RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: Olfactory loss is a recognized long-term dysfunction after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This investigation aimed to assess the effect of alpha-lipoic acid as an adjuvant treatment of olfactory training on the improvement of smell loss in post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 128 adult outpatients who had persistent smell loss for more than 3-months after COVID-19 infection. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the intervention treatment group, which received alpha-lipoic acid associated to olfactory training, and comparison treatment group, which received placebo pills associated to olfactory training. The participants were followed-up for 12-weeks. Olfactory dysfunction was assessed in terms of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test for the Brazilian population. RESULTS: A total of 100 participants completed the follow-up period and were analyzed in this study. Both groups have improved CCCRC score (p = 0.000), olfactory threshold (p = 0.000), identification score (p = 0.000) and VAS score (p = 0.000) after 12-weeks follow-up. No significant differences were determined between the intervention and comparison treatment groups in CCCRC score (p = 0.63), olfactory threshold (p = 0.50), identification score (p = 0.96) and VAS score (p = 0.97). In all these criteria, comparison treatment group went slightly worse. At the endpoint of the study, the frequency of anosmia reduced to 2% in the intervention treatment group and to 7.8% in the comparison treatment group. Also, 16.8% of the intervention group' subjects, and 15.7% of comparison treatment group's patients reached normosmia. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was a strongly significant difference in olfactory function between baseline and endpoint for both groups. However, based on the lack of significant difference between the intervention treatment and the comparison treatment groups in terms of olfactory changes, our study appoints that the alpha-lipoic acid is not better than olfactory training alone to treat olfactory loss after COVID-19. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

Assuntos

COVID-19 , Transtornos do Olfato , Ácido Tióctico , Adulto , Humanos , Anosmia/tratamento farmacológico , COVID-19/complicações , Transtornos do Olfato/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos do Olfato/etiologia , Treinamento Olfativo , Olfato , Ácido Tióctico/uso terapêutico , Método Duplo-Cego

RESUMO

Abstract Objectives Olfactory loss is a recognized long-term dysfunction after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This investigation aimed to assess the effect of alpha-lipoic acid as an adjuvant treatment of olfactory training on the improvement of smell loss in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods This randomized controlled trial included 128 adult outpatients who had persistent smell loss for more than 3-months after COVID-19 infection. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the intervention treatment group, which received alpha-lipoic acid associated to olfactory training, and comparison treatment group, which received placebo pills associated to olfactory training. The participants were followed-up for 12-weeks. Olfactory dysfunction was assessed in terms of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test for the Brazilian population. Results A total of 100 participants completed the follow-up period and were analyzed in this study. Both groups have improved CCCRC score (p= 0.000), olfactory threshold (p= 0.000), identification score (p= 0.000) and VAS score (p= 0.000) after 12-weeks follow-up. No significant differences were determined between the intervention and comparison treatment groups in CCCRC score (p= 0.63), olfactory threshold (p= 0.50), identification score (p= 0.96) and VAS score (p= 0.97). In all these criteria, comparison treatment group went slightly worse. At the endpoint of the study, the frequency of anosmia reduced to 2% in the intervention treatment group and to 7.8% in the comparison treatment group. Also, 16.8% of the intervention group' subjects, and 15.7% of comparison treatment group's patients reached normosmia. Conclusions Overall, there was a strongly significant difference in olfactory function between baseline and endpoint for both groups. However, based on the lack of significant difference between the intervention treatment and the comparison treatment groups in terms of olfactory changes, our study appoints that the alpha-lipoic acid is not better than olfactory training alone to treat olfactory loss after COVID-19. Level of evidence Level 2.

RESUMO

Antibody-based passive immunotherapy has been used effectively in the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases. Outbreaks of emerging viral infections from arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) represent a global public health problem due to their rapid spread, urging measures and the treatment of infected individuals to combat them. Preparedness in advances in developing antivirals and relevant epidemiological studies protect us from damage and losses. Immunotherapy based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been shown to be very specific in combating infectious diseases and various other illnesses. Recent advances in mAb discovery techniques have allowed the development and approval of a wide number of therapeutic mAbs. This review focuses on the technological approaches available to select neutralizing mAbs for emerging arbovirus infections and the next-generation strategies to obtain highly effective and potent mAbs. The characteristics of mAbs developed as prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral agents for dengue, Zika, chikungunya, West Nile and tick-borne encephalitis virus are presented, as well as the protective effect demonstrated in animal model studies.

Assuntos

Infecções por Arbovirus , Arbovírus , Doenças Transmissíveis , Viroses , Infecção por Zika virus , Zika virus , Animais , Humanos , Anticorpos Monoclonais/uso terapêutico , Infecções por Arbovirus/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por Arbovirus/prevenção & controle , Viroses/tratamento farmacológico , Infecção por Zika virus/tratamento farmacológico

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: The obturation quality of the mandibular molar mesial canals and isthmuses with two thermoplastic techniques, ultrasonic vertical condensation (UVC) and continuous wave of condensation (CWC), was evaluated using computed microtomography (µCT). METHODS: Thirty-six human mandibular molars had been previously scanned and analyzed using µCT for mesial roots with morphologically similar isthmuses for this study. Coronal access and confirmation of foraminal patency were performed, and the actual length of the teeth was established using a clinical microscope (40X magnification). The canals were prepared using ProTaper Gold instruments up to #F3, with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite as the irrigant solution, followed by a passive ultrasonic irrigation protocol. The specimens were randomly divided into the UVC and CWC groups based on the obturation technique to be used. Obturation was performed with #F3 gutta-percha cones cemented using AH Plus Jet sealer. The µCT scans were performed after 15 days, and the images were evaluated by a calibrated examiner blinded to the experimental groups to determine the filling rate of the entire canal area, including the main canal and isthmus. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis; P values ≤0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Neither of the thermoplastic obturation techniques achieved complete filling of the canals (86.3% for UVC and 91.4% for CWC), with a statistically significant difference between them (P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of the study, it can be concluded that none of the techniques completely filled the canal/isthmus of the mandibular molars; however, the CWC exhibited better performance.

Assuntos

Materiais Restauradores do Canal Radicular , Humanos , Cavidade Pulpar/diagnóstico por imagem , Cavidade Pulpar/anatomia & histologia , Guta-Percha , Dente Molar/diagnóstico por imagem , Dente Molar/anatomia & histologia , Materiais Restauradores do Canal Radicular/uso terapêutico , Obturação do Canal Radicular/métodos , Preparo de Canal Radicular , Ultrassom , Microtomografia por Raio-X

RESUMO

Antibody-based passive immunotherapy has been used effectively in the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases. Outbreaks of emerging viral infections from arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) represent a global public health problem due to their rapid spread, urging measures and the treatment of infected individuals to combat them. Preparedness in advances in developing antivirals and relevant epidemiological studies protect us from damage and losses. Immunotherapy based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been shown to be very specific in combating infectious diseases and various other illnesses. Recent advances in mAb discovery techniques have allowed the development and approval of a wide number of therapeutic mAbs. This review focuses on the technological approaches available to select neutralizing mAbs for emerging arbovirus infections and the next-generation strategies to obtain highly effective and potent mAbs. The characteristics of mAbs developed as prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral agents for dengue, Zika, chikungunya, West Nile and tick-borne encephalitis virus are presented, as well as the protective effect demonstrated in animal model studies.

RESUMO

Previous coronavirus epidemics were associated with increased maternal morbidity, mortality, and adverse obstetric outcomes. Reports for SARS-CoV-2 indicate that the obstetric population is at increased risk for severe illness, although there are still limited data on mild COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. To determine the association between mild COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal outcomes, we performed a prospective cohort study among pregnant women with COVID-19 and a control group. Postnatal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. We recruited 84 pregnant women with mild COVID-19 and 88 pregnant women without COVID-19. All participants were unvaccinated. The most common acute COVID-19 symptoms were headache (82.1%), loss of smell (81%), and asthenia (77.4%). The median duration of long COVID symptoms was 60 days (interquartile range, 130). Pregnant women with a COVID-19 diagnosis were at greater risk for obstetric ultrasound abnormalities-mainly, fetal growth restriction (relative risk [RR], 12.40; 95% CI, 1.66-92.5), premature birth (RR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.07-6.43), and postpartum depression (RR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.24-4.21). Our results alert clinicians to the consequences of COVID-19 during pregnancy, even in mild cases, given the increased risk of ultrasound abnormalities, premature birth, long COVID symptoms, and postpartum depression. National guidelines on preventive measures and treatments should be based on scientific evidence, including attention to the impact on health and family needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assuntos

COVID-19 , Depressão Pós-Parto , Doenças do Recém-Nascido , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez , Complicações na Gravidez , Nascimento Prematuro , Recém-Nascido , Feminino , Gravidez , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemias , Nascimento Prematuro/epidemiologia , Teste para COVID-19 , Depressão Pós-Parto/epidemiologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Resultado da Gravidez , Brasil/epidemiologia , Estudos de Coortes , Doenças do Recém-Nascido/epidemiologia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Síndrome de COVID-19 Pós-Aguda

RESUMO

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has claimed millions of lives. Adequate protection of the professionals involved in patient care is essential in the battle against this disease. However, there is much uncertainty involving safety-relarted topics that are of particular interest to the rhinologist in the context of COVID-19. Objective To evaluate the current evidence regarding three safety-related topics: mask and respirator use, performance of nasal endoscopic procedures, and use of topical nasal and intranasal medications (saline irrigation and nasal corticosteroids). Methods A literature review was performed on the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, with standardized search queries for each of the three topics of interest. Results In total, 13 articles on mask use, 6 articles on the safety of nasal corticosteroids, 6 articles on the safety of nasal endoscopic procedures, and 1 article on nasal irrigation with saline solution were included in the final analysis. Conclusion N95 respirators are essential for the adequate protection of otolaryngologists. If reuse is necessary, physical methods of sterilization must be employed. No evidence was found to contraindicate the use of nasal corticosteroids, whether acute (in the management of sinonasal inflammatory conditions) or continued (in patients who use them chronically). Nasal irrigation with saline solution apparently does not increase the risk in the context of COVID-19. Nasal endoscopic procedures should only be performed after testing the patient for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the surgical team must wear full personal protective equipment to prevent aerosol exposure.

RESUMO

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has claimed millions of lives. Adequate protection of the professionals involved in patient care is essential in the battle against this disease. However, there is much uncertainty involving safety-relarted topics that are of particular interest to the rhinologist in the context of COVID-19. Objective To evaluate the current evidence regarding three safety-related topics: mask and respirator use, performance of nasal endoscopic procedures, and use of topical nasal and intranasal medications (saline irrigation and nasal corticosteroids). Methods A literature review was performed on the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, with standardized search queries for each of the three topics of interest. Results In total, 13 articles on mask use, 6 articles on the safety of nasal corticosteroids, 6 articles on the safety of nasal endoscopic procedures, and 1 article on nasal irrigation with saline solution were included in the final analysis. Conclusion N95 respirators are essential for the adequate protection of otolaryngologists. If reuse is necessary, physical methods of sterilization must be employed. No evidence was found to contraindicate the use of nasal corticosteroids, whether acute (in the management of sinonasal inflammatory conditions) or continued (in patients who use them chronically). Nasal irrigation with saline solution apparently does not increase the risk in the context of COVID-19. Nasal endoscopic procedures should only be performed after testing the patient for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the surgical team must wear full personal protective equipment to prevent aerosol exposure.

RESUMO

Background: Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), the most inflammatory form of tegumentary leishmaniasis, is predominantly caused by Leishmania braziliensis. The disease is characterized by the development of lesions, mainly in the nasal mucosa. An exacerbated inflammatory response has been associated with the presence of destructive and disfiguring lesions, with stages of severity ranging from small nodulations to the complete destruction of the nasal pyramid architecture. As Leishmania is an intracellular parasite, most immunological studies have emphasized the cell-mediated immune response, while relatively few studies aimed to investigate the role antibodies in protection against, or the pathology of ML. Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ML were classified according to clinical staging criteria. Serum levels of Leishmania-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies were determined by ELISA before and after treatment with antimony or antimony plus pentoxifylline. Results: Patients in stages IV and V produced higher concentrations of IgG and IgG1 antibodies when compared to those in stage I and II. Significant reductions were seen in the concentrations of IgG and IgG2 antibodies in most patients who responded well to treatment. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate an association between IgG antibody titers and the severity of mucosal disease. The observed reduction in antibody production after successful treatment in most patients preliminarily indicates that these tests can be used to aid in the assessment of therapeutic response.

Assuntos

Leishmania braziliensis , Leishmaniose Mucocutânea , Leishmaniose , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G

RESUMO

Resumo: Introdução: As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais dos cursos de graduação em Medicina preconizam a ênfase na habilidade de comunicação para o profissionalismo do egresso. Promover o desenvolvimento da habilidade de comunicação efetiva para a competência clínica representa um desafio para a educação médica. O presente estudo objetivou contribuir para o desenvolvimento da habilidade de comunicação durante a formação médica por meio de estratégia de ensino e aprendizagem que utilizou como ferramenta o aconselhamento pré-teste HIV no pré-natal. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo com métodos mistos sequenciais e abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido em três fases. Na primeira fase, 30 estudantes do internato em Tocoginecologia participaram de consulta simulada, gravada em áudio e vídeo, direcionada para conhecimentos específicos e habilidades para comunicação efetiva no tema. Na segunda fase, uma estratégia de feedback individual contou com a análise conjunta do vídeo e avaliação de critérios estabelecidos em checklist específico. Na terceira fase, buscou-se avaliar a autopercepção dos estudantes acerca de sua participação na estratégia e de sua necessidade de desenvolvimento da habilidade de comunicação durante a formação. Resultados: A análise geral dos dados revela um baixo desempenho, sobretudo quanto aos conhecimentos específicos necessários à comunicação efetiva para o aconselhamento pré-teste HIV no pré-natal. Conclusões: Nesse sentido, a autopercepção dos estudantes mostrou-se coerente com os resultados observados e apontou a necessidade de melhorar os conhecimentos específicos aliados às habilidades de comunicação para, então, possibilitar um aconselhamento adequado. Além disso, nos discursos dos estudantes, são frequentes falas reflexivas a respeito da importância de praticar e desenvolver a habilidade de comunicação.

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Abstract: Introduction: The Brazilian National Curriculum Guidelines for medical undergraduate courses underscore the emphasis on communication skills for recently graduated professionals. Promoting the development of effective communication skills for clinical competence poses a challenge for medical education. The present study aims to contribute to the development of communication skills during medical education through a teaching and learning strategy that uses prenatal HIV pretest counseling as a tool. Methods: This is a study with sequential mixed methods and qualitative approach developed in three phases. In the first phase, thirty students from the Tocho-Gynecology Internship participated in a simulated consultation, which was recorded in audio and video, directed to specific knowledge and skills for effective communication in the topic. In the second phase, an individual feedback strategy included the joint analysis of the video and the evaluation of established criteria in a specific checklist. In the third phase, the objective was to evaluate the students' self-perception about their participation in the strategy and their need to develop communication skills during medical training. Results: The general analysis of the data reveals a poor performance, especially regarding the specific knowledge required for effective communication for prenatal HIV pretest counseling. Conclusion: Therefore, the students' self-perception was consistent with the observed results and indicated the need to improve specific knowledge combined with communication skills, so as to allow appropriate counseling. Moreover, the students' discourses frequently disclose reflective comments about the importance of practicing and developing communication skills.