scholarly journals Modelling the transmission of infectious diseases inside hospital bays: implications for Covid-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Moreno Martos ◽  
Benjamin Parcell ◽  
Raluca Eftimie
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Loss Of Life ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Periodic Testing ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Healthcare associated transmission of viral infections is a major problem that has significant economic costs and can lead to loss of life. Infections with the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus have been shown to have a high prevalence in hospitals around the world. The spread of this virus might be impacted by the density of patients inside hospital bays. To investigate this aspect, in this study we consider a mathematical modelling and computational approach to describe the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among hospitalised patients. We focus on 4-bed bays and 6-bed bays, which are commonly used to accommodate various non-Covid-19 patients in many hospitals across UK. We use this mathematical model to investigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections among patients in non-Covid bays, in the context of various scenarios: changes in the number of contacts with infected patients and staff, having symptomatic vs. asymptomatic patients, removing infected individuals from these hospital bays once they are known to be infected, and the role of periodic testing of hospitalised patients. Our results show that 4-bed bays reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 compared to 6-bed bays. Moreover, we show that the position of a new (not infected) patient in specific beds in a 6-bed bay might also slow the spread of the disease. Finally, we propose that regular SARS-CoV-2 testing of hospitalised patients would allow appropriate placement of infected patients in specific (Covid-only) hospital bays.

Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome: lessons learnt and lessons remaining

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (S1) ◽  
pp. S62-S67 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Woodrow Benson ◽  
Mitchell I. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sudden Death ◽  
Accessory Pathway ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
High Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Accessory Atrioventricular Pathway

AbstractThe Wolff–Parkinson–White pattern refers to the electrocardiographic appearance in sinus rhythm, wherein an accessory atrioventricular pathway abbreviates the P-R interval and causes a slurring of the QRS upslope – the “delta wave”. It may be asymptomatic or it may be associated with orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia; however, rarely, even in children, it is associated with sudden death due to ventricular fibrillation resulting from a rapid response by the accessory pathway to atrial fibrillation, which itself seems to result from orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia. Historically, patients at risk for sudden death were characterised by the presence of symptoms and a shortest pre- excited R-R interval during induced atrial fibrillation <250 ms. Owing to the relatively high prevalence of asymptomatic Wolff–Parkinson–White pattern and availability of catheter ablation, there has been a need to identify risk among asymptomatic patients. Recent guidelines recommend invasive evaluation for such patients where pre-excitation clearly does not disappear during exercise testing. This strategy has a high negative predictive value only. The accuracy of this approach is under continued investigation, especially in light of other considerations: Patients having intermittent pre-excitation, once thought to be at minimal risk may not be, and the role of isoproterenol in risk assessment.

scholarly journals Role of decongestants in a complex therapy of acute infectious rhinitis

2020 ◽  
pp. 80-85
Author(s):  
A. A. Krivopalov ◽  
P. A. Shamkina
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Mucosa ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Nasal Breathing ◽  
Good Tolerability ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Acute Rhinitis

Nowadays the problem of treating of acute respiratory viral infections, primarily manifested with the clinical picture of acute rhinitis, remains an important problem due to the high prevalence and variety of etiological factors of this disease. Pathogenesis of rhinitis, regardless of the etiology, includes the swelling of the nasal mucosa, the increase in nasal secretion, which blocks nasal breathing and significantly reduces the quality of life. In uncomplicated forms of acute infectious rhinitis, symptomatic treatment is traditionally used, including the elimination therapy and drugs for reducing the nasal mucosa swelling. Topical decongestants have a sympathomimetic effect, affect α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors and help to eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa and improve nasal breathing, and as a result, restore the patency and aerodynamics of the airways, recover the drainage function of the paranasal sinuses and auditory tube. To date, the pharmaceutical market offers many intranasal decongestants that differ in the duration of exposure, frequency of use, the occurrence of side effects or adverse events. The article shows the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug xylometazoline, highlights the results of Russian and foreign studies that demonstrate the efficacy and good tolerability of xylometazoline with a short-term topical course of treatment. The conclusion is made about a good profile of the efficacy and safety of the drug and confirmed that in compliance with the recommendations for the frequency and duration of application, xylometazoline could be recommended for use in a complex symptomatic treatment of acute rhinitis in adults and children.

scholarly journals Disseminated Kaposi sarcoma following COVID-19 in a 61-year-old Albanian immunocompetent man: a case report and review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Gardini ◽  
Silvia Odolini ◽  
Giovanni Moioli ◽  
Dorothea Angela Papalia ◽  
Vittorio Ferrari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Kaposi Sarcoma ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Literature Research ◽  
Susceptibility Factors ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
The University

Abstract Background COVID-19 and its related anti-inflammatory treatment (steroids, immunomodulators) may induce the reactivation of latent bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections. According to our knowledge, no case of disseminated HHV-8-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after COVID-19 and its treatment has been described so far. Only one case of cutaneous KS concurrently with COVID-19 has been previously reported. Case presentation We describe a case of disseminated KS in a 61-year-old immunocompetent Albanian man after hospitalization for COVID-19. Methods for literature research We used PubMed as biomedical database for the literature research. We selected keyword combinations including “Kaposi sarcoma,” “HHV-8,” “immunocompetent,” “COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV-2,” and “steroids.” No time or language limitation was set. Titles and abstracts of selected articles were systematically screened. Articles were included in the examination if they were published under free access through the digital library of the University of Brescia (Italy), and provided full text. Articles were excluded if the topic was beyond the aim of our study. Finally, we selected 15 articles. Results We describe a case of KS in COVID-19 patient and postulate that Interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity and steroid-induced immunodeficiency may play a major role in KS emergence. No published case of disseminated KS following COVID-19 in otherwise healthy individuals was found through the systematic literature review, despite the high incidence of COVID-19 in areas with medium–high prevalence of HHV-8 infection. This observation might be explained by the role of individual genetic susceptibility factors. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 infection and its treatment may lead to reactivation of several latent infections, including HHV-8 and its related clinical syndrome, Kaposi sarcoma.

Molecular Detection of Adenoviruses in the Sinus Tissues of Patient by Nested-PCR in Shiraz, Southwest Iran

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahab Mahmoudvand ◽  
Mohammad Kord ◽  
Neda Pirbonyeh ◽  
Afagh Moattari ◽  
Somayeh Shokri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Southwest Iran

Background and Aims: Rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that may be caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Few studies have been carried out on the role of viruses in Rhinosinusitis patients .The aim of this study was the molecular detection of Adenoviruses in sinus tissues by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Shiraz.Materials and Methods: In the present study, 103 paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of sinus tissues were subjected to DNA extraction and tested for adenovirus DNA using Nested PCR. The amplification of a β-globin gene by PCR-based method was used to confirm the quality of extracted DNA.Results: A total of 103 samples of sinus tissues were examined. Of these patients, 50 (48.54%) were male and the rest were female (51.46%). The patients’ age ranged between 2 and 82 years and the mean age was 42.15±1.56 years. The adenovirus DNA was detected in 13 of 103 (12.6%) samples.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that Adenoviruses have high prevalence in rhinosinusitis patients. As a results, it is an important to investigate clinical significance of viral infections especially Adeno viruses in these patients.

Features of Thrombi and Diagnostic Accuracy of Impedance Plethysmography in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis

1993 ◽  
Vol 70 (02) ◽  
pp. 266-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Agnelli ◽  
Benilde Cosmi ◽  
Stefano Radicchia ◽  
Franca Veschi ◽  
Enrico Boschetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Impedance Plethysmography ◽  
Surveillance Programme ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Deep Vein

SummaryImpedance plethysmography (IPG) has high sensitivity and specificity in patients with symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while it fails to detect asymptomatic DVT. The aim of this study was to determine whether the features of thrombi such as location, size and occlusiveness could explain the different accuracy of IPG in symptomatic and asymptomatic DVT patients. One-hundred and seventeen consecutive outpatients with a clinical suspicion of DVT and 246 consecutive patients undergoing hip surgery were admitted to the study. In symptomatic patients IPG was performed on the day of referral, followed by venography, while in asymptomatic patients IPG was performed as a surveillance programme, followed by bilateral venography.A venography proved DVT was observed in 37% of the symptomatic patients and 34% of the asymptomatic limbs. A significantly higher proportion of proximal DVTs was found in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic patients (78% vs 46%; p = 0.001). The mean Marder score, taken as an index of thrombus size, was significantly higher in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic patients (19.0 vs 9.6; p = 0.0001). A significantly higher proportion of occlusive DVTs was observed in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients (69% vs 36%; p = 0.001).We conclude that the unsatisfactory diagnostic accuracy of IPG in asymptomatic DVT is due to the high prevalence of distal, small and non occlusive thrombi. Such thrombi are unlikely to cause a critical obstruction of the venous outflow and therefore to produce a positive IPG.

Treatment of ebola and other infectious diseases: melatonin “goes viral”

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russel J Reiter ◽  
Qiang Ma ◽  
Ramaswamy Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Hemorrhagic Shock ◽  
Safety Profile ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Attractive Potential ◽  
Potential Treatment

This review summarizes published reports on the utility of melatonin as a treatment for virus-mediated diseases. Of special note are the data related to the role of melatonin in influencing Ebola virus disease. This infection and deadly condition has no effective treatment and the published works documenting the ability of melatonin to attenuate the severity of viral infections generally and Ebola infection specifically are considered. The capacity of melatonin to prevent one of the major complications of an Ebola infection, i.e., the hemorrhagic shock syndrome, which often contributes to the high mortality rate, is noteworthy. Considering the high safety profile of melatonin, the fact that it is easily produced, inexpensive and can be self-administered makes it an attractive potential treatment for Ebola virus pathology.  

Role of Rasayana in Prevention of COVID-19 - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 716-722
Author(s):  
Sneha Dhakite ◽  
Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Body ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Healthy Life Style ◽  
And Control

The “Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” is caused by “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, a newly discovered member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses which is a highly communicable. There is no effective medical treatment till date for Coronavirus disease hence prevention is the best way to keep disease away. Rasayana proved to be highly efficacious and cost effective for the Prevention and Control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are lacking. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda which helps to maintain healthy life style. Rasayana improves immunity and performs many vital functions of human body. Vyadhikshamatva that is immune mechanism of the body is involved in Prevention of the occurrence of a new disease and it also decreases the virulence and progression of an existing disease. In COVID-19 the Respiratory system mainly get affected which is evident from its symptoms like cold, cough and breathlessness. Here the drugs help in enhancing immune system and strengthening functions of Respiratory system can be useful. For this purpose, the Rasayana like Chyavanprasha, Agastya Haritaki, Pippali Rasayana, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Ashwagandha, Tulsi are used. Rasayana working on Respiratory system are best for Prevention of Coronavirus and boosting immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in the Prevention as well as reducing symptoms of COVID-19.

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
A.G. Salmanov ◽  
O.M. Verner ◽  
L.F. Slepova
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Immunocompromised Host ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Opportunistic Bacteria ◽  
Acinetobacter Spp ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Major Clinical Problem

Species of the Acinetobacter represent opportunistic bacteria with a growing clinical significance for Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In this literature review, we focus on the current role of Acinetobacter in infectious pathology and describe taxonomy, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance of these bacteria. Pathogenesis and regulation of virulence factors in Acinetobacter spp. are described in detail. The majority of acinetobacterial infections are associated with A. baumannii and occur predominantly in an immunocompromised host. Usually, acinetobacterial  infections  are characterized by local purulent inflammation; in severe cases, meningitis and sepsis may develop. Antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter is a major clinical problem; therefore we give special attention to laboratory testing of resistance to antibiotics as well as identification of Acinetobacter.

Myocardial Noncompaction

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2209-2212
Author(s):  
Alexandru Radu Mihailovici ◽  
Vlad Padureanu ◽  
Carmen Valeria Albu ◽  
Venera Cristina Dinescu ◽  
Mihai Cristian Pirlog ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Noncompaction ◽  
Ventricular Noncompaction ◽  
Genetic Transmission ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure

Left ventricular noncompaction is a primary cardiomyopathy with genetic transmission in the vast majority of autosomal dominant cases. It is characterized by the presence of excessive myocardial trabecularities that generally affect the left ventricle. In diagnosing this condition, echocardiography is the gold standard, although this method involves an increased risk of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. There are also uncertain cases where echocardiography is inconclusive, a multimodal approach is needed, correlating echocardiographic results with those obtained by magnetic resonance imaging. The clinical picture may range from asymptomatic patients to patients with heart failure, supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias, thromboembolic events and even sudden cardiac death. There is no specific treatment of left ventricular noncompaction, but the treatment is aimed at preventing and treating the complications of the disease. We will present the case of a young patient with left ventricular noncompactioncardiomyopathy and highlight the essential role of transthoracic echocardiography in diagnosing this rare heart disease.

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