Factors affecting nosocomial death in elderly patients with COVID-19 and construction of a risk predictive model / 基础医学与临床

Objective To study the factors affecting hospital death in elderly patients with novel coronavirus infec-tion/disease 2019(COVID-19),and to build a risk prediction model.Methods According to the diagnostic criteria of Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 Infection(Trial 10th Edition).Totally 775 elderly patients(≥60 years old)diagnosed as COVID-19 infection in the emergency department and fever clinic of the First Hospital of Changsha were selected as the research objects.General data and serum biomarkers of patients were collected.After treatment,the patients'data were divided into survival group and hospital death group.Binary Logistic regres-sion was used to screen the independent influencing factors of death,and ROC curve was used to analyze the pre-dictive value of related indicators on hospital death.Results After treatment,712 patients(91.9%)survived and 63 patients(8.3%)died in hospital.Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that:≥90 years old[OR=5.065,95%CI(1.427,17.974)],type 2 diabetes mellitus[OR= 3.757,95%CI(1.649,8.559)],COPD[OR= 5.625,95%CI(2.357,13.421)],monocyte ratio[OR=0.908,95%CI(0.857,0.963)],plasma fibringen[OR=1.376,95%CI(1.053,1.800)]and lactate dehydrogenase[OR=1.005,95%CI(1.001,o1.008)]were independent factors of in-hospital death(P＜0.05).The predictive value of diabetes mellitus+COPD+age+monocyte ratio+plasma fibrinogen+lactate dehydrogenase was proved in hospital death from COVID-19 infected patients:the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.883(95%CI:0.827,0.940,P＜0.001),the critical value≥0.710 suggested the risk of death in hospital,the specificity was 0.851,the sensitivity was 0.857.Conclusions The hospital mortality of the elderly after COVID-19 infection is higher and closely related to type 2 diabetes,COPD,monocyte ratio,plasma fibrinogen and lactate dehydrogenase.

Discussion on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Novel Coronavirus Infection Based on the Theory of Incubative Pathogen / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objective]To investigate the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory of diabetes mellitus associated with novel coronavirus infection based on the"theory of incubative pathogen"and to broaden the idea of prevention and treatment.[Methods]Using"theory of incubative pathogen"as the cornerstone and combining ancient and modern literature,the etiology,pathogenesis and treatment methods of diabetes mellitus associated with novel coronavirus infection are analyzed.[Results]The theory of incubative pathogen is a theory that describes that the body feels the evil within the body,and the disease develops when it is overdue,which includes the Chinese medical concept of treating the disease before it occurs in a holistic view.Diabetes mellitus associated with novel coronavirus infection is a miscellaneous disease caused by epidemic and plague evils,medicial poisons lie dormant in the body and develop over a long period of time,and its latent and recurring characteristics are common to those of incubative pathogens.The main mechanism is that dampness and poisonous evils enter the body through the mouth and nose,sink into the membranes,flow through the tri-Jiao,diffuse and do not collect,and become feverish over a long period of time and consume Qi and Yin.The pathogenesis is mainly related to pancreatic β cell injury,inflammatory factor release and steroid induction,all of which are intrinsically related to the doctrine of"theory of incubative pathogen".In the treatment of the infectious period,it is important to support the righteousness and drive away the evil,penetrate the membrane,clear the tri-Jiao,and stop the internal growth of volatile evil.As well as in the recovery period,the combination of clearing heat,benefiting Qi and nourishing Yin,and resolving phlegm and eliminating stasis was used to remove the evil at an early stage and prevent the progression of the disease.[Conclusion]Incubative pathogen is closely related to the development of diabetes mellitus associated with novel coronavirus infection.The discussion of diabetes mellitus associated with novel coronavirus infection based on the theory of incubative pathogen opens up a new way of thinking for its clinical prevention and treatment.

Clinical significance of negative fluid balance and infection management in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by severe novel coronavirus infection / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the clinical significance of negative fluid balance and infection management in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by severe novel coronavirus infection.Methods:A retrospective survey was conducted. Patients with ARDS caused by severe novel coronavirus infection who were hospitalized in the department of critical care medicine of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine and received non-invasive ventilator assisted ventilation were selected as the research objects. The fluid intake and output of all patients were accurately counted every day, and the fluid intake of the next day was adjusted according to the output of the previous day. According to the fluid negative balance, and whether the hospital infection management measures were complied with during the treatment and inspection of the patients, 45 patients with a negative fluid balance of more than 200 mL/d and strict management of nosocomial infection were taken as the observation group, and 48 patients with a negative fluid balance of less than 200 mL/d and no strict management of nosocomial infection were taken as the control group. The general data, weaning success rate, endotracheal intubation rate, mortality, as well as laboratory indicators such as white blood cell count (WBC), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results:There were no significant differences in gender (male: 51.1% vs. 52.1%), age (years old: 66.31±15.92 vs. 67.50±13.59), acute physiology and chronic health evalution Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ: 18.98±4.81 vs. 18.54±4.35) between the observation group and the control group (all P > 0.05), indicating that the baseline data were balanced and comparable. Compared with the control group, the weaning success rate of the observation group significantly increased [53.3% (24/45) vs. 31.2% (15/48), P = 0.031], endotracheal intubation rate significantly decreased [22.2% (10/45) vs. 43.8% (21/48), P = 0.028], mortality significantly reduced [20.0% (9/45) vs. 41.7% (20/48), P = 0.024], laboratory indicators WBC, PCT and CRP levels were significantly reduced [WBC (×10 9/L): 8.085±4.136 vs. 16.898±7.733, CRP (mg/L): 82.827±52.680 vs. 150.679±74.625, PCT (μg/L): 3.142±2.323 vs. 7.539±5.939, all P < 0.01]. Conclusion:Fluid negative balance and infection management have significant clinical significance in the treatment of severe novel coronavirus infection with ARDS.

Anxiety and depression in primary and middle school students quarantined in hotels during the COVID-19 epidemic / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To investigate symptoms of anxiety and depression among primary and middle school students quarantined in hotels during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:Anxiety and depression symptoms among 726 primary and middle school students quarantined in hotels were investigated with The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders(SCARED)and Depression Self-rating Scale for Children(DSRSC)from September to October 2022 in Chifeng City,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.There were 624 students completed investi-gation with response rate of 86％.The positive score of SCARED was ≥23 and DSRSC was ≥ 15.Results:The detection rates of anxiety and depression were 17.9％and 15.4％respectively.The detection rates of anxiety and depression were higherin middle school students than inprimary school students(Ps＜0.05).The scores of general-ized anxiety and social phobia factors were higher in female students than in male students(Ps＜0.05).The scores of dissociative anxiety factor and depression were higher in middle school students than in primary school students(Ps＜0.05).Conclusion:During the COVID-19 epidemic,middle school students quarantined in hotels are more likely to have anxiety and depression symptoms than primary school students,and female students are more likely to have anxiety symptoms than male students.

Alternative therapies for viral infections caused by SARS-Cov-2 / Terapias alternativas para infecções virais causadas pelo SARS-Cov-2

Abstract Introduction The relevance of the studied topic lies in the complexity of the treatment of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Objective To discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatments compared to conventional medical approaches, and to highlight the importance of collaborative communication between patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about alternative treatments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods The research methodology employed literature analysis methods, including bibliographic and bibliosemantic approaches. The study used theoretical, systematic, and statistical methods, including analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation, classification, and meta-analysis to explore alternative treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections, their interrelationships, and statistical trends in incidence. Results The study identifies diverse alternative therapies for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, highlighting herbal medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, biohacking, homoeopathy, and magnetotherapy. It underscores the potential benefits of herbal remedies like garlic, ginger, chamomile, and honeysuckle, as well as vitamins (C, D, B12) and minerals (zinc, selenium) in managing COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion While of-fering holistic benefits, these therapies warrant cautious consideration due to limited scientific backing and potential interactions. Cultural understanding, patient-provider dialogue, and informed choices are key in harnessing the potential of alternative medicine along-side conventional approaches for managing COVID-19 challenges.

Resumo Introdução A relevância do tema estudado reside na comple-xidade do tratamento da infeção causada pelo SARS-CoV-2. Objetivo Discutir as potenciais vantagens e desvantagens dos tratamentos alternativos em comparação com as abordagens médicas convencionais e realçar a importância da comunicação colaborativa entre os doentes e os prestadores de cuidados de saúde na tomada de decisões informadas sobre os tratamentos alternativos do vírus SARS-CoV-2. Métodos A metodologia de investigação utilizou métodos de análise da literatura, incluindo abordagens bibliográficas e bibliosemânticas. O estudo utilizou métodos teóricos, sistemáticos e estatísticos, incluindo análise, síntese, generalização, interpretação, classificação e meta-aná-lise para explorar tratamentos alternativos para as infecções por SARS-CoV-2, suas inter-relações e tendências estatísticas da incidência. Resultados O estudo identifica diversas terapias alternativas para o tratamento das infecções por SARS-CoV-2, destacando a fitoterapia, a acupunctura, a reflexologia, o biohacking, a homeopatia e a magnetoterapia. Sublinha os potenciais benefícios dos remédios à base de plantas como o alho, o gengibre, a camomila e a madressilva, bem como das vitaminas (C, D, B12) e dos minerais (zinco, selénio) na gestão dos sintomas da COVID-19. Conclusão Embora ofereçam benefícios holísticos, estas terapias devem ser consideradas com cautela devido ao apoio científico limitado e às potenciais interações. A compreensão cultural, o diálogo paciente-prove-dor e as escolhas informadas são fundamentais para aproveitar o potencial da medicina alternativa juntamente às abordagens convencionais para gerir os desafios da COVID-19.

Percepción de estresores académicos antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en estudiantes de Enfermería / Nursing Students' Perception of Academic Stress before and during de COVID-19 Pandemic

Introducción: Los estresores académicos tienen efectos negativos en la salud y el desarrollo académico de los estudiantes de educación superior. Objetivo: Identificar los estresores académicos de mayor prevalencia antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y su relación con factores socioacadémicos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal correlacional. La muestra censal en el 2019 fueron 166 y en el 2021, 156 estudiantes de enfermería de una universidad pública andina (Huaraz, Perú). El instrumento fue el Inventario de Estrés Académico. Los análisis estadísticos incluyeron comparación de medias, correlación de Pearson y Rho de Spearman. Resultados: Fueron estresores académicos antes vs. durante la pandemia de COVID-19: sobrecarga académica (3,94vs. 3,51), falta de tiempo (3,75vs. 3,14), trabajos obligatorios (3,12vs. 2,98). Estos correlacionaron antes de la pandemia con: mayor número de cursos e insatisfacción con rendimiento académico y; durante la pandemia: sexo femenino e insatisfacción con situación económica. Las mujeres percibieron cuatro o siete estresores académicos y los varones dos o uno, antes o durante la pandemia de COVID-19, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Los estresores académicos en los estudiantes antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19 fueron: sobrecarga académica, falta de tiempo para cumplir con las actividades académicas y realización de trabajos obligatorios para aprobar las asignaturas. Las mujeres presentaron más estresores académicos que los varones antes y durante la pandemia. Los estresores académicos correlacionaron con factores académicos antes de la pandemia; y con factores sociales durante la pandemia(AU)

Introduction: Academic stressors have negative effects on the health and academic development of higher education students. Objective: To identify the most prevalent academic stressors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and their relationship with socio-academic factors. Methods: A longitudinal correlational study was carried out. The census sample in 2019 was 166; and, in 2021, 156 nursing students from an Andean public university (Huaraz, Peru). The instrument was the Academic Stress Inventory. Statistical analyzes included comparison of means, Pearson correlation and Spearman's rho. Results: The following were academic stressors before vs. during the COVID-19 pandemic: academic overload (3.94 vs. 3.51), lack of time (3.75 vs. 3.14), mandatory assignments (3.12 vs. 2.98). These were correlated, before the pandemic, with greater number of courses and dissatisfaction with academic performance; and, during the pandemic, with female sex and dissatisfaction with the economic situation. The women perceived four or seven academic stressors and the male perceived two or one, before or during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Conclusions: The academic stressors in students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were academic overload, lack of time to complete academic activities, and completing mandatory work to pass the subjects. The women presented more academic stressors than the male before and during the pandemic. Academic stressors were correlated with academic factors before the pandemic and with social factors during the pandemic(AU)

Efectos de la pandemia por COVID-19 en determinantes sociales de familias del área metropolitana de Bucaramanga

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 trajo consigo grandes cambios a nivel socioeconómico, producto de las medidas tomadas para mitigar su expansión, que implicó cierre de colegios y dificultad para el acceso a servicios de salud. Sin embargo, no se cuenta con mucha información respecto al impacto que estas medidas han tenido en la salud y el bienestar de niños y adolescentes, por lo cual se desarrolló una encuesta virtual para conocer la dimensión de los efectos de la pandemia en el bienestar integral de los menores y sus familias. Metodología: Estudio observacional de corte transversal que se realizó mediante la aplicación de una encuesta en formato electrónico a padres de familia de niños y adolescentes del Área Metropolitana de Bucaramanga. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 960 respuestas. El 25,63 % de los encuestados refieren cancelación de citas médicas. El 98 % de los estudiantes pudo continuar las actividades académicas durante el aislamiento. El factor económico fue la principal causa de preocupación en el periodo de la encuesta. Discusión: Durante el periodo de aislamiento, los problemas de salud mental, las dificultades para el acceso a herramientas para la educación virtual y las barreras para la atención, propias de la emergencia sanitaria, causaron efectos significativos en la calidad de vida de los menores. Conclusiones: Ante emergencias sanitarias, se deben mantener los servicios de atención en salud de la misma forma que se hacía previo a la ocurrencia del evento, como los programas de vacunación, crecimiento y desarrollo, promoción y prevención, además de la continuidad de la escolaridad.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought great changes along with, some of those were at the socioeconomic level, as a result of the actions taken to mitigate the virus expansion, which involved the closure of schools and restriction in accessing to some health services. However, there is not much information regarding the impact that these measures have had on the health and well-being of children and adolescents, for this reason, a virtual survey was developed to find out the dimension of the pandemic's effect on the comprehensive welfare of minors and families. Methodology: Cross-sectional observational study, which was carried out by applying a survey in electronic format to parents of children and adolescents in the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga. Results: A total of 960 responses were obtained. Of those surveyed, 25,63% refer cancellation of medical appointments. The 98% of students were able to continue academic activities during isolation. The economic factor was the main cause of concern in the survey period. Discussion: During the isolation period, mental health problems, difficulties in accessing tools for virtual education and barriers to care, typical of the health emergency, caused a significant effects on the quality of life of youngsters. Conclusions: In the event of health emergencies, health care services should be maintained in the same way as before the occurrence of the event, such as vaccination, growth and development, promotion and prevention programs, in addition to the continuity of schooling.

Hospitalization and mortality during the pandemic in chronic hemodialysis patients and the general population in Peru / Hospitalização e mortalidade durante a pandemia em pacientes em hemodiálise crônica e na população em geral no Peru

ABSTRACT Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease have a higher risk of severe disease and mortality from COVID-19 than the general population. Objective: To compare hospitalization and mortality rates during the pandemic among chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and the general population in Lima (Peru). Methods: This retrospective cohort included an assessment of the database of chronic HD patients of the health service providers of the social health insurance benefit networks of Lima and Callao between 2019 and 2021. Hospitalization and mortality rates were obtained for every 1,000 individuals, and variations in the percentages of COVID-19 cases and deaths were calculated. These rates were compared with those of the general population data and standardized by age and sex. Results: An average of 3,937 chronic HD patients were evaluated each month. Of these, 4.8% had COVID-19 and 64.97% were mild cases. The hospitalization rates per 1,000 patients were 19.5, 29.28, and 36.7 in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. The mortality rates per 1,000 patients were 5.9, 9.74, and 11.49 in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. When compared to the standardized general population, the peaks of both rates coincided with the plateaus of the waves during the pandemic. The hospitalization rate for COVID-19 was 12 times higher in HD patients than in the general population, and the mortality rate for COVID-19 was twice as high. Conclusion: HD patients had higher hospitalization and standardized mortality rates than the general population. Peaks in hospitalizations and mortality coincided with the plateaus of the first and second waves of the pandemic.

Resumo Histórico: Pacientes com DRC apresentam maior risco de doença grave e mortalidade por COVID-19 do que a população geral. Objetivo: Comparar taxas de hospitalização e mortalidade durante a pandemia entre pacientes em hemodiálise crônica (HD) e a população geral em Lima (Peru). Métodos: Esta coorte retrospectiva incluiu avaliação do banco de dados de pacientes em HD crônica dos prestadores de serviços de saúde das redes de benefícios do seguro social de saúde de Lima e Callao, entre 2019-2021. Obteve-se taxas de hospitalização e mortalidade para cada 1.000 indivíduos, e foram calculadas variações nas porcentagens de casos de COVID-19 e óbitos. Estas taxas foram comparadas com os dados da população geral e padronizadas por idade e sexo. Resultados: Uma média de 3.937 pacientes em HD crônica foram avaliados mensalmente. Destes, 4,8% tinham COVID-19, 64,97% eram casos leves. As taxas de hospitalização por 1.000 pacientes foram 19,5; 29,28; e 36,7 em 2019, 2020, e 2021, respectivamente. As taxas de mortalidade por 1.000 pacientes foram 5,9; 9,74 e 11,49 em 2019, 2020, e 2021, respectivamente. Quando comparados à população geral padronizada, os picos das taxas coincidiram com os platôs das ondas da pandemia. A taxa de hospitalização para COVID-19 foi 12 vezes maior em pacientes em HD do que na população geral e a taxa de mortalidade por COVID-19 foi duas vezes maior. Conclusão: Pacientes em HD apresentaram taxas de hospitalização e mortalidade padronizada mais elevadas do que a população geral. Os picos das hospitalizações e mortalidade coincidiram com os platôs da primeira e segunda ondas da pandemia.

Preocupación por el contagio de la COVID-19 y carga laboral como predictores del malestar psicológico durante la emergencia sanitaria en personal de salud de Perú

Introducción: Durante la emergencia sanitaria, preocupan las repercusiones en la salud mental que pudieran estar experimentando los trabajadores sanitarios peruanos, quienes representan la primera línea de atención contra la COVID-19. Objetivo: Determinar si la preocupación por la COVID-19 y la carga laboral predicen el malestar psicológico en personal de salud. Métodos: Estudio predictivo en 367 trabajadores (enfermeros, médicos, técnicos en enfermería, obstetras, odontólogos, psicólogos, nutricionistas, entre otros) de ambos sexos en 12 redes de salud de la región de Puno, seleccionados a través de un muestreo no probabilístico intencional. Los datos se recogieron a través de la Escala de malestar psicológico de Kessler, la Escala de preocupación por el contagio de la COVID-19 y la Escala de carga de trabajo (ECT). Resultados: Se encontró que no hay diferencias significativas entre varones y mujeres en el malestar psicológico, la preocupación por el contagio de la COVID-19 y la carga laboral; además, se hallaron correlaciones muy significativas entre las variables de estudio (p < 0,01). El análisis de regresión múltiple demostró un ajuste adecuado para el modelo (F = 94,834; p < 0,001), en el que la preocupación por la COVID-19 (ß =-0,436; p < 0,01) y la carga laboral (ß = 0,239; p < 0,01) son variables que predicen significativamente el malestar psicológico (R2 ajustado = 0,33). Conclusiones: La preocupación por la COVID-19 y la sobrecarga de trabajo predicen el malestar psicológico en el personal sanitario de la región de Puno.

Introduction: During the health emergency, there is concern about the mental health repercussions that Peruvian health workers, who represent the front line of care for COVID-19, may be experiencing. Objective: To determine whether concern about COVID-19 and workloads predict psychological distress in healthcare workers. Methods: Predictive study in which 367 workers (nurses, doctors, nursing assistants, obstetricians, dentists, psychologists, nutritionists, among others) from 12 health networks in the Puno region participated, selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The data were collected via the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the COVID-19 Scale of Concern and the Workload Scale. Results: It was found that there are no significant differences between men and women in psychological discomfort and concern about COVID-19 infection and workload. Furthermore, highly significant correlations were found between the study variables (p <0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed an adequate adjustment for the model (F = 94.834; p <0.001), where concern about COVID-19 (ß = -0.436; p <0.01) and workload (ß = 0.239; p <0.01) are variables that significantly predict psychological discomfort (adjusted R2 = 0.33). Conclusions: Concern about COVID-19 and work overload predict psychological distress in health personnel in the Puno region.

Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 patients in a Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, and global literature review

Abstract Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a myriad of cutaneous manifestations have been described in association with this viral infection. However, in Latin America, this kind of data is still scarce. Objective: In this sense, the goal of this study was to describe the dermatological findings observed during SARS-CoV-2 infection, in a Brazilian Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study of 50 cases of new-onset dermatologic symptoms in patients with COVID-19, treated at Hospital Sírio-Libanês, from February to June 2020. Results: The patients (n = 50) were classified into 6 groups, according to the elementary lesions and the statistical analysis was performed. The most common cutaneous lesions were maculopapular eruptions (44%), necrosis, purpura, and livedo (32%), urticarial lesions (12%), pseudochilblains (4%) and papular-vesicular eruption (4%). In 46% of the patients the cutaneous lesions occurred in association with other symptoms, such as pruritus (38%), pain and burning sensation (8%). Lower limbs were affected in 44% of the cases, followed by the trunk (38%), upper limbs (24%) and face (14%). Cutaneous lesions were mostly found after other COVID-19 systemic symptoms, with a mean period between the viral syndrome and cutaneous signs of 5 days (SD = 6.1 days). Study limitations: It is a small sample, in a single-center study, with patients exclusively from a private Hospitals. Conclusions: Patients in Brazil have the same proportion of lesions as revealed in other studies in Europa. The compiled data is essential for a better understanding of cutaneous manifestations deemed secondary to COVID.

Validación de la reacción de polimerasa en cadena en tiempo real como herramienta diagnóstica en la aspergilosis asociada a COVID-19 en pacientes hospitalizados en Clínica Dávila de Santiago, Chile, durante los años 2020 y 2021 / Validation of real-time PCR as a diagnostic tool in aspergillosis associated with COVID-19 in patients hospitalized at Clínica Dávila at Santiago, Chile, during the years 2020 and 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN: Desde el inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 se han registrado casos de infecciones de aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a esta infección, la cual tiene características diferentes a la aspergilosis pulmonar clásica y, por lo tanto, han significado un desafío diagnóstico. OBJETIVO: Validar una reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) en tiempo real (sigla en inglés RT-PCR) comercial, como herramienta diagnóstica alternativa a la técnica de galactomanano (GM) en el diagnóstico de aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a COVID-19 (sigla en inglés CAPA). PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se analizaron resultados de RT-PCR de Aspergillus spp y GM en lavado bronco-alveolar (LBA) de 72 pacientes, hospitalizados por COVID-19 de Clínica Dávila entre los años 2020 y 2021. De estos pacientes, 33 presentaron CAPA. RESULTADOS: La RT-PCR de Aspergillus y GM presentaron una correlación positiva (r = 0,6351, valor p < 0,0001). La técnica de RT-PCR presentó una sensibilidad (S), especificidad (E), valor predictor positivo (VPP) y valor predictor negativo (VPN) de 100, 44, 66 y 100%, respectivamente, mientras que en GM fueron de 64, 89, 84 y 73%, respectivamente para LBA. Al utilizar ambas técnicas en combinación se obtuvo una S, E, VPP y VPN de 100, 82, 88 y 100%, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio concluyó que usar una técnica de RT-PCR de Aspergillus y GM en conjunto en LBA mejoraron los parámetros de desempeño de ambas técnicas usadas de manera individual para diagnosticar CAPA. Se requieren más estudios para evaluar el desempeño de técnicas combinadas en otros tipos de aspergilosis.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been cases of pulmonary aspergillosis infections associated with this infection, which has different characteristics from classical pulmonary aspergillosis and therefore, have been diagnostic challenges. AIM: To validate a commercial real-time PCR (RT-PCR) method as an alternative diagnostic tool to the galactomannan (GM) technique in the diagnosis of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). METHODS: Results of RT-PCR of Aspergillus spp and GM in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) of 72 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at Clínica Dávila between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. Of these patients, 33 presented CAPA. RESULTS: The RT-PCR for Aspergillus and GM showed a positive correlation (r = 0.6351, p-value < 0.0001). The RT-PCR for Aspergillus technique presented a sensitivity (S), specificity (S), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100, 44, 66 and 100% respectively, while the GM technique presented 64, 89, 84 and 73%, respectively for BAL. Using both techniques in combination a S, E, PPV and NPV of 100, 82, 88 and 100% were obtained respectively. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that using RT-PCR and GM techniques in combination in BAL improved the performance parameters of both techniques from those used individually to diagnose CAPA. Further studies are required to evaluate the performance of combined techniques in other aspergillosis focus.

Niveles de actividad física y peso corporal en una comunidad universitaria en la pandemia COVID-19

Objetivo: evaluar el nivel de actividad física, horas sedente e índice de masa corporal (IMC) en una comunidad universitaria asociados al aislamiento obligatorio decretado en razón a la pandemia por COVID-19. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, transversal en trabajadores, docentes y estudiantes con un rango de edad de 18 a 59 años, llevada a cabo entre febrero y abril del 2021 con un muestreo por conveniencia. Se determinó el índice de masa corporal y se aplicó el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física versión corta avalado para Colombia. Resultados: se evaluaron un total de 52 personas, 35 mujeres (67,3 %) y 17 hombres (32,7 %), edad media de 37,6 años ± 11,4, IMC medio de 25,9 kg/ m² ± 3,8. El nivel del IMC mostró un exceso de peso en el 67,9 % del grupo de 39 años o más; en los menores solo el 4,2 % mostró niveles en obesidad. No se encontraron personas con nivel bajo peso. En el 57,7 % de los participantes se encontró bajo nivel de actividad física, 15,4 % en el nivel moderado y 26,9 % con un nivel de actividad física alta. Las horas sedentes de los mayores se encontró en 8,4 horas por día. Conclusiones: los cambios en el estilo de vida asociados al aislamiento obligatorio, impactaron de forma negativa en el nivel de actividad física, en el IMC y en número de horas sedente a los integrantes de la comunidad universitaria.

Objective: To evaluate the level of physical activity, sitting hours and Body Mass Index in a university community associated with the mandatory isolation decreed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study in workers, teachers and students with an age range of 18 to 59 years, carried out between February and April 2021 with convenience sampling. The body mass index was determined and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, short version endorsed for Colombia, was applied. Results: A total of 52 people were evaluated, 35 women (67.3%) and 17 men (32.7%), mean age of 37.6 years ± 11.4, mean BMI of 25.9 kg/m² ± 3.8. The BMI level showed excess weight in 67.9% of the group aged 39 or over. In the younger group only 4.2% showed levels of obesity. People with low weight level were not found. A low level of physical activity was found in 57.7% of the participants, 15.4% showed a moderate level and 26.9% showed a high level of physical activity. The sitting hours of the elderly was found to be 8.4 hours per day. Conclusions: Changes in lifestyle associated with mandatory isolation had a negative impact on the level of physical activity, on the body mass index and on the number of hours sitting for the members of the university community.

Objetivo: avaliar o nível de atividade física, horas sem atividade física e índice de massa corporal (IMC) em uma comunidade universitária associados ao isolamento obrigatória decretado a causa da pandemia por COVID-19. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, transversal em trabalhadores, docentes e estudantes com uma média de idade de 18 a 59 anos, levada a cabo entre fevereiro e abril do 2021 com uma amostra por conveniência. Determinou-se o índice de massa corporal e se aplicou o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física versão curta avaliada para a Colômbia. Resultados: avaliaram-se um total de 52 pessoas, 35 mulheres (67,3 %) e 17 homens (32,7 %), idade média de 37,6 anos ± 11,4, IMC médio de 25,9 kg/ m² ± 3,8. o nível do IMC amostrou um excesso de peso no 67,9 % do grupo de 39 anos o mais; nos menores só o 4,2 % amostrou níveis em obesidade. Não se acharam pessoas com nível baixo peso. No 57,7 % dos participantes se encontrou baixo nível de atividade física, 15,4 % no nível moderado e 26,9 % com um nível de atividade física alta. As horas sem atividade física nos maiores se achou em 8,4 horas por dia. Conclusões: os câmbios no estilo de vida associados ao isolamento obrigatório, impactaram de forma negativa no nível de atividade física, no IMC e no número de horas sem atividade física aos integrantes da comunidade universitária.

Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de la enfermedad COVID-19 en el municipio Sandino, año 2020 / Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of COVID-19 Disease in Sandino Municipality, year 2020

Introducción: La COVID-19 fue declarada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud como pandemia el 11 de marzo de 2020 por su complejidad y rápida expansión mundial. El municipio de Sandino presentó su primer caso positivo el 6 de octubre de 2020. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de la COVID-19 en Sandino, en el año 2020. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal, del 11 de marzo al 31 de diciembre. Con la información obtenida de historias clínico-epidemiológicas, resultados virológicos, pesquisa domiciliaria y laboral, atenciones por infecciones respiratorias agudas en consultorios y policlínicos, y los partes diarios de la Dirección Municipal de Salud, se realizó un análisis estadístico cuya información fue depositada en base de datos en Excel. Resultados: La tasa de incidencia fue de 528,23 por 100 000 habitantes; sin fallecidos. La mayoría de los casos ocurrieron en la ciudad de Sandino. Hubo mayor frecuencia de afectados, entre 41 y 60 años de edad, y el sexo masculino, mientras el 55,73 por ciento, fueron asintomáticos al diagnóstico. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la tos, la fiebre y la congestión nasal. Se diagnosticaron entre uno y 13 casos por día durante los 63 días que hubo positividad. La transmisión familiar fue del 68,23 por ciento y la laboral del 50,52 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: La COVID-19 tuvo una alta incidencia en Sandino, y esta predominó en los lugares con mayor densidad poblacional con transmisión familiar y laboral intensa en un corto período de tiempo. Además, en el sexo masculino, el grupo etario en edad laboral y, en los asintomáticos(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 due to its complexity and rapid global expansion. Sandino municipality presented its first positive case on October 6, 2020. Objective: To characterize the clinical-epidemiological behavior of COVID-19 in Sandino municipality, in 2020. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted from March 11 to December 31, 2020. With the information obtained from clinical-epidemiological records, virological results, home and work screening, care for acute respiratory infections in clinics and polyclinics, and the daily reports of the Municipal Health Directorate, a statistical analysis was carried out whose information was inserted in an Excel database. Results: The incidence rate was 528.23 per 100 000 population; no deaths. Most of the cases occurred in the city of Sandino. There was a higher frequency of patients in the ages from 41 and 60, and the male sex; while 55.73 percent were asymptomatic at diagnosis. The most common symptoms were cough, fever and nasal congestion. Between one and 13 cases per day were diagnosed during the 63 days that there was positivity. Family transmission was 68.23 percent and occupational transmission was 50.52 percent of cases. Conclusions: COVID-19 had a high incidence in Sandino municipality, and this predominated in places with higher population density with intense family and work transmission in a short period of time; also, in the male sex, the age group in working ages, and in the asymptomatic patients(AU)

The impact of COVID-19 on kidney transplant activities in Brazil: a descriptive study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has reached services, systems, and world society. Despite its certified efficiency, the Brazilian National Transplant System is not exempt from the side effects of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To compare kidney transplantation activity registered in Brazil between the pandemic (2020) and pre-pandemic (2019) periods. DESIGN AND SETTING: A descriptive study was conducted in March 2021. The annual reports of the Brazilian Transplantation Registry for 2019 and 2020 were included in this study. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive study of kidney transplant activity in Brazil in 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: A 23.9% decrease in kidney transplants per million population was observed during the pandemic period (22.9 in 2020 versus 30.1 in 2019). Kidney transplants with a living donor (-58.8%) and in the North Region (-79.5%) experienced the greatest declines. The pandemic waiting list increased by 6.8%, and deaths during the waiting period increased by 36.8%. The number of patients on the waiting list and transplant teams decreased by 31.3% and 9.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected Brazil and had a significant negative impact on KT activities in the country.

A case report of SARS-CoV-2 encephalitis / 上海预防医学

A patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection was adimitted to Shanghai Shibei hospital of Jing'an District in early 2023. According to the patient's complaits， clinical manifestations， physical symptoms， laboratory examination， radiological image results， plus lumbar puncture， the patient was diagnosed with novel coronavirus encephalitis. The patient was discharged from the hospital after a combined treatment of Chinese and western medicine.

Preliminary Recommendations on the Timing of Lung Surgery after Novel Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Pulmonary Nodules and Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

In recent years, the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge impact on the global medical, political and economic fields. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 has grown exponentially. Recently, the COVID-19 epidemic has changed rapidly in China, and there has been controversy over how to carry out surgical operations for patients with lung neoplastic lesions. Some studies have shown that lung cancer patients undergoing surgery are more likely to experience respiratory failure and perioperative death after contracting COVID-19 than the general population, however, delays in cancer treatment are also associated with increased mortality among these patients. In particular, the novel coronavirus Omikron variant has a higher transmissibility and may escape the immunity obtained through the previous novel coronavirus infection and vaccination. In order to minimize the risk of novel coronavirus infection in surgical patients, it is necessary to develop new treatment guidelines, expert consensus and preventive measures. However, the current rapid change of the epidemic situation has led to insufficient time and evidence to develop guidelines and consensus. Therefore, thoracic surgeons need to evaluate specific patient populations at higher risk of severe complications before surgery and weigh the benefit of surgical treatment against the risk of novel coronavirus infection. We try to give some recommendations on lung surgery during the current domestic epidemic situation based on the guidelines and consensus of oncology and thoracic surgery organizations in different regions on lung surgery.
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Evaluation of COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit Assay Analytical and Clinical Performance / 中国医疗器械杂志

Objective To rapidly screen patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) infection including asymptomatic ones. Method Established a rapid detection test kit, and evaluated analytical and clinical performance of it. Result The minimum limit of detection of the reagent was 9.75×102 TCID50/mL; there was no cross-reaction and interference in the high-concentration samples of 29 common respiratory pathogens tested. The diagnostic sensitivity of clinical samples was 98.56%, specificity was 99.00%, and the total coincidence rate was 98.85%; the consistency test Kappa value is 0.974 5. The stratified analysis of positive samples with different Ct values showed that the coincidence rate within each stratum was greater than 95%. Conclusion This COVID-19 antigen test kit with excellent detection performance, fast detection speed, and portable operation. It can be used as a supplementary method for existing nucleic acid detection methods for early screening of new coronavirus.

Analysis of the genome and transmission characteristics of an aggregated novel coronavirus infection based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the viral genome sequence of novel coronavirus infected persons in Baotou City, understand the mutation characteristics of novel coronavirus genome in the process of transmission among cases, and explore the transmission rule of novel coronavirus in the clustered populations.Methods:Nine throat swabs samples (No. 1 - 7, No. 9, and No. 10), two sputum samples (No. 8, No. 11, and No. 11 sample was from No. 10 case), and one surface smear sample (No.12, and No. 12 sample was from No. 10 case) were collected from 10 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection in Baotou City from January 25 to February 21, 2020. Samples 1 and 3 were from single cases, and the rest were from clustered cases. The virus genome was sequenced by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutation sites were screened by comparing with NC_045512, a reference strain of novel coronavirus. Combined with relevant epidemiological information, gene mutation, virus typing, and evolutionary traceability analysis were carried out.Results:The results of viral genome mNGS showed that 76 SNP mutation sites were detected in 12 samples compared with the reference strain NC_045512, including 3 (3.95%) transitions and 73 (96.05%) reversals. There were 19 (25.00%) synonymous mutations and 57 (75.00%) non-synonymous mutations. The analysis of nucleotide and amino acid variation sites showed that mutations were found at five sites (T2821C, C6548T, T16464C, G16858A and T251C) in all the clustered cases (cases 2, 4 - 10). In the single cases, sample 1 had mutations at C9245T and A15340T, and sample 3 had mutation at C13T. The virus typing analysis showed that the samples 1 and 3 belonged to the L type of novel coronavirus, while the rest belonged to the S type of novel coronavirus. The results of genomic evolutionary relationship analysis showed that all the samples could be divided into two branches. The branches of sample 1 and 3 belonged to single cases, and the rest belonged to family clustered cases.Conclusion:The genomic characteristics of the clustered cases of novel coronavirus infection in Baotou City are basically consistent with the epidemiological investigation results, and the transmission of the virus is mainly related to close contact and family gathering.

Investigation on whole blood collection in Tianjin after fully lifting COVID-19 prevention and control measures / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the situation of whole blood collection in Tianjin after COVID-19 prevention and control measures were fully lifted. 【Methods】 The relevant data on whole blood collection of voluntary blood donors in Tianjin 15 days before Spring Festival (2023.01.07-2023.01.21, when China has managed COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious disease instead of Class A infectious diseases) and 15 days before Spring Festival in 2018 (2018.02.01- 2018.02.15) and 2019 (2019.01.21-2019.02.04) before the breakout of COVID-19 were retrospectively collected and compared. 【Results】 The comparison between the above period in 2023, 2018 and 2019 was as follows: the number of blood donors was 6 124 vs 3 940 vs 4 069; blood collection volume (U) was 9 623 vs 7 378 vs 7 808; the proportion of first-time blood donors, local blood donors and group blood donors was 69.17% (4 236/6 124) vs 65.86% (2 595/3 940) vs 62.05% (2 525/4 069), 59.31% (3 632/6 124) vs 23.27% (9170) vs 18.19% (740/4 069) and 43.42% (2 659/6 124) vs 8.05% (317/2 595) vs 0.15% (6/4 069) (all P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The adjustment of COVID-19 prevention and control policy has a significant impact on voluntary blood donation, and the corresponding adjustment of blood donor recruitment strategy in blood centers should be conducted to increase the whole blood collection.

Recommendations on rehabilitation treatment of different populations infected with novel coronavirus during the recovery period / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Patients with novel coronavirus infection still have many functional disorders during the recovery period. The timely intervention of rehabilitation treatment has important clinical significance in improving the patients’ functions and their ability of daily living. Based on the current evidence of evidence-based medicine and clinical practice, this paper summarizes the rehabilitation treatment and precautions of patients with simple novel coronavirus infection and different groups with previous dysfunction and novel coronavirus infection (such as neurological dysfunction, chronic pain, and bone and joint diseases) with a view to providing clinical reference for the rehabilitation treatment of patients with novel coronavirus infection during the recovery period.