Articles: coronavirus.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on pediatric surgery. The infection is often asymptomatic and atypical in children, while overlapping presentations with other infectious diseases generate additional diagnostic challenges. The high probability of missed pediatric cases and the invasive nature of surgery generate great concern for widespread transmission in this setting. ⋯ Isolated operating rooms, pediatric intensive care units, and surgical wards should be specifically designed for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Finally, transportation of patients should be minimal and follow designated short routes. All these measures can help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric surgery units.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shown high infection and mortality rates all over the world, and despite the global efforts, there is so far no specific therapy available for COVID-19. Interestingly, while the severity and mortality of COVID-19 are higher in males than in females, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this review, we explore sex-related differences that may be contributing factors to the observed male-biased mortality from COVID-19. ⋯ In addition, differences in sex hormone milieus could also be a determinant of viral infections as estrogen has immunoenhancing effects while testosterone has immunosuppressive effects. The sex-specific severity of COVID-19 infections indicates that further research on understanding the sex differences is needed. Inclusion of both males and females in basic research and clinical trials is required to provide critical information on sex-related differences that may help to better understand disease outcome and therapy.
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Int J Environ Res Public Health · Sep 2020
Subjective Deterioration of Physical and Psychological Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: Their Association with the Adoption of Protective Behaviors and Mental Health Problems.
This study aimed to determine the proportion of individuals who reported the deterioration of physical and psychological health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Taiwan. Moreover, the related factors of deterioration of physical and psychological health and the association between deterioration of health and adoption of protective behavior against COVID-19 and mental health problems were also examined. We recruited participants via a Facebook advertisement. ⋯ Participants with higher perceived harm from COVID-19 compared with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were more likely to report the subjective deterioration of physical and psychological health, whereas respondents who were older and perceived a higher level of social support were less likely to report a deterioration of physical and psychological health. The subjective deterioration of psychological health was significantly associated with avoiding crowded places and wearing a mask. Both subjective deteriorations of physical and psychological health positively related to general anxiety.