Impact of phytoconstituents on oral health practices:a post COVID-19 observation

Appropriate oral hygiene significantly reduces the possibility of oral infections.However,dental caries and periodontal diseases are major oral health issues causing chronic diseases due to poor oral health.Recently,herbal compounds have gained interest in maintaining oral health.Extracts of burdock root(Arctium),noni fruit(Morinda citrifolia),and neem leaf(Azadirachta indica)are now used as intracanal medicaments in endodontics and periodontics.Plectranthus amboinicus species and other plants produces essential oil likeβ-caryophyllene,p-cymene,andγ-terpinene can exhibit antibacterial activity;highlighting phytoconstituents plays a vital role in oral health.The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitization,to curb SARS-CoV-2.Oral cavity is among the gateways for virus entry into saliva.Saliva is a potential reservoir of SARS-CoV-2,and there is an increased risk of infection if there is any fissure in the mouth.This enables entry of virus into the vascular system through gingival or periodontal pocket,possibly reaching lung periphery then to lung vessels by interacting with endothelial surface receptors triggering pulmonary vasoconstriction and lung damage due to endothelial dysfunction.This review aims to draw attention to the possible route of SARS-CoV-2 infection via the oral cavity and the importance of oral hygiene against COVID-19.

An Analysis of the Lifestyle and Mental Health Status of Adult People Living in Dhaka City: A Cross-Sectional Study in Post COVID-19 Era

Introduction: The Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 affected all the megacities of the world and made the mental health and lifestyle of people paralyzed. According to different studies, such difficulties were different in scale in different cities depending on the demographic attributes of the people. This phenomenon has created the essence of the current study to examine the health conditions in terms of their mental health, lifestyle, and demographic attributes during and immediate past of the COVID-19 era. Method: It was a cross-sectional study covering the people of Dhaka City Corporation. For this purpose, a multistage sampling method was applied, under which the respondents were selected randomly and a self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was developed based on the DASS 21, as it was suitable to measure the components of mental health in the form of depression, anxiety, and stress. Descriptive analysis and cross-tabulation were applied to find out the association between dependent and independent variables, whereas, a chi-square test was performed to examine the hypothesis. Finally, multivariate analysis was done to find out the risk factors. Three logistic regression models were developed for three dependent variables. Result: The findings of the analysis revealed that the lifestyle of people had severely influenced the components of their mental health conditions during and immediate past of COVID-19 in the Dhaka City Corporation, which varies to some extent depending on the demographic attributes of those. Conclusion: The above findings are statistically significant enough to conclude about the essence of taking preventive measures regarding mental health issues in the future. However, the limitations of this study-keeping it within the urban areas and the educated people, have also created the venue for future researchers to move with their research endeavors in the rural areas nationwide and thus generalize the results.

Stressors in Nurse Students’ Formation in the New Normality Post COVID-19

Background: Mental health has been impaired and at risk due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences due to confinement impacted every scenario, which directly influenced the daily routine of nurse students;in each setting students faced stressors that trigger fear, anxiety and others, since being in confinement learning of topics moved to the home, laboratory practices in hospitals were cancelled leaving the room that is uncertain up to their return to in-person activities. It is important to highlight the need for innovation and strengthening of theoretical-pedagogic aspects centered at the student’s context as a human being with their own needs and problems, who will interact with others in the continuous process of health-illness. Objective: the aim was to identify the stressors in the nurse students’ formation in the new normality post-COVID-19. Methods: Qualitative and phenomenological research with 27 participants aged 20 - 25 years, nurse students of a public university. The information collection was through four focal groups of 6-7 members each, data analysis was done according to Miles & Huberman after signed informed consent of each participant, and authorized by the chairperson of the Nurse’ career. Results: Category 1, Cumulative stressors with sub-categories 1.1 Uncertainty, 1.2 Isolation, 1.3 Invisibility, 1.4 Mockery, 1.5 Exclusion. Category 2, Expectancy states with sub-categories 2.1 Low self-esteem, 2.2 Insecurity, 2.3 Anxiety, 2.4 Depression, 2.5 Temporary leave, 2.6 Search for authenticity. Category 3, Internalization processes with sub-categories 3.1 Social rejection, 3.2 Self-censorship, 3.3 Discrediting, 3.4 Disempowerment. Category 4, Academic aspects affected with sub-categories 4.1 Deficient studying habits, 4.2 Deficient assimilations of knowledge, 4.3 Archived knowledge in the computer, 4.4 Absence of practice in previous semesters. Conclusion: Once identified the stressors in nurse students in the new normality post-COVID-19, it will allow the creation of settings that help in getting confidence for students, i.e., a safe surrounding promotes the development of abilities and competencies during formation, as well as recommendations of teachers in the classroom and laboratories that contribute to filling space that students perceive as empty, and to intensifying the companionship in clinical settings where students perceive most aggressiveness.

Combinations of nerve blocks in surgery for post COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae patient:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Regional anesthesia is a promising method in patients with post coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pulmonary sequelae for preserving pulmonary function and preventing postoperative pulmonary complications,compared with general anesthesia.CASE SUMMARY We provided surgical anesthesia and analgesia suitable for breast surgery by performing pectoral nerve block type II(PECS-II),parasternal,and intercostobrachial nerve blocks with intravenous dexmedetomidine administration in a 61-year-old female patient with severe pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19infection.CONCLUSION Sufficient analgesia for 7 h was provided via PECS-II,parasternal,and intercostobrachial blocks perioperatively.

Exercise Intolerance and Excessive Chronotropic Response Due to Possible Autonomic Dysfunction Post COVID-19 Infection

Introduction and Objectives: In patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of Coronavirus 2 infection (PASC), a post infectious autonomic dysfunction may be one of the underlying mechanisms. Patients often present with exercise intolerance and exaggerated heart rate response to exercise. We report a single centre experience of patients with PACS and suspected autonomic dysfunction. Methods: Forty-two patients evaluated in the Outpatient Cardiology Department with suspected PASC were included in the study. Patients complained of compromised exercise performance persisting >3 months after recovery from COVID-19 infection, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The patients were evaluated with 12-lead electrocardiogram, echocardiography, 24-hour ECG ambulatory monitoring and either exercise stress test or a 6-minute walk test. Results: All 42 patients demonstrated an exaggerated chronotropic response, defined as the inappropriate increase in heart rate before the 6th minute of exercise >100% of the age-predicted maximal heart rate value with reproduction of clinical symptoms. In addition, 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography revealed an increased mean heart rate of 92 beats/minute and decreased mean standard deviation of sequential 5-minute N-N interval (SDNN) of 74.4 ms. Pharmaceutical treatment with b-blockers, ivabradine or both was administrated in 29 (69%) resulting in symptomatic improvement in 82.8% of those under treatment. However, residual symptoms persisted in 69% of patients after 3 months. Conclusions: In patients with “Post-acute COVID-19” syndrome, we found an excessive chronotropic response to exercise suggesting autonomic dysfunction as the underlying mechanism of symptoms. Treatment with beta blockers or ivabradine resulted in clinical improvement but a substantial proportion of patients remained symptomatic.

Invasive rhinocerebral mucormycosis:Imaging the temporal evolution of disease in post COVID-19 case with diabetes:A case report

BACKGROUND Rhinocerebral mucormycosis(RCM)is a rare,fatal,invasive fungal infection infecting mainly patients with immunocompromised conditions,such as diabetes mellitus,hematologic malignancies,and organ transplantations.Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)disease in these patients further weakens the immune system due to several factors,including hypoxia,corticosteroid usage(further increasing hyperglycemic status),mechanical ventilation,increased serum ferritin levels,endothelitis due to free radicals,and glucose receptor protein upregulation.Timely diagnosis,judicious treatment decisions,and diabetes control with proper treatment guidelines in patients with coexisting COVID-19 disease can reduce complication rates and improve survival.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old male patient with diabetes and hypertension diagnosed with COVID-19 presented to the emergency department.Laboratory examinations revealed elevated blood glucose levels,as well as ketone bodies in the urine.He was treated with oxygen and steroids,as well as insulin to correct blood glucose levels.He complained of a headache 10 d later,and imaging demonstrated mucosal thickening in bilateral sphenoidal,ethmoidal,and maxillary sinuses with hyperdense foci in the right maxillary sinus but without central nervous system involvement.Surgical debridement was performed,and a histopathological study revealed fungi hyphae.Systemic antifungals(amphotericin b and posaconazole)were administered.Subsequently,on 15th day he developed right lower limb weakness and left lateral rectus palsy.There was slow but steady progress,and he was discharged.However,he presented to emergency department 1mo later with altered sensorium and poor control of diabetes resulted in an intracranial spread of mucormycosis,which ultimately led to the patient’s poor prognosis and slow recovery.CONCLUSION Prompt early diagnosis,judicious treatment decisions,and diabetes control with proper treatment guidelines are necessary in patients with COVID-19 associated invasive RCM to reduce complication rates and improve patient survival.

Bell’s Palsy Post COVID-19 Vaccination: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in a Single Tertiary Center

Introduction: Bell’s palsy is an uncommon adverse effect of the COVID-19 vaccine that has been reported in clinical trials. Even though a few studies have linked the vaccination to Bell’s palsy, the actual mechanism is uncertain. Objectives: To describe the demographic data and COVID-19 vaccines-related data with Bell’s palsy in a tertiary centre of Malaysia, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was observed among vaccinated recipients who developed Bell’s palsy within 60 days and sought treatment in the Otorhinolaryngology Department Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between 1st May 2021 and 30th November 2021. The demographic data, clinical history, and vaccination history were collected from clinical records. The facial paralysis was graded according to the House-Brackmann grading system. Results: A total of 26 patients with a mean age was 38.5 years;higher incidence in younger age, below 60 years old (n = 24), specifically 18 - 30 years old (n = 11). We observed an equal number in relation to gender and onset (after the first or second dose) of facial palsy. Predominantly were Malay (n = 21) and only 6 patients had comorbidities. We found there was no difference in regard to the type of vaccine among Bell’s palsy patients;Pfizer (n = 9), followed by Sinovac (n = 9) and AstraZeneca (n = 8). Conclusion: Bell’s palsy was found to be a possible adverse event of the COVID-19 vaccine. Younger groups were noted as susceptible to this rare adverse effect. However, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of Bell’s palsy, which has a good prognosis. More research with larger samples is needed to determine the true relationship between vaccination and Bell’s palsy.

Post COVID-19 mucormycosis:A case series

Objective:To evaluate the associated factors between COVID-19 and mucormycosis.Methods:Twenty-two patients of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis(including 3 asymptomatic patients who were cured of COVID-19)from a single medical unit of our institute were included.A detailed history was noted,with special emphasis on the time of onset of mucormycosis symptoms,presence of comorbidities,including new onset diabetes,severity of COVID-19,oxygen requirement,details of receipt of steroids and immunomodulators such as tocilizumab,imaging findings,including the number of sinuses involved,bony erosions,orbital and cerebral involvement,microscopy,culture and histopathology reports and antifungals given.Surgical interventions including number of debridements,orbital exenteration,maxillectomy,and the vaccination status were noted.Results:All 22 patients had rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis,27.27%in the first wave and 72.73%during the second wave.Diabetes was the commonest comorbidity,and 40.91%patients were newly detected diabetics.The time of presentation in relation to their COVID-19 symptoms was 8-15 days(average 12.5 days).Ten out of 22(45.45%)had asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and 40.91%did not require supplemental oxygen.Five out of 22(22.73%)did not receive steroids.Twelve out of 22(54.55%)had orbital involvement,3(13.64%)had palatal ulcer and 4(18.18%)had cerebral involvement and all these had progressed in spite of treatment with appropriate antifungals.Conclusions:COVID-19 associated mucormycosis is a frequent,lethal,post COVID-19 complication,occurring even in mild and asymptomatic cases who have not received steroids or oxygen.

Post COVID-19 infection:Long-term effects on liver and kidneys

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a pandemic,which has affected millions of people across the globe in the year 2020.This disease is caused by a virus,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),that belongs to the family of coronaviruses and primarily affects the respiratory system.This infection has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic form to mild,moderate and severe forms depending upon the age,comorbidity and immunity of an affected individual.Hyper-inflammatory response due to SARSCoV-2 adversely affect several internal organs.Besides lung injury,which is the main outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection,it has been reported to adversely impact other organs including the liver and kidneys.SARS-CoV-2 virus can also have a direct adverse impact on liver as well as kidneys due to systemic inflammatory response or drug toxicity,leading to elevated levels of liver injury markers and acute kidney injury.Clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection could be worse in patients suffering from pre-existing liver and kidney disease.So far,there have been several reports on the mechanism of liver and kidney injury during SARSCoV-2 viral attack.However,the long-term impact of this infection on these organs is yet to be understood.This review summarizes the possible causes and effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver and kidneys during the infection and post recovery based on available literature.

Dermatomyositis Post COVID-19 Vaccine: A Case Report

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical and predominantly proximal muscle weakness in the limbs, associated with typical skin lesions. Autoimmune diseases have already been described as an adverse effect of vaccines. Case-report: A 65-year-old Caucasian female patient evolved, 5 days after the first dose of the AZD1222 vaccine against the COVID-19 virus, with skin lesions suggesting heliotrope and Gottron’s sign, with partial improvement of the condition with use of topical glucocorticoids in the lesions. After two months, the patient received the second dose of AZD1222 vaccine, and evolved with proximal muscle weakness of upper and lower limbs, dysphagia, increase of muscle enzymes, in addition to skin lesions compatible with heliotrope and Gottron’s sign again. After treatment with pulse therapy with methylprednisolone 1000 mg per day for three days and treatment with immunosuppressants, she evolved with significant clinical improvement. Conclusions: This case-report demonstrating an important chronological relationship between dermatomyositis and the vaccine AZD1222 alerts to the possibility of the disease as an important adverse reaction of vaccine against COVID-19 virus, as has been recently described by other authors.

Erythema Nodosum Manifestation Post COVID-19 Vaccine: A Case Report

Erythema nodosum (EN) is a delayed hypersensitivity response that may be triggered by a range of conditions, including infections and vaccines. Rare cases of EN caused by COVID-19 were recently reported but none due to COVID-19 vaccines were documented. We report here a case of EN occurring after COVID-19 vaccination. Patient presented with painful nodular lesions of all 4 limbs, evolving for one month. These lesions appeared 48 h after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination. The patient reported no recent infectious episodes. The physical examination found numerous, erythematous dermohypodermatitis knots with no palpable adenopathy. Some were regressive according to biligenesis shades. Biology and radiology findings eliminated other common causes of this dermatosis. The skin biopsy was done and suggested EN. The final diagnosis was post COVID-19 vaccine EN. Patient received a symptomatic treatment and had a slight improvement of the lesions 10 days after diagnosis. Physicians should be aware of the side effects of the vaccine including skin manifestations, especially since more people are bound to be vaccinated.

Forecasting the New Trends about the Consumer Behavior in the Cruise Industry Post COVID-19

This paper presented the new sanitary and health protocols implemented by cruise companies in order to internationally resuming the industry. The perception of Brazilians regarding these new protocols was identified through a quantitative survey with a sample of 412 Brazilian respondents, carried out between May and June 2021. As main results, sanitary and health protocols that do not affect their experiences on board were identified, as well as those protocols that compromised the experience perceived by the future traveler. The respondents’ propensity to travel on cruise ships and their perceptions about the influence of the ship size, the number of ports of call, nationalities on board, the number of guests, among other aspects, were also analyzed. Finally, in the final section of this paper, we presented an estimation of the expected number of cruisers for the 21/22 cruising season in Brazil, based on a kind Bayesian argument, considering different scenarios for the forthcoming season.

Cutaneous manifestations during recent pandemic,co-infection or pre or post COVID-19 manifestation-managed by Ayurveda

Background:Unique cutaneous manifestations simulating viral infection like intense itching,rashes,maculo popular eruptions etc are noted.Etiological factors,underlying pathology,prevalence,whether it manifests in initial stage or post covid or if it predicts associated severity,linked symptoms,later complications,adverse drug reactions and many other associated issues need to be reported and evaluated.Method:Reporting five cases with varied cutaneous manifestations during July 2020 from India.Frostbite like skin lesion,maculo papular eruptions in two cases,two rash like manifestations were considered and managed by Ayurveda.Patient who lived in same house as covid infected person,travelled from red zone,who tested positive for COVID-19 infection.Results:Itching and redness were the predominant symptoms which reduced quickly in 6 to 8 hours,eruptions gradually reduced in 3 to 6 days.Conclusions:Cutaneous mani-festations during the pandemic suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection 5 cases reported from India,managed by Ayurveda indicates post COVID-19 needs to be managed to improve quality of life and prevent further complications.

Spatial Investigation of Nilüfer Stream Arsenic Pollution in Previous and Post COVID-19 Pandemic and Evaluation of Health Risks for Adult People

This study was carried out in Nilüfer Stream in Bursa City,where intensive industrial,agricultural and mining activities are existed.The temporal and spatial variation of arsenic was evaluated by examining its concentrations between March 2015 and December 2021.Values between March 2015 and December 2019 were evaluated as pre-pandemic,and values between March 2020 and December 2021 were evaluated as post-pandemic.The results were compared with national and international standards and the chronic and cancer risks were calculated for adults.When the 7-year general averages were examined,it was seen that the highest concentration was 0.0256 mg/L at the 8th Station,and the lowest concentration was 0.0182 mg/L at the 1st Station.The reason why the highest value is at the 8th station was that the wastewater of Nilüfer and Bursa Organized Industrial Zones was discharged to Bursa West Wastewater Treatment Plant before this station.After the pandemic the raises in concentrations were observed at all stations,except for the 3rd Station.This shows that the pollution load had increased in general during the pandemic.However,it was estimated that there was a decrease in the pollution load of the industrial wastewater coming to the 3rd Station,which was located after the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant of the City.It was observed that all stations examined were higher than drinking water standards and lower than irrigation water standards according to WHO and Turkish National Standards.All measuring stations were greater than 1 of the hazard quotient(HQ)values.In terms of human consumption risk,all stations had a chronic and carcinogenic risk according to the values before and after the pandemic.After the pandemic conditions,the HQ order of the stations was 8>10>7>9>2>6>4>1>3.In general,post-pandemic HQ values had generally increased and the risk of cancer had increased.

Understanding the etiology of mental health problems in postrehabilitation COVID-19 patients:Insights and strategies for effective intervention

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Alhammad et al that was published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases(Manuscript No.:91134).We specifically focus on the mental health problems caused by coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),their mechanisms,and targeted rehabilitation strategies.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,via its spike protein,binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and other receptors prior to infiltrating diverse cells within the central nervous system,including endothelial cells,neurons,astrocytes,and oligodendrocytes,thereby contributing to the development of mental illnesses.Epidemiological data from 2020 underscored the global upsurge in major depressive and anxiety disorders by 27.6%and 25.6%,respectively,during the pandemic.The commented research show that 30%of post-intensive care unit discharge patients with COVID-19 in the Arabic region exhibited Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores that were indicative of anxiety and depression.While acknowledging psychosocial factors,such as grief and loss,it is crucial to recognize the potential neurological impact of the virus through various mechanisms.Accordingly,interventions that encompass dietary measures,health supplements,and traditional Chinese medicine with neuroprotective properties are necessary.This editorial underscores the urgency to implement comprehensive rehabilitation approaches to address the intricate interplay between COVID-19 and mental well-being.

The Association between Fear of COVID-19,Obsession with COVID-19,and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Korean Emergency Rescue Firefighters:A Cross-Sectional Study

During the rapid spread of COVID-19,first responders are at risk of being exposed to COVID-19 due to their role in providing first aid and responding to an unspecified number of people.This uncertainty can have adverse mental health effects,such as increased anxiety and fear.This study aimed to investigate the degree of association between fear of COVID-19,obsession with COVID-19,and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)in emergency rescue firefighters.The participants were 150 emergency rescue firefighters working in Region S,Korea.They filled out self-report questionnaires:The data obtained through the Fear of COVID-19 Scale,Obsession with COVID-19 Scale,and Impact of Event Scale-Revised Korean version were subjected to nonparametric statistical analysis using SPSS WIN 25.0.The study found a significant correlation between emergency rescue firefighters’fear of COVID-19,obsession with COVID-19,and PTSD.Fear and obsession with COVID-19 were higher among first responder firefighters who were directly involved in COVID-19-related tasks.Furthermore,a one-point increase in obsession was associated with a 2.837-point increase in PTSD.Based on the results,we found that there is a need for effective control of obsessions and fears among first responder firefighters during COVID-19,and we suggest that there is a need for mental health care for first responder firefighters during the pandemic through the development and support of programs to prevent and mitigate obsessions.

New sights into new-onset and relapsed minimal change disease post COVID-19 vaccination:A systemic review of the clinical characteristics and underlying pathogenesis

Background::Minimal change disease(MCD)following coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccination has been increasingly reported;however,the clinical characteristics and pathogenesis of patients with MCD have not been thoroughly discussed.Methods::A systematic literature search of published data up until May 10,2023,was conducted using the PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and SinoMed databases.MCD patients diagnosed by renal biopsy following COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed with the largest sample size to date.Results::A total of 85 patients were included in the present statistical analysis,including 50 new-onset and 35 relapsed MCD subjects following COVID-19 vaccination.Compared with new-onset MCD patients,the relapsed patients had previously suffered from one or two other diseases(12/50 vs.34/35,p<0.001).The laboratory results indicated that new-onset MCD was more serious than MCD relapse,as evidenced by higher serum creatinine(p=0.036)and urinary protein levels(p<0.001),along with lower levels of serum albumin(p<0.001).The new-onset subjects responded to corticosteroids alone,while the relapsed patients acquired combined therapies involving immunosuppressants and steroids(p<0.001).Compared with MCD onset after two vaccine doses,those who immediately flared after the first vaccination had more comorbidities(p=0.011).Comparatively,the first dose-onset patients showed a higher response rate to treatments than the second dose-onset patients(44/50 vs.22/35,p=0.017).Conclusions::New-onset MCD was more severe than relapsed MCD in terms of laboratory results and clinical manifestations after COVID-19 vaccination.Overall,combining both corticosteroid therapy and immunosuppressive treatment yields an effective approach to managing the condition.

Evaluation of Clinical Characteristics and Plasma Cortisol Concentrations in Individuals with COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndrome

COVID-19 generates systematic alterations in humans both in active stages of infection and over time, called post-COVID syndrome. Cortisol is a hormone that is overexpressed in inflammation and cellular stress processes. Its main function is to return to physiological homeostasis, so its evaluation together with other clinical parameters can allow us to determine the degree of systemic affectation by COVID-19. Objective: To evaluate changes in clinical parameters and plasma cortisol concentrations in patients with active COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome. Material and Methods: Healthy patients, in stages of mild infection, critical and with post-COVID syndrome, were recruited, obtaining, through clinical diagnoses and interviews, their main clinical characteristics, in addition to plasma, in which cortisol concentrations were determined using competitive ELISA. Results: The critical stage group had higher frequencies of comorbidities, clinical symptoms, as well as more altered laboratory parameters compared to the other subgroups. In the post-COVID syndrome group after the initial infection, most laboratory parameters recovered, however, several clinical symptoms remained latent over time. The determination of cortisol showed an increase in its concentration, being higher in patients in critical stage and with post-COVID syndrome. Conclusion: COVID-19 disease generates clinical alterations that trigger an increase in plasma cortisol. These alterations increase as the stages of infection become more severe and some of them remain altered in patients with post-COVID syndrome.

基于CiteSpace及VOSviewer的COVID-19相关心律失常的文献计量学分析

目的:分析新型冠状病毒感染(COVID-19)相关心律失常的文献,探索该领域的研究现状、热点并预测未来的趋势,为后来的研究者提供借鉴。方法:选择Web of Science的核心合集数据库,每项研究都进行了文献计量和视觉分析,使用CiteSpace和VOSviewer软件生成知识图谱。结果:共鉴定出768篇文章,发文涉及美国、意大利和中国为首的319个国家/地区和4 366个机构,领先的研究机构是梅奥诊所和哈佛医学院。New England Journal of Medicine是该领域最常被引用的期刊。在6 687位作者中,Arbelo Elena撰写的研究最多,Guo T被共同引用的次数最多,心房纤颤是最常见的关键词。结论:随着COVID-19的暴发,对COVID-19所致新发/进行性心律失常事件的研究蓬勃发展,未来的研究者可能会对COVID-19感染后新发或遗留的快速性心律失常/缓慢性心律失常的发生机制进行进一步的探索。

麻杏石甘汤干预COVID-19肺炎的网络药理学研究及分子对接分析

目的:运用网络药理学与分子对接研究方法探讨麻杏石甘汤干预COVID-19肺炎的作用机制。方法:经TCMSP、HTDocking数据库检索麻杏石甘汤所有药物的成分并进行ADME筛选得到活性成分,在Uniport数据库检索其发挥治疗作用可能的基因靶点;借助GeneCards、PharmGKB等数据库检索COVID-19肺炎相关基因靶点,利用Cytoscape软件构建药物-活性成分-靶基因-疾病网络;借助String系统构建PPI网络,并进行拓扑学特征分析,筛选核心基因;利用R语言的clusterProfiler包对核心基因进行GO、KEGG富集分析;利用AutoDock Vina软件对疾病靶蛋白及药物活性成分进行分子对接验证。结果:共筛选出麻杏石甘汤与COVID-19肺炎交集基因靶点67个。PPI网络分析显示,其发挥治疗作用的核心基因靶点有MAPK1、MAPK3、STAT1、JUN等8个。GO富集分析显示,相关生物过程1863个,分子功能95个,细胞成分36个;KEGG富集分析显示,相关作用通路167条。分子对接结果显示,麻杏石甘汤活性成分槲皮素、山奈酚、熊果酸等与核心基因靶点JUN、MAK1、IL2等有较好的结合活性。结论:麻杏石甘汤可能以槲皮素、山奈酚等为物质基础,多成分、多靶点、多通路、相互协同发挥抑制病毒活性,降低炎症反应,保护肺部组织,从而对COVID-19肺炎起到积极的干预作用。