scholarly journals Current knowledge about the etiopathogenesis and therapy options for COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 43-54
Author(s):  
Srđan Pešić ◽  
Hristina Jovanović ◽  
Hristina Trajković
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Biological Drugs ◽  
Multisystem Disease ◽  
The World ◽  
Small Doses ◽  
High Doses

Currently, over 35 million people in the world are infected with the COVID-19 and over a million have died. The pandemic character of the disease has imposed dynamic research both in the field of clarification of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of the disease and in the field of possible therapy. The amount of scientific knowledge has increased dozens of times in the last nine months, but we are still not even close to define an effective and safe therapy. The knowledge that COVID-19 is not only a respiratory but also a multisystem disease, which affects almost all organs, gave us opportunities for therapeutic adjustments. Strong oxidative stress, silent chronic hypoxia, increased coagulability, and increased platelet aggregation are just some of the mechanisms in the development of the disease. Cardiovascular consequences and vascular endothelial dysfunction are thought to be mainly responsible for death with a dangerous cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Having all this in mind in the therapeutic sense, it is proposed to use antibiotics, high doses of vitamin C, blood transfusion, immunoglobulin, interferon, anti-IL-6 antibodies, small doses of Dexamethasone or other corticosteroids, specific antiviral drugs such as favipiravir and remdesivir. The use of chloroquine is excluded from the therapeutic protocols of the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States of America). For preventive and supportive purposes, high doses of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, probiotics, Alpha-lipoic acid, and other supplements are recommended. The use of anti-inflammatory, analgo-antipyretics drugs is considered justified, as well as the use of small doses of acetylsalicylic acid. Over 70 other drugs are currently being tested in over 400 clinical studies. In patients who already use corticosteroids by inhalation or intranasally due to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, or biological drugs due to immunomodulatory inflammatory diseases, this therapy should not be changed and it is not a prerequisite condition for more severe forms of the disease. The specifics of the infection in special populations such as children or pregnant women must also be taken into consideration.

scholarly journals 405 - Music Therapy in the management of dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 121-121
Author(s):  
Catarina Pedro ◽  
Beatriz Jorge ◽  
Mariana Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction:Dementia has become a worldwide concern. According to the World Health Organization, there are 50 million individuals suffering from dementia across the world and approximately 20 million new cases are diagnosed each year. The efficacy of medications in controlling agitation and psychotic symptoms is modest and may cause serious adverse effects, outlining the urge for new treatment methods for patients with dementia. Music therapy (MT) is a nonpharmacologic strategy that is used in patients with early-to-late stages of dementia with promising results.Objectives:The aim of this presentation is to evaluate the benefits of music therapy in cognitive functioning and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients diagnosed with dementia. We also summarize the current knowledge about this topic.Methods:A non-systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of science using selected keywords.Results:MT sustains its benefit because musical memory regions in the brain are relatively spared compared to cognitive function. “Musical memories” can, thus, be stored longer than non-musical memories, allowing to recall associated life events and emotions. Systematic reviews suggest that MT seem to have a positive effect on symptoms such as depression, anxiety and behavioral problems while the findings concerning agitation/aggression are inconsistent. No large differences were found between studies using live or recorded music although the latter reported more of a consistently positive impact on behavioral and psychological outcomes. The studies using live music, however, reported specific benefits to relationships and interactions.Conclusions:The majority of the studies have methodological limitations, making it difficult to offer firm conclusions. Despite this, there were positive results on aspects of quality of life, cognitive function, behavioral, psychological, physiological and communication outcomes.

scholarly journals The emerging role of C/EBPs in glucocorticoid signaling: lessons from the lung

2011 ◽  
Vol 212 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham B Roos ◽  
Magnus Nord
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Steroid Resistance ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Glucocorticoid Signaling ◽  
Enhancer Binding Protein

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been successfully used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases for decades. However, there is a relative GC resistance in several inflammatory lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but still the mechanism(s) behind this unresponsiveness remains unknown. Interaction between transcription factors and the GC receptor contribute to GC effects but may also provide mechanisms explaining steroid resistance. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factors are important regulators of pulmonary gene expression and have been implicated in inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and COPD. In addition, several studies have indicated a role for C/EBPs in mediating GC effects. In this review, we discuss the different mechanisms of GC action as well as the function of the lung-enriched members of the C/EBP transcription factor family. We also summarize the current knowledge of the role of C/EBP transcription factors in mediating the effects of GCs, with emphasis on pulmonary effects, and their potential role in mediating GC resistance.

Report of an International Psychogeriatric Association Special Meeting Work Group; Under the Cosponsorship of Alzheimer's Disease International, the European Federation of Neurological Societies, the World Health Organization, and the World Psychiatric Association

1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (S1) ◽  
pp. 11-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Reisberg ◽  
Alistair Burns ◽  
Henry Brodaty ◽  
Robin Eastwood ◽  
Martin Rossor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Work Group ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
European Federation ◽  
The World

Current knowledge with respect to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is reviewed. There is agreement that AD is a characteristic clinicopathologic entity that is amenable to diagnosis. The diagnosis of AD should no longer be considered one of exclusion. Rather, the diagnostic process is one of recognition of the characteristic features of AD and of conditions that can have an impact on presentation or mimic aspects of the clinicopathologic picture. The present availability of improved prognosis, management, and treatment strategies makes the proper, and state-of-the-art, diagnosis of AD a clinical imperative in all medical settings. Concurrently, information regarding the relevance and applicability of current diagnostic procedures in diverse cultural settings must continue to accrue.

New coronoviral infection and other respiratory-viral diseases in pregnant women: clinical lecture

GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-16
Author(s):  
Sergey P. Sinchikhin ◽  
Lusine V. Stepanyan ◽  
Oleg B. Mamiev
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Director General ◽  
World Population ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
The World ◽  
Obstetric Management ◽  
Coronavirus Infection

Relevance. On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) gave the official name for the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019), and on March 11, 2020, the Director-General (WHO) stated that the world the community is facing a new pandemic. The rapid spread of this disease requires new knowledge on its diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it must be remembered that 3040% of the entire world population is sick with other acute respiratory viral diseases every year. In our country, annually from 27 to 41 million cases of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), acute respiratory disease (ARI) and flu are recorded. Based on the foregoing, the authors set a goal on the basis of modern data to form the theoretical basis for obstetrician-gynecologists for practical work with pregnant patients with new coronavirus infection and respiratory viral diseases. Materials and methods. The information material includes data from foreign and domestic scientific articles available in Pubmed and Internet resources on this topic, published over the past 5 years. Results. A systematic analysis of the data contained in the modern literature on various infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system and COVID-19 has been carried out. Historical information on pandemics associated with respiratory diseases is presented. Clinical features of the course of acute respiratory viral diseases, flu and coronavirus infection, as well as various types of pneumonia, were noted. Attention is drawn to the importance of carrying out preventive measures to prevent the spread of infections. Introduced obstetric management of pregnant women with a new coronavirus disease. Part of the information is presented in the form of tables and figures summarizing the analyzed material, which makes the information presented especially memorable. Conclusion. It is hoped that the prepared lecture will not only enhance information and educational knowledge, but will also be useful for the work of an obstetrician-gynecologist, including in the epidemiological period that is unfavorable for respiratory viral diseases.

Communication and Education Processes Involved in COPD Patient Engagement within the Italian Health System

2017 ◽  
pp. 29-65
Author(s):  
Virginia Recchia ◽  
Antonio Dodaro ◽  
Rosita B. Maglie ◽  
Carlo G. Leo
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Patient Engagement ◽  
World Health ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
The World ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Problem Patient

The World Health Organization has estimated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth most common cause of death worldwide. Due to the economic and social extent of the problem, patient engagement must be comprised as a new resource for the achievement of higher health outcomes and lower costs. As many key processes involved in the COPD patient engagement consist of communication and education processes, modelling those processes in a whole framework, including actors and content needs, is a requirement. The main scope of this chapter is contributing to design such a framework within the Italian Health System. Final recommendations suggest to create a synergy among patient engagement and a set of legal tools, namely informed consent, integrated care and advance care planning. The synergy is based on the fact that both patient engagement and those legal tools have a common deep root in the universal principle of patient autonomy.

Pharmacological Efficacy and Safety of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the treatment of respiratory tract infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shadma Wahab ◽  
Irfan Ahmad ◽  
Safia Irfan ◽  
Ayesha Siddiqua ◽  
Shazia Usmani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Glycyrrhiza Glabra ◽  
World Health ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Virus Growth ◽  
The World ◽  
Tract Infections

: Respiratory tract infections are underestimated because they are mild and disabling, but in clinical medicine, these are the most prevalent problems. According to the World Health Organization third-most comprehensive cause of death in the world till 2030 would be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dominating viruses of respiratory infections are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, and human coronaviruses. Antibiotics are mostly used to treat bacterial infections, and they do not effectively manage viral infections like sinusitis, sore throats, bronchitis, influenza, and common respiratory infections. Presently no medication is available only symptomatic interventions is an option in our hand. However, a lot of research is going on the vaccine and drugs-based approaches against respiratory viruses worldwide. Traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. It is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds for treatment against antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) pharmacological actions modulate the immune system, inhibit virus growth, produce anti-inflammatory activity, and inactivate viruses. This comprehensive review mainly focuses on the role of licorice in managing respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including complications associated with its excess intake. There has been limited human research’s exhibited licorice effectiveness in respiratory infections; therefore, there is a need for uncompromising and long-term research. This paper will be a valuable reference for biologists and physicians looking for a medication for respiratory infections. Glycyrrhiza glabra could open the door to novel agents in drug discovery and development.

Interactions between hypoxic and almitrine-induced vasoconstriction in the rat lung

1992 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Russell ◽  
C. J. Emery ◽  
J. Nicholl ◽  
G. R. Barer ◽  
P. Howard
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Stimulus Response ◽  
Pulmonary Vasoconstriction ◽  
Hypoxic Vasoconstriction ◽  
Small Doses ◽  
Sigmoid Curve ◽  
Obstructive Airways Disease ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Parallel Fashion

1. To test whether almitrine might improve the arterial partial pressure of O2 in patients with chronic obstructive airways disease by improvement of ventilation-perfusion matching, we looked at the interaction between hypoxic and almitrine-induced vasoconstriction in isolated rat lungs perfused with blood at constant flow. Increases in pressure represented increases in resistance. 2. Almitrine, given in increasing doses between challenges with 2% O2, enhanced hypoxic vasoconstriction at low doses but attenuated it at high doses. 3. Stimulus-response curves to hypoxia of increasing severity gave a sigmoid curve. 4. Almitrine solvent caused small changes in pulmonary artery pressure and shifted the stimulus-response curve slightly in a parallel fashion. 5. Small doses of almitrine enhanced the action of mild to moderate hypoxia, medium doses attenuated moderately severe hypoxia, whereas high doses depressed vasoconstriction due to all degrees of hypoxia. 6. These effects of almitrine on hypoxic vasoconstriction were compared with the effect of solvent by analysis of variance; the results substantiated significant enhancement of hypoxia by small doses and attenuation by large doses. 7. In patients, if similar effects apply, small doses of almitrine would assist ventilation-perfusion matching, but large doses might worsen it. 8. Almitrine-induced vasoconstriction was attenuated by a fall in perfusate temperature in a similar manner to hypoxic vasoconstriction. It was also attenuated by three drugs, chlorpheniramine, propanolol and diethylcarbamazine, all of which also decrease hypoxic vasoconstriction. The similarity between hypoxic and almitrine-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction is further confirmed.

scholarly journals COVID-19; Plague of the 21st Century; Situation Update

2020 ◽  
pp. 11-21
Author(s):  
Mirza Zain Baig ◽  
Zaitoon Zafar ◽  
Abeer Aziz ◽  
Umme Hani Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Medical Infrastructure

The first known case of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus now known as SARS-CoV-2 occurred in Wuhan, China in late December 2019. In a matter of a few months, it has spread globally to infect more than 500, 000 people and has caused more than 20,000 deaths. It was officially declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization (WHO). To date, it has strained medical infrastructure, stagnated global economy and given rise to social stigma, fear, and racism. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of our current knowledge and understanding of this new disease.

scholarly journals Vitamin C in critical conditions: from bench to bedside (part 1)

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 118-125
Author(s):  
S.M. Chuklin ◽  
S.S. Chuklin
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
Critical Conditions ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Critically Ill Surgical Patients

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an important physiological role in numerous metabolic functions. It is also a cofactor in the synthesis of important substances, in particular catecholamines and vasopressin. A decrease in the level of ascorbic acid has been noted in various diseases, often accompanying the severity of the patient’s state. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge on the physiological role of vitamin C and the experimental evidences of its use in critically ill surgical patients. The pharmacodynamics of ascorbic acid, the possibility of using high doses of vitamin C are also considered. MEDLINE database on the PubMed platform was used to search for the literature sources with key words: vitamin C, sepsis, shock, trauma, burns.

scholarly journals Impact of novel coronavirus infection on urogenital system. Immunonutrition as a method of pathogenetic therapy in patients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-43
Author(s):  
Ekaterina V. Kulchavenya ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
World Health ◽  
Urogenital System ◽  
The Novel ◽  
The World ◽  
Pathogenetic Therapy ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

On December 12, 2019, the novel coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China, which caused the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) in human population, spreading rapidly all over the world; on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the current situation a pandemic. COVID-19 is considered a systemic disease. Kidney may be one of the targets, since the virus enters the cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor, which is present in kidney. The evidence of the kidney cells’ viral invasion is provided by the large number of renal dysfunction cases in patients with COVID-19. Etiotropic therapy for COVID-19 has not been developed; antibiotics are not useful for this infection. It is advisable to improve the immunity of the microorganism, primarily by vaccination, but also by normalization of the intestinal microbiota and the micronutrients’ balance recovery. Vitamins C and E, trace elements selenium and zinc significantly increase the body's resistance to viral infection. The rapid increase in the number of resistant pathogens is expected due to increased antibiotic use for treatment of COVID-19. The overall impact of the pandemic could be assessed later. Currently, the strictest approach is required to prescribing antibacterial drugs to patients with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital system. If etiotropic antibiotic therapy is unavoidable, it should be supported by pathogenetic therapy. The immune-stimulatory nutraceuticals should be prescribed.

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