Postgraduate medical journal
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PCR is the current standard test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, due to its limitations, serological testing is considered an alternative method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 exposure. In this study, we measured the level of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies of male professional football players and compared the results with the standard PCR test to investigate the association between the two tests. ⋯ Our study revealed an inconsistency of results between the two tests; therefore, although application of serological assays alone seems insufficient in diagnosing COVID-19 disease, the findings are beneficial in the comprehension and the management of the disease.
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Combined lifestyle factors are associated with the risk of ischaemic stroke in a Chinese population.
Lifestyle plays an important role in the development of ischaemic stroke (IS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between combined lifestyle factors and the risk of IS in an eastern Chinese population. ⋯ Our results showed that combined lifestyle factors including dietary pattern and life satisfaction are independently associated with the risk of IS.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
How junior doctors perceive personalised yoga and group exercise in the management of occupational and traumatic stressors.
Junior doctors are exposed to occupational and traumatic stressors, some of which are inherent to medicine. This can result in burnout, mental ill-health and suicide. Within a crossover pilot study comparing personalised, trauma-informed yoga to group-format exercise, qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the experience of junior doctors and whether such interventions were perceived to help manage these stressors. ⋯ Junior doctors found both interventions useful for stress management adjunctive to other organisational programmes though for different and complementary reasons, possibly related to delivery mode. Personalised, trauma-informed yoga provided a confidential therapeutic alliance whereas group exercise offered social connection.
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Hypertension is one of the most common comorbidities in COVID-19 pneumonia. However, whether it is an independent factor on the severity and mortality of COVID-19 has not been studied. ⋯ Hypertension was an independent risk factor for the severity and mortality of patients with COVID-19. ARBs/ACE inhibitors should not be discontinued in hypertensive patients with COVID-19.
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This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between obesity and short-term and long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by analysing the body mass index (BMI). ⋯ Overweight and obesity were protective factors for the short-term and long-term risks of death in patients with AMI.