caused by the deficiency of healthcare infrastructure and human resources as the main reasons. Clinicians should remain vigilant for possible co-infections with parasites in COVID-19 patients, while policymakers are urged to reinforce a balanced and long-term health strategy that addresses both NTDs and COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37226329, year = {2023}, author = {Poitras, ME and Couturier, Y and Beaupré, P and Girard, A and Aubry, F and Vaillancourt, VT and Carrier, JD and Fortin, L and Racine, J and Morneau, J and Boudreault, A and Cormier, C and Morin, A and McGraw, M}, title = {Collaborative practice competencies needed for telehealth delivery by health and social care professionals: a scoping review.}, journal = {Journal of interprofessional care}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-15}, doi = {10.1080/13561820.2023.2213712}, pmid = {37226329}, issn = {1469-9567}, abstract = {In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare and social services professionals have had to provide services through virtual care. In the workplace, such professionals often need to be sufficiently resourced to collaborate and address collaborative care barriers in telehealth. We performed a scoping review to identify the competencies required to support interprofessional collaboration among clinicians in telehealth. We followed Arksey and O'Malley's and the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological guidelines, including quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2021. We expanded our data sources by searching for any organization or experts in the field via Google. The analysis of the resulting thirty-one studies and sixteen documents highlighted that health and social services professionals are generally unaware of the competencies they need to develop or maintain interprofessional collaboration in telehealth. In an era of digital innovations, we believe this gap may jeopardize the quality of the services offered to patients and needs to be addressed. Of the six competency domains in the National Interprofessional Competency Framework, it was observed that interprofessional conflict resolution was the competency that emerged least as an essential competency to be developed, while interprofessional communication and patient/client/family/community-centered care were identified as the two most reported essential competencies.}, } @article {pmid37226245, year = {2023}, author = {Spinetti, G and Mutoli, M and Greco, S and Riccio, F and Ben-Aicha, S and Kenneweg, F and Jusic, A and de Gonzalo-Calvo, D and Nossent, AY and Novella, S and Kararigas, G and Thum, T and Emanueli, C and Devaux, Y and Martelli, F}, title = {Cardiovascular complications of diabetes: role of non-coding RNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular systems.}, journal = {Cardiovascular diabetology}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {122}, pmid = {37226245}, issn = {1475-2840}, support = {Transition Fellowship/BHF_/British Heart Foundation/United Kingdom ; programme grant (RG RG/20/9/35101)/BHF_/British Heart Foundation/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Diabetes mellitus, a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high levels of blood glucose caused by insulin defect or impairment, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. Patients with diabetes experience a state of chronic or intermittent hyperglycemia resulting in damage to the vasculature, leading to micro- and macro-vascular diseases. These conditions are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis. Several classes of leukocytes have been implicated in diabetic cardiovascular impairment. Although the molecular pathways through which diabetes elicits an inflammatory response have attracted significant attention, how they contribute to altering cardiovascular homeostasis is still incompletely understood. In this respect, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a still largely under-investigated class of transcripts that may play a fundamental role. This review article gathers the current knowledge on the function of ncRNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular cells in the context of diabetic complications, highlighting the influence of biological sex in such mechanisms and exploring the potential role of ncRNAs as biomarkers and targets for treatments. The discussion closes by offering an overview of the ncRNAs involved in the increased cardiovascular risk suffered by patients with diabetes facing Sars-CoV-2 infection.}, } @article {pmid37226198, year = {2023}, author = {Dunne, EM and Nunes, MC and Slack, MPE and Theilacker, C and Gessner, BD}, title = {Effects of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on reducing the risk of respiratory disease associated with coronavirus infection.}, journal = {Pneumonia (Nathan Qld.)}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {10}, pmid = {37226198}, issn = {2200-6133}, abstract = {Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) provide protection against vaccine-type pneumococcal disease in both children and adults. Growing evidence suggests that PCVs also reduce pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) more broadly, including protecting against viral-associated respiratory diseases. In this short narrative review, we highlight clinical studies investigating whether PCVs might have a role in reducing coronavirus disease, both those caused by endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). These studies include two randomized controlled trials assessing HCoV-associated pneumonia, one each in children and older adults, and two observational studies of PCV13 effectiveness against HCoV-associated LRTI and COVID-19 in adults. We discuss possible mechanisms for PCV protection including preventing viral pneumococcal co-infections and the possibility that pneumococci in the upper respiratory tract might modify the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, we identify knowledge gaps and further questions on the potential role of PCVs during the COVID-19 pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37226033, year = {2023}, author = {Nouraeinejad, A}, title = {The functional and structural changes in the hippocampus of COVID-19 patients.}, journal = {Acta neurologica Belgica}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37226033}, issn = {2240-2993}, abstract = {Since the hippocampus is predominantly susceptible to injuries caused by COVID-19, there are increasing data indicating the likelihood of post-infection memory loss and quickening neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. This is due to the fact that the hippocampus has imperative functions in spatial and episodic memory as well as learning. COVID-19 activates microglia in the hippocampus and induces a CNS cytokine storm, leading to loss of hippocampal neurogenesis. The functional and structural changes in the hippocampus of COVID-19 patients can explain neuronal degeneration and reduced neurogenesis in the human hippocampus. This will open a window to explain memory and cognitive dysfunctions in "long COVID" through the resultant loss of hippocampal neurogenesis.}, } @article {pmid37225102, year = {2023}, author = {Li, M and Pan, Y and Hou, Z and Wu, Z and Zeng, Z and Wang, B}, title = {Plastic or plastic-free life: From formation to removal.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {164359}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164359}, pmid = {37225102}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have caused global environmental concerns due to their ubiquitous existence in our surrounding environment and the potential threats posed to the ecosystem and human health. This review aims to extend current knowledge on the formation and degradation of MPs and NPs. The paper presents the potential sources of MPs and NPs including plastic containers, textiles, cosmetics, personal care products, COVID-19 wastes, and other plastic products. Once in the natural environment, the fragmentation and degradation of plastic wastes are thought to be initiated by physical, chemical, and biological factors. The corresponding degradation mechanism will be presented in the present review. Given the plastic life and environment, humans are inevitably exposed to MPs and NPs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The potential risks MPs/NPs pose to humans will be also discussed in our study. Currently, the relevance of MP/NP exposure to human health outcomes is still controversial and not yet fully understood. Deciphering the translocation and degradation of plastics in the human body will be helpful to reveal their potential organotoxicity. In this case, available approaches to alleviate MP/NP pollution and advanced strategies to reduce MP/NP toxicity in humans are recommended to build a plastic-free life.}, } @article {pmid37224885, year = {2023}, author = {Owens, CD and Pinto, CB and Detwiler, S and Mukli, P and Peterfi, A and Szarvas, Z and Hoffmeister, J and Galindo, J and Noori, J and Kirkpatrick, AC and Dasari, TW and James, J and Tarantini, S and Csiszar, A and Ungvari, Z and Prodan, CI and Yabluchanskiy, A}, title = {Cerebral small vessel disease pathology in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review.}, journal = {Ageing research reviews}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101962}, doi = {10.1016/j.arr.2023.101962}, pmid = {37224885}, issn = {1872-9649}, abstract = {Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment and is associated with COVID-19. However, contributing factors that often accompany CSVD pathology in COVID-19 patients may influence the incidence of cerebrovascular complications. Thus, a mechanism linking COVID-19 and CSVD has yet to be uncovered and differentiated from age-related comorbidities (i.e., hypertension), and medical interventions during acute infection. We aimed to evaluate CSVD in acute and recovered COVID-19 patients and to differentiate COVID-19-related cerebrovascular pathology from the above-mentioned contributing factors by assessing the localization of microbleeds and ischemic lesions/infarctions in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. A systematic search was performed in December 2022 on PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase using a pre-established search criterion related to history of, or active COVID-19 with CSVD pathology in adults. From a pool of 161 studies, 59 met eligibility criteria and were included. Microbleeds and ischemic lesions had a strong predilection for the corpus callosum and subcortical/deep white matter in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a distinct CSVD pathology. These findings have important implications for clinical practice and biomedical research as COVID-19 may independently, and through exacerbation of age-related mechanisms, contribute to increased incidence of CSVD.}, } @article {pmid37224652, year = {2023}, author = {Shi, L and Wang, Y and Han, X and Wang, Y and Xu, J and Yang, H}, title = {Comorbid asthma decreased the risk for COVID-19 mortality in the United Kingdom: Evidence based on a meta-analysis.}, journal = {International immunopharmacology}, volume = {120}, number = {}, pages = {110365}, pmid = {37224652}, issn = {1878-1705}, abstract = {The study aimed to investigate the influence of comorbid asthma on the risk for mortality among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United Kingdom (UK) by utilizing a quantitative meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated by conducting a random-effects model. Sensitivity analysis, I[2] statistic, meta-regression, subgroup analysis, Begg's analysis and Egger's analysis were all implemented. Our results presented that comorbid asthma was significantly related to a decreased risk for COVID-19 mortality in the UK based on 24 eligible studies with 1,209,675 COVID-19 patients (pooled OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71-0.93; I[2] = 89.2%, P < 0.01). Coming through further meta-regression to seek the possible cause of heterogeneity, none of elements might be responsible for heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis proved the stability and reliability of the overall results. Both Begg's analysis (P = 1.000) and Egger's analysis (P = 0.271) manifested that publication bias did not exist. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that COVID-19 patients with comorbid asthma might bear a lower risk for mortality in the UK. Furthermore, routine intervention and treatment of asthma patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection should be continued in the UK.}, } @article {pmid37224644, year = {2023}, author = {Elkefi, S and Trapani, D and Ryan, S}, title = {The role of digital health in supporting cancer patients' mental health and psychological well-being for a better quality of life: A systematic literature review.}, journal = {International journal of medical informatics}, volume = {176}, number = {}, pages = {105065}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105065}, pmid = {37224644}, issn = {1872-8243}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This work aims to evaluate the role of digital health in supporting the mental and psychological well-being of patients with cancer and identify the associated challenges of use and implementation.

METHODS: Eligibility criteria: We included peer-reviewed studies (quantitative/qualitative) published between January 2011 and July 2022, that are written in English using technology to support cancer patients' mental health. We excluded opinion papers, editorials, and commentaries.

INFORMATION SOURCES: The systematic review was conducted across ProQuest CENTRAL, Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo, Web Of Science, and IEEE Xplore. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, meta-Analysis Reviews, and meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). Risk of bias: All screening steps followed a consensus between the authors to minimize bias or discrepancy. Synthesis of the results: Data were extracted following the Six-factor Model of Psychological Well-being (SMPW). The technology challenges are summarized following the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model (SEIPS), focusing on design, impact on processes, and outcomes.

RESULTS: We included 25 studies satisfying our inclusion criteria. The studies had little interest in minorities and sociodemographic factors' assessment within their results. The review showed that mental health and psychological well-being tools cover many applications. In addition to allowing personal growth, digital health can help cancer patients gain more autonomy and self-acceptance. Moreover, these health technologies can aid in mastering the environment, shaping social relationships, and pursuing life goals. Many challenges were identified related to the environment, organization, users, and tasks.

DISCUSSION: Digital health applications for cancer care cover a broad spectrum of mental health interventions. Challenges warrant analyzing the needs and usability. Lessons learned during COVID-19 may help refine technology interventions for mental health in cancer care. More interest in minorities is needed when designing technologies for patients to ensure more access to equitable care.}, } @article {pmid37223672, year = {2023}, author = {Jaisamrarn, U and Esteban-Habana, MA and Padolina, CS and Decena, DCD and Dee, MT and Damodaran, P and Bhaskaran, V and Garg, V and Dorado, E and Hu, H}, title = {Vitamins and minerals, education, and self-care need during preconception to 1000 days of life in Southeast Asia: An expert panel opinion.}, journal = {SAGE open medicine}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {20503121231173377}, pmid = {37223672}, issn = {2050-3121}, abstract = {Addressing maternal malnutrition and its drivers is paramount in Southeast Asia. This article summarizes the key clinical learnings and evidence-based opinions from the experts to understand the need for vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care from preconception to the first 1000 days of life, which warranted further attention since COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence describing the importance of vitamins and minerals during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages was identified using literature databases. A pre-meeting survey was conducted to determine the current practices and challenges in Southeast Asia. Based on the literature review and clinical experience, experts defined the topics, and an online meeting was held on 13th July 2021. During the meeting, nine experts from Southeast Asia provided evidence-based opinion on the vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care need during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages. The expert opinions underpin maternal malnutrition as a prevalent issue and discuss appropriate interventions and prevention strategies for women in Southeast Asia. The recent pandemic further impacted nutrition status, pregnancy, and neonatal health outcomes. The expert panel emphasized a need to improve existing inadequacies in education, self-care, and social support, and discussed the role of policymakers in addressing the barriers to dietary changes. As inadequacies in regular vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care for women of reproductive age implicate maternal and child health outcomes, there is an urgent need for addressing malnutrition concerns in this population. Thus, a strong partnership between policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other relevant sectors is required.}, } @article {pmid37223586, year = {2023}, author = {Barlas, N and Barlas, SB and Basnyat, S and Adalier, E}, title = {Telemedicine in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of the PubMed Literature.}, journal = {Mediterranean journal of rheumatology}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, pages = {16-23}, pmid = {37223586}, issn = {2529-198X}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of telemedicine in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The paper intends to provide a narrative review of the PubMed literature (2017-2023) on the application of telemedicine in the management of RA to identify the trends in the application of telemedicine in RA and future research needs.

METHODS: The PubMed database was used to research data. "Telemedicine" and "rheumatoid arthritis" keywords were entered in the search box. Out of 126 publications between 2017-2023, ones that did not directly address RA, not relate to telemedicine, case reports, preliminary reports and comments to editors were screened. 31 articles were selected for the study.

RESULTS: 27 of 31 studies support the value of telemedicine in the monitoring of RA patients. Patient-reported outcomes mostly report positive perceptions, high satisfaction, and convenience. There was no statistically significant difference between telemedicine and hospital visits. Four studies reported the quality of care of telemedicine consultations was inferior to in-person consultations. One of these four studies reported limited health and digital literacy, and older age reduce satisfaction with telemedicine. Comparative and randomised clinical studies and research on modes of telemedicine were limited in quantity. Limitations in study design, lack of evaluation in various settings may impact the generalisability of findings.

CONCLUSION: This review suggests that telemedicine is beneficial in the management of RA, however more studies are needed to pinpoint the most effective uses of telemedicine and to explore alternative health care services for patients with barriers to access telemedicine.}, } @article {pmid37223456, year = {2023}, author = {Eslait-Olaciregui, S and Llinás-Caballero, K and Patiño-Manjarrés, D and Urbina-Ariza, T and Cediel-Becerra, JF and Domínguez-Domínguez, CA}, title = {Serious neurological adverse events following immunization against SARS-CoV-2: a narrative review of the literature.}, journal = {Therapeutic advances in drug safety}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {20420986231165674}, pmid = {37223456}, issn = {2042-0986}, abstract = {Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, massive immunization campaigns became the most promising public health measure. During clinical trials, certain neurological adverse effects following immunization (AEFIs) were observed; however, acceptable safety profiles lead to emergency authorization for the distribution and use of the vaccines. To contribute to pharmacovigilance and lessen the potential negative impact that vaccine hesitancy would have on immunization programs, we conducted a review of the scientific literature concerning the epidemiological data, clinical presentation, and potential mechanisms of these neurological AEFIs. There is some epidemiological evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, arterial ischemic stroke, convulsive disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome, facial nerve palsy, and other neurological conditions. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis has been associated with a thrombotic thrombocytopenia induced by the vaccine, similar to that induced by heparin, which suggests similar pathogenic mechanisms (likely involving antibodies against platelet factor 4, a chemokine released from activated platelets). Arterial ischemic stroke is another thrombotic condition observed among some COVID-19 vaccine recipients. Vaccine-induced convulsive disorder might be the result of structural abnormalities potentially caused by the vaccine or autoimmune mechanisms. Guillain-Barré syndrome and facial nerve palsy may also be linked to the immunization event, possibly due to immune mechanisms such as uncontrolled cytokine release, autoantibody production, or bystander effect. However, these events are mostly uncommon and the evidence for the association with the vaccine is not conclusive. Furthermore, the potential pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown. Nevertheless, neurological AEFIs can be serious, life-threatening or even fatal. In sum, COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe and the risk of neurological AEFIs does not outweigh the benefits of immunization. However, early diagnosis and treatment of neurological AEFIs are of utmost importance, and both health professionals and the public should be aware of these conditions.}, } @article {pmid37223223, year = {2023}, author = {Hiwale, M and Walambe, R and Potdar, V and Kotecha, K}, title = {A systematic review of privacy-preserving methods deployed with blockchain and federated learning for the telemedicine.}, journal = {Healthcare analytics (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {100192}, pmid = {37223223}, issn = {2772-4425}, abstract = {The unexpected and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the acceptance of remote healthcare systems such as telemedicine. Telemedicine effectively provides remote communication, better treatment recommendation, and personalized treatment on demand. It has emerged as the possible future of medicine. From a privacy perspective, secure storage, preservation, and controlled access to health data with consent are the main challenges to the effective deployment of telemedicine. It is paramount to fully overcome these challenges to integrate the telemedicine system into healthcare. In this regard, emerging technologies such as blockchain and federated learning have enormous potential to strengthen the telemedicine system. These technologies help enhance the overall healthcare standard when applied in an integrated way. The primary aim of this study is to perform a systematic literature review of previous research on privacy-preserving methods deployed with blockchain and federated learning for telemedicine. This study provides an in-depth qualitative analysis of relevant studies based on the architecture, privacy mechanisms, and machine learning methods used for data storage, access, and analytics. The survey allows the integration of blockchain and federated learning technologies with suitable privacy techniques to design a secure, trustworthy, and accurate telemedicine model with a privacy guarantee.}, } @article {pmid37223184, year = {2023}, author = {Banerjee, A and Das, M and Verma, P and Chatterjee, A and Ramalingam, K and Srivastava, KC}, title = {COVID-19 and Mucormycosis of Orofacial Region: A Scoping Review.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37984}, pmid = {37223184}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {During the second wave of coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, infection due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in the year 2021 around the globe, there is a surge in the number of cases of mucormycosis or "Black Fungus" that is directly/indirectly associated with COVID-19. In this review article, mucormycosis of the orofacial region has gained importance from the maximum published literature (45 articles) from various databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a fatal condition associated with COVID-19 among categories of mucormycosis such as pulmonary, oral, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and disseminated. ROCM targets the maxillary sinus, also involving teeth of the maxilla, orbits, and ethmoidal sinus. These are of particular interest to dentists and oral pathologists for proper diagnosis and identification. Co-morbid conditions, especially diabetes mellitus type II, have to be monitored carefully in COVID-19 patients as they have a higher risk of developing mucormycosis. In this review article, various presentations of COVID-19-linked mucormycosis are mentioned having particular emphasis on pathogenesis, signs and symptoms, clinical presentation, various diagnostic modalities including histopathology, radiology like CT and MRI, serology, tissue culture, various laboratory investigations, treatment protocols, management with prognosis, and so on. Any suspected case of mucormycosis needs quick detection and treatment since it progresses quickly due to the destructive course of infection. Long-term follow-up along with proper care is a must to detect any kind of recurrence.}, } @article {pmid37223162, year = {2023}, author = {Shaheen, N and Ramadan, A and Shaheen, A and Elmasry, M and Swed, S and Hafez, W and Wael, M}, title = {Myocarditis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37999}, pmid = {37223162}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {COVID-19 vaccination has significantly reduced both the morbidity and mortality rates associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccines, especially mRNA vaccines, have been proposed in several studies to complicate viral myocarditis. Thus, our systematic and meta-analysis review aims to further investigate the possibility of an association between COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, and Google Scholar and did a gray search of other databases using the following keywords and terms: "Myocarditis ("Myocarditis" Mesh) OR "Chagas Cardiomyopathy" Mesh) AND "COVID-19 Vaccines" Mesh. The studies were limited to only English articles that reported myocardial inflammation or myocarditis associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Pooled risk ratio with its 95% confidence interval was analyzed by RevMan software (5.4) to perform the meta-analysis. Our study included 671 patients from 44 studies with a mean age of 14-40 years. Nevertheless, myocarditis was noted in a mean of (3.227) days, and 4.19 per million vaccination recipients experienced myocarditis. Most cases were clinically presented with manifestations of cough, chest pain, and fever. Laboratory tests revealed increased C-reactive protein, and troponin with all other cardiac markers in most patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed late gadolinium enhancement with myocardial edema and cardiomegaly. Also, electrocardiograms revealed ST-segment elevation in most patients. Furthermore, the incidence of myocarditis was statistically significantly lower in the COVID-19 vaccine group as compared with the control group (RR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.10-0.23, p-value < 0.00001). No significant association was found between COVID-19 vaccines and the incidence of myocarditis. The study's findings highlight the importance of implementing evidence-based COVID-19 prevention strategies, such as vaccination, to reduce the public health impact of COVID-19 and its associated complications.}, } @article {pmid37223116, year = {2023}, author = {Kandula, UR and Wake, AD}, title = {Effectiveness of RCTs Pooling Evidence on Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapeutic Applications During COVID-19 Epidemic: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Biologics : targets & therapy}, volume = {17}, number = {}, pages = {85-112}, pmid = {37223116}, issn = {1177-5475}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Global pandemic identified as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a variety of clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic carriers to those with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) and moderate upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS). This systematic review aimed to determine effectiveness of stem cell (SC) applications among COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: Multiple databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were used. Studies were screened, chosen, and included in this systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 flowchart diagram and PRISMA checklist. Included studies' quality was assessed employing Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality evaluation criteria for 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs were performed between the years of 2020 to 2022, respectively, with a sample size n = 574 (treatment group (n = 318); control group (n = 256)) in multiple countries of Indonesia, Iran, Brazil, Turkey, China, Florida, UK, and France. The greatest sample size reported from China among 100 COVID-19 patients, while the lowest sample of 9 COVID-19 patients from Jakarta, Indonesia, and the patient's age ranges from 18 to 69 years. Studies applied to the type of SC were "Umbilical cord MSCs, MSCs secretome, MSCs, Placenta-derived MSCs, Human immature dental pulp SC, DW-MSC infusion, Wharton Jelly-derived MSCs". The injected therapeutic dose was 1 × 10[6] cells/kg, 1 × 10[7] cells/kg, 1 × 10[5] cells/kg, and 1 million cells/kg as per the evidence from the different studies. Studies focused on demographic variables, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, Comorbidities, respiratory measures, concomitant therapies, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, mechanical ventilation, body mass index, adverse events, inflammatory markers, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were all recorded as study characteristics.

CONCLUSION: Clinical evidence on MSC's therapeutic applications during COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a promising therapy for COVID-19 patient recovery with no consequences and applied as a routine treatment for challenging ailments.}, } @article {pmid37222348, year = {2023}, author = {Costa, ACFGS and Fonseca Neto, OCLD}, title = {Intraabdominal hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in patients with COVID-19: an integrative review.}, journal = {Revista do Colegio Brasileiro de Cirurgioes}, volume = {50}, number = {}, pages = {e20233539}, doi = {10.1590/0100-6991e-20233539-en}, pmid = {37222348}, issn = {1809-4546}, mesh = {Humans ; *Intra-Abdominal Hypertension ; *COVID-19 ; Intensive Care Units ; Pandemics ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {The first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in China, rapidly evolving with worldwide spread, turning into a pandemic. A percentage of these patients develop the severe form of the disease and progress to respiratory distress syndrome, requiring support in Intensive Care Units. Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome are characterized by increased intra-abdominal pressure, and are subject to several predisposing factors, such as mechanical ventilation assistance, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, elevated PEEP, intestinal obstructions, excessive fluid replacement, major burns and coagulopathies. Hence, for the management of patients with severe COVID-19, there are numerous risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Therefore, this study proposes to analyze the variables that directly interfere with the increase in intra-abdominal pressure in patients with COVID-19, as well as the changes in the organic systems caused, through an integrative literature review.}, } @article {pmid37221528, year = {2023}, author = {Fasoli, A and Beretta, G and Pravettoni, G and Sanchini, V}, title = {Mapping emerging technologies in aged care: results from an in-depth online research.}, journal = {BMC health services research}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {528}, pmid = {37221528}, issn = {1472-6963}, mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aging ; Databases, Factual ; Loneliness ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Emerging Technologies (ETs) have recently acquired great relevance in elderly care. The exceptional experience with SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emphasized the usefulness of ETs in the assistance and remote monitoring of older adults. Technological devices have also contributed to the preservation of social interactions, thus reducing isolation and loneliness. The general purpose of this work is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the technologies currently employed in elderly care. This objective was achieved firstly, by mapping and classifying the ETs currently available on the market and, secondly, by assessing the impact of such ETs on elderly care, exploring the ethical values promoted, as well as potential ethical threats.

METHODS: An in-depth search was carried out on Google search engine, by using specific keywords (e.g. technology, monitoring techniques, ambient intelligence; elderly, older adults; care and assistance). Three hundred and twenty-eight technologies were originally identified. Then, based on a predetermined set of inclusion-exclusion criteria, two hundreds and twenty-two technologies were selected.

RESULTS: A comprehensive database was elaborated, where the two hundred and twenty-two ETs selected were classified as follows: category; developmental stage; companies and/or partners; functions; location of development; time of development; impact on elderly care; target; website. From an in-depth qualitative analysis, some ethically-related contents and themes emerged, namely: questions related to safety, independence and active aging, connectedness, empowerment and dignity, cost and efficiency. Although not reported by developers, a close analysis of website contents highlights that positive values are often associated with potential risks, notably privacy threats, deception, dehumanization of care.

CONCLUSIONS: Research findings may ultimately lead to a better understanding of the impact of ETs on elderly people.}, } @article {pmid37072119, year = {2023}, author = {Kibenge, FSB}, title = {Continuous surveillance and viral discovery in animals and humans are a core component of a one-health approach to address recent viral reverse zoonoses.}, journal = {Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association}, volume = {261}, number = {6}, pages = {789-797}, doi = {10.2460/javma.23.03.0148}, pmid = {37072119}, issn = {1943-569X}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *One Health ; Viral Zoonoses ; *COVID-19/veterinary ; Zoonoses/prevention & control ; Animals, Wild ; }, abstract = {Contemporary human and animal viruses have a broad or narrow host range-those with a broad host range are potentially transmitted from animals to humans (ie, zoonosis) or humans to animals (ie, reverse zoonosis). This Currents in One Health article reviews the recent reverse zoonoses involving Coronaviridae, Poxviridae, arboviruses, and, for nonhuman primate species, the human respiratory viruses. The prevention and control of reverse zoonoses are also reviewed. Coronaviruses continue to emerge as new zoonotic agents, including a canine coronavirus, CCoV-HuPn-2018, circulating in people at low levels, and a pangolin coronavirus, MjHKU4r-CoV-1, circulating in Malayan pangolins. Moreover, the risk for SARS-CoV-2 variants to mutate in animal reservoirs and reinfect humans is ongoing. In the case of mpox, the risk of reverse zoonosis is low and there are vaccines for use in humans at risk. The situation with arboviruses is as varied as the number of human arboviruses, and only yellow fever virus and dengue virus have licensed vaccines in the Americas. As for reverse zoonoses in endangered species, solutions require changing human behavior and policies at all levels impacting wildlife. Overall, continuous surveillance and viral discovery in humans and animals remain core components of a one-health approach to reduce and, where possible, eliminate zoonotic and reverse zoonotic diseases. Viral zoonosis and viral reverse zoonosis focusing on recent influenza A virus disease events in humans and other species are the subjects of the companion Currents in One Health by Kibenge, AJVR, June 2023.}, } @article {pmid37046381, year = {2023}, author = {Naito, N and Shigemura, N}, title = {Artificial Lungs for Lung Failure in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: Contemporary Review.}, journal = {Transplantation}, volume = {107}, number = {6}, pages = {1278-1285}, pmid = {37046381}, issn = {1534-6080}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; *Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy ; Lung ; }, abstract = {In patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), mortality remains high despite optimal medical management. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been widely used to support such patients. ECMO is not a perfect solution; however, there are several limitations and serious complications associated with ECMO use. Moreover, the overall short-term mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 supported by ECMO is high (~30%). Some patients who survive severe acute respiratory distress syndrome have chronic lung failure requiring oxygen supplementation, long-term mechanical ventilation, or ECMO support. Although lung transplant remains the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage lung failure from COVID-19, optimal patient selection and transplant timing for patients with COVID-19-related lung failure are not clear. Access to an artificial lung (AL) that can be used for long-term support as a bridge to transplant, bridge to recovery, or even destination therapy will become increasingly important. In this review, we discuss why the COVID-19 pandemic may drive progress in AL technology, challenges to AL implementation, and how some of these challenges might be overcome.}, } @article {pmid37042814, year = {2023}, author = {Bayuo, J and Duodu, PA}, title = {Hospital Fire Outbreaks Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Low- and Middle-Income Settings.}, journal = {Journal of patient safety}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {223-228}, doi = {10.1097/PTS.0000000000001124}, pmid = {37042814}, issn = {1549-8425}, mesh = {Humans ; *Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; Hospitals ; Disease Outbreaks ; Health Facilities ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify and synthesize existing published and gray literature reporting on hospital fire outbreaks before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS: A 2-phase narrative review approach was used. The search covered peer-reviewed, gray literature sources, and news outlets. The pre-COVID-19 hospital fire outbreak search period was January 2000-December 2019 while that for during COVID-19 was December 2019-July 2021 (repeated in December 2021).

RESULTS: Thirteen and 24 media reports were identified for the pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 periods, respectively. Although varied fire risks existed before the emergence of the COVID-19, this article demonstrates that the incidence of hospital fires has increased more than two-folds in recent times in COVID-19 wards and intensive care units causing death, injuries, and extensive damage to properties. The main risk in the pre-COVID-19 era was identified as electrical faults. During the pandemic, other issues such as oxygen explosions, inefficient cooling systems, and lack of fire control measures in makeshift pre-COVID-19 centers were identified as additional risks/causes of the hospital fire outbreaks.

CONCLUSIONS: Additional risks have emerged during the COVID-19 era, which increased the occurrence of hospital fire outbreaks. Guidelines, protocols, and policies regarding the prevention of hospital fire outbreaks and strategies for attenuating its effects need to be highlighted across settings and adhered to. Existing policies need to evolve to help resolve these risks. Beyond the preventive strategies, context-specific psychosocial support is also required for healthcare staff, families, and patients who survive episodes of hospital fire outbreaks.}, } @article {pmid36972306, year = {2023}, author = {Chenais, G and Lagarde, E and Gil-Jardiné, C}, title = {Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Medicine: Viewpoint of Current Applications and Foreseeable Opportunities and Challenges.}, journal = {Journal of medical Internet research}, volume = {25}, number = {}, pages = {e40031}, doi = {10.2196/40031}, pmid = {36972306}, issn = {1438-8871}, mesh = {Humans ; Artificial Intelligence ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; Algorithms ; *Emergency Medicine ; }, abstract = {Emergency medicine and its services have reached a breaking point during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has highlighted the failures of a system that needs to be reconsidered, and novel approaches need to be considered. Artificial intelligence (AI) has matured to the point where it is poised to fundamentally transform health care, and applications within the emergency field are particularly promising. In this viewpoint, we first attempt to depict the landscape of AI-based applications currently in use in the daily emergency field. We review the existing AI systems; their algorithms; and their derivation, validation, and impact studies. We also propose future directions and perspectives. Second, we examine the ethics and risk specificities of the use of AI in the emergency field.}, } @article {pmid36882916, year = {2023}, author = {Hurwitz, MD and Chundury, A and Goodman, CR and Jones, J and Lo, SS and Saeed, H and Small, W and Schechter, NR}, title = {ACR-ARS Practice Parameter on Informed Consent Radiation Oncology.}, journal = {American journal of clinical oncology}, volume = {46}, number = {6}, pages = {231-235}, doi = {10.1097/COC.0000000000000994}, pmid = {36882916}, issn = {1537-453X}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; *Radiation Oncology ; Clinical Decision-Making ; Informed Consent ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Consent is a communication process between the patient and a health care provider, in which both parties have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange information relevant to the patient's diagnosis and treatment. The process of informed consent is designed to protect a patient's autonomy in their medical decision-making in the context of an asymmetric relationship with the health care system. A proper consent process assures a patient's individual autonomy, reduces the opportunity for abusive conduct or conflicts of interest, and raises trust levels among participants. This document was developed as an educational tool to facilitate these goals.

METHODS: This practice parameter was produced according to the process described under the heading "The Process for Developing ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards" on the ACR website (https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Practice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards) by the Committee on Practice Parameters-Radiation Oncology of the ACR Commission on Radiation Oncology in collaboration with the ARS. Committee members were charged with reviewing the prior version of the informed consent practice parameter published in 2017 and recommending additions, modifications, or deletions. The committee met through remote access and subsequently through an online exchange to facilitate the development of the revised document. Focus was given on identifying new considerations and challenges with informed consent given the evolution of the practice of radiation oncology in part driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and other external factors.

RESULTS: A review of the practice parameter published in 2017 confirmed the ongoing relevance of recommendations made at that time. In addition, the evolution of the practice of radiation oncology since the publication of the prior document resulted in the need for new topics to be addressed. These topics include remote consent either through telehealth or telephone and with the patient or their health care proxy.

CONCLUSIONS: Informed consent is an essential process in the care of radiation oncology patients. This practice parameter serves as an educational tool designed to assist practitioners in optimizing this process for the benefit of all involved parties.}, } @article {pmid36808631, year = {2023}, author = {Mallur, P and Ikeda, A and Patel, A and Raol, N and Ahanotu, A and Suarez-Goris, D and Randolph, GW and Shin, JJ}, title = {Evidence-Based Medicine in Otolaryngology Part 14: Falsehood and Bias.}, journal = {Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery}, volume = {168}, number = {6}, pages = {1584-1595}, doi = {10.1002/ohn.215}, pmid = {36808631}, issn = {1097-6817}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Bias ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Falsehood and bias can have tangible effects, whether related to the "hoax" of Corona virus disease/COVID-19 or the impact of personal protective equipment in city-wide news. The spread of false information requires the diversion of time and resources into rebolstering the truth. Our objective is thus to elucidate types of bias that may influence our daily work, along with ways to mitigate them.

DATA SOURCES: Publications are included which delineate specific aspects of bias or address how to preempt, mitigate, or correct bias, whether conscious or unconscious.

REVIEW METHODS: We discuss: (1) the background and rationale for proactively considering potential sources of bias, (2) relevant definitions and concepts, (3) potential means to limit effects of inaccurate data sources, and (4) evolving frontiers in the management of bias. In doing so, we review epidemiological concepts and susceptibility to bias within study designs, including database studies, observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. We additionally discuss concepts such as the difference between disinformation and misinformation, differential or nondifferential misclassification, bias toward a null result, and unconscious bias, among others.

CONCLUSION: We have the means to mitigate sources of potential bias in database studies, observational studies, RCTs, and systematic reviews, beginning with education and awareness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: False information may spread faster than true information, so it is beneficial to understand potential sources of falsehood we face, in order to safeguard our daily impressions and decisions. Awareness of potential sources of falsehood and bias forms the foundation for accuracy in our everyday work.}, } @article {pmid33734882, year = {2023}, author = {Turkdogan, S and Kay-Rivest, E and Giroux, M and Piché, C and Khwaja, K and Mascarella, M and Khalife, S and Alohali, S and Kost, K}, title = {Percutaneous Tracheostomy With a Demistifier Canopy in the COVID-19 Era: A Safe Technique in the Intensive Care Unit.}, journal = {Ear, nose, & throat journal}, volume = {102}, number = {5}, pages = {312-318}, doi = {10.1177/01455613211001595}, pmid = {33734882}, issn = {1942-7522}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Tracheostomy/methods ; Pandemics ; Intensive Care Units ; Critical Care ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Endoscopic percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) is a safe technique that is performed frequently by otolaryngologists and intensivists. New challenges have been identified in order to maintain the safety of this procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A novel approach, using a modified demistifier canopy, was developed during the first wave of the pandemic and implemented for 17 consecutive percutaneous tracheostomies in order to enhance procedural safety.

METHODS: A protocol was developed after performing a literature review of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients. A multidisciplinary tracheostomy team was established, including the departments of otolaryngology, critical care, and respiratory therapy. Simulation was performed prior to each PT, and postoperative debriefings were done.

RESULTS: A protocol and technical description of PT using a modified demistifier canopy covering was written and video documented. Data were collected on 17 patients who underwent this procedure safely in our tertiary care hospital. There were no procedure-related complications, and no evidence of COVID-19 transmission to any member of the health care team during the study period.

CONCLUSION: As patients continue to recover from COVID-19, their need for tracheostomy will increase. The technique described provides a safe, multidisciplinary method of performing PT in COVID-19 patients.}, } @article {pmid37223070, year = {2023}, author = {Alimoradi, Z and Sallam, M and Jafari, E and Potenza, MN and Pakpour, AH}, title = {Prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among migrant and refugee groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Vaccine: X}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {100308}, pmid = {37223070}, issn = {2590-1362}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among migrant and refugee groups is critical for achieving vaccine equity. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among migrant and refugee populations.

METHODS: A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022333337) was conducted (December 2019-July 2022) using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest and Google Scholar.

RESULTS: Nineteen studies from 12 countries were included. The pooled estimated prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine willingness among migrant and refugee groups was 70% (19 studies, 95% CI: 62.3-77.4%, I[2]: 99.19%, τ[2]: 0.03). Female and male participants did not differ significantly with each other (p = 0.64). Although no individual variable contributed statistically significantly in multivariable meta-regression analysis, the multivariable model that considered methodological quality, mean age of participants, participant group and country of origin explained 67% of variance.

DISCUSSION: Proportions of migrant/refugee groups receiving COVID-19 vaccinations approximated those observed among general populations. Additional studies are needed to examine factors relating to vaccine willingness to identify the most significant factors that may be targeted in interventions.}, } @article {pmid37222988, year = {2023}, author = {Mengstu, S and Beyene Berha, A}, title = {Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccine in Africa: Systematic Review.}, journal = {Infection and drug resistance}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {3085-3100}, pmid = {37222988}, issn = {1178-6973}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic scared the whole world at the end of 2019, which is a communicable respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In South Africa and other African countries, the COVID-19 vaccines were subsequently approved for emergency use by the respective national regulatory authorities. There is a paucity of aggregated data that revealed the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the literature on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine which was given in Africa.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on Science Direct, PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and direct Google searches. Only studies written in English and published articles from 2019 to October 30, 2022, which comprise nine randomized clinical trials (RCT), and four different studies including a single-arm implementation trials, prospective study, retrospective cohort study, and test-negative designs were included.

RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included which contain 810,466 participants from Africa. Of these, 62.18% of the participants were female. The efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine in Africa ranges from 41.7% to 100%. Moreover, vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 variants ranges from -5.7% to 100%. In general, systemic and local adverse events following vaccination in most trials were reported with a similar pattern between the placebo and vaccine groups. Out of the total reported adverse events, most of them were mild to moderate, whereas a few were serious.

CONCLUSION: Almost all current COVID-19 vaccines appear to be safe for African study participants. Regarding efficacy, the protein subunit vaccine and mRNA vaccine exhibited high efficacy (100%) in this group of participants. However, Ad26. COV2.S and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 COVID-19 vaccines are not effective against the delta variant and B.1.351 variant, respectively.}, } @article {pmid37222840, year = {2023}, author = {Fazel, P and Sedighian, H and Behzadi, E and Kachuei, R and Imani Fooladi, AA}, title = {Interaction Between SARS-CoV-2 and Pathogenic Bacteria.}, journal = {Current microbiology}, volume = {80}, number = {7}, pages = {223}, pmid = {37222840}, issn = {1432-0991}, abstract = {The novel human coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which results in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused a serious threat to global public health. Therefore, many studies are performed on the causes and prevalence of this disease and the possible co-occurrence of the infection with other viral and bacterial pathogens is investigated. Respiratory infections predispose patients to co-infections and these lead to increased disease severity and mortality. Numerous types of antibiotics have been employed for the prevention and treatment of bacterial co-infection and secondary bacterial infections in patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although antibiotics do not directly affect SARS-CoV-2, viral respiratory infections often result in bacterial pneumonia. It is possible that some patients die from bacterial co-infection rather than virus itself. Therefore, bacterial co-infection and secondary bacterial infection are considered critical risk factors for the severity and mortality rates of COVID-19. In this review, we will summarize the bacterial co-infection and secondary bacterial infection in some featured respiratory viral infections, especially COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37222292, year = {2023}, author = {Tadayon Najafabadi, B and Rayner, DG and Shokraee, K and Shokraie, K and Panahi, P and Rastgou, P and Seirafianpour, F and Momeni Landi, F and Alinia, P and Parnianfard, N and Hemmati, N and Banivaheb, B and Radmanesh, R and Alvand, S and Shahbazi, P and Dehghanbanadaki, H and Shaker, E and Same, K and Mohammadi, E and Malik, A and Srivastava, A and Nejat, P and Tamara, A and Chi, Y and Yuan, Y and Hajizadeh, N and Chan, C and Zhen, J and Tahapary, D and Anderson, L and Apatu, E and Schoonees, A and Naude, CE and Thabane, L and Foroutan, F}, title = {Obesity as an independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity and mortality.}, journal = {The Cochrane database of systematic reviews}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {CD015201}, pmid = {37222292}, issn = {1469-493X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since December 2019, the world has struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the introduction of various vaccines, this disease still takes a considerable toll. In order to improve the optimal allocation of resources and communication of prognosis, healthcare providers and patients need an accurate understanding of factors (such as obesity) that are associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes from the COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate obesity as an independent prognostic factor for COVID-19 severity and mortality among adult patients in whom infection with the COVID-19 virus is confirmed.

SEARCH METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, two COVID-19 reference collections, and four Chinese biomedical databases were searched up to April 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included case-control, case-series, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and secondary analyses of randomised controlled trials if they evaluated associations between obesity and COVID-19 adverse outcomes including mortality, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospitalisation, severe COVID, and COVID pneumonia. Given our interest in ascertaining the independent association between obesity and these outcomes, we selected studies that adjusted for at least one factor other than obesity. Studies were evaluated for inclusion by two independent reviewers working in duplicate.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Using standardised data extraction forms, we extracted relevant information from the included studies. When appropriate, we pooled the estimates of association across studies with the use of random-effects meta-analyses. The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool provided the platform for assessing the risk of bias across each included study. In our main comparison, we conducted meta-analyses for each obesity class separately. We also meta-analysed unclassified obesity and obesity as a continuous variable (5 kg/m[2] increase in BMI (body mass index)). We used the GRADE framework to rate our certainty in the importance of the association observed between obesity and each outcome. As obesity is closely associated with other comorbidities, we decided to prespecify the minimum adjustment set of variables including age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease for subgroup analysis.  MAIN RESULTS: We identified 171 studies, 149 of which were included in meta-analyses.  As compared to 'normal' BMI (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m[2]) or patients without obesity, those with obesity classes I (BMI 30 to 35 kg/m[2]), and II (BMI 35 to 40 kg/m[2]) were not at increased odds for mortality (Class I: odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94 to 1.16, high certainty (15 studies, 335,209 participants); Class II: OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.36, high certainty (11 studies, 317,925 participants)). However, those with class III obesity (BMI 40 kg/m[2] and above) may be at increased odds for mortality (Class III: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.00, low certainty, (19 studies, 354,967 participants)) compared to normal BMI or patients without obesity. For mechanical ventilation, we observed increasing odds with higher classes of obesity in comparison to normal BMI or patients without obesity (class I: OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.59, 10 studies, 187,895 participants, moderate certainty; class II: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.96, 6 studies, 171,149 participants, high certainty; class III: OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.97, 12 studies, 174,520 participants, high certainty). However, we did not observe a dose-response relationship across increasing obesity classifications for ICU admission and hospitalisation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that obesity is an important independent prognostic factor in the setting of COVID-19. Consideration of obesity may inform the optimal management and allocation of limited resources in the care of COVID-19 patients.}, } @article {pmid37220551, year = {2023}, author = {Su, M and Zheng, G and Xu, X and Song, H}, title = {Antigen epitopes of animal coronaviruses: a mini-review.}, journal = {Animal diseases}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {14}, pmid = {37220551}, issn = {2731-0442}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Coronaviruses are widespread in nature and can infect mammals and poultry, making them a public health concern. Globally, prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging animal coronaviruses is a great challenge. The mechanisms of virus-mediated immune responses have important implications for research on virus prevention and control. The antigenic epitope is a chemical group capable of stimulating the production of antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes, playing an important role in antiviral immune responses. Thus, it can shed light on the development of diagnostic methods and novel vaccines. Here, we have reviewed advances in animal coronavirus antigenic epitope research, aiming to provide a reference for the prevention and control of animal and human coronaviruses.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44149-023-00080-0.}, } @article {pmid37220535, year = {2023}, author = {Jia, K and Li, Y and Liu, T and Gu, X and Li, X}, title = {New insights for infection mechanism and potential targets of COVID-19: Three Chinese patent medicines and three Chinese medicine formulas as promising therapeutic approaches.}, journal = {Chinese herbal medicines}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {157-168}, pmid = {37220535}, issn = {2589-3610}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with high pathogenicity and infectiousness has become a sudden and lethal pandemic worldwide. Currently, there is no accepted specific drug for COVID-19 treatment. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to clarify the pathogenic mechanism and develop effective therapies for patients with COVID-19. According to several reliable reports from China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially for three Chinese patent medicines and three Chinese medicine formulas, has been demonstrated to effectively alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 either used alone or in combination with Western medicines. In this review, we systematically summarized and analyzed the pathogenesis of COVID-19, the detailed clinical practice, active ingredients investigation, network pharmacology prediction and underlying mechanism verification of three Chinese patent medicines and three Chinese medicine formulas in the COVID-19 combat. Additionally, we summarized some promising and high-frequency drugs of these prescriptions and discussed their regulatory mechanism, which provides guidance for the development of new drugs against COVID-19. Collectively, by addressing critical challenges, for example, unclear targets and complicated active ingredients of these medicines and formulas, we believe that TCM will represent promising and efficient strategies for curing COVID-19 and related pandemics.}, } @article {pmid37220529, year = {2023}, author = {Ogunkola, IO and Abiodun, OE and Bale, BI and Elebesunu, EE and Ujam, SB and Umeh, IC and Tom-James, M and Musa, SS and Manirambona, E and Evardone, SB and Lucero-Prisno, DE}, title = {Monkeypox vaccination in the global south: Fighting a war without a weapon.}, journal = {Clinical epidemiology and global health}, volume = {22}, number = {}, pages = {101313}, pmid = {37220529}, issn = {2452-0918}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Mpox outbreak awakened countries worldwide to renew efforts in epidemiological surveillance and vaccination of susceptible populations. In terms of Mpox vaccination, various challenges exist in the global south, which impede adequate vaccine coverage, especially in Africa. This paper reviewed the situation of Mpox vaccination in the global south and potential ameliorative approaches.

METHODS: A review of online literature from PubMed and Google Scholar concerning Mpox vaccination in countries belonging to the 'global south' category was done between August and September, 2022. The major focus areas included inequity in global vaccine distribution, challenges impeding vaccine coverage in the global south, and potential strategies for bridging the gap in vaccine equity. The papers that met the inclusion criteria were collated and narratively discussed.

RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that, while the high-income countries secured large supplies of the Mpox vaccines, the low- and middle-income countries were unable to independently access substantial quantities of the vaccine and had to rely on vaccine donations from high-income countries, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges in the global south particularly revolved around inadequate vaccine production capacity due to lack of qualified personnel and specialized infrastructure for full vaccine development and manufacturing, limited cold chain equipment for vaccine distribution, and consistent vaccine hesitancy.

CONCLUSION: To tackle the trend of vaccine inequity in the global south, African governments and international stakeholders must invest properly in adequate production and dissemination of Mpox vaccines in low- and middle-income countries.}, } @article {pmid37220488, year = {2023}, author = {Moghadam, TT and Ochoa Morales, CE and Lopez Zambrano, MJ and Bruton, K and O'Sullivan, DTJ}, title = {Energy efficient ventilation and indoor air quality in the context of COVID-19 - A systematic review.}, journal = {Renewable & sustainable energy reviews}, volume = {182}, number = {}, pages = {113356}, pmid = {37220488}, issn = {1879-0690}, abstract = {New COVID-19 ventilation guidelines have resulted in higher energy consumption to maintain indoor air quality (IAQ), and energy efficiency has become a secondary concern. Despite the significance of the studies conducted on COVID-19 ventilation requirements, a comprehensive investigation of the associated energy challenges has not been discussed. This study aims to present a critical systematic review of the Coronavirus viral spreading risk mitigation through ventilation systems (VS) and its relation to energy use. COVID-19 heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)-related countermeasures proposed by industry professionals have been reviewed and their influence on operating VS and energy consumption have also been discussed. A critical review analysis was then conducted on publications from 2020 to 2022. Four research questions (RQs) have been selected for this review concerning i) maturity of the existing literature, ii) building types and occupancy profile, iii) ventilation types and effective control strategies and iv) challenges and related causes. The results reveal that employing HVAC auxiliary equipment is mostly effective and increased fresh air supply is the most significant challenge associated with increased energy consumption due to maintaining IAQ. Future studies should focus on novel approaches toward solving the apparently conflicting objectives of minimizing energy consumption and maximizing IAQ. Also, effective ventilation control strategies should be assessed in various buildings with different occupancy densities. The implications of this study can be useful for future development of this topic not only to enhance the energy efficiency of the VS but also to enable more resiliency and health in buildings.}, } @article {pmid37219826, year = {2023}, author = {Rostami, M and Mansouritorghabeh, H}, title = {Significance of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37219826}, issn = {1573-742X}, abstract = {Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) occurs in approximately 3% of patients receiving heparinoids. About 30-75% of patients with type 2 of HIT develop thrombosis as a result of platelet activation. The most important clinical symptom is thrombocytopenia. Patients with severe COVID-19 are among those receiving heparinoids. This meta-analysis performed to picture the current knowledge and results of published studies in this field. Three search engines were searched and 575 papers were found. After evaluation, 37 articles were finally selected of which 13 studies were quantitatively analyzed. The pooled frequency rate of suspected cases with HIT in 13 studies with 11,241 patients was 1.7%. The frequency of HIT was 8.2% in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation subgroup with 268 patients and 0.8% in the hospitalization subgroup with 10,887 patients. The coincidence of these two conditions may increase the risk of thrombosis. Of the 37 patients with COVID-19 and confirmed HIT, 30 patients (81%) were treated in the intensive care unit or had severe COVID-19. The most commonly used anticoagulants were UFH in 22 cases (59.4%). The median platelet count before treatment was 237 (176-290) x 10[3]/µl and the median nadir platelet count was 52 (31-90.5) x 10[3]/µl.}, } @article {pmid37219799, year = {2023}, author = {Romero-Velez, G and Ponce de Leon-Ballesteros, G and Al Zubaidi, M and Barajas-Gamboa, JS and Dang, J and Corcelles, R and Strong, AT and Navarrete, S and Kroh, M}, title = {Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in abdominal tissues and biologic fluids during abdominal surgery: a systematic review.}, journal = {Surgical endoscopy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37219799}, issn = {1432-2218}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Viral transmission to healthcare providers during surgical procedures was a major concern at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of the severe acute respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, in the abdominal cavity as well as in other abdominal tissues which surgeons are exposed has been investigated in several studies. The aim of the present systematic review was to analyze if the virus can be identify in the abdominal cavity.

METHODS: We performed a systematic review to identify relevant studies regarding the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in abdominal tissues or fluids. Number of patients included as well as patient's characteristics, type of procedures, samples and number of positive samples were analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 36 studies were included (18 case series and 18 case reports). There were 357 samples for detection of SARS-CoV-2, obtained from 295 individuals. A total of 21 samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (5.9%). Positive samples were more frequently encountered in patients with severe COVID-19 (37.5% vs 3.8%, p < 0.001). No health-care provider related infections were reported.

CONCLUSION: Although a rare occurrence, SARS-CoV-2 can be found in the abdominal tissues and fluids. It seems that the presence of the virus in the abdominal tissues or fluids is more likely in patients with severe disease. Protective measures should be employed in the operating room to protect the staff when operating patients with COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37219782, year = {2023}, author = {Aboagye, EM and Effah, NAA and Effah, KO}, title = {A bibliometric analysis of the impact of COVID-19 social lockdowns on air quality: research trends and future directions.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37219782}, issn = {1614-7499}, abstract = {Social lockdowns improved air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments had previously spent a lot of money addressing air pollution without success. This bibliometric study measured the influence of COVID-19 social lockdowns on air pollution, identified emerging issues, and discussed future perspectives. The researchers examined the contributions of countries, authors, and most productive journals to COVID-19 and air pollution research from January 1, 2020, to September 12, 2022, from the Web of Sciences Core Collection (WoS). The results showed that (a) publications on the COVID-19 pandemic and air pollution were 504 (research articles) with 7495 citations, (b) China ranked first in the number of publications (n = 151; 29.96% of the global output) and was the main country in international cooperation network, followed by India (n = 101; 20.04% of the total articles) and the USA (n = 41; 8.13% of the global output). Air pollution plagues China, India, and the USA, calling for many studies. After a high spike in 2020, research published in 2021 declined in 2022. The author's keywords have focused on "COVID-19," "air pollution," "lockdown," and "PM25." These keywords suggest that research in this area is focused on understanding the health impacts of air pollution, developing policies to address air pollution, and improving air quality monitoring. The COVID-19 social lockdown served as a specified procedure to reduce air pollution in these countries. However, this paper provides practical recommendations for future research and a model for environmental and health scientists to examine the likely impact of COVID-19 social lockdowns on urban air pollution.}, } @article {pmid37219073, year = {2023}, author = {Nindenshuti, PM and Caire-Juvera, G}, title = {Changes in Diet, Physical Activity, Alcohol Consumption, and Tobacco Use in Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Inquiry : a journal of medical care organization, provision and financing}, volume = {60}, number = {}, pages = {469580231175780}, doi = {10.1177/00469580231175780}, pmid = {37219073}, issn = {1945-7243}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic changed various lifestyle habits worldwide due to the prevention measures implemented in each country, these changes may affect or benefit people's health. We aimed to systematically review changes in diet, physical activity (PA), alcohol consumption, and tobacco use habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults. Two databases: PubMed and ScienceDirect, were used for this systematic review. The research was limited to open-access, peer-reviewed original articles published in English, French, or Spanish from January 2020 to December 2022 and investigated diet, PA, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use habits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults. Excluded studies were review studies, intervention studies with a sample size of fewer than 30 participants, and poor-quality articles. This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42023406524), whereas to assess the quality of the studies, we used the quality assessment tools developed by the BSA Medical Sociology Group for cross-sectional studies and the QATSO for the longitudinal studies. Thirty-two studies were included. Some studies reported changes to promote healthy lifestyles; 13 out of 15 articles reported an increase in healthy diet consumption habits, 5 out of 7 studies reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, and 2 out of 3 studies reported a decrease in tobacco use. On the other hand, the other studies reported changes to promote unhealthy lifestyles: 9 out of 15, and 2 out of 7 studies reported an increase in unhealthy diet and alcohol consumption habits respectively, 25 out of 25 reported a decrease in physical activity, and 13 out of 13 reported an increase in sedentary behavior. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been changes to promote a healthy and unhealthy lifestyle; the latter can affect people's health. Therefore, effective responses are needed to mitigate the consequences.}, } @article {pmid37218971, year = {2023}, author = {Pires, C}, title = {A SWOT Analysis of Pharmacy Students' Perspectives on e-Learning Based on a Narrative Review.}, journal = {Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {37218971}, issn = {2226-4787}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Online education became the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of studies exploring the potential advantages/disadvantages of e-learning in pharmacy courses is limited.

STUDY AIM: to propose a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of e-learning according to pharmacy students' perspectives.

METHODS: A narrative review was conducted to examine student pharmacist perspectives on e-learning.

RESULTS: Diverse strengths and weaknesses (internal environment) and opportunities and threats (external environment) were identified, which were grouped into categories, such as (1) students' well-being (e.g., access to classes anywhere vs. students' psychological or physical disorders); (2) teachers and materials (e.g., more diverse/interesting audiovisual materials vs. too challenging materials); (3) technologies (e.g., new education strategies, such as gamification vs. barriers in the access to the internet); (4) classes/training (e.g., more versatile/immediate classes vs. eventual presence of other persons during online classes); and (5) faculty/school of pharmacy (e.g., availability of technical support).

CONCLUSION: Overall, online education seems to be suitable for pharmacy students, although diverse challenges should be addressed, such as the well-being of students or lack of standards. Pharmacy schools should regularly identify/define and implement measures to reinforce opportunities and strengths as well as to solve threats and weaknesses.}, } @article {pmid37218933, year = {2023}, author = {Degli Antoni, M and Crosato, V and Pennati, F and Borghesi, A and Cristini, G and Allegri, R and Capone, S and Bergamasco, A and Soresina, A and Badolato, R and Maroldi, R and Quiros-Roldan, E and Matteelli, A and Castelli, F and Focà, E}, title = {COVID-19 Pneumonia with Migratory Pattern in Agammaglobulinemic Patients: A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature.}, journal = {Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.)}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {894-900}, pmid = {37218933}, issn = {2379-139X}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Pneumonia ; *Genetic Diseases, X-Linked ; *Agammaglobulinemia/complications/diagnostic imaging ; }, abstract = {X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by marked reduction in serum immunoglobulins and early-onset infections. Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in immunocompromised patients presents clinical and radiological peculiarities which have not yet been completely understood. Very few cases of agammaglobulinemic patients with COVID-19 have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic in February 2020. We report two cases of migrant COVID-19 pneumonia in XLA patients.}, } @article {pmid37218918, year = {2023}, author = {Hidayat, AA and Gunawan, VA and Iragama, FR and Alfiansyah, R and Hertanto, DM and Tjempakasari, A and Thaha, M}, title = {Risk Factors and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.}, journal = {Pathophysiology : the official journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {233-247}, pmid = {37218918}, issn = {1873-149X}, abstract = {Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a worse prognosis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Identification of AKI, particularly in COVID-19 patients, is important for improving patients' management. The study aims to assess risk factors and comorbidities of AKI in COVID-19 patients. We systematically searched PubMed and DOAJ databases for relevant studies involving confirmed COVID-19 patients with data on risk factors and comorbidities of AKI. The risk factors and comorbidities were compared between AKI and non-AKI patients. A total of 30 studies involving 22385 confirmed COVID-19 patients were included. Male (OR: 1.74 (1.47, 2.05)), diabetes (OR: 1.65 (1.54, 1.76)), hypertension (OR: 1.82 (1.12, 2.95)), ischemic cardiac disease (OR: 1.70 (1.48, 1.95)), heart failure (OR: 2.29 (2.01, 2.59)), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR: 3.24 (2.20, 4.79)), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 1.86 (1.35, 2.57)), peripheral vascular disease (OR: 2.34 (1.20, 4.56)), and history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (OR: 1.59 (1.29, 1.98)) were independent risk factors associated with COVID-19 patients with AKI. Patients with AKI presented with proteinuria (OR: 3.31 (2.59, 4.23)), hematuria (OR: 3.25 (2.59, 4.08)), and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR: 13.88 (8.23, 23.40)). For COVID-19 patients, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, ischemic cardiac disease, heart failure, CKD, COPD, peripheral vascular disease, and history of use of NSAIDs are associated with a higher risk of AKI.}, } @article {pmid37218912, year = {2023}, author = {Soegiarto, G and Purnomosari, D}, title = {Challenges in the Vaccination of the Elderly and Strategies for Improvement.}, journal = {Pathophysiology : the official journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {155-173}, pmid = {37218912}, issn = {1873-149X}, abstract = {In recent years, the elderly has become a rapidly growing proportion of the world's population as life expectancy is extending. Immunosenescence and inflammaging contribute to the increased risk of chronic non-communicable and acute infectious diseases. Frailty is highly prevalent in the elderly and is associated with an impaired immune response, a higher propensity to infection, and a lower response to vaccines. Additionally, the presence of uncontrolled comorbid diseases in the elderly also contributes to sarcopenia and frailty. Vaccine-preventable diseases that threaten the elderly include influenza, pneumococcal infection, herpes zoster, and COVID-19, which contribute to significant disability-adjusted life years lost. Previous studies had shown that conventional vaccines only yielded suboptimal protection that wanes rapidly in a shorter time. This article reviews published papers on several vaccination strategies that were developed for the elderly to solve these problems: more immunogenic vaccine formulations using larger doses of antigen, stronger vaccine adjuvants, recombinant subunit or protein conjugated vaccines, newly developed mRNA vaccines, giving booster shots, and exploring alternative routes of administration. Included also are several publications on senolytic medications under investigation to boost the immune system and vaccine response in the elderly. With all those in regard, the currently recommended vaccines for the elderly are presented.}, } @article {pmid37217235, year = {2023}, author = {George, AS and Lopes, CA and Vijayasingham, L and Mothupi, MC and Musizvingoza, R and Mishra, G and Stevenson, J and Remme, M}, title = {A shared agenda for gender and COVID-19 research: priorities based on broadening engagement in science.}, journal = {BMJ global health}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011315}, pmid = {37217235}, issn = {2059-7908}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Lactation ; Public Policy ; }, abstract = {While the acute and collective crisis from the pandemic is over, an estimated 2.5 million people died from COVID-19 in 2022, tens of millions suffer from long COVID and national economies still reel from multiple deprivations exacerbated by the pandemic. Sex and gender biases deeply mark these evolving experiences of COVID-19, impacting the quality of science and effectiveness of the responses deployed. To galvanise change by strengthening evidence-informed inclusion of sex and gender in COVID-19 practice, we led a virtual collaboration to articulate and prioritise gender and COVID-19 research needs. In addition to standard prioritisation surveys, feminist principles mindful of intersectional power dynamics underpinned how we reviewed research gaps, framed research questions and discussed emergent findings. The collaborative research agenda-setting exercise engaged over 900 participants primarily from low/middle-income countries in varied activities. The top 21 research questions included the importance of the needs of pregnant and lactating women and information systems that enable sex-disaggregated analysis. Gender and intersectional aspects to improving vaccine uptake, access to health services, measures against gender-based violence and integrating gender in health systems were also prioritised. These priorities are shaped by more inclusive ways of working, which are critical for global health as it faces further uncertainties in the aftermath of COVID-19. It remains imperative to address the basics in gender and health (sex-disaggregated data and sex-specific needs) and also advance transformational goals to advance gender justice across health and social policies, including those related to global research.}, } @article {pmid37213142, year = {2023}, author = {Ahmad, AMR and Intikhab, A and Zafar, S and Farooq, U and Shah, HBU and Akram, S and Abid, J and Parveen, Z and Iqbal, S}, title = {Spirulina, an FDA-Approved Functional Food: Worth the Hype?.}, journal = {Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France)}, volume = {69}, number = {1}, pages = {137-144}, doi = {10.14715/cmb/2022.69.1.24}, pmid = {37213142}, issn = {1165-158X}, mesh = {Humans ; Functional Food ; *Spirulina/metabolism ; *COVID-19 ; Dietary Supplements ; Food Additives/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Spirulina, a blue-green microalga is an eminent functional food due to its unique nutritional and disease-mitigating properties. The main objective of this article is to present an overview of the nutritional composition of Spirulina. Along with its therapeutic potential and applications in the food industry. Studies included in this review have suggested spirulina to be a rich source of complete proteins, essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamins, minerals and various bioactive compounds like carotenoids, chlorophyll, and xanthophylls. This makes Spirulina a promising functional food for the treatment of ailments like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), COVID-19, neuroinflammatory conditions and gut dysbiosis. Additionally, data from numerous studies suggest its use in food formulations, primarily in sports supplements, bakery products, beverages, dairy products, snack sources and confectionaries. It has also been used by the National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) for astronauts on space missions to the Moon and Mars. Furthermore, spirulina's use as a natural food additive possesses enormous potential for further research. Owing to its high nutritional profile and disease-fighting potential, it lends itself to numerous food formulations. Therefore, based on the findings of previous studies, further progress can be made considering spirulina's application in the food additive industry.}, } @article {pmid37218800, year = {2023}, author = {Rocca, E and Zanza, C and Longhitano, Y and Piccolella, F and Romenskaya, T and Racca, F and Savioli, G and Saviano, A and Piccioni, A and Mongodi, S}, title = {Lung Ultrasound in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine: Clinical Review.}, journal = {Advances in respiratory medicine}, volume = {91}, number = {3}, pages = {203-223}, doi = {10.3390/arm91030017}, pmid = {37218800}, issn = {2543-6031}, abstract = {Lung ultrasound has become a part of the daily examination of physicians working in intensive, sub-intensive, and general medical wards. The easy access to hand-held ultrasound machines in wards where they were not available in the past facilitated the widespread use of ultrasound, both for clinical examination and as a guide to procedures; among point-of-care ultrasound techniques, the lung ultrasound saw the greatest spread in the last decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has given a boost to the use of ultrasound since it allows to obtain a wide range of clinical information with a bedside, not harmful, repeatable examination that is reliable. This led to the remarkable growth of publications on lung ultrasounds. The first part of this narrative review aims to discuss basic aspects of lung ultrasounds, from the machine setting, probe choice, and standard examination to signs and semiotics for qualitative and quantitative lung ultrasound interpretation. The second part focuses on how to use lung ultrasound to answer specific clinical questions in critical care units and in emergency departments.}, } @article {pmid37218799, year = {2023}, author = {Tsotsolis, S and Kotoulas, SC and Lavrentieva, A}, title = {Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Lights and Shadows in the Current Landscape.}, journal = {Advances in respiratory medicine}, volume = {91}, number = {3}, pages = {185-202}, doi = {10.3390/arm91030016}, pmid = {37218799}, issn = {2543-6031}, abstract = {Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) presents a known risk to critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2; quantifying the global burden of IPA in SARS-CoV-2 is extremely challenging. The true incidence of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and the impact on mortality is difficult to define because of indiscriminate clinical signs, low culture sensitivity and specificity and variability in clinical practice between centers. While positive cultures of upper airway samples are considered indicative for the diagnosis of probable CAPA, conventional microscopic examination and qualitative culture of respiratory tract samples have quite low sensitivity and specificity. Thus, the diagnosis should be confirmed with serum and BAL GM test or positive BAL culture to mitigate the risk of overdiagnosis and over-treatment. Bronchoscopy has a limited role in these patients and should only be considered when diagnosis confirmation would significantly change clinical management. Varying diagnostic performance, availability, and time-to-results turnaround time are important limitations of currently approved biomarkers and molecular assays for the diagnosis of IA. The use of CT scans for diagnostic purposes is controversial due to practical concerns and the complex character of lesions presented in SARS-CoV-2 patients. The key objective of management is to improve survival by avoiding misdiagnosis and by initiating early, targeted antifungal treatment. The main factors that should be considered upon selection of treatment options include the severity of the infection, concomitant renal or hepatic injury, possible drug interactions, requirement for therapeutic drug monitoring, and cost of therapy. The optimal duration of antifungal therapy for CAPA is still under debate.}, } @article {pmid37218751, year = {2023}, author = {Kanvinde, S and Deodhar, S and Kulkarni, TA and Jogdeo, CM}, title = {Nanotherapeutic Approaches to Treat COVID-19-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis.}, journal = {Biotech (Basel (Switzerland))}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biotech12020034}, pmid = {37218751}, issn = {2673-6284}, abstract = {There have been significant collaborative efforts over the past three years to develop therapies against COVID-19. During this journey, there has also been a lot of focus on understanding at-risk groups of patients who either have pre-existing conditions or have developed concomitant health conditions due to the impact of COVID-19 on the immune system. There was a high incidence of COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) observed in patients. PF can cause significant morbidity and long-term disability and lead to death in the long run. Additionally, being a progressive disease, PF can also impact the patient for a long time after COVID infection and affect the overall quality of life. Although current therapies are being used as the mainstay for treating PF, there is no therapy specifically for COVID-induced PF. As observed in the treatment of other diseases, nanomedicine can show significant promise in overcoming the limitations of current anti-PF therapies. In this review, we summarize the efforts reported by various groups to develop nanomedicine therapeutics to treat COVID-induced PF. These therapies can potentially offer benefits in terms of targeted drug delivery to lungs, reduced toxicity, and ease of administration. Some of the nanotherapeutic approaches may provide benefits in terms of reduced immunogenicity owing to the tailored biological composition of the carrier as per the patient needs. In this review, we discuss cellular membrane-based nanodecoys, extracellular vesicles such as exosomes, and other nanoparticle-based approaches for potential treatment of COVID-induced PF.}, } @article {pmid37218396, year = {2023}, author = {Li, M and Yuan, Y and Zou, T and Hou, Z and Jin, L and Wang, B}, title = {Development trends of human organoid-based COVID-19 research based on bibliometric analysis.}, journal = {Cell proliferation}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e13496}, doi = {10.1111/cpr.13496}, pmid = {37218396}, issn = {1365-2184}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed a catastrophic threat to human health worldwide. Human stem cell-derived organoids serve as a promising platform for exploring SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several review articles have summarized the application of human organoids in COVID-19, but the research status and development trend of this field have seldom been systematically and comprehensively studied. In this review, we use bibliometric analysis method to identify the characteristics of organoid-based COVID-19 research. First, an annual trend of publications and citations, the most contributing countries or regions and organizations, co-citation analysis of references and sources and research hotspots are determined. Next, systematical summaries of organoid applications in investigating the pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccine development and drug discovery, are provided. Lastly, the current challenges and future considerations of this field are discussed. The present study will provide an objective angle to identify the current trend and give novel insights for directing the future development of human organoid applications in SARS-CoV-2 infection.}, } @article {pmid37217369, year = {2023}, author = {Vafea, MT and Haidar, G}, title = {COVID-19 Prevention in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Current State of the Evidence.}, journal = {Infectious disease clinics of North America}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37217369}, issn = {1557-9824}, abstract = {Although COVID-19 vaccines are safe, most organ transplant recipients fail to mount an antibody response after two mRNA vaccines. Thus, three mRNA vaccines constitute a primary vaccine series after solid organ transplant. However, neutralizing antibodies after three or greater mRNA vaccines are lower against Omicron versus older variants. Predictors of attenuated responses include age, vaccination within 1 year from transplant, mycophenolate, and BNT162b2. Some seronegative transplant recipients exhibit durable T-cell responses. Vaccine effectiveness in transplants is lower than in the general population. Immunosuppression reduction around revaccination warrants further study. Monoclonal antibody pre-exposure prophylaxis may be protective against susceptible variants.}, } @article {pmid37217161, year = {2023}, author = {Reddy, P and Kane, GC and Oh, JK and Luis, SA}, title = {The Evolving Etiological and Epidemiological Portrait of Pericardial Disease.}, journal = {The Canadian journal of cardiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.cjca.2023.05.011}, pmid = {37217161}, issn = {1916-7075}, abstract = {Pericardial disease includes a variety of pericardial diseases including inflammatory pericarditis, pericardial effusions, constrictive pericarditis, pericardial cysts, primary and secondary pericardial neoplasms. The true incidence of this varied condition is not well established, and the causes vary greatly across the world. This review aims to describe the changing pattern of epidemiology of pericardial disease and to provide an overview of causative etiologies. Idiopathic pericarditis (assumed most often to be viral) remains the most common etiology for pericardial disease globally, with tuberculous pericarditis being most common in developing countries. Other important etiologies include fungal, autoimmune, autoinflammatory, neoplastic (both benign and malignant), immunotherapy-related, radiation therapy-induced, metabolic, post cardiac injury, post-operative, and post-procedural causes. Improved understanding of the immune pathophysiologic pathways has led to identification and reclassification of some idiopathic pericarditis cases into autoinflammatory etiologies, including IgG4-related pericarditis, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and familial Mediterranean fever in the current era. Contemporary advances in percutaneous cardiac interventions and the recent Covid-19 pandemic have also resulted in changes in the epidemiology of pericardial diseases. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of the etiologies of pericarditis, utilizing the assistance of contemporary advanced imaging techniques and laboratory testing. Careful consideration of the range of potential causes and local epidemiological patterns of causality are important for the optimization of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.}, } @article {pmid37216955, year = {2023}, author = {Singh, SJ and Baldwin, MM and Daynes, E and Evans, RA and Greening, NJ and Jenkins, RG and Lone, NI and McAuley, H and Mehta, P and Newman, J and Novotny, P and Smith, DJF and Stanel, S and Toshner, M and Brightling, CE}, title = {Respiratory sequelae of COVID-19: pulmonary and extrapulmonary origins, and approaches to clinical care and rehabilitation.}, journal = {The Lancet. Respiratory medicine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37216955}, issn = {2213-2619}, abstract = {Although the exact prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) is unknown, more than a third of patients with COVID-19 develop symptoms that persist for more than 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These sequelae are highly heterogeneous in nature and adversely affect multiple biological systems, although breathlessness is a frequently cited symptom. Specific pulmonary sequelae, including pulmonary fibrosis and thromboembolic disease, need careful assessment and might require particular investigations and treatments. COVID-19 outcomes in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions vary according to the nature and severity of the respiratory disease and how well it is controlled. Extrapulmonary complications such as reduced exercise tolerance and frailty might contribute to breathlessness in post-COVID-19 condition. Non-pharmacological therapeutic options, including adapted pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and physiotherapy techniques for breathing management, might help to attenuate breathlessness in people with post-COVID-19 condition. Further research is needed to understand the origins and course of respiratory symptoms and to develop effective therapeutic and rehabilitative strategies.}, } @article {pmid37216655, year = {2023}, author = {Bae, SH}, title = {Assessing the impacts of nurse staffing and work schedules on nurse turnover: A systematic review.}, journal = {International nursing review}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/inr.12849}, pmid = {37216655}, issn = {1466-7657}, abstract = {AIM: This study aimed to investigate and synthesize the impacts of nurse staffing and work schedules on nurse turnover in acute hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The retention of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic was critical due to the increased demand for nurses. Among the multifaceted factors contributing to nurse turnover, it is worth examining nurse staffing and work schedules while considering policy intervention.

METHODS: The findings of this systematic literature review were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Using eight databases, including CINAHL and PubMed, research articles published from January 2000 until June 2021 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were original peer-reviewed research, nonexperimental studies published in English or Korean languages, and studies examining the impacts of nurse staffing and work schedules on nurses' actual turnover.

RESULTS: Fourteen articles were reviewed. Among them, 12 studies investigated the relationship between nurse staffing and turnover, and four examined the impact of work schedules on nurse turnover. Nurse staffing levels are strongly related to nurse turnover in the expected direction. However, few studies have found that work schedules are significantly related to nurse turnover.

CONCLUSION: Inadequate and unsafe nurse staffing leads to increased nurse turnover rates. More studies are needed to investigate the impacts of work schedules on nurse turnover.

Several states in the United States have adopted the nurse staffing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. More hospitals and the government should adopt and implement policies to regulate nurse staffing, reduce nurse turnover, and increase retention. Policy intervention in nurse work schedules should also be considered to prevent nurse turnover.}, } @article {pmid37215473, year = {2023}, author = {Li, H and Liu, G and Zhou, Q and Yang, H and Zhou, C and Kong, W and Su, J and Li, G and Si, H and Ou, C}, title = {Which strain of the avian coronavirus vaccine will become the prevalent one in China next?.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1139089}, pmid = {37215473}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a vital pathogen in poultry farms, which can induce respiratory, nephropathogenic, oviduct, proventriculus, and intestinal diseases. Based on the phylogenetic classification of the full-length S1 gene, IBV isolates have been categorized into nine genotypes comprising 38 lineages. GI (GI-1, GI-2, GI-3, GI-4, GI-5, GI-6, GI-7, GI-13, GI-16, GI-18, GI-19, GI-22, GI-28, and GI-29), GVI-1 and GVII-1 have been reported in China in the past 60 years. In this review, a brief history of IBV in China is described, and the current epidemic strains and licensed IBV vaccine strains, as well as IBV prevention and control strategies, are highlighted. In addition, this article presents unique viewpoints and recommendations for a more effective management of IBV. The recombinant Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) vector vaccine expressed S gene of IBV QX-like and 4/91 strains may be the dominant vaccine strains against NDV and IBV.}, } @article {pmid37215426, year = {2023}, author = {Lempesis, IG and Georgakopoulou, VE}, title = {Implications of obesity and adiposopathy on respiratory infections; focus on emerging challenges.}, journal = {World journal of clinical cases}, volume = {11}, number = {13}, pages = {2925-2933}, pmid = {37215426}, issn = {2307-8960}, abstract = {Obesity is characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, which impacts physiological, metabolic, and immune functions. Several respiratory infections, including bacterial pneumonia, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019, appear to be linked to unfavorable results in individuals with obesity. These may be attributed to the direct mechanical/physiological effects of excess body fat on the lungs' function. Notably, adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with a low-grade chronic inflammatory status and hyperleptinemia, among other characteristics. These have all been linked to immune system dysfunction and weakened immune responses to these infections. A better understanding and clinical awareness of these risk factors are necessary for better disease outcomes.}, } @article {pmid37215313, year = {2023}, author = {Charuta, A and Smuniewska, M and Woźniak, Z and Paziewska, A}, title = {Effect of COVID-19 on Pregnancy and Neonate's Vital Parameters: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Journal of pregnancy}, volume = {2023}, number = {}, pages = {3015072}, pmid = {37215313}, issn = {2090-2735}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a new pandemic, which was declared by the World Health Organization in 2019 as a threat to public health. According to numerous reports, it can have negative consequences for pregnant women, labour, and neonates born to infected mothers. The aim of this paper was to gather the evidence and to present a summary of the results of studies concerning COVID-19 in pregnant women and their neonates.

METHODS: Articles from prestigious journals covering the period from 2020 to February 2023, relevant review papers, and original research articles from PubMed were analysed. In order to analyse the available research literature, the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases were used, in which the search for articles was conducted using terms ("pregnancy," "coronavirus," "SARS-CoV-2," and "newborn") and using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines for clinical trials. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews (2022-2023) on symptoms, neonatal course, and risk of COVID-19 infection have been summarized. Summary of meta-analyses and systematic reviews (2022-2023) on the effect and adverse reaction of the COVID-19 vaccination is presented.

RESULTS: As a result of the research conducted, it was confirmed that in most pregnant women, no serious signs of the infection were observed, although isolated cases of death related to COVID-19 in pregnant women were reported. Several authors called attention to the more severe course of the infection in pregnant women with obesity. It seemed that no vertical transmission from mother to child was occurring. Nevertheless, the information was not clinching. The condition of the neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 was in most cases described as normal; however, some papers reported deaths of infected neonates.

CONCLUSIONS: Due to insufficient data, further research is necessary. Further studies and follow-up are recommended, which would make possible an assessment of remote effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and vital parameters of the newborn.}, } @article {pmid37215236, year = {2023}, author = {SeyedAlinaghi, S and Bagheri, A and Razi, A and Mojdeganlou, P and Mojdeganlou, H and Afsahi, AM and Afzalian, A and Paranjkhoo, P and Shahidi, R and Mirzapour, P and Pashaei, Z and Habibi, MA and Shahbazi, P and Nooralioghli Parikhani, S and Farizani Gohari, NS and Popoola, Y and Mehraeen, E and Hackett, D}, title = {Late Complications of COVID-19; An Umbrella Review on Current Systematic Reviews.}, journal = {Archives of academic emergency medicine}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {e28}, pmid = {37215236}, issn = {2645-4904}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Several clinical manifestations have been discovered for COVID-19 since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, which can be classified into early, medium, and long-term complications. However, late complications can be present after recovery from acute COVID-19 illness. The present study aims to comprehensively review the available evidence of late complications related to COVID-19.

METHOD: A search was conducted, using keywords, through electronic databases, which included Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase up to August 29, 2022. Study selection was performed according to a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was followed, and studies were appraised using the National Institute of Health (NIH) quality assessment and risk of bias tool.

RESULTS: In total, 50 studies were included, and nine distinct COVID-19 late complication categories were identified. A review of these studies revealed that neurologic and psychiatric (n=41), respiratory (n=27), musculoskeletal and rheumatologic (n=22), cardiovascular (n=9), and hepatic and gastrointestinal (n=6) complications were the most prevalent complications of long COVID-19.

CONCLUSION: Almost all human body systems are affected by late complications of COVID-19 with different severity and prevalence. Fatigue and some other neuropsychiatric symptoms are the most common late complications among long COVID-19 patients. Respiratory symptoms including dyspnea (during exercise), cough, and chest tightness were the next most prevalent long-term complications of COVID-19. Since these complications are persistent and late, being aware of the signs and symptoms is essential for the healthcare providers and patients.}, } @article {pmid37215147, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, Y and Leng, P and Zhou, H}, title = {Global transmission of monkeypox virus-a potential threat under the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1174223}, pmid = {37215147}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {Monkeypox virus (MPXV) cases have increased dramatically worldwide since May 2022. The Atlanta Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta CDC) had reported a total of 85,922 cases as of February 20[th], 2023. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MPXV has emerged as a potential public threat. MPXV transmission and prevalence must be closely monitored. In this comprehensive review, we explained the basic characteristics and transmission routes of MPXV, individuals susceptible to it, as well as highlight the impact of the behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) and airline traveling on recent outbreaks of MPXV. We also describe the clinical implications, the prevention of MPXV, and clinical measures of viral detection.}, } @article {pmid37214658, year = {2023}, author = {Donelle, L and Comer, L and Hiebert, B and Hall, J and Shelley, JJ and Smith, MJ and Kothari, A and Burkell, J and Stranges, S and Cooke, T and Shelley, JM and Gilliland, J and Ngole, M and Facca, D}, title = {Use of digital technologies for public health surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.}, journal = {Digital health}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {20552076231173220}, pmid = {37214658}, issn = {2055-2076}, abstract = {Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of digital technologies have been leveraged for public health surveillance worldwide. However, concerns remain around the rapid development and deployment of digital technologies, how these technologies have been used, and their efficacy in supporting public health goals. Following the five-stage scoping review framework, we conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify the types and nature of digital technologies used for surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the success of these measures. We conducted a search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 1 December 2019 and 31 December 2020 to provide a snapshot of questions, concerns, discussions, and findings emerging at this pivotal time. A total of 147 peer-reviewed and 79 grey literature publications reporting on digital technology use for surveillance across 90 countries and regions were retained for analysis. The most frequently used technologies included mobile phone devices and applications, location tracking technologies, drones, temperature scanning technologies, and wearable devices. The utility of digital technologies for public health surveillance was impacted by factors including uptake of digital technologies across targeted populations, technological capacity and errors, scope, validity and accuracy of data, guiding legal frameworks, and infrastructure to support technology use. Our findings raise important questions around the value of digital surveillance for public health and how to ensure successful use of technologies while mitigating potential harms not only in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also during other infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.}, } @article {pmid37214631, year = {2023}, author = {SeyedAlinaghi, S and Afsahi, AM and Shahidi, R and Kianzad, S and Pashaei, Z and Mirahmad, M and Asili, P and Mojdeganlou, H and Razi, A and Mojdeganlou, P and Fard, IA and Mahdiabadi, S and Afzalian, A and Dashti, M and Ghasemzadeh, A and Parmoon, Z and Badri, H and Mehraeen, E and Hackett, D}, title = {Effects of Smoking on COVID-19 Management and Mortality: An Umbrella Review.}, journal = {Journal of smoking cessation}, volume = {2023}, number = {}, pages = {7656135}, pmid = {37214631}, issn = {1834-2612}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Smoking status appears to lead to a poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. However, findings from the studies conducted on this topic have not been consistent, and further exploration is required.

METHODS: The objective of this umbrella review was to examine the effects of smoking on COVID-19 management and mortality. Online databases that included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using relevant keywords up to July 27, 2022. Articles were restricted to the English language, and the PRISMA protocol was followed.

RESULTS: A total of 27 systematic reviews, published from 2020 to 2022, were included. Individual studies included in the systematic reviews ranged from 8 to 186, with various population sizes. The consensus from the majority of systematic reviews was that COVID-19 smoker patients experience greater disease severity, disease progression, hospitalization rate, hospital admission duration, mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, and mortality rate.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients with a history of smoking (current and former) are vulnerable to adverse hospital outcomes and worse COVID-19 progression. Effective preventive and supportive approaches are required to decrease the risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in patients with a history of smoking.}, } @article {pmid37211427, year = {2023}, author = {Filotheidou, A and Theodosis-Nobelos, P and Triantis, C}, title = {Role of pharmaceutical care in therapeutic regimens within the community pharmacy.}, journal = {Ceska a Slovenska farmacie : casopis Ceske farmaceuticke spolecnosti a Slovenske farmaceuticke spolecnosti}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, pages = {70-78}, pmid = {37211427}, issn = {1210-7816}, mesh = {Humans ; *Pharmacies ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Pandemics ; *Community Pharmacy Services ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; Pharmacists/psychology ; }, abstract = {The concept of pharmaceutical care (PC) has existed as a professional philosophy for more than 30 years. However, for a long period of time, little had been done for its integration into the regular practice of healthcare provision. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting increase in patient influx in the community pharmacies (CP) encouraged the exploration and establishment of new healthcare services provided within the CP. Nevertheless, these services of PC are still novel, and more can be done to expand the community pharmacists' current role in primary healthcare. This can be achieved by improving and expanding the newly established services, all while incorporating new ones, for the benefit of public health and the reduction of avoidable healthcare expenditures. This article reviews information about the benefits of this service regarding patient health and the reduction of financial expenses pertinent to adverse drug events within the setting of the CP. Adverse drug events account for significant healthcare expenses and patient distress due to relevant symptoms, emergency doctor visits, and increased hospitalization rates. Several studies conducted internationally have investigated the positive impact of PC practiced by community pharmacists. In spite of results sometimes presenting a non-continuous pattern, PC applied under specific conditions has tangible positive outcomes. Congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients presented fewer hospital admissions, better symptom control, and higher adherence in comparison to control groups, while a study on asthma patients revealed improved inhalation techniques. All intervention groups reported psychological improvement and a better understanding of their treatment. Special reference is made to the importance of this service for patients receiving anti-cancer treatment and how community pharmacists can have a crucial role in designing, monitoring, and re-designing these therapeutic schemes whose complexity and related adverse drug events negatively affect patient adherence. The role of community pharmacists was very important, especially for primary care, for both patients and healthcare systems during the pandemic, and it seems that it will remain decisive in the post-COVID era as well. The increased complexity of therapy and polypharmacy creates the need for organized, active participation of pharmacists in healthcare provision so that they can use their knowledge and skills under continuous cooperation with other healthcare professionals, thus providing coordinated services for the benefit of the patient.}, } @article {pmid35085475, year = {2023}, author = {Jia, L and Huffman, WH and Cusano, A and Trofa, DP and Li, X and Kelly, JD and Parisien, RL}, title = {The risk of COVID-19 transmission upon return to sport: a systematic review.}, journal = {The Physician and sportsmedicine}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {203-209}, doi = {10.1080/00913847.2022.2035197}, pmid = {35085475}, issn = {2326-3660}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To evaluate COVID-19 transmission rates in athletes upon return to sport (RTS), as well as the effectiveness of preventive and surveillance measures associated with RTS.

METHODS: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify all articles reporting on RTS during COVID-19. Articles were excluded on the basis of the following criteria: (1) non-English text, (2) only abstract available, (3) population not athlete-specific, (4) outcome not RTS-specific, (5) COVID-19 transmission data not quantified, (6) editorial, or (7) review article or meta-analysis. Study characteristics; athlete demographics; COVID-19 preventive, surveillance, and diagnostic measures; COVID-19 transmission outcomes; and RTS recommendations were collected from each included article and analyzed.

RESULTS: 10 studies were included in the final analysis, comprising over 97,000 athletes across a wide variety of sports, levels of play, and RTS settings. Of the 10 studies, eight identified low transmission rates and considered RTS to be safe/low risk. Overall, COVID-19 transmission rates were higher in athletes than in contacts, and more prevalent in the greater community than in athletes specifically. The risk of COVID-19 did not appear to be necessarily higher for athletes who played high-contact team sports, shared common facilities, or lived in communities impacted by high transmission rates, provided that rigorous COVID-19 safety and testing protocols were implemented and followed. Mask wearing and physical distancing during active play presented the greatest challenge to athletes.

CONCLUSION: Rigorous preventive and surveillance measures can mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission in athletes upon RTS. However, the heterogeneity of RTS playing conditions, availability of COVID-19 resources, rise of unforeseen novel variants, and undetermined long-term impact of vaccination on athletes remain a challenge to safe and effective RTS in the era of COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37214621, year = {2023}, author = {Hanson, HA and Kim, E and Badowski, ME}, title = {A Systematic Review: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Morbidity, Mortality, and Viral Suppression in Patients Living With HIV.}, journal = {SN comprehensive clinical medicine}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {144}, doi = {10.1007/s42399-023-01480-6}, pmid = {37214621}, issn = {2523-8973}, abstract = {People living with HIV (PLWH) are a vulnerable patient population due to their immunosuppressed state and the risks associated with interruptions in treatment. After the unprecedented start of the COVID-19 pandemic, PLWH experienced complications involving interruptions in care and treatment, potentially leading to adverse outcomes including reduced rates of viral suppression, increased hospitalizations, and death. A systematic, comprehensive literature search was completed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and bibliography review to identify relevant articles related to clinical outcomes of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. Related keywords were used as search terms: "COVID", "SARS-CoV-2", "coronavirus", "HIV", "viral load", "viral suppression", and "disease severity". Of the 492 results, 7 systematic reviews and 14 individual studies were included in the current review of literature regarding COVID-19-related outcomes in PLWH. In total, 2 systematic reviews and 8 individual studies found an increased rate of mortality, hospitalizations, and/or severe COVID-19 outcomes in PLWH co-infected with SARS-CoV-2, whereas the other 5 systematic reviews and 6 individual studies concluded PLWH were not at an increased risk compared to patients without HIV. Regarding viral suppression, 4 of 5 studies found viral suppression in PLWH was not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current literature suggests that the morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in PLWH is complex and involves multiple factors including age and comorbid conditions; however, there is no clear consensus thus far. In contrast, literature consistently demonstrates that viral suppression during the pandemic has remained unchanged, potentially due to increased implementation of telemedicine and multicomponent interventions deployed.}, } @article {pmid37214595, year = {2023}, author = {Hung, J}, title = {Is psychologically vulnerable rural-to-urban migrants' mental health further at stake under China's tightened COVID-19 measures: how should the government respond?.}, journal = {Frontiers in sociology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {1095810}, doi = {10.3389/fsoc.2023.1095810}, pmid = {37214595}, issn = {2297-7775}, abstract = {There is a well-documented scholarly discourse on how the COVID-19 outbreak adversely affects the mental health of Chinese nationals. However, there is little evidence revealing how the public health crisis negatively influenced the mental health of rural-to-urban migrants in China. The relevant literature argues that rural-to-urban migrant workers and their dependents have been experiencing discrimination, exclusion, and stigmatization in the urban labor market and social space, thereby jeopardizing their mental health to a large extent. However, whether the COVID-19 outbreak and its associated consequences further compounded rural-to-urban migrant workers' mental health has rarely been discussed. Since 2010, the Chinese government has emphasized the importance of promoting positive mental health. Without identifying how COVID-19 specifically imposed mental health challenges on rural-to-urban migrant cohorts, Chinese policymakers cannot effectively and efficiently address the dilemmas faced by such vulnerable groups. The significant rural-to-urban migrant population (i.e. 291 million), alongside their disposition to encounter social and psychological challenges, prompts the urgency to develop this narrative essay to examine whether their mental health burdens worsened during the pandemic. The author also discusses remedies for the worsened mental issues faced by migrant cohorts, and recommends policies that local Chinese governments should adopt to mitigate the mental health burdens encountered by rural-to-urban migrants.}, } @article {pmid37214455, year = {2023}, author = {Globenko, AA and Kuzin, GV and Rydlovskaya, AV and Isaeva, EI and Vetrova, EN and Pritchina, TN and Baranova, A and Nebolsin, VE}, title = {Curtailing virus-induced inflammation in respiratory infections: emerging strategies for therapeutic interventions.}, journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1087850}, doi = {10.3389/fphar.2023.1087850}, pmid = {37214455}, issn = {1663-9812}, abstract = {Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are the most common illnesses worldwide. In some instances, mild cases of ARVI progress to hyperinflammatory responses, which are damaging to pulmonary tissue and requiring intensive care. Here we summarize available information on preclinical and clinical effects of XC221GI (1-[2-(1-methyl imidazole-4-yl)-ethyl]perhydroazin-2,6-dione), an oral drug with a favorable safety profile that has been tested in animal models of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, highly pathogenic coronavirus strains and other acute viral upper respiratory infections. XC221GI is capable of controlling IFN-gamma-driven inflammation as it is evident from the suppression of the production of soluble cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-8, CXCL10, CXCL9 and CXCL11 as well as a decrease in migration of neutrophils into the pulmonary tissue. An excellent safety profile of XC221GI, which is not metabolized by the liver, and its significant anti-inflammatory effects indicate utility of this compound in abating conversion of ambulatory cases of respiratory infections into the cases with aggravated presentation that require hospitalization. This drug is especially useful when rapid molecular assays determining viral species are impractical, or when direct antiviral drugs are not available. Moreover, XC221GI may be combined with direct antiviral drugs to enhance their therapeutic effects.}, } @article {pmid37214443, year = {2023}, author = {Yu, Y and Fang, B and Yang, XD and Zheng, Y}, title = {One stone two birds: anti-inflammatory bronchodilators as a potential pharmacological strategy for COVID-19.}, journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1185076}, doi = {10.3389/fphar.2023.1185076}, pmid = {37214443}, issn = {1663-9812}, abstract = {The ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has imposed a huge threat to public health across the world. While vaccinations are essential for reducing virus transmission and attenuating disease severity, the nature of high mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 renders vaccines less effective, urging quick development of effective therapies for COVID-19 disease. However, developing novel drugs remains extremely challenging due to the lengthy process and high cost. Alternatively, repurposing of existing drugs on the market represents a rapid and safe strategy for combating COVID-19 pandemic. Bronchodilators are first line drugs for inflammatory lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs repurposed for COVID-19, bronchodilators are unique in that they have both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating properties. Whether the dual properties of bronchodilators empower them greater potential to be repurposed for COVID-19 is worth exploring. In fact, clinical and preclinical studies have recently emerged to investigate the benefits of bronchodilators such assalbutamol, formoterol and theophylline in treating COVID-19, and many of them have shown encouraging efficacy on attenuating disease severity of pneumonia and other associated symptoms. To comprehensively understand the latest progress on COVID-19 intervention with bronchodilators, this review will summarize recent findings in this area and highlight the promising clinical benefits and possible adverse effects of bronchodilators as therapeutic options for COVID-19 with a focus on β2 receptor agonists, anticholinergic drugs and theophylline.}, } @article {pmid37214290, year = {2023}, author = {Fang, L and Yang, L and Han, M and Xu, H and Ding, W and Dong, X}, title = {CRISPR-cas technology: A key approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection.}, journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1158672}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2023.1158672}, pmid = {37214290}, issn = {2296-4185}, abstract = {The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Spaced Short Palindromic Repeats) system was first discovered in prokaryotes as a unique immune mechanism to clear foreign nucleic acids. It has been rapidly and extensively used in basic and applied research owing to its strong ability of gene editing, regulation and detection in eukaryotes. Hererin in this article, we reviewed the biology, mechanisms and relevance of CRISPR-Cas technology and its applications in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis. CRISPR-Cas nucleic acid detection tools include CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR-Cas12, CRISPR-Cas13, CRISPR-Cas14, CRISPR nucleic acid amplification detection technology, and CRISPR colorimetric readout detection system. The above CRISPR technologies have been applied to the nucleic acid detection, including SARS-CoV-2 detection. Common nucleic acid detection based on CRISPR derivation technology include SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and STOPCovid. CRISPR-Cas biosensing technology has been widely applied to point-of-care testing (POCT) by targeting recognition of both DNA molecules and RNA Molecules.}, } @article {pmid37214146, year = {2023}, author = {Yousefian, M and Khadivi, A}, title = {Occurrence of erythema multiforme following COVID-19 vaccination: a review.}, journal = {Clinical and experimental vaccine research}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {87-96}, doi = {10.7774/cevr.2023.12.2.87}, pmid = {37214146}, issn = {2287-3651}, abstract = {The fast development of vaccines against the novel coronavirus disease is among the most critical steps taken to control this potentially fatal viral disease. Like other vaccines, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines can also cause unwanted reactions. Erythema multiforme (EM) is among the oral mucocutaneous side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. This study aimed to comprehensively review the reported cases of EM since the global onset of COVID-19 vaccination. Data from 31 relevant studies regarding the type and dose of COVID-19 vaccines administered, time of initiation of symptoms, age, and gender of patients, site of involvement, patients' medical history, and treatment options were extracted. In total, 90 patients were identified with EM as a side effect of COVID-19 vaccination across studies. EM had the highest frequency after receiving the first dose of mRNA vaccines in older individuals. The first symptoms of EM appeared in less than 3 days in 45% and after 3 days in 55% of patients. EM is not a common side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, and fear of its occurrence should not impede vaccination.}, } @article {pmid37213963, year = {2023}, author = {Shawwa, L}, title = {The Use of Telemedicine in Medical Education and Patient Care.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37766}, pmid = {37213963}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated and expanded the adoption of telemedicine globally. This allowed telemedicine to engage medical students in patient care and ensured continuity of care for vulnerable patients. In this review, the history of telemedicine and some of its applications in medical education were reviewed. Furthermore, we also shed light on how to incorporate telemedicine into several curricula and the strategies used to include it. The article also explored how to evaluate telemedicine and the major facilitators and barriers any medical and educational institution must address when using telemedicine. At the end of the review, we explored the future promises telemedicine has for medical education.}, } @article {pmid37213710, year = {2023}, author = {Ghaderi, S and Olfati, M and Ghaderi, M and Hadizadeh, H and Yazdanpanah, G and Khodadadi, Z and Karami, A and Papi, Z and Abdi, N and Sharif Jalali, SS and Khatyal, R and Banisharif, S and Bahari, F and Zarasvandnia, M and Mohammadi, S and Mohammadi, M}, title = {Neurological manifestation in COVID-19 disease with neuroimaging studies.}, journal = {American journal of neurodegenerative disease}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {42-84}, pmid = {37213710}, issn = {2165-591X}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain or spine examines the findings as well as the time interval between the onset of symptoms and other adverse effects in coronavirus disease that first appeared in 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The goal of this study is to look at studies that use neuroimaging to look at neurological and neuroradiological symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: We try to put together all of the research on how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes neurological symptoms and cognitive-behavioral changes and give a full picture.

RESULTS: We have categorized neuroimaging findings into subtitles such as: headache and dizziness; cerebrovascular complications after stroke; Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH); Cerebral Microbleeds (CMBs); encephalopathy; meningitis; encephalitis and myelitis; altered mental status (AMS) and delirium; seizure; neuropsychiatric symptoms; Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and its variants; smell and taste disorders; peripheral neuropathy; Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); and myopathy and myositis.

CONCLUSION: In this review study, we talked about some MRI findings that show how COVID-19 affects the nervous system based on what we found.}, } @article {pmid37213566, year = {2023}, author = {Ranjan, S and Vashishth, K and Sak, K and Tuli, HS}, title = {The Emergence of Mpox: Epidemiology and Current Therapeutic Options.}, journal = {Current pharmacology reports}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {144-153}, pmid = {37213566}, issn = {2198-641X}, abstract = {The world recently witnessed the emergence of new epidemic outbreaks like COVID-19 and mpox. The 2022 outbreak of mpox amid COVID-19 presents an intricate situation and requires strategies to combat the status quo. Some of the challenges to controlling an epidemic include present knowledge of the disease, available treatment options, appropriate health infrastructures facilities, current scientific methods, operations concepts, availability of technical staff, financial funds, and lastly international policies to control an epidemic state. These insufficiencies often hinder the control of disease spread and jeopardize the health of countless people. Also, disease outbreaks often put a huge burden on the developing economies. These countries are the worst affected and are immensely dependent on assistance provided from the larger economies to control such outbreaks. The first case of mpox was reported in the 1970s and several outbreaks were detected thereafter in the endemic areas eventually leading to the recent outbreak. Approximately, more than 80,000 individuals were infected, and 110 countries were affected by this outbreak. Yet, no definite vaccines and drugs are available to date. The lack of human clinical trials affected thousands of individuals in availing definite disease management. This paper focuses on the epidemiology of mpox, scientific concepts, and treatment options including future treatment modalities for mpox.}, } @article {pmid37213401, year = {2023}, author = {Chaudhry, H and Sohal, A and Iqbal, H and Roytman, M}, title = {Alcohol-related hepatitis: A review article.}, journal = {World journal of gastroenterology}, volume = {29}, number = {17}, pages = {2551-2570}, pmid = {37213401}, issn = {2219-2840}, abstract = {Alcohol-related hepatitis (ARH) is a unique type of alcohol-associated liver disease characterized by acute liver inflammation caused by significant alcohol use. It ranges in severity from mild to severe and carries significant morbidity and mortality. The refinement of scoring systems has enhanced prognostication and guidance of clinical decision-making in the treatment of this complex disease. Although treatment focuses on supportive care, steroids have shown benefit in select circumstances. There has been a recent interest in this disease process, as coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic led to substantial rise in cases. Although much is known regarding the pathogenesis, prognosis remains grim due to limited treatment options. This article summarizes the epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ARH.}, } @article {pmid37213314, year = {2023}, author = {Broughton, N and Comer, K and Casey-Gillman, O and Moore, L and Antoniou, S and Patel, R and Fhadil, S and Wright, P and Ozkor, M and Guttmann, O and Baumbach, A and Wragg, A and Jain, AJ and Choudry, F and Mathur, A and Rathod, KS and Jones, DA}, title = {An exploration of the early discharge approach for low-risk STEMI patients following primary percutaneous coronary intervention.}, journal = {American journal of cardiovascular disease}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {32-42}, pmid = {37213314}, issn = {2160-200X}, abstract = {Recently, there has been growing interest in the early discharge strategy for low-risk patients who have undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). So far findings have suggested there are multiple advantages of shorter hospital stays, including that it could be a safe way to be more cost- and resource-efficient, reduce cases of hospital-acquired infection and boost patient satisfaction. However, there are remaining concerns surrounding safety, patient education, adequate follow-up and the generalisability of the findings from current studies which are mostly small-scale. By assessing the current research, we describe the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of early hospital discharge for STEMI and discuss the factors that determine if a patient can be considered low risk. If it is feasible to safely employ a strategy like this, the implications for healthcare systems worldwide could be extremely beneficial, particularly in lower-income economies and when we consider the detrimental impacts of the recent COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems.}, } @article {pmid37213312, year = {2023}, author = {Finsterer, J}, title = {Neurological implications of cardiac compromise in COVID-19.}, journal = {American journal of cardiovascular disease}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {43-51}, pmid = {37213312}, issn = {2160-200X}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: There is increasing evidence that particularly in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) the heart can be primarily or secondarily compromised. Neurological disease as a complication of SARS-CoV-2 associated cardiac disease is conceivable. This review aims at summarising and discussing previous and recent advances in the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of cardiac complications and its implications on the brain of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

METHOD: Literature review using appropriate search terms and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Cardiac complications in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients not only include myocardial injury, myocarditis, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTS), coagulation abnormalities, heart failure, cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarction, or cardiogenic shock, but a number of other more rarely occurring cardiac abnormalities. Additionally considered should be endocarditis due to superinfection, viral or bacterial pericarditis, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism from the right atrium, ventricle or outflow tract, and cardiac autonomic denervation. Cardiac damage due to side effects from the anti-COVID medication should not be neglected. Several of these conditions may be complicated by ischemic stroke, intracerebral bleeding, or dissection of cerebral arteries.

CONCLUSION: The heart can be definitively affected in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Heart disease in COVID-19 may be complicated by stroke, intracerebral bleeding, or dissection of cerebral arteries. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 associated cardiac disease is not at variance from that of cardiac disease without this infection.}, } @article {pmid37213267, year = {2023}, author = {Wiltz, P}, title = {Identifying and Managing Vector-Borne Diseases in Migrants and Recent Travelers in the Emergency Department.}, journal = {Current emergency and hospital medicine reports}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {58-65}, pmid = {37213267}, issn = {2167-4884}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recognition and treatment of neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases is paramount as travel and immigration resume after a brief lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. These patients often present initially to the emergency department, and increasing physician knowledge of symptoms and treatment can reduce morbidity and mortality. This paper aims to summarize typical presentations of common tropical diseases, both neglected and vector borne, and provide the emergency physician with a diagnostic pathway based on current recommendations.

RECENT FINDINGS: Co-circulation of ZIKV, CHIKV, and DENV is increasingly common in many countries throughout Caribbean and the Americas, requiring that patients be tested for each virus upon presentation. Dengvaxia is now approved as a vaccine against dengue in pediatric and young adult patients. A malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, is currently in phase 3 trials and has been approved as a short-term vaccine by WHO for children in regions with high transmission risk after showing a 30% reduction in severe malaria. Mayaro is currently a neglected arbovirus that presents similarly to Chikungunya and is continuing to spread throughout the Americas at a rapid rate, gaining more attention after the 2016 Zika outbreak.

SUMMARY: Emergency physicians should consider internationally acquired illnesses to appropriately identify which patients require admission among well-appearing febrile immigrants or recent travelers presenting to the emergency department. Identifying symptomatology and understanding the appropriate workup and treatment for tropically acquired diseases will assist in recognizing severe complications with prompt treatment.}, } @article {pmid37213266, year = {2023}, author = {Weiland, AS}, title = {Recent Advances in Imported Malaria Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management.}, journal = {Current emergency and hospital medicine reports}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {49-57}, pmid = {37213266}, issn = {2167-4884}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Malaria is an important human parasitic disease affecting the population of tropical, subtropical regions as well as travelers to these areas.The purpose of this article is to provide clinicians practicing in non-endemic areas with a comprehensive overview of the recent data on microbiologic and pathophysiologic features of five Plasmodium parasites, clinical presentation of uncomplicated and severe cases, modern diagnostic methods, and treatment of malaria.

RECENT FINDINGS: Employment of robust surveillance programs, rapid diagnostic tests, highly active artemisinin-based therapy, and the first malaria vaccine have led to decline in malaria incidence; however, emerging drug resistance, disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other socio-economic factors have stalled the progress.

SUMMARY: Clinicians practicing in non-endemic areas such as the United States should consider a diagnosis of malaria in returning travelers presenting with fever, utilize rapid diagnostic tests if available at their practice locations in addition to microscopy, and timely initiate guideline-directed management as delays in treatment can lead to poor clinical outcomes.}, } @article {pmid37212652, year = {2023}, author = {Zhao, DY and Hu, SQ and Hu, FH and Du, W and Tang, W and Zhang, WQ and Chen, HL and Shen, WQ}, title = {Palliative care for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative synthesis from 36 studies of 16 countries.}, journal = {Journal of clinical nursing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jocn.16742}, pmid = {37212652}, issn = {1365-2702}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 epidemic, palliative care has become even more indispensable for cancer patients.

AIM: To identify the changes in palliative care for cancer patients and improvements in palliative care quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN: A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. An evaluation tool using mixed methods was used to assess the quality of the study. The main relevant themes identified were used to group qualitative and quantitative findings.

RESULTS: A total of 36 studies were identified, primarily from different countries, with a total of 14,427 patients, 238 caregivers and 354 health care providers. Cancer palliative care has been experiencing several difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased mortality and infection rates as well as delays in patient treatment that have resulted in poorer prognoses. Treatment providers are seeking solutions such as electronic management of patients and integration of resources to care for the mental health of patients and staff. Telemedicine plays an important role in many ways but cannot completely replace traditional treatment. Clinicians strive to meet patients' palliative care needs during special times and improve their quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care faces unique challenges during the COVID-19 epidemic. With adequate support to alleviate care-related challenges, patients in the home versus hospital setting will be able to receive better palliative care. In addition, this review highlights the importance of multiparty collaboration to achieve personal and societal benefits of palliative care.

No Patient or Public Contribution.}, } @article {pmid37212473, year = {2023}, author = {Molinar, C and Tannous, M and Meloni, D and Cavalli, R and Scomparin, A}, title = {Current Status and Trends in Nucleic Acids for Cancer Therapy: A Focus on Polysaccharide-Based Nanomedicines.}, journal = {Macromolecular bioscience}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2300102}, doi = {10.1002/mabi.202300102}, pmid = {37212473}, issn = {1616-5195}, abstract = {The efficacious delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to cancer still remains an open issue. Through the years, several strategies have been developed for the encapsulation of genetic molecules exploiting different materials, such as viral vectors, lipidic nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles. Indeed, the rapid approval by regulatory authorities and the wide use of lipid nanoparticles complexing the mRNA coding for the spark protein for COVID-19 vaccination paved the way for the initiation of several clinical trials exploiting lipid nanoparticles for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, polymers still represent a valuable alternative to lipid-based formulations, due to the low cost and the chemical flexibility that allows for the conjugation of targeting ligands. This review will analyze the status of the ongoing clinical trials for cancer therapy, including vaccination and immunotherapy approaches, exploiting polymeric materials. Among those nanosized carriers, sugar-based backbones are an interesting category. A cyclodextrin-based carrier (CALAA-01) was the first polymeric material to enter a clinical trial complexed with siRNA for cancer therapy, and chitosan is one of the most characterized non-viral vectors able to complex genetic material. Finally, we will discuss the recent advances in the use of sugar-based polymers (oligo- and polysaccharides) for complexation of nucleic acids in advanced preclinical stage. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, } @article {pmid37212261, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, Y and Clarke, SP and Wu, H and Li, W and Zhou, C and Lin, K and Wang, J and Wang, J and Liang, Y and Wang, X and Wang, L}, title = {A comprehensive overview on the transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2.}, journal = {Journal of medical virology}, volume = {95}, number = {5}, pages = {e28776}, doi = {10.1002/jmv.28776}, pmid = {37212261}, issn = {1096-9071}, abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a single positive-strand RNA virus that is responsible for the current pandemic that the world has been facing since 2019. The primary route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is through respiratory tract transmission. However, other transmission routes such as fecal-oral, vertical transmission, and aerosol-eye also exist. In addition, it has been found that the pathogenesis of this virus involves the binding of the virus's S protein to its host cell surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which results in the subsequent membrane fusion that is required for SARS-CoV-2 to replicate and complete its entire life. The clinical symptoms of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can range from asymptomatic to severe. The most common symptoms seen include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Once these symptoms are observed, a nucleic acid test is done using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. This currently serves as the main confirmatory tool for COVID-19. Despite the fact that no cure has been found for SARS-CoV-2, prevention methods such as vaccines, specific facial mask, and social distancing have proven to be quite effective. It is imperative to have a complete understanding of the transmission and pathogenesis of this virus. To effectively develop new drugs as well as diagnostic tools, more knowledge about this virus would be needed.}, } @article {pmid37212186, year = {2023}, author = {Kashyap, VH and Mishra, A and Bordoloi, S and Varma, A and Joshi, NC}, title = {Exploring the intersection of Aspergillus fumigatus biofilms, infections, immune response and antifungal resistance.}, journal = {Mycoses}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/myc.13619}, pmid = {37212186}, issn = {1439-0507}, abstract = {Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects the lungs and frequently elicits an allergic immune response in human hosts via inhalation of its airborne asexual spores (conidia). In immunocompromised individuals, the conidia of this fungus can germinate in the lung and result in severe systemic infections characterised by widespread tissue and organ damage. Conversely, in healthy hosts, the innate immune system is instrumental in eliminating the conidia and preventing disease progression. As with numerous other pathogenic fungi, A. fumigatus possesses a set of virulence factors that facilitate its infective mechanism and the circumvention of immune defences in susceptible hosts. The intrinsic capacity of A. fumigatus to form complex 3D-structured biofilms, both on biotic and abiotic surfaces, represents a key determinant of its evasion of the host immune system and resistance to antifungal drugs. This review delineates the pivotal role of A. fumigatus biofilm structure and function as a significant virulence factor in pathogenic infections, such as aspergilloma and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Additionally, we discuss the importance for the development of novel antifungal drugs as drug-resistant strains continue to evolve. Furthermore, co-infections of A. fumigatus with other nosocomial pathogens have a substantial impact on patient's health outcomes. In this context, we provide a brief overview of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), a recently documented condition that has gained attention due to its associated high degree of severity.}, } @article {pmid37212129, year = {2023}, author = {Ray, A and Winter, KAK and Naik, DSL and Okorie, C}, title = {Prognostic Significance of the Coagulation and Complement Systems in Critical COVID-19 Infection.}, journal = {Prague medical report}, volume = {124}, number = {2}, pages = {77-93}, doi = {10.14712/23362936.2023.7}, pmid = {37212129}, issn = {1214-6994}, abstract = {Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19 disease) can cause a wide range of clinical situations - from an asymptomatic state to fatal outcomes. In cases of serious clinical manifestations, the underlying mechanisms involve a number of immune cells and stromal cells as well as their products such as pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha that ultimately cause the cytokine storm. The situation of overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is somewhat similar to, though in a mild form, health conditions in obesity and related metabolic disorders like type-2 diabetes, which are also considered important risk factors for severe illness in COVID-19. Interestingly, neutrophils perhaps play a significant role in this pathogenesis. On the other hand, it is thought that COVID-19-related critical illness is associated with pathological hyperactivity of the complement system and coagulopathy. Although the precise molecular interactions between the complement and coagulation systems are not clear, we observe an intimate cross-talk between these two systems in critically ill COVID-19 patients. It is believed that both of these biological systems are connected with the cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 disease and actively participate in this vicious cycle. In order to hinder the pathological progression of COVID-19, a number of anticoagulation agents and complement inhibitors have been used with varying success. Among these drugs, low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin, factor Xa inhibitor apixaban, and complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab have been commonly used in patients with COVID-19. Our overall experience might help us in the future to tackle any such conditions.}, } @article {pmid37211301, year = {2023}, author = {Alhallak, I and Paydak, H and Mehta, JL}, title = {Prior Statin vs In-Hospital Statin Usage in Severe COVID-19: Review and Meta-Analysis.}, journal = {Current problems in cardiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101810}, doi = {10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101810}, pmid = {37211301}, issn = {1535-6280}, abstract = {Studies have shown that statins can decrease COVID-19 mortality in hospitalized patients. This paper evaluates these studies and reviews the possible mechanism of how statins modulate COVID-19 severity. Meta-analysis of 31 retrospective studies demonstrated a reduction in mortality rate among statin users (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56-0.86, p =0.0008) (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95, p =0.0078). Meta-analysis of 8 randomized control studies demonstrated a nonsignificant reduction in mortality (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.69-1.18, p =0.461), including four studies with medications other than statins, and four studies with only statins (OR 0.88, 95% CI 95% CI 0.64-1.21, p =0.423). Prolonged statin usage decreases the extracellular localization of ACE2, along with statins' immunomodulating effects and reduction of oxidative stress, decreases COVID-19 mortality. Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 should continue statin treatment if previously prescribed, and patients should not be started on statins, as they do not seem to provide any mortality benefit.}, } @article {pmid37210882, year = {2023}, author = {Shirley, JD and Bennett, SA and Binnicker, MJ}, title = {Current regulatory landscape for viral point-of-care testing in the United States.}, journal = {Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology}, volume = {164}, number = {}, pages = {105492}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105492}, pmid = {37210882}, issn = {1873-5967}, abstract = {Historically, the diagnosis of viral infections has been accomplished using a combination of laboratory-based methods, including culture, serology, antigen-based tests, and molecular (e.g., real-time PCR) assays. Although these methods provide an accurate way to detect viral pathogens, testing in a centralized laboratory may delay results, which could impact patient diagnosis and management. Point-of-care tests, including antigen- and molecular-based assays, have been developed to assist with the timely diagnosis of several viral infections, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19. Despite the ability of point-of-care tests to provide rapid results (i.e., <30 min), there are issues to consider prior to their routine use, including test performance and specific regulatory requirements. This review will provide a summary of the regulatory landscape of point-of-care tests for viral infections in the United States, and address important considerations such as site certification, training and inspection readiness.}, } @article {pmid37210848, year = {2023}, author = {Bandara, S and Oishi, W and Kadoya, SS and Sano, D}, title = {Decay rate estimation of respiratory viruses in aerosols and on surfaces under different environmental conditions.}, journal = {International journal of hygiene and environmental health}, volume = {251}, number = {}, pages = {114187}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114187}, pmid = {37210848}, issn = {1618-131X}, abstract = {Majority of the viral outbreaks are super-spreading events established within 2-10 h, dependent on a critical time interval for successful transmission between humans, which is governed by the decay rates of viruses. To evaluate the decay rates of respiratory viruses over a short span, we calculated their decay rate values for various surfaces and aerosols. We applied Bayesian regression and ridge regression and determined the best estimation for respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); the decay rate values in aerosols for these viruses were 4.83 ± 5.70, 0.40 ± 0.24, 0.11 ± 0.04, 2.43 ± 5.94, and 1.00 ± 0.50 h[-1], respectively. The highest decay rate values for each virus type differed according to the surface type. According to the model performance criteria, the Bayesian regression model was better for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, whereas ridge regression was better for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. A simulation using a better estimation will help us find effective non-pharmaceutical interventions to control virus transmissions.}, } @article {pmid37210279, year = {2023}, author = {Attal, N and Bouhassira, D and Colvin, L}, title = {Advances and challenges in neuropathic pain: a narrative review and future directions.}, journal = {British journal of anaesthesia}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.bja.2023.04.021}, pmid = {37210279}, issn = {1471-6771}, abstract = {Over the past few decades, substantial advances have been made in neuropathic pain clinical research. An updated definition and classification have been agreed. Validated questionnaires have improved the detection and assessment of acute and chronic neuropathic pain; and newer neuropathic pain syndromes associated with COVID-19 have been described. The management of neuropathic pain has moved from empirical to evidence-based medicine. However, appropriately targeting current medications and the successful clinical development of drugs acting on new targets remain challenging. Innovative approaches to improving therapeutic strategies are required. These mainly encompass rational combination therapy, drug repurposing, non-pharmacological approaches (such as neurostimulation techniques), and personalised therapeutic management. This narrative review reports historical and current perspectives regarding the definitions, classification, assessment, and management of neuropathic pain and explores potential avenues for future research.}, } @article {pmid37210240, year = {2023}, author = {Rao, D and Mercy, M and McAtee, C and Ford, JH and Shiyanbola, OO}, title = {A scoping literature review of pharmacy-based opioid misuse screening and brief interventions.}, journal = {Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37210240}, issn = {1934-8150}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although prescription opioid dispensing rates have continued to decrease, overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Screening and brief interventions (SBI) are an effective prevention strategy to identify and address opioid misuse and safety risks. Emerging literature on pharmacy-based SBI needs to be systematically appraised to develop robust interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the literature regarding pharmacy-based opioid misuse SBI to identify relevant literature that explore the topic, evaluate the patient-centeredness of included studies, and explore the use of dissemination and implementation science in the literature.

METHODS: The review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses -Scoping reviews (PRISMA-Sc) guidelines. We searched PubMed, CINHAL, PsychInfo, and Scopus for studies regarding pharmacy-based SBI, published in the last 20 years. We also conducted a separate grey literature search. Two of three total reviewers screened each abstract individually and identified eligible full-texts for inclusion. We critically appraised quality of included studies and qualitatively synthesized the relevant information.

RESULTS: The search resulted in 21 studies (categorized as intervention, descriptive, and observational research) and 3 grey literature reports. Of the recently published 21 studies, 11 were observational research, with six interventions in the pilot stages. Screening tools varied but naloxone was the brief intervention in 15 of the 24 results. Only eight studies had high validity, reliability, and applicability and only five were patient-centered. Implementation science principles were addressed in eight studies (mainly interventions). Overall, the findings suggest high potential for evidence-based SBI to be successful.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the review suggested a strong lack of a patient-centered and implementation science-focused approach to designing pharmacy-based opioid misuse SBI. Findings suggest that a patient-centered, implementation focused approach is needed for effective and sustained pharmacy-based opioid misuse SBI.}, } @article {pmid37210239, year = {2023}, author = {Urslak, R and Evans, C and Nakhla, N and Marrie, RA and McConnell, BM and Maxwell, CJ}, title = {Peripartum mental health and the role of the pharmacist: A scoping review.}, journal = {Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37210239}, issn = {1934-8150}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of peripartum mental illness is 20%, though estimates have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic illnesses affect one in five pregnancies and may be associated with higher rates of peripartum mental illness. Though pharmacists are well-positioned to facilitate appropriate and timely care of co-occurring mental and physical health conditions during this period, little is understood regarding their potential roles.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the current evidence examining the role of pharmacists to improve the outcomes of women with peripartum mental illness, with and without chronic illness.

METHODS: A scoping review was performed with assistance from an interdisciplinary team following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. MEDLINE, Embase, PsychNet and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases were searched. English-language articles (published up to May 30, 2022) were screened and assessed for eligibility, and data were charted to collate results, by dual independent reviewers.

RESULTS: The search strategy produced 922 articles. After screening, 12 articles were included (5 narrative reviews, 7 primary research). There was limited discussion or empirical data regarding specific interventions (screening, counseling), opportunities (accessibility, managing stigma, forming trusting relationships and building rapport with patients) or barriers (lack of privacy, time constraints, adequate remuneration, training) associated with an expanded role of pharmacists in peripartum mental health care. The clinical complexity arising from co-occurring mental health and chronic illnesses was not explored, other than a small pilot study involving pharmacists screening for depression among pregnant women with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the limited evidence available on the explicit role of pharmacists in supporting women with peripartum mental illness, including those with comorbidity. More research, including pharmacists as study participants, is required to fully understand the potential roles, barriers, and facilitators of integrating pharmacists into peripartum mental healthcare to improve the outcomes of women in the peripartum period.}, } @article {pmid37209927, year = {2023}, author = {Meller, S and Caraguel, C and Twele, F and Charalambous, M and Schoneberg, C and Chaber, AL and Desquilbet, L and Grandjean, D and Mardones, FO and Kreienbrock, L and de la Rocque, S and Volk, HA}, title = {Canine Olfactory Detection of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Humans - a Systematic Review.}, journal = {Annals of epidemiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37209927}, issn = {1873-2585}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) developed into a pandemic within months. SARS-CoV-2 testing measures and vaccines became quickly accessible. However, due to pre- or asymptomatic transmission, effective disease control remains challenging. To complement conventional testing methods, scientists around the world have investigated dogs' olfactory capability for true real-time detection. Several diseases are known to produce specific scents in affected individuals, excreted as volatile organic compounds, which can be easily detected by dogs within seconds. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence for using dogs' olfactory system as a reliable COVID-19-screening tool. Two independent procedures for study quality assessment were used: the QUADAS-2 tool for the evaluation of laboratory tests' diagnostic accuracy, designed for systematic reviews, and a second system for the general evaluation of canine scent detection studies, adapted with a focus on medical scent detection. Twenty-seven studies from thirteen countries were evaluated. Particular attention was paid to potential confounding factors, e.g., study design, patient/sample selection, dog characteristics, training protocols, and sample types/treatment. These analysis systems revealed that respectively four and six studies had low risk of bias and high quality. The four QUADAS-2 non-biased studies resulted in sensitivity and specificity ranges of 81-97% and 91-100%, whereas the six high quality studies according to the general evaluation system revealed sensitivity and specificity ranges of 82-97% and 83-100%, respectively. The other studies contained high risk of bias, concerns about the methodological applicability and/or quality concerns. Standardization and certification procedures as used for canine explosives detection should be established for medical scent detection dogs in order to use their undoubtful potential in an optimal and structured way. '.}, } @article {pmid37209804, year = {2023}, author = {Desai, R and Mondal, A and Prasad, A and Vyas, A and Jain, A and Rupareliya, C and Shah, M and Paul, T and Kumar, G and Sachdeva, R}, title = {Concurrent Cardio-Cerebral Infarctions In COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports/Series.}, journal = {Current problems in cardiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101814}, pmid = {37209804}, issn = {1535-6280}, abstract = {Twelve CCI patients were studied with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. The majority of these patients were males (83.3%) with a median age of 55 years from three geographical locations, constituting the Middle East (7), Spain (3), and the USA (1). In 6 patients, IgG/IgM was positive for COVID-19, 4 with high pre-test probability and 2 with positive RT-PCR. Type 2 DM, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were the primary risk factors. Right-sided neurological impairments and verbal impairment were the most common symptoms. Our analysis found 8 (66%) synchronous occurrences. In 58.3% of cases, neuroimaging showed left Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) infarct and 33.3% right. Carotid artery thrombosis (16.6%), tandem occlusion (8.3%), and carotid stenosis (1%) were also reported in imaging. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and anticoagulants were conservative therapies (10). Two AMI patients had aspiration thrombectomy, while three AIS patients had intravenous thrombolysis/tissue plasminogen activator (IVT-tPA), two had mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and one had decompressive craniotomy. Five had COVID-19-positive chest X-rays, whereas four were normal. 4 of 8 STEMI and 3 NSTEMI/UA patients complained chest pain. LV, ICA, and pulmonary embolism were further complications (2). Upon discharge, 7 patients (70%) had residual deficits while one patient unfortunately died.}, } @article {pmid37209793, year = {2023}, author = {Chander, S and Kumari, R and Lohana, S}, title = {The Evolution and Future of Intensive Care Management in the era of Telecritical care and Artificial Intelligence.}, journal = {Current problems in cardiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101805}, doi = {10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101805}, pmid = {37209793}, issn = {1535-6280}, abstract = {Critical care practice has been embodied in the healthcare system since the institutionalization of intensive care units (ICUs) in the late '50s. Over time, this sector has experienced many changes and improvements in providing immediate and dedicated healthcare as patients requiring intensive care are often frail and critically ill with high mortality and morbidity rates. These changes were aided by innovations in diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring technologies, as well as the implementation of evidence-based guidelines and organizational structures within the ICU. In this review, we examine these changes in intensive care management over the past 40 years and their impact on the quality of care available to patients. Moreover, the current state of intensive care management is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach and the use of innovative technologies and research databases. Advancements such as telecritical care and artificial intelligence are being increasingly explored, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce the length of hospitalization and ICU mortality. With these advancements in intensive care and ever-changing patient needs, critical care experts, hospital managers, and policymakers must also explore appropriate organizational structures and future enhancements within the ICU.}, } @article {pmid37209561, year = {2023}, author = {Gomes, AR and Varela, CL and Pires, AS and Tavares-da-Silva, EJ and Roleira, FMF}, title = {Synthetic and natural guanidine derivatives as antitumor and antimicrobial agents: A review.}, journal = {Bioorganic chemistry}, volume = {138}, number = {}, pages = {106600}, doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106600}, pmid = {37209561}, issn = {1090-2120}, abstract = {Guanidines are fascinating small nitrogen-rich organic compounds, which have been frequently associated with a wide range of biological activities. This is mainly due to their interesting chemical features. For these reasons, for the past decades, researchers have been synthesizing and evaluating guanidine derivatives. In fact, there are currently on the market several guanidine-bearing drugs. Given the broad panoply of pharmacological activities displayed by guanidine compounds, in this review, we chose to focus on antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activities presented by several natural and synthetic guanidine derivatives, which are undergoing preclinical and clinical studies from January 2010 to January 2023. Moreover, we also present guanidine-containing drugs currently in the market for the treatment of cancer and several infectious diseases. In the preclinical and clinical setting, most of the synthesized and natural guanidine derivatives are being evaluated as antitumor and antibacterial agents. Even though DNA is the most known target of this type of compounds, their cytotoxicity also involves several other different mechanisms, such as interference with bacterial cell membranes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, mediated-Rac1 inhibition, among others. As for the compounds already used as pharmacological drugs, their main application is in the treatment of different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, prostate, and leukemia. Guanidine-containing drugs are also being used for the treatment of bacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral infections and, recently, have been proposed for the treatment of COVID-19. To conclude, the guanidine group is a privileged scaffold in drug design. Its remarkable cytotoxic activities, especially in the field of oncology, still make it suitable for a deeper investigation to afford more efficient and target-specific drugs.}, } @article {pmid37209374, year = {2023}, author = {Duong-Quy, S and Vo-Pham-Minh, T and Tran-Xuan, Q and Huynh-Anh, T and Vo-Van, T and Vu-Tran-Thien, Q and Nguyen-Nhu, V}, title = {Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis: Facts-Challenges and Futures: A Narrative Review.}, journal = {Pulmonary therapy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37209374}, issn = {2364-1746}, abstract = {Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) usually suffer from post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (PASC). Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has the most significant long-term impact on patients' respiratory health, called post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PC19-PF). PC19- PF can be caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pneumonia due to COVID-19. The risk factors of PC19-PF, such as older age, chronic comorbidities, the use of mechanical ventilation during the acute phase, and female sex, should be considered. Individuals with COVID-19 pneumonia symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks following diagnosis, including cough, dyspnea, exertional dyspnea, and poor saturation, accounted for nearly all disease occurrences. PC19-PF is characterized by persistent fibrotic tomographic sequelae associated with functional impairment throughout follow-up. Thus, clinical examination, radiology, pulmonary function tests, and pathological findings should be done to diagnose PC19-PF patients. PFT indicated persistent limitations in diffusion capacity and restrictive physiology, despite the absence of previous testing and inconsistency in the timeliness of assessments following acute illness. It has been hypothesized that PC19-PF patients may benefit from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment to prevent continued infection-related disorders, enhance the healing phase, and manage fibroproliferative processes. Immunomodulatory agents might reduce inflammation and the length of mechanical ventilation during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection, and the risk of the PC19-PF stage. Pulmonary rehabilitation, incorporating exercise training, physical education, and behavioral modifications, can improve the physical and psychological conditions of patients with PC19-PF.}, } @article {pmid37208749, year = {2023}, author = {Soheili, M and Khateri, S and Moradpour, F and Mohammadzedeh, P and Zareie, M and Mortazavi, SMM and Manifar, S and Kohan, HG and Moradi, Y}, title = {The efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines around the world: a mini-review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {42}, pmid = {37208749}, issn = {1476-0711}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2 ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis evaluated the Efficacy and Effectiveness of several COVID-19 vaccines, including AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Bharat, and Johnson & Johnson, to better estimate their immunogenicity, benefits, or side effects.

METHODS: Studies reporting the Efficacy and Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines from November 2020 to April 2022 were included. The pooled Effectiveness/Efficacy with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) with Metaprop order was calculated. The results were presented in forest plots. Predefined subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also performed.

RESULTS: A total of twenty articles were included in this meta-analysis. After the first dose of the vaccine, the total effectiveness of all COVID-19 vaccines in our study was 71% (95% CI 0.65, 0.78). The total effectiveness of vaccines after the second dose was 91% (95% CI 0.88, 0.94)). The total efficacy of vaccines after the first and second doses was 81% (95% CI 0.70, 0.91) and 71% (95% CI 0.62, 0.79), respectively. The effectiveness of the Moderna vaccine after the first and second dose was the highest among other studied vaccines ((74% (95% CI, 0.65, 0.83) and 93% (95% CI, 0.89, 0.97), respectively). The highest first dose overall effectiveness of the studied vaccines was against the Gamma variant (74% (95% CI, 0.73, 0.75)), and the highest effectiveness after the second dose was observed against the Beta variant (96% (95% CI, 0.96, 0.96)). The Efficacy for AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines after the first dose was 78% (95% CI, 0.62, 0.95) and 84% (95% CI, 0.77, 0.92), respectively. The second dose Efficacy for AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Bharat was 67% (95% CI, 0.54, 0.80), 93% (95% CI, 0.85, 1.00), and 71% (95% CI, 0.61, 0.82), respectively. The overall efficacy of first and second dose vaccination against the Alfa variant was 84% (95% CI, 0.84, 0.84) and 77% (95% CI, 0.57, 0.97), respectively, the highest among other variants.

CONCLUSION: mRNA-based vaccines against COVID-19 showed the highest total efficacy and effectiveness than other vaccines. In general, administering the second dose produced a more reliable response and higher effectiveness than a single dose.}, } @article {pmid37203732, year = {2023}, author = {Abovarda, A and Vallo Hult, H and Master Östlund, C and Pålsson, P}, title = {E-learning as Part of Residency Education.}, journal = {Studies in health technology and informatics}, volume = {302}, number = {}, pages = {496-497}, doi = {10.3233/SHTI230188}, pmid = {37203732}, issn = {1879-8365}, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *Computer-Assisted Instruction ; *Internship and Residency ; Learning ; *Physicians ; Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Through a literature review in combination with qualitative analysis of course evaluations, this study examines aspects that contribute to enhancing e-learning for physicians in a residency education program. The literature review and the qualitative analysis outline three main factors (pedagogical, technological, and organizational), highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that includes learning and technology in context when integrating e-learning strategies in adult learning programs. The findings contribute insights and practical guidance for education organizers on how to conduct e-learning during and after the pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37202794, year = {2023}, author = {Nasergivehchi, S and Togha, M and Jafari, E and Sheikhvatan, M and Shahamati, D}, title = {Headache following vaccination against COVID-19 among healthcare workers with a history of COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional study in Iran with a meta-analytic review of the literature.}, journal = {Head & face medicine}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {19}, pmid = {37202794}, issn = {1746-160X}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Iran/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Headache/epidemiology/etiology ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; Health Personnel ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is evidence of the occurrence of headache after vaccination against COVID-19. However, only a few studies have examined the headache characteristics and related determinants, especially among healthcare workers with a history of COVID-19 infection.

METHODS: We evaluated the incidence of headaches after injection of different types of COVID-19 vaccine to determine factors relating to the incidence of headache after vaccination among the Iranian healthcare workers who had previously contracted COVID-19. A group of 334 healthcare workers with a history of COVID-19 infection were included and vaccinated (at least one month after recovery without any COVID-19 related symptoms) with different COVID-19 vaccines. The baseline information, headache characteristics and vaccine specifications were recorded.

RESULTS: Overall, 39.2% reported experiencing a post-vaccination headache. Of those with a previous history of headache, 51.1% reported migraine-type, 27.4% tension-type and 21.5% other types. The mean time between vaccination and headache appearance was 26.78 ± 6.93 h, with the headache appearing less than 24 h after vaccination in most patients (83.2%). The headaches reached its peak within 8.62 ± 2.41 h. Most patients reported a compression-type headache. The prevalence of post-vaccination headaches was significantly different according to the type of vaccine used. The highest rates were reported for AstraZeneca, followed by Sputnik V. In regression analysis, the vaccine brand, female gender and initial COVID-19 severity were the main determinants for predicting post-vaccination headache.

CONCLUSION: Participants commonly experienced a headache following vaccination against COVID-19. Our study results indicated that this was slightly more common in females and in those with a history of severe COVID-19 infection.}, } @article {pmid37155708, year = {2023}, author = {de Macedo, PM and Benko, LMP and Falcão, EMM and Nosanchuk, JD and Almeida-Paes, R and do Valle, ACF}, title = {COVID-19 in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {e0011322}, pmid = {37155708}, issn = {1935-2735}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; *Paracoccidioidomycosis/complications/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *Coinfection/complications ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnosis ; *Paracoccidioides ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In 2020, we reported the first patient with concomitant COVID-19 and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Since then, no other cases have been recorded in the literature. We aim to update information on the occurrence of COVID-19 in patients with PCM followed at a reference center for infectious diseases at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

METHODS: We reviewed the medical records from patients diagnosed with PCM who presented with clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and/or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 at any time during their acute or follow-up care. The clinical profiles of these patients were described.

RESULTS: Between March 2020 and September 2022, we identified six individuals with COVID-19 among the 117 patients with PCM evaluated. The median age was 38 years and the male to female ratio 2:1. Most patients (n = 5) presented for evaluation due to acute PCM. The severity of COVID-19 ranged from mild to severe in acute PCM and only the single patient with chronic PCM died.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a range of disease severity in COVID-19 and PCM co-infection and concomitant disease may represent a severe association, especially in the chronic type of the mycosis with pulmonary involvement. As COVID-19 and chronic PCM share similar clinical aspects and PCM is neglected, it is probable that COVID-19 has been hampering simultaneous PCM diagnosis, which can explain the absence of new co-infection reports. With the continued persistence of COVID-19 globally, these findings further suggest that more attention by providers is necessary to identify co-infections with Paracoccidioides.}, } @article {pmid37079022, year = {2023}, author = {Murdaca, G and Paladin, F and Mangini, G and Tiso, D and Gangemi, S}, title = {TBC and COVID: an interplay between two infections.}, journal = {Expert opinion on drug safety}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {303-311}, doi = {10.1080/14740338.2023.2205638}, pmid = {37079022}, issn = {1744-764X}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Coinfection/diagnosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Pandemics ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In a historical era dominated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a fact of growing interest emerges regarding co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). This represents today an important clinical and diagnostic challenge, as the two pathogens are capable, through specific immunopathological mechanisms, of interacting with each other, determining a severe respiratory condition with a severe prognosis.

AREAS COVERED: With this review, we wanted to collect and analyze the latest scientific evidence concerning the main immunopathogenetic mechanisms shared by these two respiratory pathogens, with particular interest in the possible iatrogenic factors favoring coinfection and the need to define multidisciplinary and standardized screening tools aimed to identify coinfection early, ensuring the best clinical and therapeutic management.

EXPERT OPINION: The existence of a direct immunopathogenetic link between COVID-19 and TB indirectly contributes to mutual morbidity and mortality. The identification and application of early and standardized screening tools aimed at the identification of this condition is essential, in addition to vaccine prevention.}, } @article {pmid37068591, year = {2023}, author = {Pilchová, V and Prajeeth, CK and Jendrny, P and Twele, F and Meller, S and Pink, I and Fathi, A and Addo, MM and Volk, HA and Osterhaus, A and von Köckritz-Blickwede, M and Schulz, C}, title = {β-Propiolactone (BPL)-inactivation of SARS-Co-V-2: In vitro validation with focus on saliva from COVID-19 patients for scent dog training.}, journal = {Journal of virological methods}, volume = {317}, number = {}, pages = {114733}, pmid = {37068591}, issn = {1879-0984}, mesh = {Dogs ; Animals ; Propiolactone ; Saliva ; Odorants ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; Virus Inactivation ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Viruses ; }, abstract = {β-Propiolactone (BPL) is an organic compound widely used as an inactivating agent in vaccine development and production, for example for SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses. Inactivation of pathogens by BPL is based on an irreversible alkylation of nucleic acids but also on acetylation and cross-linking between proteins, DNA or RNA. However, the protocols for BPL inactivation of viruses vary widely. Handling of infectious, enriched SARS-CoV-2 specimens and diagnostic samples from COVID-19 patients is recommended in biosafety level (BSL)- 3 or BSL-2 laboratories, respectively. We validated BPL inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples with the objective to use saliva from COVID-19 patients for training of scent dogs for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals. Therefore, saliva samples and cell culture medium buffered with NaHCO3 (pH 8.3) were comparatively spiked with SARS-CoV-2 and inactivated with 0.1 % BPL for 1 h (h) or 71 h (± 1 h) at 2-8 °C, followed by hydrolysis of BPL at 37 °C for 1 or 2 h, converting BPL into non-toxic beta-hydroxy-propionic acid. SARS-CoV-2 inactivation was demonstrated by a titre reduction of up to 10^4 TCID50/ml in the spiked samples for both inactivation periods using virus titration and virus isolation, respectively. The validated method was confirmed by successful inactivation of pathogens in saliva samples from COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we reviewed the currently available literature on SARS-CoV-2 inactivation by BPL. Accordingly, BPL-inactivated, hydrolysed samples can be handled in a non-laboratory setting. Furthermore, our BPL inactivation protocols can be adapted to validation experiments with other pathogens.}, } @article {pmid37061175, year = {2023}, author = {Barreras, P and Pamies, D and Hartung, T and Pardo, CA}, title = {Human brain microphysiological systems in the study of neuroinfectious disorders.}, journal = {Experimental neurology}, volume = {365}, number = {}, pages = {114409}, doi = {10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114409}, pmid = {37061175}, issn = {1090-2430}, mesh = {Humans ; Microphysiological Systems ; Proteomics ; RNA, Viral ; *COVID-19/pathology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Brain ; *Zika Virus ; *Zika Virus Infection/pathology ; *Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/physiology ; }, abstract = {Microphysiological systems (MPS) are 2D or 3D multicellular constructs able to mimic tissue microenvironments. The latest models encompass a range of techniques, including co-culturing of various cell types, utilization of scaffolds and extracellular matrix materials, perfusion systems, 3D culture methods, 3D bioprinting, organ-on-a-chip technology, and examination of tissue structures. Several human brain 3D cultures or brain MPS (BMPS) have emerged in the last decade. These organoids or spheroids are 3D culture systems derived from induced pluripotent cells or embryonic stem cells that contain neuronal and glial populations and recapitulate structural and physiological aspects of the human brain. BMPS have been introduced recently in the study and modeling of neuroinfectious diseases and have proven to be useful in establishing neurotropism of viral infections, cell-pathogen interactions needed for infection, assessing cytopathological effects, genomic and proteomic profiles, and screening therapeutic compounds. Here we review the different methodologies of organoids used in neuroinfectious diseases including spheroids, guided and unguided protocols as well as microglia and blood-brain barrier containing models, their specific applications, and limitations. The review provides an overview of the models existing for specific infections including Zika, Dengue, JC virus, Japanese encephalitis, measles, herpes, SARS-CoV2, and influenza viruses among others, and provide useful concepts in the modeling of disease and antiviral agent screening.}, } @article {pmid36971472, year = {2023}, author = {Norman, FF and Chen, LH}, title = {Travel-associated melioidosis: a narrative review.}, journal = {Journal of travel medicine}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/jtm/taad039}, pmid = {36971472}, issn = {1708-8305}, mesh = {Male ; Animals ; Humans ; Female ; *Melioidosis/diagnosis/epidemiology/drug therapy ; Travel ; *HIV Infections/complications ; Risk Factors ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; *Burkholderia pseudomallei ; Thailand ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, may be considered a neglected tropical disease that remains underdiagnosed in many geographical areas. Travellers can act as the sentinels of disease activity, and data from imported cases may help complete the global map of melioidosis.

METHODS: A literature search for imported melioidosis for the period 2016-22 was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS: In total, 137 reports of melioidosis associated with travel were identified. The majority were males (71%) and associated with exposure in Asia (77%) (mainly Thailand, 41%, and India, 9%). A minority acquired the infection in the Americas-Caribbean area (6%), Africa (5%) and Oceania (2%). The most frequent comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (25%) followed by underlying pulmonary, liver or renal disease (8, 5 and 3%, respectively). Alcohol/tobacco use were noted for seven and six patients, respectively (5%). Five patients (4%) had associated non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related immunosuppression, and three patients (2%) had HIV infection. One patient (0.8%) had concomitant coronavirus disease 19. A proportion (27%) had no underlying diseases. The most frequent clinical presentations included pneumonia (35%), sepsis (30%) and skin/soft tissue infections (14%). Most developed symptoms <1 week after return (55%), and 29% developed symptoms >12 weeks after. Ceftazidime and meropenem were the main treatments used during the intensive intravenous phase (52 and 41% of patients, respectively) and the majority (82%) received co-trimoxazole alone/combination, for the eradication phase. Most patients had a favourable outcome/survived (87%). The search also retrieved cases in imported animals or cases secondary to imported commercial products.

CONCLUSIONS: As post-pandemic travel soars, health professionals should be aware of the possibility of imported melioidosis with its diverse presentations. Currently, no licensed vaccine is available, so prevention in travellers should focus on protective measures (avoiding contact with soil/stagnant water in endemic areas). Biological samples from suspected cases require processing in biosafety level 3 facilities.}, } @article {pmid36939259, year = {2023}, author = {Choudhri, Y and Maslove, DM and Rauh, MJ}, title = {COVID-19 and the Genetics of Inflammation.}, journal = {Critical care medicine}, volume = {51}, number = {6}, pages = {817-825}, pmid = {36939259}, issn = {1530-0293}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/genetics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Inflammation/genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Interindividual variability in the clinical progression of COVID-19 may be explained by host genetics. Emerging literature supports a potential inherited predisposition to severe forms of COVID-19. Demographic and inflammatory characteristics of COVID-19 suggest that acquired hematologic mutations leading to clonal hematopoiesis (CH) may further increase vulnerability to adverse sequelae. This review summarizes the available literature examining genetic predispositions to severe COVID-19 and describes how these findings could eventually be used to improve its clinical management.

DATA SOURCES: A PubMed literature search was performed.

STUDY SELECTION: Studies examining the significance of inherited genetic variation or acquired CH mutations in severe COVID-19 were selected for inclusion.

DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant genetic association data and aspects of study design were qualitatively assessed and narratively synthesized.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Genetic variants affecting inflammatory responses may increase susceptibility to severe COVID-19. Genome-wide association studies and candidate gene approaches have identified a list of inherited mutations, which likely alter cytokine and interferon secretion, and lung-specific mechanisms of immunity in COVID-19. The potential role of CH in COVID-19 is more uncertain at present; however, the available evidence suggests that the various types of acquired mutations and their differential influence on immune cell function must be carefully considered.

CONCLUSIONS: The current literature supports the hypothesis that host genetic factors affect vulnerability to severe COVID-19. Further research is required to confirm the full scope of relevant variants and the causal mechanisms underlying these associations. Clinical approaches, which consider the genetic basis of interindividual variability in COVID-19 and potentially other causes of critical illness, could optimize hospital resource allocation, predict responsiveness to treatment, identify more efficacious drug targets, and ultimately improve outcomes.}, } @article {pmid36905651, year = {2023}, author = {Beretta, G and Marelli, L}, title = {Fast-tracking development and regulatory approval of COVID-19 vaccines in the EU: A review of ethical implications.}, journal = {Bioethics}, volume = {37}, number = {5}, pages = {498-507}, doi = {10.1111/bioe.13151}, pmid = {36905651}, issn = {1467-8519}, mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; *Vaccines ; }, abstract = {The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide has triggered intense activity in the field of biotechnology, leading to the development and regulatory approval of multiple COVID-19 vaccines in less than 1 year while raising sustained scrutiny as to the ethical issues associated with this process. This article pursues a twofold objective. First, it reconstructs and provides a thorough overview of the different steps, from clinical trial design to regulatory procedures, underpinning the "fast-tracking" of COVID-19 vaccine R&D and approval. Second, drawing on a review of published literature, the article identifies, outlines, and analyzes the most ethically challenging aspects related to such process, including concerns around vaccine safety, issues in study design, the enrollment of study participants, and the challenges in obtaining valid informed consent. By scrutinizing relevant aspects of COVID-19 vaccine development and regulatory processes leading to market authorization, this article ultimately aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory and ethical issues underpinning the roll-out of this key pandemic-containment technology worldwide.}, } @article {pmid36879524, year = {2023}, author = {Rogers, MA and MacLean, J}, title = {ADHD Symptoms Increased During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis.}, journal = {Journal of attention disorders}, volume = {27}, number = {8}, pages = {800-811}, pmid = {36879524}, issn = {1557-1246}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; *Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Emerging research suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately and adversely affected children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to consolidate the findings from studies that examined changes in ADHD symptoms from before to during the pandemic.

METHOD: Database searches of PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, and ProQuest were used to identify relevant studies, theses, and dissertations.

RESULTS: A total of 18 studies met specific inclusion criteria and were coded based on various study characteristics. Twelve studies examined ADHD symptoms longitudinally and six studies assessed ADHD symptoms retroactively and during the pandemic. Data from 6,491 participants from 10 countries were included. Results indicated that many children and/or their caregivers reported an increase in child ADHD symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS: This review points to a global increase in ADHD symptoms and has implications for the prevalence and management of ADHD during the post-pandemic recovery.}, } @article {pmid36464883, year = {2023}, author = {Bharti, M and Alam, MA and Koteswara Rao, GSN and Sharma, PK and Varshney, S}, title = {Nanoformulation-based Drug Delivery System for Viral Diseases.}, journal = {Pharmaceutical nanotechnology}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {105-126}, doi = {10.2174/2211738511666221201154154}, pmid = {36464883}, issn = {2211-7393}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Virus Diseases/drug therapy ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Antiviral Agents ; }, abstract = {Viral diseases are one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. The emergence of pandemics because of the COVID virus creates a dire need for an efficient mechanism to combat the disease. Viruses differ from other pathogenic infections; they render the host immune system vulnerable. One of the major challenges for developing antivirals is the resistance developed by the overuse of drugs, which is inevitable as most viral diseases require a large number of doses. Viral infection detection, prevention, and treatment have significantly benefitted from developing several innovative technologies in recent years. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most promising technologies because of its capacity to deal with viral infections efficiently and eradicate the lagging of conventional antiviral drugs. This review briefly presents an overview of the application of nanotechnology for viral therapy.}, } @article {pmid36424799, year = {2023}, author = {Balaji Easwaran, V and Satarker, S and V Gujaran, T and John, J and Veedu, AP and George, KT and Purayil, DK and Beegum, F and Mathew, A and Vibhavari, R and Chaudhari, SS and Pai, KSR}, title = {Expediting Molecular Translational Approach of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in COVID-19 Treatment.}, journal = {Current stem cell research & therapy}, volume = {18}, number = {5}, pages = {653-675}, doi = {10.2174/1574888X18666221124122113}, pmid = {36424799}, issn = {2212-3946}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Cytokines ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; *Respiratory Insufficiency ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; }, abstract = {Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 with severe respiratory failure and organ damage that later appeared as a pandemic disease. Worldwide, people's mental and physical health and socioeconomic have been affected. Currently, with no promising treatment for COVID-19, the existing anti-viral drugs and vaccines are the only hope to boost the host immune system to reduce morbidity and mortality rate. Unfortunately, several reports show that people who are partially or fully vaccinated are still susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 immunopathology may include dysregulation of macrophages and monocytes, reduced type 1 interferons (IFN-1), and enhanced cytokine storm that results in hypersecretion of proinflammatory cytokines, capillary leak syndrome, intravascular coagulation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ultimately leading to the worsening of patient's condition and death in most cases. The recent use of cell-based therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for critically ill COVID-19 patients has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to alleviate cytokine release syndrome. It protects the alveolar epithelial cells by promoting immunomodulatory action and secreting therapeutic exosomes to improve lung function and attenuate respiratory failure. As a result, multiple clinical trials have been registered using MSCs that aim to use various cell sources, and dosages to promote safety and efficacy against COVID-19 infection. In this review, the possibility of using MSCs in COVID-19 treatment and its associated challenges in their use have been briefly discussed.}, } @article {pmid36424781, year = {2023}, author = {Rastogi, S and Singh, A and Nandi, A and Gupta, A and Agarwal, J and Kostova, I}, title = {Can the Therapeutic Spectrum of Probiotics be Extended: Exploring Potential of Gut Microbiome.}, journal = {Recent advances in anti-infective drug discovery}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {120-147}, doi = {10.2174/2772434418666221124124317}, pmid = {36424781}, issn = {2772-4352}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *COVID-19 ; Lactobacillus ; *Autoimmune Diseases ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {Natural therapeutic microorganisms provide a potent alternative healthcare treatment nowadays, with the potential to prevent several human diseases. These health-boosting living organisms, probiotics mostly belong to Gram-positive bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Saccharomyces, Bacillus and Enterococcus. Initiated almost a century ago, the probiotic application has come a long way. The present review is focused on the potential therapeutic role of probiotics in ameliorating multiple infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections and viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19; liver diseases and hepatic encephalopathy; neurological and psychiatric disorders; autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Apart from these, the therapeutic exacerbations of probiotics in urinary tract infections have been extremely promising, and several approaches are reviewed and presented here. We also present upcoming and new thrust areas where probiotic therapeutic interventions are showing promising results, like faecal microbial transplant and vaginal microbial transplant.}, } @article {pmid36330967, year = {2023}, author = {Brenner, DJ}, title = {Far-UVC Light at 222 nm is Showing Significant Potential to Safely and Efficiently Inactivate Airborne Pathogens in Occupied Indoor Locations.}, journal = {Photochemistry and photobiology}, volume = {99}, number = {3}, pages = {1047-1050}, doi = {10.1111/php.13739}, pmid = {36330967}, issn = {1751-1097}, mesh = {Humans ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Disinfection ; }, abstract = {Far UVC light (UVC wavelengths below 235 nm) is a comparatively new modality with significant potential to safely and very efficiently inactivate airborne pathogens in occupied indoor locations. There are now significant accumulations of evidence both in terms of the safety of far-UVC for direct exposure of occupied indoor locations, and in terms of its efficacy to markedly reduce the levels of active airborne pathogens This article reviews both the safety of far-UVC, which has a clear mechanistic underpinning, and its efficacy, both in the laboratory and in full-sized rooms. Highlighted is the paper by Ma et al. in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology which addresses the efficacy of far-UVC light (in this case at 222 nm) against a broad spectrum of common pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. From their data, and based on our understanding of the largely random nature of UVC-induced damage within the genome, far UVC would be expected to be effective against the next pandemic virus, if and when it emerges.}, } @article {pmid36281656, year = {2023}, author = {Roberts, NA and Dhillon, HM and Paterson, C and Schubach, K and McJannett, M and , }, title = {The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on genitourinary and prostate cancer care and clinical trials: A qualitative exploration of the Australian and New Zealand experience.}, journal = {Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {337-346}, pmid = {36281656}, issn = {1743-7563}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; New Zealand/epidemiology ; Australia/epidemiology ; Communicable Disease Control ; *Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: This qualitative study aimed to understand the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic from March to November 2020 on healthcare delivery and clinical trials for genitourinary (GU) cancers in Australia.

METHODS: Annually a pre-conference workshop is hosted by the Australian New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group for supportive care health professionals. In November 2020, those that selected to attend were invited to participate in a focus group. Workshop and focus group discussions were recorded and transcripts were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS: Seventy-two individuals involved in GU cancer care and clinical trials took part. Participants described negative changes to GU cancer care and clinical trials from the pandemic due to reduced clinical services and increased wait times. Trial recruitment was paused temporarily during lockdowns, and standard treatment protocols were used to limit hospital visits. Trial process changes included electronic capture of informed consent, home delivery of oral medications, and delegations of assessments. These changes increased administrative activity for clinical trial teams and Human Research Ethics Committees. A transition to telehealth enabled continuity of service delivery and trials but reduced the opportunity for face-to-face patient consultations with increasing concern about the failure to detect supportive care needs.

CONCLUSION: The pandemic has prompted a critical review of service delivery and clinical trials for people with GU cancers.}, } @article {pmid36043737, year = {2023}, author = {Baraskar, K and Thakur, P and Shrivastava, R and Shrivastava, VK}, title = {Therapeutic Role of Phytophenol Gallic Acid for the Cure of COVID-19 Pathogenesis.}, journal = {Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {464-469}, doi = {10.2174/1871530322666220829141401}, pmid = {36043737}, issn = {2212-3873}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus ; Gallic Acid/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Mutation ; }, abstract = {The SARS CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19 uses the ACE-2 receptor of the host to penetrate and infect the cell, mainly in the pulmonary, renal, and cardiac tissues. The earlier reported Delta and the recent Omicron are the variants of concern. The mutations in the RBD region of spike protein are associated with increased RBD-ACE-2 receptor interaction. This binding affinity between spike protein and the receptor is greater in Omicron than in the Delta variant. Moreover, the Omicron variant has numerous hydrophobic amino acids in the RBD region of the spike protein, which maintain its structural integrity. Gallic acid is a phytophenol and shows high binding affinity toward the ACE-2 receptors, which may be helpful for better outcomes in the treatment of COVID-19 pathogenesis. In the present study, significant data were collected from different databases i.e., PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science by using keywords like anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of gallic acid, in addition to receptor-based host cell interaction of SARS CoV-2 virus. The finding shows that gallic acid can reduce inflammation by attenuating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways to suppress the release of ICAM-1, a cell surface glycoprotein; various pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL 1-β, IL-6, IL-10, and chemokines like CCL-2,5, CXCL-8 along with tissue infiltration by immune cells. The purpose of this review is to highlight the therapeutic potential of gallic acid in COVID-19 pathogenesis based on its strong anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti- microbial properties.}, } @article {pmid36038397, year = {2023}, author = {Bertin, B and Grenet, G and Pizzoglio-Billaudaz, V and Lepelley, M and Atzenhoffer, M and Vial, T}, title = {Vaccines and Bell's palsy: A narrative review.}, journal = {Therapie}, volume = {78}, number = {3}, pages = {279-292}, pmid = {36038397}, issn = {1958-5578}, mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *Bell Palsy/epidemiology/etiology ; *Influenza Vaccines ; *Facial Paralysis/complications/drug therapy ; *Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; BNT162 Vaccine ; *COVID-19 ; }, abstract = {The association between vaccines and peripheral facial palsy (PFP), an issue that has been the subject of debate for many years, has been raised again following results of clinical trials assessing mRNA based COVID-19 vaccines. To review the available literature on this topic, PubMed was searched from inception until February 25, 2022. Inclusion criteria were case reports with documented rechallenge and comparative epidemiological studies. Cases of COVID-19 vaccine-induced PFP with available data on vaccine rechallenge were also identified from Vigibase until December 31, 2021. Of the 347 articles retrieved, 32 comparative epidemiological studies, 1 meta-analysis and 4 case reports met our criteria, of which 13 involved COVID-19 vaccines. Eight studies found an association between at least one vaccine and the occurrence of PFP, whereas 24 did not. Positive studies involved seasonal or pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccines administered parenterally (4 studies) or intranasally (1 study with a toxin-adjuvanted vaccine), BNT162b2, a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (1 disproportionality analysis and 1 observed-to-expected analysis) and an inactivated virus COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac®) (1 study combining a case-control and an observed-to-expected approach). Strong evidence was found only for the intranasal influenza vaccine while other positive studies detected only a marginal association between PFP and vaccination. Of the four case reports with documented rechallenge, only two were positive and involved an influenza vaccine and tozinameran in one case each. In Vigibase, rechallenge was documented in 49 reports with 29 (59.2%) cases being negative and 20 (40.8%) positive. The available data did not confirm an excess risk of PFP after vaccination in most studies. Moreover, of the eight epidemiological studies suggesting a possible excess risk of PFP after any vaccine, three were disproportionality analyses and two observed-to excepted analyses, suggesting great caution should be taken when interpreting these results.}, } @article {pmid35908998, year = {2023}, author = {Berrim, K and Sahnoun, R and Ksentini, M and Athyemen, R and Ksouda, K and Affes, H and Hammemi, S and Zeghal, K and Ben Mahmoud, L}, title = {[Erythema nodosum associated with Tozinameran vaccine: Report of 2 cases and review of the literature].}, journal = {Therapie}, volume = {78}, number = {3}, pages = {330-334}, pmid = {35908998}, issn = {1958-5578}, mesh = {Humans ; *Erythema Nodosum/complications ; BNT162 Vaccine ; }, } @article {pmid37209261, year = {2023}, author = {Kole, C and Stefanou, Ε and Karvelas, N and Schizas, D and Toutouzas, KP}, title = {Acute and Post-Acute COVID-19 Cardiovascular Complications: A Comprehensive Review.}, journal = {Cardiovascular drugs and therapy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37209261}, issn = {1573-7241}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The risk of cardiovascular complications due to SARS-CoV-2 are significantly increased within the first 6 months of the infection. Patients with COVID-19 have an increased risk of death, and there is evidence that many may experience a wide range of post-acute cardiovascular complications. Our work aims to provide an update on current clinical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular manifestations during acute and long-term COVID-19.

RECENT FINDINGS: SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular complications such as myocardial injury, heart failure, and dysrhythmias, as well as coagulation abnormalities not only during the acute phase but also beyond the first 30 days of the infection, associated with high mortality and poor outcomes. Cardiovascular complications during long-COVID-19 were found regardless of comorbidities such as age, hypertension, and diabetes; nevertheless, these populations remain at high risk for the worst outcomes during post-acute COVID-19. Emphasis should be given to the management of these patients. Treatment with low-dose oral propranolol, a beta blocker, for heart rate management may be considered, since it was found to significantly attenuate tachycardia and improve symptoms in postural tachycardia syndrome, while for patients on ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), under no circumstances should these medications be withdrawn. In addition, in patients at high risk after hospitalization due to COVID-19, thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban 10 mg/day for 35 days improved clinical outcomes compared with no extended thromboprophylaxis. In this work we provide a comprehensive review on acute and post-acute COVID-19 cardiovascular complications, symptomatology, and pathophysiology mechanisms. We also discuss therapeutic strategies for these patients during acute and long-term care and highlight populations at risk. Our findings suggest that older patients with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and medical history of vascular disease have worse outcomes during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and are more likely to develop cardiovascular complications during long-COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37209039, year = {2023}, author = {D'Souza, F and Buzzetti, R and Pozzilli, P}, title = {Diabetes, COVID-19, and questions unsolved.}, journal = {Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e3666}, doi = {10.1002/dmrr.3666}, pmid = {37209039}, issn = {1520-7560}, abstract = {Recent evidence suggests a role for Diabetes Mellitus in adverse outcomes from COVID-19 infection; yet the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Moreover, attention has turned to prophylactic vaccination to protect the population from COVID-19-related illness and mortality. We performed a comprehensive peer-reviewed literature search on an array of key terms concerning diabetes and COVID-19 seeking to address the following questions: 1. What role does diabetes play as an accelerator for adverse outcomes in COVID-19?; 2. What mechanisms underlie the differences in outcomes seen in people with diabetes?; 3. Are vaccines against COVID-19 efficacious in people with diabetes? The current literature demonstrates that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19 infection, and post-COVID sequelae. Potential mechanisms include dysregulation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, Furin, CD147, and impaired immune cell responses. Hyperglycaemia is a key exacerbator of these mechanisms. Limited studies are available on COVID-19 vaccination in people with diabetes; however, the current literature suggests that vaccination is protective against adverse outcomes for this population. In summary, people with diabetes are a high-risk group that should be prioritised in vaccination efforts. Glycaemic optimisation is paramount to protecting this group from COVID-19-associated risk. Unsolved questions remain as to the molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse outcomes seen in people with diabetes; the functional impact of post-COVID symptoms on people with diabetes, their persistence, and management; how long-term vaccine efficacy is affected by diabetes, and the antibody levels that confer protection from adverse outcomes in COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37208972, year = {2023}, author = {Lim, S and Park, H and Kim, S}, title = {Psychological experiences of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19: Integrative review based on qualitative research.}, journal = {Nursing open}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/nop2.1813}, pmid = {37208972}, issn = {2054-1058}, abstract = {AIM: To analyse the literature on nurses' psychological experiences caring for COVID-19 patients, focusing on qualitative research.

DESIGN: An integrative review.

REVIEW METHODS: Whittemore & Knafl's approach was used.

DATA SOURCES: Six databases were searched using the terms 'nurses', 'psychological experiences' and 'COVID-19'.

RESULTS: Ten studies were selected and analysed. Five characteristics related to nurses' negative psychological experiences, four characteristics related to positive psychological experiences and seven coping strategies of nurses were identified.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the need for psychological, social, financial and organizational support for nurses to improve mental well-being and the level of nursing care. No Patient or Public Contribution.}, } @article {pmid37208555, year = {2023}, author = {Batiha, GE and Al-Kuraishy, HM and Al-Gareeb, AI and Ashour, NA and Negm, WA}, title = {Potential role of tirzepatide towards Covid-19 infection in diabetic patients: a perspective approach.}, journal = {Inflammopharmacology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37208555}, issn = {1568-5608}, abstract = {In Covid-19, variations in fasting blood glucose are considered a distinct risk element for a bad prognosis and outcome in Covid-19 patients. Tirazepatide (TZT), a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist may be effective in managing Covid-19-induced hyperglycemia in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The beneficial effect of TZT in T2DM and obesity is related to direct activation of GIP and GLP-1 receptors with subsequent improvement of insulin sensitivity and reduction of body weight. TZT improves endothelial dysfunction (ED) and associated inflammatory changes through modulation of glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and pro-inflammatory biomarkers release. TZT, through activation of the GLP-1 receptor, may produce beneficial effects against Covid-19 severity since GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have anti-inflammatory and pulmoprotective implications in Covid-19. Therefore, GLP-1RAs could effectively treat severely affected Covid-19 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Notably, using GLP-1RAs in T2DM patients prevents glucose variability, a common finding in Covid-19 patients. Therefore, GLP-1RAs like TZT could be a therapeutic strategy in T2DM patients with Covid-19 to prevent glucose variability-induced complications. In Covid-19, the inflammatory signaling pathways are highly activated, resulting in hyperinflammation. GLP-1RAs reduce inflammatory biomarkers like IL-6, CRP, and ferritin in Covid-19 patients. Therefore, GLP-1RAs like TZ may be effective in Covid-19 patients by reducing the inflammatory burden. The anti-obesogenic effect of TZT may reduce Covid-19 severity by ameliorating body weight and adiposity. Furthermore, Covid-19 may induce substantial alterations in gut microbiota. GLP-1RA preserves gut microbiota and prevents intestinal dysbiosis. Herein, TZT, like other GLP-1RA, may attenuate Covid-19-induced gut microbiota alterations and, by this mechanism, may mitigate intestinal inflammation and systemic complications in Covid-19 patients with either T2DM or obesity. As opposed to that, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) was reduced in obese and T2DM patients. However, activation of GIP-1R by TZT in T2DM patients improves glucose homeostasis. Thus, TZT, through activation of both GIP and GLP-1, may reduce obesity-mediated inflammation. In Covid-19, GIP response to the meal is impaired, leading to postprandial hyperglycemia and abnormal glucose homeostasis. Therefore, using TZT in severely affected Covid-19 patients may prevent the development of glucose variability and hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, exaggerated inflammatory disorders in Covid-19 due to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α may lead to systemic inflammation and cytokine storm development. Besides, GIP-1 inhibits expression of IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, chemokines and TNF-α. Therefore, using GIP-1RA like TZT may inhibit the onset of inflammatory disorders in severely affected Covid-19 patients. In conclusion, TZT, through activation of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, may prevent SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperinflammation and glucose variability in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.}, } @article {pmid37207818, year = {2023}, author = {Kasireddy, TR and Yukselen, Z and Muthyala, A and Bansal, K and Dasari, M and Kumar, PA and Anugu, VR and Majmundar, V and Nakhla, M and Sharma, G and Khurram, N and Warraich, HJ and Ganatra, S and Dani, SS}, title = {Association of Psychosocial risk factors and Outcomes in heart failure: Does COVID-19 affect outcomes?.}, journal = {Current problems in cardiology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {101795}, pmid = {37207818}, issn = {1535-6280}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) have emerged as crucial non-traditional risk factors affecting outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). There is a paucity of data studying these risk factors in HF nationally. Additionally, whether the COVID-19 pandemic impacted outcomes remains unexplored, given the increased psychosocial risk during these times.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of PSRFs on the outcomes of HF and their comparison across non-COVID and COVID eras.

METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of HF were selected using the 2019-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Two cohorts were created based on the presence or absence of PSRFs and compared across non-COVID (2019) and COVID (2020) eras. We examined the association using hierarchical multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS: A total of 305,955 patients were included, of which 175,348 (57%) had PSRFs. Patients with PSRFs were younger (P<0.001), less likely to be female (P<0.001), and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. All-cause readmissions were higher in patients with PSRFs in both eras. All-cause mortality [HR 1.15 (1.04-1.27), P=0.005] and a composite of MACE [HR 1.11 (1.06-1.16), P<0.001] were higher in patients in the non-COVID era. Compared to 2019, patients with PSRFs and HF in 2020 had significantly higher all-cause mortality [1.13 (1.03-1.24), P=0.009]; however, the composite of MACE was comparable [1.04 (1.00-1.09), P=0.03].

CONCLUSION: The presence of PSRFs in patients with HF is associated with a significant increase in all-cause readmissions and all-cause mortality in COVID and non-COVID eras. The worse outcomes evident in the COVID era highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in this vulnerable population.

SHORT ABSTRACT: Psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) are crucial non-traditional risk factors affecting outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. We sought to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PSRFs and HF outcomes. Utilizing 2019-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database, 305,955 patients with a diagnosis of HF were selected of which 175,348 (57%) had PSRFs. We further compared these subgroups across non-COVID (2019) and COVID (2020) eras. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed for analysis. In patients with PSRFs, we noted higher 30-day all-cause readmissions, 30-day heart failure readmissions, 30-day all-cause mortality and composite of MACE. Readmissions were higher in both eras, while mortality was significantly higher during the COVID-19 era. This highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in this vulnerable population.}, } @article {pmid37207439, year = {2023}, author = {Khoong, YM and Luo, S and Huang, X and Li, M and Gu, S and Jiang, T and Liang, H and Liu, Y and Zan, T}, title = {The application of augmented reality in plastic surgery training and education: A narrative review.}, journal = {Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS}, volume = {82}, number = {}, pages = {255-263}, doi = {10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.033}, pmid = {37207439}, issn = {1878-0539}, abstract = {Continuing problems with fewer training opportunities and a greater awareness of patient safety have led to a constant search for an alternative technique to bridge the existing theory-practice gap in plastic surgery training and education. The current COVID-19 epidemic has aggravated the situation, making it urgent to implement breakthrough technological initiatives currently underway to improve surgical education. The cutting edge of technological development, augmented reality (AR), has already been applied in numerous facets of plastic surgery training, and it is capable of realizing the aims of education and training in this field. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most important ways that AR is now being used in plastic surgery education and training, as well as offer an exciting glimpse into the potential future of this field thanks to technological advancements.}, } @article {pmid37207374, year = {2023}, author = {Kandeepan, K and Robinson, J and Reed, W}, title = {Pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19: A scoping review.}, journal = {Radiography (London, England : 1995)}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {729-737}, pmid = {37207374}, issn = {1532-2831}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: As chest imaging is a tool for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), diagnostic radiographers are a key component of the frontline workforce. Due to its unforeseen nature, COVID-19 has challenged radiographers' preparedness in combating its effects. Despite its importance, literature specifically investigating radiographers' readiness is limited. However, the documented experiences are prognostic of pandemic preparedness. Hence, this study aimed to map this literature by addressing the question: 'what does the existing literature reveal about the pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19?'.

METHODS: Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, this scoping review searched for empirical studies in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL. Consequently, 970 studies were yielded and underwent processes of deduplication, title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and backward citation searching. Forty-four articles were deemed eligible for data extraction and analysis.

RESULTS: Four themes that reflected pandemic preparedness were extrapolated: infection control and prevention, knowledge and education, clinical workflow, and mental health. Notably, the findings highlighted pronounced trends in adaptation of infection protocols, adequate infection knowledge, and pandemic-related fears. However, inconsistencies in the provision of personal protective equipment, training, and psychological support were revealed.

CONCLUSION: Literature suggests that radiographers are equipped with infection knowledge, but the changing work arrangements and varied availability of training and protective equipment weakens their preparedness. The disparate access to resources facilitated uncertainty, affecting radiographers' mental health.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: By reiterating the current strengths and weaknesses in pandemic preparedness, the findings can guide clinical practice and future research to correct inadequacies in infrastructure, education, and mental health support for radiographers in the current and future disease outbreaks.}, } @article {pmid37206656, year = {2023}, author = {Roshanshad, R and Roshanshad, A and Fereidooni, R and Hosseini-Bensenjan, M}, title = {COVID-19 and liver injury: Pathophysiology, risk factors, outcome and management in special populations.}, journal = {World journal of hepatology}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {441-459}, doi = {10.4254/wjh.v15.i4.441}, pmid = {37206656}, issn = {1948-5182}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is an ongoing health concern. In addition to affecting the respiratory system, COVID-19 can potentially damage other systems in the body, leading to extra-pulmonary manifestations. Hepatic manifestations are among the common consequences of COVID-19. Although the precise mechanism of liver injury is still questionable, several mechanisms have been hypothesized, including direct viral effect, cytokine storm, hypoxic-ischemic injury, hypoxia-reperfusion injury, ferroptosis, and hepatotoxic medications. Risk factors of COVID-19-induced liver injury include severe COVID-19 infection, male gender, advanced age, obesity, and underlying diseases. The presentations of liver involvement comprise abnormalities in liver enzymes and radiologic findings, which can be utilized to predict the prognosis. Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels with hypoalbuminemia can indicate severe liver injury and anticipate the need for intensive care units' hospitalization. In imaging, a lower liver-to-spleen ratio and liver computed tomography attenuation may indicate a more severe illness. Furthermore, chronic liver disease patients are at a higher risk for severe disease and death from COVID-19. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease had the highest risk of advanced COVID-19 disease and death, followed by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. In addition to COVID-19-induced liver injury, the pandemic has also altered the epidemiology and pattern of some hepatic diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis B. Therefore, it warrants special vigilance and awareness by healthcare professionals to screen and treat COVID-19-associated liver injury accordingly.}, } @article {pmid37206557, year = {2023}, author = {Gkoufa, A and Saridaki, M and Georgakopoulou, VE and Spandidos, DA and Cholongitas, E}, title = {COVID‑19 vaccination in liver transplant recipients (Review).}, journal = {Experimental and therapeutic medicine}, volume = {25}, number = {6}, pages = {291}, doi = {10.3892/etm.2023.11990}, pmid = {37206557}, issn = {1792-1015}, abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2) infection has significantly affected immunocompromised individuals and subsequently, liver transplant recipients (LTRs). Early in the course of pandemic, this vulnerable population was prioritized for vaccination, after obtaining encouraging data about the vaccination benefits on disease severity and mortality. As the published knowledge was mainly supported from studies which were limited to the healthy population, the present review summarizes the data from the literature on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in LTRs and the available vaccination guidelines of international societies. The COVID-19 vaccination of LTRs is strongly recommended as a safe and effective measure in order to prevent severe disease and mortality.}, } @article {pmid37206510, year = {2023}, author = {Kattakola, Y and Prasad, R and Sharma, R and Wanjari, MB}, title = {High-Dose Prophylactic Anticoagulation for COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Review of Benefits and Risks.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37705}, doi = {10.7759/cureus.37705}, pmid = {37206510}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on a global scale, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The virus affects multiple organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, and coagulation systems, leading to severe pneumonia in some patients. Moreover, COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia have a high incidence of thrombotic events, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Given the potential benefits of anticoagulation therapy in COVID-19 patients with thrombotic complications, recent studies have proposed high-dose prophylactic anticoagulation (HD-PA) therapy as a potential treatment option. In fact, some studies have suggested that HD-PA therapy may be more effective in reducing thrombotic events and mortality rates than other treatment options. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits and risks of HD-PA therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia patients. By synthesizing and analyzing the latest available research, we highlight patient selection criteria and discuss the optimal dosage, duration, and timing of therapy. Additionally, we review the potential risks associated with HD-PA therapy and provide recommendations for clinical practice. Ultimately, this review provides valuable insights into the use of HD-PA therapy in COVID-19 pneumonia patients and paves the way for further research in this critical area. By exploring the benefits and risks of this treatment option, we hope to provide healthcare professionals with the information they need to make informed decisions about the best course of treatment for their patients.}, } @article {pmid37206388, year = {2023}, author = {Yang, LF and Ling, M and Kacherovsky, N and Pun, SH}, title = {Aptamers 101: aptamer discovery and in vitro applications in biosensors and separations.}, journal = {Chemical science}, volume = {14}, number = {19}, pages = {4961-4978}, pmid = {37206388}, issn = {2041-6520}, abstract = {Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that bind and recognize targets much like antibodies. Recently, aptamers have garnered increased interest due to their unique properties, including inexpensive production, simple chemical modification, and long-term stability. At the same time, aptamers possess similar binding affinity and specificity as their protein counterpart. In this review, we discuss the aptamer discovery process as well as aptamer applications to biosensors and separations. In the discovery section, we describe the major steps of the library selection process for aptamers, called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We highlight common approaches and emerging strategies in SELEX, from starting library selection to aptamer-target binding characterization. In the applications section, we first evaluate recently developed aptamer biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 virus detection, including electrochemical aptamer-based sensors and lateral flow assays. Then we discuss aptamer-based separations for partitioning different molecules or cell types, especially for purifying T cell subsets for therapeutic applications. Overall, aptamers are promising biomolecular tools and the aptamer field is primed for expansion in biosensing and cell separation.}, } @article {pmid37206298, year = {2023}, author = {Robertshaw, M and Kershaw, CD}, title = {Post COVID Interstitial Lung Abnormalities-Incidence and Management.}, journal = {Current pulmonology reports}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {64-69}, pmid = {37206298}, issn = {2199-2428}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize the available literature to identify the incidence and risk factors for persistent interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) following hospitalization for COVID-19. The current and prospective treatment options are reviewed in an effort to help pulmonary practitioners care for this burgeoning patient population.

RECENT FINDINGS: Statistical modeling suggests that 11.7% of all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have irreversible fibrotic features on long-term follow-up imaging.

SUMMARY: The available evidence suggests that up to 30% of patients have ILAs following COVID-19 hospitalization. The radiographic abnormalities improve or resolve in a majority of these patients. However, estimates suggest that up to one-third of these patients have irreversible fibrotic features. Clinical trials of the impact of anti-fibrotic agents are ongoing. As there continue to be thousands of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the USA each week, the management of post-COVID ILAs will become a common problem for the pulmonary practitioner.}, } @article {pmid37205134, year = {2023}, author = {Ponti, M}, title = {Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world.}, journal = {Paediatrics & child health}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {184-202}, pmid = {37205134}, issn = {1205-7088}, abstract = {COVID-19 transformed the family media environment and spurred research on the effects of screen media exposure and use on young children. This update of a 2017 CPS statement re-examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, with focus on developmental, psychosocial, and physical health. Four evidence-based principles-minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using, and modelling healthy use of screens-continue to guide children's early experience with a rapidly changing media landscape. Knowing how young children learn and develop informs best practice for health care providers and early years professionals (e.g., early childhood educators, child care providers). Anticipatory guidance should now include child and family screen use in (and beyond) pandemic conditions.}, } @article {pmid37205111, year = {2023}, author = {Poto, R and Loffredo, S and Marone, G and Di Salvatore, A and de Paulis, A and Schroeder, JT and Varricchi, G}, title = {Basophils beyond allergic and parasitic diseases.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1190034}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2023.1190034}, pmid = {37205111}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {Basophils bind IgE via FcεRI-αβγ2, which they uniquely share only with mast cells. In doing so, they can rapidly release mediators that are hallmark of allergic disease. This fundamental similarity, along with some morphological features shared by the two cell types, has long brought into question the biological significance that basophils mediate beyond that of mast cells. Unlike mast cells, which mature and reside in tissues, basophils are released into circulation from the bone marrow (constituting 1% of leukocytes), only to infiltrate tissues under specific inflammatory conditions. Evidence is emerging that basophils mediate non-redundant roles in allergic disease and, unsuspectingly, are implicated in a variety of other pathologies [e.g., myocardial infarction, autoimmunity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosis, cancer, etc.]. Recent findings strengthen the notion that these cells mediate protection from parasitic infections, whereas related studies implicate basophils promoting wound healing. Central to these functions is the substantial evidence that human and mouse basophils are increasingly implicated as important sources of IL-4 and IL-13. Nonetheless, much remains unclear regarding the role of basophils in pathology vs. homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the dichotomous (protective and/or harmful) roles of basophils in a wide spectrum of non-allergic disorders.}, } @article {pmid37205106, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, M and Zhang, Y and Li, C and Chang, W and Zhang, L}, title = {The relationship between gut microbiota and COVID-19 progression: new insights into immunopathogenesis and treatment.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1180336}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2023.1180336}, pmid = {37205106}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a global health crisis. Increasing evidence underlines the key role of competent immune responses in resisting SARS-CoV-2 infection and manifests the disastrous consequence of host immune dysregulation. Elucidating the mechanisms responsible for deregulated host immunity in COVID-19 may provide a theoretical basis for further research on new treatment modalities. Gut microbiota comprises trillions of microorganisms colonizing the human gastrointestinal tract and has a vital role in immune homeostasis and the gut-lung crosstalk. Particularly, SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to the disruption of gut microbiota equilibrium, a condition called gut dysbiosis. Due to its regulatory effect on host immunity, gut microbiota has recently received considerable attention in the field of SARS-CoV-2 immunopathology. Imbalanced gut microbiota can fuel COVID-19 progression through production of bioactive metabolites, intestinal metabolism, enhancement of the cytokine storm, exaggeration of inflammation, regulation of adaptive immunity and other aspects. In this review, we provide an overview of the alterations in gut microbiota in COVID-19 patients, and their effects on individuals' susceptibility to viral infection and COVID-19 progression. Moreover, we summarize currently available data on the critical role of the bidirectional regulation between intestinal microbes and host immunity in SARS-CoV-2-induced pathology, and highlight the immunomodulatory mechanisms of gut microbiota contributing to COVID-19 pathogenesis. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic benefits and future perspectives of microbiota-targeted interventions including faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), bacteriotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in COVID-19 treatment.}, } @article {pmid37205025, year = {2022}, author = {Cattie, JE and Pike, M and LoPilato, A and Crowell, A and Cullum, K}, title = {Healing in Health Care: Mental Health Promotion, Advocacy, and Voluntarism in Response to COVID-19.}, journal = {Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {277-284}, doi = {10.1176/appi.focus.20220049}, pmid = {37205025}, issn = {1541-4094}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic increased many known risk factors for mental health problems. In the context of overwhelmed health systems and resource and staffing shortages, the mental health needs of frontline health care workers (HCWs) gained attention as a major public health concern and a threat to high-quality care delivery. In response, mental health promotion initiatives were quickly developed to meet the demands of the public health crisis. Two years later, the context for psychotherapy has changed, especially as it pertains to the health care workforce. Particularly salient experiences-grief, burnout, moral injury, compassion fatigue, and racial trauma-have become routinely discussed as part of everyday clinical practice. Service programs have become more responsive to the needs, schedules, and identities of HCWs. In addition, mental health and other HCWs have contributed to advocacy and volunteer initiatives promoting health equity, culturally responsive care, and access to care across a range of settings. In this article, the authors review the benefits of these activities to individuals, organizations, and communities and summarize example programs. Many of these initiatives began in response to the acute public health crisis; however, engaging in these ways and spaces holds promise for increasing connection and prioritizing equity and structural change over the long term.}, } @article {pmid37205019, year = {2022}, author = {Eldredge, D and Langenecker, SA and Lucynski, RK and Schreiner, MW}, title = {The Rapid Evolution of Crisis Mental Health Services in Utah: Opportunities and Challenges as a Result of the Global Pandemic.}, journal = {Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {285-291}, doi = {10.1176/appi.focus.20220047}, pmid = {37205019}, issn = {1541-4094}, abstract = {Our country is facing a resurgence of behavioral health crises from over the past 30 years, further illuminated and exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing suicide crises among youths over recent decades, untreated anxiety and depression, and serious mental illness are signs of the need for improvements in accessible, affordable, timely, and comprehensive behavioral health services. Against the backdrop of high suicide rates and low behavioral health services in Utah, statewide collaborators aligned with a common goal: deliver crisis services to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. After its initiation in 2011, the integrated behavioral health crisis response system continued to expand and excel, ultimately improving access and referral to services, flattening suicide rates, and reducing stigma. The global pandemic further motivated the expansion of Utah's crisis response system. This review focuses on the unique experiences of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as a catalyst and partner in these changes. Our goals are to: inform about unique Utah partnerships and actions in the crisis mental health space, describe initial steps and outcomes, highlight continuing challenges, discuss pandemic-specific barriers and opportunities, and explore the long-term vision to improve quality and access to mental health resources.}, } @article {pmid35786340, year = {2023}, author = {Khatun, A and Tamilanban, T and Chitra, V}, title = {Psychiatric Manifestations of COVID-19: A Literature Review.}, journal = {CNS & neurological disorders drug targets}, volume = {22}, number = {6}, pages = {892-905}, doi = {10.2174/1871527321666220701152821}, pmid = {35786340}, issn = {1996-3181}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; Inflammation ; *Mental Disorders/etiology ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2/metabolism ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) occurs due to the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It uses angiotensin-converting enzyme- 2 (ACE-2) as its primary receptor to enter the host cell. Recent reports suggest that this pathogen also has a large impact on the CNS alongside other organs. Various inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and numerous metabolites, are poorly regulated during infection as well as in several psychiatric diseases, which leads to conditions of hypoxia and cytokine storm. The persistence of COVID-19 infection may also result in aggravation of the already present neuro-psychiatric symptoms in patients.

METHODS: We systematically searched various sources of journals and assessed the varied neurological routes of propagation and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 neurotoxicity, like ACE2-mediated neuroinvasion induced hypoxia and the cytokine storm syndrome. Several case studies were also referred to obtain a better idea of the current mental health scenario as a consequence of infection and inflammation due to SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSION: Several risk factors for the causation of mental health issues during as well as after the infection include female gender, presence of necrosis, and pain in avascular regions. Most psychiatric disorders are directly associated with the socioeconomic and psychosocial changes that have occurred as a consequence of the pandemic. These psychiatric manifestations have only started to unravel, which calls for the development of faster means of diagnosis and integrated pharmacological and epidemiological studies to curb the growing rate of neuronal complications as well as mortality.}, } @article {pmid37205017, year = {2022}, author = {Fani, N and White, D and Marshall-Lee, E and Hampton-Anderson, J}, title = {Antiracist Practice in Psychiatry: Principles and Recommendations.}, journal = {Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {270-276}, doi = {10.1176/appi.focus.20220045}, pmid = {37205017}, issn = {1541-4094}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified mental health disparities among people of color, particularly for Black, Latinx, and American Indian populations. In addition to experiencing overt hostility and systemic injustice, people from marginalized racial-ethnic groups experience prejudice and bias from clinicians that has disrupted rapport and trust in mental health systems; these experiences, in turn, have deepened these health disparities. In this article, the authors describe factors that have served to perpetuate mental health disparities and outline key components of antiracist practice in psychiatry (and in mental health practice, more generally). With lessons learned in recent years, this article presents practical ways to incorporate antiracist practices into clinical care.}, } @article {pmid37205014, year = {2022}, author = {Merz, EL and Gholizadeh, S}, title = {Mental and Physical Health Concerns in the Context of COVID-19: Opportunities and Applications for Behavioral Medicine.}, journal = {Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {292-300}, doi = {10.1176/appi.focus.20220044}, pmid = {37205014}, issn = {1541-4094}, abstract = {Numerous physical and mental health concerns have been documented in the context of COVID-19, and it is likely that patients, survivors, frontline health care workers, and other affected individuals will present to psychiatry for treatment. Behavioral medicine, an interdisciplinary field that is defined by a behavioral and biomedical conceptualization of clinical care, offers an opportunity for collaboration with psychiatry and other health care providers to meet the myriad needs resulting from the pandemic. This review summarizes a conceptual framework of behavioral medicine and clinical health psychology, COVID-19-related quality of life concerns that may be applicable to behavioral medicine referrals, clinical assessment directions, and intervention opportunities. The review combines both findings specific to COVID-19 and general behavioral medicine principles with an overall goal of providing a basic introduction to behavioral medicine practice, applications, and opportunities for management of medical and psychological symptoms.}, } @article {pmid37204997, year = {2023}, author = {Narasimhan, B and Calambur, A and Moras, E and Wu, L and Aronow, W}, title = {Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in COVID-19: A Contemporary Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Course and Management.}, journal = {Vascular health and risk management}, volume = {19}, number = {}, pages = {303-316}, doi = {10.2147/VHRM.S380270}, pmid = {37204997}, issn = {1178-2048}, abstract = {The long-term implications of COVID-19 have garnered increasing interest in recent months, with Long-COVID impacting over 65 million individuals worldwide. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has emerged as an important component of the Long-COVID umbrella, estimated to affect between 2 and 14% of survivors. POTS remains very challenging to diagnose and manage - this review aims to provide a brief overview of POTS as a whole and goes on to summarize the available literature pertaining to POTS in the setting of COVID-19. We provide a review of available clinical reports, outline proposed pathophysiological mechanisms and end with a brief note on management considerations.}, } @article {pmid37204984, year = {2023}, author = {Maggu, G and Verma, V and Chaudhury, S and Indla, V}, title = {Epidemic of Depression and Anxiety in child and adolescent population during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta analysis of the prevalence of depression and anxiety.}, journal = {Indian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {65}, number = {3}, pages = {299-309}, doi = {10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_700_21}, pmid = {37204984}, issn = {0019-5545}, abstract = {COVID-19 has caused mayhem in the life of people. It has disrupted the social fabric of life. The children and adolescent population has been particularly affected by its direct and indirect effects. This systematic review aims to find the prevalence of depression and anxiety in children and adolescent age groups. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for finding the prevalence of depression and anxiety. We found the total number of participants to be 71,016. A random effect model was used for conducting meta-analysis. The prevalence of depression was mentioned in 17 studies of 23 and the pooled prevalence was 27% [95% confidence interval: 21%-36%] and heterogeneity (I[2] statistics; P <.00001) was 100%. The prevalence of anxiety was found in 20 studies of 23 and the pooled anxiety prevalence was 25% (95% confidence interval: 16%-41%) and heterogeneity (I[2] statistics; P < .00001) was found to be 100%. The summary of the findings has been provided. Due to high heterogeneity, moderator analysis was performed separately for depression and anxiety subgroups. The study design consisted of cross-sectional studies and some studies conducted through online surveys. The age range varied considerably from 1 year to 19 years; 5 studies had participants aged more than 19 years, but the mean age of the total sample was less than 18 years. We conclude that indeed there is a mental health epidemic among the child and adolescent population. We recommend early intervention and tailored made strategies should for management. As the pandemic is enduring, rigorous monitoring should be done. This age group is under extra pressure owing to a large uncertainty about their studies as well their future.}, } @article {pmid37204696, year = {2023}, author = {Sabbatucci, M and Vitiello, A and Clemente, S and Zovi, A and Boccellino, M and Ferrara, F and Cimmino, C and Langella, R and Ponzo, A and Stefanelli, P and Rezza, G}, title = {Omicron variant evolution on vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.}, journal = {Inflammopharmacology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37204696}, issn = {1568-5608}, abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic has caused almost 760 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths worldwide, as of end-February 2023. Since the beginning of the first COVID-19 case, several virus variants have emerged: Alpha (B1.1.7), Beta (B135.1), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2) and then Omicron (B.1.1.529) and its sublineages. All variants have diversified in transmissibility, virulence, and pathogenicity. All the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants appear to contain some similar mutations associated with greater "evasiveness" of the virus to immune defences. From early 2022 onward, several Omicron subvariants named BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5, with comparable mutation forms, have followed. After the wave of contagions caused by Omicron BA.5, a new Indian variant named Centaurus BA.2.75 and its new subvariant BA.2.75.2, a second-generation evolution of the Omicron variant BA.2, have recently been identified. From early evidence, it appears that this new variant has higher affinity for the cell entry receptor ACE-2, making it potentially able to spread very fast. According to the latest studies, the BA.2.75.2 variant may be able to evade more antibodies in the bloodstream generated by vaccination or previous infection, and it may be more resistant to antiviral and monoclonal antibody drug treatments. In this manuscript, the authors highlight and describe the latest evidences and critical issues have emerged on the new SARS-CoV-2 variants.}, } @article {pmid37203288, year = {2023}, author = {Arabi, M and Al-Najjar, Y and Mhaimeed, N and Salameh, MA and Paul, P and AlAnni, J and Abdelati, AA and Laswi, I and Khanjar, B and Al-Ali, D and Elshafeey, A and Mhaimeed, O and Burney, Z and D'Souza, A and Sinha, P and Bhatti, M and Pillai, KV and Homssi, M and Bshesh, K and Yagan, L and Zakaria, D}, title = {Severity of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant compared with the previous lineages: A systematic review.}, journal = {Journal of cellular and molecular medicine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/jcmm.17747}, pmid = {37203288}, issn = {1582-4934}, abstract = {The Omicron variant was first detected in October 2021, which evolved from the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and was found to possess many mutations. Immune evasion was one of the notable consequences of these mutations. Despite Omicron exhibiting increased transmissibility, the rates of hospitalizations and deaths among patients infected with this variant were substantially lower when compared to other strains. However, concluding that the Omicron variant is less severe than other variants of SARS-CoV-2 requires consideration of multiple factors, including the vaccination status of infected patients as well as any previous infections with other variants. This review compiled data about any reported indicators of severity in Omicron-infected patients, including studies comparing Omicron with other variants while adjusting for confounders. A comprehensive search was conducted using different databases to target any studies about Omicron. In total, 62 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Many studies reported a significantly reduced risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, need for oxygenation/ventilation, and death in Omicron-infected patients compared to patients infected with other variants, such as Delta. Some studies, however, reported comparable severity in Omicron infected patients as to other variants emphasizing a substantial risk for severe illness. Furthermore, the COVID-19 vaccines were less effective against Omicron relative to previous lineages, except after receiving the booster dose. One study recommended vaccination during pregnancy, which may help prevent future cases of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in neonates and young infants due to the transfer of humoral response from the mother.}, } @article {pmid37203020, year = {2023}, author = {Gurnani, B and Kaur, K and Chaudhary, S and Balakrishnan, H}, title = {Ophthalmic manifestations of monkeypox infection.}, journal = {Indian journal of ophthalmology}, volume = {71}, number = {5}, pages = {1687-1697}, doi = {10.4103/ijo.IJO_2032_22}, pmid = {37203020}, issn = {1998-3689}, abstract = {After the global COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an alarming concern with the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, which has affected more than 110 countries worldwide. Monkeypox virus is a doublestranded DNA virus of the genus Orthopox of the Poxviridae family, which causes this zoonotic disease. Recently, the mpox outbreak was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Monkeypox patients can present with ophthalmic manifestation and ophthalmologists have a role to play in managing this rare entity. Apart from causing systemic involvement such as skin lesions, respiratory infection and involvement of body fluids, Monkeypox related ophthalmic disease (MPXROD) causes varied ocular manifestations such as lid and adnexal involvement, periorbital and lid lesion, periorbital rash, conjunctivitis, blepharocounctivitis and keratitis. A detailed literature review shows few reports on MPXROD infections with limited overview on management strategies. The current review article is aimed to provide the ophthalmologist with an overview of the disease with a spotlight on ophthalmic features. We briefly discuss the morphology of the MPX, various modes of transmission, an infectious pathway of the virus, and the host immune response. A brief overview of the systemic manifestations and complications has also been elucidated. We especially highlight the detailed ophthalmic manifestations of mpox, their management, and prevention of vision threatening sequelae.}, } @article {pmid37202529, year = {2023}, author = {Alabi, QK and Oyedeji, AS and Kayode, OO and Kajewole-Alabi, DI}, title = {Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mother and child health in Sub-Saharan Africa - a review.}, journal = {Pediatric research}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37202529}, issn = {1530-0447}, abstract = {Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a decrease in the maternal mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by 38%. This corresponds to a decline of 2.9% on average each year. In spite of this reduction, it falls short of the 6.4% annual rate required to reach the global Sustainable Development Goal of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This study reviewed the impact of COVID-19 on maternal and child health. Due to the major challenge of the health systems and lack of strategies in preparation for emergencies, several studies have reported significant impacts of COVID-19 on women and children in SSA. Global estimates of the indirect impacts of COVID-19 suggested a 38.6% increase in maternal mortality and a 44.7% increase in child mortality per month across 118 low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the continuity of essential mother-to-child healthcare service delivery in SSA. It is important for health systems to address these challenges as lessons learnt for future health crises and to develop adequate response policies and programs for emerging diseases of public health importance. IMPACTS: This literature review will provide in-depth insight into the impact of COVID-19 on maternal and child health, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings of this literature review suggest to the concerned health systems the need to prioritize women's antennal care for the safety of the baby. The findings of this literature review will aid the basis for intervention in maternal and child health and reproductive health in general.}, } @article {pmid37202144, year = {2023}, author = {Williamson, L and McArthur, E and Dolan, H and Levesque, JF and Sutherland, K}, title = {Horizon scanning, rapid reviews and living evidence to support decision-making: lessons from the work of the Critical Intelligence Unit in New South Wales, Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {e071003}, doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071003}, pmid = {37202144}, issn = {2044-6055}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in rapidly disseminated scientific evidence and highlighted that traditional evidence synthesis methods, such as time and resource intensive systematic reviews, may not be successful in responding to rapidly evolving policy and practice needs. In New South Wales (NSW) Australia, the Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) was established early in the pandemic and acted as an intermediary organisation. It brought together clinical, analytical, research, organisational and policy experts to provide timely and considered advice to decision-makers. This paper provides an overview of the functions, challenges and future implications of the CIU, particularly the Evidence Integration Team. Outputs from the Evidence Integration Team included a daily evidence digest, rapid evidence checks and living evidence tables. These products have been widely disseminated and used to inform policy decisions in NSW, making valuable impacts. Changes and innovations to evidence generation, synthesis and dissemination in response to the COVID-19 pandemic provide an opportunity to shift the way evidence is used in future. The experience and methods of the CIU have potential to be adapted and applied to the broader health system nationally and internationally.}, } @article {pmid37202030, year = {2023}, author = {Keshaviah, A and Diamond, MB and Wade, MJ and Scarpino, SV and , }, title = {Wastewater monitoring can anchor global disease surveillance systems.}, journal = {The Lancet. Global health}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {e976-e981}, doi = {10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00170-5}, pmid = {37202030}, issn = {2214-109X}, abstract = {To inform the development of global wastewater monitoring systems, we surveyed programmes in 43 countries. Most programmes monitored predominantly urban populations. In high-income countries (HICs), composite sampling at centralised treatment plants was most common, whereas grab sampling from surface waters, open drains, and pit latrines was more typical in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Almost all programmes analysed samples in-country, with an average processing time of 2·3 days in HICs and 4·5 days in LMICs. Whereas 59% of HICs regularly monitored wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 variants, only 13% of LMICs did so. Most programmes share their wastewater data internally, with partnering organisations, but not publicly. Our findings show the richness of the existing wastewater monitoring ecosystem. With additional leadership, funding, and implementation frameworks, thousands of individual wastewater initiatives can coalesce into an integrated, sustainable network for disease surveillance-one that minimises the risk of overlooking future global health threats.}, } @article {pmid37201972, year = {2023}, author = {Cosby, M and Shah, DD and Lopez, S and Holland-Cecil, J and Keiter, M and Lewis, C and Al-Mateen, CS}, title = {All Shades of Anxiety: A Review of Therapeutic and Psychotropic Considerations for Child and Adolescent Youth of Color.}, journal = {Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {631-653}, doi = {10.1016/j.chc.2023.02.007}, pmid = {37201972}, issn = {1558-0490}, abstract = {The literature on anxiety in Black, Indigenous, and other persons of color youth is a developing area. This article highlights distinct areas for the clinician to consider in working with these populations. We highlight prevalence and incidence, race-related stress, social media, substance use, spirituality, the impact of social determinants of health (including COVID-19 and the Syndemic), as well as treatment considerations. Our aim is to contribute to the readers' developing cultural humility.}, } @article {pmid37201965, year = {2023}, author = {Fortuna, LR and Brown, IC and Lewis Woods, GG and Porche, MV}, title = {The Impact of COVID-19 on Anxiety Disorders in Youth: Coping with Stress, Worry, and Recovering from a Pandemic.}, journal = {Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {531-542}, doi = {10.1016/j.chc.2023.02.002}, pmid = {37201965}, issn = {1558-0490}, abstract = {The primary objective of this article is to consider the impact of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic on pediatric anxiety from both a clinical and system-of-care lens. This includes illustrating the impact of the pandemic on pediatric anxiety disorders and consideration of factors important for special populations, including children with disabilities and learning differences. We consider the clinical, educational, and public health implications for addressing mental health needs like anxiety disorders and how we might promote better outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children and youth.}, } @article {pmid37201964, year = {2023}, author = {Warner, EN and Ammerman, RT and Glauser, TA and Pestian, JP and Agasthya, G and Strawn, JR}, title = {Developmental Epidemiology of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders.}, journal = {Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {511-530}, doi = {10.1016/j.chc.2023.02.001}, pmid = {37201964}, issn = {1558-0490}, abstract = {This review summarizes the developmental epidemiology of childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders. It discusses the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, sex differences, longitudinal course, and stability of anxiety disorders in addition to recurrence and remission. The trajectory of anxiety disorders-whether homotypic (ie, the same anxiety disorder persists over time) or heterotypic (ie, an anxiety disorder shifts to a different diagnosis over time) is discussed with regard to social, generalized, and separation anxiety disorders as well as specific phobia, and panic disorder. Finally, strategies for early recognition, prevention, and treatment of disorders are discussed.}, } @article {pmid37201963, year = {2023}, author = {Warner, EN and Strawn, JR}, title = {Risk Factors for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders.}, journal = {Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {485-510}, doi = {10.1016/j.chc.2022.10.001}, pmid = {37201963}, issn = {1558-0490}, abstract = {This review summarizes risk factors for developing anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. A surfeit of risk factors, including temperament, family environment (eg, parenting style), environmental exposures (eg, particulate matter), and cognitive factors (eg, threat bias), increases the risk of anxiety in children. These risk factors can significantly impact the trajectory of pediatric anxiety disorders. The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection on anxiety disorders in children is discussed in addition to its public health implications. Identifying risk factors for pediatric anxiety disorders creates a scaffold for the development of prevention strategies and for reducing anxiety-related disability.}, } @article {pmid37201600, year = {2023}, author = {Oloye, FF and Xie, Y and Challis, JK and Femi-Oloye, OP and Brinkmann, M and McPhedran, KN and Jones, PD and Servos, MR and Giesy, JP}, title = {Understanding common population markers for SARS-CoV-2 RNA normalization in wastewater - A review.}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {138682}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138682}, pmid = {37201600}, issn = {1879-1298}, abstract = {Wastewater monitoring and epidemiology have seen renewed interest during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is an increasing need to normalize wastewater-derived viral loads in local populations. Chemical tracers, both exogenous and endogenous compounds, have proven to be more stable and reliable for normalization than biological indicators. However, differing instrumentation and extraction methods can make it difficult to compare results. This review examines current extraction and quantification methods for ten common population indicators: creatinine, coprostanol, nicotine, cotinine, sucralose, acesulfame, androstenedione 5-hydroindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), caffeine, and 1,7-dimethyluric acid. Some wastewater parameters such as ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and daily flowrate were also evaluated. The analytical methods included direct injection, dilute and shoot, liquid/liquid, and solid phase extraction (SPE). Creatine, acesulfame, nicotine, 5-HIAA and androstenedione have been analysed by direct injection into LC-MS; however, most authors prefer to include SPE steps to avoid matrix effects. Both LC-MS and GC-MS have been successfully used to quantify coprostanol in wastewater, and the other selected indicators have been quantified successfully with LC-MS. Acidification to stabilize the sample before freezing to maintain the integrity of samples has been reported to be beneficial. However, there are arguments both for and against working at acidic pHs. Wastewater parameters mentioned earlier are quick and easy to quantify, but the data does not always represent the human population effectively. A preference for population indicators originating solely from humans is apparent. This review summarises methods employed for chemical indicators in wastewater, provides a basis for choosing an appropriate extraction and analysis method, and highlights the utility of accurate chemical tracer data for wastewater-based epidemiology.}, } @article {pmid37201456, year = {2023}, author = {Rahimi Mansour, F and Keyvanfar, A and Najafiarab, H and Rajaei Firouzabadi, S and Sefidgar, S and Hooshmand Chayijan, S and Tarom, M and Fadaei, M and Farzaneh, F and Karimzadeh Bardeei, L and Tehrani, S}, title = {Menstrual disturbances following COVID-19 vaccination: A probable puzzle about the role of endocrine and immune pathways.}, journal = {Journal of reproductive immunology}, volume = {158}, number = {}, pages = {103952}, doi = {10.1016/j.jri.2023.103952}, pmid = {37201456}, issn = {1872-7603}, abstract = {Menstruation is a monthly shedding of the uterine wall, presented by menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive age. Menstruation is regulated by fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone, as well as other endocrine and immune pathways. Many women experienced menstrual disturbances after vaccination against the novel coronavirus in the last two years. Vaccine-induced menstrual disturbances have led to discomfort and concern among reproductive-age women, such that some decided not to receive the subsequent doses of the vaccine. Although many vaccinated women report these menstrual disturbances, the mechanism is still poorly understood. This review article discusses the endocrine and immune changes following COVID-19 vaccination and the possible mechanisms of vaccine-related menstrual disturbances.}, } @article {pmid37201437, year = {2023}, author = {Yao, XD and Li, Y and Jiang, H and Ma, J and Wen, J}, title = {COVID-19 pandemic and neonatal birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Public health}, volume = {220}, number = {}, pages = {10-17}, doi = {10.1016/j.puhe.2023.04.009}, pmid = {37201437}, issn = {1476-5616}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Lockdown was implemented in many countries during the pandemic, which led to myriad changes in pregnant women's lives. However, the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonatal outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between the pandemic and neonatal birth weight.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the previous literature.

METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases up to May 2022 and extracted 36 eligible studies that compared neonatal birth weight between the pandemic and the prepandemic period. The following outcomes were included: mean birth weight, low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), macrosomia, small for gestational age (SGA), very small for gestational age (VSGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). Statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed to determine whether a random effects model or fixed effects model was conducted.

RESULTS: Of the 4514 studies identified, 36 articles were eligible for inclusion. A total of 1,883,936 neonates during the pandemic and 4,667,133 neonates during the prepandemic were reported. We identified a significant increase in mean birth weight (pooled mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 15.06 [10.36, 19.76], I[2] = 0.0%, 12 studies) and a reduction in VLBW (pooled OR [95% CI] = 0.86 [0.77, 0.97], I[2] = 55.4%, 12 studies). No overall effect was identified for other outcomes: LBW, macrosomia, SGA, VSGA, and LGA. There was publication bias for mean birth weight with a borderline significance (Egger's P = 0.050).

CONCLUSION: Pooled results showed the pandemic was significantly associated with an increase in mean birth weight and a reduction in VLBW, but not for other outcomes. This review provided clues about the indirect effects of the pandemic on neonatal birth weight and more healthcare measures needed to improve neonatal long-term health.}, } @article {pmid37195773, year = {2023}, author = {Stempel, JM and Podoltsev, NA and Dosani, T}, title = {Supportive Care for Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes.}, journal = {Cancer journal (Sudbury, Mass.)}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, pages = {168-178}, pmid = {37195773}, issn = {1540-336X}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *Myelodysplastic Syndromes/therapy ; *Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; *Iron Overload/complications ; Prognosis ; }, abstract = {Myelodysplastic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of bone marrow disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, progressive cytopenias, and an innate capability of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia. The most common causes of morbidity and mortality are complications related to myelodysplastic syndromes rather than progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Although supportive care measures are applicable to all patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, they are especially essential in patients with lower-risk disease who have a better prognosis compared with their higher-risk counterparts and require longer-term monitoring of disease and treatment-related complications. In this review, we will address the most frequent complications and supportive care interventions used in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, including transfusion support, management of iron overload, antimicrobial prophylaxis, important considerations in the era of COVID-19 (coronavirus infectious disease 2019), role of routine immunizations, and palliative care in the myelodysplastic syndrome population.}, } @article {pmid37195115, year = {2023}, author = {Lejay, N and Salvioni Chiabotti, P and Ducrot, A and Allali, G and Nehme, M}, title = {[Pharmacological trials evaluating treatment options for neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-COVID. A narrative review].}, journal = {Revue medicale suisse}, volume = {19}, number = {827}, pages = {984-991}, doi = {10.53738/REVMED.2023.19.827.984}, pmid = {37195115}, issn = {1660-9379}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Quality of Life ; *Mental Disorders/drug therapy/etiology ; }, abstract = {Post-COVID prevalence's is estimated at 10 % in the general population. The neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are frequent (up to 30 %), can severely affect the quality of life of patients affected by this condition, notably by significantly reducing their working ability. To date, no pharmacologic treatment is available for post-COVID, apart from symptomatic treatments. A large number of pharmacological clinical trials for post-COVID are underway since 2021. A number of these trials targets neuropsychiatric symptoms, based on the various underlying pathophysiological hypotheses. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of these ongoing trials targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-COVID.}, } @article {pmid37031015, year = {2023}, author = {Davis, M and Nanagas, C and Carr, M and Cooper, J}, title = {Application of lean principles in a medicare insurance counseling service learning course.}, journal = {Currents in pharmacy teaching & learning}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {274-282}, pmid = {37031015}, issn = {1877-1300}, mesh = {Aged ; Humans ; United States ; *Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; Medicare ; Counseling ; Learning ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lean principles are increasingly applied in healthcare to improve quality and cost. A service-learning course providing Medicare insurance counseling requiring rapid transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for pharmacy students to apply lean skills.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY: Students, already introduced to lean skills earlier in their curriculum, enrolled in the insurance education certificate during their third year in Fall 2020. Students were oriented to the mandated service delivery restrictions. After a review of lean principles, students analyzed existing process for in-person counseling using a value-stream map. Students worked in teams to complete a cause analysis and develop solutions. Collaboratively, students clarified the value of the Medicare insurance counseling services to the community, adapted these components to accommodate environmental risk, and developed standard work for client acquisition, communication procedures, and service delivery to optimize client satisfaction and safety. Outcomes compared before and after application of lean skills included number of pharmacy students completing insurance counselor training, number of clients counseled, and the mean out-of-pocket savings identified for Medicare beneficiaries.

FINDINGS: Students applied lean skills to transform an insurance counseling service by developing and implementing a future state value-stream map and new standard work. Overall Medicare insurance counseling service metrics decreased compared to previous years, but the service was sustained despite pandemic restrictions. Application of lean skills and service redesign provided a method for students to provide services via telepharmacy. Application of lean principles increased student engagement with the course and provided an opportunity to practice quality improvement skills. Lean provides a flexible set of skills that can be introduced and applied in different pharmacy instructional settings.}, } @article {pmid36791990, year = {2023}, author = {Umamoto, K and Horiba, M}, title = {Lung abscess as a secondary infection of COVID-19: A case report and literature review.}, journal = {Journal of infection and chemotherapy : official journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy}, volume = {29}, number = {7}, pages = {700-702}, pmid = {36791990}, issn = {1437-7780}, mesh = {Male ; Young Adult ; Humans ; Adolescent ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Lung Abscess/drug therapy ; *Coinfection ; Lung/diagnostic imaging ; }, abstract = {A 16-year-old male was admitted with persistent fever, diarrhea, and anorexia 8 days after the diagnosis of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Radiological examination of the lungs showed a cavitary lesion with an air-fluid level, but no apparent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia. The lesion was diagnosed as a lung abscess after COVID-19. Treatment with antimicrobials was initiated, which attenuated symptoms and the lung lesion. Specific pathogens were not detected despite repeated sputum cultures, which suggested that lung abscess was caused by oral bacteria as a secondary infection of COVID-19. To date, several cases of lung abscess as a complication of COVID-19 have been reported. However, the majority of cases occurred after intubation to treat COVID-19, and there have been no cases involving young adults. This healthy young patient may have developed lung abscess due to COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid36693416, year = {2023}, author = {Popovic, DS and Papanas, N and Koufakis, T and Kotsa, K and Mahmeed, WA and Al-Rasadi, K and Al-Alawi, K and Banach, M and Banerjee, Y and Ceriello, A and Cesur, M and Cosentino, F and Firenze, A and Galia, M and Goh, SY and Janez, A and Kalra, S and Kempler, P and Kapoor, N and Lessan, N and Lotufo, P and Rizvi, AA and Sahebkar, A and Santos, RD and Stoian, AP and Toth, PP and Viswanathan, V and Rizzo, M}, title = {Glucometabolic Perturbations in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronavirus Disease 2019: Causes, Consequences, and How to Counter Them Using Novel Antidiabetic Drugs - The CAPISCO International Expert Panel.}, journal = {Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes : official journal, German Society of Endocrinology [and] German Diabetes Association}, volume = {131}, number = {5}, pages = {260-267}, doi = {10.1055/a-2019-1111}, pmid = {36693416}, issn = {1439-3646}, mesh = {Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications/drug therapy ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; *Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/therapeutic use ; Glucose ; }, abstract = {The growing amount of evidence suggests the existence of a bidirectional relation between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as these two conditions exacerbate each other, causing a significant healthcare and socioeconomic burden. The alterations in innate and adaptive cellular immunity, adipose tissue, alveolar and endothelial dysfunction, hypercoagulation, the propensity to an increased viral load, and chronic diabetic complications are all associated with glucometabolic perturbations of T2DM patients that predispose them to severe forms of COVID-19 and mortality. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection negatively impacts glucose homeostasis due to its effects on insulin sensitivity and β-cell function, further aggravating the preexisting glucometabolic perturbations in individuals with T2DM. Thus, the most effective ways are urgently needed for countering these glucometabolic disturbances occurring during acute COVID-19 illness in T2DM patients. The novel classes of antidiabetic medications (dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are considered candidate drugs for this purpose. This review article summarizes current knowledge regarding glucometabolic disturbances during acute COVID-19 illness in T2DM patients and the potential ways to tackle them using novel antidiabetic medications. Recent observational data suggest that preadmission use of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2is are associated with decreased patient mortality, while DPP-4is is associated with increased in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with COVID-19. Although these results provide further evidence for the widespread use of these two classes of medications in this COVID-19 era, dedicated randomized controlled trials analyzing the effects of in-hospital use of novel antidiabetic agents in T2DM patients with COVID-19 are needed.}, } @article {pmid36567282, year = {2023}, author = {Zalluhoğlu, C}, title = {A Review of COVID-19 Diagnostic Approaches in Computer Vision.}, journal = {Current medical imaging}, volume = {19}, number = {7}, pages = {695-712}, doi = {10.2174/1573405619666221222161832}, pmid = {36567282}, issn = {1573-4056}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Computers ; COVID-19 Testing ; }, abstract = {Computer vision has proven that it can solve many problems in the field of health in recent years. Processing the data obtained from the patients provided benefits in both disease detection and follow-up and control mechanisms. Studies on the use of computer vision for COVID-19, which is one of the biggest global health problems of the past years, are increasing daily. This study includes a preliminary review of COVID-19 computer vision research conducted in recent years. This review aims to help researchers who want to work in this field.}, } @article {pmid36200626, year = {2023}, author = {Liu, C and Staples, R and Gómez-Cerezo, MN and Ivanovski, S and Han, P}, title = {Emerging Technologies of Three-Dimensional Printing and Mobile Health in COVID-19 Immunity and Regenerative Dentistry.}, journal = {Tissue engineering. Part C, Methods}, volume = {29}, number = {5}, pages = {163-182}, doi = {10.1089/ten.TEC.2022.0160}, pmid = {36200626}, issn = {1937-3392}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; *Telemedicine ; Dentistry ; }, abstract = {The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlights the importance of developing point-of-care (POC) antibody tests for monitoring the COVID-19 immune response upon viral infection or following vaccination, which requires three key aspects to achieve optimal monitoring, including three-dimensional (3D)-printed POC devices, mobile health (mHealth), and noninvasive sampling. As a critical tissue engineering concept, additive manufacturing (AM, also known as 3D printing) enables accurate control over the dimensional and architectural features of the devices. mHealth refers to the use of portable digital devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, and fitness and medical wearables, to support health, which facilitates contact tracing, and telehealth consultations during the pandemic. Compared with invasive biosample (blood), saliva is of great importance in the spread and surveillance of COVID-19 as a noninvasive diagnostic method for virus detection and immune status monitoring. However, investigations into 3D-printed POC antibody test and mHealth using noninvasive saliva are relatively limited. Further exploration of 3D-printed antibody POC tests and mHealth applications to monitor antibody production for either disease onset or immune response following vaccination is warranted. This review briefly describes the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and immune response after infection and vaccination, then discusses current widely used binding antibody tests using blood samples and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays on two-dimensional microplates before focusing upon emerging POC technological platforms, such as field-effect transistor biosensors, lateral flow assay, microfluidics, and AM for fabricating immunoassays, and the possibility of their combination with mHealth. This review proposes that noninvasive biofluid sampling combined with 3D POC antibody tests and mHealth technologies is a promising and novel approach for POC detection and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 immune response. Furthermore, as key concepts in dentistry, the application of 3D printing and mHealth was also included to facilitate the appreciation of cutting edge techniques in regenerative dentistry. This review highlights the potential of 3D printing and mHealth in both COVID-19 immunity monitoring and regenerative dentistry.}, } @article {pmid35726407, year = {2022}, author = {Nouaili, N and Garner, R and Salehi, S and Rocca, M and Duncan, D}, title = {Key Radiological Features of COVID-19 Chest CT Scans with a Focus on Special Subgroups: A Literature Review.}, journal = {Current medical imaging}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {442-455}, doi = {10.2174/1573405618666220620125332}, pmid = {35726407}, issn = {1573-4056}, mesh = {Pregnancy ; Humans ; Female ; Child ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/diagnostic imaging ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In 2019, a series of novel pneumonia cases later known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China. Chest computed tomography (CT) has played a key role in the management and prognostication of COVID-19 patients. CT has demonstrated 98% sensitivity in detecting COVID-19, including identifying lung abnormalities that are suggestive of COVID-19, even among asymptomatic individuals.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review of 17 published studies, focusing on three subgroups, pediatric patients, pregnant women, and patients over 60 years old, to identify key characteristics of chest CT in COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS: Our comprehensive review of the 17 studies concluded that the main CT imaging finding is ground glass opacities (GGOs) regardless of patient age. We also identified that crazy paving pattern, reverse halo sign, smooth or irregular septal thickening, and pleural thickening may serve as indicators of disease progression. Lesions on CT scans were dominantly distributed in the peripheral zone with multilobar involvement, specifically concentrated in the lower lobes. In the patients over 60 years old, the proportion of substantial lobe involvement was higher than the control group and crazy paving signs, bronchodilation, and pleural thickening were more commonly present.

CONCLUSION: Based on all 17 studies, CT findings in COVID-19 have shown a predictable pattern of evolution over the disease. These studies have proven that CT may be an effective approach for early screening and detection of COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid35585806, year = {2023}, author = {Al-Kuraishy, HM and Al-Gareeb, AI and Rauf, A and Alhumaydhi, FA and Kujawska, M and El-Saber Batiha, G}, title = {Mechanistic Insight and Possible Mechanism of Seizure in Covid-19: The Nuances and Focal Points.}, journal = {CNS & neurological disorders drug targets}, volume = {22}, number = {6}, pages = {875-883}, doi = {10.2174/1871527321666220517115227}, pmid = {35585806}, issn = {1996-3181}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases ; Seizures ; }, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a primary respiratory disease with an alarming impact worldwide. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and presents various neurological symptoms, including seizures. SARS-CoV-2 shows neuroinvasive and neurotropic capabilities through a neuronal angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is also highly expressed in both neuronal and glial cells. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 can trigger neuroinflammation and neuronal hyperexcitability, increasing the risk of seizures. Olfactory neurons could be an exceptional neuronal pathway for the neuroinvasion of respiratory viruses to access the central nervous system (CNS) from the nasal cavity, leading to neuronal injury and neuroinflammation. Although neuronal ACE2 has been widely studied, other receptors for SARS-CoV-2 in the brain have been proposed to mediate viral-neuronal interactions with subsequent neurological squeals. Thus, the objective of the present critical review was to find the association and mechanistic insight between COVID-19 and the risk of seizures.}, } @article {pmid37201145, year = {2023}, author = {Melhem, N and Moutier, CY and Brent, DA}, title = {Implementing Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention Strategies for Greatest Impact.}, journal = {Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, pages = {117-128}, doi = {10.1176/appi.focus.20220078}, pmid = {37201145}, issn = {1541-4094}, abstract = {Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States and globally. In this review, epidemiological trends in mortality and suicide risk are presented, with consideration given to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A public health model of suicide prevention with a community and clinical framework, along with advances in scientific discovery, offer new solutions that await widespread implementation. Actionable interventions with evidence for reducing risk for suicidal behavior are presented, including universal and targeted strategies at community, public policy, and clinical levels. Clinical interventions include screening and risk assessment; brief interventions (e.g., safety planning, education, and lethal means counseling) that can be done in primary care, emergency, and behavioral health settings; psychotherapies (cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, mentalization therapy); pharmacotherapy; and systemwide procedures for health care organizations (training, policies, workflow, surveillance of suicide indicators, use of health records for screening, care steps). Suicide prevention strategies must be prioritized and implemented at scale for greatest impact.}, } @article {pmid37201098, year = {2023}, author = {Street, ME and Ponzi, D and Renati, R and Petraroli, M and D'Alvano, T and Lattanzi, C and Ferrari, V and Rollo, D and Stagi, S}, title = {Precocious puberty under stressful conditions: new understanding and insights from the lessons learnt from international adoptions and the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1149417}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2023.1149417}, pmid = {37201098}, issn = {1664-2392}, abstract = {Neuro-biological variations in the timing of sexual maturation within a species are part of an evolved strategy that depend on internal and external environmental conditions. An increased incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been described in both adopted and "covid-19 pandemic" children. Until recently, it was hypothesised that the triggers for CPP in internationally adopted children were likely to be better nutrition, greater environmental stability, and improved psychological wellbeing. However, following data collected during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, other possibilities must be considered. In a society with high levels of child wellbeing, the threat to life presented by an unknown and potentially serious disease and the stressful environment created by lockdowns and other public health measures could trigger earlier pubertal maturation as an evolutionary response to favour early reproduction. The main driver for increased rates of precocious and rapidly progressive puberty during the pandemic could have been the environment of "fear and stress" in schools and households. In many children, CPP may have been triggered by the psychological effects of living without normal social contact, using PPE, being near adults concerned about financial and other issues and the fear of getting ill. The features and time of progression of CPP in children during the pandemic are similar to those observed in adopted children. This review considers the mechanisms regulating puberty with a focus on neurobiological and evolutionary mechanisms, and analyses precocious puberty both during the pandemic and in internationally adopted children searching for common yet unconsidered factors in an attempt to identify the factors which may have acted as triggers. In particular, we focus on stress as a potential factor in the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its correlation with rapid sexual maturation.}, } @article {pmid37201006, year = {2023}, author = {Evcik, D}, title = {Musculoskeletal involvement: COVID-19 and post COVID 19.}, journal = {Turkish journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation}, volume = {69}, number = {1}, pages = {1-7}, doi = {10.5606/tftrd.2023.12521}, pmid = {37201006}, issn = {2587-1250}, abstract = {The worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was known to predominantly affect the lungs, but it was realized that COVID-19 had a large variety of clinical involvement. Cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems are involved by direct or indirect mechanisms with various manifestations. The musculoskeletal involvement can manifest during COVID-19 infection, due to medications used for the treatment of COVID-19, and in the post/long COVID-19 syndrome. The major symptoms are fatigue, myalgia/arthralgia, back pain, low back pain, and chest pain. During the last two years, musculoskeletal involvement increased, but no clear consensus was obtained about the pathogenesis. However, there is valuable data that supports the hypothesis of angiotensinconverting enzyme 2, inflammation, hypoxia, and muscle catabolism. Additionally, medications that were used for treatment also have musculoskeletal adverse effects, such as corticosteroid-induced myopathy and osteoporosis. Therefore, while deciding the drugs, priorities and benefits should be taken into consideration. Symptoms that begin three months from the onset of the COVID-19 infection, continue for at least two months, and cannot be explained by another diagnosis is accepted as post/long COVID-19 syndrome. Prior symptoms may persist and fluctuate, or new symptoms may manifest. In addition, there must be at least one symptom of infection. Most common musculoskeletal symptoms are myalgia, arthralgia, fatigue, back pain, muscle weakness, sarcopenia, impaired exercise capacity, and physical performance. In addition, the female sex, obesity, elderly patients, hospitalization, prolonged immobility, having mechanical ventilation, not having vaccination, and comorbid disorders can be accepted as clinical predictors for post/long COVID-19 syndrome. Musculoskeletal pain is also a major problem and tends to be in chronic form. There is no consensus on the mechanism, but inflammation and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 seem to play an important role. Localized and generalized pain may occur after COVID-19, and general pain is at least as common as localized pain. An accurate diagnosis allows physicians to initiate pain management and proper rehabilitation programs.}, } @article {pmid37200966, year = {2023}, author = {Polyzou, M and Kiefer, D and Baraliakos, X and Sewerin, P}, title = {Addressing the spread of health-related misinformation on social networks: an opinion article.}, journal = {Frontiers in medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1167033}, doi = {10.3389/fmed.2023.1167033}, pmid = {37200966}, issn = {2296-858X}, abstract = {This article deals with the spread of misinformation in a general context and specifically in the health sector. It presents a theoretical view of the problem and analyzes its characteristics with a focus on medicine and mainly rheumatology. Finally, conclusions from the previous analysis are formulated as well as suggestions for reducing the dimensions of the problem in the health sector.}, } @article {pmid37200886, year = {2022}, author = {Choi-Kain, LW and Sahin, Z and Traynor, J}, title = {Borderline Personality Disorder: Updates in a Postpandemic World.}, journal = {Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {337-352}, doi = {10.1176/appi.focus.20220057}, pmid = {37200886}, issn = {1541-4094}, abstract = {Progress in understanding borderline personality disorder has unfolded in the last decade, landing in a new COVID-19-influenced world. Borderline personality disorder is now firmly established as a valid diagnosis, distinct from its co-occurring mood, anxiety, trauma-related, and behavioral disorders. Further, it is also understood as a reflection of general personality dysfunction, capturing essential features shared among all personality disorders. Neuroimaging research, representing the vast neurobiological advances made in the last decade, illustrates that the disorder shares frontolimbic dysfunction with many psychiatric diagnoses but has a distinct signature of interpersonal and emotional hypersensitivity. This signature is the conceptual basis of the psychotherapies and clinical management approaches proven effective for the disorder. Medications remain adjunctive and are contraindicated by some guidelines internationally. Less invasive brain-based therapeutics show promise. The most significant change in the treatment landscape is a focus on briefer, less intensive formats of generalist management. Shorter variants of therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy and mentalization-based treatment, are in the process of being shown to be adequately effective. Earlier intervention and greater emphasis on functional improvement are needed to more effectively curb the disabilities and risks of borderline personality disorder for patients and their families. Remote interventions show promise in broadening access to care.}, } @article {pmid37200654, year = {2023}, author = {Alkhalaf, A and Aljaroudi, E and Al-Hulami, M and Gaffar, B and Almas, K}, title = {Efficacy of Surgical Masks Versus N95 Respirators for the Prevention of COVID-19 in Dental Settings: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37631}, doi = {10.7759/cureus.37631}, pmid = {37200654}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. (SARS-CoV-2). It spreads mainly through saliva droplets or nasal discharge. Dentists are among the professionals with the greatest risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. We compared the efficacy of surgical masks versus N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 infection in dental settings. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Search terms corresponded to a predefined PICOS (patient/population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes) question. The risk of bias was evaluated using AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2), ROBIS (Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews), and Health Evidence tools. A total of 191 articles were screened, and nine of them were further evaluated for eligibility, of which five articles (fulfilled the selection criteria) and were included in this study. Two studies concluded that surgical masks could provide equivalent protection to N95 respirators. Another study found that N95 respirators were superior to surgical masks. The fourth study found that better protection can be achieved when using surgical masks by the aerosol source than when the recipient uses an N95 respirator, while the last study concluded that surgical masks or N95 respirators alone do not provide full protection. Thus, according to this systematic review, N95 respirators provide better protection against COVID-19 infection compared to surgical masks.}, } @article {pmid37200645, year = {2023}, author = {Metellus, P and Jegede, O and Brown, C and Qureshi, D and Nkemjika, S}, title = {A Review of the Mental Health Sequelae of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): Preparedness Perspective.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37643}, doi = {10.7759/cureus.37643}, pmid = {37200645}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Despite the three significant epidemics that have rattled the world in the last two decades, many questions remain unanswered! The concept of unwanted psychological distress remains looming after any epidemic or pandemic. The public health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic still resonates with different aspects of life with predicted mental health sequelae. This review will focus on the role of natural disasters and past infectious epidemic-related mental health complications. Additionally, the study provides recommendations and policy suggestions for mitigating COVID-19-related mental health prevalence.}, } @article {pmid37200573, year = {2023}, author = {Anik, FI and Sakib, N and Shahriar, H and Xie, Y and Nahiyan, HA and Ahamed, SI}, title = {Unraveling a blockchain-based framework towards patient empowerment: A scoping review envisioning future smart health technologies.}, journal = {Smart health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {29}, number = {}, pages = {100401}, doi = {10.1016/j.smhl.2023.100401}, pmid = {37200573}, issn = {2352-6483}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic shows us how crucial patient empowerment can be in the healthcare ecosystem. Now, we know that scientific advancement, technology integration, and patient empowerment need to be orchestrated to realize future smart health technologies. In that effort, this paper unravels the Good (advantages), Bad (challenges/limitations), and Ugly (lacking patient empowerment) of the blockchain technology integration in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) paradigm in the existing healthcare landscape. Our study addresses four methodically-tailored and patient-centric Research Questions, primarily examining 138 relevant scientific papers. This scoping review also explores how the pervasiveness of blockchain technology can help to empower patients in terms of access, awareness, and control. Finally, this scoping review leverages the insights gleaned from this study and contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a patient-centric blockchain-based framework. This work will envision orchestrating three essential elements with harmony: scientific advancement (Healthcare and EHR), technology integration (Blockchain Technology), and patient empowerment (access, awareness, and control).}, } @article {pmid37200564, year = {2023}, author = {Islam, MM and Khanom, H and Farag, E and Mim, ZT and Naidoo, P and Mkhize-Kwitshana, ZL and Tibbo, M and Islam, A and Soares Magalhaes, RJ and Hassan, MM}, title = {Global patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence and seroprevalence in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {100561}, doi = {10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100561}, pmid = {37200564}, issn = {2352-7714}, abstract = {The Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is one of the human coronaviruses that causes severe respiratory infection. Bats are considered to be the natural reservoir, where dromedary camels (DC) are the intermediate hosts of the virus. The current study was undertaken to provide an update on global distribution of the virus in camels, and to investigate the pooled prevalence and camel-associated risk factors of infection. After registration of the review protocol in the Open Science Framework, data searches were conducted on 18 April 2023 through Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Considering only natural MERS-CoV infection in camels, 94 articles were selected for data curation through blind screening by two authors. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and to evaluate camel-associated risk factors. Finally, the results were presented in forest plots. The reviewed articles tested 34 countries, of which camels of 24 countries were seropositive and in 15 countries they were positive by molecular method. Viral RNA was detected in DC. Non-DC, such as bactrian camels, alpaca, llama, and hybrid camels were only seropositive. The global estimated pooled seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence in DC were 77.53% and 23.63%, respectively, with the highest prevalence in West Asia (86.04% and 32.37% respectively). In addition, 41.08% of non-DC were seropositive. The estimated pooled prevalence of MERS-CoV RNA significantly varied by sample types with the highest in oral (45.01%) and lowest in rectal (8.42%) samples; the estimated pooled prevalence in nasal (23.10%) and milk (21.21%) samples were comparable. The estimated pooled seroprevalence in <2 years, 2-5 years, and > 5 years age groups were 56.32%, 75.31%, and 86.31%, respectively, while viral RNA prevalence was 33.40%, 15.87%, and 13.74%, respectively. Seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence were generally higher in females (75.28% and 19.70%, respectively) than in males (69.53% and 18.99%, respectively). Local camels had lower estimated pooled seroprevalence (63.34%) and viral RNA prevalence (17.78%) than those of imported camels (89.17% and 29.41%, respectively). The estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in camels of free-herds (71.70%) than confined herds (47.77%). Furthermore, estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in samples from livestock markets, followed by abattoirs, quarantine, and farms but viral RNA prevalence was the highest in samples from abattoirs, followed by livestock markets, quarantine, and farms. Risk factors, such as sample type, young age, female sex, imported camels, and camel management must be considered to control and prevent the spread and emergence of MERS-CoV.}, } @article {pmid37199992, year = {2023}, author = {Aldosari, LIN and Hassan, SAB and Alshahrani, AA and Alshadidi, AAF and Ronsivalle, V and Marrapodi, MM and Cicciù, M and Minervini, G}, title = {Prevalence of Temporomandibular disorders among psychoactive substances abusers: A systematic review and metanalysis.}, journal = {Journal of oral rehabilitation}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/joor.13513}, pmid = {37199992}, issn = {1365-2842}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on substance abuse patterns in recent times. Many people have experienced increased stress, anxiety, and social isolation, which has led to higher rates of substance abuse and addiction. It impacts on the orofacial region, particularly temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This review was undertaken to assess the association between substance abuse and temporomandibular disorders. (TMDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases of Pubmed, Google scholar, Web of science and Cochrane were searched for articles based of set PECO criteria. A comprehensive search using keywords of "Psychoactive substances", "Illegal substances", "substance abuse", "narcotics", "temporomandibular joint" and "temporomandibular joint disorders" yielded a total of 1405 articles. Modified Newcastle Ottawa scale for observational studies assessed the risk of bias of included studies.

RESULTS: A total of 2 studies were reviewed. Samples recruited were either from rehabilitation centres or prisoners and fell in the 2[nd] to 4[th] decade. A definite association was noted between psychoactive substance and TMDs. Moderate to low risk of bias was noted in all the studies evaluated.

CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to better understand the nature of this relationship and the underlying mechanisms involved. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of this potential association and to screen for substance abuse in patients with TMD symptoms.}, } @article {pmid37199870, year = {2023}, author = {Zeghbib, S and Kemenesi, G and Jakab, F}, title = {The importance of equally accessible genomic surveillance in the age of pandemics.}, journal = {Biologia futura}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37199870}, issn = {2676-8607}, abstract = {Genomic epidemiology is now a core component in investigating the spread of a disease during an outbreak and for future preparedness to tackle emerging zoonoses. During the last decades, several viral diseases arose and emphasized the importance of molecular epidemiology in tracking the dispersal route, supporting proper mitigation measures, and appropriate vaccine development. In this perspective article, we summarized what has been done so far in the genomic epidemiology field and what should be considered in the future. We traced back the methods and protocols employed over time for zoonotic disease response. Either to small outbreaks such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak identified first in 2002 in Guangdong, China, or to a global pandemic like the one that we are experiencing now since 2019 when the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus emerged in Wuhan, China, following several pneumonia cases, and subsequently spread worldwide. We explored both the benefits and shortages encountered when relying on genomic epidemiology, and we clearly present the disadvantages of inequity in accessing these tools around the world, especially in countries with less developed economies. For effectively addressing future pandemics, it is crucial to work for better sequencing equity around the globe.}, } @article {pmid37199573, year = {2023}, author = {Shu, H and Wen, Z and Li, N and Zhang, Z and Ceesay, BM and Peng, Y and Zhou, N and Wang, DW}, title = {COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Diseases: From Cellular Mechanisms to Clinical Manifestations.}, journal = {Aging and disease}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.14336/AD.2023.0314}, pmid = {37199573}, issn = {2152-5250}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), quickly spread worldwide and led to over 581 million confirmed cases and over 6 million deaths as 1 August 2022. The binding of the viral surface spike protein to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is the primary mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Not only highly expressed in the lung, ACE2 is also widely distributed in the heart, mainly in cardiomyocytes and pericytes. The strong association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been demonstrated by increased clinical evidence. Preexisting CVD risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes etc., increase susceptibility to COVID-19. In turn, COVID-19 exacerbates the progression of CVD, including myocardial damage, arrhythmia, acute myocarditis, heart failure, and thromboembolism. Moreover, cardiovascular risks post recovery and the vaccination-associated cardiovascular problems have become increasingly evident. To demonstrate the association between COVID-19 and CVD, this review detailly illustrated the impact of COVID-19 on different cells (cardiomyocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts) in myocardial tissue and provides an overview of the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular involvements in the pandemic. Finally, the issues related to myocardial injury post recovery, as well as vaccination-induced CVD, has also been emphasized.}, } @article {pmid37199411, year = {2023}, author = {Wei, ZD and Liang, K and Shetty, AK}, title = {Complications of COVID-19 on the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms and Potential Treatment for Easing Long COVID.}, journal = {Aging and disease}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.14336/AD.2023.0312-1}, pmid = {37199411}, issn = {2152-5250}, abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades human cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2) using a spike protein and leads to Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 primarily causes a respiratory infection that can lead to severe systemic inflammation. It is also common for some patients to develop significant neurological and psychiatric symptoms. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 to the CNS likely occurs through several pathways. Once spread in the CNS, many acute symptoms emerge, and such infections could also transpire into severe neurological complications, including encephalitis or ischemic stroke. After recovery from the acute infection, a significant percentage of patients develop "long COVID," a condition in which several symptoms of COVID-19 persist for prolonged periods. This review aims to discuss acute and chronic neurological problems after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 enters the CNS and causes neuroinflammation, neuropathological changes observed in postmortem brains of COVID-19 patients, and cognitive and mood problems in COVID-19 survivors are discussed in the initial part. The later part of the review deliberates the causes of long COVID, approaches for noninvasive tracking of neuroinflammation in long COVID patients, and the potential therapeutic strategies that could ease enduring CNS symptoms observed in long COVID.}, } @article {pmid37198908, year = {2023}, author = {Baker Rogers, JE}, title = {Hospices and Emergency Preparedness Planning: A Scoping Review of the Literature.}, journal = {Journal of palliative care}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {8258597231176410}, doi = {10.1177/08258597231176410}, pmid = {37198908}, issn = {2369-5293}, abstract = {Objective. Palliative and end-of-life care, as provided by hospices, are important elements of a healthcare response to disasters. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to examine and synthesize what is currently known about emergency preparedness planning by hospices. Methods. A literature search of academic and trade publications was conducted through 6 publication databases, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines when applicable. Publications were selected and findings were organized into themes. Results. A total of 26 articles were included in the literature review. Six themes of Policies and Procedures; Testing/Training/Education; Integration and Coordination; Mitigation; Risk Assessment/Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis; and Regulations were identified. Conclusions. This review demonstrates that hospices have begun to individualize emergency preparedness features that support their unique role. The review supports all-hazards planning for hospices, and emerging from this review is a developing vision for expanded roles of hospices to help communities in times of disaster. Continued research in this specialized area is needed to improve hospices' emergency preparedness efforts.}, } @article {pmid37198402, year = {2023}, author = {Xu, H and Lin, S and Zhou, Z and Li, D and Zhang, X and Yu, M and Zhao, R and Wang, Y and Qian, J and Li, X and Li, B and Wei, C and Chen, K and Yoshimura, T and Wang, JM and Huang, J}, title = {New genetic and epigenetic insights into the chemokine system: the latest discoveries aiding progression toward precision medicine.}, journal = {Cellular & molecular immunology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37198402}, issn = {2042-0226}, abstract = {Over the past thirty years, the importance of chemokines and their seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been increasingly recognized. Chemokine interactions with receptors trigger signaling pathway activity to form a network fundamental to diverse immune processes, including host homeostasis and responses to disease. Genetic and nongenetic regulation of both the expression and structure of chemokines and receptors conveys chemokine functional heterogeneity. Imbalances and defects in the system contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancer, immune and inflammatory diseases, and metabolic and neurological disorders, which render the system a focus of studies aiming to discover therapies and important biomarkers. The integrated view of chemokine biology underpinning divergence and plasticity has provided insights into immune dysfunction in disease states, including, among others, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this review, by reporting the latest advances in chemokine biology and results from analyses of a plethora of sequencing-based datasets, we outline recent advances in the understanding of the genetic variations and nongenetic heterogeneity of chemokines and receptors and provide an updated view of their contribution to the pathophysiological network, focusing on chemokine-mediated inflammation and cancer. Clarification of the molecular basis of dynamic chemokine-receptor interactions will help advance the understanding of chemokine biology to achieve precision medicine application in the clinic.}, } @article {pmid37197881, year = {2023}, author = {Jaisinghani, P and Kumar, R}, title = {Obesity and Viral Infections.}, journal = {Gastroenterology clinics of North America}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {393-402}, doi = {10.1016/j.gtc.2023.03.012}, pmid = {37197881}, issn = {1558-1942}, abstract = {The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) triggered a rapidly expanding global pandemic. The presence of obesity in patients with COVID-19 has been established as a risk factor for disease severity, hospital admission, and mortality. Thus, it is imperative those living with obesity be vaccinated against COVID-19. Although there is a timeframe COVID-19 vaccines are efficacious in those living with obesity, more studies need to be conducted to ensure that those long-lasting protection is maintained, as obesity has implications on the immune system.}, } @article {pmid37197797, year = {2023}, author = {Smith, KA and Blease, C and Faurholt-Jepsen, M and Firth, J and Van Daele, T and Moreno, C and Carlbring, P and Ebner-Priemer, UW and Koutsouleris, N and Riper, H and Mouchabac, S and Torous, J and Cipriani, A}, title = {Digital mental health: challenges and next steps.}, journal = {BMJ mental health}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1136/bmjment-2023-300670}, pmid = {37197797}, issn = {2755-9734}, abstract = {Digital innovations in mental health offer great potential, but present unique challenges. Using a consensus development panel approach, an expert, international, cross-disciplinary panel met to provide a framework to conceptualise digital mental health innovations, research into mechanisms and effectiveness and approaches for clinical implementation. Key questions and outputs from the group were agreed by consensus, and are presented and discussed in the text and supported by case examples in an accompanying appendix. A number of key themes emerged. (1) Digital approaches may work best across traditional diagnostic systems: we do not have effective ontologies of mental illness and transdiagnostic/symptom-based approaches may be more fruitful. (2) Approaches in clinical implementation of digital tools/interventions need to be creative and require organisational change: not only do clinicians and patients need training and education to be more confident and skilled in using digital technologies to support shared care decision-making, but traditional roles need to be extended, with clinicians working alongside digital navigators and non-clinicians who are delivering protocolised treatments. (3) Designing appropriate studies to measure the effectiveness of implementation is also key: including digital data raises unique ethical issues, and measurement of potential harms is only just beginning. (4) Accessibility and codesign are needed to ensure innovations are long lasting. (5) Standardised guidelines for reporting would ensure effective synthesis of the evidence to inform clinical implementation. COVID-19 and the transition to virtual consultations have shown us the potential for digital innovations to improve access and quality of care in mental health: now is the ideal time to act.}, } @article {pmid37197288, year = {2023}, author = {Eccles, R and Boivin, G and Cowling, BJ and Pavia, A and Selvarangan, R}, title = {Treatment of COVID-19 symptoms with over the counter (OTC) medicines used for treatment of common cold and flu.}, journal = {Clinical infection in practice}, volume = {19}, number = {}, pages = {100230}, pmid = {37197288}, issn = {2590-1702}, abstract = {Persons suffering from acute upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTI) commonly use over the counter (OTC) medicines to relieve symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat and nasal congestion. At present OTC medicines are only licensed for treatment of common cold and flu symptoms and not for treatment of the same symptoms associated with COVID-19. The innate immune response responsible for the mechanisms of the symptoms of URTI is the same for all respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and these symptoms can be relieved by treatment with the same OTC medicines as available for treatment of colds and flu. This review provides scientific information that OTC treatments for common cold and flu-like illness caused by respiratory viruses are safe and effective treatments for the same symptoms associated with COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37197279, year = {2023}, author = {Magazine, R and Chogtu, B and Bhat, A}, title = {Role of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 and its modulation in disease: exploring new frontiers.}, journal = {Medicine and pharmacy reports}, volume = {96}, number = {2}, pages = {146-153}, pmid = {37197279}, issn = {2668-0572}, abstract = {Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2), an important enzyme in the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System, degrades Angiotensin II (Ang II) into Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), whose actions are opposite to that of Ang II. Interestingly, SARS CoV-2 virus entry into human cells is mediated by ACE2. ACE2 receptors that are widely expressed in lungs and various other organs. Ang-(1-7) seems to have favorable effects on lungs, by preventing fibrosis in lung inflammation models, and exerts a similar action in cardiac and renal pathologies as well. Thus, modulation of Ang-(1-7) can be of potential benefit in chronic as well as acute inflammatory diseases affecting lungs and other organs. Upregulation of ACE2 by statins in different organs, and its consequent beneficial effects, have been demonstrated in many experimental studies, and also in a few clinical ones. This review aims at probing the role of ACE2 and its therapeutic modulation in pulmonary and extra pulmonary diseases, including COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37197227, year = {2023}, author = {Luu, B and McCoy-Hass, V and Kadiu, T and Ngo, V and Kadiu, S and Lien, J}, title = {Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Associated Infections.}, journal = {Physician assistant clinics}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {495-530}, pmid = {37197227}, issn = {2405-8009}, abstract = {Viral infections are some of the most common sources of respiratory illness in pediatric and adult populations worldwide. Influenza and coronaviruses are viral pathogens that could lead to severe respiratory illness and death. More recently, respiratory illness from coronaviruses, accounts for more than 1 million deaths in the United States alone. This article will explore the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus-2, and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome.}, } @article {pmid37197199, year = {2023}, author = {Hurtado-Tamayo, J and Requena-Platek, R and Enjuanes, L and Bello-Perez, M and Sola, I}, title = {Contribution to pathogenesis of accessory proteins of deadly human coronaviruses.}, journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1166839}, pmid = {37197199}, issn = {2235-2988}, abstract = {Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped and positive-stranded RNA viruses with a large genome (∼ 30kb). CoVs include essential genes, such as the replicase and four genes coding for structural proteins (S, M, N and E), and genes encoding accessory proteins, which are variable in number, sequence and function among different CoVs. Accessory proteins are non-essential for virus replication, but are frequently involved in virus-host interactions associated with virulence. The scientific literature on CoV accessory proteins includes information analyzing the effect of deleting or mutating accessory genes in the context of viral infection, which requires the engineering of CoV genomes using reverse genetics systems. However, a considerable number of publications analyze gene function by overexpressing the protein in the absence of other viral proteins. This ectopic expression provides relevant information, although does not acknowledge the complex interplay of proteins during virus infection. A critical review of the literature may be helpful to interpret apparent discrepancies in the conclusions obtained by different experimental approaches. This review summarizes the current knowledge on human CoV accessory proteins, with an emphasis on their contribution to virus-host interactions and pathogenesis. This knowledge may help the search for antiviral drugs and vaccine development, still needed for some highly pathogenic human CoVs.}, } @article {pmid37197196, year = {2023}, author = {Zewdie, A and Mose, A and Sahle, T and Kasahun, AW and Melaku, E and Zemene, MA}, title = {COVID 19 prevention practice of patients with known chronic illness in Ethiopia: A systemic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Journal of multimorbidity and comorbidity}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {26335565231176166}, pmid = {37197196}, issn = {2633-5565}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: There were different studies done and found a highly variable level of COVID 19 prevention practice; however, there was no summarized evidence on the prevention practice of chronic disease patients in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the pooled prevalence of COVID 19 prevention practice and associated factors among chronic disease patients in Ethiopia.

METHOD: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature was searched in international databases. A weighted inverse variance random effect model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Cochrane Q-test and I[2] statistics were computed to assess heterogeneity among studies. Funnel plot and Eggers test were done to assess publication bias. Review manager software was used to identify determinants of COVID 19 prevention practice.

RESULT: Overall, 437 articles were retrieved and finally 8 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of good COVID 19 prevention practices was 44.02% (95%CI (35.98%-52.06%). Being rurally reside (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI (1.30-4.41)), having educational status of cannot read and write (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI (1.22-4.40)), and poor knowledge (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI (1.64-3.60)) positively associated with poor practice.

CONCLUSION: Good COVID 19 prevention practices of chronic disease patients in Ethiopia was low. Rural residence, educational status of cannot read and write and poor knowledge was positively associated with poor practice. Therefore, policymakers and program planners should target those high-risk groups in improving their awareness to enhance their practice specifically focusing on those who are rural reside and with low educational status.}, } @article {pmid37196358, year = {2023}, author = {Cobat, A and Zhang, Q and Covid Human Genetic Effort, and Abel, L and Casanova, JL and Fellay, J}, title = {Human Genomics of COVID-19 Pneumonia: Contributions of Rare and Common Variants.}, journal = {Annual review of biomedical data science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020222-021705}, pmid = {37196358}, issn = {2574-3414}, abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection is silent or benign in most infected individuals, but causes hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in about 10% of cases. We review studies of the human genetics of life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia, focusing on both rare and common variants. Large-scale genome-wide association studies have identified more than 20 common loci robustly associated with COVID-19 pneumonia with modest effect sizes, some implicating genes expressed in the lungs or leukocytes. The most robust association, on chromosome 3, concerns a haplotype inherited from Neanderthals. Sequencing studies focusing on rare variants with a strong effect have been particularly successful, identifying inborn errors of type I interferon (IFN) immunity in 1-5% of unvaccinated patients with critical pneumonia, and their autoimmune phenocopy, autoantibodies against type I IFN, in another 15-20% of cases. Our growing understanding of the impact of human genetic variation on immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is enabling health systems to improve protection for individuals and populations. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Data Science, Volume 6 is August 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.}, } @article {pmid37196356, year = {2023}, author = {Bedi, R and Bayless, NL and Glanville, J}, title = {Challenges and Progress in Designing Broad-Spectrum Vaccines Against Rapidly Mutating Viruses.}, journal = {Annual review of biomedical data science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020722-041304}, pmid = {37196356}, issn = {2574-3414}, abstract = {Viruses evolve to evade prior immunity, causing significant disease burden. Vaccine effectiveness deteriorates as pathogens mutate, requiring redesign. This is a problem that has grown worse due to population increase, global travel, and farming practices. Thus, there is significant interest in developing broad-spectrum vaccines that mitigate disease severity and ideally inhibit disease transmission without requiring frequent updates. Even in cases where vaccines against rapidly mutating pathogens have been somewhat effective, such as seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), designing vaccines that provide broad-spectrum immunity against routinely observed viral variation remains a desirable but not yet achieved goal. This review highlights the key theoretical advances in understanding the interplay between polymorphism and vaccine efficacy, challenges in designing broad-spectrum vaccines, and technology advances and possible avenues forward. We also discuss data-driven approaches for monitoring vaccine efficacy and predicting viral escape from vaccine-induced protection. In each case, we consider illustrative examples in vaccine development from influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-three examples of highly prevalent rapidly mutating viruses with distinct phylogenetics and unique histories of vaccine technology development. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Data Science, Volume 6 is August 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.}, } @article {pmid37196221, year = {2023}, author = {Zong, Y and Lin, Y and Wei, T and Cheng, Q}, title = {Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Enables mRNA Delivery for Cancer Therapy.}, journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2303261}, doi = {10.1002/adma.202303261}, pmid = {37196221}, issn = {1521-4095}, abstract = {Messenger RNA (mRNA) has received great attention in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to the success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax). To meet the therapeutic purpose, it is required that mRNA must enter the target cells and express sufficient proteins. Therefore, the development of effective delivery systems is necessary and crucial. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) represents a remarkable vehicle that has indeed accelerated mRNA applications in humans, as several mRNA-based therapies have already been approved or are in clinical trials. In this review, we focus on mRNA-LNP mediated anticancer therapy. We summarize the main development strategies of mRNA-LNP formulations, discuss representative therapeutic approaches in cancer, and point out current challenges and possible future directions of this research field. We hope these delivered messages could help further improve the application of mRNA-LNP technology in cancer therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.}, } @article {pmid37194894, year = {2023}, author = {Nascimento, AAA and Ribeiro, SEA and Marinho, ACL and Azevedo, VD and Moreira, MEM and Azevedo, IC}, title = {Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nursing training: A Scoping Review.}, journal = {Revista latino-americana de enfermagem}, volume = {31}, number = {}, pages = {e3911}, doi = {10.1590/1518-8345.6414.3911}, pmid = {37194894}, issn = {1518-8345}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; Learning ; Students ; Educational Status ; }, abstract = {to map the knowledge produced about the repercussions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on Nursing training. this is a Scoping Review, guided by the recommendations set forth in the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual and carried out in 15 electronic databases and theses and dissertations repositories. The protocol was registered at the Open Science Framework. The data were analyzed and synthesized into two pre-established analysis categories: positive and negative repercussions; and descriptive statistics. 33 publications identified, the most cited positive aspects were the development of new teaching strategies adapted to the virtual environment and the training of future professionals in clinical practice in the context of a health crisis. The negative repercussions are related to psychological issues such as increase in the cases of anxiety, stress and loneliness among the students. the diverse evidence suggests that remote teaching was a timely emergency way out for the continuity of academic training; however, this educational modality presented positive and negative aspects that need to be rethought for a better systematization of teaching-learning in other contexts that resemble the COVID-19 pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37194866, year = {2023}, author = {Barros, SG and Cruz, DN and Souza, JC and Silva, LA and Guimarães, MCDS and Rezende, MM and Paim, J and Vieira-da-Silva, LM}, title = {Surveillance and high vaccination coverage: how Portugal overcame the collapse and regained control of the pandemic.}, journal = {Ciencia & saude coletiva}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {1297-1312}, doi = {10.1590/1413-81232023285.10732022}, pmid = {37194866}, issn = {1678-4561}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Portugal/epidemiology ; Vaccination Coverage ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; Vaccination ; }, abstract = {The uncertainties about COVID-19 require evaluating national responses to identify successes and failures in the pandemic control. This article analyzes Portugal´s response, particularly the contribution of its health and surveillance systems in dealing with the pandemic. An integrative literature review was conducted, including consultations of observatories, documents, and institutional websites. Portugal´s response was agile and showed unified technical and political coordination, including surveillance structure using telemedicine. The reopening was supported by high testing and low positivity rates and strict rules. However, the relaxation of measures as of November/2020 resulted in an increase in cases, collapsing the health system. The response involved a consistent surveillance strategy with innovative monitoring tools, which, combined with high population adherence to vaccination, led to overcoming that moment and kept hospitalization and death rates at new disease waves at low levels. Thus, the Portuguese case discloses the risks of disease resurgence with the flexibility of measures and the population´s exhaustion in the face of restrictive measures and new variants, but also the importance of articulation between technical coordination, the political sphere, and the scientific committee.}, } @article {pmid37194864, year = {2023}, author = {Teixeira, CF and Santos, JS}, title = {Strategic analysis of the Brazilian federal government's performance in the COVID-19 pandemic: 2020-2021.}, journal = {Ciencia & saude coletiva}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {1277-1286}, doi = {10.1590/1413-81232023285.10502022}, pmid = {37194864}, issn = {1678-4561}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; Federal Government ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Government ; }, abstract = {The study aim is to analyze the performance of the Brazilian federal government (FG) in the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to identify tensions and conflicts between actors and institutions of the three branches of the government and the FG with state governors. Data production included a review of articles, publications and documents that analyze the pandemic evolution and record announcements, decisions, actions, debates and controversies between these actors in the period of 2020 to 2021. The results include the characterization of the action style of the central Actor and the analysis of conflicts between the Presidency, the Ministry of Health, ANVISA, state governments, the House of Representatives and the Senate and the Federal Supreme Court, seeking to correlate them with the debate around the political projects for health in dispute under the current circumstances. It is concluded that the central actor largely used a communicative action aimed at his supporters and strategic action characterized by imposition, coercion and confrontation in the relationships he maintained with other institutional actors, especially when they diverged from his viewpoints about how to face the health crisis, consistently with his connection to the ultra-neoliberal and authoritarian political project of the FG, which includes the deconstruction of the Brazilian Unified Health System.}, } @article {pmid37194101, year = {2023}, author = {Seljemo, C and Wiig, S and Røise, O and Ree, E}, title = {The role of local context for managers' strategies when adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic in Norwegian homecare services: a multiple case study.}, journal = {BMC health services research}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {492}, pmid = {37194101}, issn = {1472-6963}, mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; Delivery of Health Care ; *Home Care Services ; Health Services ; Qualitative Research ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on healthcare systems around the world, and lack of resources, lack of adequate preparedness and infection control equipment have been highlighted as common challenges. Healthcare managers' capacity to adapt to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial to ensure safe and high-quality care during a crisis. There is a lack of research on how these adaptations are made at different levels of the homecare services system and how the local context influences the managerial strategies applied in response to a healthcare crisis. This study explores the role of local context for managers' experiences and strategies in homecare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A qualitative multiple case study in four municipalities with different geographic locations (centralized and decentralized) across Norway. A review of contingency plans was performed, and 21 managers were interviewed individually during the period March to September 2021. All interviews were conducted digitally using a semi-structured interview guide, and data was subjected to inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed variations in managers' strategies related to the size and geographical location of the homecare services. The opportunities to apply different strategies varied among the municipalities. To ensure adequate staffing, managers collaborated, reorganized, and reallocated resources within their local health system. New guidelines, routines and infection control measures were developed and implemented in the absence of adequate preparedness plans and modified according to the local context. Supportive and present leadership in addition to collaboration and coordination across national, regional, and local levels were highlighted as key factors in all municipalities.

CONCLUSION: Managers who designed new and adaptive strategies to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic were central in ensuring high-quality Norwegian homecare services. To ensure transferability, national guidelines and measures must be context-dependent or -sensitive and must accommodate flexibility at all levels in a local healthcare service system.}, } @article {pmid36940347, year = {2023}, author = {Millar, EV and Rossi, SP and Pollett, S and Saperstein, AK and Burgess, TH and Modi, J}, title = {Impact of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medically Attended Acute Respiratory Infection: The U.S. Naval Academy Experience.}, journal = {Military medicine}, volume = {188}, number = {5-6}, pages = {e953-e956}, pmid = {36940347}, issn = {1930-613X}, support = {/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; /NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Influenza, Human/epidemiology ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Medically attended acute respiratory infections (MAARI) at the U.S. Naval Academy increase during Plebe Summer, a training program for incoming freshmen. Because of COVID-19, extensive nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) were implemented during 2020 Plebe Summer.

METHODS: We reviewed MAARI counts in weeks 22-45 from 2012 to 2020 and compared counts in pandemic (2020) vs. pre-pandemic (2012-2019) periods.

RESULTS: From 2012 to 2019, an average of 1,642 MAARI cases occurred annually. In 2020, 443 MAARI cases occurred. NPI use was associated with a 77% reduction in MAARI.

CONCLUSIONS: During a high-risk military training period, routine NPI use was associated with a major reduction in MAARI.}, } @article {pmid37196111, year = {2023}, author = {An, Y and He, Y and Ge, N and Guo, J and Yang, F and Sun, S}, title = {Organoids to Remodel SARS-CoV-2 Research: Updates, Limitations and Perspectives.}, journal = {Aging and disease}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.14336/AD.2023.0209}, pmid = {37196111}, issn = {2152-5250}, abstract = {The novel COVID-19 pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus poses a significant threat to human health. Scientists have made significant efforts to control this virus, consequently leading to the development of novel research methods. Traditional animal and 2D cell line models might not be suitable for large-scale applications in SARS-CoV-2 research owing to their limitations. As an emerging modelling method, organoids have been applied in the study of various diseases. Their advantages include their ability to closely mirror human physiology, ease of cultivation, low cost, and high reliability; thus, they are considered to be a suitable choice to further the research on SARS-CoV-2. During the course of various studies, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to infect a variety of organoid models, exhibiting changes similar to those observed in humans. This review summarises the various organoid models used in SARS-CoV-2 research, revealing the molecular mechanisms of viral infection and exploring the drug screening tests and vaccine research that have relied on organoid models, hence illustrating the role of organoids in remodelling SARS-CoV-2 research.}, } @article {pmid37195746, year = {2023}, author = {Bojic, I and Mammadova, M and Ang, CS and Teo, WL and Diordieva, C and Pienkowska, A and Gašević, D and Car, J}, title = {Empowering Health Care Education Through Learning Analytics: In-depth Scoping Review.}, journal = {Journal of medical Internet research}, volume = {25}, number = {}, pages = {e41671}, doi = {10.2196/41671}, pmid = {37195746}, issn = {1438-8871}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Digital education has expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic began. A substantial amount of recent data on how students learn has become available for learning analytics (LA). LA denotes the "measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of data about learners and their contexts, for purposes of understanding and optimizing learning and the environments in which it occurs."

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to examine the use of LA in health care professions education and propose a framework for the LA life cycle.

METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of 10 databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ICTP, Scopus, and IEEE Explore. In total, 6 reviewers worked in pairs and performed title, abstract, and full-text screening. We resolved disagreements on study selection by consensus and discussion with other reviewers. We included papers if they met the following criteria: papers on health care professions education, papers on digital education, and papers that collected LA data from any type of digital education platform.

RESULTS: We retrieved 1238 papers, of which 65 met the inclusion criteria. From those papers, we extracted some typical characteristics of the LA process and proposed a framework for the LA life cycle, including digital education content creation, data collection, data analytics, and the purposes of LA. Assignment materials were the most popular type of digital education content (47/65, 72%), whereas the most commonly collected data types were the number of connections to the learning materials (53/65, 82%). Descriptive statistics was mostly used in data analytics in 89% (58/65) of studies. Finally, among the purposes for LA, understanding learners' interactions with the digital education platform was cited most often in 86% (56/65) of papers and understanding the relationship between interactions and student performance was cited in 63% (41/65) of papers. Far less common were the purposes of optimizing learning: the provision of at-risk intervention, feedback, and adaptive learning was found in 11, 5, and 3 papers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified gaps for each of the 4 components of the LA life cycle, with the lack of an iterative approach while designing courses for health care professions being the most prevalent. We identified only 1 instance in which the authors used knowledge from a previous course to improve the next course. Only 2 studies reported that LA was used to detect at-risk students during the course's run, compared with the overwhelming majority of other studies in which data analysis was performed only after the course was completed.}, } @article {pmid37195428, year = {2023}, author = {Maisch, B}, title = {SARS-CoV-2, vaccination or autoimmunity as causes of cardiac inflammation. Which form prevails?.}, journal = {Herz}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37195428}, issn = {1615-6692}, abstract = {The causes of cardiac inflammation during the COVID-19 pandemic are manifold and complex, and may have changed with different virus variants and vaccinations. The underlying viral etiology is self-evident, but its role in the pathogenic process is diverse. The view of many pathologists that myocyte necrosis and cellular infiltrates are indispensable for myocarditis does not suffice and contradicts the clinical criteria of myocarditis, i.e., a combination of serological evidence of necrosis based on troponins or MRI features of necrosis, edema, and inflammation based on prolonged T1 and T2 times and late gadolinium enhancement. The definition of myocarditis is still debated by pathologists and clinicians. We have learned that myocarditis and pericarditis can be induced by the virus via different pathways of action such as direct viral damage to the myocardium through the ACE2 receptor. Indirect damage occurs via immunological effector organs such as the innate immune system by macrophages and cytokines, and then later the acquired immune system via T cells, overactive proinflammatory cytokines, and cardiac autoantibodies. Cardiovascular diseases lead to more severe courses of SARS-CoV‑2 disease. Thus, heart failure patients have a double risk for complicated courses and lethal outcome. So do patients with diabetes, hypertension, and renal insufficiency. Independent of the definition, myocarditis patients benefitted from intensive hospital care, ventilation, if needed, and cortisone treatment. Postvaccination myocarditis and pericarditis affect primarily young male patients after the second RNA vaccine. Both are rare events but severe enough to deserve our full attention, because treatment according to current guidelines is available and necessary.}, } @article {pmid37195402, year = {2023}, author = {Toigo, L and Dos Santos Teodoro, EI and Guidi, AC and Gancedo, NC and Petruco, MV and Melo, EB and Tonin, FS and Fernandez-Llimos, F and Chierrito, D and de Mello, JCP and de Medeiros Araújo, DC and Sanches, ACC}, title = {Flavonoid as possible therapeutic targets against COVID-19: a scoping review of in silico studies.}, journal = {Daru : journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37195402}, issn = {2008-2231}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aims to present flavonoid compounds' promising effects and possible mechanisms of action on potential therapeutic targets in the SARS-CoV-2 infection process.

METHODS: A search of electronic databases such as PubMed and Scopus was carried out to evaluate the performance of substances from the flavonoid class at different stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 382 articles after the exclusion of duplicates. During the screening process, 265 records were deemed as irrelevant. At the end of the full-text appraisal, 37 studies were considered eligible for data extraction and qualitative synthesis. All the studies used virtual molecular docking models to verify the affinity of compounds from the flavonoid class with crucial proteins in the replication cycle of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Spike protein, PLpro, 3CLpro/ MPro, RdRP, and inhibition of the host's ACE II receptor). The flavonoids with more targets and lowest binding energies were: orientin, quercetin, epigallocatechin, narcissoside, silymarin, neohesperidin, delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside, and delphinidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside.

CONCLUSION: These studies allow us to provide a basis for in vitro and in vivo assays to assist in developing drugs for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid37195393, year = {2023}, author = {Cheng, L and Lan, L and Ramalingam, M and He, J and Yang, Y and Gao, M and Shi, Z}, title = {A review of current effective COVID-19 testing methods and quality control.}, journal = {Archives of microbiology}, volume = {205}, number = {6}, pages = {239}, pmid = {37195393}, issn = {1432-072X}, abstract = {COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to severe illness. The virus is extremely contagious, early and accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to contain its spread, to provide prompt treatment, and to prevent complications. Currently, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is considered to be the gold standard for detecting COVID-19 in its early stages. In addition, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LMAP), clustering rule interval short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA), computed tomography (CT), and electrochemical sensors are also common tests. However, these different methods vary greatly in terms of their detection efficiency, specificity, accuracy, sensitivity, cost, and throughput. Besides, most of the current detection methods are conducted in central hospitals and laboratories, which is a great challenge for remote and underdeveloped areas. Therefore, it is essential to review the advantages and disadvantages of different COVID-19 detection methods, as well as the technology that can enhance detection efficiency and improve detection quality in greater details.}, } @article {pmid37194484, year = {2023}, author = {McCarthy, MW}, title = {Metformin as a potential treatment for COVID-19.}, journal = {Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1080/14656566.2023.2215385}, pmid = {37194484}, issn = {1744-7666}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Early treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential to limit clinical progression of COVID-19. However, limited therapeutic options are available for standard-risk patients, including those under age 50 who have received the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination as well as a bivalent booster.

AREAS COVERED: Metformin is a widely used, inexpensive antihyperglycemic for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome, with a well-described safety profile.

EXPERT OPINION: Although the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, metformin is known to alter glucose metabolism and is under investigation as an antiviral agent, demonstrating in vitro and in vivo activity against SARS-CoV-2. Recent work suggests metformin may also serve as a therapeutic option for patients with COVID-19 as well as those with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, known more commonly as "long COVID-19." This manuscript examines what is known about metformin for the treatment of COVID-19 and explores how this drug may be used in the future to address the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.}, } @article {pmid37193960, year = {2023}, author = {Haimi, M}, title = {The tragic paradoxical effect of telemedicine on healthcare disparities- a time for redemption: a narrative review.}, journal = {BMC medical informatics and decision making}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {95}, pmid = {37193960}, issn = {1472-6947}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has become more convenient and advantageous due to the rapid development of the internet and telecommunications. A growing number of patients are turning to telemedicine for health consultations and health-related information. Telemedicine can increase access to medical care by removing geographical and other barriers. In most nations, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed social isolation. This has accelerated the transition to telemedicine, which has become the most commonly utilized method of outpatient care in many places. Telehealth can assist resolve gaps in access to healthcare services and health outcomes, in addition to its primary function of boosting accessibility to remote health services. However, as the benefits of telemedicine become more apparent, so do the limitations of serving vulnerable groups. Some populations may lack digital literacy or internet access. Homeless persons, the elderly, and people with inadequate language skills are also affected. In such circumstances, telemedicine has the potential to exacerbate health inequities.

AIM AND METHODS: In this narrative review (using the PubMed and Google scholar database), the different benefits and drawbacks of telemedicine are discussed, both globally and in Israel, with particular focus paid to special populations and to the telehealth usage during the Covid-19 period.

FINDINGS: The contradiction and paradox of using telemedicine to address health inequities yet sometimes making them worse is highlighted. The effectiveness of telemedicine in bridging access to healthcare inequities is explored along with a number of potential solutions.

CONCLUSIONS: Policy makers should identify barriers among special populations to using telemedicine. They should initiate interventions to overcome these barriers, while adapting them to the needs of these groups.}, } @article {pmid37193831, year = {2023}, author = {Narayanan, J and Tamilanban, T and Kumar, PS and Guru, A and Muthupandian, S and Kathiravan, MK and Arockiaraj, J}, title = {Role and mechanistic actions of protein kinase inhibitors as an effective drug target for cancer and COVID.}, journal = {Archives of microbiology}, volume = {205}, number = {6}, pages = {238}, pmid = {37193831}, issn = {1432-072X}, abstract = {Kinases can be grouped into 20 families which play a vital role as a regulator of neoplasia, metastasis, and cytokine suppression. Human genome sequencing has discovered more than 500 kinases. Mutations of the kinase itself or the pathway regulated by kinases leads to the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer's, viral infections, and cancers. Cancer chemotherapy has made significant leaps in recent years. The utilization of chemotherapeutic agents for treating cancers has become difficult due to their unpredictable nature and their toxicity toward the host cells. Therefore, targeted therapy as a therapeutic option against cancer-specific cells and toward the signaling pathways is a valuable avenue of research. SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the Betacoronavirus genus that is responsible for causing the COVID pandemic. Kinase family provides a valuable source of biological targets against cancers and for recent COVID infections. Kinases such as tyrosine kinases, Rho kinase, Bruton tyrosine kinase, ABL kinases, and NAK kinases play an important role in the modulation of signaling pathways involved in both cancers and viral infections such as COVID. These kinase inhibitors consist of multiple protein targets such as the viral replication machinery and specific molecules targeting signaling pathways for cancer. Thus, kinase inhibitors can be used for their anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic activity along with cytokine suppression in cases of COVID. The main goal of this review is to focus on the pharmacology of kinase inhibitors for cancer and COVID, as well as ideas for future development.}, } @article {pmid37193456, year = {2023}, author = {Ogunjimi, OB and Tsalamandris, G and Paladini, A and Varrassi, G and Zis, P}, title = {Guillain-Barré Syndrome Induced by Vaccination Against COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37578}, pmid = {37193456}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious immune-mediated neurological condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nervous system. Two-thirds of cases of GBS are diagnosed following infection; however, vaccination has also been linked to GBS pathogenesis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish the prevalence of GBS following vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, describe the clinical and neurophysiological characteristics, and identify potential determinants. A systematic review of the literature regarding post-vaccination GBS was conducted using the PubMed database. Seventy papers were included. The pooled prevalence of GBS after vaccination against COVID-19 per has been established to be 8.1 (95% CI 30-220) per 1,000,000 vaccinations. Vaccination with vector vaccines - but not mRNA - has been associated with an increased risk of GBS. More than 80% of the patients developed GBS within 21 days following the first dose of the vaccination. The interval between the vaccination and GBS was shorter in patients who were vaccinated with mRNA versus vector vaccines (9.7±6.7 days versus 14.2±6.6 days). Epidemiological findings regarding post-vaccination GBS revealed a higher prevalence in males and people between the ages of 40 and 60 years, with a mean age of 56.8±16.1 years. The most common type was the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy type. Most cases responded well to treatment. In conclusion, vaccination against COVID-19 with vector vaccines seems to increase the risk of GBS. GBS occurring following vaccination does differ in characteristics from GBS during the pre-COVID-19 era.}, } @article {pmid37193349, year = {2023}, author = {Martínez-Espinosa, E and Carvajal-Mariscal, I}, title = {Virus-laden droplet nuclei in vortical structures associated with recirculation zones in indoor environments: A possible airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.}, journal = {Environmental advances}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {100376}, pmid = {37193349}, issn = {2666-7657}, abstract = {Droplet nuclei dispersion patterns in indoor environments are reviewed from a physics view to explore the possibility of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This review analyzes works on particle dispersion patterns and their concentration in vortical structures in different indoor environments. Numerical simulations and experiments reveal the formation of the buildings' recirculation zones and vortex flow regions by flow separation, airflow interaction around objects, internal dispersion of airflow, or thermal plume. These vortical structures showed high particle concentration because particles are trapped for long periods. Then a hypothesis is proposed to explain why some medical studies detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and others do not detect the virus. The hypothesis proposes that airborne transmission is possible if virus-laden droplet nuclei are trapped in vortical structures associated with recirculation zones. This hypothesis is reinforced by a numerical study in a restaurant that presented possible evidence of airborne transmission by a large recirculating air zone. Furthermore, a medical study in a hospital is discussed from a physical view for identifying the formation of recirculation zones and their relation with positive tests for viruses. The observations show air sampling site located in this vortical structure is positive for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Therefore, the formation of vortical structures associated with recirculation zones should be avoided to minimize the possibility of airborne transmission. This work tries to understand the complex phenomenon of airborne transmission as a way in the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases.}, } @article {pmid37193335, year = {2023}, author = {Jericevic, D and Brucker, B}, title = {Telemedicine in Overactive Bladder Syndrome.}, journal = {Current bladder dysfunction reports}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {103-108}, pmid = {37193335}, issn = {1931-7212}, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses the role and benefits of telemedicine as an integral component of the post-pandemic care paradigm in urological practice and, in particular, as part of the care of patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of telemedicine across almost every medical specialty and (at least temporarily) swept away barriers including those regarding reimbursement and licensure. Telemedicine benefits patients and providers alike including savings on transportation costs, access to specialists or tertiary care from geographically remote locations, and minimized exposure to a contagious illness. Integration of telemedicine into clinical practice can reduce costs for office/exam space and staffing overhead, as well as facilitate greater scheduling efficiency. Many, if not most, aspects of care for the uncomplicated OAB patient can be as effectively managed remotely as with in-person encounters, across the treatment algorithm.

SUMMARY: Telemedicine will almost certainly remain a key component in the care of OAB, general urology, and throughout all medical specialties.}, } @article {pmid37193304, year = {2023}, author = {Xue, Y and Mei, H and Chen, Y and Griffin, JD and Liu, Q and Weisberg, E and Yang, J}, title = {Repurposing clinically available drugs and therapies for pathogenic targets to combat SARS-CoV-2.}, journal = {MedComm}, volume = {4}, number = {3}, pages = {e254}, pmid = {37193304}, issn = {2688-2663}, abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected a large portion of the global population, both physically and mentally. Current evidence suggests that the rapidly evolving coronavirus subvariants risk rendering vaccines and antibodies ineffective due to their potential to evade existing immunity, with enhanced transmission activity and higher reinfection rates that could lead to new outbreaks across the globe. The goal of viral management is to disrupt the viral life cycle as well as to relieve severe symptoms such as lung damage, cytokine storm, and organ failure. In the fight against viruses, the combination of viral genome sequencing, elucidation of the structure of viral proteins, and identifying proteins that are highly conserved across multiple coronaviruses has revealed many potential molecular targets. In addition, the time- and cost-effective repurposing of preexisting antiviral drugs or approved/clinical drugs for these targets offers considerable clinical advantages for COVID-19 patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various identified pathogenic targets and pathways as well as corresponding repurposed approved/clinical drugs and their potential against COVID-19. These findings provide new insight into the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies that could be applied to the control of disease symptoms emanating from evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.}, } @article {pmid37193231, year = {2023}, author = {Sami, H and Firoze, S and Khan, PA and Fatima, N and Khan, HM}, title = {Face masks for respiratory viral illness prevention in healthcare settings: a concise systemic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {181-188}, pmid = {37193231}, issn = {2008-3289}, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are conflicting views regarding face mask guidelines amongst healthcare staff to prevent transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza and other respiratory viral infections (RVIs). We conducted a thorough meta-analysis to statistically compare mask use versus no mask use efficacy for RVIs in healthcare settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used for selecting researches published between 2003 and June 2022 from different databases, including Publisher Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, etc.; 6 studies qualified for inclusion. Data was pooled from in vivo randomized control, case-control and observational studies dealing with the relationship between face mask use and no use by patients or health personnel and RVI prevention in healthcare setups.

RESULTS: The fixed and random-effects model was carried out to determine pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their respective 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs). The results revealed that wearing a face mask significantly reduced the risk of contracting a respiratory viral illness in hospital settings, with pooled OR (95% CI) of 0.11 (0.04 to 0.33) (probability value (P) <0.08).

CONCLUSION: Masks largely succeeded in stopping respiratory virus transmission, as evidenced by the meta-analysis of 6 studies (a total of 927 individuals).}, } @article {pmid37193075, year = {2023}, author = {Sayahinouri, M and Mashayekhi Firouz, S and Ebrahimi Sadrabadi, A and Masoudnia, M and Abdolahi, M and Jafarzadeh, F and Nouripour, M and Mirzazadeh, S and Zangeneh, N and Jalili, A and Aghdami, N}, title = {Functionality of immune cells in COVID-19 infection: development of cell-based therapeutics.}, journal = {BioImpacts : BI}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {159-179}, pmid = {37193075}, issn = {2228-5652}, abstract = {Introduction: In late December 2019, a sudden severe respiratory illness of unknown origin was reported in China. In early January 2020, the cause of COVID-19 infection was announced a new coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Examination of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence revealed a close resemblance to the previously reported SARS-CoV and coronavirus Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). However, initial testing of drugs used against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has been ineffective in controlling SARS-CoV-2. One of the key strategies to fight the virus is to look at how the immune system works against the virus, which has led to a better understanding of the disease and the development of new therapies and vaccine designs. Methods: This review discussed the innate and acquired immune system responses and how immune cells function against the virus to shed light on the human body's defense strategies. Results: Although immune responses have been revealed critical to eradicating infections caused by coronaviruses, dysregulated immune responses can lead to immune pathologies thoroughly investigated. Also, the benefit of mesenchymal stem cells, NK cells, Treg cells, specific T cells, and platelet lysates have been submitted as promising solutions to prevent the effects of infection in patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: It has been concluded that none of the above has undoubtedly been approved for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19, but clinical trials are underway better to understand the efficacy and safety of these cellular therapies.}, } @article {pmid37193051, year = {2022}, author = {Chen, D and Zhao, YG and Zhang, H}, title = {Endomembrane remodeling in SARS-CoV-2 infection.}, journal = {Cell insight}, volume = {1}, number = {3}, pages = {100031}, pmid = {37193051}, issn = {2772-8927}, abstract = {During severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the viral proteins intimately interact with host factors to remodel the endomembrane system at various steps of the viral lifecycle. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 can be mediated by endocytosis-mediated internalization. Virus-containing endosomes then fuse with lysosomes, in which the viral S protein is cleaved to trigger membrane fusion. Double-membrane vesicles generated from the ER serve as platforms for viral replication and transcription. Virions are assembled at the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment and released through the secretory pathway and/or lysosome-mediated exocytosis. In this review, we will focus on how SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins collaborate with host factors to remodel the endomembrane system for viral entry, replication, assembly and egress. We will also describe how viral proteins hijack the host cell surveillance system-the autophagic degradation pathway-to evade destruction and benefit virus production. Finally, potential antiviral therapies targeting the host cell endomembrane system will be discussed.}, } @article {pmid37187735, year = {2023}, author = {Rubin, L and Talmon, A and Ribak, Y and Kessler, A and Martin, Y and Haran, TK and Shamriz, O and Adini, I and Tal, Y}, title = {Novel targeted inhibition of the IL-5 axis for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1134178}, pmid = {37187735}, issn = {1664-3224}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome/diagnosis/drug therapy/etiology ; Prospective Studies ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Eosinophilia/drug therapy/complications ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome represents a severe hypersensitivity reaction. Up-to-date treatment is based on withdrawal of medication, supportive care, and immunosuppression using high-dose corticosteroid (CS) therapy. However, evidence-based data are lacking regarding second-line therapy for steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent patients.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesize that the interleukin (IL)-5 axis plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of DRESS; hence, inhibition of this signaling pathway could offer a potential therapy for steroid-dependent and/or steroid-resistant cases, and it may offer an alternative to CS therapy in certain patients more prone to CS toxicity.

METHODS: Herein, we collected worldwide data on DRESS cases treated with biological agents targeting the IL-5 axis. We reviewed all cases indexed in PubMed up to October 2022 and performed a total analysis including our center experience with two additional novel cases.

RESULTS: A review of the literature yielded 14 patients with DRESS who were treated with biological agents targeting the IL-5 axis as well as our two new cases. Reported patients are characterized by a female-to-male ratio of 1:1 and a mean age of 51.8 (17-87) years. The DRESS-inducing drugs, as expected from the prospective RegiSCAR study, were mostly antibiotics (7/16), as follows: vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and cefepime. DRESS patients were treated with anti-IL-5 agents (mepolizumab and reslizumab) or anti-IL-5 receptor (IL-5R) biologics (benralizumab). All patients have clinically improved under anti-IL-5/IL-5R biologics. Multiple doses of mepolizumab were needed to achieve clinical resolution, whereas a single dose of benralizumab was often sufficient. Relapse was noted in one patient receiving benralizumab treatment. One patient receiving benralizumab had a fatal outcome, although mortality was probably related to massive bleeding and cardiac arrest due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

CONCLUSION: Current treatment guidelines for DRESS are based on case reports and expert opinion. Understanding the central role of eosinophils in DRESS pathogenicity emphasizes the need for future implementation of IL-5 axis blockade as steroid-sparing agents, potential therapy to steroid-resistant cases, and perhaps an alternative to CS treatment in certain DRESS patients more prone to CS toxicity.}, } @article {pmid37185176, year = {2023}, author = {AlOmair, O}, title = {Liver enzymes among COVID-19 patients in Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia.}, journal = {BMJ open gastroenterology}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {37185176}, issn = {2054-4774}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Saudi Arabia/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; *Liver Diseases/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hepatic damage is one of the common forms of extra pulmonary organ destructions among patients with COVID-19 infections.

AIM: To evaluate the prognosis of liver damage among COVID-19 patients based on their liver enzymes profile.

METHODS: A retrospective study was done to evaluate the records of the hospitably admitted patient due to COVID-19 infection.Retrieved data included clinical presentation and investigation either imaging or laboratory with special investing in liver function tests.

RESULT: We reviewed 442 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.They were 64.5% of female patients and 35.5% of male patients. Their mean age was 54.5%, most of them were Saudi (76.7%) and the overall mortality reached up to (20.4%).

CONCLUSION: This large cohort of 442 patients has shown that liver damage may be an independent prognostic factor for morbidities and mortality among COVID-19 patients. It also showed the importance of liver function enzymes screening as a predictor for the outcome of those patients.}, } @article {pmid37185023, year = {2023}, author = {Chrdle, A and Bártlová, S and Chloubová, I}, title = {Postoje sester a studentů ošetřovatelství k očkování proti covid-19 - přehled.}, journal = {Epidemiologie, mikrobiologie, imunologie : casopis Spolecnosti pro epidemiologii a mikrobiologii Ceske lekarske spolecnosti J.E. Purkyne}, volume = {72}, number = {1}, pages = {25-39}, pmid = {37185023}, issn = {1210-7913}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19 Vaccines ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Vaccination ; Health Personnel ; }, abstract = {AIM: There is a discussion about COVID-19 vaccination rates among healthcare workers (HCW), especially nurses. The primary question for this review was: "What are the attitudes of nurses, compared to other HCW, towards COVID-19 vaccination?" The secondary questions included the proportion of nurses with intention to get vaccinated, what prevents the nurses from accepting the vaccine and what enables them to accept the vaccine.

METHODS: The PRISMA-ScR format for scoping reviews was chosen to respect the novelty of COVID-19 vaccines. Database search (PubMed/MEDLINE, PROquest and EBSCO) was performed for original studies in English language, from all geographies, with most recent search on March 20, 2022. Vaccination acceptance rates were charted for nurses and nursing students in one category, and HCW other than nurses in the other category. The evolution in time of the nurses attitude to vaccine acceptance relative to that of HCW other than nurses was charted post hoc. The factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention according to the WHO categories (contextual influences, individual/ group influences, and vaccine/vaccination specific issues) were reviewed as narrative summary.

RESULTS: Total 58 eligible studies were selected, all with cross-sectional study design, including 95418 healthcare workers of whom 33130 were nurses and 7391 were nursing students, from 44 countries in Europe, Americas, Africa and Asia. Trust in science, in doctors, in experts and in governments were the main contextual factors increasing vaccination acceptance mentioned in the studies, while altruism and collective protection, or protecting a person at risk at home was mentioned only few times. The nurses were less likely to accept vaccination compared to doctors and other HCWs at the onset, eg. before vaccine rollout, and this difference decreased with time (p = 0.022). Being older (n = 25 studies), being male (n = 23), having higher degree of education (n = 7), and having more years of clinical practice (n = 4) were associated with higher vaccination acceptance. Percieved individual risk of having severe COVID-19 (n = 14) or working in a COVID-19 dedicated units (n = 5) was mentioned in a minority of studies. The main vaccine-releated factors associated with higher vaccination intention were trust in the vaccine and its efficacy and safety, general vaccinatoin acceptance and specifically having had influenza vaccination in previous years (n = 21 studies). A significant factor associated with higher vaccine acceptance was high "vaccine knowledge", "vaccine literacy", "understanding the vaccine" or "understanding benefits and barriers of vaccination" (n = 17 studies).

CONCLUSIONS: Nurses have been more hesitant to accept COVID-19 vaccination than other healthcare professions at the beginning, but with time this difference disappeared. This general nurse attitude of wait-and-see reported in the studies corresponds with real-life data from practicing healthcare workers as reported by the Czech Institute of Health Information and Statistics on vaccination against COVID-19. Trust in scientific structures and vaccine makers increases the vaccine acceptance. The acceptance increases also with higher age, increasing level of education, longer clinical experience, and also with being a male. Vaccine literacy and having participated in previous vaccination programmes, especially influenza vaccine, were identified as independent modifiable factors increasing vaccination acceptance.}, } @article {pmid37138321, year = {2023}, author = {Ostadtaghizadeh, A and Zarei, M and Saniee, N and Rasouli, MA}, title = {Gender-based violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations for future.}, journal = {BMC women's health}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {219}, pmid = {37138321}, issn = {1472-6874}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *Domestic Violence/psychology ; *Gender-Based Violence/psychology ; Pandemics ; *Sex Offenses ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gender-based violence (GBV) includes any physical, sexual, psychological, economic harms, and any suffering of women in the form of limiting their freedom in personal or social life. As a global crisis, COVID-19 has exposed women to more violence, which requires serious actions. This work aims to review the most critical dimensions of the GBV against women, effective factors on it, and strategies for combating it during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide recommendations for future pandemics.

METHODS: This study was conducted based on PRISMA-ScR. First, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched in April 2021 with no time limitation and location using the related keywords to COVID-19 and GBV. The searched keywords were COVID-19, gender-based violence, domestic violence, sexual violence, women, violence, abuse, and their synonyms in MESH and EMTREE. Duplicates were removed, titles and abstracts were screened, and then the characteristics and main results of included studies were recorded in the data collection form in terms of thematic content analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 6255 records were identified, of which 3433 were duplicates. Based on inclusion criteria 2822 titles and abstracts were screened. Finally, 14 studies were eligible for inclusion in this study. Most of these studies were conducted in the United States, the Netherlands, and Iran, mostly with interventional and qualitative methods.

CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening ICT infrastructure, providing comprehensive government policies and planning, government economic support, social support by national and international organizations should be considered by countries worldwide. It is suggested that countries provide sufficient ICT infrastructure, comprehensive policies and planning, economic support, social support by collaboration between national and international organizations, and healthcare supporting to manage incidence of GBV against women in future pandemics.}, } @article {pmid37036291, year = {2023}, author = {Siampanopoulou, V and Tasouli, E and Angelousi, A}, title = {Diagnostic strategies in adrenal insufficiency.}, journal = {Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {141-153}, doi = {10.1097/MED.0000000000000806}, pmid = {37036291}, issn = {1752-2978}, mesh = {Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; *Adrenal Insufficiency/diagnosis ; COVID-19 Testing ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is the clinical manifestation of deficient production of glucocorticoids with occasionally deficiency also in mineralocorticoids and adrenal androgens and constitutes a fatal disorder if left untreated. The aim of this review is to summarize the new trends in diagnostic methods used for determining the presence of AI.

RECENT FINDINGS: Novel aetiologies of AI have emerged; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was linked to increased frequency of primary AI (PAI). A new class of drugs, the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) widely used for the treatment of several malignancies, has been implicated mostly with secondary AI, but also with PAI. Salivary cortisol is considered a noninvasive and patient-friendly tool and has shown promising results in diagnosing AI, although the normal cut-off values remain an issue of debate depending on the technique used. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most reliable technique although not widely available.

SUMMARY: Our research has shown that little progress has been made regarding our knowledge on AI. Coronavirus disease 2019 and ICIs use constitute new evidence on the pathogenesis of AI. The short synacthen test (SST) remains the 'gold-standard' method for confirmation of AI diagnosis, although salivary cortisol is a promising tool.}, } @article {pmid37018543, year = {2023}, author = {Ziebart, C and Kfrerer, ML and Stanley, M and Austin, LC}, title = {A Digital-First Health Care Approach to Managing Pandemics: Scoping Review of Pandemic Self-triage Tools.}, journal = {Journal of medical Internet research}, volume = {25}, number = {}, pages = {e40983}, doi = {10.2196/40983}, pmid = {37018543}, issn = {1438-8871}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patient-facing digital self-triage tools were designed and deployed to alleviate the demand for pandemic virus triage in hospitals and physicians' offices by providing a way for people to self-assess their health status and get advice on whether to seek care. These tools, provided via websites, apps, or patient portals, allow people to answer questions, for example, about symptoms and contact history, and receive guidance on appropriate care, which might be self-care.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to explore the state of literature on digital self-triage tools that direct or advise care for adults during a pandemic and to explore what has been learned about the intended purpose, use, and quality of guidance; tool usability; impact on providers; and ability to forecast health outcomes or care demand.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted in July 2021 using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. A total of 1311 titles and abstracts were screened by 2 researchers using Covidence, and of these, 83 (6.76%) articles were reviewed via full-text screening. In total, 22 articles met the inclusion criteria; they allowed adults to self-assess for pandemic virus, and the adults were directed to care. Using Microsoft Excel, we extracted and charted the following data: authors, publication year and country, country the tool was used in, whether the tool was integrated into a health care system, number of users, research question and purpose, direction of care provided, and key findings.

RESULTS: All but 2 studies reported on tools developed since early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies reported on tools that were developed in 17 countries. The direction of care advice included directing to an emergency room, seeking urgent care, contacting or seeing a physician, being tested, or staying at home and self-isolating. Only 2 studies evaluated tool usability. No study demonstrated that the tools reduce demand on the health care system, although at least one study suggested that data can predict demand for care and that data allow monitoring public health.

CONCLUSIONS: Although self-triage tools developed and used around the world have similarities in directing to care (emergency room, physician, and self-care), they differ in important ways. Some collect data to predict health care demand. Some are intended for use when concerned about health status; others are intended to be used repeatedly by users to monitor public health. The quality of triage may vary. The high use of such tools during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that research is needed to assess and ensure the quality of advice given by self-triage tools and to assess intended or unintended consequences on public health and health care systems.}, } @article {pmid36893355, year = {2023}, author = {Brooks, SK and Patel, D and Greenberg, N}, title = {Mental health of diplomatic personnel: scoping review.}, journal = {Occupational medicine (Oxford, England)}, volume = {73}, number = {3}, pages = {155-160}, pmid = {36893355}, issn = {1471-8405}, mesh = {Humans ; *Mental Health ; Government Employees ; *COVID-19 ; Health Personnel/psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Diplomatic personnel frequently relocate as part of their roles, requiring them to adapt to various cultural and political conditions; many are also at risk of experiencing trauma from being deployed to high-threat postings. With diplomatic personnel having to balance the usual pressures of their work with the uncertainties of COVID-19 in recent years, it is particularly important now to understand how to protect their mental health.

AIMS: To synthesize existing literature on the well-being of diplomatic personnel to improve understanding of how to protect their mental health.

METHODS: A scoping review was carried out to explore what is already known about the well-being of staff working in diplomatic roles. Four databases were searched and reference lists, as well as one key journal, were hand-searched.

RESULTS: Fifteen relevant publications were included. There was little consensus as to how the psychological well-being of diplomatic personnel compares to other populations or which factors predict well-being. Diplomats' psychological responses to traumatic experiences appeared similar to those of other trauma-exposed occupational groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to better understand the well-being of diplomatic personnel, particularly those not deployed to high-threat posts.}, } @article {pmid36647581, year = {2023}, author = {Hummel, T and Liu, DT and Müller, CA and Stuck, BA and Welge-Lüssen, A and Hähner, A}, title = {Olfactory Dysfunction: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.}, journal = {Deutsches Arzteblatt international}, volume = {120}, number = {9}, pages = {146-154}, doi = {10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0411}, pmid = {36647581}, issn = {1866-0452}, mesh = {Humans ; Smell ; Quality of Life ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/etiology/therapy ; COVID-19 Testing ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Disorders of the sense of smell have received greater attention because of the frequency with which they occur as a symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Olfactory dysfunction can lead to profound reduction in quality of life and may arise from many different causes.

METHODS: A selective literature review was conducted with consideration of the current version of the guideline issued by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany.

RESULTS: The cornerstones of diagnosis are the relevant medical history and psychophysical testing of olfactory function using standardized validated tests. Modern treatment strategies are oriented on the cause of the dysfunction. While treatment of the underlying inflammation takes precedence in patients with sinunasal dysosmia, olfactory training is the primary treatment option for other forms of the disorder. The prognosis is determined not only by the cause of the olfactory dysfunction and the patient's age, but also by the olfactory performance as measured at the time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: Options for the treatment of olfactory dysfunction are available but limited, depending on the cause. It is therefore important to carry out a detailed diagnostic work-up and keep the patient informed of the expected course and prognosis.}, } @article {pmid37193049, year = {2022}, author = {Chen, Y and Liu, Q and Zhou, L and Zhou, Y and Yan, H and Lan, K}, title = {Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants: Why, how, and what's next?.}, journal = {Cell insight}, volume = {1}, number = {3}, pages = {100029}, doi = {10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100029}, pmid = {37193049}, issn = {2772-8927}, abstract = {The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant poses a striking threat to human society. More than 30 mutations in the Spike protein of the Omicron variant severely compromised the protective immunity elicited by either vaccination or prior infection. The persistent viral evolutionary trajectory generates Omicron-associated lineages, such as BA.1 and BA.2. Moreover, the virus recombination upon Delta and Omicron co-infections has been reported lately, although the impact remains to be assessed. This minireview summarizes the characteristics, evolution and mutation control, and immune evasion mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 variants, which will be helpful for the in-depth understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 variants and policy-making related to COVID-19 pandemic control.}, } @article {pmid37192861, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, H and Yang, S and Liu, J and Fu, Z and Liu, Y and Zhou, L and Guo, H and Lan, K and Chen, Y}, title = {Human adenoviruses: A suspect behind the outbreak of acute hepatitis in children amid the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Cell insight}, volume = {1}, number = {4}, pages = {100043}, doi = {10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100043}, pmid = {37192861}, issn = {2772-8927}, abstract = {As of 10 May 2022, at least 450 cases of pediatric patients with acute hepatitis of unknown cause have been reported worldwide. Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) have been detected in at least 74 cases, including the F type HAdV41 in 18 cases, which indicates that adenoviruses may be associated with this mysterious childhood hepatitis, although other infectious agents or environmental factors cannot be excluded. In this review, we provide a brief introduction of the basic features of HAdVs and describe diseases caused by different HAdVs in humans, aiming to help understand the biology and potential risk of HAdVs and cope with the outbreak of acute child hepatitis.}, } @article {pmid37192844, year = {2023}, author = {Chang, H and Zhang, J}, title = {Detecting nanoparticles by "listening".}, journal = {Frontiers of physics}, volume = {18}, number = {5}, pages = {53602}, doi = {10.1007/s11467-023-1287-1}, pmid = {37192844}, issn = {2095-0462}, abstract = {In the macroscopic world, we can obtain some important information through the vibration of objects, that is, listening to the sound. Likewise, we can also get some information of the nanoparticles that we want to know by the means of "listening" in the microscopic world. In this review, we will introduce two sensing methods (cavity optomechanical sensing and surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing) which can be used to detect the nanoparticles. The cavity optomechanical systems are mainly used to detect sub-gigahertz nanoparticle or cavity vibrations, while surface-enhanced Raman scattering is a well-known technique to detect molecular vibrations whose frequency generally exceeds terahertz. Therefore, the vibrational information of nanoparticles from low-frequency to high-frequency could be obtained by these two methods. The size of the viruses is at the nanoscale and we can regard it as a kind of nanoparticles. Rapid and ultrasensitive detection of the viruses is the key strategies to break the spread of the viruses in the community. Cavity optomechanical sensing enables rapid, ultrasensitive detection of nanoparticles through the interaction of light and mechanical oscillators and surface-enhanced Raman scattering is an attractive qualitatively analytical technique for chemical sensing and biomedical applications, which has been used to detect the SARS-CoV-2 infected. Hence, investigation in these two fields is of vital importance in preventing the spread of the virus from affecting human's life and health.}, } @article {pmid37192839, year = {2023}, author = {Hu, J and Mougiakakou, S and Xue, S and Afshar-Oromieh, A and Hautz, W and Christe, A and Sznitman, R and Rominger, A and Ebner, L and Shi, K}, title = {Artificial intelligence for reducing the radiation burden of medical imaging for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease.}, journal = {European physical journal plus}, volume = {138}, number = {5}, pages = {391}, doi = {10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-03745-4}, pmid = {37192839}, issn = {2190-5444}, abstract = {Medical imaging has been intensively employed in screening, diagnosis and monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the improvement of RT-PCR and rapid inspection technologies, the diagnostic references have shifted. Current recommendations tend to limit the application of medical imaging in the acute setting. Nevertheless, efficient and complementary values of medical imaging have been recognized at the beginning of the pandemic when facing unknown infectious diseases and a lack of sufficient diagnostic tools. Optimizing medical imaging for pandemics may still have encouraging implications for future public health, especially for long-lasting post-COVID-19 syndrome theranostics. A critical concern for the application of medical imaging is the increased radiation burden, particularly when medical imaging is used for screening and rapid containment purposes. Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology provides the opportunity to reduce the radiation burden while maintaining diagnostic quality. This review summarizes the current AI research on dose reduction for medical imaging, and the retrospective identification of their potential in COVID-19 may still have positive implications for future public health.}, } @article {pmid37192595, year = {2023}, author = {Scholkmann, F and May, CA}, title = {COVID-19, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS, "long COVID") and post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PCVS, "post-COVIDvac-syndrome"): Similarities and differences.}, journal = {Pathology, research and practice}, volume = {246}, number = {}, pages = {154497}, doi = {10.1016/j.prp.2023.154497}, pmid = {37192595}, issn = {1618-0631}, abstract = {Worldwide there have been over 760 million confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and over 13 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered as of April 2023, according to the World Health Organization. An infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to an acute disease, i.e. COVID-19, but also to a post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS, "long COVID"). Currently, the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are increasingly being noted and studied. Here, we summarise the currently available indications and discuss our conclusions that (i) these side effects have specific similarities and differences to acute COVID-19 and PACS, that (ii) a new term should be used to refer to these side effects (post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome, PCVS, colloquially "post-COVIDvac-syndrome"), and that (iii) there is a need to distinguish between acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (ACVS) and post-acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PACVS) - in analogy to acute COVID-19 and PACS ("long COVID"). Moreover, we address mixed forms of disease caused by natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. We explain why it is important for medical diagnosis, care and research to use the new terms (PCVS, ACVS and PACVS) in order to avoid confusion and misinterpretation of the underlying causes of disease and to enable optimal medical therapy. We do not recommend to use the term "Post-Vac-Syndrome" as it is imprecise. The article also serves to address the current problem of "medical gaslighting" in relation to PACS and PCVS by raising awareness among the medical professionals and supplying appropriate terminology for disease.}, } @article {pmid37192109, year = {2023}, author = {Reid, B and Davis, LL and Gordon, L}, title = {Capturing what and why in healthcare innovation.}, journal = {BMJ leader}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1136/leader-2022-000642}, pmid = {37192109}, issn = {2398-631X}, abstract = {Understandings of innovation usually encompass multiple overlapping aspects, putting innovation terminology at risk of vagueness and overuse. However, innovation concepts are expected to remain powerful and useful in healthcare beyond the pandemic and into the future, so clarity will be helpful for effective leadership. To disentangle and disambiguate meanings within innovation, we offer a framework that captures and simplifies foundational substance within innovation concepts. Our method is an overview review of innovation literature from the 5 years preceding COVID-19. 51 sources were sampled and analysed for explicit definitions of healthcare innovation. Drawing on broad themes suggested from previous reviews, and gathering specific themes emergent from this literary dataset, we focused on categorising the nature of innovations (the what) and reasons given for them (the why). We identified 4 categories of what (ideas, artefacts, practice/process and structure) and 10 categories of why (economic value, practical value, experience, resource use, equity/accessibility, sustainability, behaviour change, specific-problem solving, self-justifying renewal and improved health). These categories reflect contrasting priorities and values, but do not substantially interfere or occlude each other. They can freely be additively combined to create composite definitions. This conceptual scheme affords insight and clarity for creating precise meanings, and making critical sense of imprecision, around innovation. Improved communication and clear shared understandings around innovative intentions, policies and practices cannot but improve the chances of enhanced outcomes. The all-inclusive character of this scheme leaves space for considering the limits of innovation, and notwithstanding well-established critiques, provides a basis for clarity in ongoing usage.}, } @article {pmid37191933, year = {2023}, author = {Hoedl, M and Osmancevic, S and Thonhofer, N and Reiter, L and Schoberer, D}, title = {Psychosocial interventions for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: rapid review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37191933}, issn = {1563-258X}, abstract = {This rapid review was conducted by following a predefined protocol developed by the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. A total of 172 potential reviews and 167 primary studies of interest were found. AMSTAR II was used to assess the quality of the included reviews and the JBI Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials for primary studies. Overall, four studies were included in this review. The study quality ranged from 5 to 12 out of 13 possible stars. No robust evidence was found that psychosocial interventions can reduce psychological distress. No significant effect could be found regarding post-traumatic stress. Two studies on anxiety were identified, one which showed an effect and another which did not. The psychosocial intervention had no beneficial effect on burnout and depression, whereas providing a mindfulness- or relaxation-based intervention resulted in a significant improvement in sleep quality. By considering the secondary results and results of previous reviews, a combination of training and mindfulness seems to be beneficial for decreasing anxiety and stress in home care workers. In summary, the evidence-based recommendations are still limited and, therefore, more evidence is needed to make a general statement of high certainty about the effects.}, } @article {pmid37191926, year = {2023}, author = {Pezeshki, PS and Ghorashi, SM and Houshmand, G and Ganjparvar, M and Pouraliakbar, H and Rezaei-Kalantari, K and Fazeli, A and Omidi, N}, title = {Feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to assess cardiac manifestations of systemic diseases.}, journal = {Heart failure reviews}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37191926}, issn = {1573-7322}, abstract = {Feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR), with the ability to quantify myocardial deformation, has a unique role in the evaluation of subclinical myocardial abnormalities. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical use of cardiac FT-CMR-based myocardial strain in patients with various systemic diseases with cardiac involvement, such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer-therapy-related toxicities, amyloidosis, systemic scleroderma, myopathies, rheumatoid arthritis, thalassemia major, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We concluded that FT-CMR-derived strain can improve the accuracy of risk stratification and predict cardiac outcomes in patients with systemic diseases prior to symptomatic cardiac dysfunction. Furthermore, FT-CMR is particularly useful for patients with diseases or conditions which are associated with subtle myocardial dysfunction that may not be accurately detected with traditional methods. Compared to patients with cardiovascular diseases, patients with systemic diseases are less likely to undergo regular cardiovascular imaging to detect cardiac defects, whereas cardiac involvement in these patients can lead to major adverse outcomes; hence, the importance of cardiac imaging modalities might be underestimated in this group of patients. In this review, we gathered currently available data on the newly introduced role of FT-CMR in the diagnosis and prognosis of various systemic conditions. Further research is needed to define reference values and establish the role of this sensitive imaging modality, as a robust marker in predicting outcomes across a wide spectrum of patients.}, } @article {pmid37190997, year = {2023}, author = {Hamdana, AH and Mohsin, H and Habib Tharwani, Z and Masood, W and Furqana, AQ and Sohail, A and Durdana, AR and Ashraf, MT and Uddin, N and Islam, Z and Essar, MY and Marzo, RR and Habib, Z}, title = {Monkeypox Virus and Other Emerging Outbreaks: An Overview and Future Perspective.}, journal = {Inquiry : a journal of medical care organization, provision and financing}, volume = {60}, number = {}, pages = {469580231175437}, doi = {10.1177/00469580231175437}, pmid = {37190997}, issn = {1945-7243}, abstract = {Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic disease caused by the MPX virus from the poxviridae family of orthopoxviruses. Typically, endemic in central and west Africa, it has now become a matter of concern since cases have been reported in non-endemic countries around mid-June 2022, especially in the European region, with the transmission not related to travel. The diagnosis is made by PCR testing of the skin lesions. Even though treatment is symptomatic, antiretrovirals, such as tecovirimat, are used in severe cases. Vaccination with second and third generation vaccines is approved for prophylaxis in high risk individuals. Unfortunately, these options of treatment and prevention are only available in high income countries at the moment. This review, through a thorough literature search of articles from 2017 onward, focuses on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, challenges, treatment, prevention and control of MPX virus and how they can be corelated with other viral outbreaks including COVID-19, Acute Hepatitis of unknown origin, Measles and Dengue, to better predict and therefore prevent its transmission. The previous COVID-19 pandemic increased the disease burden on healthcare infrastructure of low-middle income countries, therefore, this recent MPX outbreak calls for a joint effort from healthcare authorities, political figures, and NGOs to combat the disease and prevent its further spread not only in high income but also in middle- and low-income countries.}, } @article {pmid37190534, year = {2023}, author = {Uccella, S and Cordani, R and Salfi, F and Gorgoni, M and Scarpelli, S and Gemignani, A and Geoffroy, PA and De Gennaro, L and Palagini, L and Ferrara, M and Nobili, L}, title = {Sleep Deprivation and Insomnia in Adolescence: Implications for Mental Health.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci13040569}, pmid = {37190534}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Sleep changes significantly throughout the human lifespan. Physiological modifications in sleep regulation, in common with many mammals (especially in the circadian rhythms), predispose adolescents to sleep loss until early adulthood. Adolescents are one-sixth of all human beings and are at high risk for mental diseases (particularly mood disorders) and self-injury. This has been attributed to the incredible number of changes occurring in a limited time window that encompasses rapid biological and psychosocial modifications, which predispose teens to at-risk behaviors. Adolescents' sleep patterns have been investigated as a biunivocal cause for potential damaging conditions, in which insufficient sleep may be both a cause and a consequence of mental health problems. The recent COVID-19 pandemic in particular has made a detrimental contribution to many adolescents' mental health and sleep quality. In this review, we aim to summarize the knowledge in the field and to explore implications for adolescents' (and future adults') mental and physical health, as well as to outline potential strategies of prevention.}, } @article {pmid37190492, year = {2023}, author = {Palermo, S and Stanziano, M and Nigri, A and Civilotti, C and Celeghin, A}, title = {Parkinson's Disease, SARS-CoV-2, and Frailty: Is There a Vicious Cycle Related to Hypovitaminosis D?.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci13040528}, pmid = {37190492}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {The literature has long established the association between aging and frailty, with emerging evidence pointing to a relationship between frailty and SARS-CoV-2 contagion. The possible neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, associated with physical and cognitive frailty, could lead to a worsening of Parkinson's disease (PD) in infected patients or-more rarely-to an increase in the Parkinsonian symptomatology. A possible link between those clinical pictures could be identified in vitamin D deficiency, while the whole process would appear to be associated with alterations in the microbiota-intestine-brain axis that fall within the α-Synuclein Origin site and Connectome (SOC) model, and allow for the identification of a body-first PD and a brain-first PD. The model of care for this condition must consider intrinsic and extrinsic variables so that care by a multidisciplinary team can be successfully predicted. A multidimensional screening protocol specifically designed to identify people at risk or in the early stages of the disease should begin with the investigation of indices of frailty and microbiota-intestine-brain axis alterations, with a new focus on cases of hypovitaminosis D.}, } @article {pmid37190194, year = {2023}, author = {Liatsou, E and Ntanasis-Stathopoulos, I and Lykos, S and Ntanasis-Stathopoulos, A and Gavriatopoulou, M and Psaltopoulou, T and Sergentanis, TN and Terpos, E}, title = {Adult Patients with Cancer Have Impaired Humoral Responses to Complete and Booster COVID-19 Vaccination, Especially Those with Hematologic Cancer on Active Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.}, journal = {Cancers}, volume = {15}, number = {8}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/cancers15082266}, pmid = {37190194}, issn = {2072-6694}, abstract = {The exclusion of patients with cancer in clinical trials evaluating COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and safety, in combination with the high rate of severe infections, highlights the need for optimizing vaccination strategies. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published available data from prospective and retrospective cohort studies that included patients with either solid or hematological malignancies according to the PRISMA Guidelines. A literature search was performed in the following databases: Medline (Pubmed), Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Google Scholar. Overall, 70 studies were included for the first and second vaccine dose and 60 studies for the third dose. The Effect Size (ES) of the seroconversion rate after the first dose was 0.41 (95%CI: 0.33-0.50) for hematological malignancies and 0.56 (95%CI: 0.47-0.64) for solid tumors. The seroconversion rates after the second dose were 0.62 (95%CI: 0.57-0.67) for hematological malignancies and 0.88 (95%CI: 0.82-0.93) for solid tumors. After the third dose, the ES for seroconversion was estimated at 0.63 (95%CI: 0.54-0.72) for hematological cancer and 0.88 (95%CI: 0.75-0.97) for solid tumors. A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate potential factors affecting immune response. Production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was found to be more affected in patients with hematological malignancies, which was attributed to the type of malignancy and treatment with monoclonal antibodies according to the subgroup analyses. Overall, this study highlights that patients with cancer present suboptimal humoral responses after COVID-19 vaccination. Several factors including timing of vaccination in relevance with active therapy, type of therapy, and type of cancer should be considered throughout the immunization process.}, } @article {pmid37189896, year = {2023}, author = {Pallanti, S and Di Ponzio, M}, title = {PANDAS/PANS in the COVID-19 Age: Autoimmunity and Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation as Trigger Agents?.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/children10040648}, pmid = {37189896}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {COVID-19 impacted the entire world's population, frequently resulting in long-lasting neuropsychiatric complications. Furthermore, social distancing, lockdowns and fear for one's personal health worsen individual psychological wellbeing, especially in children and adolescents. Herein, we discuss the results of studies that specifically reported data about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or infection on children with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PANS). Furthermore, we present the cases of five adolescents with PANS whose symptomatology increased following SARS-CoV-2 infection. What emerged from this study was that COVID-19 resulted in the exacerbation of obsessions, tics, anxiety and mood symptoms and decreased wellbeing. Moreover, new symptoms, as well as new PANS cases, are reported to have arisen after COVID-19 infection. Here, we hypothesize that the pathogenic mechanisms of silent viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, are related to neuroinflammation, immune responses and reactivation, with additional roles played by social-isolation-related inflammatory processes. The discussion of PANS, which represents a model of immune-mediated neuropsychiatric manifestations, is particularly relevant, with the aim of uncovering the mechanisms that lead to neuropsychiatric Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). Prospects for future studies and treatment implications are discussed.}, } @article {pmid37189854, year = {2023}, author = {Kersten, J and Schellenberg, J and Jerg, A and Kirsten, J and Persch, H and Liu, Y and Steinacker, JM}, title = {Strain Echocardiography in Acute COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndrome: More than Just a Snapshot.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11041236}, pmid = {37189854}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) has become an established, widely available diagnostic method in the past few years, making its value clear in cases of COVID-19 and the further course of the disease, including post-COVID syndrome. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many studies have been published on the use of STE in this condition, enabling, on the one hand, a better understanding of myocardial involvement in COVID-19 and, on the other, a better identification of risk to patients, although some questions remain unanswered in regard to specific pathomechanisms, especially in post-COVID patients. This review takes a closer look at current findings and potential future developments by summarising the extant data on the use of STE, with a focus on left and right ventricular longitudinal strain.}, } @article {pmid37189833, year = {2023}, author = {Surguchov, A and Emamzadeh, FN and Titova, M and Surguchev, AA}, title = {Controversial Properties of Amyloidogenic Proteins and Peptides: New Data in the COVID Era.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11041215}, pmid = {37189833}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {For a long time, studies of amyloidogenic proteins and peptides (amyloidogenic PPs) have been focused basically on their harmful properties and association with diseases. A vast amount of research has investigated the structure of pathogenic amyloids forming fibrous deposits within or around cells and the mechanisms of their detrimental actions. Much less has been known about the physiologic functions and beneficial properties of amyloidogenic PPs. At the same time, amyloidogenic PPs have various useful properties. For example, they may render neurons resistant to viral infection and propagation and stimulate autophagy. We discuss here some of amyloidogenic PPs' detrimental and beneficial properties using as examples beta-amyloid (β-amyloid), implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and α-synuclein-one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently amyloidogenic PPs' antiviral and antimicrobial properties have attracted attention because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing threat of other viral and bacterial-induced diseases. Importantly, several COVID-19 viral proteins, e.g., spike, nucleocapsid, and envelope proteins, may become amyloidogenic after infection and combine their harmful action with the effect of endogenous APPs. A central area of current investigations is the study of the structural properties of amyloidogenic PPs, defining their beneficial and harmful properties, and identifying triggers that transform physiologically important amyloidogenic PPs into vicious substances. These directions are of paramount importance during the current SARS-CoV-2 global health crisis.}, } @article {pmid37189823, year = {2023}, author = {Vilaplana-Carnerero, C and Giner-Soriano, M and Dominguez, À and Morros, R and Pericas, C and Álamo-Junquera, D and Toledo, D and Gallego, C and Redondo, A and Grau, M}, title = {Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease, and COVID-19: A Narrative Review.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11041206}, pmid = {37189823}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative process that mainly occurs in large- and medium-sized arteries and is morphologically characterized by asymmetric focal thickenings of the innermost layer of the artery, the intima. This process is the basis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the most common cause of death worldwide. Some studies suggest a bidirectional link between atherosclerosis and the consequent CVD with COVID-19. The aims of this narrative review are (1) to provide an overview of the most recent studies that point out a bidirectional relation between COVID-19 and atherosclerosis and (2) to summarize the impact of cardiovascular drugs on COVID-19 outcomes. A growing body of evidence shows that COVID-19 prognosis in individuals with CVD is worse compared with those without. Moreover, various studies have reported the emergence of newly diagnosed patients with CVD after COVID-19. The most common treatments for CVD may influence COVID-19 outcomes. Thus, their implication in the infection process is briefly discussed in this review. A better understanding of the link among atherosclerosis, CVD, and COVID-19 could proactively identify risk factors and, as a result, develop strategies to improve the prognosis for these patients.}, } @article {pmid37189799, year = {2023}, author = {Farooqui, AA and Farooqui, T and Sun, GY and Lin, TN and Teh, DBL and Ong, WY}, title = {COVID-19, Blood Lipid Changes, and Thrombosis.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11041181}, pmid = {37189799}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Although there is increasing evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation induced by COVID-19 may contribute to increased risk and severity of thromboses, the underlying mechanism(s) remain to be understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of blood lipids in association with thrombosis events observed in COVID-19 patients. Among different types of phospholipases A2 that target cell membrane phospholipids, there is increasing focus on the inflammatory secretory phospholipase A2 IIA (sPLA2-IIA), which is associated with the severity of COVID-19. Analysis indicates increased sPLA2-IIA levels together with eicosanoids in the sera of COVID patients. sPLA2 could metabolise phospholipids in platelets, erythrocytes, and endothelial cells to produce arachidonic acid (ARA) and lysophospholipids. Arachidonic acid in platelets is metabolised to prostaglandin H2 and thromboxane A2, known for their pro-coagulation and vasoconstrictive properties. Lysophospholipids, such as lysophosphatidylcholine, could be metabolised by autotaxin (ATX) and further converted to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Increased ATX has been found in the serum of patients with COVID-19, and LPA has recently been found to induce NETosis, a clotting mechanism triggered by the release of extracellular fibres from neutrophils and a key feature of the COVID-19 hypercoagulable state. PLA2 could also catalyse the formation of platelet activating factor (PAF) from membrane ether phospholipids. Many of the above lipid mediators are increased in the blood of patients with COVID-19. Together, findings from analyses of blood lipids in COVID-19 patients suggest an important role for metabolites of sPLA2-IIA in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC).}, } @article {pmid37189793, year = {2023}, author = {Escobio-Prieto, I and Blanco-Díaz, M and Pinero-Pinto, E and Rodriguez-Rodriguez, AM and Ruiz-Dorantes, FJ and Albornoz-Cabello, M}, title = {Quantitative Ultrasound and Bone Health in Elderly People, a Systematic Review.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11041175}, pmid = {37189793}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Reduced bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and their associated fractures are one of the main musculoskeletal disorders of the elderly. Quickness in diagnosis could prevent associated complications in these people. This study aimed to perform a systematic review (SR) to analyze and synthesize current research on whether a calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can estimate BMD and predict fracture risk in elderly people compared to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), following the PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted in the main open-access health science databases: PubMed and Web of Science (WOS). DXA is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Despite controversial results, it can be concluded that the calcaneal QUS tool may be a promising method to evaluate BMD in elderly people, facilitating its prevention and diagnosis. However, further studies are needed to validate the use of calcaneal QUS.}, } @article {pmid37189634, year = {2023}, author = {Boicean, A and Birlutiu, V and Ichim, C and Anderco, P and Birsan, S}, title = {Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11041016}, pmid = {37189634}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Inflammatory bowel diseases represent a complex array of diseases of incompletely known etiology that led to gastrointestinal tract chronic inflammation. In inflammatory bowel disease, a promising method of treatment is represented by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), FMT has shown its increasing effectiveness and safety in recent years for recurrent CDI; moreover, it showed real clinical benefits in treating SARS-CoV-2 and CDI co-infection. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by immune dysregulation, resulting in digestive tract damage caused by immune responses. Most current therapeutic strategies are associated with high costs and many adverse effects by directly targeting the immune response, so modifying the microbial environment by FMT offers an alternative approach that could indirectly influence the host's immune system in a safe way. Studies outline the endoscopic and clinical improvements in UC and CD in FMT patients versus control groups. This review outlines the multiple benefits of FMT in the case of IBD by improving patients unbalanced gut, therefore improving endoscopic and clinical symptomatology. We aim to emphasize the clinical importance and benefits of FMT in order to prevent flares or complications of IBD and to highlight that further validation is needed for establishing a clinical protocol for FMT in IBD.}, } @article {pmid37189632, year = {2023}, author = {Saviano, A and Brigida, M and Petruzziello, C and Zanza, C and Candelli, M and Morabito Loprete, MR and Saleem, F and Ojetti, V}, title = {Intestinal Damage, Inflammation and Microbiota Alteration during COVID-19 Infection.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11041014}, pmid = {37189632}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The virus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for respiratory disorders due to the fact that it mainly infects the respiratory tract using the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. ACE2 receptors are also highly expressed on intestinal cells, representing an important site of entry for the virus in the gut. Literature studies underlined that the virus infects and replicates in the gut epithelial cells, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting and anorexia. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 virus settles into the bloodstream, hyperactivating the platelets and cytokine storms and causing gut-blood barrier damage with an alteration of the gut microbiota, intestinal cell injury, intestinal vessel thrombosis leading to malabsorption, malnutrition, an increasing disease severity and mortality with short and long-period sequelae.

CONCLUSION: This review summarizes the data on how SARS-CoV-2 effects on the gastrointestinal systems, including the mechanisms of inflammation, relationship with the gut microbiota, endoscopic patterns, and the role of fecal calprotectin, confirming the importance of the digestive system in clinical practice for the diagnosis and follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 infection.}, } @article {pmid37189617, year = {2023}, author = {Chiarini, A and Gui, L and Viviani, C and Armato, U and Dal Prà, I}, title = {NLRP3 Inflammasome's Activation in Acute and Chronic Brain Diseases-An Update on Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives with Respect to Other Inflammasomes.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11040999}, pmid = {37189617}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Increasingly prevalent acute and chronic human brain diseases are scourges for the elderly. Besides the lack of therapies, these ailments share a neuroinflammation that is triggered/sustained by different innate immunity-related protein oligomers called inflammasomes. Relevant neuroinflammation players such as microglia/monocytes typically exhibit a strong NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Hence the idea that NLRP3 suppression might solve neurodegenerative ailments. Here we review the recent Literature about this topic. First, we update conditions and mechanisms, including RNAs, extracellular vesicles/exosomes, endogenous compounds, and ethnic/pharmacological agents/extracts regulating NLRP3 function. Second, we pinpoint NLRP3-activating mechanisms and known NLRP3 inhibition effects in acute (ischemia, stroke, hemorrhage), chronic (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, MS, ALS), and virus-induced (Zika, SARS-CoV-2, and others) human brain diseases. The available data show that (i) disease-specific divergent mechanisms activate the (mainly animal) brains NLRP3; (ii) no evidence proves that NLRP3 inhibition modifies human brain diseases (yet ad hoc trials are ongoing); and (iii) no findings exclude that concurrently activated other-than-NLRP3 inflammasomes might functionally replace the inhibited NLRP3. Finally, we highlight that among the causes of the persistent lack of therapies are the species difference problem in disease models and a preference for symptomatic over etiologic therapeutic approaches. Therefore, we posit that human neural cell-based disease models could drive etiological, pathogenetic, and therapeutic advances, including NLRP3's and other inflammasomes' regulation, while minimizing failure risks in candidate drug trials.}, } @article {pmid37189612, year = {2023}, author = {Grant, WB and Al Anouti, F and Boucher, BJ and Fakhoury, HMA and Moukayed, M and Pilz, S and Al-Daghri, NM}, title = {Evidence That Increasing Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations to 30 ng/mL in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Could Greatly Improve Health Outcomes.}, journal = {Biomedicines}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines11040994}, pmid = {37189612}, issn = {2227-9059}, abstract = {Accumulating evidence supports the potential protective effects of vitamin D against chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, cancers, cardiovascular disease (ischaemic heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and infectious diseases such as acute respiratory tract diseases, COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes. The respective evidence is based on ecological and observational studies, randomized controlled trials, mechanistic studies, and Mendelian randomization studies. However, randomized controlled trials on vitamin D supplementation have largely failed to show benefits, probably due to poor design and analysis. In this work, we aim to use the best available evidence on the potential beneficial effects of vitamin D to estimate the expected reduction in incidence and mortality rates of vitamin D-related diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates if minimum serum 25(OH)D concentrations were to be raised to 30 ng/mL. Estimated reductions by 25% for myocardial infarction incidence, 35% for stroke incidence, 20 to 35% for cardiovascular disease mortality, and 35% for cancer mortality rates depicted a promising potential for raising serum 25(OH)D. Methods to increase serum 25(OH)D concentrations at the population level could include food fortification with vitamin D3, vitamin D supplementation, improved dietary vitamin D intake, and sensible sun exposure.}, } @article {pmid37189600, year = {2023}, author = {Jaques-Albuquerque, LT and Dos Anjos-Martins, E and Torres-Nunes, L and Valério-Penha, AG and Coelho-Oliveira, AC and da Silva Sarandy, VL and Reis-Silva, A and Seixas, A and Bernardo-Filho, M and Taiar, R and de Sá-Caputo, DC}, title = {Effectiveness of Using the FreeStyle Libre[®] System for Monitoring Blood Glucose during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Diabetic Individuals: Systematic Review.}, journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13081499}, pmid = {37189600}, issn = {2075-4418}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science/engineering that is aiming to spread technological systems. The COVID-19 pandemic caused economic and public health turbulence around the world. Among the many possibilities for using AI in the medical field is FreeStyle Libre[®] (FSL), which uses a disposable sensor inserted into the user's arm, and a touchscreen device/reader is used to scan and retrieve other continuous monitoring of glucose (CMG) readings. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the effectiveness of FSL blood glucose monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: This systematic review was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022340562). The inclusion criteria considered studies involving the use of the FSL device during the COVID-19 pandemic and published in English. No publication date restrictions were set. The exclusion criteria were abstracts, systematic reviews, studies with patients with other diseases, monitoring with other equipment, patients with COVID-19, and bariatrics patients. Seven databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Scielo, PEDro and Cochrane Library). The ACROBAT-NRSI tool (A Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-Randomized Studies) was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the selected articles.

RESULTS: A total of 113 articles were found. Sixty-four were excluded because they were duplicates, 39 were excluded after reading the titles and abstracts, and twenty articles were considered for full reading. Of the 10 articles analyzed, four articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thus, six articles were included in the current systematic review. It was observed that among the selected articles, only two were classified as having serious risk of bias. It was shown that FSL had a positive impact on glycemic control and on reducing the number of individuals with hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the implementation of FSL during COVID-19 confinement in this population can be confidently stated to have been effective in diabetes mellitus patients.}, } @article {pmid37189499, year = {2023}, author = {Paramythiotis, D and Karlafti, E and Veroplidou, K and Fafouti, M and Kaiafa, G and Netta, S and Michalopoulos, A and Savopoulos, C}, title = {Drug-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.}, journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13081398}, pmid = {37189499}, issn = {2075-4418}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a systemic disease that affects not only the respiratory system, but also other systems, including gastrointestinal. A great number of different drugs have been used on hospitalized patients for the management of COVID-19, and acute pancreatitis (AP) has been reported as a complication or side effect of these drugs. The development of drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIAP) follows a complex of pathophysiological mechanisms, and particular risk factors play a key role. Diagnosis of DIAP depends on specific criteria, and based on these, a drug may be characterized as having a definite, probable or possible connection with AP. The aim of this review is to present the medications that are used for COVID-19 management and are associated with AP in hospitalized patients. The list of these drugs mainly includes corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiviral agents, antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, estrogens and anesthetic agents. Moreover, the prevention of the development of DIAP is vital, especially for critically ill patients who may receive multiple drugs. DIAP management is mainly non-invasive and the first step concerns the exception of the suspicious drug from patients therapy.}, } @article {pmid37189435, year = {2023}, author = {Mazari, AMA and Zhang, L and Ye, ZW and Zhang, J and Tew, KD and Townsend, DM}, title = {The Multifaceted Role of Glutathione S-Transferases in Health and Disease.}, journal = {Biomolecules}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biom13040688}, pmid = {37189435}, issn = {2218-273X}, abstract = {In humans, the cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) family of proteins is encoded by 16 genes presented in seven different classes. GSTs exhibit remarkable structural similarity with some overlapping functionalities. As a primary function, GSTs play a putative role in Phase II metabolism by protecting living cells against a wide variety of toxic molecules by conjugating them with the tripeptide glutathione. This conjugation reaction is extended to forming redox sensitive post-translational modifications on proteins: S-glutathionylation. Apart from these catalytic functions, specific GSTs are involved in the regulation of stress-induced signaling pathways that govern cell proliferation and apoptosis. Recently, studies on the effects of GST genetic polymorphisms on COVID-19 disease development revealed that the individuals with higher numbers of risk-associated genotypes showed higher risk of COVID-19 prevalence and severity. Furthermore, overexpression of GSTs in many tumors is frequently associated with drug resistance phenotypes. These functional properties make these proteins promising targets for therapeutics, and a number of GST inhibitors have progressed in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.}, } @article {pmid37189326, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, T and Zhai, Y and Xue, H and Zhou, W and Ding, Y and Nie, H}, title = {Regulation of Epithelial Sodium Transport by SARS-CoV-2 Is Closely Related with Fibrinolytic System-Associated Proteins.}, journal = {Biomolecules}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/biom13040578}, pmid = {37189326}, issn = {2218-273X}, abstract = {Dyspnea and progressive hypoxemia are the main clinical features of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pulmonary pathology shows diffuse alveolar damage with edema, hemorrhage, and the deposition of fibrinogens in the alveolar space, which are consistent with the Berlin Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Criteria. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a key channel protein in alveolar ion transport and the rate-limiting step for pulmonary edema fluid clearance, the dysregulation of which is associated with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. The main protein of the fibrinolysis system, plasmin, can bind to the furin site of γ-ENaC and induce it to an activation state, facilitating pulmonary fluid reabsorption. Intriguingly, the unique feature of SARS-CoV-2 from other β-coronaviruses is that the spike protein of the former has the same furin site (RRAR) with ENaC, suggesting that a potential competition exists between SARS-CoV-2 and ENaC for the cleavage by plasmin. Extensive pulmonary microthrombosis caused by disorders of the coagulation and fibrinolysis system has also been seen in COVID-19 patients. To some extent, high plasmin (ogen) is a common risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection since an increased cleavage by plasmin accelerates virus invasion. This review elaborates on the closely related relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and ENaC for fibrinolysis system-related proteins, aiming to clarify the regulation of ENaC under SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide a novel reference for the treatment of COVID-19 from the view of sodium transport regulation in the lung epithelium.}, } @article {pmid37189215, year = {2023}, author = {Park, E and Choi, SY and Kim, J and Hildebrandt, N and Lee, JS and Nam, JM}, title = {Nanotechnologies for the Diagnosis and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants.}, journal = {Small methods}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2300034}, doi = {10.1002/smtd.202300034}, pmid = {37189215}, issn = {2366-9608}, abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has caused well over 750 million infections and 6.8 million deaths. Rapid diagnosis and isolation of infected patients are the primary aims of the concerned authorities to minimize the casualties. The endeavor to mitigate the pandemic has been impeded by the emergence of newly identified genomic variants of SARS-CoV-2. Some of these variants are considered as serious threats because of their higher transmissibility and potential immune evasion, leading to reduced vaccine efficiency. Nanotechnology can play an important role in advancing both diagnosis and therapy of COVID-19. In this review, nanotechnology-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are introduced. The biological features and functions of the virus, the mechanism of infection, and currently used approaches for diagnosis, vaccination, and therapy are discussed. Then, nanomaterial-based nucleic acid- and antigen-targeting diagnostic methods and viral activity suppression approaches that have a strong potential to advance both diagnostics and therapeutics toward control and containment of the COVID-19 pandemic are focused upon.}, } @article {pmid37189112, year = {2023}, author = {Kakavandi, S and Zare, I and VaezJalali, M and Dadashi, M and Azarian, M and Akbari, A and Ramezani Farani, M and Zalpoor, H and Hajikhani, B}, title = {Structural and non-structural proteins in SARS-CoV-2: potential aspects to COVID-19 treatment or prevention of progression of related diseases.}, journal = {Cell communication and signaling : CCS}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {110}, pmid = {37189112}, issn = {1478-811X}, abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a new member of the Coronaviridae family known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are structural and non-structural proteins (NSPs) in the genome of this virus. S, M, H, and E proteins are structural proteins, and NSPs include accessory and replicase proteins. The structural and NSP components of SARS-CoV-2 play an important role in its infectivity, and some of them may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, including cancer, coagulation disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with targets such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can stimulate pathological intracellular signaling pathways by triggering transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), CD147, and Eph receptors, which play important roles in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, and multiple cancers such as glioblastoma, lung malignancies, and leukemias. Several compounds such as polyphenols, doxazosin, baricitinib, and ruxolitinib could inhibit these interactions. It has been demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has a stronger affinity for human ACE2 than the spike protein of SARS-CoV, leading the current study to hypothesize that the newly produced variant Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to human ACE2 more strongly than the primary strain. SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses against structural and NSPs have become resistant to previous vaccines. Therefore, the review of recent studies and the performance of current vaccines and their effects on COVID-19 and related diseases has become a vital need to deal with the current conditions. This review examines the potential role of these SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the initiation of chronic diseases, and it is anticipated that these proteins could serve as components of an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 and related diseases. Video Abstract.}, } @article {pmid37188939, year = {2023}, author = {Castelo-Soccio, L and Kim, H and Gadina, M and Schwartzberg, PL and Laurence, A and O'Shea, JJ}, title = {Protein kinases: drug targets for immunological disorders.}, journal = {Nature reviews. Immunology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37188939}, issn = {1474-1741}, abstract = {Protein kinases play a major role in cellular activation processes, including signal transduction by diverse immunoreceptors. Given their roles in cell growth and death and in the production of inflammatory mediators, targeting kinases has proven to be an effective treatment strategy, initially as anticancer therapies, but shortly thereafter in immune-mediated diseases. Herein, we provide an overview of the status of small molecule inhibitors specifically generated to target protein kinases relevant to immune cell function, with an emphasis on those approved for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. The development of inhibitors of Janus kinases that target cytokine receptor signalling has been a particularly active area, with Janus kinase inhibitors being approved for the treatment of multiple autoimmune and allergic diseases as well as COVID-19. In addition, TEC family kinase inhibitors (including Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors) targeting antigen receptor signalling have been approved for haematological malignancies and graft versus host disease. This experience provides multiple important lessons regarding the importance (or not) of selectivity and the limits to which genetic information informs efficacy and safety. Many new agents are being generated, along with new approaches for targeting kinases.}, } @article {pmid37188891, year = {2023}, author = {Pathak, R and Gaur, V and Sankrityayan, H and Gogtay, J}, title = {Tackling Counterfeit Drugs: The Challenges and Possibilities.}, journal = {Pharmaceutical medicine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37188891}, issn = {1179-1993}, abstract = {Drugs that have been manufactured or packaged fraudulently are referred to as counterfeit/fake/spurious/falsified drugs because they either lack active ingredients or have the incorrect dosages. Counterfeiting of drugs has become a global issue with which the whole world is grappling. The World Health Organization states the frightening figure in which almost 10.5% of the medications worldwide are either subpar or fake. Although developing and low-income countries are the targets of the large-scale drug counterfeiting activities, fake/substandard drugs are also making their way into developed nations including the USA, Canada, and European countries. Counterfeiting of drugs is leading to not only economic loss but is also playing its part in the morbidity and mortality of patients. The recent COVID-19 pandemic fuelled the demand for certain categories of medicines such as antipyretics, remdesivir, corticosteroids, vaccines, etc., thus increasing the demand and manufacture of subpar/fake medicines. This review articulates the current trends and global impact of drug counterfeiting, current and potential measures for its prevention and the role of different stakeholders in tackling the menace of drug counterfeiting.}, } @article {pmid37188398, year = {2023}, author = {Al-Teete, R and Hassan, II and Abdul Kadir, A and AbuAlRub, R}, title = {Nursing lecturers' perception toward E-learning approaches used in nursing colleges: Scoping review.}, journal = {Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing}, volume = {46}, number = {}, pages = {102-110}, doi = {10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.03.001}, pmid = {37188398}, issn = {1532-8481}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nursing colleges have traditionally taught students in hospitals and laboratories. COVID-19 compelled most nursing colleges to embrace e-learning without prior experience or preparation after 2020, which may influence nursing educators' views and attitudes toward its use.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review explores the nursing educators' perception of the e-learning approaches used in nursing colleges.

DESIGN: A comprehensive review of five databases, Cochrane, Ebsco (Medline), PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus, was conducted, adhering to the Joanna Brings Institute (JBI) standards full theme, utilizing preset eligibility criteria and adhering to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) recommendations.

METHODS: This scoping review examined studies published in English from January 1st, 2017-2022. Three reviewers evaluated the eligibility of the literature and retrieved data to address the research question from prior literature. A content analysis was done.

RESULTS: Thirteen articles with various hypotheses and models were reviewed. The review reveals that nursing educators are novices at using e-learning approaches in their classes due to their novelty in most nursing colleges. Nursing educators have a modest positive perception, with an optimistic perspective on e-learning effectiveness in theoretical course teaching, emphasizing that it is inappropriate in teaching clinical courses. The review demonstrates that e-learning faces numerous challenges that negatively impact educators' perceptions.

CONCLUSION: Institutional preparedness in terms of personnel through educator training, provision of necessary infrastructure, administrative support, and incentives are critical to improving the perception of the e-learning method and increasing its adoption in nursing colleges.}, } @article {pmid37188120, year = {2023}, author = {De Backer, D}, title = {Novelties in the evaluation of microcirculation in septic shock.}, journal = {Journal of intensive medicine}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {124-130}, pmid = {37188120}, issn = {2667-100X}, abstract = {Microvascular alterations were first described in critically ill patients about 20 years ago. These alterations are characterized by a decrease in vascular density and presence of non-perfused capillaries close to well-perfused vessels. In addition, heterogeneity in microvascular perfusion is a key finding in sepsis. In this narrative review, we report our actual understanding of microvascular alterations, their role in the development of organ dysfunction, and the implications for outcome. Herein, we discuss the state of the potential therapeutic interventions and the potential impact of novel therapies. We also discuss how recent technologic development may affect the evaluation of microvascular perfusion.}, } @article {pmid37187739, year = {2023}, author = {Domínguez-Horta, MDC and Serrano-Díaz, A and Hernández-Cedeño, M and Martínez-Donato, G and Guillén-Nieto, G}, title = {A peptide derived from HSP60 reduces proinflammatory cytokines and soluble mediators: a therapeutic approach to inflammation.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1162739}, pmid = {37187739}, issn = {1664-3224}, abstract = {Cytokines are secretion proteins that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation. They are crucial in the progress of acute inflammatory diseases and autoimmunity. In fact, the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines has been widely tested in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of these inhibitors have been used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients to improve survival rates. However, controlling the extent of inflammation with cytokine inhibitors is still a challenge because these molecules are redundant and pleiotropic. Here we review a novel therapeutic approach based on the use of the HSP60-derived Altered Peptide Ligand (APL) designed for RA and repositioned for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammation. HSP60 is a molecular chaperone found in all cells. It is involved in a wide diversity of cellular events including protein folding and trafficking. HSP60 concentration increases during cellular stress, for example inflammation. This protein has a dual role in immunity. Some HSP60-derived soluble epitopes induce inflammation, while others are immunoregulatory. Our HSP60-derived APL decreases the concentration of cytokines and induces the increase of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in various experimental systems. Furthermore, it decreases several cytokines and soluble mediators that are raised in RA, as well as decreases the excessive inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2. This approach can be extended to other inflammatory diseases.}, } @article {pmid37187644, year = {2023}, author = {Zahedi, M and Kordrostami, S and Kalantarhormozi, M and Bagheri, M}, title = {A Review of Hyperglycemia in COVID-19.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e37487}, pmid = {37187644}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders worldwide, which increases the risk of common and opportunistic infections. Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a higher incidence rate, more severe forms of the disease, and exacerbation of hyperglycemia and its complications have been observed in patients with DM. Moreover, stress-induced hyperglycemia has been observed in many hospitalized nondiabetic patients after contracting COVID-19. Hyperglycemia worsens prognosis in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. In this study, the mechanism of new-onset or exacerbation of hyperglycemia, the effect of the treatments used for COVID-19 on hyperglycemia, the importance and appropriate method of blood glucose (blood sugar (BS)) control during the disease, and the possible fate of new-onset hyperglycemia after recovery from COVID-19 to some extent is expressed.}, } @article {pmid37187394, year = {2023}, author = {Hasan, M and Islam, ARMT and Jion, MMMF and Rahman, MN and Peu, SD and Das, A and Bari, ABMM and Islam, MS and Pal, SC and Islam, A and Choudhury, TR and Rakib, MRJ and Idris, AM and Malafaia, G}, title = {Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {164164}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164}, pmid = {37187394}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh,