Articles: disease.
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It has been well established that patients with diabetes who have COVID-19 have a more severe disease course and higher mortality. Providing adequate care for these patients has required hospitals to adapt protocols for monitoring blood glucose and administering therapy to protect both patient and caregiver safety. ⋯ For therapy, protocols for managing hyperglycemia and diabetes ketoacidosis have been designed with less frequent monitoring and medication administration. Finally, telemedicine has allowed for consultative care in a manner not requiring physical proximity.
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Convalescent plasma is being considered as a potential therapy for COVID-19. We highlight and contextualise the findings of a recent Cochrane rapid review that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of convalescent plasma or hyperimmune immunoglobulin transfusion in the treatment of people with COVID-19. ⋯ As the novel coronavirus continues to spread in South Africa (SA), convalescent plasma may offer a therapeutic ray of hope for mitigating the morbidity and mortality burdens of the disease. Further investigation of the clinical benefits of the therapy in well-designed studies is needed to provide more evidence that will guide COVID-19 treatment decision-making in the SA context.
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Review
'Fragmentation' of NMJs: a sign of degeneration or regeneration? A long journey with many junctions.
Mammalian neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) often consist of curved bands of synaptic contact, about 3-6 μm wide, which resemble pretzels. This contrasts with the NMJs of most animal species which consist of a cluster of separate synaptic spots, each of which is also about 3-6 μm across. In a number of situations, including a variety of disease states as well as normal ageing, mammalian NMJs acquire a more 'fragmented' appearance that resembles somewhat that of other species. ⋯ Further, where appropriate studies have been performed, no evidence of a correlation between the degree of fragmentation and the efficacy of transmission has emerged. It may therefore be more appropriate to consider NMJ 'fragmentation' as a form of regeneration, rather than of degeneration. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Honoring Ricardo Miledi - outstanding neuroscientist of XX-XXI centuries.