Assessment of residual chlorine in soil microbial community using metagenomics

Chlorine-containing disinfectants have been widely used around the world for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at present, little is known about the impact of residual chlorine on the soil micro-ecological environment. Herein, we treated an experimental soil-plant-microbiome microcosm system by continuous irrigation with a low concentration of chlorine-containing water, and then analyzed the influence on the soil microbial community using metagenomics. After 14-d continuous chlorine treatment, there were no significant lasting effect on soil microbial community diversity and composition either in the rhizosphere or in bulk soil. Although metabolic functions of the rhizosphere microbial community were affected slightly by continuous chlorine treatment, it recovered to the original status. The abundance of several resistance genes changed by 7 d and recovered by 14 d. According to our results, the chlorine residue resulting from daily disinfection may present a slight long-term effect on plant growth (shoot length and fresh weight) and soil micro-ecology. In general, our study assisted with environmental risk assessments relating to the application ofchlorine-containing disinfectants and minimization of risks to the environment during disease control, such as COVID-19. © 2022, Higher Education Press.

URINARY BIOMARKER ANALYSES ON JAPANESE, MEDITERRANEAN AND EURO-WESTERN POPULATIONS: WHICH IS BETTER FOR POSTPANDEMIC LONGEVITY?

Objective: Since nutrition could extend lifespan even in stroke-prone rats developing stroke genetically, our WHO-Collaborating Center for Primary Prevention of Cardio-vascular Diseases (CVD) started world-wide hearth examination to investigate nutrition good for healthy longevity by collecting 24-hour urine (24U) samples. Design: Urinary biomarkers of nutritions, sodium for salt, potassium (K) for vegetables and fruits, isoflavones(Is) for soy, taurine(Ta) for fish and magnesium (Mg) for beans and nuts were analyzed in 24U among 4211 participants (49.7% females(F)), aged 48-56 years in 50 populations from 22 countries according to WHO-CARDIAC(Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Compression) Study Protocol, and studied comparatively in 6 Japanese(J), 6 Mediterranean(M) populations from Greece, Italy(2), Spain(2), Portugal and 6 Euro-Western(EW) populations from Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Results with Discussion: The quintile analyses of Ta and Mg/creatine ratio in the world were inversely associated with CVD risks. The Odds ratios of obesity, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension in the lowest quintile of both Ta and Mg were 6.3, 4.6 and 1.8, respectively. J and M populations had significantly higher Ta and Mg therefore, lower CVD risks than EW, but J and M took more salt increasing the risk of stroke (Table 1). Despite the high salt intake, M had the merit of significantly high K intake to attenuate the adverse salt effect. J had a merit to take Is from soy containing Mg. Since Is intake was inversely associated with lower BMI in the world populations, high Japanese Mg intake was related to high Is intake which was inversely associated with obesity in Japan. In fact, the Japanese populations who took significantly higher T and Mg had lower BMI as well as higher HDL and folic acid in the blood, expected to prevent atherosclerosis and dementia. In contrast to M and EW, particularly severe obesity over BMI 30 was obviously less in J, ranking 182nd among 190 populations (WHO). The mortality rates of COVID-19 were significantly positively related to the ratio of severe obesity among 20 major countries in the world and this mortality was obviously lower in J, suggestive of the potential of J diet for post-pandemic longevity. Conclusion: 24U biomarker analyses indicated low-salted J and M diets are recommendable for CVD prevention. J diet is so far better than M diet because of lower CVD risks such as obesity and lipidemia, which were proven by urinary biomarkers to be related with traditional fish and soy intakes.

POSTAL MEDICINE DELIVERY FOR STAGE-2 HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN COVID-19 SITUATION: TURNING CRISIS TO OPPORTUNITY

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced healthcare systems, particularly in the areas of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, where the majority of patients require medication therapy and frequent visits. The postal medicine delivery (PMD) approach was an innovative solution to keep antihypertensive drugs accessible under the social distance regulation. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the PMD in terms of blood pressure (BP) control (< 140/90 mmHg), and target organ damage (TOD) including myocardial infarction, heart failure, acute stroke, and progression of chronic kidney disease) during the use of PMD. Design and method: This was a cross-sectional study in a university hospital, conducted between 11th March to 27th May 2020 when the hospital policy stated that outpatient departments' service would be reduced, and physicians were encouraged to use PMD. Patients without a history of TOD and who had a history of well BP control (< 140/90 mmHg) for the last 2 weeks, were enrolled. All of the patients used smartphones and LINE® applications for contacting the nurse coordinator every 3 months to report their home BP. After 6 months of PMD, patients were assigned to have a follow-up visit at the hospital for office BP measurement and having metabolic panel checked. Results: Thirty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria, and 68% were women. Most of the patients (97.4%) had used home BP monitoring (HPBM). The rate of BP control in goal was 64.2%. There was no TOD during the PMD approach. The medication boxes were sent successfully via postal service within 5-10 days, with no loss or damage recorded. All of the patients reported that they had been taking their antihypertensive medications. More than two-thirds (68.4%) continued to follow a low-sodium diet, while 76.3 percent continued to exercise regularly. Conclusions: In the COVID-19 epidemic, the PMD method could be another effective and safe strategy to enhance medicine access, if suitable enrolment criteria and communication between healthcare practitioners and patients are maintained. (Figure Presented).

Evaluation of Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium level in Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinated Iraq's people

locale: The huge enlarge of the Coronavirus is one of the dangers facing the earth at the initiate time, which causes respiratory disorders. This new nimbus Virus is transmitted from individual nature to anyone and has caused foremost deaths in broad, which has led to the determination of the potent disease. This authenticity of the Disease varies same a large amount from individual creature to parcel. Forcing scientists to include on inspect to discover a vaccine for this disease in in christen to inspection and boundary the stretch of the disease. This evaluation was ponder to bang upon out whether at this thrust are corner not public estate on vaccinated satisfy who routine covid-19 vaccine or not by measuring the body's vim by sphere-shaped about of biochemical tests.Subjects:75 people between women and men aged(17-68 years)were enrolled in this dissect.Several biochemical tests were performed on them before compelling the vaccine,a week to10 continuation after the chief dose, and a week to 10 life after the second dose of covid-19 vaccine. RESULTS: Apiece and everyone subjects in this make inquiries customary the Pfizer-Bio N Tech vaccine and no end corner goods were feasible in subjects vaccinated during the examination manuscript period. Conclusions: From the argue of the contemporary study, at this point were no abnormal biochemical markers, increased, or changes in imperative departed functions after individual rewarded the Pfizer vaccine. © 2023, ResearchTrentz Academy Publishing Education Services. All rights reserved.

Role of Sodium Bicarbonate as Adjuvant Treatment of Nonsevere Computed Tomography-identified COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Preliminary Report

Background: Coronaviruses are classified as pH dependent. Alkaline media induced by sodium bicarbonate (SB) could impede viral entry into cells. We aimed to study the possible role of SB as an adjuvant treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: The study included 182 adults with confirmed nonsevere COVID-19 and chest computed tomography (CT) pneumonia;127 assigned as study received conventional treatment plus adjuvant SB inhalation and nasal drops, as well as 55 assigned as control treated by conventional treatment only. Clinical and radiological assessments using chest CT score specific for COVID-19 were done at days 0 and 30. Results: Both the groups were comparable regarding demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics. Clinical recovery was reported in 43/127 (33.9%) and 10/55 (18.2%) of the study and control groups, respectively (P = 0.03). The mean +/- standard deviation time to clinical improvement was 3.31 +/- 0.99 and 9.79 +/- 6.29 days for the study and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The median of the total chest CT score was reduced from 10 (4-15) to 3 (0-19) in the study group (P = 0.000) and from 13 (2-15) to 11 (2-19) in the control group (P = 0.53) on days 0 and 30, respectively. Conclusions: SB could be a possible adjuvant therapy for selected patients with nonsevere COVID-19 pneumonia.

OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON HYPERTENSION

In this brief review I shall try to discuss several topics related to hypertension which maybe associated with occupational and environmental effects. Effects of dietary sodium will not be discussed as these are extensively discussed elsewhere. Occupational stress is difficult to define but there seems to be a relationship between high demands and relatively low control, and blood pressure in both men and women despite different professional distribution. Noise, a relatively less recognized stressor that may be associated with hypertension Both industrial noise and urban noise. Recently due to the Covid19 lockdown and reduction of aircraft noise in relevant areas a reduction of bloodpressure was noted. Seasonal variation with rise of blood pressure during cold and perhaps shorter daytime light seasons, and subsequent reduction in the summer with its higher temperatures and longer light hours is one environmental factor. Air pollution, especially that associated with high level small particulate matter equal to, or smaller than 0.25 μm, was associated with hypertension in several studies, with quite and ethnic and geographic variability. High altitude exposure (higher than 2500 m), involves hypoxemia (in addition to radiation, cold temperatures, and dehydration because of dryness of inhaled air), resulting in renin angiotensin system activation and sympathetically induced vascular contraction, and elevation of pulse rate and blood-pressure at rest and an exaggerated increase during exercise. Immigration seems to be associated with hypertension through different mechanisms in different populations. Mechanisms of these effects are not well understood though some must be mediated through sympathetic activation, others through the renin angiotensin system though, hypoxemia, altered redox state and inflammation all might participate along with other mechanisms.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Hypernatraemia in Patients with COVID-19-A Territory-Wide Study in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Dysnatraemias are commonly reported in COVID-19. However, the clinical epidemiology of hypernatraemia and its impact on clinical outcomes in relation to different variants of SARS-CoV-2, especially the prevailing Omicron variant, remain unclear. METHODS: This was a territory-wide retrospective study to investigate the clinical epidemiology and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with hypernatraemia at presentation during the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Key secondary outcomes included rates of hospitalization and ICU admission, and costs of hospitalization. RESULTS: In this study, 53,415 adult COVID-19 patients were included for analysis. Hypernatraemia was observed in 2688 (5.0%) patients at presentation, of which most cases (99.2%) occurred during the local "5th wave" dominated by the Omicron BA.2 variant. Risk factors for hypernatraemia at presentation included age, institutionalization, congestive heart failure, dementia, higher SARS-CoV-2 Ct value, white cell count, C-reactive protein and lower eGFR and albumin levels (p < 0.001 for all). Patients with hypernatraemia showed significantly higher 30-day mortality (32.0% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001) and longer lengths of stay (12.9 ± 10.9 vs. 11.5 ± 12.1 days, p < 0.001) compared with those with normonatraemia. Multivariate analysis revealed hypernatraemia at presentation as an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (aHR 1.32, 95% CI 1.14-1.53, p < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stays (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.17-2.05, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Hypernatraemia is common among COVID-19 patients, especially among institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment and other comorbidities during large-scale outbreaks during the Omicron era. Hypernatraemia is associated with unfavourable outcomes and increased healthcare utilization.

Commonly used dental mouthwashes and SARS-CoV-2—The road to what we know today

The aim of this brief overview is to give clinicians a background for assessing publications presenting in vivo human clinical trials regarding the effect of common dental mouthwashes on SARS-CoV-2 virus. It explains how the effects of oral mouthwashes on oro-nasally transmitted infectious virus was assessed in the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. The method of virus quantification including effect measures and factors, trial design that may cause flaws in the effect estimates presented in publications are explained. The status of in vivo human clinical trials regarding the anti-virucidal effect of sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and cetylpyridinium chloride is presented from the few systematic reviews available at this time. © 2023 British Association of Oral Surgeons and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Clinical Dilemma of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and COVID-19 Infection

The COVID-19 Pneumonia with diabetic ketoacidosis is a dreadful health condition. Diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the severe metabolic complications and it can be precipitated by infection. We presented a case of 48 years female with no known comorbidities who presented with COVID-19 symptoms and with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. The case presented with elevated inflammatory markers, high anion gap metabolic acidosis with type I respiratory failure. During admission, the oxygen saturation had marked drop, later her improvement was steady followed by gradual tapering of the oxygenation. Marked improvement was noticed in the subsequent follow-up. COVID-19 infection can be precipitated by preexisting diabetes or newly diagnosed diabetes and the severity of COVID-19 infection is more pronounced in patients with diabetes mellitus, thus should be managed timely and accordingly. The scarce studies among the COVID-19 cases with diabetic ketoacidosis reflect the need for further studies for the availability of a wider range of information. Copyright © 2021, Kathmandu University. All rights reserved.

Comparison of initial presentations of murine typhus and Multisystem-Inflammatory Syndrome in children in a typhus-endemic area

Purpose of Study: In areas endemic for murine typhus, it can be difficult to distinguish from other febrile syndromes. During COVID-19 surges, we identified several cases of typhus. Presenting symptoms and quantitative lab values at and during admission were compared between patients who were diagnosed with murine typhus or multisystem-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Methods Used: Retrospective data was collected at a tertiary care center from July 2020 to March 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients under 21 years of age diagnosed at discharge with murine typhus or MIS-C based on clinical and laboratory evidence, serologic data, and expert consultation. Patients found to have an alternate diagnosis, and those without serologic testing were excluded. Subjects were grouped as either MIS-C or typhus based final diagnosis. Categorical data included headache, fatigue, mucocutaneous changes, rash, con-junctival injection, sore throat, rhinorrhea, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, and appetite change at initial presentation. The categorical data were compared using chi-square test. Quantitative data included age, maximum temperature in first 24 hours of hospitalization, duration of symptoms prior to admission, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count, white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count, serum sodium, alanine aminotransferase, hemoglobin (Hgb), and albumin (Alb). Means of the quantitative data were compared with a one-tailed 2- Sample T-Test. The maximum and minimum laboratory values during admission were also compared. Additional demographic data including gender and date of initial presentation was also collected. Summary of Results: There were 7 patients in the MIS-C group and 19 in the typhus group. The average age of MIS-C patients, 6.5 years of age vs. 11.5,was significantly lower (p < 0.5) than the typhus group. Initial mean WBC (cells x 103/mm3) was higher in MIS-C than typhus (12.21, SD = 3.52, vs. 7.85, SD = 3.52, p < 0.05), as was ANC (8.9, SD = 3.7vs. 5.12, SD = 2.05, p < 0.05). During hospitalization, minimum Hgb (g/dL) was 9.3, SD = 2.07, and11.49, SD = 1.67, in MIS-C and typhus respectively (p < 0.05). Minimum albumin (g/dL) was also lower in MIS-C than typhus (2.32, SD = 0.86 vs. 2.8, SD = 0.45, p < 0.05). There were no other statistically significant differences in categorical or quantitative data. Typhus cases typically occurred in the summer and fall months. There was no clear seasonality of MIS-C, but occurred during local COVID-19 surges. Conclusion(s): The initial presenting symptoms of typhus and MIS-C were similar. WBC and ANC were higher in MIS-C, while age, Hgb and Alb were lower. These parameters may aid in distinguishing the diseases. A high clinical suspicion for both typhus and MIS-C in endemic areas for typhus is crucial. A rapid detection for typhus would aid in distinguishing these diseases and allow prompt treatment interventions. Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.

Cardiac tamponade as the first presentation of thymoma: A case report during COVID-19 pandemic

We report a case of neoplastic cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition, as the initial presentation of an anterior mediastinal malignancy. A 69-year-old gentleman with no known history of malignancy presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath, reduced effort tolerance and chronic cough. Clinically, he was not in distress but tachycardic. He was subjected to echocardiography which revealed large pericardial effusion with tamponade effect. Pericardiocentesis drained 1.5 L of haemoserous fluid. CECT thorax, abdomen and pelvis revealed an anterior mediastinal mass with intrathoracic extension complicated with mass effect onto the right atrium and mediastinal vessels. Ultrasound-guided biopsy histopathology examination revealed thymoma. Due to locally advanced disease, tumour resection was not possible, and patient was referred to oncology team for chemoradiotherapy. We report this case study not only due to the rarity of the case but also to highlight its diagnostic challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright © The Author(s) 2022.

ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR COVID-19-RELATED FATAL OUTCOME IN 337991 PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN 2020-2022 YEARS: RUSSIAN NATIONWIDE RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic has had an extremely negative impact on the patients with diabetes mellitus (DM both in terms of a more severe course of COVID -19 and an increased risk of death. AIM: Analysis of risk factors for death due to COVID -19 in patients with DM type 1 and type 2 (DM1 and DM2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the database of the national diabetes register (NDR), which included DM patients with COVID-19 and reported virus infection outcome (recovery/or death) in 15 712 DM1 and 322 279 DM2 patients during a 2-year follow-up period (01/02/2020 to 03/04/2022) (discharge date)). RESULT(S): Case fatality rate in patients with DM, who underwent COVID -19 was 17.1% (DM1-8.8%;DM2-17.5%). As a result of multivariate regression analysis of seven significant factors in DM1 and thirteen in DM2 (evaluated by univariate anlisys), a number of the most important predictors of risk for fatal outcome were identified: in DM1 these were age >=65 years (OR =4.01, 95% CI: 1.42-11.36), presence of arterial hypertension (AH) (OR =2.72, 95% CI: 1.03 -7.16) and diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) (OR = 7.22, 95% CI: 1.98-26.29);for T2DM: age >= 65 years (OR =2.53, 95% CI: 1.96-3.27), male (OR =1.51, 95% CI: 1.23-1.84), duration DM >=10 years (OR =2.01, 95% CI: 1.61-2.51), BMI >= 30 kg/m2 (OR =1.26, 95% CI: 1.02-1.55), ASCVD/CKD (OR =1.49, 95% CI: 1.01-2.04), history of diabetic coma (OR =12.97, 95% CI: 1.89-88.99) and presence of disability (OR =1.40, 95% CI: 1.14-1.73). In T2DM, the type of antidiabetic therapy (ADT) prior to COVID -19 (last visit before the development of infection) had a significant impact: Insulin therapy (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.30-2.07), sulfonylureas (SU) (OR =1.51, 95% CI: 1.23-1.84));dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (iDPP-4) therapy (OR =0.57, 95% CI: 0.39-0.83) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (iSGLT2) therapy (OR =0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.88). Vaccination was the most important protective factor in both types of DM: DM1 OR =0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.59;SD2 OR =0.20, 95% CI: 0.16-0.26. CONCLUSION(S): The common risk factor for fatal outcome in both DM1 and DM2 was age >=65 years;in DM1 - history of hypertension and DFS, in DM2 - male sex, diabetes duration >=10 years, BMI >=30 kg/m2, history of ASCVD/CKD and diabetic coma, disability. In T2DM, significant differences in risk were observed depending on the type of ADT: insulin and SU therapy were factors that increased the risk of death, whereas therapy with iDPP-4 and iSGLT2 reduced the risk of death. Vaccination reduced the risk of death in DM1 and DM2 by 5.2 and 5-fold, respectively. Copyright © Endocrinology Research Centre, 2022.

A CASE OF LONG-TERM TOLERANCE AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION.

We present a case of long-term organ functioning (ca.10 years) after allografting of a cadaveric kidney without usage of immunosuppressing drugs. In 2005, a patient suffering from a hypertensive form of chronic glomerulonephritis, have received an allogeneic graft of cadaveric kidney compatible for AB0 system, HLA antigens (A19, B07, DR04), and negative results of cross-match test. The graft function was immediately restored, with normalization of creatinine levels achieved 4-5 days after surgery. Immunosuppression with cyclosporine, solumedrol, cellcept, metypred and simulect was performed in the hospital. Pulse therapy with solumedrol was performed on the day +20 due to the development of initial rejection signs. The postoperative period proceeded without infectious complications. The patient was discharged being recommended to take cyclosporine, Cell-Sept and Metypred. Within a year after transplantation, the patient claimed for pain in the hip joint, and, therefore, metypred was completely canceled. Subsequently, the Cellcept was replaced with a Mayfortic. In 2007, the signs of coxarthrosis were revealed at computed tomography, followed by aseptic necrosis of the the right femur head. Deforming osteoarthritis of the right hip joint was detected, and the hip replacement surgery was suggested. In 2010, due to risk of side effects from ongoing immunosuppressive therapy, e.g., joint damage, the Mayfortic was canceled. In 2012, being in fear of original Sandimmun Neoral replacement by a generic drug, the patient completely refused cyclosporine therapy. In 2021, the endoprosthetics of the right hip joint was performed, and the surgical wound healed initially. Since 2012, the patient has not completely taken immunosuppressive therapy. Over this time period, the patient has never been admitted to the hospital for impaired functioning of the organ graft. Meanwhile, he monitored his graft function on regular basis undergoing biochemical analyses, clinical examination, ultrasound studies of the graft and made regular visits to the outpatient department. In 2021, a week after hip replacement, there was a slight increase in serum creatinine, followed by further increase to 230 mmol/L in 2021, and to 310 mmol/L in March 2022. In February 2022, the patient suffered mild respiratory infection (confirmed COVID-19). In March 2022, the first clinical signs of increasing nephropathy appeared, i.e., swelling of both lower extremities, with leukocytes in urine upon routine analysis, increased blood flow resistance in the main artery of the transplant shown by ultrasound study. Due to worsening of the patient's condition, he resumed taking the prescribed immunosuppressants. Copyright © 2022, SPb RAACI.

Production and characterization of lentivirus vector-based SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses with dual reporters: Evaluation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 viral effect of Korean red ginseng.

Background: Pseudotyped virus systems that incorporate viral proteins have been widely employed for the rapid determination of the effectiveness and neutralizing activity of drug and vaccine candidates in biosafety level 2 facilities. We report an efficient method for producing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pseudovirus with dual luciferase and fluorescent protein reporters. Moreover, using the established method, we also aimed to investigate whether Korean red ginseng (KRG), a valuable Korean herbal medicine, can attenuate infectivity of the pseudotyped virus. Methods: A pseudovirus of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-2pv) was constructed and efficiently produced using lentivirus vector systems available in the public domain by the introduction of critical mutations in the cytoplasmic tail of the spike protein. KRG extract was dose-dependently treated to Calu-3 cells during SARS2-pv treatment to evaluate the protective activity against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The use of Calu-3 cells or the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in HEK293T cells enabled SARS-2pv infection of host cells. Coexpression of transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), which is the activator of spike protein, with ACE2 dramatically elevated luciferase activity, confirming the importance of the TMPRSS2-mediated pathway during SARS-CoV-2 entry. Our pseudovirus assay also revealed that KRG elicited resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung cells, suggesting its beneficial health effect. Conclusion: The method demonstrated the production of SARS-2pv for the analysis of vaccine or drug candidates. When KRG was assessed by the method, it protected host cells from coronavirus infection. Further studies will be followed for demonstrating this potential benefit.

Selenium in the Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viruses.

The rapid spread of new pathogens (SARS-CoV-2 virus) that negatively affect the human body has huge consequences for the global public health system and the development of the global economy. Appropriate implementation of new safety regulations will improve the functioning of the current model supervising the inhibition of the spread of COVID-19 disease. Compliance with all these standards will have a key impact on the health behavior of individual social groups. There have been demonstrably effective treatments that proved to be effective but were rapidly dismissed for unknown reasons, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. Various measures are used in the world to help inhibit its development. The properties of this element provide hope in preventing the development of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of this review is to synthesize the latest literature data and to present the effect of sodium selenite in reducing the incidence of COVID-19 disease.

Fondaparinux Sodium: Recent Advances in the Management of Thrombosis.

Fondaparinux sodium is a chemically synthesized selective factor Xa inhibitor approved for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic events, that is, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and superficial vein thrombosis, in acutely ill (including those affected by COVID-19 or cancer patients) and those undergoing surgeries. Since its approval in 2002, the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux is well demonstrated by many clinical studies, establishing the value of fondaparinux in clinical practice. Some of the advantages with fondaparinux are its chemical nature of synthesis, minimal risk of contamination, 100% absolute bioavailability subcutaneously, instant onset of action, a long half-life, direct renal excretion, fewer adverse reactions when compared with direct oral anticoagulants, and being an ideal alternative in conditions where oral anticoagulants are not approved for use or in patients intolerant to low molecular weight heparins (LMWH). In the last decade, the real-world use of fondaparinux has been explored in other conditions such as acute coronary syndromes, bariatric surgery, in patients developing vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) and in pregnant women with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), or those intolerant to LMWH. The emerging data from these studies have culminated in recent updates in the guidelines that recommend the use of fondaparinux under various conditions. This paper aims to review the recent data and the subsequent updates in the recommendations of various guidelines on the use of fondaparinux sodium.

Global Pattern of kdr-Type Alleles in Musca domestica (L.).

Purpose of Review: Houseflies, Musca domestica L., are an important sanitary pest that affects human and domesticated animals. They are mechanical carriers of more than 100 human and animal diseases including protozoan, bacterial, helminthic, and viral infections. Recently, it was demonstrated that houseflies acquired, harbored, and transmitted SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) for up to 1 day post-exposure. The most widely used control strategy relays on the application of pyrethroid insecticides due to their effectiveness, low mammalian toxicity, low cost, and environmental safety. The main mechanism of action of pyrethroids is to exert their toxic effects through affecting the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) modifying the transmission of the nerve impulse and leading to the death of the insects. Target site insensitivity of the VSSC is due to the presence of single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) named knockdown mutations (kdr). In this review, we synthetize recent data on the type and distribution of these mutations globally. Recent Findings: Housefly resistance is reported in several countries. Increased applications of pyrethroids to control housefly populations led to the emergence of multiple evolutionary origins of resistance determined by five amino acid substitutions or specific mutations in the VSSC: kdr (L1014F), kdr-his (L1014H), super-kdr (M918T + L1014F), type N (D600N + M918T + L1014F), and 1B (T929I + L1014F). According to the global map obtained, high levels of resistance to pyrethroids are associated with the L1014F mutation found mostly in North America, Europe, and Asia, while the super-kdr mutation was mostly found in the American continent. The level of protection conferred by these alleles against pyrethroids was generally kdr-his < kdr < Type N ≤ super-kdr ≤ 1B. The relative fitness of the alleles under laboratory conditions was susceptible ≅ kdr-his > kdr > super-kdr suggesting that the fitness cost of an allele was relative to the presence of other alleles in a population and that the reversion of resistance in a free insecticide environment might be quite variable from one region to another. Summary: An adequate integrated pest management program should consider monitoring susceptibility to pyrethroids to detect early levels of resistance and predict the spread and evolution of resistant phenotypes and genotypes. From this review, the pyrethroid resistance status of housefly population was determined in very few countries and has evolved independently in different areas of the world affecting chemical control programs.

A Rare COVID-19 Presentation, Relapse of Nephrotic Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient

Background: In early 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemics caused previously unheard of health, social, and economic problems worldwide. The disease can affect different organs such as the lungs, heart, pancreas, kidney, and unusual symptoms can be seen. Information on the clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on renal function among pediatric age groups is scarce. Case Report: In this report, we presented a 13-year-old boy who was admitted to our hospital with the relapse of nephrotic syndrome caused by COVID-19. The patient had mild upper respiratory tract symptoms, eyelid edema and progressive swelling of the lower extremities. Clinical remission was achieved with oral prednisolone therapy without the use of any antiviral drugs. Conclusion(s): Patients with nephrotic syndrome presenting with relapse should be evaluated for potential COVID-19 infection during the pandemic. The use of routine doses of prednisolone appears to be safe in mild disease. Copyright © 2023 by Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine.