Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for COVID-19: A Systematic Review

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is of great concern for the whole world, and finding an effective treatment for the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is, therefore, a global race. In particular, treatment options for elderly patients and patients with genetic risk factors with COVID-19-associated pneumonia are limited, and many patients die. Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) of lungs was used to treat pneumonia many decades ago. Since the first report on the potential efficacy of LDRT for COVID-19-associated pneumonia was published on 1 April, 2020, tens of papers have addressed the importance of this treatment. Moreover, the findings of less than 10 clinical trials conducted to date are now available. We performed a detailed search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus and selected the nine most relevant articles. A review of these articles was conducted. The available data indicate that in oxygen-dependent elderly patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia, whole-lung radiation at doses of 0.5–1.5 Gy can lead to accelerated recovery and progress in clinical status, encephalopathy, and radiographic consolidation without any detectable acute toxicity. Although data collected so far show that LDRT could be introduced as a treatment with promising efficacy, due to limitations such as lack of randomization in most studies, we need further large-scale randomized studies, especially for elderly patients who are at greater risk of mortality due to COVID-19. However, more preclinical work and clinical trials are needed before any clear conclusion can be made.

Gossypiboma neck: a case report with review of literature

<p class="abstract">Gossypiboma is a dreaded event in surgical expertise. We report a case of post hemithyroidectomy gossypiboma removed 4 years post primary surgery. Initially suspecting it to be a tubercular abscess and fistula, we surprisingly found a surgical gauze on neck exploration. To understand the magnitude of this problem we assembled data on reported gossypibomas post neck surgeries. A detailed search of literature revealed 16 publications (20 cases) with varied clinical picture and differentials. Our case is only the fourth published case wherein there is such a long-standing history and the first to assemble data and review literature on exclusive neck gossypibomas. Although, neck is regarded as a confined cavity with very few obvious crevices where foreign body can be left behind iatrogenically; still, gossypiboma needs to be kept as a differential, especially with a previous surgical history.</p>

Changes in health quality, lifestyle and habits in adolescents that induced by COVID-19 pandemic. Covid 19 lifestyle effect in adolescents

Introduction: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic affected and altered several parts of our daily habits and lifestyle. Adolescents could not remain unaffected. Aim of the present study is to evaluate changes in health quality and daily habits of teenagers induced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Material and Methods: A detailed search of the literature was conducted in Pubmed to find published articles related to changes in health quality, lifestyle and habits in adolescents induced by COVID-19 pandemic.. Results: A total of 17 articles met our inclusion criteria and found suitable for our study. Additional resources provided useful information were also included. COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in adolescents’ sleep habits and quality, such as increase in sleep duration and later bed time. Screen time increased but physical activity decreased. Moreover, eating patterns were altered and there was a tentionfor weight gain. Adolescents’ mental health and behavior were also affected, and in many cases negative feelings were arisen and mood symptoms were noticed. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has unquestionably changed the adolescents’ everyday habits and lives. Considering that adolescence is the period in which physical and mental development of young people take place, we should keep in mind that the results of such effects might accompany them in their adult life.

GEOLOGICAL STUDIES OF OIL AND GAS FIELDS IN THE EAST ARAL SEDIMENTARY BASIN

Объектом исследований являлись верхнепалеозойские, мезозойские и кайнозойские отложения, слагающие разрез в Восточно-Аральском осадочном бассейне, в связи с перспективами выявления месторождений нефти и газа. Обобщены и систематизированы сведения по стратиграфии, литологии, тектонике и нефтегазоносности района исследований. Изучен вещественный состав, палеогеографические, палеотектонические и геодинамические условия накопления осадков данных стратиграфических уровней, установлена их фациальная принадлежность. Составлены литолог-стратиграфические колонки скважин и проведена корреляция стратиграфических подразделений разрезов. Уточнена история геологического развития региона. Выявлены потенциальные коллектора и покрышки. Определены стратиграфические горизонты, благоприятные для формирования залежей углеводородного сырья. Обоснованы наиболее перспективные типы ловушек углеводородного сырья по стратиграфическим уровням и выявлена зональность их распространения. Дана оценка перспектив района на выявление залежей нефти и газа. Выделены информативные и качественные признаки (критерии) нефтегазоносности. Обоснованы площади и конкретные структуры для постановки детальных поисковых работ на выявление залежей нефти и газа. Рассчитана оценкапотенциальных ресурсов углеводородного сырья. Даны рекомендации на проведение первоочередных сейсморазведочных и буровых работ. The object of research was the Upper Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments composing the section in the East Aral sedimentary basin, in connection with the prospects for identifying oil and gas deposits. The data on stratigraphy, lithology, tectonics, and oil and gas potential of the research area are summarized and systematized. The material composition, paleogeographic, paleotectonic, and geodynamic conditions of sediment accumulation at these stratigraphic levels were studied, and their facies affiliation was established. The lithological and stratigraphic columns of the wells were compiled and the stratigraphic divisions of the sections were correlated. Updated the history of the geological development of the region. Potential collectors and tires have been identified. The stratigraphic horizons favorable for the formation of hydrocarbon deposits are determined. The most promising types of hydrocarbon traps are justified by stratigraphic levels and the zoning of their distribution is revealed. The assessment of the prospects of the area for the identification of oil and gas deposits is given. Informative and qualitative signs (criteria) of oil and gas potential are identified. The areas and specific structures for setting up detailed search operations to identify oil and gas deposits are justified. The estimation of potential resources of hydrocarbon raw materials is calculated. Recommendations for conducting priority seismic exploration and drilling operations are given.

STUDY OF OIL AND GAS PROSPECTIVE STRUCTURES OF THE ARAL SEA REGION WITH THE FORECAST OF THEIR RESERVES

В начале барремского времени море отступило и до начала позднего альба территория представляла собой низменную аккумулятивную равнину, в пределах которой происходило накопление аллювиальных и озерно-аллювиальных отложений: красно-коричневых глин, алевролитов с прослоями коричневых песчаников и песков и линзами темно-серого лигнита. В основании толщи отмечаются гравелиты и конгломераты. В раннемальбе произошла кратковременная трансгрессия моря, однако территория современного Восточного Приаралья не была затоплена и представляла собой прибрежно-морскую равнину, где накапливались глины, алевролиты и песчаники. К концу позднего альба море регрессировало, и территория вновь стала представлять собой низменную аллювиально-озерную равнину. По всей территории происходило накопление пестроцветных глин, зеленовато-серых алевролитов, песков и песчаников, а также углей. При проведении иследовательских работ были обоснованы наиболее перспективные типы ловушек углеводородного сырья по стратиграфическим уровням и выявлена зональность их распространения. Дана оценка перспектив района на выявление залежей нефти и газа. Выделены информативные и качественные признаки (критерии) нефтегазоносности. Обоснованы площади и конкретные структуры для постановки детальных поисковых работ на выявление залежей нефти и газа. Рассчитана оценка потенциальных ресурсов углеводородного сырья. At the beginning of the Barremian time, the sea receded and until the beginning of the late Alb, the territory was a low-lying accumulative plain, within which the accumulation of alluvial and lacustrine-alluvial deposits occurred: red-brown clays, siltstones with layers of brown sandstones and sands and lenses of dark gray lignite. Gravelites and conglomerates are noted at the base of the strata.In the Rannemalba, there was a short-term transgression of the sea, but the territory of the modern Eastern Aral Sea region was not flooded and was a coastal-sea plain, where clays, siltstones and sandstones accumulated. By the end of the Late Alb, the sea regressed and the area again became a low-lying alluvial-lacustrine plain. There was an accumulation of variegated clays, greenish-gray siltstones, sands and sandstones, as well as coals throughout the territory. During the research work, the most promising types of hydrocarbon traps were justified by stratigraphic levels and the zoning of their distribution was revealed. The assessment of the prospects of the area for the identification of oil and gas deposits is given. Informative and qualitative signs (criteria) of oil and gas potential are identified. The areas and specific structures for setting up detailed search operations to identify oil and gas deposits are justified. The estimation of potential resources of hydrocarbon raw materials is calculated.

COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis: Scoping Review Protocol

Background and Objective: Mucormycosis, a serious and rare fungal infection, has occurred concurrently in COVID-19 patients globally. Mucormycosis is associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality, with mortality depending on body site infected, fungus type, and the patients overall condition. This deadly fungal infection is quite difficult and expensive to treat. Therefore, this scoping review aims to map all the empirical evidence on the association of COVID-19 with mucormycosis with a special focus on clinical presentation, treatment, and patient outcomes. Inclusion criteria: We will include all those studies which are presenting mucormycosis cases in COVID-19 positive patients. Methods: The proposed scoping review will be developed by adhering to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A detailed search strategy has already been utilized to locate both published and unpublished studies. Literature search was carried out in three phases. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google scholar was searched. Data will be extracted in a pre-designed data extraction sheet and risk of bias will be assessed using JBI critical appraisal tool. Data will be presented in tabular form. OSF registration number: osf.io/438sm

Current Perspectives on Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension without Papilloedema

The pseudotumor cerebri syndrome embraces disorders characterised by raised intracranial pressure, where the commonest symptom is headache (90%). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilloedema (IIHWOP) is increasingly recognised as a source of refractory headache symptoms and resultant neurological disability. Although the majority of patients with IIHWOP are phenotypically similar to those with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), it remains uncertain as to whether IIHWOP is nosologically distinct from IIH. The incidence, prevalence, and the degree of association with the world-wide obesity epidemic is unknown. Establishing a diagnosis of IIHWOP can be challenging, as often lumbar puncture is not routinely part of the work-up for refractory headaches. There are published diagnostic criteria for IIHWOP; however, some report uncertainty regarding a pathologically acceptable cut off for a raised lumbar puncture opening pressure, which is a key criterion. The literature provides little information to help guide clinicians in managing patients with IIHWOP. Further research is therefore needed to better understand the mechanisms that drive the development of chronic daily headaches and a relationship to intracranial pressure; and indeed, whether such patients would benefit from therapies to lower intracranial pressure. The aim of this narrative review was to perform a detailed search of the scientific literature and provide a summary of historic and current opinion regarding IIHWOP.

Epidemiological, humanistic and economic burden of dog-mediated rabies in India: a systematic review protocol

Background: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease. It is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and dog bites are responsible for around 95% of human cases. The disease is almost always fatal after the onset of symptoms. It is an endemic and major public health problem in India with one-third of the global deaths reported from this country. Protocol: This systematic review aims to estimate the epidemiological, humanistic and economic burden of dog-mediated rabies in India. Initially the existence of controlled descriptors in MeSH terms (such as 'Epidemiology', 'Rabies', 'Cost', 'Dog bite', 'Quality of Life', 'India' etc), and their synonyms (key words) was identified in MEDLINE, and were later combined with Boolean operators 'AND' and 'OR' to develop a detailed search strategy. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts and select the studies as per the inclusion criteria. The selected studies will be assessed for their quality and risk of bias. Data will be extracted using standardized data extraction tools and will be synthesized for analysis. Disagreements that arise between the reviewers will be resolved through discussion, or with a third reviewer. Discussion: This systematic review will be performed to critically examine relevant literature and report the epidemiological, humanistic and economic burden of dog-mediated rabies in Indian context. The findings will help in estimation of burden of the disease in India and expected to contribute in policy making and planning of the program and interventions in the country. Protocol registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD4202021326

Variants and Modifications of the Retroauricular Approach Using in Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The retroauricular approach (RA) has been developed in order to expose the temporomandibular joint in a way that minimizes the risk of injury to the facial nerve and masks the postoperative scar. One of its characteristics is an excellent posterolateral view of the mandibular head, which allows for the preservation of the lateral temporomandibular joint ligaments in the course of open intracapsular surgery. Aim: The aim of this study is to systematically review the currently used variants and modifications of RA. Materials and Methods: The construction of the following study is based on PICOS and PRISMA protocols. A systematic literature search was performed based on the PubMed and BASE search engines; furthermore the authors performed a more detailed search in the Google Scholar article database as well as a loop search within the references of papers included in the systematic review. Results: Searching medical articles databases, Google Scholar, and references yielded a total of 85 records. First the titles and abstracts were blindly screened which was followed by a full-text eligibility check resulting in eventually including and qualifying 7 articles for detailed analysis. Discussion: All known variants and modifications of RA are characterized by high safety for the facial nerve and an aesthetically hidden scar. There were no reports of auricle necrosis in the collected material. Conclusions: In this systematic review, 2 variants and 2 modifications of RA that allow for open temporomandibular joint surgery have been identified; all of them together cover a large spectrum of indications for joint surgery, including reposition and osteosynthesis of mandibular head fractures, eminoplasty, or eminectomy and treatment of some forms of ankylosis.

BET 1: Do homemade or cloth face masks work as a preventive measure for respiratory virus transmission?

A short-cut review of the available medical literature was carried out to establish whether homemade or cloth face masks can prevent respiratory virus transmission or clinical illness. After abstract review, twelve papers were found to answer this clinical question using the detailed search strategy. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. It is concluded that there is currently no direct evidence to support the use of homemade or cloth masks by the general public for protection against viral infections.