ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Concerned by the alarming levels of spread and severity, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. The disease has spread worldwide and there have been 65.8 million reported cases and 1.5 million deaths as of insert date. Dental professionals and patients may be exposed to pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses that may infect the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of the salivary viral load using oral antiseptic mouthwashes in patients testing positive for COVID-19. Methods: Sixty-three individuals were recruited after testing positive for COVID-19 by real-time RT-PCR assay and divided into five groups. Group 1 received sterile water, group 2 received 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution (HP), group 3 received 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), group 4 received 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution (NaClO), and group 5 received sequential rinses using CHX and HP. After collecting the initial saliva sample, individuals were asked to use the designated mouthwash for 1 min. Additional saliva samples were collected immediately after rinsing, 15 and 30 min after rinsing. Real-time RT-PCR assays for RNA detection of SARS-CoV-2 were performed on the saliva samples. Results: Compared to the baseline values, there was a significant reduction in the number of copies of SARS-Cov-2 after 30 min in Group 2, and immediately after the initial mouthwash in Group 4. There were no significant differences among the experimental groups and the control group in any period. Conclusions: Although the mouthwashes containing 0.1% NaClO or 1.5% HP reduced the viral load compared to the baseline values, there were no significant differences compared to the control group.
ABSTRACT
Cadaveric dissection provides a unique learning experience in anatomy teaching that maps well to the required outcomes for medical graduates as prescribed by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges to the maintenance of this method of teaching which is very much dependent on in-person participation. As a result, dissection ceased in many institutions, with anatomy teaching being conducted online. The conviction that hands-on cadaveric dissection offers considerable benefits beyond the imparting of anatomical knowledge has led to the development of strategies to retain the practical element at the core of anatomy teaching. This paper describes the ways in which this has been achieved in the current academic year within a COVID-secure environment. A blended learning curriculum has provided students with both the opportunity for online interaction as well as in-person dissection classes which have become the highlight of the course for students. This paper describes in detail why cadaveric dissection remains key in anatomical education and demonstrates this by mapping its additional benefits to each of the three sets of GMC Outcomes for Graduates (professional values and behaviors, professional skills and professional knowledge). The means by which these were previously achieved as well as how these goals are still being met in our current program during the pandemic are detailed.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen health preventive behaviors to prevent spread of the virus become highly politicized in the United States. A clear division exists between Democrats favoring health preventive measures and Republicans often defying such measures. Amid increasing fear of the virus, the 2020 United States presidential election became central to how the pandemic should be managed. This longitudinal study examines whether the frequency of handwashing and mask-wearing changed after the United States election. The study further explores whether political partisanship played a part in the change. Results show that handwashing and mask-wearing increased among Democrats after the election. However, Republican's use of masks and handwashing decreased. These results are explained in terms of loyalty to outgoing President Trump among Republicans and renewed feelings of efficacy among Democrats.