The Influence of the Use of Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Human Microbiome – A Mini-Review

The aim of this study was to draw attention to the possible consequences of improper, unhygienic use of mouth and nose covers in the context of prophylaxis against the spread of COVID-19 from the point of view of a family physician and focus on the risk of respiratory infections and skin lesions in patients, in different age groups. The use of protective masks may reduce the likelihood of infection but will not eliminate the risk of infection. However, it should be remembered that any mask, no matter how effective the filtration is or how well it seals, will have little effect if not used in conjunction with other preventive measures, including isolation of infected people, immunization, proper respiratory culture, regular, frequent replacement of masks, and hand hygiene. Additionally, certain risks associated with this form of prophylaxis should be taken into account, which, unfortunately, may also aggravate or even constitute a source of serious respiratory infections and lead to the development and aggravation of skin problems. Moreover, educating society not only on hand hygiene but also on the topic of the value of nose and mouth covers, as well as the frequency of their replacement and/or disinfection, is becoming a significant issue.

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Cloth masks as respiratory protections in the COVID-19 pandemic period: evidence gaps

Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0239 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (suppl 2) ◽

Author(s):

Ana Cristina de Oliveira e Silva ◽

Ana Maria de Almeida ◽

Maria Eliane Moreira Freire ◽

Jordana de Almeida Nogueira ◽

Elucir Gir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Infection Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Surgical Masks ◽

Virus Retention

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify scientific evidence on the effectiveness of using cloth masks as safe protectors against COVID-19. Method: an integrative review of articles available in full obtained at PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Controlled, non-controlled descriptors and keywords such as “mask”, “home-made” and “cloth” or “cotton” and “infection control” or “infection prevention” were used. Results: thirty-eight articles were selected; of these, seven studies made up the sample. Evidence shows that cloth masks do not have the same protective characteristics as surgical masks, indicating an increased risk of infection due to humidity, diffusion of fluids, virus retention, and improper preparation. Considering the shortage of surgical masks during the pandemic, cloth masks could be proposed as a last resort. Conclusion: cloth masks should be used together with preventive measures, such as home insulation, good respiratory conduct, and regular hand hygiene.

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Microbiology Characteristics Among Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Western Romania

Central European Journal of Clinical Research ◽

10.2478/cejcr-2018-0009 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 76-82

Author(s):

Ioana Mihaiela Ciuca ◽

Liviu Laurentiu Pop ◽

Alexandru Florin Rogobete ◽

Monica Marc ◽

Liviu Athos Tamas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Age Groups ◽

Point Of View ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Staphyloccocus Aureus ◽

Transversal Study ◽

Western Romania ◽

Pulmonary Status

Abstract Background: Pulmonary infectious inflammation is a major cause of decline in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) marked by exacerbations, consequently, slowing evolution of lung disease is a primary aim in CF management. The objective of the study was to analyze the microbiological spectrum from epidemiological point of view in our patients. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional transversal study including fifty-seven patients evaluated the prevalence of CF-related microbes in the study group and their pulmonary status. Results: The most frequent microorganism found in our group, regardless age, was Staphyloccocus aureus, closely followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacillus tuberculosis was a rare germ, despite the important frequency in our country. The microbes frequency was different with age groups, thus 3.5% of 1-3 years old children had the methicillin sen sitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strain, while for the 6-12 years group, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in an equal percentage of 14% with MSSA. Pseudomonas prevalence was found in 14.0% of adults and the combined infections were diagnosed in about a fifth of our patients. Conclusions: We concluded that the percentage of respiratory infections with redoubtable microbes is relatively moderate. The presence of underweight among CF patients with severe mutations are risk factor for a worse outcome and measures should be instituted.

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CURRENT SCENARIO FOR MANAGEMENT ON COVID-19 – A GLOBAL REVIEW

International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies ◽

10.32553/ijmbs.v4i6.1171 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Indra S ◽

Vijayasankari A ◽

Kalpana S

Keyword(s):

Medical Research ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Age Groups ◽

World Health ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Plasma Therapy ◽

Treatment Protocols ◽

The World

New respiratory infections are rising every year. An outbreak occurred due to novel coronavirus and it’s been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11. Across the nations, most of the countries affected by a coronavirus and facing huge challenges to manage the situation. Since there is no definite treatment available, complete lockdown is followed by every country to reduce this deadly virus spread. It affects all the age groups, but most of them are old age persons. Persons with chronic disorders, respiratory problems, hemodialysis, cancer, and other diseases like diabetes, obesity are at high risk to get affected by coronavirus easily. So, the health care workers facing a huge challenge to treat the patients affected by COVID 19 with comorbidities. Knowledge of treatment protocols and personal hygiene is mandatory to all the front line workers. Quarantine, social distancing, and personal hygiene were the preventive measures taken all over the world. Only preventive measures and symptomatic management are available. Vaccine trials are in the process in various countries all over the world. India is launching plasma therapy as an effective method of treatment. The country's leading medical research organization, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is drawing up a protocol to start this process. Based on the severity of the disease, different treatment guidelines are followed for the management. Hence this review was written to show what are all the management strategies followed to manage the COVID19 cases.

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An Ultrastructural Study of the Proliferation Patterns of the Reserve Cells of the Human Cervix Uteri

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100093651 ◽

1972 ◽

Vol 30 ◽

pp. 80-81

Author(s):

Takanori Sohda ◽

Hiroshi Saito ◽

Goro Asano ◽

Katsunari Fukushi ◽

Katsuya Suzuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ultrastructural Study ◽

Age Groups ◽

Point Of View ◽

University Hospital ◽

Cervix Uteri ◽

Morphological Aspect ◽

Functional Aspect ◽

Pathological Conditions ◽

Human Cervix ◽

Morphological Patterns

Recently, the functional aspect as well as morphological aspect of the reserve cells in the cervix uteri drew much attention in view of the carcinogenesis in squamocolumunar junction. In this communication, the authors elucidate the ultrastructural features of the reserve cells in patients of various age groups visiting our university hospital and affiliated hospital.From conventional light microscopic point of view, the reserve cells tend to be pronounced in various pathological conditions, such as the persisting inflammation, proliferative disorders and irritation of hormones. The morphological patterns of the reserve cells from various stage and degree of irritation were observed.

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Impact of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Pregnant Women: A Review

Coronaviruses ◽

10.2174/2666796701999201116123457 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 01 ◽

Author(s):

Saima Habeeb ◽

Manju Chugani

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Vertical Transmission ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Age Groups ◽

Well Being ◽

Fetal Outcome ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Coronavirus Infection ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

: The novel coronavirus infection (COVID‐19) is a global public health emergency.Since its outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, the infection has spread at an alarming rate across the globe and humans have been locked down to their countries, cities and homes. As of now, the virus has affected over 20million people globally and has inflicted over 7 lac deaths. Nevertheless, the recovery rate is improving with each passing day and over 14 million people have recuperated so far. The statistics indicate that nobody is immune to the disease as the virus continues to spread among all age groups; newborns to the elders, and all compartmentsincluding pregnant women. However, pregnant women may be more susceptible to this infection as they are, in general, highly vulnerable to respiratory infections. There is no evidence for vertical transmission of the COVID-19 virus among pregnant women, but an increased prevalence of preterm deliveries. Besides this, the COVID-19 may alter immune response at the maternal-fetal interface and affect the well-being of mothers as well as infants. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence available in the open literature regarding coronavirus infection during pregnancy and it now appears that certain pregnant women have infected during the present 2019-nCoV pandemic. In this short communication, we study the impact of the COVID-19 infection on vertical transmission and fetal outcome among pregnant women.

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Immunological Aspects Related to Viral Infections in Severe Asthma and the Role of Omalizumab

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines9040348 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 348

Author(s):

Francesco Menzella ◽

Giulia Ghidoni ◽

Carla Galeone ◽

Silvia Capobelli ◽

Chiara Scelfo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Innate Immunity ◽

Severe Asthma ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Antiviral Effect ◽

Point Of View ◽

Type I ◽

Effector Cells ◽

Viral Spread ◽

Increased Risk

Viral respiratory infections are recognized risk factors for the loss of control of allergic asthma and the induction of exacerbations, both in adults and children. Severe asthma is more susceptible to virus-induced asthma exacerbations, especially in the presence of high IgE levels. In the course of immune responses to viruses, an initial activation of innate immunity typically occurs and the production of type I and III interferons is essential in the control of viral spread. However, the Th2 inflammatory environment still appears to be protective against viral infections in general and in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections as well. As for now, literature data, although extremely limited and preliminary, show that severe asthma patients treated with biologics don’t have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or progression to severe forms compared to the non-asthmatic population. Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, exerts a profound cellular effect, which can stabilize the effector cells, and is becoming much more efficient from the point of view of innate immunity in contrasting respiratory viral infections. In addition to the antiviral effect, clinical efficacy and safety of this biological allow a great improvement in the management of asthma.

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Polarized nature of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: associations with population age structure and behaviours

Tropical Medicine and Health ◽

10.1186/s41182-021-00324-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Junko Okumura

Keyword(s):

Age Structure ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cumulative Number ◽

Population Age Structure ◽

Major Factors ◽

Drinking Places

Abstract Background Although the scale of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was relatively small in Japan compared with the rest of the world, the polarisation of areas into high- and low-COVID-19-incidence areas was observed among the 47 prefectures. The aims of this study were not only identifying the factors associated with the polarised COVID-19 pandemic in Japan but also discussing effective preventive measures. Methods This was an ecological study using online survey data which was cross-sectionally conducted by the author. A total of 6000 respondents who resided in 10 low- and 10 high-COVID-19 incidence prefectures, with a wide gap in terms of COVID-19 incidence, in Japan were recruited. Data on COVID-19 cases and geodemographic information were obtained from official government sites. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare variables between the two areas and age groups. Results This study revealed that that age influenced people’s behaviours and perceptions, except one behaviour of ‘wearing facemasks’. The major factors significantly associated with the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people were ‘commuting by private automobile’ (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.444; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.394–0.501), ‘commuting by public transportation’ (AOR, 6.813; 95% CI, 5.567–8.336), ‘washing hands’ (AOR, 1.233; 95% CI, 1.005–1.511), ‘opening windows regularly’ (AOR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.104–1.412), ‘avoiding crowded places (AOR, 0.757; 95% CI, 0.641–0.893), ‘non-scheduled visits to drinking places’ (AOR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.054–1.392) and ‘perceived risk of contracting COVID-19’ (AOR, 1.380; 95% CI, 1.180–1.612). These factors were strongly associated with age groups. Conclusions Effective preventive measures for COVID-19 transmission can be developed by understanding the characteristics of populated areas, such as public transportation infrastructure and younger people’s movements and behaviours in relation to the population age structure to contain the current epidemic and protect the most vulnerable elderly people.

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Multidrug Resistence Prevalence in COVID Area

Life ◽

10.3390/life11070601 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 601

Author(s):

Caterina Aurilio ◽

Pasquale Sansone ◽

Antonella Paladini ◽

Manlio Barbarisi ◽

Francesco Coppolino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Viral Disease ◽

Multidrug Resistant ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antimicrobial Drugs ◽

Infected People ◽

Therapeutic Procedures ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is often complicated by severe acute respiratory syndrome. The new coronavirus outbreak started in China in December 2019 and rapidly spread around the world. The high diffusibility of the virus was the reason for the outbreak of the pandemic viral disease, reaching more than 100 million infected people globally by the first three months of 2021. In the various treatments used up to now, the use of antimicrobial drugs for the management, especially of bacterial co-infections, is very frequent in patients admitted to intensive care. In addition, critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are subjected to prolonged mechanical ventilation and other therapeutic procedures often responsible for developing hospital co-infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Co-infections contribute to the increase in the morbidity–mortality of viral respiratory infections. We performed this study to review the recent articles published on the antibiotic bacterial resistance and viruses to predict risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 and to assess the multidrug resistance in patients hospitalized in the COVID-19 area.

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Risk of infection associated with targeted therapies for solid organ and hematological malignancies

Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease ◽

10.1177/2049936121989548 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 204993612198954

Author(s):

Isabel Ruiz-Camps ◽

Juan Aguilar-Company

Keyword(s):

Hematological Malignancies ◽

Opportunistic Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Fungal Infections ◽

Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽

Janus Kinase ◽

Prolonged Treatment ◽

Solid Organ ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Increased Risk

Higher risks of infection are associated with some targeted drugs used to treat solid organ and hematological malignancies, and an individual patient’s risk of infection is strongly influenced by underlying diseases and concomitant or prior treatments. This review focuses on risk levels and specific suggestions for management, analyzing groups of agents associated with a significant effect on the risk of infection. Due to limited clinical experience and ongoing advances in these therapies, recommendations may be revised in the near future. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are associated with a higher rate of infections, including invasive fungal infection, especially in the first months of treatment and in patients with advanced, pretreated disease. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of Pneumocystis pneumonia and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. Venetoclax is associated with cytopenias, respiratory infections, and fever and neutropenia. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may predispose patients to opportunistic and fungal infections; need for prophylaxis should be assessed on an individual basis. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have been linked to a higher risk of general and opportunistic infections. Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL) inhibitors are associated with neutropenia, especially over the first months of treatment. Anti-CD20 agents may cause defects in the adaptative immune response, hypogammaglobulinemia, neutropenia, and hepatitis B reactivation. Alemtuzumab is associated with profound and long-lasting immunosuppression; screening is recommended for latent infections and prevention strategies against CMV, herpesvirus, and Pneumocystis infections. Checkpoint inhibitors (CIs) may cause immune-related adverse events for which prolonged treatment with corticosteroids is needed: prophylaxis against Pneumocystis is recommended.

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Trends of Stomach Cancer in Central Serbia

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57070665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (7) ◽

pp. 665

Author(s):

Miodrag M. Stojanovic ◽

Natasa K. Rancic ◽

Marija R. Andjelkovic Apostolovic ◽

Aleksandra M. Ignjatovic ◽

Mirko V. Ilic

Keyword(s):

Stomach Cancer ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Age Groups ◽

Optimal Number ◽

P Value ◽

Age Group ◽

Joinpoint Regression ◽

Mortality Trends ◽

Incidence Trend ◽

Incidence And Mortality

Somach cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The objective of the paper was to analyze the incidence and mortality trends of stomach cancer in Central Serbia in the period between 1999–2017. Materials and Methods: trends and annual percentage change (APC) of the incidence and mortality rate with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by joinpoint regression analyses. The optimal number of Joinpoints was identified using the Monte Carlo permutation method. The trend was considered to be significantly increasing (positive change) or decreasing (negative change) when the p-value was below 0.05 (p < 0.05). Results: the total number of new cases was 16,914 (10,873 males and 6041 females) and the total number of mortality cases was 14,790 (9348 in and 5442 in females). Almost one third (30.8%) of new cases were registered in the 60–69-year age group, and new cases were significantly more frequent in males than in females (30.8% vs. 29.02%, p < 0.001). Joinpoint regression analysis showed a significant decrease of incidence trend in females during the 2000–2015 period with APC of −2.13% (95% CI: −3.8 to −0.5, p < 0.001). An insignificant decrease in incidence trend was in males with APC of −0.72% (95% CI: −2.3 to 0.9, p = 0.30). According to the joinpoint analysis, a significant decrease of mortality trends both in males during 2000–2015 with APC of −2.21% (95% CI: −1.6 to −7.5, p ≤ 0.001 and in females, during the same period, with APC of −1.75% (95% CI: −2.9 to −0.6, p < 0.001) was registered. From 2015 to 2017, a significant increase of mortality was registered with APC of 44.5% (95% CI: from 24.2 to −68.1, p ≤ 0.001) in females and in males with APC of 53.15% (95% CI: 13.5 to −106.6, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: a significant decrease of stomach cancer incidence trend in females and insignificant decrease of incidence trend in males were determined in Central Serbia. Based on presented results, the mortality trend decreased significantly both in males and in females during 2000–2015, and from 2015 to 2017 we recorded a significant increase in mortality in both sexes. We found significantly more new cases in women than in men in the age group of 40–49, and the mortality of stomach cancer was significantly more frequent among females compared to males in the age groups 30–39, as well as in the 50–59 age group. There is a need for improving recording and registration of new cases of stomach cancer, especially in females. Urgent primary and secondary preventive measures are needed—introducing stomach cancer screening and early detection of premalignant changes. Urgent primary and secondary preventive measures are needed.

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