scholarly journals The role of chest imaging in the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shohei Inui ◽  
Wataru Gonoi ◽  
Ryo Kurokawa ◽  
Yudai Nakai ◽  
Yusuke Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Chest Imaging ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Timely Fashion

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a major public health crisis all over the world. The role of chest imaging, especially computed tomography (CT), has evolved during the pandemic paralleling the accumulation of scientific evidence. In the early stage of the pandemic, the performance of chest imaging for COVID-19 has widely been debated especially in the context of comparison to real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Current evidence is against the use of chest imaging for routine screening of COVID-19 contrary to the initial expectations. It still has an integral role to play, however, in its work up and staging, especially when assessing complications or disease progression. Chest CT is gold standard imaging modality for COVID-19 pneumonia; in some situations, chest X-ray or ultrasound may be an effective alternative. The most important role of radiologists in this context is to be able to identify those patients at greatest risk of imminent clinical decompensation by learning to stratify cases of COVID-19 on the basis of radiologic imaging in the most efficient and timely fashion possible. The present availability of multiple and more refined CT grading systems and classification is now making this task easier and thereby contributing to the recent improvements achieved in COVID-19 treatment and outcomes. In this article, evidence of chest imaging regarding diagnosis, management and monitoring of COVID-19 will be chronologically reviewed.

scholarly journals Unravelling the Role of Socioeconomic Forces in the Early Stage of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6340
Author(s):  
Kostas Rontos ◽  
Maria-Eleni Syrmali ◽  
Luca Salvati
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Transmission Mechanisms ◽  
Virus Dissemination ◽  
Sustainable Health ◽  
Background Context

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly evolved into an acute health crisis with extensive socioeconomic and demographic consequences. The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic requires a refined (and more comprehensive) understanding of virus dissemination over space, transmission mechanisms, clinical features, and risk factors. In line with this assumption, the present study illustrates a comparative, empirical analysis of the role of socioeconomic and demographic dimensions in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic grounded on a large set of indicators comparing the background context across a global sample of countries. Results indicate that—in addition to epidemiological factors—basic socioeconomic forces significantly shaped contagions as well as hospitalization and death rates across countries. As a response to the global crisis driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, all-embracing access to healthcare services should be strengthened along with the development of sustainable health systems supported by appropriate resources and skills. The empirical findings of this study have direct implications for the coordination of on-going, global efforts aimed at containing COVID-19 (and other, future) pandemics.

scholarly journals Potential role of imaging for assessing acute pancreatitis-induced acute kidney injury

2020 ◽  
pp. 20200802
Author(s):  
Yi Wang ◽  
Kaixiang Liu ◽  
Xisheng Xie ◽  
Bin Song
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Advanced Imaging ◽  
Creatinine Concentration ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of acute pancreatitis (AP) that is associated with increased mortality. Conventional assessment of AKI is based on changes in serum creatinine concentration and urinary output. However, these examinations have limited accuracy and sensitivity for the diagnosis of early-stage AKI. This review summarizes current evidence on the use of advanced imaging approaches and artificial intelligence (AI) for the early prediction and diagnosis of AKI in patients with AP. CT scores, CT post-processing technology, Doppler ultrasound, and AI technology provide increasingly valuable information for the diagnosis of AP-induced AKI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also has potential for the evaluation of AP-induced AKI. For the accurate diagnosis of early-stage AP-induced AKI, more studies are needed that use these new techniques and that use AI in combination with advanced imaging technologies.

scholarly journals The Oral Microbiota: A Literature Review for Updating Professionals in Dentistry. Part I

2019 ◽  
pp. 143-152
Author(s):  
Cristina Barboza-Solís DDS, MSc, PhD ◽  
Luis Alberto Acuña-Amador PhD
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Oral Microbiome ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Oral Microbiota ◽  
Systemic Diseases ◽  
Conceptual Background ◽  
Keyword Searches

In recent decades, a body of literature examining the relationships between oral health and general health has rapidly developed. However, the biological mechanisms involved in explaining such relationships have not been fully described. Recent evidence has suggested that these relationships could be partially explained by the composition and interaction of the microbiome/microbiota between local and systemic body sites. For instance, it has been suggested that intestinal microbiota could have effects on non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study is to explore current evidence of the link between oral and systemic diseases, to discuss whether oral microbiome/microbiota could represent an unexplored biological pathway partially explaining those relationships. A non-systematic review of the literature was carried out using keyword searches in Pubmed from February to May 2019. The ultimate goal was to present recent scientific evidence to update the general knowledge on this topic to professionals in dentistry. This review is divided in two parts for journal publication; however, it is intended to be used as one piece. In this first part, we will summarize the conceptual background of oral microbiome/microbiota, we will describe the main methods used in microbiology to characterize oral organisms, and will present the main composition of bacteria in oral microbiome/microbiota. The second part highlights the main evidence regarding the biological plausibility that links oral microbiome and systemic diseases and we will conclude with some future research recommendations. Taking into account the role of oral microbiota in the development of systemic diseases could change the main paradigm of how oral health is currently conceptualized by dental professionals.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic: current knowledge about the role of pets and other animals in disease transmission

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Kiros ◽  
Henok Andualem ◽  
Teklehaimanot Kiros ◽  
Wasihun Hailemichael ◽  
Sisay Getu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), a disease caused by a pathogen called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. This ongoing pandemic has now been reported in 215 countries with more than 23 million confirmed cases and more than 803 thousand deaths worldwide as of August 22, 2020. Although efforts are undergoing, there is no approved vaccine or any specific antiretroviral drug to treat COVID-19 so far. It is now known that SARS-CoV-2 can affect not only humans but also pets and other domestic and wild animals, making it a one health global problem. Several published scientific evidence has shown that bats are the initial reservoir hosts of SARS-CoV-2, and pangolins are suggested as an intermediate hosts. So far, little is known concerning the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, updated knowledge about the potential role of pets in the current outbreak will be of paramount importance for effective prevention and control of the disease. This review summarized the current evidence about the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Thyroid Nodule Characterization: How to Assess the Malignancy Risk. Update of the Literature

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1374
Author(s):  
Daniele Fresilli ◽  
Emanuele David ◽  
Patrizia Pacini ◽  
Giovanni Del Gaudio ◽  
Vincenzo Dolcetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Nodule ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cad System ◽  
The Us ◽  
Needle Aspiration Cytology ◽  
Multiparametric Ultrasound

Ultrasound (US) is the first imaging modality for thyroid parenchyma evaluation. In the last decades, the role of ultrasound has been improved with the introduction of new US software, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and US-elastography (USE). USE is nowadays recognized as an essential part of the multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) examination, in particular for the indeterminate thyroid nodule with possible fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) number reduction; even if further and larger studies are needed to validate it. More controversial is the role of CEUS in thyroid evaluation, due to its high variability in sensitivity and specificity. Semi-automatic US systems based on the computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system are producing interesting results, especially as an aid to less experienced operators. New knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in thyroid cancer is allowing practitioners to identify new genomic thyroid markers that could reduce the number of “diagnostic” thyroidectomies. We have therefore drawn up an updated representation of the current evidence in the literature for thyroid nodule multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) evaluation with particular regard to USE, the US CAD system and CEUS.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pneumonia: current evidence of chest imaging features, evolution and prognosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rita Larici ◽  
Giuseppe Cicchetti ◽  
Riccardo Marano ◽  
Lorenzo Bonomo ◽  
Maria Luigia Storto
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Chest Imaging ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Prognostic Assessment ◽  
Patient’S Outcome

AbstractCOVID-19 pneumonia represents a global threatening disease, especially in severe cases. Chest imaging, with X-ray and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), plays an important role in the initial evaluation and follow-up of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Chest imaging can also help in assessing disease severity and in predicting patient’s outcome, either as an independent factor or in combination with clinical and laboratory features. This review highlights the current knowledge of imaging features of COVID-19 pneumonia and their temporal evolution over time, and provides recent evidences on the role of chest imaging in the prognostic assessment of the disease.

scholarly journals Thromboembolic disease in COVID-19 patients: A brief narrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samhati Mondal ◽  
Ashley L. Quintili ◽  
Kunal Karamchandani ◽  
Somnath Bose
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Thrombosis ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
Thromboembolic Disease ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Organ Systems

Abstract Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2/ Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) infection has emerged as a global health crisis. Incidence of thromboembolic disease is reported to be high in SARS-CoV2 disease and is seen in a multitude of organ systems ranging from cutaneous thrombosis to pulmonary embolism, stroke or coronary thrombosis sometimes with catastrophic outcomes. Evidence points towards a key role of thromboembolism, hypercoagulability and over production of proinflammatory cytokines mimicking a “cytokine storm” which leads to multiorgan failure. This brief narrative review highlights the pathophysiology and risk factors of thromboembolic disease and provides a framework for management of anticoagulation based on the current evidence.

scholarly journals Nutrigenomics of Dietary Lipids

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 994
Author(s):  
Laura Bordoni ◽  
Irene Petracci ◽  
Fanrui Zhao ◽  
Weihong Min ◽  
Elisa Pierella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Dietary Lipids ◽  
Dietary Fats ◽  
Current Evidence

Dietary lipids have a major role in nutrition, not only for their fuel value, but also as essential and bioactive nutrients. This narrative review aims to describe the current evidence on nutrigenomic effects of dietary lipids. Firstly, the different chemical and biological properties of fatty acids contained both in plant- and animal-based food are illustrated. A description of lipid bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and lipotoxicity is provided, together with an overview of the modulatory role of lipids as pro- or anti-inflammatory agents. Current findings concerning the metabolic impact of lipids on gene expression, epigenome, and gut microbiome in animal and human studies are summarized. Finally, the effect of the individual’s genetic make-up on lipid metabolism is described. The main goal is to provide an overview about the interaction between dietary lipids and the genome, by identifying and discussing recent scientific evidence, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, to address future investigations and fill the gaps in the current knowledge on metabolic impact of dietary fats on health.

Uncertainty, Administrative Decision-Making and Judicial Review: The Courts’ Perspectives

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Fabrizio CAFAGGI ◽  
Paola IAMICELI
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Judicial Review ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Judicial Decision Making ◽  
The Core ◽  
Power Shift ◽  
To Come

The role of courts has been rather significant in the COVID-19 pandemic, weakening the theory that the judiciary is not equipped to contribute to governing crisis management. Although differences exist across countries, depending on institutional varieties and political contexts, the analysis shows that, even in times of emergency, courts can provide the necessary balance to the power shift towards the executives. Both action and inaction affecting fundamental rights have been scrutinised, taking into account fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Deference to political decision-making has varied across jurisdictions and across the multiple phases of the health crisis. Differences in the balancing have emerged compared to during ordinary times. Uncertainty has played a major role, calling for new strategies in regulatory, administrative and judicial decision-making and new balances between precaution and evidence-based approaches. The role of scientific evidence has been at the core of judicial review to ensure transparency and procedural accountability. Proportionality and reasonableness with multiple conceptual variants across countries have been used to scrutinise the legality of measures. Courts are likely to continue playing a significant but different role in the years to come, when liability issues and recovery measures will likely become the core of litigation.

The Role of Zinc in Thyroid Hormones Metabolism

2019 ◽  
Vol 89 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 80-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Soares Severo ◽  
Jennifer Beatriz Silva Morais ◽  
Taynáh Emannuelle Coelho de Freitas ◽  
Ana Letícia Pereira Andrade ◽  
Mayara Monte Feitosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormones ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Zinc Transporters ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Metabolic Adaptations ◽  
Serum T3 ◽  
Regulatory Effects ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract. Thyroid hormones play an important role in body homeostasis by facilitating metabolism of lipids and glucose, regulating metabolic adaptations, responding to changes in energy intake, and controlling thermogenesis. Proper metabolism and action of these hormones requires the participation of various nutrients. Among them is zinc, whose interaction with thyroid hormones is complex. It is known to regulate both the synthesis and mechanism of action of these hormones. In the present review, we aim to shed light on the regulatory effects of zinc on thyroid hormones. Scientific evidence shows that zinc plays a key role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, specifically by regulating deiodinases enzymes activity, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) synthesis, as well as by modulating the structures of essential transcription factors involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Serum concentrations of zinc also appear to influence the levels of serum T3, T4 and TSH. In addition, studies have shown that Zinc transporters (ZnTs) are present in the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid, but their functions remain unknown. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the roles of zinc in regulation of thyroid hormones metabolism, and their importance in the treatment of several diseases associated with thyroid gland dysfunction.

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