The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with prolonged prothrombin time (PT), active partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and increased D-dimer levels. Therefore, we aim to investigate if anticoagulants (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) therapy play a role in mitigating COVID-19 and its associated thrombosis along with its effect on the mortality rate, the need for mechanical ventilation, and the risk of hospital admission. Electronic databases were searched from their inception to July 19, 2022. The studies were divided into two groups: Group A (any dose of AC/AP versus no AC/AP) and Group B (therapeutic dose of AC (tAC)/AP versus prophylactic dose of AC (pAC)/AP). Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4.1 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) was used for all statistical analyses. Adjusted data ratios were extracted from all included studies and pooled using the random effects model. A total of 33 studies were taken for the analysis of two groups (Group A: 285,065 COVID-19-positive patients, Group B: 2,421 COVID-19-positive patients). Overall analysis in Group A showed that the AC/AP group had a low risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group (risk ratio (RR): 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.86). There was no significant difference in the need for mechanical ventilation (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.60-1.08) and hospital admission (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.78-1.59) between the AC/AP and no AC/AP group. Alongside, in Group B, tAC/AP did not demonstrate a significant decrease in mortality as compared to pAC/AP (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.37-1.06). Treatment with AC and AP drugs can significantly decrease the mortality rate in COVID-19-infected patients, while AC also significantly reduces the need for mechanical ventilation.

This study systematically reviewed fungal-bacterial co-infections and super-infections among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A PRISMA systematic search was conducted. On September 2022, Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, Wiley Online Library, NATURE, and CINAHL databases were searched for all relevant articles published in English. All articles that exclusively reported the presence of fungal-bacterial co-infections and super-infections among hospitalized COVID-19 patients were included. Seven databases produced 6937 articles as a result of the literature search. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The total number of samples across the studies was 10,834, with a total of 1243 (11.5%) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Of these patients, 535 underwent mechanical ventilation (4.9%), 2386 (22.0%) were male, and 597 (5.5%) died. Furthermore, hospitalized COVID-19 patients have a somewhat high rate (23.5%) of fungal-bacterial co-infections and super-infections. Moreover, for SARS-CoV-2 patients who have a chest X-ray that suggests a bacterial infection, who require immediate ICU admission, or who have a seriously immunocompromised condition, empiric antibiotic therapy should be taken into consideration. Additionally, the prevalence of co-infections and super-infections among hospitalized COVID-19 patients may have an impact on diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial to check for fungal and bacterial co-infections and super-infections in COVID-19 patients.

This review assesses the complement system and its activation, with the pathological features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and preeclampsia (PE). The complement system is the first defensive response by the host innate immune system to viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 entry results in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemical mediators to create a \"cytokine storm\". Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction and cell-mediated injury are also present. These factors cause an exacerbated inflammatory state. During HIV infection and PE, various complement components are elevated, causing a hyper-inflammatory state. Furthermore, EC dysfunction and cell-mediated injury are also present. The similarities in pathological aspects of these three disorders may emanate from excessive complement activation. This review serves as a platform for further research on the complement system, coronavirus disease 2019, HIV infection and PE.

This narrative review aims to compile and analyse infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices followed by dental clinics during 3 coronavirus outbreaks: SARS (2002-2004), MERS (2012-2014), and COVID-19 (2019-); and to draw parallels from them for future epidemics.
Data were collected from 3 databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, and Embase using search terms \"SARS,\" \"MERS,\" \"COVID-19,\" \"infection control,\" \"disinfection,\" and \"sterilization\".
Careful examination of 108 peer-reviewed articles on the 3 outbreaks revealed the following commonalities in the IPAC practices of dental clinics: use of sodium hypochlorite (surface disinfectant), ethanol and 1-propanol (hand hygiene), povidone-iodine (oral rinse), high-volume evacuation (HVE), rubber dam isolation, anti-retraction handpieces, and fogging.
Ethanol, 1-propanol, sodium hypochlorite, povidone-iodine, photocatalysis, and fogging have been shown to be effective against various coronaviruses. However, more studies are required to validate the effectiveness of anti-retraction handpieces, rubber dam isolation, HVE, and cold atmospheric plasma specifically in infection control of the current coronavirus strain, SARS-CoV-2.
La présente revue narrative vise à compiler et à analyser les pratiques de prévention et de contrôle des infections (PECI) que les cliniques dentaires ont suivies pendant 3 éclosions du coronavirus : le SRAS (2002–2004), le SRMO (2012–2014) et la COVID-19 (2019–), et à en établir des parallèles pour les épidémies futures.
Les termes de recherche : « SRAS », « SRMO », « COVID-19 », « contrôle des infections », « désinfection » et « stérilisation » ont été utilisés pour recueillir des données dans les 3 bases de données qui suivent : Google Scholar, PubMed et Embase.
Un examen minutieux de 108 articles évalués par des pairs sur les 3 éclosions a révélé les éléments communs suivants en matière de pratiques de PECI dans les cliniques dentaires : utilisation d’hypochlorite de sodium (désinfectant de surface), d’éthanol et d’éthylcarbinol (hygiène des mains), de povidone iode (rince-bouche), d’aspiration à haute vélocité, d’isolation par digue en caoutchouc, de pièces à main anti-rétraction et de buée.
L’éthanol, l’éthylcarbinol, l’hypochlorite de sodium, la povidone iode, la photocatalyse et la buée se sont avérés efficaces contre divers coronavirus. Cependant, d’autres études sont nécessaires pour valider l’efficacité des pièces à main anti-rétraction, de l’isolation par digue en caoutchouc, de l’aspiration à haute vélocité et du plasma atmosphérique froid, en particulier dans la lutte contre l’infection par la souche actuelle du coronavirus, le SRAS-CoV-2.

There is an emerging body of literature describing an increasing incidence of pneumomediastinum and, to a lesser extent, pneumopericardium as a complication of COVID-19. However, the literature lacks information regarding patients\' characteristics and a general view of this unusual condition. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current literature on this phenomenon. In this study, we summarize the risk factors/etiology, imaging modalities, management, and prognosis of known cases in the literature. In total, 48 articles were included in the study, ranging from case reports to case series. Most patients were male (83.3%). The overall mortality rate was 27.1% and the recovery rate was 62.5%.

OBJECTIVE: Serum electrolyte imbalances are highly prevalent in COVID-19 patients. However, their associations with COVID-19 outcomes are inconsistent, and of unknown prognostic value. We aim to systematically clarify the associations and prognostic accuracy of electrolyte imbalances (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and phosphate) in predicting poor COVID-19 clinical outcome.
METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched. Odds of poor clinical outcome (a composite of mortality, intensive-care unit (ICU) admission, need for respiratory support and acute respiratory distress syndrome) were pooled using mixed-effects models. The associated prognostic sensitivity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR + , LR-) and predictive values (PPV, NPV; assuming 25% pre-test probability), and area under the curve (AUC) were computed.
RESULTS: We included 28 observational studies from 953 records with low to moderate risk-of-bias. Hyponatremia (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.48-2.94, I2 = 93%, N = 8), hypernatremia (OR = 4.32, 95% CI = 3.17-5.88, I2 = 45%, N = 7) and hypocalcemia (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.24-4.88, I2 = 25%, N = 6) were associated with poor COVID-19 outcome. These associations remained significant on adjustment for covariates such as demographics and comorbidities. Hypernatremia was 97% specific in predicting poor outcome (LR + 4.0, PPV = 55%, AUC = 0.80) despite no differences in CRP and IL-6 levels between hypernatremic and normonatremic patients. Hypocalcemia was 76% sensitive in predicting poor outcome (LR- 0.44, NPV = 87%, AUC = 0.71). Overall quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate.
CONCLUSIONS: Hyponatremia, hypernatremia and hypocalcemia are associated with poor COVID-19 clinical outcome. Hypernatremia is 97% specific for a poor outcome, and the association is independent of inflammatory marker levels. Further studies should evaluate if correcting these imbalances help improve clinical outcome.

To provide a synthesis of diverse evidence on the impact of the non-therapeutic preventive measures, specifically quarantine, physical distancing and social isolation, on the control of COVID-19. A scoping review conducted in the PubMed, Embase, LILACS, CENTRAL and SCOPUS databases between 2019 and August 28th, 2020. The descriptors used were the following: \"quarantine\", \"physical distancing\", \"social isolation\", \"COVID-19\" and \"SARS-Cov2\". Studies that addressed the non-therapeutic preventive measures in people exposed to SARs-CoV-2 in community settings and health services were included. A total of 14,442 records identified through a database search were reduced to 346 studies and, after a standardized selection process, a total of 68 articles were selected for analysis. A total of 35 descriptive, cross-sectional or longitudinal observational studies were identified, as well as 3 reviews, in addition to 30 studies with mathematical modeling. The main intervention assessed was social distancing (56.6%), followed by lockdown (25.0%) and quarantine (18.4%). The main evidence analyzed points to the need for rapid responses to reduce the number of infections, deaths and hospital admissions, especially in intensive care unit beds.The current review revealed consistent reports that the quarantine, physical distancing and social isolation are effective strategies to contain spread of the new coronavirus.

In the midst of the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), researchers and governmental and non-governmental institutions are mobilizing to implement strategies to face cases of COVID-19. Aim: This study aimed to map the triage strategies for cases of COVID-19, with the purpose of identifying sources in the literature that make it possible to explore the understanding of the strategies in different contexts. A scope review was conducted with searches in the CINAHL Database, PubMed, LILACS and hand-search, considering studies carried out with users of health services and documents published by governmental and non-governmental institutions, between the years 2019 and 2020, resulting in 40 articles for full reading. To explore the key concept, thematic analysis was carried out at two levels: (1) triage strategies, (2) forms and experiences of triage. Five triage strategies were mapped: health services triage; digital triage by remote use of technologies; community triage; home visit triage and airport and port triage. The forms and experiences of mapped triages involved risk classification, diagnosis and definition of conducts or combined. The use of strategies with remote technological resources stands out, as well as the adaptation of existing scales with simple algorithms as a tendency.

With an increase in published reports on respiratory rehabilitation (RR) in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), there is a need for a meta-analysis and systematic review to measure the effects of the RR in SARS.
Objective of the review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RR in patients recovering from SARS.
PubMed/ MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and Clinical Trial Registries were systematically searched (between January 1, 2003, to July 31, 2021) to identify all patients who received RR, at least for six days, following SARS. The primary outcome was exercise capacity [6-meter walking distance (6-MWD)], and secondary outcomes were change in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters, activities in daily livings (ADLs), and quality of life (QoL). Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4.
Twenty-one observational studies, including eight comparative studies, were included. Eight comparative studies participated in quantitative meta-analysis. The intervention group, who received RR, improved significantly in exercise capacity (6-MWD) [mean difference (MD):45.79, (95% CI:31.66-59.92)] and PFT parameters, especially in forced vital capacity (FVC%) [MD:4.38, (95% CI:0.15-8.60)], and diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) [MD:11.78, (95% CI:5.10-18.46)]. The intervention group failed to demonstrate significant improvement in ADLs and QoL outcomes. No significant adverse events were reported during the intervention.
Respiratory rehabilitation can improve exercise capacity and PFT parameters in patients recovering from SARS infection. The RR does not cause serious adverse events. Clinical trials to determine the best RR program (in terms of initiation, duration, and components) in SARS and its treatment efficacy, both in the short and long- term are needed.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular complications of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2), have been documented both in the acute phase and in convalescence. One such complication is the formation of the left ventricular (LV) thrombus. There is a lack of clarity regarding the incidence, risk factors, and management of this complication.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify the clinical presentation, risk factors and outcome of COVID-19 patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT).
METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify all case reports of COVID-19 with LVT in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
RESULTS: Among the 65 patients identified, 60 had LVT, either at admission, or during the acute phase of the illness. Six patients with mild symptoms during the acute phase of viral illness had only the COVID-19 antibody test positivity at the time LV thrombus was detected. Few of the patients (23.1%) had no comorbidities. The mean age of the patients was 52.8 years, and the youngest patient was 4 years old. This suggests that LVT formation can occur in young COVID-19 patients with no co-morbid conditions. Most of the patients (69.2%) had more than one site of thrombosis. A mortality rate of 23.1% was observed in our review, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was diagnosed in 33.3% of those who died.
CONCLUSIONS: A high degree of suspicion for LVT must be maintained in patients with known cardiac disease and those with new-onset arterial or venous thromboembolism, and such patients may benefit from a screening echocardiography at admission.
UNASSIGNED: The patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease must take added precautions to prevent acquiring COVID-19 infection as there is a higher risk of developing LV thrombus. In patients who develop LVT in COVID-19, mortality rate is higher.