Annals of medicine
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The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2), has hit the world very hard by affecting millions of people across countries hence posing a major health threat on a global scale. This novel virus is thought to enter and cause infection in its host through the attachment of its structural protein known as the S-glycoprotein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Given the rapid spread of COVID-19 with its consequences globally, it is mandatory that health caregivers and researchers across all disciplines abreast themselves with the potential effects that this novel virus may have on their fields and the medical society at large. ⋯ As cardiovascular researchers, we are more concerned about the cardiovascular aspect of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Hence, this concise review addresses these aspects where CVD as a risk factor of COVID-19, the prevalence of CVDs in COVID-19, and the potential cardiovascular disorders which may evolve owing to COVID-19 are discussed. A better understanding of these issues will be pivotal to improve cardiovascular health during this SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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To investigate the effect of antimalarials on cancer risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ⋯ Results of this meta-analysis showed that antimalarial drugs might be protective factors for cancer in SLE. Hydroxychloroquine might be a protective factor for cancer in SLE patients.KEY MESSAGESAntimalarials might be protective factors for cancer in SLE.Hydroxychloroquine might be a protective factor for cancer in SLE patients.The first article to perform the meta-analysis of antimalarial drugs on the risk of cancer in SLE patients.
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MicroRNA-21 is an oncogenic miRNA that modulates the expression of multiple cancer-related target genes. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess diagnostic role of circulating miR-21 in CRC, hoping to choose the best biomarker in CRC diagnosis. ⋯ Our meta-analysis results suggest that circulating miR-21 has a potential diagnostic value with moderate sensitivity and good specificity for CRC.
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Review Case Reports
Foetal ductus arteriosus constriction unrelated to non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs: a case report and literature review.
Foetal ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction can be found in complex foetal heart malformations, but rarely as an isolated defect. Although many cases of DA constriction are usually related to Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) maternal intake, other causes remain without an established aetiology and are referred to as idiopathic. Recently, a wide range of risks factors or substances (polyphenol-rich foods intake, naphazoline, fluoxetine, caffeine and pesticides) showed a definitive effect upon the pathway of inflammation, causing DA constriction. ⋯ KEY MESSAGESMany cases of DA constriction are usually related to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) maternal intake. A wide range of risks factors or substances (polyphenol-rich foods intake, naphazoline, fluoxetine, caffeine and pesticides) can cause foetal DA constriction. Further investigation are needed to confirm the role of maternal exposure to solvents in the pathogenesis of DA constriction.
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Comparative Study
Performance of prediction models for short-term outcome in COVID-19 patients in the emergency department: a retrospective study.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a high burden on the healthcare system. Prediction models may assist in triaging patients. We aimed to assess the value of several prediction models in COVID-19 patients in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ The RISE UP score and 4 C mortality score can be used to recognise patients at high risk for poor outcome and may assist in guiding decision-making and allocating resources.