Articles: coronavirus.
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The threat of respiratory virus infection to human health and well-being has been clearly highlighted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For people with cystic fibrosis (CF), the clinical significance of viral infections long predated the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory virus infection in the context of CF as well as the current understanding of interactions between viruses and other microorganisms in the CF lung. ⋯ First, the impact of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of viral infections in CF requires investigation. Second, the impact of respiratory viruses on the development and dynamics of the CF lung microbiota is poorly understood and viral infection may have important interactions with bacteria and fungi in the airway. Finally, bacteriophages represent a key focus of future investigation both for their role in transmission of antimicrobial resistance and as a promising treatment modality for multiresistant pathogens.
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Semin Respir Crit Care Med · Apr 2023
Impact of Digital Technologies on Clinical Care for Adults with Cystic Fibrosis.
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic accelerated the implementation of digital technologies, which have now become embedded as essential tools for the management of chronic disease, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite subsequent easing of restrictions and because of improved clinical stability resulting from the introduction of highly effective modulator therapy, digital technologies including video and telephone consultations and remote monitoring are likely to remain integral to the future delivery of CF health care. In this article, we explore some of the key developments in digital technologies, barriers to their adoption, and how the CF community is likely to embrace lessons learned from the recent pandemic to help modernize and reshape the future of CF care.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a global public health event since 2019. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays of upper respiratory tract specimens were used as the most common method for confirmation of SARS-CoV-2. Patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 and hospitalized in Cancer Center of Wuhan Union Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. ⋯ For the 362 confirmed patients, 147 cases received further RT-PCR tests after 2 consecutive negative records of SARS-CoV-2 and 38 (26%) of them obtained a positive result. Ten (23%) of 43 patients showed positive results after 3 consecutive negative tests and 4 (24%) of 17 patients were positive after 4 negative tests. Consecutive negative RT-PCR tests with respiratory specimens could not guarantee a viral clearance.
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During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Ayurvedic herbal supplements and homeopathic immune boosters (IBs) were promoted as disease-preventive agents. The present study examined the clinical outcomes among patients with chronic liver disease who presented with complications of portal hypertension or liver dysfunction temporally associated with the use of IBs in the absence of other competing causes. This single-center retrospective observational cohort study included patients with chronic liver disease admitted for the evaluation and management of jaundice, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy temporally associated with the consumption of IBs and followed up for 180 days. ⋯ IB analysis revealed detectable levels of (heavy metals) As (40%), Pb (60%), Hg (60%), and various hepatotoxic phytochemicals. Ayurvedic and Homeopathic supplements sold as IBs potentially cause the worsening of preexisting liver disease. Responsible dissemination of scientifically validated, evidence-based medical health information from regulatory bodies and media may help ameliorate this modifiable liver health burden.