scholarly journals Convalescent COVID-19 plasma

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Nataša Vavić ◽  
Bela Balint ◽  
Neven Vavić
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Favourable Effect ◽  
Passive Immunisation ◽  
Laboratory Examination ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Plasma Collection ◽  
Observation Period

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a new human disease. December 31, 2019 marked the day the World Health Organization (WHO) first became aware of an infectious outbreak in the Hubei province in China. Until January 2021, more than two million people died from COVID-19. The use of convalescent plasma (CP) has been widely used in different outbreaks as the first therapeutic option given the lack of effective medications or vaccines, and often as a last chance or experimental treatment. CP is a strategy of passive immunisation. Possible mechanisms of CP-COVID-19 action are antiviral and immunomodulatory. The established protocol for CP-COVID-19 collection defines activities and criteria related to recruiting and informing potential CP donors, clinical and laboratory examination, plasma collection, labelling and storage. Plasma is collected by apheresis/plasmapheresis. Administration of plasma is performed at the request of clinicians, according to the strict indications based on the severity of clinical picture, expressed by precisely determined "scoring" of symptoms. The risks transfusion recipients are likely to be exposed to do not differ from those of standard plasma recipients. At the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia, the first plasmapheresis from the recovered patient-donor was performed on 11 April 2020 and so far, collection and distribution of CP-COVID-19 have been performed continuously. During the observation period, preliminary results of the effect of CP transfusion, along with other applied therapy, indicate its favourable effect, both worldwide and in Serbia. CP-COVID-19 should be used as early as possible in the course of infection in order to achieve the best outcomes.

scholarly journals Surgical Management of Compound Odontoma Associated with Unerupted Tooth

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Pacifici ◽  
Daniele Carbone ◽  
Roberta Marini ◽  
Luciano Pacifici
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
World Health ◽  
Permanent Teeth ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Pulp Tissue ◽  
World Health Organization Classification ◽  
Dental Tissues ◽  
Minimally Invasive Surgical ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Compound Odontoma

Odontomas represent the most common type of odontogenic benign jaws tumors among patients younger than 20 years of age. These tumors are composed of enamel, dentine, cementum, and pulp tissue. According to the World Health Organization classification, two distinct types of odontomas are acknowledged: complex and compound odontoma. In complex odontomas, all dental tissues are formed, but appeared without an organized structure. In compound odontomas, all dental tissues are arranged in numerous tooth-like structures known as denticles. Compound odontomas are often associated with impacted adjacent permanent teeth and their surgical removal represents the best therapeutic option. A case of a 20-year-old male patient with a compound odontoma-associated of impacted maxillary canine is presented. A minimally invasive surgical technique is adopted to remove the least amount of bone tissue as far as possible.

Single-Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningioma in Elderly Patients: 25-Year Experience at a Single Institution

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Hasegawa ◽  
Shunya Hanakita ◽  
Masahiro Shin ◽  
Tomoyuki Koga ◽  
Wataru Takahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Local Tumor Control ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Intracranial Meningioma ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract BACKGROUND Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been accepted as a therapeutic option for intracranial meningiomas; however, the detailed data on outcomes in elderly patients remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To delineate the efficacy of SRS for meningiomas in elderly patients. METHODS The outcomes of 67 patients aged ≥65 yr who underwent SRS for benign intracranial meningioma (World Health Organization grade I) between 1990 and 2014 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 71 yr (range, 65-83 yr), and the mean and median follow-up were 62 and 52 mo (range, 7-195 mo), respectively. Tumor margins were irradiated with a median dose of 16 Gy, and the median tumor volume was 4.9 cm3 (range, 0.7-22.9 cm3). RESULTS Actuarial local tumor control rates at 3, 5, and 10 yr after SRS were 92%, 86%, and 72%, respectively. Previous surgery and parasagittal/falcine location were statistically significant predictive factors for failed tumor control. Mild or moderate adverse events were noted in 9 patients. No severe adverse event was observed. A higher margin dose was significantly associated with adverse events by univariate analysis. CONCLUSION SRS is one of the standard therapies for meningiomas in elderly patients, providing both favorable tumor control and a low risk of adverse events under minimum invasiveness.

Three Decades of Dengue Surveillance in Five Highly Endemic South East Asian Countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Wartel ◽  
A. Prayitno ◽  
S. R. S. Hadinegoro ◽  
M. R. Capeding ◽  
U. Thisyakorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Dengue Disease ◽  
Dengue Prevention ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Integrated Or ◽  
And Control ◽  
Observation Period

We described and quantified epidemiologic trends in dengue disease burden in 5 Asian countries (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam) and identified and estimated outbreaks impact over the last 3 decades. Dengue surveillance data from 1980 to 2010 were retrieved from DengueNet and from World Health Organization sources. Trends in incidence, mortality, and case fatality rate (CFR) were systematically analyzed using annual average percent change (AAPC), and the contribution of epidemic years identified over the observation period was quantified. Over the 30-year period, incidence increased in all countries (AAPC 1980-2010: 6.7% in Thailand, 10.4% in Vietnam, 12.0% in Indonesia, 18.1% in Malaysia, 24.4% in Philippines). Mortality also increased in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines (AAPC: 6.8%, 7.0%, and 29.2%, respectively), but slightly decreased in Thailand and Vietnam (AAPC: −1.3% and −2.5%), and CFR decreased in all countries (AAPC: −4.2% to −8.3%). Epidemic years, despite representing less than a third of the observation period, contributed from 1 to 3 times more cases versus nonepidemic years. Implementation of more sensitive surveillance methods over the study period may have contributed to a reporting or ascertainment bias in some countries. Nonetheless, these data support the urgent need for novel, integrated, or otherwise effective dengue prevention and control tools and approaches.

scholarly journals Holistic Herbs – A Natural Aresnal for Contention between Bugs and Drugs

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Keyword(s):  
Nosocomial Infections ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
World Health ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Causes Of Disease ◽  
Health Care Associated Infections ◽  
Health Organization

Nosocomial infections are one of the major causes of disease globally, leading to the most frequent adverse events in healthcare setups worldwide [1]. Millions of patients are affected by nosocomial infections each year globally, bringing about significant mortality and economic losses in healthcare systems. At any given time, the prevalence of health care-associated infections in developed countries varies between 3% to 15% [2]. Moreover, nosocomial infections are becoming even more complicated to treat as antibiotic resistance surfaces up. Recent reports from Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have indicated that nosocomial infections accounts for approximately 2 million infections and 90,000 deaths per year, out of which nearly 23% deaths are attributed to reemerging antibiotic resistant pathogens [3]. Antibiotics comprising bactericidal or bacteriostatic chemotherapeutic agents are presently the only available therapeutic option for the management and deterrence of infectious diseases. However, several drug resistant microbes are emerging as a result of continuous mutations, there by restraining the efficacy of such pharmaceuticals [4]. Over use of antibiotics imposes selective pressure on a specific population of bacteria, thereby allowing the resistant bacteria to thrive and the susceptible bacteria to die off[5].

scholarly journals A Decade of Food and Nutrition Policy in Portugal (2010–2020)

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Pedro Graça ◽  
Maria João Gregório ◽  
Maria da Graça Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
World Health ◽  
National Strategy ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Directorate General ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
First Time ◽  
And Storage

For the first time, in 2012, the Portuguese Government, through the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating of the Directorate-General for Health, implemented a set of concerted measures for improving the dietary habits, nutritional status and health of the population. Prior to, and since 2007, several epidemiological, social and political circumstances converged, for later enabling the development of a national strategy throughout the decade 2010–2020. This was also supported by specific international guidelines, namely from the World Health Organization and the European Commission. The national strategy objectives have been: (a) To increase the knowledge about the population’s food consumption, its determinants and consequences; (b) to modify the access to certain food items specially in schools, workplaces and public spaces; (c) To inform and empower individuals regarding shopping, preparation and storage of healthy foods, especially amongst those most vulnerable or with a lower income; (d) to identify and promote actions capable of encouraging a healthier diet through the integration of other societal sectors, namely agriculture, sports, environment, education, social security and local authorities; and (e) to better capacitate different professionals who, owing to their roles, may influence nutritional knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Several actions are described, including the creation of legislation to address these objectives. It is worth noting that one of the biggest challenges to this public policy has been the interventions within the environments where people live. By knowingly being central to food choice determinants, these environmental modifications were also where the stakeholders felt the greatest tensions and difficulties, but also where there are the greatest gains to be made. Solutions to overcome these problems and other perceived difficulties have been proposed here and are considered to be some of the main lessons and achievements throughout this process.

scholarly journals Compliance of Healthcare Workers with Hand Hygiene Practices in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units: Overt Observation

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayşe Karaaslan ◽  
Eda Kepenekli Kadayifci ◽  
Serkan Atıcı ◽  
Uluhan Sili ◽  
Ahmet Soysal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Pediatric Intensive Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
World Health ◽  
Routine Patient Care ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Observation Period

Background.The objective of this study was to assess the compliance of hand hygiene (HH) of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital in Istanbul.Methods.An observational study was conducted on the compliance of HH for the five World Health Organization (WHO) indications. HCWs were observed during routine patient care in day shift. The authors also measured the technique of HH through hand washing or hand hygiene with alcohol-based disinfectant.Results.A total of 704 HH opportunities were identified during the observation period. Overall compliance was 37.0% (261/704). Compliance differed by role: nurses (41.4%) and doctors (31.9%) [P=0.02, OR: 1.504, CI 95%: 1.058–2.137]. HCWs were more likely to use soap and water (63.6%) compared to waterless-alcohol-based hand hygiene (36.3%) [P<0.05].Conclusion.Adherence to hand hygiene practice and use of alcohol-based disinfectant was found to be very low. Effective education programs that improve adherence to hand hygiene and use of disinfectants may be helpful to increase compliance.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Running

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Volker Scheer ◽  
David Valero ◽  
Elias Villiger ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Beat Knechtle
Keyword(s):  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Endurance Running ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Ultra Endurance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Observation Period

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 outbreak has become a major health and economic crisis. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in March 2020, and many sporting events were canceled. Materials and Methods: We examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on endurance and ultra-endurance running (UER) and analyzed finishes and events during the COVID-19 pandemic (observation period March 2020–October 2020) to the same time period pre-COVID-19 outbreak (March 2019–October 2019). Results: Endurance finishes decreased during the pandemic (459,029 to 42,656 (male: 277,493 to 25,582; female 181,536 to 17,074; all p < 0.001). Similarly, the numbers of endurance events decreased (213 vs. 61 events; p < 0.001). Average marathon finishing times decreased during the pandemic in men (5:18:03 ± 0:16:34 vs. 4:43:08 ± 0:25:08 h:min:s (p = 0.006)) and women (5:39:32 ± 0:19:29 vs. 5:14:29 ± 0:26:36 h:min:s (p = 0.02)). In UER, finishes decreased significantly (580,289 to 110,055; p < 0.001) as did events (5839 to 1791; p < 0.001). Popular event locations in United States, France, UK, and Germany decreased significantly (p < 0.05). All distance and time-limited UER events saw significant decreases (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on endurance and UER, and it is unlikely that running activities return to pre-pandemic levels any time soon. Mitigation strategies and safety protocols should be established.

scholarly journals Booster or additional vaccination doses in patients vaccinated against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra García-Botella ◽  
Alberto García-Lledó ◽  
Javier Gómez-Pavón ◽  
Juan González del Castillo ◽  
Teresa Hernández-Sampelayo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Booster Dose ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
The Moment ◽  
State Of Affairs ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
State Of Israel ◽  
Observation Period

Several health organizations, mainly in Western countries, have recently authorized the use of a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for patients previously vaccinated with mRNA vaccines, with criteria that do not always coincide. The COVID Scientific Committee of the Illustrious College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) has received and asked several questions about this situation, to which the group has tried to give answers, after deliberation and consensus. The efficacy of the vaccines administered so far is beyond doubt and they have managed to reduce, fundamentally, the severe forms of the disease. The duration of this protection is not well known, is different in different individuals and for different variants of the virus and is not easily predictable with laboratory tests. Data on the real impact of a supplementary or “booster” dose in the scientific literature are scarce for the moment and its application in large populations such as those in the state of Israel may be associated with a decrease in the risk of new and severe episodes in the short observation period available. We also lack sufficient data on the safety and potential adverse effects of these supplementary doses and we do not know the ideal time to administer them in different situations. In this state of affairs, it seems prudent to administer supplemental doses to those exposed to a higher risk, such as immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. On the other hand, we consider that this is not the time to accelerate, on the spur of the moment, a massive administration of a third dose to other population groups that are less exposed and at lower risk, without waiting for adequate scientific information, which will undoubtedly arrive gradually. We do not believe that this position is incompatible with the practical and ethical warnings made by the World Health Organization in this respect.

scholarly journals Hygiene of removable partial denture

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza Czerniawska-Kliman ◽  
Katarzyna Grocholewicz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
World Health ◽  
Removable Partial Denture ◽  
Food Residue ◽  
Dental Restorations ◽  
Dental Prostheses ◽  
Removable Dental Prostheses ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Storage

Introduction: Hygiene of removable dental prostheses is equally important as oral hygiene. Statistical data from the World Health Organization show that people over 65 years of age constitute a larger percentage of the population than newly born children. The number of people using removable dental prostheses increases with age. Older people, often for financial reasons, generally opt for settling dentures. Due to its porous structure, acrylic favors the retention of food residue. As a consequence, the incidence of candidiasis and prosthetic stomatopathy increases in patients using removable acrylic dentures. The aim of the study is to assess the hygiene of the oral cavity and removable dental prostheses.Materials and methods: A physical examination was carried out to determine the condition of the teeth, oral hygiene, and number/location of missing teeth. Oral hygiene was assessed using the approximal dental plaque index (API). Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about hygiene and nighttime storage methods for removable dental restorations and whether the doctor provided information on the correct use and storage of prostheses. A physical examination was then performed to determine the hygiene of the restorations. Prosthesis hygiene was evaluated using the hygiene scale of prostheses developed by Frączak et al.Results and conclusions: The level of oral hygiene in general and hygiene of prosthetic restorations are very low, despite the information obtained from physicians, which indicates that dentists should pay more attention to providing information on oral and prosthesis hygiene, preferably in the form of leaflets.

scholarly journals Psoriasis, biological drugs and Coronavirus Disease 2019: Real life experience of two Italian provinces

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Vispi ◽  
Teresa Corradin ◽  
Camilla Peccianti ◽  
Luca Feci ◽  
Laura Casini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Experience ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
World Health ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Biological Drugs ◽  
Italian Provinces ◽  
The Media ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Observation Period

On January 30, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) stated that a new coronavirus disease outbreak [COronaVIrus Disease - 19 (COVID-19)] was an international public health emergency. Many news, often fake ones, about the derived pandemic rapidly spread along the media, thus leading many dermatological patients to identify as “risk category” and sometimes discontinue treatments by themselves. The Dermatology Units in Grosseto and Pordenone simultaneously carried out a data collection by remote-conducted visits, evaluating the incidence of COVID-19 in psoriatic patients. Only 1 patient (close contact of a case) as part of the psoriasis analyzed group was tested and turned out to be positive for SARS-CoV-2, developing no symptoms during the observation period. The collected information may suggest that psoriasis, biotechnologically treated or not, cannot promote or aggravate the clinical trend of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, hence stopping systemic therapy in negative or clinically free SARS-CoV-2 patients is not recommended in general.

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