ABSTRACT
Background: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are composed of processed chromatin bound to granular and selected cytoplasmic proteins and released by neutrophils. NETs consist of smooth filaments composed of stacked nucleosomes. Fully hydrated NETs have a cloud-like appearance and occupy a space 10-15-fold larger than the volume of the cells they originate from. DNases are the enzymes that cleave extracellular DNA including NETs. Together with their protective role in microbial infections, NETs are involved in multiple pathological processes and represent key events in a variety of pathologies including cancer, autoimmunity, and cardiovascular disease. Sites of NETs concentration are dangerous for the host if the process of NETs formation becomes chronic or the mechanism of NETs removal does not work. NETosis has been linked to the development of periodontitis, cystic fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, COVID-19 or rheumatoid arthritis as well as cancer progression. Purpose(s): Thus, the destruction of NETs is of primary significance in many pathologies. In our approach, we are focusing on mimicking one of the natural mechanisms of destroying excessive NETs by delivering deoxyribonuclease I to the specific site of pathological NETs accumulation by modifying the nanoparticles using an anti-nucleosome monoclonal antibody (2C5). The antibody is specific to nucleosomes and can recognize histones in NETs. DNase I is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved active component and is commonly used in therapeutic methods of modern medicine for cystic fibrosis to clear extracellular DNA fibers in the lungs and systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent findings have also shown the effectiveness of DNase I in the digestion of NETs. However, the low serum stability and fast deactivation by environmental stimuli have been considered as the limiting factors for clinical applications of DNase I, which can be overcome by its targeted specific delivery in pharmaceutical nanocarriers. Method(s): In this study, we generate NETs in vitro using human neutrophils and HL-60 cells differentiated into granulocyte-like cells. We used interleukin-8, lipopolysaccharide from E.Coli (LPS), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and calcium ionophore A23187 (CI) to generate the NETs. We confirmed the specificity of 2C5 toward NETs by ELISA, which showed that it binds to NETs with the specificity like that for purified nucleohistone substrate. We further utilized that feature to create two delivery systems (liposomes and micelles) for DNAse I enzyme to destroy NETs, which was confirmed by staining NETs with SYTOX Green dye and followed by flow cytometric measurements and microscopic images. Conclusion(s): Our results suggest that 2C5 could be used to identify and visualize NETs and serve as a ligand for NET-targeted diagnostics and therapies. Also, we proved that our carrier can successfully deliver DNase to NETs to provide their degradation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional health care model has evolved toward a more patient-centric model. In relation to this trend, digital health services have seen an acceleration, which may have significant implications for the health care model. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on health care facilities, it is important to explore health professionals' willingness to adopt a patient-centric digital health delivery model for medicine and health care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to pilot a survey that assesses the impact and implementation of telehealth in view of health care providers prior to and post COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 26 volunteer health care professionals participated in the pilot study, of which 19/26 (73%) completed the general demographics portion. Among these respondents, 9/26 (35%) completed the entirety of the survey. The questionnaire included questions relating to general demographics, accessibility and benefits, usability, and engagements with telemedicine. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 questionnaire designs (A-D) based on their expertise in telehealth. Of the 9 total participants who completed their randomly assigned questionnaire, 1 (11%) was randomly assigned to A, 3 (33%) were randomly assigned to B, 2 (22%) were randomly assigned to C, and 3 (33%) were randomly assigned to D. RESULTS: Responses and data from the study questionnaire were collected from Qualtrics. Microsoft Excel was used for data organization. Due to limited responses and data, no advanced statistical software was implemented. From the 9 participants who completed the entirety of the survey, responses from those with telehealth experience (n=4) showed that telehealth was preferred for follow-ups, lab results, and consultations, and that with telehealth, there was greater flexibility with appointment times and a decrease in the number of patients seen. Among the 4 health care providers with telehealth experience, all of them believed it improved accessibility and reduced physical barriers; health care professionals believed telehealth reduced translational barriers with patients. Among health care professionals without telehealth experience (n=5), 60% (3/5) reported a decrease in appointments for in-office visits post COVID-19 and strongly agreed or agreed that telehealth could influence the quality of care for patients. All 5 participants also reported no general concerns about telehealth prior to the pandemic and agreed that it would provide accessibility for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings of our pilot study showed initial support of a dynamical shift within the health care model due to the rise in the use of telehealth services between health care providers and patients but no statistically significant results. Further research and investigation with a larger sample size is warranted to better understand the mindset of health care professionals in adopting telemedicine post COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Vaccines are undoubtedly a powerful weapon in our fight against global pandemics, as demonstrated in the recent COVID-19 case, yet they often face significant challenges in reliable cold chain transport. Despite extensive efforts to monitor their time-temperature history, current time-temperature indicators (TTIs) suffer from limited reliability and stability, such as difficulty in avoiding human intervention, inapplicable to subzero temperatures, narrow tracking temperature ranges, or susceptibility to photobleaching. Herein, we develop a class of structural color materials that harnesses dual merits of fluidic nature and structural color, enabling thermal-triggered visible color destruction based on triggering agent-diffusion-induced irreversible disassembly of liquid colloidal photonic crystals for indicating the time-temperature history of the cold chain transport. These self-destructive structural color liquids (SCLs) exhibit inherent irreversibility, superior sensitivity, tunable self-destructive time (minutes to days), and a wide tracking temperature range (-70 to +37 °C). Such self-destructive SCLs can be conveniently packaged into flexible TTIs for monitoring the storage and exposure status of diverse vaccines via naked-eye inspection or mobile phone scanning. By overcoming the shortcomings inherent in conventional TTIs and responsive photonic crystals, these self-destructive SCLs can increase their compatibility with cold chain transport and hold promise for the development and application of the next-generation intelligent TTIs and photonic crystals.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Temperature , Color , Reproducibility of Results , PhotonsABSTRACT
People with disabilities (PwD) are a COVID-19 vulnerable group, and globally they are experiencing even higher rates of social exclusion than before the pandemic. Value co-creation is a process whereby firms and their customers work together to develop service offerings and provides a tool for service improvement during disruptions such as health crises. Although many cultural and tourist attractions have access and inclusion as part of their strategic plans not all of them have turned to value co-creation to address access and inclusion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They also have varying degrees of understandings about what facilitates social inclusion. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, this study explores how museums have addressed access and inclusion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the degree of uptake, discourses of value co-creation, and how their responses can be categorised. The research design included semi-structured, participatory interviews with 15 managers from eight museums;and ethnographic observation and semi-structured, post-museum visit interviews with 12 PwD. Then, an iterative data analysis process using ATLAS-ti was undertaken. The results provide insight into the social inclusion of PwD in museums during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Plain English SummaryThe COVID-19 crisis had a profound impact on firms. Firms which were more productive pre-crisis fared relatively better, particularly in countries with a more competitive business environment. Using survey data for about 8000 firms, including both small and large firms, in 23 emerging and developing countries in Europe and Central Asia, the paper finds that during the COVID-19 crisis, smaller firms were hit harder, and economic activity was reallocated toward firms with higher pre-crisis labor productivity. Countries with a strong competition environment experienced more reallocation from less productive to more productive firms than countries with a weak competition environment. The evidence also suggests that reallocation from low- to high-productivity firms during the COVID-19 crisis was stronger compared with pre-crisis times. Finally, the analysis shows that government support measures implemented in response to the crisis went to less productive and larger firms, regardless of their pre-crisis innovation. Thus, government support measures during the COVID-19 crisis may have had adverse effects on competition and productivity growth. As economies enter the economic recovery phase, it will be important for policymakers to phase out support measures as soon as appropriate and focus on fostering a competitive business environment. This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the reallocation of economic activity across firms and whether this reallocation depends on the competition environment. The paper uses the World Bank's Enterprise Surveys COVID-19 Follow-up Surveys for about 8000 firms, including both small and large firms, in 23 emerging and developing countries in Europe and Central Asia, matched with 2019 Enterprise Surveys data. It finds that during the COVID-19 crisis, smaller firms were hit harder, and economic activity was reallocated toward firms with higher pre-crisis labor productivity. Countries with a strong competition environment experienced more reallocation from less productive to more productive firms than countries with a weak competition environment. The evidence also suggests that reallocation from low- to high-productivity firms during the COVID-19 crisis was stronger compared with pre-crisis times. Finally, the analysis shows that government support measures implemented in response to the crisis may have adverse effects on competition and productivity growth since support went to less productive and larger firms, regardless of their pre-crisis innovation.
ABSTRACT
More than 1100 published papers during 2016–2021 have "hyaluronan” in the title. This Encyclopedia of Cell Biology update focuses on 25 of these publications that we considered having important new directions for research on this fascinating Zen macromolecule that has a simple disaccharide structure and a very complex biology. There are likely several more publications during this time that fit this criteria. As hyaluronan has its own International Society (ISHAS) that meets biannually, the on-line booklets of meetings during this time provide insight into the wide range of ongoing hyaluronan research. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: According to the results of the ESSE-RF study, the frequency of obesity in the population reached 29.7%. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Features of the course of COVID-19 in patients with obesity is a very urgent problem. AIM: The aim of the study was a comparative investigation of clinical and laboratory-instrumental parameters in AH patients with or without obesity who had COVID-19 associated pneumonia, to identify the role of obesity as a potential predictor of post-COVID cardiovascular complications 3 months after discharge from the hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials and methods. The study included 174 patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Group 1 included 78 patients with AH without obesity, group 2 - 96 patients with AH and obesity. All patients were tested with a blood sample at the time of admission and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. We assessed parameters of general blood test, biochemistry, hemostasis, inflammation biomarkers - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine, IL-6, etc. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest. In both groups, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed using BPLaB device, according to the standard protocol;echocardiography using an expert class ultrasound diagnostic system Vivid S70. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov database Identifier: NCT04501822. RESULT(S): Results. The biomarker that significantly distinguished the both groups of patients, as well as subgroups according to the degree of obesity was the concentration of maxCRP and hs-CRP, which was significantly higher in group 2. In addition, the registered maximum values of MPO, NT-proBNP, IL-1,6, TNA-alpha and NRL parameters in group 2 of patients with 2-3 degrees of obesity, may indicate the highest probability of developing delayed adverse cardiovascular complications in this group of patients. Mean systolic blood pressure, variability of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate at night were significantly higher in AH patients with obesity. Numerous correlations of obesity with laboratory and instrumental parameters have been registered, which may indicate an increased likelihood of delayed unwanted cardiovascular complications in this particular group of patients. Multiple regression showed that obesity is an independent predictor of an increase in LDH, hs-CRP and right atrium. CONCLUSION(S): Dynamic control of the studied parameters in patients with AH and OB registered an increased concentration of CRP at the initial stage and 3 months after treatment, with a general trend towards a decrease in the increased initial structural parameters of ECHO CG. The logistic regression method showed that the presence of OB in patients with AH is an independent factor causing increased levels of immune inflammation (CRP), a marker of tissue destruction (LDH), and load on the right atrium.Copyright © Endocrinology Research Centre, 2022.
ABSTRACT
The devastating global pandemic Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid 19) which was isolated in China in January 2020 is responsible for outbreak of pneumonia and other multisystemic complications. The clinical picture of the infection has an extreme variability: it goes from asymptomatic patients or mild forms with fever, cough, fatigue and loss of smell and taste, to severe cases ending up in the intensive care unit (ICU). This is due to possible cytokine storm that may lead to multi organ failure, septic shock, or thrombosis. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV -2) which is the virus that causes Covid 19, binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are expressed in key metabolic organ and tissues including pancreatic beta cells, adipose tissue, the small intestine and the kidneys. Therefore it is possible to state tht newly-onset diabetes is triggered by Covid 19 infection. Although there have been many hypotheses which clarify the potential diabetogenic effect of Covid 19, only few observations were reported during this pandemic. Two male patients who were admitted to us with devastating hyperglycemia symptoms were diagnosed as type 1/autoimmune diabetes mellitus within 3 months following Covid 19 infection. Autoantibodies and decreased C peptide levels were detected in these patients. We speculated that autoimmune insulitis and pancreatic beta-cell destruction might be triggered by Covid 19 infection through several mechanisms. Our purpose is to raise awareness on the possible link between SARS-CoV-2 and newly onset type 1 diabetes mellitus. Further studies are needed to determine a more definitive link between the two clinical entities.
ABSTRACT
With the Bronx as its metropolitan regional epicenter during the early American COVID-19 epidemic, New York City acted as the national epicenter. Because of a decades-long history of New York as epicenter of such contagious ills as AIDS, violent crime, and tuberculosis, identification of the neighborhood(s) which may act as municipal and metro regional epicenter of future epidemics assumes great importance. After the April 2020 COVID crest, how quickly a neighborhood declined in COVID markers indexed the vulnerability of that neighborhood to a second wave and to other contagious phenomena. With ZIP code areas of the four central boroughs having populations over 10,000 as the neighborhoods for analysis, the following measures allowed identification of vulnerability: (1) Decline in percent positive swab tests between specific post-crest dates. (2) Whether the area accumulated over 3000 cases per 100,000. (3) Percent increase in cumulative case rates between specific post-crest dates. (4) Increase in cases per square mile between specific post-crest dates. These markers reflect both vulnerability (socioeconomic and physical) and adequacy of authorities' response. Three sets of criteria qualified areas qualified as potential epicenters: Criteria set 1: Over 3000 cumulative cases per 100,000, above median percent positive swabs on the specific date, and above median percent increase in cumulative case rates between two specific dates. Criteria set 2: Over 3000 cumulative cases per 100,000, above median percent positive swabs on the specific date, and above median new cases/sq mi accrued between specific dates. Criteria set 3: Increase in new cases above 50 per sq mi between specific dates. Criteria set 1 was applied to July 28 data, as well as to August 17 data. Criteria sets 2 and 3 were applied only to August 17 data. Thus, four lists of qualified ZIP code areas arose: Criteria set 1 applied to two intervals and criteria sets 2 and 3 to one. Qualifying areas were mapped. Only Bronx areas appeared on all four lists. Mapping showed that Bronx areas formed large clusters for each of the four lists, the largest clusters for any borough. With the exception of ZIP code area 10035 in East Harlem, Manhattan areas appeared only on the map for criteria set 3. Several Upper Manhattan areas exceeded 100 new cases per sq mi amassed between July 28 and August 17. Several wealthy Manhattan areas also qualified, indicating vulnerability. The Queens cluster of "red alert" areas near LaGuardia Airport has a high proportion of foreign-born residents, a likely high number of airport employees and of essential workers. With its long history of authority-sponsored segregation and community-destroying modes of discrimination, the Bronx emerged as the likely future epicenter. Two strategic paths reduce the probability of epicenter development: (1) increase residential stability above the threshold for development of numerous large interacting social networks and (2) accelerate social network formation with deliberate organizing. The first step would outlaw all processes that destroy housing or push people out of their homes or decrease availability of low-cost housing. Areas without social organization are powerless against predatory forces whether they be capitalist entities such as landlords or government acting for capitalist entities. Further exploration of the epidemiological condition of the Upper Manhattan and wealthy areas with high new case densities would be wise. Manhattan had been the epicenter of AIDS, TB, violent crime, and low birthweight epidemics in the NYC metro region. Destabilized by massive emigration of wealthy white residents, gentrified Manhattan could be newly vulnerable. Residential destabilization is an enemy of public health and of community empowerment. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: According to the results of the ESSE-RF study, the frequency of obesity in the population reached 29.7%. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Features of the course of COVID-19 in patients with obesity is a very urgent problem. AIM: The aim of the study was a comparative investigation of clinical and laboratory-instrumental parameters in AH patients with or without obesity who had COVID-19 associated pneumonia, to identify the role of obesity as a potential predictor of post-COVID cardiovascular complications 3 months after discharge from the hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials and methods. The study included 174 patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Group 1 included 78 patients with AH without obesity, group 2 - 96 patients with AH and obesity. All patients were tested with a blood sample at the time of admission and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. We assessed parameters of general blood test, biochemistry, hemostasis, inflammation biomarkers - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine, IL-6, etc. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest. In both groups, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed using BPLaB device, according to the standard protocol;echocardiography using an expert class ultrasound diagnostic system Vivid S70. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov database Identifier: NCT04501822. RESULT(S): Results. The biomarker that significantly distinguished the both groups of patients, as well as subgroups according to the degree of obesity was the concentration of maxCRP and hs-CRP, which was significantly higher in group 2. In addition, the registered maximum values of MPO, NT-proBNP, IL-1,6, TNA-alpha and NRL parameters in group 2 of patients with 2-3 degrees of obesity, may indicate the highest probability of developing delayed adverse cardiovascular complications in this group of patients. Mean systolic blood pressure, variability of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate at night were significantly higher in AH patients with obesity. Numerous correlations of obesity with laboratory and instrumental parameters have been registered, which may indicate an increased likelihood of delayed unwanted cardiovascular complications in this particular group of patients. Multiple regression showed that obesity is an independent predictor of an increase in LDH, hs-CRP and right atrium. CONCLUSION(S): Dynamic control of the studied parameters in patients with AH and OB registered an increased concentration of CRP at the initial stage and 3 months after treatment, with a general trend towards a decrease in the increased initial structural parameters of ECHO CG. The logistic regression method showed that the presence of OB in patients with AH is an independent factor causing increased levels of immune inflammation (CRP), a marker of tissue destruction (LDH), and load on the right atrium.Copyright © Endocrinology Research Centre, 2022.
ABSTRACT
Periodontitis as a highly prevalent chronic infection/inflammatory disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and masticatory dysfunction. It also has a negative impact on general health and largely impairs quality of life. The tissue destruction during periodontitis is mainly caused by the excessive immune-inflammatory response; hence, how to modulate the host's reaction is of profound importance for effective periodontal treatment and tissue protection. Melatonin, as an endogenous hormone exhibiting multiple biological functions such as circadian rhythm regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation, has been widely used in general healthcare. Notably, the past few years have witnessed increasing evidence for the application of melatonin as an adjunctive approach in the treatment of periodontitis and periodontitis-related systemic comorbidities. The detailed underlying mechanisms and more verification from clinical practice are still lacking, however, and further investigations are highly required. Importantly, it is essential to establish standard guidelines in the near future for the clinical administration of melatonin for periodontal health and general wellbeing.
Subject(s)
Melatonin , Periodontitis , Humans , Melatonin/pharmacology , Melatonin/therapeutic use , Quality of Life , Periodontitis/drug therapy , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Antioxidants/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Ginger rhizome, a common spice that has been traditionally used in various health aspects. The rhizome contains volatile oil and nonvolatile oil compounds, including oleoresin. Chemical constituents of ginger are numerous and vary depending on the geographic origin, harvest process, and storage conditions. [6]-Gingerol, a major bioactive constituent of ginger, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant, and antiemetic effects. Therefore, it is a valuable food molecule with benefits for human health. This review summarized current findings on [6]-gingerol with regards to its beneficial effects on human health, encompassing the biological activities, mechanisms of action and toxicity assessment. In addition, relevant evidence in support of the application of [6]-gingerol towards the promotion health and vitality, as well as methods for extraction, identification and quantitative determination of [6]-gingerol are also provided.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)
ABSTRACT
The history of humankind has been a battle against infectious diseases, and highly lethal viral infections have appeared many times. Even in Japan, one-fourth of the population was lost due to smallpox during the Nara period. In the modern era, effective vaccines and drugs were developed, and everyone was optimistic that infectious diseases could be eradicated from the earth by the end of the 20 th century. However, infectious diseases such as AIDS, influenza, SARS, and MERS emerged. In particular, the novel coronavirus pandemic that occurred in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 exposed the vulnerability of modern society to infectious diseases. Furthermore, infectious diseases are undergoing significant changes due to human factors such as globalization and the destruction of nature. In this review, I would like to outline the infectious diseases that humans have experienced so far and introduce the fight against the new coronavirus and future infectious disease countermeasures.Copyright © 2022, Japan Society of Drug Delivery System. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The history of humankind has been a battle against infectious diseases, and highly lethal viral infections have appeared many times. Even in Japan, one-fourth of the population was lost due to smallpox during the Nara period. In the modern era, effective vaccines and drugs were developed, and everyone was optimistic that infectious diseases could be eradicated from the earth by the end of the 20 th century. However, infectious diseases such as AIDS, influenza, SARS, and MERS emerged. In particular, the novel coronavirus pandemic that occurred in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 exposed the vulnerability of modern society to infectious diseases. Furthermore, infectious diseases are undergoing significant changes due to human factors such as globalization and the destruction of nature. In this review, I would like to outline the infectious diseases that humans have experienced so far and introduce the fight against the new coronavirus and future infectious disease countermeasures.Copyright © 2022, Japan Society of Drug Delivery System. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The history of humankind has been a battle against infectious diseases, and highly lethal viral infections have appeared many times. Even in Japan, one-fourth of the population was lost due to smallpox during the Nara period. In the modern era, effective vaccines and drugs were developed, and everyone was optimistic that infectious diseases could be eradicated from the earth by the end of the 20 th century. However, infectious diseases such as AIDS, influenza, SARS, and MERS emerged. In particular, the novel coronavirus pandemic that occurred in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 exposed the vulnerability of modern society to infectious diseases. Furthermore, infectious diseases are undergoing significant changes due to human factors such as globalization and the destruction of nature. In this review, I would like to outline the infectious diseases that humans have experienced so far and introduce the fight against the new coronavirus and future infectious disease countermeasures.Copyright © 2022, Japan Society of Drug Delivery System. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID 19 has two-way interaction with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. First, patient with DM are more prone for developing severe COVID 19. Second, moderate to severe COVID 19 can present with new onset DM or may lead to hyperglycaemia and hyperglycaemic complications in Type II DM patients. In this report we present 4 cases of COVID 19 associated Hyperglycaemic Complication (3 with Diabetic Ketoacidosis and 1 with Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state). Method(s): Case Series of patients admitted to Thumbay Hospital, Ajman. Result(s): We report 4 cases of COVID 19 patients who presented to us with hyperglycaemic complications. There of them had features of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and one had Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state. All were treated with IV Insulin infusion and IV Fluids. COVID 19 infection was managed as per MOH protocol. All patients recovered well and were discharged in stable condition. Discussion(s): COVID 19 is associated with new onset DM or may lead to hyperglycaemic complications in patients with Type II DM. There are three pathophysiological processes which may be responsible for this finding. One, SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to enter the body through angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) II receptors in the pulmonary pneumocytes leading to infection and inflammation. Similar ACE-II receptors are also expressed in key metabolic organs and tissues, including pancreatic beta cells, adipose tissue, the small intestine, and the kidneys. Direct infection of pancreatic beta-cells with SARS-CoV-2 virus with beta-cell cell injury is likely the underlying mechanism for development of new onset diabetes and hyperglycaemia in existing diabetic patients. Such direct beta cell infection can cause hyperglycaemic complications in asymptomatic or mild COVID 19 as well. Two, moderate to severe COVID 19 is associated with hyperinflammatory immune response leading to marked rise in inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein and ferritin. Such hyperinflammatory response can also lead to hyperglyacemia in patients with diabetes mellitus. Three, corticosteroids are mainstay treatment of patients with moderate to severe COVID 19 and would definitely contribute to worsening of hyperglycaemia in these patients. Our patients presented to us with hyperglycaemic complications before initiation of any treatment. It is likely that such a situation would be due to direct infection and destruction of beta cells with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Conclusion(s): Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients are high risk of developing hyperglycaemic complications due to COVID 19. This can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Patients with Type II DM should seek medical attention even if they have mild to asymptomatic COVID 19 to monitor for hyperglycaemic complication which can develop irrespective of severity of stage of illness.
ABSTRACT
The analysis of a clinical case with osteonecrosis of the maxillofacial region, which was a manifestation of a complication of a COVID-19 coronavirus infection, to show the diagnostic capabilities of computed tomography followed by multiplanar and 3D reconstructions. Materials and methods. Clinical observation of patient R. 53 years old is presented, with complaints of pain, painful swelling of the soft tissues of the right suborbital area, painfulness during chewing, which appeared in the early period after COVID-19. The patient was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery where she underwent comprehensive radiological examination to determine the nature of the changes and comprehensive treatment. Results. The diagnosis of osteonecrosis with the progression to the soft tissue suppuration and upper jaw destruction was verified by CT scan and confirmed by surgical intervention. Detection and detailed diagnosis of these changes was facilitated by multispiral computed tomography and 3D reconstructions during the follow-up. Discussion. COVID-19 coronavirus infection can be complicated by necrosis of the skeletal bones, including the jaw, which can be diagnosed with radiology methods. Various radiological methods can be used to diagnose this pathology, but CT scan of the maxillofacial region is the most informative. Conclusion. CT of the skull bones and facial skeleton in patients with osteonecrosis of the maxillofacial region provides complete diagnostic information about the localization and distribution of the lesion, which determines the further tactics of patient management taking into account the detected changes. As a result, timely initiated adequate treatment helped to cope with the progressing protracted pathological process of the maxillofacial region, which was a manifestation of a complication of the recent COVID-19 coronavirus infection.Copyright © 2022 Russian Electronic Journal of Radiology. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious illness due to serious respiratory trouble. It is impacted numerous humans and has asserted the living expectancy of a greater number of persons from all over the planet. The maturation period of this virus, on typically about 5-6 days but it might also be up to 2 weeks. Throughout this period, the individual may not feel any indications but could still be transmissible. A person could develop this disease if he/ she inhales the virus while a diseased person/ virus carrier within close vicinity sneezes or coughs otherwise tapping an infected place in addition to afterward again his/ her eyes, nose or mouth. To prevent this, the region of the COVID-19 patient must be decontaminated with virucidal disinfectants, such as and 0.05% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and ethanol-based products (at least 70%) an optional technique used is UV light sterilization. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technology is used to help reduce micro-organisms that can remain on surfaces after basic sprinkling to the minimum amount. The proposed work has established an UV robot or UV bot to perform decontamination in an operating room or in-patients room. Three 19.3-watt UV lights are positioned in a 360-degree circle on the UV bot platform. It used an integrated system based on a microprocessor and a metal frame to aid in navigation in a fixed path to avoid barriers. In addition, a sanitizer dispenser is also included to clean the viral organisms, which is spread through the water droplets of the patient. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The importance of movement iswidely confirmed in people with haemophilia. After the spread of SARS-CoV-2, though, and the subsequent pandemic and lockdown, several haemophilia centres started providing physiotherapy via tele medicine. The role of telerehabilitation in haemophilia patients remains unclear. We, therefore, studied the impact of a physiotherapy course with group sessions via Zoom platform (Zoom Video Communications, Inc.) on a group of severe haemophilia A patients. Method(s): We included patients with severe haemophilia A, who were undergoing prophylaxis with clotting factor concentrates or emicizumab and with at least one target joint;an exclusion criterion was a therapeutic switch during the year. A complete assessment of the patients was performed using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and the quality-of-life questionnaire EQ-5D-5L before starting the physiotherapy course (T0) and at the end of the one-year-course (T1). During the course year, one exercise session per week was planned, led by a physiotherapist, and corrected by an observer physiotherapist. During the session, warm-up, global muscle strengthening, stretching, proprioception and coordination exercises were carried out. Result(s):We recruited 10 patients aged 29-54 years (mean: 42.6;standard deviation: 9.607). In this group, only two were already doing sports once a week - swim and nordic walking. Only one patient required additional treatment due to a post-fall hematoma on amountain hike. The mean HJHS was 10.8 at T0, decreased to 9.6 at T1. The HJHS-specific items relating to pain, muscle strength and muscle atrophy had all improved, while the parameters relating to joint damage were understandably unchanged. All the patients reported a feeling of well-being at the end of the course, and the mean of the global EQ-5D-5L score in T0 was 81, while at T1 was 85. Discussion/Conclusion: This experience highlights the role of telerehabilitation, an innovative tool that can give access to physical exercise to patients otherwise limited by the geographical distance or by the impossibility of reaching the treatment sites. However, further large studies are needed to fully explore its potential.
ABSTRACT
Purpose. The analysis of CT and MR patterns of rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after COVID-19. Materials and methods. The study included 11 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and invasive ROCM in the long-term period. CT examinations were performed on Revolution EVO CT scanner (GE, Russia) and MRI on Aera MR scanner 1.5 T (Siemens, Germany). Results. We report several CT and MR patterns for a series of patients: involvement of paranasal sinuses, orbits, optic nerves, large arteries;intracranial spread;involvement bones of cranial base. The features of differential diagnosis and recommendations for standard protocols are presented. Conclusion. CT of paranasal sinuses is the method of choice for suspected fungal infections. MRI is recommended if there is a suspicion of orbital, vascular, and intracranial complications or cavernous sinus extension. The combination of both methods makes it possible to showed soft tissue invasion and bony destruction to choose optimal medical tactics ROCM.Copyright © 2022 Russian Electronic Journal of Radiology. All rights reserved.