Articles: pandemics.
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Multicenter Study
Biomarkers of COVID-19 short-term worsening: a multiparameter analysis within the prospective multicenter COVIDeF cohort.
During a pandemic like COVID-19, hospital resources are constrained and accurate severity triage of the patients is required. ⋯ In this multicenter prospective study that assessed a large panel of biomarkers for COVID-19 patients, CRP, procalcitonin, and MR-proADM were independently associated with the risk of STW.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the indispensable role of primary care. Objectives: Recognising this, the PRICOV-19 study investigated how 5,489 GP practices across 38 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo*, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Republic of Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Kingdom) adapted their care delivery during the pandemic. ⋯ Policymakers, primary care associations, and the broader healthcare system are urged to collaboratively take responsibility and increase support for GP practices to enhance their resilience, adaptability, and capacity to deliver safe and equitable healthcare during future crises.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many habits and social reactions. During the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures in the USA, there was a notable surge in firearm violence, which became known as "the reopening phenomenon". This study evaluated the impact of a similarly proposed phenomenon on individuals living in a center of Türkiye. ⋯ The incidents analyzed predominantly involved the use of pistols (n = 371, 96 %). Long-barreled pistols caused injury in only 16 (4.1 %) cases. Most injuries (n = 275, 71 %) were located in the lower extremity. The comparison of the pre-pandemic, Pandemic lockdown and Reopening periods did not reveal a significant difference in the rate of firearm violence (p = 0.266, x2 goodness of fit) CONCLUSION: We did not observe the reopening phenomena around the COVID-19 pandemic period in a center of Türkiye. However, firearm violence remains a significant societal issue for both Türkiye and the world.
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The management of the long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, known as post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), continues to challenge the medical community, largely owing to a significant gap in the understanding of its aetiology, diagnosis and effective treatment. ⋯ The findings confirm the high functional limitations and psychosocial burden of PCS on patients, and the central role of GPs in their care. The study suggests a need for further research and health policy measures to support GPs in navigating diagnostic uncertainty, interprofessional communication and the limited evidence on effective treatments.
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The World Wide Web and the advancement of computer technology in the 1960s and 1990s respectively set the ground for a substantial and simultaneous change in many facets of our life, including medicine, health care, and medical education. The traditional didactic approach has shifted towards more dynamic and interactive methods, leveraging technologies such as simulation tools, virtual reality, and online platforms. At the forefront is the remarkable evolution that has revolutionized how medical knowledge is accessed, disseminated, and integrated into pedagogical practices. ⋯ This review includes the multifaceted applications of the metaverse in medical education, outlining both its benefits and challenges. Through insightful case studies and examples, it highlights the innovative potential of the metaverse as a platform for immersive learning experiences. Moreover, the review addresses the role of emerging technologies in shaping the post-pandemic future of medical education, ultimately culminating in a series of recommendations tailored for medical institutions aiming to successfully capitalize on revolutionary changes.