Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Ageusia after Two mRNA Vaccine Doses

To raise awareness about preventive measures in COVID-19 pandemic, even though fully vaccinated. Although recent trials showed high efficacy of vaccines in preventing symptomatic infections, there are some individuals experiencing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this case report, a fully vaccinated young dental practitioner experienced symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection 55 days postvaccination with BNT162b2 Pfizer vaccine with evident ageusia. Diagnostic swabs were performed and used for viral genome sequencing. The patient fully recovered 15 days after diagnosis. Loss of smell and taste, together with nasal congestion were the main reported symptoms. The use of personal protective equipment prevented spread of infection in patients and co-workers. With the increase of people being fully vaccinated, it is still necessary to follow infection preventive protocols by correctly applying personal protective equipment. Although high efficacy has been proved, some individuals may still be vulnerable to symptomatic infection and new guidelines and markers should be adopted and investigated to find out patients for whom vaccination may not determine full immunization.

Ageing societies and the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic – Statements of the European Geriatric Medicine Society and measures of the Hungarian Government concerning older people

Purpose Ageing of the societies is a demographic phenomenon in the developed world. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel human coronavirus responsible for a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). World Health Organization (WHO) data demonstrated that the first two waves of the pandemic had the most severe impact on older people and that is why new guidelines and protocols were necessary in geriatric medicine to protect senior citizens. Materials and methods In our publication, we summarise the three statements of EuGMS concerning the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Besides following the European recommendations, a proper local response was necessary in each country. Results The Hungarian Government has successfully completed the necessary measures during the first two waves, which are summarised in our publication. Those measures took into consideration not only the international guidelines, but the capacities of the healthcare system, as well as the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of the country. Conclusions Successful local defence against COVID-19 required adequate and optimised interpretation of the international guidelines to save the life of thousands of older adults in Hungary.

The many faces of diabetes. Is there a need for re-classification? A narrative review

The alarming rise in the worldwide prevalence of obesity and associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have reached epidemic portions. Diabetes in its many forms and T2DM have different physiological backgrounds and are difficult to classify. Bariatric surgery (BS) is considered the most effective treatment for obesity in terms of weight loss and comorbidity resolution, improves diabetes, and has been proven superior to medical management for the treatment of diabetes. The term metabolic surgery (MS) describes bariatric surgical procedures used primarily to treat T2DM and related metabolic conditions. MS is the most effective means of obtaining substantial and durable weight loss in individuals with obesity. Originally, BS was used as an alternative weight-loss therapy for patients with severe obesity, but clinical data revealed its metabolic benefits in patients with T2DM. MS is more effective than lifestyle or medical management in achieving glycaemic control, sustained weight loss, and reducing diabetes comorbidities. New guidelines for T2DM expand the use of MS to patients with a lower body mass index.Evidence has shown that endocrine changes resulting from BS translate into metabolic benefits that improve the comorbid conditions associated with obesity, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and T2DM. Other changes include bacterial flora rearrangement, bile acids secretion, and adipose tissue effect.This review aims to examine the physiological mechanisms in diabetes, risks for complications, the effects of bariatric and metabolic surgery and will shed light on whether diabetes should be reclassified.

The Australian Feeding Infants and Toddler Study (OzFITS 2021): Breastfeeding and Early Feeding Practices

The Australian Feeding Infants and Toddler Study 2021 (OzFITS 2021) is a nationwide survey of Australian caregivers’ infant and toddler feeding practices. Here, we describe breastfeeding rates and duration, use of breastmilk substitutes, and introduction of complementary (solid) foods, including common food allergens. Caregivers (n = 1140) were recruited by a digital marketing company and were interviewed using a structured telephone questionnaire to obtain information. Breastfeeding was initiated in 98% of infants, but the duration of exclusive breastfeeding to six months was less than 1%. Nearly 40% of children continued to receive breastmilk beyond one year, with 10% of toddlers receiving breastmilk at two years. One-quarter of infants were introduced to solid foods between 4 to 5 months, and nearly all infants had received solid foods by 7 months. New guidelines encourage the early introduction of potential food allergens to reduce the risk of allergy, and by 12 months, over 90% of children had been given eggs and peanuts. One-third of children received no breastmilk substitutes during their first year. One-third of infants first received breastmilk substitutes following birth and before discharge from the hospital. Of these infants, 30% ceased breastmilk substitute use after discharge. Our findings suggest a high rate of continued breastfeeding with 44% receiving breastmilk beyond 1 year. One approach to increase the duration of exclusive breastfeeding is to reduce breastmilk substitute use while in hospital.

New guidance for ME and CFS to improve understanding of these largely misunderstood conditions

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published new guidelines on myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Sarah Jane Palmer looks at the key changes made

New guidelines for the heart failure treatment (2021)

At this year’s ESC congress in London, it was announced an update of the guidelines for the treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Key change compared to last guidelines is withdrawal the long-term titration strategy and introducing a simpler and faster regimen based on four groups of drugs: blocking the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (ACE-I, ARNI), sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin), β-adrenolytic drugs, mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitors.

Promising Aspects of Economic Development of Industry in the Siberian Regions of Russia

According to many analysts, the modern digital technological transformation of the economy, both at the macro level and at the level of industrial enterprises, has a deep character and is aimed at establishing a new global economic structure. Programming at the level of international, climate, anti-pandemic, sanctional, technological, military-political and other agreements to reduce the level of production and consumption in accordance with the principles of sustainable development determines the prospect of transformations in industry, including in the raw materials sector. A significant part of the industrial companies of the Siberian regions belongs to the field of raw materials extraction, which forms new guidelines in the new technological conditions, both in personnel and technical areas. Large-scale introduction and application of a new generation of equipment that meets modern environmental standards requires accelerated training of a significant number of professional personnel. In fact, the education system, which should ensure the educational process of a high strategic status, both in scale and in terms of engineering and technical level, requires a systemic transformation based on the principles of digital technological innovations. The release of a significant number of workers, both representatives of the working professions and the intellectuals, which is happening and threatening to intensify, in the light of the ongoing contraction of the economy, will require the formation of millions of new jobs. This fillip, aimed at the development of small industrial forms of production of end-use goods, is able to provide employment for the population, as well as an increase in the level and quality of life in export-raw materials regions with the support from the state. The creation and development of engineering, technical and technological business franchises with the formation of a large retail network representing the goods of "industrial farms" are promising in this aspect. The upcoming steps of digital technological transformation require a comprehensive balanced scientific understanding, the development of appropriate justifications and recommendations.