Performance evaluation of the Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Panel for detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B antigens using mid-turbinate nasal swabs.

The Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Panel (Abbott) is an in vitro diagnostic rapid test designed for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid proteins SARS-CoV-2 and nucleoprotein influenza A and B antigens in nasal mid-turbinate (NMT) swab specimens from symptomatic individuals meeting COVID-19 and influenza clinical and/or epidemiological criteria. This study, the largest global one to date using fresh samples, aimed to assess the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Panel in freshly collected NMT swab specimens from individuals suspected of respiratory viral infection consistent with COVID-19 and/or influenza within the first 5 days of symptom onset compared with results obtained with the cobas SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B qualitative assay (cobas 6800/8800 systems), which were tested using nasopharyngeal swab samples. A total of 512 evaluable subjects were enrolled in the COVID-19 cohort across 18 sites, and 1,148 evaluable subjects were enrolled in the influenza cohort across 22 sites in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the USA. The Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Panel demonstrated a sensitivity of 80.4% and a specificity of 99.7% for COVID-19. For influenza A, the sensitivity and specificity rates were 80.6% and 99.3%, respectively. Likewise, for influenza B, the sensitivity and specificity rates were 80.8% and 99.4%, respectively. In conclusion, the Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Panel emerges as a suitable rapid test for detecting COVID-19 and influenza in symptomatic subjects across diverse global populations, exhibiting high sensitivity. The assay achieved a sensitivity of 94.4% in samples with Ct ≤24 for COVID-19 and 92.6% in samples with Ct ≤30 for influenza A and B. IMPORTANCE: The Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Panel is a suitable rapid test for detecting COVID-19 and influenza in symptomatic subjects across diverse global populations, exhibiting high sensitivity. The assay achieved a sensitivity of 94.0% in samples with Ct ≤24 for COVID-19 and 92.6% in samples with Ct ≤30 for influenza A and B.

Safety and efficacy of the intranasal spray SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dNS1-RBD: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: The live-attenuated influenza virus vector-based intranasal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (dNS1-RBD, Pneucolin; Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, Beijing, China) confers long-lasting and broad protection in animal models and is, to our knowledge, the first COVID-19 mucosal vaccine to enter into human trials, but its efficacy is still unknown. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy (but not the immunogenicity) of dNS1-RBD against COVID-19. METHODS: We did a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive design, phase 3 trial at 33 centres (private or public hospitals, clinical research centres, or Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) in four countries (Colombia, Philippines, South Africa, and Viet Nam). Men and non-pregnant women (aged ≥18 years) were eligible if they had never been infected with SARS-CoV-2, and if they did not have a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination history at screening or if they had received at least one dose of other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines 6 months or longer before enrolment. Eligible adults were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive two intranasal doses of dNS1-RBD or placebo administered 14 days apart (0·2 mL per dose; 0·1 mL per nasal cavity), with block randomisation via an interactive web-response system, stratified by centre, age group (18-59 years or ≥60 years), and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination history. All participants, investigators, and laboratory staff were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcomes were safety of dNS1-RBD in the safety population (ie, those who had received at least one dose of dNS1-RBD or placebo) and efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR occurring 15 days or longer after the second dose in the per-protocol population (ie, those who received two doses, were followed up for 15 days or longer after the second dose, and had no major protocol deviations). The success criterion was predefined as vaccine efficacy of more than 30%. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051391) and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Dec 16, 2021, and May 31, 2022, 41 620 participants were screened for eligibility and 31 038 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned (15 517 in the vaccine group and 15 521 in the placebo group). 30 990 participants who received at least one dose (15 496 vaccine and 15 494 placebo) were included in the safety analysis. The results showed a favourable safety profile, with the most common local adverse reaction being rhinorrhoea (578 [3·7%] of 15 500 vaccine recipients and 546 [3·5%] of 15 490 placebo recipients) and the most common systemic reaction being headache (829 [5·3%] vaccine recipients and 797 [5·1%] placebo recipients). We found no differences in the incidences of adverse reactions between participants in the vaccine and placebo groups. No vaccination-related serious adverse events or deaths were observed. Among 30 290 participants who received two doses, 25 742 were included in the per-protocol efficacy analysis (12 840 vaccine and 12 902 placebo). The incidence of confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by omicron variants regardless of immunisation history was 1·6% in the vaccine group and 2·3% in the placebo group, resulting in an overall vaccine efficacy of 28·2% (95% CI 3·4-46·6), with a median follow-up duration of 161 days. INTERPRETATION: Although this trial did not meet the predefined efficacy criteria for success, dNS1-RBD was well tolerated and protective against omicron variants, both as a primary immunisation and as a heterologous booster. FUNDING: Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, National Science and Technology Major Project, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fujian Provincial Science and Technology Plan Project, Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, Xiamen Science and Technology Plan Special Project, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ministry of Education of China, Xiamen University, and Fieldwork Funds of Xiamen University.

"Two Is Better Than One": The Multifactorial Nature of Phage-Antibiotic Combinatorial Treatments Against ESKAPE-Induced Infections.

Phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) has been extensively explored over the past decade, with the aim of developing more effective treatments against multidrug-resistant organisms. However, it remains unclear how to effectively combine these two approaches. To address this uncertainty, we assessed four main aspects of PAS interactions in this review, seeking to identify commonalities of combining treatments within and between bacterial species. We examined all literature on PAS efficacy toward ESKAPE pathogens and present an analysis of the data in papers focusing on: (1) order of treatment, (2) dose of both phage and antibiotics, (3) mechanism of action, and (4) viability of transfer from in vivo or animal model trials to clinical applications. Our analysis indicates that there is little consistency within phage-antibiotic therapy regimens, suggesting that highly individualized treatment regimens should be used. We propose a set of experimental studies to address these research gaps. We end our review with suggestions on how to improve studies on phage-antibiotic combination therapy to advance this field.

Beliefs and Practices on Depression Among Selected Filipino Indigenous Peoples: A Focused Ethnography.

INTRODUCTION: Depression beliefs and practices among indigenous peoples are essential to creating responsive mental health services. The purpose of the study is to explore the cultural beliefs and practices on depression among the Ilocanos, Kankana-eys, and Maranaos indigenous peoples in the Philippines. METHOD: The study employed a focused ethnography research design. The study involved 41 (N = 41) traditional healers and tribal leaders across Ilocano, Kankana-ey, and Maranao ethnic groups in the Philippine Islands. Interviews, reviews of records, and participant observation were used as data gathering tools. RESULTS: Beliefs about depression include magico-spiritual influence, relational problems, economic pressure, and emotional domains. Practices were divided into three domains: preventive, curative, and rehabilitative interventions. DISCUSSION: The depression beliefs and practices of Ilocano, Kankana-ey, and Maranao indigenous peoples are rooted in their tradition, culture, religion, and medical influences largely rooted in magico-spiritual approaches. These findings suggest the inclusion of culturally-based care to address depression.

On the Technology Acceptance Behavior of Romanian Preschool Teachers.

This study investigates how compatibility and perceived enjoyment affect the link between intention to use and actual technology use in Romanian preschool education, building on earlier studies. METHODS: 300 participants were invited to participate in this research from 15 Romanian counties. 182 preschool teachers' questionnaires were utilized for data analysis after the return and screening of responses. A valid and accurate scale evaluating preschool teachers' behavior towards technology adoption was included in the questionnaire, along with self-reported demographic data, professional identification, and other information. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.16. RESULTS: (1) Intention to use, compatibility, perceived enjoyment, and actual use were positively associated. (2) The effect of compatibility and perceived enjoyment on the link between intention to use and actual technology use was carried out in the following way: Intention to use → Compatibility with technology → Perceived enjoyment → Actual use. We hypothesize that intention to use affects compatibility, compatibility affects perceived enjoyment, and, lastly, perceived enjoyment affects actual use. For a more robust validation of results, we have also modelled this relationship with the Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network. CONCLUSION: Compatibility and perceived enjoyment partially mediate the relationship between intention to use and actual technology use in class by Romanian preschool teachers. According to the theory of planned behavior, this study brought to light the intricacy of the relationship between preschool teachers' intention to utilize technology in the classroom and their actual usage of it. Limitations and implications are discussed.

A rare case of disseminated Histoplasmosis mimicking Varicella in a 28-year-old immunocompetent female

@#Histoplasmosis is well-characterized as a fungal disease that more commonly occurs in North America, mostly endemic in Ohio and Mississippi river valleys. The clinical spectrum of histoplasmosis ranges from asymptomatic infection to a fatal disease. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals and presents with non-specific systemic symptoms associated with cutaneous manifestations of papules and nodules.? We report a case of a 28-year old Filipino female with a history of exposure to soil activities months before consult. The patient presented with a 3-week history of erythematous macules, vesicles, and pustules over the face, arms, and trunk, which evolve into papules and plaques with hemorrhagic crusting. Patient was initially diagnosed and treated as a case of varicella but had no improvement with initial management. Histopathologic findings were consistent with histoplasmosis. The patient was started with oral itraconazole, but unexpectedly expired before any improvement in cutaneous symptoms were noted.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in ASEAN: Insights from a multi-wave survey database from July 2020 to March 2021

Objectives@#Early studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy showed varied intensity across countries, which was linked to various factors such as socio-economic conditions, information sources, and issues of trust in government, scientific experts, and the health sector. This study aims to evaluate the determinants of vaccine hesitancy to offer insights into the strategies that may be successful in designing communications campaigns for enhanced vaccination uptake. @*Methods@#Through logistic regression, this study examines correlates of survey data from five Southeast Asian countries, namely Indonesia (ID), Malaysia (MY), Philippines (PH), Thailand (TH), Vietnam (VN) collected by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Initiative on Digital Economy and Facebook between July 2020 and March 2021.@*Results@#Some significant determinants at the 5% or 1% level of significance of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the countries of interest include gender [ID: 1.17 (1.01, 1.15), MY: 1.35 (1.2,1.53), PH: 1.92 (1.68,2.19), VN: 1.28 (1.04,1.58)], age [MY:1.11 (1.06,1.17), PH: 0.92 (0.88, 0.97), TH: 1.17 (1.11, 1.23)], knowing someone who tested positive for COVID-19 [ID: 0.75 (0.65,0.88), MY: 0.82 (0.71,0.95), PH: 0.76 (0.67, 0.87), TH: 0.76 (0.59, 0.99), VN: 0.72 (0.54,0.97)], and perceived effectiveness of mask wearing [ID: 0.83 (0.74, 0.94), MY: 0.86 (0.79, 0.95), TH: 0.88 (0.8,0.98)]. Vaccine hesitancy is particularly strong among women in 3 countries—peaking at 52% in Indonesia, 42% in Malaysia, and 56% in the Philippines.@*Conclusion@#Results from the survey highlight the significance of a targeted vaccine education and research campaign. This study calls for streamlining of communications campaigns towards messages that promote vaccine uptake in the region, while better targeting those groups most vulnerable guided by the empirical findings herein.

Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Properties of the Flavonoid-rich Ethyl Acetate Fraction of the Crude Methanol Leaf Extract of Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. (Myrtaceae) against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction@#Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the Philippines and about 3 in every 100 Filipina will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There is a need to discover safe, yet inexpensive herbal extracts with potential cytotoxic properties as potential treatment modalities to treat breast cancer. @*Objectives@#This study seeks to explore the cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of the ethyl acetate fraction of the defatted crude methanol leaf extract of Syzygium samarangense in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. @*Methods@#Screening for flavonoids of the extracts was performed using TLC, total flavonoids, total phenols, FTIR and LC-MS spectroscopy. The hydrogen peroxide and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power were used as substrates to assess in vitro anti-oxidative properties of the extracts. The MTT dye viability assay was used to assess the cytotoxic properties of the extracts against MCF-7 cells. Apoptotic properties of the extracts in MCF-7 cells were determined by caspase-3 activation assay, DNA fragmentation patterns and fluorescence microscopy after annexin-V and propidium iodide staining. @*Results@#The abundance of flavonoids in the ethyl acetate fraction of the crude methanol leaf extract was established by TLC, FTIR, LC-MS/MS, total flavonoid and total phenol analyses. The in vitro anti-oxidative properties of this extract was comparable to ascorbic acid. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of this extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines was 7.2 mcg/mL while doxorubicin registered an IC50 of 1.2 mcg/mL. At this concentration, the extract was not cytotoxic to normally-dividing breast epithelial cells. Cytotoxicity of the extract was mediated via apoptosis as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation and fluorescence microscopic analyses. @*Conclusion@#The study shows that the flavonoid-rich ethyl acetate fraction of the crude methanol leaf extract of S. samarangense possesses potent apoptotic and cytotoxic properties against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines at low concentrations.

High grade spindle cell carcinoma of the ovary arising in an endometrioid cystadenoma: A case report

@#Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary is arate form of cancer with controversial histogenesis. It shares the histologic, cytologic, and molecular properties of both epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation of ovarian neoplasms, which makes diagnosis very challenging among pathologists. Endometrioid cystadenoma is a benign ovarian neoplasms classified under epithelial ovarian tumors.Malignant transformation of benign ovarian neoplasms is known as a rare complication, occurring in approximately 0.9% of patients with ovarian endometriosis. Clear cell adenocarcinoma is the most common endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer followed by endometrioid cancer. This is the case of a 56-year old post-menopausal patient initially presenting with increasingabdominal girth. Whole abdominal ultrasound revealed a large pelvo-abdominal mass. Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound findings of bilateral ovarian new growth with benign sonologic features. The patient underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathologic findings of the specimen submitted revealed high-grade spindle cell carcinoma arising in an endometrioid cystadenoma of the right ovary, and endometrioid cystadenofibroma with focal epithelial proliferation.

The Effects of Small-Sided Games and Behavioral Interventions on the Physical and Motivational Outcomes of Youth Soccer Players.

The objective of this study was to test the effects of two types of intervention, one based on small-sided games (SSGs), and the other one that had, in addition, a behavioral component consisting of goal setting, public posting, and positive reinforcement. The participants were 16 male soccer players aged 12-14 years old who participated in a couple of training sessions per week between August and November 2021. We used Playr Catapult GPS devices to assess the effect of the intervention on the total distance covered and total sprint distance in the task of playing SSGs. We used Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 to test the effect of the intervention on players' aerobic capacity and the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire to investigate levels of motivational climate. Multiple two-way mixed ANOVAs were conducted and the results indicated that our intervention had a positive effect on the total distance and total sprint distance covered during SSGs. For aerobic capacity, even if the results were not significant, they indicate a high effect size. The effect of the intervention on task-oriented motivational climate and ego-oriented motivational climate was not significant. Discussions focus on the application of the intervention in team training settings.

Are phenome-wide association studies feasible in a developing country?

Phenome-wide association studies (PheWASs), a powerful approach that examines phenotypes associated with a genetic marker, have been used extensively in highly developed countries. Although there may be a clear need for PheWAS in a developing country such as the Philippines, limitations related to resources and practicality would make conducting them a challenge.

A Comprehensive Instrument to Measure Teachers' Attitude towards Quality Management in the Context of Online Education.

The purpose of this study is to elaborate and validate a scale for the evaluation of the teachers' attitude towards quality management, by integrating elements of online education. Nine hundred and forty-two teachers from Romania have participated in the study. The exploratory factor analysis has led to the identification of three main dimensions of the scale: (1) communication and alignment; (2) needs and opportunities; and (3) training and support. Teachers participating in managing positions or in quality assurance boards indicated a more positive attitude towards the three components. Furthermore, teachers of a higher teaching experience reported higher values in the needs and opportunities component. The results are useful to educational institutions, program designers and policy makers to evaluate the teachers' attitude towards quality management.

Cannabidiol Decreases Intestinal Inflammation in the Ovariectomized Murine Model of Postmenopause.

Cannabidiol (CBD) (25 mg/kg peroral) treatment was shown to improve metabolic outcomes in ovariectomized (OVX) mice deficient in 17ß-estradiol (E2). Herein, CBD effects on intestinal and hepatic bile acids (BAs) and inflammation were investigated. Following RNA sequencing of colon tissues from vehicle (VEH)- or CBD-treated sham surgery (SS) or OVX mice (n = 4 per group), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were sorted in ShinyGO. Inflammatory response and bile secretion pathways were further analyzed. Colon content and hepatic BAs were quantified by LC-MS (n = 8-10 samples/group). Gut organoids were treated with CBD (100, 250, 500 µM) with or without TNFα and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by mRNA extraction and qPCR to assess CBD-induced changes to inflammatory markers. The expression of 78 out of 114 inflammatory response pathway genes were reduced in CBD-treated OVX mice relative to vehicle (VEH)-treated OVX mice. In contrast, 63 of 111 inflammatory response pathway genes were increased in CBD-treated sham surgery (SS) mice compared to VEH-treated SS group and 71 of 121 genes were increased due to ovariectomy. CBD did not alter BA profiles in colon content or liver. CBD repressed Tnf and Nos2 expression in intestinal organoids in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, CBD suppressed colonic inflammatory gene expression in E2-deficient mice but was pro-inflammatory in E2-sufficient mice suggesting CBD activity in the intestine is E2-dependent.

Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma in a 72-year-old nulligravid and the 2022 provisional diagnostic criteria for primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

@#Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma (POLMS) is an exceedingly rare neoplasm accounting for only 0.1% of all ovarian malignancies and most commonly occurring in postmenopausal women. Prognosis is poor with only a 20% 5-year survival rate. Surgery remains to be its mainstay treatment. Discussed here is a 72-year-old nulligravid with hypogastric pain. Transrectal ultrasound showed a right ovarian new growth, probably malignant on International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) simple rules, with a 79.2% risk of malignancy by IOTA ADNEX and an unremarkable uterus. Other workups were normal. She underwent primary cytoreductive surgery. Histopathologic diagnosis was ovarian leiomyosarcoma with positive immunohistochemical staining for desmin, S-100 protein, smooth muscle actin, and epithelial membrane antigen. She refused adjuvant chemotherapy postoperatively. The latest published literature on POLMS was also reviewed to develop the provisional criteria for its prompt diagnosis, thereby decreasing the heterogeneity of the diagnostic approach as well as supporting future researches on manifestations, clinical courses, and therapeutic plans.

Pain Control Following Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Prospective Clinical Trial Comparing Codeine Versus Oxycodone for the Management of Postoperative Pain.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of oral codeine plus acetaminophen versus oxycodone plus acetaminophen for severe pain control following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: This single-center trial randomized 200 patients to receive codeine 30 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg (codeine group) or oxycodone 5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg (oxycodone group)every 4 hours as needed for severe pain for 4 days following PRK. Patients recorded postoperative pain, tablet consumption, and tetracaine use. Patients were monitored at postoperative 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months for visual acuity and follow-up. Study outcomes were mean postoperative pain, treatment and tetracaine use, and visual acuity. RESULTS: Analysis of 197 patients who completed the trial (97 codeine group and 100 oxycodone group) showed mean pain scores were lower in the codeine group throughout the intervention period. Mean pain scores were higher in the oxycodone group than the codeine group on postoperative days 2 and 4 (P = .017 and P = .034, respectively). The oxycodone group consumed more tablets than the codeine group, with a difference on postoperative day 2 (P = .019), and used a greater number of tetracaine drops (P = .015). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant improvement in visual acuity in both groups with no difference in visual outcomes (P = .81). CONCLUSIONS: Codeine/acetaminophen is as effective and safe as oxycodone/acetaminophen for pain control following PRK, with no clinical difference in overall pain control and long-term visual outcomes. This implies that treating postoperative pain after PRK with a Schedule III opioid (codeine) is effective and potentially decreases the risk of misuse by a higher regulated Schedule II opioid (oxycodone), lowering the potential for abuse and dependence. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(9):582-589.].

Public trust and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign: lessons from the Philippines as it emerges from the Dengvaxia controversy.

While the entire world prepares and begins to roll out COVID-19 vaccines, the Philippines is still reeling from the consequences of the Dengvaxia controversy in 2016. Those highly political events led to the erosion of public trust in leaders and a significant damage to vaccine confidence in the country, now potentially impacting the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. We discuss how public trust and confidence can be rehabilitated through accountability, transparency, and proper communication from the most trusted sources of the population. We also highlight key lessons for policymakers and leaders on allowing science to take the front seat, and politics behind, for the safety and well-being of the people during this public health crisis.

Consumer Preference Analysis on Attributes of Milk Tea: A Conjoint Analysis Approach.

Milk tea is a famous drink that has been heavily consumed since 2011. This study aimed to determine the combination of milk tea attributes that were most preferred using a Conjoint Analysis Approach. Specifically, this study utilized different attributes such as the size of tapioca pearls, sugar level, price range, brands, type of milk tea, cream cheese inclusion, and the amount of ice. Conjoint analysis with the orthogonal design was utilized to evaluate the preference of milk tea among consumers. The results showed that pearl size was the attribute most considered by consumers (29.137%), followed by sugar level (17.373%), the amount of ice (17.190%), the type of drink (13.421%), price (11.207%), and the least considered were cream cheese inclusion (9.525%) and the brands (2.147%). The findings of this study will be beneficial to milk tea firms about consumer preferences regarding the various attributes of milk tea. Finally, the result of this study could be applicable to different beverage-focused studies worldwide.

Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 N-protein and α-synuclein accelerate amyloid formation

First cases that point at a correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infections and the development of Parkinsons disease have been reported. Currently it is unclear if there also is a direct causal link between these diseases. To obtain first insights into a possible molecular relation between viral infections and the aggregation of -synuclein protein into amyloid fibrils characteristic for Parkinsons disease, we investigated the effect of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 proteins on -synuclein aggregation. We show, in test tube experiments, that SARS-CoV-2 S-protein has no effect on -synuclein aggregation while SARS-CoV-2 N-protein considerably speeds up the aggregation process. We observe the formation of multi-protein complexes, and eventually amyloid fibrils. Microinjection of N-protein in SHSY-5Y cells disturbed the -synuclein proteostasis and increased cell death. Our results point toward direct interactions between the N-protein of SARS-CoV-2 and -synuclein as molecular basis for the observed coincidence between SARS-CoV-2 infections and Parkinsonism.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital in Baguio City, Philippines.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily targets the respiratory system. This study describes the characteristics associated with mortality among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 at a single hospital in Baguio City, Philippines. METHODS: We reviewed medical records (including history, laboratory results and treatment regimen) of 280 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to a single hospital during March-October 2020. Clinical characteristics and outcomes (frequency and type of complication, recovery rate and mortality) were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of COVID-19 patients was 48.4 years and the female-to-male ratio was 1.8:1. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes were the most frequent comorbidities reported. Common presenting symptoms were respiratory and constitutional, with 41% of patients not reporting symptoms on admission. Patients with moderate, severe and critical disease comprised 45%, 8% and 4%, respectively. A total of 15% had complications, health care-associated pneumonia being the most frequent complication. The recovery rate was 95%; 5% of patients died, with multiorgan failure being the most common cause. The presence of CVD, chronic kidney disease, prolonged prothrombin time and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were associated with mortality. DISCUSSION: Most COVID-19 patients in our population had asymptomatic to moderate disease on admission. Mortality from COVID-19 was associated with having CVD, chronic kidney disease, elevated LDH and prolonged prothrombin time. Based on these results, we emphasize that people should take all necessary precautions to avoid infection with SARS-CoV-2.