Articles: sars-cov-2.
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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has resulted in devastating consequences, with high death tolls and significant impact on global health, geopolitics, and socioeconomic aspects of society among others. Militaries around the world have been affected in many ways, in terms of force attrition and disruption to operations. ⋯ The military remains essential to every country's defense and security. However, its unique construct and nature of operations may render it susceptible to uncontained viral transmission. To minimize manpower attrition and maximize force health in the face of a devastating pandemic, well-thought and tailored management measures must be implemented.
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Multicenter Study
The National Response to Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to changes in healthcare institutions and medical assistance. Non-SARS-CoV-2 related diseases were indirectly affected by the pandemic. Nonetheless, their treatment remains crucial. Cardiovascular conditions such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are common, and it was necessary to adjust medical assistance to these diseases during the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the national impact and healthcare system response during the first wave of the pandemic in patients admitted for ACS. ⋯ During the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic there was a nationwide reduction in demand of healthcare services due to ACS events. Even though the Portuguese healthcare system was under strain and forced to divert resources and medical assistance towards the pandemic management, it was capable of responding adequately to ACS.
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Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare and severe manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of children with MIS-C admitted to a pediatric tertiary hospital in Portugal. ⋯ We observed a large spectrum of disease presentation in a group of patients where most were previously healthy. A small percentage of patients (28.9%) had a severe presentation of the disease. MIS-C is a challenge in current clinical practice and its diagnosis requires a high level of clinical suspicion as the timely initiation of therapy is essential to prevent complications. However, there is no scientific consensus on the treatment and follow-up of these patients.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Dec 2022
Prevalence and Mechanisms of Mucus Accumulation in COVID-19 Lung Disease.
Rationale: The incidence and sites of mucus accumulation and molecular regulation of mucin gene expression in coronavirus (COVID-19) lung disease have not been reported. Objectives: To characterize the incidence of mucus accumulation and the mechanisms mediating mucin hypersecretion in COVID-19 lung disease. Methods: Airway mucus and mucins were evaluated in COVID-19 autopsy lungs by Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining, immunohistochemical staining, RNA in situ hybridization, and spatial transcriptional profiling. ⋯ Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a high prevalence of distal airspace mucus accumulation and increased MUC5B expression in COVID-19 autopsy lungs. HBE culture studies identified roles for EGFR and IL-1R signaling in mucin gene regulation after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data suggest that time-sensitive mucolytic agents, specific pathway inhibitors, or corticosteroid administration may be therapeutic for COVID-19 lung disease.