Articles: pandemics.
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There is growing concern that the severe respiratory disease in birds (avian influenza or 'bird flu') caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, might potentially spread more widely to humans and cause a pandemic. Here we discuss clinical issues related to human infections by the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza A virus and make a clinical comparison with recent information obtained from studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ⋯ Like SARS-CoV-2 infection, H5N1 infection may result in endothelial dysfunction and the associated procoagulant and prothrombotic state, and via this mechanism, the infection can potentially increase cardiovascular morbidity, especially in vulnerable individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Secondly, we discuss the potential beneficial role of statin use, both in the prophylaxis and the treatment of individuals with influenza A(H5N1), as was found favorable for the treatment of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Multicenter Study
Biomarkers of COVID-19 short-term worsening: a multiparameter analysis within the prospective multicenter COVIDeF cohort.
During a pandemic like COVID-19, hospital resources are constrained and accurate severity triage of the patients is required. ⋯ In this multicenter prospective study that assessed a large panel of biomarkers for COVID-19 patients, CRP, procalcitonin, and MR-proADM were independently associated with the risk of STW.
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The Rapid Access Lung Cancer Clinic (RALC) experienced fewer referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic had minimal impact on the performance of RALC at our institution. Fewer referrals to RALC in period II may relate to hesitancy in attending general practitioner (GP) and/or GPs raising the thresholds for referrals to RALC during the early lockdown period of the pandemic. A national evaluation will be required to fully determine the impact of this pandemic on lung cancer in Ireland.
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The World Wide Web and the advancement of computer technology in the 1960s and 1990s respectively set the ground for a substantial and simultaneous change in many facets of our life, including medicine, health care, and medical education. The traditional didactic approach has shifted towards more dynamic and interactive methods, leveraging technologies such as simulation tools, virtual reality, and online platforms. At the forefront is the remarkable evolution that has revolutionized how medical knowledge is accessed, disseminated, and integrated into pedagogical practices. ⋯ This review includes the multifaceted applications of the metaverse in medical education, outlining both its benefits and challenges. Through insightful case studies and examples, it highlights the innovative potential of the metaverse as a platform for immersive learning experiences. Moreover, the review addresses the role of emerging technologies in shaping the post-pandemic future of medical education, ultimately culminating in a series of recommendations tailored for medical institutions aiming to successfully capitalize on revolutionary changes.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many habits and social reactions. During the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures in the USA, there was a notable surge in firearm violence, which became known as "the reopening phenomenon". This study evaluated the impact of a similarly proposed phenomenon on individuals living in a center of Türkiye. ⋯ The incidents analyzed predominantly involved the use of pistols (n = 371, 96 %). Long-barreled pistols caused injury in only 16 (4.1 %) cases. Most injuries (n = 275, 71 %) were located in the lower extremity. The comparison of the pre-pandemic, Pandemic lockdown and Reopening periods did not reveal a significant difference in the rate of firearm violence (p = 0.266, x2 goodness of fit) CONCLUSION: We did not observe the reopening phenomena around the COVID-19 pandemic period in a center of Türkiye. However, firearm violence remains a significant societal issue for both Türkiye and the world.