Forms Of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Research Articles

Penyuluhan Pencegahan Penularan Penyakit dari Alat Selam (Mouthpiece) dan Tips Pemeliharan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut bagi Komunitas Penyelam "Corona Diving Club"

Diving Sports activities are very fun, because it is enjoyable. However, this sport is full of risks. If done carelessly, it will cause health problems including dental and oral health. The mouthpiece is the part that is attached to the SCUBA or snorkel equipment. In particular, the use of a mouthpiece has a negative impact on oral health, among other things, it can cause pain in the jaw (Temporomandibular Disorders), as well as transmission of diseases, name it bacteria, viruses or fungi. In 2020, the whole world, including Indonesia, was hit by a global pandemic in the form of Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) which has systematically changed human lifestyles. The Covid-19 pandemic is now gradually coming to an end. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out counseling and training regarding oral and dental health in the diver community during adaptation to new habits. Training and counseling will be carried out using online methods or distance learning using presentations on how to maintain dental and oral health in the Corona Diving Club diver community. Training and counseling were carried out for 20 community member cadres for 60 minutes, by giving presentations and followed by questions and answers. Increased knowledge about dental and oral health, measured by giving questionnaires before and after exposure to the material. The results are expected to increase the knowledge and abilities of the Indonesian cloth-loving community in Jakarta in maintaining oral health during the adaptation period to new habits during the Covid-19 pandemic. The outputs of this community service activity will be set forth in the form of HAKI PKM video recordings, leaflets and posters regarding dental and oral health care.

A SARS-CoV-2 Infection High-Uptake Program on Healthcare Workers and Cancer Patients of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Italy.

Background: From the beginning of 2020, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) quickly spread worldwide, becoming the main problem for the healthcare systems. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of infection and can be a dangerous vehicle for the spread of the virus. Furthermore, cancer patients (CPs) are a vulnerable population, with an increased risk of developing severe and lethal forms of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). Therefore, at the National Cancer Institute of Naples, where only cancer patients are treated, a surveillance program aimed to prevent the hospital access of SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects (HCWs and CPs) was implemented. The study aims to describe the results of the monitoring activity for the SARS-CoV-2 spread among HCWs and CPs, from March 2020 to March 2021. Methods: This surveillance program included a periodic sampling through nasopharyngeal molecular swabs for SARS-CoV-2 (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, RT-PCR). CPs were submitted to the molecular test at least 48 h before hospital admission. Survival analysis and multiple logistic regression models were performed among HCWs and CPs to assess the main SARS-CoV-2 risk factors. Results: The percentages of HCWs tested with RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, according to the first and the second wave, were 79.7% and 91.7%, respectively, while the percentages for the CPs were 24.6% and 39.6%. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 20 (1.7%) HCWs of the 1204 subjects tested during the first wave, and in 127 (9.2%) of 1385 subjects tested in the second wave (p < 0.001); among CPs, the prevalence of patients tested varied from 100 (4.6%) during the first wave to 168 (4.9%) during the second wave (p = 0.8). The multivariate logistic analysis provided a significant OR for nurses (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.23–4.08, p < 0.001) compared to research, administrative staff, and other job titles. Conclusions: Our findings show that the positivity rate between the two waves in the HCWs increased over time but not in the CPs; therefore, the importance of adopting stringent measures to contain the shock wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the hospital setting was essential. Among HCWs, nurses are more exposed to contagion and patients who needed continuity in oncological care for diseases other than COVID-19, such as suspected cancer.

DNA aptamers masking angiotensin converting enzyme 2 as an innovative way to treat SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

All the different coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 variants isolated so far share the same mechanism of infection mediated by the interaction of their spike (S) glycoprotein with specific residues on their cellular receptor: the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Therefore, the steric hindrance on this cellular receptor created by a bulk macromolecule may represent an effective strategy for the prevention of the viral spreading and the onset of severe forms of Corona Virus disease 19 (COVID-19). Here, we applied a systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) procedure to identify two single strand DNA molecules (aptamers) binding specifically to the region surrounding the K353, the key residue in human ACE2 interacting with the N501 amino acid of the SARS-CoV-2 S. 3D docking in silico experiments and biochemical assays demonstrated that these aptamers bind to this region, efficiently prevent the SARS-CoV-2 S/human ACE2 interaction and the viral infection in the nanomolar range, regardless of the viral variant, thus suggesting the possible clinical development of these aptamers as SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibitors. Our approach brings a significant innovation to the therapeutic paradigm of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic by protecting the target cell instead of focusing on the virus; this is particularly attractive in light of the increasing number of viral mutants that may potentially escape the currently developed immune-mediated neutralization strategies.

Cytokine storm induced coagulopathy in septic shock and critical Covid-19: head-to-head comparison

BackgroundSeptic shock generates an important inflammatory reaction, endothelial activation and a procoagulant state leading to microvascular thrombosis and subsequent organ impairment [1].Similarly, a severe inflammatory reaction and a coagulopathy with pulmonary micro-thrombosis eventually leading to acute lung injury, is a typical feature of critical form of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) [2].Our aim was to compare coagulation, platelet activation and platelets-neutrophils interplay between control, septic shock and critical Covid-19 patients.Methods/MaterialsA total of 118 patients were included in our prospective, monocentric, observational study between February 2019 and June 2020. Septic shock (n=48) and Covid-19 (n=22) patients were consecutively included at admission in our ICU department. Control patients (n=48) with matched gender and co-morbidities were recruited at central lab consultation.ResultsSeptic shock patients had worse severity scores due to multiple organ failure (assessed by APACHE II and SOFA score) whereas Covid-19 patients had more severe respiratory failure and a longer ICU length-of-stay (Table 1).At the time of inclusion, CRP and lymphocyte count were comparable between septic shock and Covid-19 patients. White cell count ad neutrophil count was higher for septic shock patients.Analysis of coagulation showed a prolonged INR, TT and aPTT in septic shock although only INR was prolonged in Covid-19. Thrombin antithrombin complex (TATc) formation was similar in both pathologies, whereas consumption of antithrombin III (ATIII) and D-dimers formation was more pronounced in septic shock.Platelet count was lower in septic shock and platelet activation, assessed via plasmatic levels of soluble P-selectin (sCD62P) and Trem-like transcript 1 (sTLT-1), was more important in septic shock.Neutrophil activation and NETosis, evaluated by levels of circulating myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone 3 (H3-Cit), was similarly increased in both groups (Figure 1).ConclusionsThis study confirmed an activation of coagulation cascade, platelet activation and NETosis in both septic shock and critical Covid-19, compared with control patients. Importantly, the extent of these changes was similar or less pronounced in critical COVID-19 compared with septic shock.Funding AcknowledgementType of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Fondation Saint Luc Figure 1

SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in people experiencing homelessness.

People experiencing homelessness have peculiar characteristics that make them more vulnerable to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and to more serious forms of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the homeless population assisted by the primary care services of the Eleemosynaria Apostolica, Vatican City. Persons experiencing homelessness and the volunteers assisting them were tested for COVID-19 through PCR and antigen rapid test between October 1st, 2020, and June 5th, 2021, in the clinical facilities of the Eleemosynaria Apostolica. A total of 1665 subjects from 96 different countries in five continents were included in the study; age range was 1-90 years. Overall, 2315 COVID-19 tests through nasopharyngeal swab were performed; 1052 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and 1263 antigen rapid tests. Nearly 40% of the subjects underwent both tests (n=650, 39.04%), 402 were tested with PCR test only (24.14%) and 613 with antigen test only (36.8%). PCR tests were negative in 966 cases and positive in 86 (8.17%), while antigen tests were negative in 1205 cases and positive in 58 (4.59%). The number of positive cases varied over time, with a drastic increase during the winter months of 2020 and a progressive decrease over 2021. Among positive cases, 24.41% were symptomatic; symptoms included fever, breathing difficulties, anosmia/hyposmia, cough, headache, and diarrhea. This study reported an overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in our sample slightly above 8%. Additional data on viral genome through sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in positive cases are of utmost importance to help identify variants and implement specific infection control measures.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in triage-negative patients and staff of a fertility setting from lockdown release throughout 2020.

STUDY QUESTIONWhat is the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in triage-negative patients undergoing ART and fertility care providers after lockdown release and throughout 2020?SUMMARY ANSWEROut of the triage-negative patients whose blood samples were assessed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over 6 months, 5.2% yielded positive results with a significantly higher rate in health care workers (HCWs) and a significant month-by-month increase in those with evidence of antibodies.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYPatients of reproductive age are more prone to asymptomatic or minimal forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as compared to older age groups, and the identification of those with active infection and those already exposed (and probably immunized) is important for safety and cost-effective use of testing resources in the fertility setting. Data on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in ART patients are limited and encompass short time frames; current rates are unknown. There is also no consensus on the optimal way of screening triage-negative ART patients in moderate/high-risk areas.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONA prospective longitudinal unicentric study on triage negative ART patients (n = 516) and clinical staff (n = 30) was carried out. We analyzed 705 serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 sampled between 17 May 2020 (the first working day after lockdown release) up to 1 December 2020, to assess the positivity rates for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSWe collected data on the serological status for IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in 516 triage-negative men (n = 123) and women (n = 393) undergoing ART at a private fertility center and 30 HCWs that were at work during the study period. Antibodies were detected with a capture chemiluminescence assay (CLIA) targeting the highly Immunogenic S1 and S2 domains on the virus spike protein. We also analyzed the molecular test results of the cases exhibiting a positive serology.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEThe data showed that 5.2% of the triage-negative ART patients had a positive serological result for SARS-CoV-2, with an overall conversion rate of 2.1% for IgG and 4.6% for IgM. There was no significant difference in seroprevalence between sexes. The small cohort (n = 30) of HCWs had a markedly increased seroprevalence (12.9% for Ig M and 22.6% for IgG). The highest seropositivity in our cohort was recorded in November (16.2%). The IgM positivity rates revealed significant monthly increments, paralleling official prevalence rates based on nasopharyngeal swabs. No positive molecular tests were identified in cases exhibiting a solitary positive IgG result. We show that despite a 6-fold increase in the number of ART patients with a positive serology between May and December 2020, most of our patients remain unexposed to the virus. The study was undertaken in a high-risk area for COVID-19, with a 20-times increase in the active cases across the study period.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONThe geographical restriction, alongside the lack of running a second, differently-targeted immunoassay (orthogonal testing), could limit the generalizability and translation of our results to other fertility settings or other immunoassays.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThe low positivity rates for IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein seen at the end of 2020 imply that most of the fertility patients are still at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Until mass vaccination and other measures effectively diminish the pandemic, risk mitigation strategies must be maintained in the fertility units in the foreseeable future. Patients with a solitary IgG+ status are most likely ‘non-infectious’ and can elude further testing without giving up the strict use of universal protective measures. With increasing seroprevalences owing to infection or vaccination, and with the consecutive increase in test performance, it is possible that serological screening of ART patients might be more cost-effective than PCR testing, especially for the many patients with repeat treatments/procedures in a time-frame of months.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTSThis research received no external funding. All authors declare having no conflict of interest with regard to this trial.

Successful outcome of a severe COVID-19 patient with multiple co-morbidities: a case report

Patients with severe form of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with multiple co-morbidities can be treated successfully. We report a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), occurring in an elderly male patient with (co-morbid )diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and obstructive sleep apnea. This case is reported to emphasize that managing severe COVID-19 patient with multi-disciplinary approach, keeping in mind each of the co-morbidities, can result a fourable outcome.&#x0D; Birdem Med J 2020; 10, COVID Supplement: 127-130

Possible re-infection of SARS-CoV-2 complicated by dengue virus co-infection: report of a rare case from Bangladesh

Re-infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and co-infection by dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 are possible. We report a case of dengue haemorrhagic fever, occurring in a young Bangladeshi man, who concurrently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Four months previously, he suffered a mild form of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This case is reported to make the physicians aware that, co-infections are possible in this COVID-19 pandemic, specially in dengue endemic regions and countries like Bangladesh.&#x0D; Birdem Med J 2020; 10, COVID Supplement: 105-106

ПРОТОКОЛ НАДАННЯ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ КРИТИЧНИМ ХВОРИМ НА COVID-19: клінічний випадок

One of the principal precepts of bioethics that all students in healthcare are taught in school which is a fundamental principle throughout of medicine, is referred as the Latin phrase “primum non nocere”. This means that, in regard to therapeutic strategies, it is first of all necessary not to harm the patient and for this reason, among the possible treatments, the one that has fewer contraindications should always be privileged. The current COVID-19 pandemic today counts more than 46 million cases and more than 1 million deaths worldwide. While the vast majority of the scientific community is working tirelessly on the development of vaccines and control of the application of the results produced by the use of drugs in hospitalized patients, few studies have dealt with issues related to the concepts of prophylaxis and treatment of the early phase of the disease. Prophylaxis includes strategies capable, on the one hand, of containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand, mitigating the development of the immune system imbalance caused in severe forms of Coronavirus disease. That is why we present the MATH + clinical guidelines, which were created thanks to an international alliance of doctors from around the world and a description of the clinical case when the MATH + clinical guidelines were used. Medicine is a direction of human activity, which in its charity knows no boundaries, age restrictions, emotions and prohibitions. The doctor everywhere rushes to the rescue neglecting personal. That is why we strive to help all health workers, who are at the Front Line in the fight for the lives of COVID-19 critical patients.

Combating Risks in Dentistry During Covid-19 Pandemic

The year 2019- 2020 has given rise to a menace in the form of Corona Virus Disease, which within notime has turned into a pandemic, affecting every corner of the world. It has disarranged the day-to-daylifestyle of the society, economy, employment, trade, hunger, etc. Dentistry is also one of these, affectedby the pandemic, and has caused heavy financial loss for the dental personnel, along with delay/halt in thedental treatment to a massive population in need. When eradicating the disease has become a question, it isbetter to live with the disease and restrain the risks of transmission in the dental operatory by following fewcrucial and mandatory steps like proper hand hygiene, maintaining social distancing, creating awareness,fumigating the operating rooms and surfaces etc. This review article thus elaborates the expedients a dentalsurgeon should follow to combat the risks of transmission of this fierce disease during dental interventions.

COVID-19: A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

The novel corona virus-2 (n-CoV-2) identified in the December 2019 which then spread worldwide has become pandemic in the form of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and affected the health, economy and the medical system to a significant extent. As on date, around 6.25 million confirmed cases including death of around 3,75,000 have been reported. The present review deals with the history and origin of the COVID-19, its worldwide pandemic spread, symptoms and preventive measures as an attempt to create awareness of the fatal disease.

Role of self-care in COVID-19 pandemic for people living with comorbidities of diabetes and hypertension.

People living with comorbidities especially chronic non-communicable disease (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension are at greater risk of acquiring severe form of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) infection known to be caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoV –2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to underlying immunodeficiency. The government has taken various public health measures to reduce the risk of infection, such as physical distancing, Information Education and Communication (IEC) messages regarding hand-washing, usage of masks, and avoidance of unnecessary travel including lockdown to combat the spread of disease. However, nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic has also confronted the existing health care system (clinician centric approach) for the management of diabetes and hypertension in India. Using secondary source of data from specific website and search engine a review was done for existing guidelines and literature focusing on the various components of self-care management (patient-centered care) and highlights the importance of self-care management education to cope up with twin pandemic of COVID-19 and NCDs. An attempt was also made to highlight the use of eHealth to manage diabetes and hypertension which may act as a bridge to fill the gap between primary care physician and patient's amid lockdown and help physician to deliver comprehensive care for people suffering from comorbidities.