QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
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Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic disorder affecting over 1 billion of subjects worldwide and displaying a broad spectrum of implications on cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders. Since the initial reports of the association between hypovitaminosis D and COVID-19, Vitamin D has been pointed as a potentially interesting treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We provide an overview on the current status of vitamin D deficiency, the mechanisms of action of vitamin D and the current literature on the topic, with a special focus on the potential implications for COVID-19 pandemic.
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Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come. Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression and insomnia in the general population and among healthcare professionals. ⋯ There should be traditional and social media campaigns to promote mental health and reduce distress. Active outreach is necessary, especially for people with a history of psychiatric disorders, COVID-19 survivors and older adults. Research studies are needed of how mental health consequences can be mitigated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In the last few years, a cluster of anatomical discoveries has been reported which overturned the long existing dogmas about the structure and function of human body. First to come was the discovery that established the existence of a lymphatic system pertaining to the central nervous system (CNS). CNS was believed to be anatomically immune privileged owing to the absence of any lymphatics and presence of the blood-brain barrier around it, but latest research has established beyond any reasonable doubt that true lymphatic channels carry immune cells in meninges thus challenging the existing theory. ⋯ A very recently reported third discovery demonstrated a previously unknown tissue component-'interstitium'-a networked collagen bound fluid-filled space existent in a number of human organs. All these structures bear considerable applied importance towards the pathogenesis, prognostic and diagnostic investigations and management of human diseases. This article attempts to present a brief review of all three remarkable discoveries and emphasizes their applied importance within the realm of medical sciences.
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Review Meta Analysis
Use of transbronchial cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease-a systematic review and cost analysis.
Histological diagnosis by surgical lung biopsy for interstitial lung disease (ILD) is currently limited. Transbronchial cryobiopsy via flexible bronchoscope may this for more patients. The relative costs, diagnostic yields and safety of this approach and more traditional approaches have not been determined. ⋯ Transbronchial cryobiopsy represents a potentially cost-saving approach to improve histological diagnosis in ILD, however is accompanied by a significant risk of moderate bleeding.