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BACKGROUND: Many instruments used in dentistry are rotary, such as handpieces, water syringes, and ultrasonic scalers that produce aerosols. The spray created by these instruments can carry, in addition to water, droplets of saliva, blood, and microorganisms, which can pose a risk of infections for healthcare professionals and patients. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this gained attention. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to carry out a systematic review of the evidence of the scope of the aerosol produced by ultrasonic scaler in environmental contamination and the influence of the use of intraoral suction reduction devices. DESIGN: Scientific literature was searched until June 19, 2021 in 6 databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library and Cochrane Library, without restrictions on language or publication date. Studies that evaluated the range of the aerosol produced by ultrasonic scaler during scaling/prophylaxis and the control of environmental contamination generated by it with the use of low (LVE) and high (HVE) volume evacuation systems were included. RESULTS: Of the 1893 potentially relevant articles, 5 of which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The meta-analysis of 3 RCTs showed that, even at different distances from the patient's oral cavity, there was a significant increase in airborne bacteria in the dental environment with the use of ultrasonic scaler. In contrast, when meta-analysis compared the use of HVE with LVE, there was no significant difference (P = 0.40/CI -0.71[-2.37, 0.95]) for aerosol produced in the environment. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increase in the concentration of bioaerosol in the dental environment during the use of ultrasonic scaler in scaling/prophylaxis, reaching up to 2 m away from the patient's mouth and the use of LVE, HVE or a combination of different devices, can be effective in reducing air contamination in the dental environment, with no important difference between different types of suction devices.

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SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is usually asymptomatic/mild. However, some patients may develop critical forms. We aimed to describe characteristics and evaluate the factors associated to in-hospital mortality of patients with critical COVID-19/MIS-C in the Amazonian region. This multicenter prospective cohort included critically ill children (1 mo-18 years old), with confirmed COVID-19/MIS-C admitted to 3 tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) in the Brazilian Amazon, between April/2020 and May/2023. The main outcome was in-hospital mortality and were evaluated using a multivariable Cox proportional regression. We adjusted the model for pediatric risk of mortality score version IV (PRISMIV) score and age/comorbidity. 266 patients were assessed with 187 in the severe COVID-19 group, 79 included in the MIS-C group. In the severe COVID-19 group 108 (57.8%) were male, median age was 23 months, 95 (50.8%) were up to 2 years of age. Forty-two (22.5%) patients in this group died during follow-up in a median time of 11 days (IQR, 2-28). In the MIS-C group, 56 (70.9%) were male, median age was 23 months and median follow-up was 162 days (range, 3-202). Death occurred in 17 (21.5%) patients with a median death time of 7 (IQR, 4-13) days. The mortality was associated with higher levels of Vasoactive Inotropic-Score (VIS), presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), higher levels of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, (ESR) and thrombocytopenia. Critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 and MIS-C from the Brazilian Amazon showed a high mortality rate, within 12 days of hospitalization.

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IMPORTANCE: The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in humans induces significant inflammatory and systemic reactions and complications of which corticosteroids like methylprednisolone have been recommended as treatment. Our understanding of the metabolic and metabolomic pathway dysregulations while using intravenous corticosteroids in COVID-19 is limited. This study will help enlighten the metabolic and metabolomic pathway dysregulations underlying high daily doses of intravenous methylprednisolone in COVID-19 patients compared to those receiving placebo. The information on key metabolites and pathways identified in this study together with the crosstalk with the inflammation and biochemistry components may be used, in the future, to leverage the use of methylprednisolone in any future pandemics from the coronavirus family.

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Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o número de casos e óbitos por Covid-19 em relação a gênero e idade, quantidade total de vacinas aplicadas e relação entre a aplicação das vacinas e número de mortes, de janeiro a novembro de 2021, na cidade e região de Viçosa, Minas Gerais. Os dados foram fornecidos pelo Setor de Vigilância Epidemiológica do município e pelos boletins diários da prefeitura. Em média, houve mais de mil casos de infectados/mês de janeiro a julho, a maior parte adultos do gênero feminino. A mortalidade também foi maior entre as mulheres. Foi registrada queda do número de casos e de mortes coincidente com a aplicação da primeira dose de vacina em pessoas sem comorbidades e com início de aplicação da segunda dose nos grupos prioritários. Tal achado indica a importância da imunização coletiva no controle da pandemia.

This study aimed to analyze the number of cases and deaths from Covid-19 in relation to gender and age, the total vaccines applied, and the relationship between the vaccine application and the number of deaths between January and November 2021, in the municipality and region of Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais. Data were provided by the Epidemiological Surveillance Sector of the municipality of Viçosa and by the Daily Bulletins, published by the city hall. On average, there were more than 1,000 cases per month from January to July, mostly female adults. Mortality was also higher for females. There was a drop in the number of cases and deaths, coincident with the application of the first dose of vaccine in people without comorbidities and the initial period of application of the second dose in priority groups, indicating the importance of collective immunization to control the pandemic.

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Introducción: La COVID-19 fue declarada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud como pandemia el 11 de marzo de 2020 por su complejidad y rápida expansión mundial. El municipio de Sandino presentó su primer caso positivo el 6 de octubre de 2020. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de la COVID-19 en Sandino, en el año 2020. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal, del 11 de marzo al 31 de diciembre. Con la información obtenida de historias clínico-epidemiológicas, resultados virológicos, pesquisa domiciliaria y laboral, atenciones por infecciones respiratorias agudas en consultorios y policlínicos, y los partes diarios de la Dirección Municipal de Salud, se realizó un análisis estadístico cuya información fue depositada en base de datos en Excel. Resultados: La tasa de incidencia fue de 528,23 por 100 000 habitantes; sin fallecidos. La mayoría de los casos ocurrieron en la ciudad de Sandino. Hubo mayor frecuencia de afectados, entre 41 y 60 años de edad, y el sexo masculino, mientras el 55,73 por ciento, fueron asintomáticos al diagnóstico. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la tos, la fiebre y la congestión nasal. Se diagnosticaron entre uno y 13 casos por día durante los 63 días que hubo positividad. La transmisión familiar fue del 68,23 por ciento y la laboral del 50,52 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: La COVID-19 tuvo una alta incidencia en Sandino, y esta predominó en los lugares con mayor densidad poblacional con transmisión familiar y laboral intensa en un corto período de tiempo. Además, en el sexo masculino, el grupo etario en edad laboral y, en los asintomáticos(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 due to its complexity and rapid global expansion. Sandino municipality presented its first positive case on October 6, 2020. Objective: To characterize the clinical-epidemiological behavior of COVID-19 in Sandino municipality, in 2020. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted from March 11 to December 31, 2020. With the information obtained from clinical-epidemiological records, virological results, home and work screening, care for acute respiratory infections in clinics and polyclinics, and the daily reports of the Municipal Health Directorate, a statistical analysis was carried out whose information was inserted in an Excel database. Results: The incidence rate was 528.23 per 100 000 population; no deaths. Most of the cases occurred in the city of Sandino. There was a higher frequency of patients in the ages from 41 and 60, and the male sex; while 55.73 percent were asymptomatic at diagnosis. The most common symptoms were cough, fever and nasal congestion. Between one and 13 cases per day were diagnosed during the 63 days that there was positivity. Family transmission was 68.23 percent and occupational transmission was 50.52 percent of cases. Conclusions: COVID-19 had a high incidence in Sandino municipality, and this predominated in places with higher population density with intense family and work transmission in a short period of time; also, in the male sex, the age group in working ages, and in the asymptomatic patients(AU)

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Previous studies have suggested that graphene oxide (GO) has some antiviral capacity against some enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Given this background, we wanted to test the in vitro antiviral ability to GO using the viral plaque assay technique. Two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the modified Hummers method, varying the oxidation conditions to achieve nanoparticles between 390 and 718 nm. The antiviral activity of GO was evaluated by experimental infection and plaque formation units assay of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in VERO cells using a titrated viral clinical isolate. It was found that GO at concentrations of 400 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 4 µg/mL was not toxic to cell culture and also did not inhibit the infection of VERO cells by SARS-CoV-2. However, it was evident that GO generated a novel virus entrapment phenomenon directly proportional to its concentration in the suspension. Similarly, this effect of GO was maintained in assays performed with the Zika virus. A new application for GO nanoparticles is proposed as part of a system to trap viruses in surgical mask filters, air conditioning equipment filters, and air purifier filters, complemented with the use of viricidal agents that can destroy the trapped viruses, an application of broad interest for human beings.

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We propose two different mathematical models to study the effect of immigration on the COVID-19 pandemic. The first model does not consider immigration, whereas the second one does. Both mathematical models consider five different subpopulations: susceptible, exposed, infected, asymptomatic carriers, and recovered. We find the basic reproduction number R0 using the next-generation matrix method for the mathematical model without immigration. This threshold parameter is paramount because it allows us to characterize the evolution of the disease and identify what parameters substantially affect the COVID-19 pandemic outcome. We focus on the Venezuelan scenario, where immigration and emigration have been important over recent years, particularly during the pandemic. We show that the estimation of the transmission rates of the SARS-CoV-2 are affected when the immigration of infected people is considered. This has an important consequence from a public health perspective because if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, we can expect that the SARS-CoV-2 would disappear. Thus, if the basic reproduction number is slightly above one, we can predict that some mild non-pharmaceutical interventions would be enough to decrease the number of infected people. The results show that the dynamics of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through the population must consider immigration to obtain better insight into the outcomes and create awareness in the population regarding the population flow.

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Clinical sequelae and symptoms for a considerable number of COVID-19 patients can linger for months beyond the acute stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection, "long COVID". Among the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, cognitive issues (especially memory loss or "brain fog"), chronic fatigue, myalgia, and muscular weakness resembling myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are of importance. Melatonin may be particularly effective at reducing the signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its functions as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory agent. Melatonin is also a chronobiotic medication effective in treating delirium and restoring the circadian imbalance seen in COVID patients in the intensive care unit. Additionally, as a cytoprotector, melatonin aids in the prevention of several COVID-19 comorbidities, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic and non-ischemic cardiovascular diseases. This narrative review discusses the application of melatonin as a neuroprotective agent to control cognitive deterioration ("brain fog") and pain in the ME/CFS syndrome-like documented in long COVID. Further studies on the therapeutic use of melatonin in the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are warranted.

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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Advanced age, multiple chronic diseases and frailty have been correlated with worse prognosis among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential risk factors for hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 among frail community-dwelling elderly people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study of patients followed up at a geriatric outpatient clinic in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The associations of demographic characteristics (age and sex) and clinical characteristics (frailty, multimorbidity, number of medications with long-term use, obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease) with the risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 were explored using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: 5,295 patients (mean age 78.6 ± 9.4 years; 72.6% females) were included. After adjustments, the number of medications with long-term use was found to increase the odds of hospitalization due to COVID-19 (odds ratio, OR: 1.13; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.06-1.22). Frailty, multimorbidity and diabetes mellitus also increased the odds of hospitalization (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.09; OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.26; and OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.45-3.54, respectively) and the odds of death due to COVID-19 (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00-1.14; OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.32; and OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.79-6.14, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Multimorbidity, frailty and diabetes mellitus increased the odds of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 and the number of medications with long-term use increased the odds of hospitalization due to COVID-19 among frail community-dwelling elderly people.

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Introducción: El período de enfrentamiento a la pandemia ha contado con el amplio apoyo de los estudiantes de las ciencias médicas de Cienfuegos, En las unidades asistenciales del territorio sustenta este criterio. Objetivo: Caracterizar el trabajo desempeñado por los estudiantes de las ciencias médicas en el hospital provincial durante el período comprendido de los meses de julio y agosto de 2021. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal. El universo se conformó por 86 estudiantes. Las variables empleadas edad, sexo, año académico, carrera, perfil de la ayudantía, servicio asistencial, tiempo de trabajo y mes trabajado. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Cumplieron sus tareas 69 estudiantes durante un mes (80,23 por ciento). El mes de agosto fue representativo con 45 estudiantes (52,32 por ciento. Predominó la edad de 21 años (34 estudiantes; 39,53 por ciento) y el sexo femenino (64 estudiantes; 74,41 por ciento). Sobresalió la carrera de medicina con 76 estudiantes (88,37 por ciento) y el segundo año (32 estudiantes; 37,21 `por ciento). El perfil clínico quedó representado con 45 estudiantes (52,32 por ciento. El servicio de medicina intensiva y emergencia contó con la participación de 38 estudiantes (44,18 por ciento). Conclusiones: El apoyo estudiantil se caracterizó por un ascenso paulatino en los meses analizados; a expensas de las especialidades que brindan atención directa al paciente positivo a la COVID-19. Donde los estudiantes pertenecientes al ciclo básico asumen tareas de elevado compromiso(AU)

Introduction: The period of confrontation with the pandemic has had the wide support of the students of the medical sciences of Cienfuegos, in the assistance units of the territory supports this criterion. Objective: To characterize the work carried out by medical science students in the provincial hospital during the period between the months of July and August 2021. Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out. The universe was made up of 86 students. The variables used were age, sex, academic year, career, assistantship profile, assistance service, working time and month worked. It used the descriptive statistic. Results: 69 students completed their tasks during one month (80.23percent). The month of August was representative with 45 students (52.32percent). The age of 21 years (34 students; 39.53percent) and the female sex (64 students; 74.41percent) prevailed. The medical course stood out with 76 students (88.37percent) and the second year (32 students; 37.21percent). The clinical profile was represented by 45 students (52.32percent). The intensive and emergency medicine service had the participation of 38 students (44.18percent). Conclusions: student support was characterized by a gradual rise in the months analyzed; at the expense of specialties that provide direct care to the COVID-19 positive patient. Where students belonging to the basic cycle assume tasks of high commitment(AU)

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We investigate risk factors for hospitalization and difference between sickle cell syndromes in a cohort of COVID-19 sickle cell disease (SCD) adult patients managed in the Reference Center of Guadeloupe. We retrospectively collected data of symptomatic SCD adult patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020. Thirty-eight SCD adult patients with symptomatic COVID-19 infection were included during the first wave, representing 9.6% of the active patient file at our center. The median age (IQR) was 39 years (24-47). Four patients were obese and two had moderate renal failure. The median duration of symptoms (IQR) was 10 days (5-15). Seventeen (44.7%) patients were hospitalized, including two in intensive care unit (ICU) for acute chest syndrome. An 85-year-old SC patient with prostate cancer died. No difference was detected between inpatient and outpatient groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, SCD clinical complications, and in history SCD treatment. There was no difference for severity, hospitalization, length of stay, ICU stay, or death between SS or Sß°-thal patients and SC or Sß+-thal patients. These overall favorable outcomes among symptomatic patients may be related to the low prevalence of comorbidity known to be linked to the more severe forms of COVID-19, but also to the prompt coordinated management of SCD patients in the Reference Center.

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Desde o início da pandemia, no final de 2019, até a retomada das atividades presencias de atendimento ao público nos cursos da área de saúde em Minas Gerais, especificamente nos cursos de odontologia; foram elaboradas notas técnicas, recomendações e manuais de biossegurança. Documentos esses que serviram como referencial para a padronização de protocolos de atendimento, incluindo o uso de EPI's mais eficientes no controle da transmissibilidade da Covid-19. A pesquisa de revisão foi realizada na base de dados PubMed/MEDLINE e Scielo, World Health Organization, Ministério da Saúde, Associação Brasileira de Ensino Odontológico, Conselho Federal de Odontologia, Conselhos Regionais de Odontologia dos Estados de São Paulo e Minas Gerais e instituições de ensino superior. Priorizando os conteúdos publicados entre os meses de janeiro a setembro de 2020. Período correspondente ao início da pandemia até o retorno das atividades de atendimento nos cursos de saúde em Minas Gerais. Buscando os documentos que nortearam esse retorno e que justificaram a adoção do uso desses EPI's pelos graduandos.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, at the end of 2019, until the resumption of face-to-face activities to serve the public in health care courses in Minas Gerais, specifically in dentistry courses; technical notes, recommendations and biosafety manuals were prepared. These documents served as a reference for the standardization of care protocols, including the use of more efficient personal protection equipment to control Covid-19's transmissibility. The review search was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scielo databases, World Health Organization, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Brazilian Association of Dental Education, Federal Council of Dentistry, Regional Councils of Dentistry of the States of São Paulo and Minas Gerais and college. Prioritizing the contents published between January and September 2020. Period corresponding to the beginning of the pandemic until the return of care activities in health courses in Minas Gerais. Seeking the documents that guided this return and that justified the adoption of the use of this personal protective equipment by college students.

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Introducción: El 11 de marzo de 2020 se confirmaron los primeros casos de la enfermedad en Cuba. Objeto: Examinar una complicación de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 infrecuente en edad pediátrica y su tratamiento. Presentación del caso: Lactante de 2 meses de edad producto de un parto distócico por cesárea a las 41,5 semanas, procedente de la provincia de Guantánamo. Por condiciones maternas permaneció con su madre en el hospital durante 45 días. Egresa y a los 15 días en casa, consultan por fiebre de 38 ℃ durante tres días consecutivos. Se constata frecuencia cardiaca muy elevada y estado eutérmico. El test de antígeno y las pruebas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa y PCR para SARS-CoV-2 fueron positivas, por lo que se ingresa en terapia intensiva pediátrica con impresión diagnóstica de taquicardia supraventricular que se define finalmente como flutter auricular. El tratamiento aplicado controló la arritmia cardiaca y contribuyó a su favorable evolución posterior. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos del examen físico y los datos en la anamnesis permiten realizar el diagnóstico del paciente en su etapa temprana. La fisiopatología de las complicaciones en niños está en la regulación local de la expresión de los receptores ACE2, aumento de la producción de catecolaminas y una mayor incidencia de toxicidad por medicamentos que producen lesión cardíaca aguda y arritmia, síntomas que pueden estar asociados con disfunción del sistema respiratorio y cambios hematológicos o no en la edad pediátrica.

Introduction: On March 11, 2020, the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Cuba. Purpose: To examine a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection uncommon in pediatric ages and its treatment. Case presentation: A 2-month-old infant from Guantánamo province was delivered by cesarean section at 41.5 weeks. Due to maternal conditions, the newborn remained with the mother in the hospital for 45 days. Then the newborn was discharged and after 15 days at home was evaluated due to fever of 38 ° C during three consecutive days. A very high heart rate and euthermic state were observed. The antigen test and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were positive, so the newborn was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diagnostic impression of supraventricular tachycardia that is finally defined as atrial flutter. The treatment applied controlled the cardiac arrhythmia and contributed to its subsequent favorable evolution. Conclusions: The findings of the physical examination and the data in the anamnesis allow the diagnosis of the patient in its early stage. The pathophysiology of complications in children is in the local regulation of ACE2 receptor expression, increased catecholamine production and an increased incidence of toxicity by drugs that produce acute cardiac injury and arrhythmia, symptoms that may be associated with dysfunction of the respiratory system and hematological changes or not in pediatric age.

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The year 2020 will be remembered as the year in which a pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus precipitated a major disruption in the functioning of contemporary societies. A global event with peculiar regional consequences. It is in this context that we will discuss the ethical aspects of the actions under the responsibility of public officials, namely the ones on national Brazilian relevance for the confrontation of COVID-19. The analysis of the pandemic's effects in Brazil should be based not only on the events triggered at the current moment, whose transience is still an insufficiently known factor, but also on the social, political, and historically economic determinants that heavily interfere in the present events, as well as in the post epidemic future, highlighting the possible scenarios that the political normative, governmental, social, and economic choices underway point to. The tragedy of our time once again presents us with a challenge that is not new, the challenge of a new order, a global order of survival and, therefore, necessarily, a new ethic, an ethic of a global and profound responsibility. This path can only be treated with wisdom and compassion through a model of responsible governance.

El 2020 será recordado como el año en el cual una pandemia causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 precipitó una mayor disrupción en el funcionamiento de las sociedades contemporáneas. Se trata de un evento global con peculiares consecuencias regionales. Es en este contexto que discutiremos los aspectos éticos de las acciones bajo la responsabilidad de los agentes oficiales, particularmente aquellos de relevancia nacional para el tratamiento del COVID-19 en Brasil. El análisis de los efectos de la pandemia en el país debiera estar basado no solo en los eventos desencadenados en el momento presente, cuya provisionalidad constituye un factor aún insuficientemente conocido, sino también en los determinantes sociales, políticos y económicos que históricamente han tenido una alta injerencia en los eventos actuales, así como en el futuro pos-pandémico, resaltando los escenarios posibles a los que apuntan las políticas normativas, gubernamentales y sociales y las alternativas económicas en curso. La tragedia de nuestro tiempo nos confronta una vez más con un desafío que no es nuevo, el reto de un nuevo orden, un orden global de supervivencia y, por lo tanto, necesariamente, con una nueva ética, una ética de una profunda responsabilidad global. Este camino solo puede ser abordado con sabiduría y compasión a través de un modelo de gobernanza responsable.

O ano de 2020 será lembrado como o ano no qual uma pandemia causada pelo vírus sars-CoV-2 provocou uma grande ruptura no funcionamento das sociedades contemporâneas. Um evento global com consequências regionais peculiares. É nesse contexto que discutimos os aspectos éticos das ações que estavam sob responsabilidade de agentes públicos, a saber, os agentes de relevância nacional no enfrentamento da covid-19 no Brasil. A análise dos efeitos da pandemia no Brasil deve se basear não somente nos eventos desencadeados no momento - cuja transição ainda é um fator insuficientemente conhecido -, mas também nos determinantes sociais, políticos e historicamente econômicos que interferem significativamente nos eventos atuais, bem como no futuro pós-epidêmico, com destaque para os possíveis cenários que as escolhas políticas normativas, governamentais, sociais e econômicas em andamento apontam. A tragédia do nosso tempo nos apresenta novamente um desafio que não é inédito: o desafio de uma nova ordem, uma ordem global de sobrevivência e, portanto, necessariamente, uma nova ética, uma ética de uma responsabilidade global e profunda. Esse caminho só pode ser tratado com sabedoria e compaixão mediante um modelo de governança responsável.

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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Considering the high number of deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Latin American countries, together with multiple factors that increase the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, we aimed to determine 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and its association with mortality in patients with critical COVID-19. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This was a prospective observational study including adult patients with critical COVID-19. Data, including clinical characteristics and 25(OH)D levels measured at the time of intensive care unit admission, were collected. All patients were followed until hospital discharge or in-hospital death. The patients were divided into those surviving and deceased patient groups, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of in hospital mortality. RESULTS: The entire cohort comprised 94 patients with critical COVID-19 (males, 59.6%; median age, 61.5 years). The median 25(OH)D level was 12.7 ng/mL, and 15 (16%) and 79 (84%) patients had vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency, respectively. The median serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in deceased patients compared with surviving (12.1 vs. 18.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 100% of the deceased patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, body mass index, other risk factors, and 25(OH)D level were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was present in 84% of critical COVID-19 patients. Serum 25(OH)D was independently associated with mortality in critical patients with COVID-19.

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Introducción: La enfermedad por el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) es causada por el síndrome respiratorio agudo severo coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Además de la invasión tisular directa, el SARS-CoV-2 también puede provocar una respuesta inmune exagerada del huésped, que con frecuencia conduce a una tormenta de citocinas, que contribuye, significativamente, a la disfunción multiorgánica. Las enfermedades autoinmunes se caracterizan por un estado proinflamatorio, aterosclerosis acelerada e incremento de la incidencia de complicaciones vasculares por lo que en estos pacientes existe un alto riesgo de complicaciones ante la presencia del SARS-CoV-2. La alteración en la regulación del sistema inmunológico, el aumento de la demanda metabólica y la actividad procoagulante probablemente explican parte del mayor riesgo de resultados adversos en las personas con enfermedad aterosclerótica relacionada con la COVID-19. Objetivo: Actualizar los conocimientos del personal de salud en el manejo de estas enfermedades. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos en PubMed, SciELO y Google Scholar con estrategia de vocabulario controlado, de diciembre 2019 a noviembre 2020. Se seleccionaron un total de 50 artículos. Desarrollo: La elevada producción de autoanticuerpos ya sea secundaria a la enfermedad reumática o por una infección intercurrente, puede estar implicada en el desarrollo de la disfunción endotelial, la progresión y la ruptura de la placa aterosclerótica. Conclusiones: Se ha demostrado que estas enfermedades crónicas autoinmunitarias se asocian a una elevada morbimortalidad cardiovascular por lo que el médico de estos tiempos tiene que ser capaz de reconocer estos pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to direct tissue invasion, SARS-CoV-2 can also elicit an exaggerated host immune response, often leading to a cytokine storm, significantly contributing to multi-organ dysfunction. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a pro-inflammatory state, accelerated atherosclerosis and an increased incidence of vascular complications, which is why there is a high risk of complications in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in these patients. Altered immune system regulation, increased metabolic demand, and procoagulant activity likely explain part of the increased risk of adverse outcomes in people with Covid-19-related atherosclerotic disease. Objective: To update the knowledge of health personnel in the management of these diseases. Method: We reviewed articles in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar with a controlled vocabulary strategy, from December 2019 to November 2020. We selected a total of 50 articles. Findings: The high production of autoantibodies, whether secondary to rheumatic disease or due to intercurrent infection, may be involved in the development of endothelial dysfunction, the progression and rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque. Discussion: It has been shown that these autoimmune chronic diseases are associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, so the doctor of these times must be able to recognize these patients(AU)

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Adherence to preventive measures is influenced by people's knowledge, attitudes and practices towards a disease; therefore, assessing knowledge of COVID-19 is critical in the overall effort to contain the outbreak. This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduates (n = 3621) of different programs and different levels of education associated with universities in north-central Ecuador. The form consisted of 32 questions covering demographics, symptoms, detection, treatment, transmission, prevention and knowledge of the virus. The rate of correct answers was 75.5% (21.1 ± 5 out of 28), with differences observed regarding program of study, educational level and location of institution (α = 0.05), although effect size analyses showed that these differences could not be considered large. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that lower scores were associated with initial stages of education, careers related to social sciences and location of institution. Participants possessed sufficient knowledge about detection, transmission and prevention, although they overestimated fatality rate and were less confident about the characteristics of the virus and the effectiveness of traditional medicine. Consequently, future educational programs must place emphasis on addressing deficient knowledge. Certainly, improving COVID-19 literacy will promote the appropriate application of protective measures aimed at preventing the virus' spread.

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RESUMO

RESUMEN Han trascurrido dieciocho meses desde que se declaró como pandemia la infección COVID-19 ocasionada por el SARS-CoV-2. No existe aún tratamiento contra el virus, salvo el sintomático y recuperativo. El rápido reconocimiento del nuevo coronavirus permitió la elaboración de vacunas que están siendo usadas de emergencia y han permitido disminuir los casos graves, hospitalizaciones, uso de unidades de cuidados intensivos, ventilación mecánica y muertes. Pero aún quedan incógnitas sobre las modificaciones genéticas y variantes que el virus utiliza para una mejor invasión y adaptación a las defensas del ser humano, así como sobre sus consecuencias inmediatas y a largo plazo en el hombre, la mujer y su niño. Parece distante alcanzar la inmunización de rebaño, porque desconocemos la inmunidad proporcionada por la infección y por las vacunas, así como su duración, y por la importante parte de la población que no desea vacunarse. Además, existe insuficiente capacidad de oferta de vacunas, accesibilidad limitada a los servicios de salud, situación económica desfavorable, incremento de la pobreza y sus consecuencias, disminución temporal de la expectativa de vida y otras complicaciones secundarias a la infección por el virus. La presente revisión es un recuento breve de lo avanzado recientemente en el conocimiento y manejo del COVID-19, en momentos en que el Perú celebra el Bicentenario de la Independencia del país del dominio español, un 28 de julio de 1821, y que encuentra a los peruanos en medio de una pandemia agresiva, elusiva y mortal, y con aspectos humanos, poblacionales, económicos y políticos a resolver.

ABSTRACT Eighteen months have passed since the COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 was declared a pandemic. There is still no treatment for the virus other than symptomatic and recuperative. The rapid recognition of the novel coronavirus allowed the development of vaccines that are being used on an emergency basis and have led to a decrease in severe cases, hospitalizations, use of intensive care units, mechanical ventilation and deaths. But there are still unknowns about the genetic modifications and variants that the virus uses for better invasion and adaptation to human defenses, as well as about its immediate and long-term consequences in men, women and their children. Herd immunization seems distant to achieve, because we do not know the immunity provided by the infection and vaccines, as well as its duration, and because a large part of the population that does not want to be vaccinated. In addition, there is insufficient vaccine supply capacity, limited accessibility to health services, unfavorable economic situation, increased poverty and its consequences, temporary decrease in life expectancy and other complications secondary to infection by the virus. The present review is a brief account of recent advances in the knowledge and management of COVID-19, at a time when Peru is celebrating the Bicentennial of the country's Independence from Spanish rule, on July 28, 1821, and when Peruvians find themselves in the midst of an aggressive, elusive and deadly pandemic, with human, population, economic and political issues to be resolved.

RESUMO

El virus SARS-CoV-2 sigue reproduciéndose velozmente y muestra variantes más infecciosas. La segunda ola de la enfermedad va apaciguándose en Europa y Estados Unidos de América del Norte, menos en América del Sur. En el Perú, las cifras de fallecidos han sido sinceradas a más del doble, encontrándose mayor mortandad en los hombres y en los mayores de 70 años. Se ha corroborado en el mundo que la gestante sufre una enfermedad más severa -a veces con un proceso similar a la preeclampsia-, con más posibilidad de muerte que la mujer no gestante y mayor muerte fetal y prematuridad. Las vacunas iniciales elaboradas en los EE UU y Europa están siendo efectivas en disminuir las infecciones, hospitalizaciones y muertes en los países donde la vacunación ha avanzado más rápido. Está siendo administrada en gestantes sin efectos secundarios mayores, recomendándoseles se vacunen para evitar la infección severa. Mientras tanto, no se conoce la duración de la inmunidad dada por la infección COVID-19 y por la vacuna. Se está considerando una tercera dosis de refuerzo y el cambio de marca en los vacunados. Y se está en espera de una tercera ola de infecciones debido a la aparición de las variantes brasilera e india (delta).

The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to reproduce rapidly and is showing more infectious variants. The second wave of the pandemic is subsiding in Europe and the United States of North America, but not in South America. In Peru, the number of deaths has more than doubled, with a higher mortality rate in men and in those over 70 years of age. It has been corroborated worldwide that pregnant women suffer a more severe disease -sometimes with a process similar to preeclampsiawith a greater possibility of death than non-pregnant women and greater fetal death and prematurity. Initial vaccines developed in the USA and Europe are proving effective in reducing infections, hospitalizations and deaths in countries where vaccination has advanced more rapidly. It is being administered in pregnant women without major side effects, and they are recommended to be vaccinated to avoid severe infection. As of now, the duration of immunity given by COVID-19 infection and by the vaccine is not known. A third booster dose and rebranding of vaccinees is being considered. And a third wave of infections is expected due to the emergence of the Brazilian and Indian (Delta) variants.

RESUMO

La enfermedad del corona virus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (virus SARS-CoV-2) apareció por primera vez en diciembre de 2019 en Wuhan, China, y desde entonces se ha extendido rápidamente por todo el mundo. Desde entonces, el brote de esta grave enfermedad viral se ha convertido en una amenaza global para la humanidad. El diagnóstico precoz y el aislamiento son las medidas más importantes necesarias para prevenir su propagación. La evidencia anecdótica reciente ha sugerido manifestaciones orales con o sin deterioro olfativo y gustativo en asociación con la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19). La enzima convertidora de angiotensina-2 (ECA-2) se expresa en la mucosa oral en grandes cantidades y, por tanto, puede contribuir a las primeras manifestaciones de esta enfermedad viral mortal. Las manifestaciones bucales de la enfermedad por coronavirus pueden presentarse en forma de lesiones ulcerativas irregulares en relación con diferentes partes de la cavidad oral y, en particular, en relación con la mucosa adherida en la región del paladar duro, así como inflamación y posterior atrofia de las diversas papilas de la lengua. La disfunción olfativa y gustativa asociada también puede conducir a una pérdida parcial y / o incluso completa de la capacidad para oler y saborear en las primeras etapas del inicio de la enfermedad. La evidencia también ha sugerido la presencia de ácido nucleico del SARS-CoV-2 en la saliva humana, lo que la convierte en portadora de la enfermedad viral infecciosa y ayuda en su diagnóstico. Hemos buscado sistemáticamente la base de datos médica para el mismo y hemos revisado toda la literatura disponible hasta el 29 de junio de 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) disease had first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has been spreading quickly throughout the world since then. Since then, the outbreak of this severe viral disease has become a global threat to humanity. An early diagnosis and isolation are the most significant measures required to prevent its spread. Recent anecdotal evidence has suggested oral manifestations with or, without olfactory and gustatory impairment in association with corona virus disease (COVID-19). Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) is expressed in oral mucosa in large amounts and can, thus, contribute in the early manifestations of this deadly viral disease. The oral manifestations of corona virus disease can occur in the form of irregular ulcerative lesions in relation to different parts of the oral cavity and particularly, in relation to the attached mucosa in the hard palate region as well as inflammation and subsequent, atrophy of the various tongue papilla. The associated olfactory and gustatory dysfunction can, also, lead to partial and/or, even a complete loss of the ability to smell and taste in the early stages of the disease onset. Evidence has, also, suggested the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in human saliva making it the carrier of the infectious viral disease as well as aiding in its diagnosis. We have systemically searched medical database for the same and have reviewed all the literature available up to 29th of June 2020.

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