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Respiratory viruses have an important history as a threat to global health. However, this problem has been aggravated due to the appearance of new outbreaks caused by a newly discovered virus or variant. Recently, the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been a major concern for health authorities, and it was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Secondary metabolites obtained from plants represent an alternative to the discovery of new active molecules and have already shown potential to combat different viruses. In an effort to demonstrate the broad spectrum of antiviral action from these metabolites, this work describes the compounds that were effective against the major viruses that cause respiratory infections in humans. In addition, their mechanisms of action were highlighted as an approach to better understanding the virus-bioactive substance relationship. Finally, this study warns that, although phytocompounds have a broad antiviral action spectrum, the development of products and clinical trials based on these secondary metabolites is still scarce and therefore deserves greater attention from the scientific community. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
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A novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a public health emergency of international concern since this infection spreads quickly through human-to-human transmission. Several drugs are being studied by researchers worldwide as an effective antiviral agent against this coronavirus. Therefore, most studies are focusing on drugs that have been already used earlier on the treatment of other diseases. Therapies under investigation include azithromycin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and favipiravir. Remdesivir is the only Food and Drug Administrationapproved drug for the use in adult and pediatric patients (>12 years old) for the treatment of this disease requiring hospitalization. In this context, the present review summarizes information about these drugs highlighting the chemical standpoint, such as physical-chemical and molecular characteristics, toxicity, history, and main applications, since knowledge about these substances is essential to assist the search for an appropriate treatment.
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Objetivos: Conscientizar, por meio das mídias sociais, a importância da doação de sangue, aumentar o número de doadores, ampliar a cultura sobre doação de sangue e capacitar os alunos do curso de Medicina a fim de se tornarem multiplicadores. O Projeto de Extensão Amigo de Sangue (PEAS) é um programa de incentivo à doação de sangue elaborado pelos integrantes da Liga Acadêmica de Hematologia – HemoLiga em conjunto com a Fundação Hemominas Juiz de Fora (FH) e vinculado ao Programa Sangue Jovem da Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Material e métodos: O PEAS foi elaborado em fevereiro de 2021 pelos ligantes da HemoLiga e atuou nas seguintes esferas: divulgação de conteúdo informativo sobre doação de sangue e levantamento das doações de sangue efetuadas através das campanhas do projeto. O conteúdo informativo foi divulgado através das redes sociais com publicação de infográficos sobre verdades e mitos, sobre o processo de doação e sobre estimuladores da doação de sangue na FH. O veículo de comunicação escolhido para a propagação de informações acerca do projeto foram as mídias sociais em virtude do contexto epidemiológico de COVID-19 e da rápida difusão de conteúdo. Todos os participantes do PEAS foram capacitados para a realização de postagens, esclarecimentos de dúvidas e transmissão de informações pertinentes à doação de sangue na plataforma virtual. Resultados: A avaliação preliminar do PEAS realizada com dados levantados entre abril e junho de 2021 (Software de Gestão hemoterápica Hemote®) evidenciou aumento do comparecimento de doadores na FH e que as mídias sociais mostraram-se como um potente aliado no processo de captação de doadores. No período estudado, o PEAS contribuiu com 2,3% do total de doações efetivadas na FH, em relação ao sexo, 51,1% dos doadores eram do sexo masculino. Foi observado que o projeto mobilizou o tema doação de sangue em grupos de trabalhos e estimulou a formação de multiplicadores e influenciadores no processo de mobilização de doadores. A página do PEAS nas redes sociais conta com 1159 seguidores e mais de 128 publicações, garantindo ampla divulgação e visibilidade do conteúdo. Discussão: A Pandemia de Covid-19 impactou direta e negativamente no comparecimento de doadores, reduzindo o número de coletas e do estoque de bolsas de sangue. A FH atende 57 hospitais, englobando 27 cidades das macrorregional de Juiz de Fora, garantindo à população a oferta de sangue e hemoderivados de qualidade, em consonância com as diretrizes estabelecidas pelo Ministério da Saúde, realizando mais de 50 mil transfusões/ano. A meta do PEAS é se consolidar como grande influenciador na doação de sangue, com aumento do número de doadores fidelizados e ampliação da cultura de doação de sangue. Atuar na área de captação é desafiador, uma vez que o sangue é insubstituível, exigindo mobilização contínua da sociedade. Conclusão: As mídias sociais desempenharam um papel extremamente relevante para a efetividade do PEAS, uma vez que a partir delas foi possível a conscientização em massa sobre a doação de sangue e captação de doadores. Apenas com um trabalho persistente e respaldado no diálogo e na desmistificação será possível despertar na população o desejo da doação de sangue, não apenas como um ato heroico, mas também como um gesto de cidadania, compaixão, compromisso e preservação da vida.
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The field of artificial intelligence has gained a significant attention in the media. Some counties claim to be the leaders in the field, other countries claim to be winning in the race for leadership in artificial intelligence. This article conducts a statistical (i.e., bibliometric) analysis of research data records on artificial intelligence by year, country, language, and organisation. The results are clearly in favour of the USA on a national level, and English is clearly the dominant language for disseminating results. But in terms of leading organisation in the field of artificial intelligence creates more confusing result -between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of California -in the leadership race. Author
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Issue The COVID-19 pandemic caused profound disruptive changes worldwide. Mental health (MH) and wellbeing (WB) have been particularly affected, namely with increased levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout symptoms. Several factors can have contributed to individuals' vulnerability, including perceived uncertainty, the strict measures adopted, the socioeconomic hardship and the direct effects of the virus. Although the pandemic is primarily a public health and a socioeconomic crisis, it could turn into a serious MH crisis with all the associated implications. Description As a Health Observatory, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, in collaboration with Institute of Environmental Health of Lisbon School of Medicine, and Portuguese Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health, coordinated an observational study to characterize the MH and WB of general population and health professionals residing in Portugal, during pandemic's first wave. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout and resilience were selected as main outcomes, measured using validated instruments with sound psychometric properties. Results High levels of psychological distress were observed among general population and health professionals. Women, younger, individuals with lower income or unemployed, lower educational level and frontline health professionals were most susceptible to psychological suffering. The research team produced a Policy Brief with a set of 14 recommendations for immediate action to ensure equal access to psychological and emotional support for all citizens, to reduce the impact of mental disorders and to promote MH. Lessons The mitigation of psychological suffering is of paramount importance, from an equitable perspective focus on identified vulnerable sub-groups. Particular attention should also be given to citizens infected with SARS-CoV-2 and patients with COVID-19, who faced direct consequences of the disease. Key messages In a pandemic context, monitorization of population’s mental health is of paramount importance. Health Observatories should have an active and reinforced role in this public health area to mitigate potential negative impacts of pandemics.
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Background Mental health is being impacted by COVID-19, as a result of both the globalized perception of health risk and the massive social and economic measures, required to control the pandemic. A main goal of this study, the SM-COVID19, was to characterize the mental health of the general population and to identify vulnerable groups, during the first lockdown in Portugal. Methods Cross-sectional online survey, conducted between May 22 and July 20, 2020, with a nationwide non-probabilistic sample of adults residing in Portugal (≥18 years old). Data were collected with sound psychometric scales for symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), work-life balance, resilience, work-related variables, and sociodemographics. Logistic regression models were used to assess risk and protective factors for mental health suffering. Results Overall, 3982 individuals participated in the study (female, 79.1%;mean age, 45.15±12.31 years;71.0% completed higher education studies). The prevalence of symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety was 26.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 24.0-29.1), of depression symptoms was 26.0% (95%CI, 23.6-28.7), and of PTSD symptoms was 26.5% (95%CI, 24.0-29.2). Moreover, more than one third of the respondents (41.2%;95%CI: 38.3-44.1) reported symptomatology for at least one of these three psychiatric disorders. Women, individuals who suspended their professional activity (or in layoff or unemployed) during the lockdown, and those with difficulties in managing work and family demands had higher odds for psychological suffering. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis with major interpersonal, social and economic impacts at the individual level. Mental health and wellbeing are being severely affected, as confirmed by the high prevalence of symptoms of psychological suffering herein. Mental health protection measures need to be defined and implemented, mainly targeting the most vulnerable groups. Key messages COVID-19 pandemic is associated with high prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD. Observed mental health inequities imply effective vulnerable-groups-focused mental health promotion programs.
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The aim of this article is to evaluate how the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, through its public policies, has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic concerning the tourism sector. Therefore, the study presents an overview of the impacts caused by the pandemic, considering the first semester of 2020, on public accounts, air traffic, accommodation and employability, based on transparency websites and other open information provided by federal and state governments. The creation of the Northeast Scientific Committee and its recommendations on pandemic response are analysed in order to establish the adoption (or not) of such guidelines for the achievement of state decrees aimed at combating the pandemic. It is intended to highlight how the state of Pernambuco seeks to manage the crisis by weighing both sides of the scale: The Consortium's recommendations and sector's pressure to reopen through the interviews with the Secretariat of Tourism, on the one hand, and with people linked to the tourist trade on the other, reveal such impasse. Lastly, the article concludes by pointing out that, as far as possible, Pernambuco has faced the crisis positively, including welcoming the tourism sector, making efforts to provide alternatives within the presented scenario.
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Introduction Le forum départemental d’échange d’informations en pathologies infectieuses « INFMED » par messagerie électronique a été créé en 2008 afin d’améliorer la circulation de l’information parmi les médecins du département. Une première analyse de l’activité du forum en 2015 a montré une activité croissante, une satisfaction globale des utilisateurs, avec comme avantage souligné, entre autres, le renforcement du lien entre les professionnels. L’objectif de notre étude était d’analyser l’activité du forum depuis l’épidémie de SARS-CoV-2 pour en évaluer son impact dans la gestion de la crise sanitaire. Matériels et méthodes Les statistiques descriptives d’activité du forum ont été réalisées à partir de l’outil d’inscription Infmed. En complément, une enquête a été faite pendant la semaine 24 auprès des utilisateurs, via un questionnaire en ligne. Résultats L’analyse du nombre de messages échangés permet de constater une augmentation progressive depuis la création du forum avec successivement en 2010, 2015 et 2019 165, 678 et 1077 messages par an. Sur le 1er premier semestre 2020, 1858 messages ont été échangés, avec 2 pics d’activité : le 17 mars, jour du confinement, et le 11 mai, jour du déconfinement. Le nombre d’abonnés est passé de 288 en février 2020 à 510 en mai 2020, avec une nette prédominance de médecins généralistes (79 %) travaillant dans le département (84,9 %). Cinquante-sept pour cent des abonnés ont répondu au questionnaire. Trente-cinq pour cent se sont inscrits dans le contexte de crise sanitaire. La qualité des informations échangées était jugée à 8/10 (IQR : 8–9) en médiane, versus 6/10 (IQR : 5–7) pour les informations reçues via d’autres sources. L’aide à la prise en charge des patients en période épidémique a été cotée à 9/10 (IQR : 8–10) en médiane par les utilisateurs, favorisée par la rapidité des informations transmises et la réactivité des réponses aux questions posées. Les échanges ont renforcé le lien avec les infectiologues pour 89 % des participants, avec les pédiatres pour 56,3 %, et avec l’ARS pour 45 % d’entre eux. Soixante-deux pour cent ont jugé le forum utile pour le renforcement du lien ville–hôpital, noté à 8/10 (IQR : 7–9) en médiane au cours de la crise sanitaire. La grande majorité des utilisateurs (98,6 %) pense rester active dans la vie du forum après la fin de l’épidémie de COVID-19. Conclusion Cet outil d’échange à l’échelle départementale entre des professionnels de compétences complémentaires a répondu aux attentes des différents acteurs du système de santé pour l’amélioration des pratiques et l’implication de chacun dans la gestion d’une crise sanitaire. Les discussions sur les recommandations des agences de santé et des sociétés savantes ont favorisé l’application de celles-ci en tenant compte des situations locales, permettant ainsi de consolider le lien ville–hôpital.