Applied Sciences

Research

10 pages, 570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Test–Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change in Chester Step Test and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test in Long COVID Patients

by Ana Isabel Sevillano-Castaño, Renata Peroy-Badal, Rodrigo Torres-Castro, Ana María Cañuelo-Márquez, Manuel Rozalén-Bustín, Ángel Modrego-Navarro, Luis De Sousa-De Sousa, Juan José Ramos-Álvarez, José Luis Maté-Muñoz and Pablo García-Fernández

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8464; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148464 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1244

Abstract

The COVID-19 is a multiorgan disease that appeared in December 2019 in the Chinese province of Wuhan. It produces various clinical manifestations, although it mainly affects the respiratory system. Given these potentially detrimental long-term consequences of COVID-19, an appropriate assessment must be carried [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 is a multiorgan disease that appeared in December 2019 in the Chinese province of Wuhan. It produces various clinical manifestations, although it mainly affects the respiratory system. Given these potentially detrimental long-term consequences of COVID-19, an appropriate assessment must be carried out to plan early rehabilitation interventions. To assess the persistent symptoms it produces, as well as exercise tolerance for a given exertion, stress testing is a feasible and cost-effective option. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide test-retest reliability for the Chester Step Test and 1 minute Sit to Stand tests and to establish the minimum detectable change in Long-COVID patients. Method: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted following the STROBE guidelines. A total of 42 patients carried out, twice per partici-pant, the Chester Step and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand (1min-STST) tests on two different days, with a five-day time lag between the initial measurement and the second measurement. Results: The Test-retest reliability for the Chester Step was excellent within session ICC (95% CI) 0.96 (0.93 to 0.98), being even better for the 1-STST, ICC (95% CI) 0.98 (0.96 to 0.99). Establishing a change of at least 16.96 steps (MDC90) or 20.15 steps (MDC95) and 1.89 stands (MDC90) or 2.71 stands (MDC95), respectively. Conclusions: The Chester Step and 1min-STST tests are reproducible and reliable tools to measure exercise tolerance in long COVID patients. The minimum detectable changes observed in the values recorded by the participants can be very useful for the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions applied to these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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11 pages, 1503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Amidst COVID-19: Do Pandemic Restrictions Affect the Therapeutic Efficiency?

by Joanna A. Smolarczyk-Kosowska, Paweł Dębski, Anna R. Szczegielniak, Magdalena Piegza and Robert Pudlo

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 11930; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122311930 - 23 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1094

Abstract

Community psychiatry is an effective and increasingly popular form of care for patients with mental disorders. Due to sanitary restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, psychiatric rehabilitation programs had to adapt to the highly specific requirements and modify the offer of therapeutic activities [...] Read more.

Community psychiatry is an effective and increasingly popular form of care for patients with mental disorders. Due to sanitary restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, psychiatric rehabilitation programs had to adapt to the highly specific requirements and modify the offer of therapeutic activities for patients. Above all the activities focused on, social interactions were limited. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the modified rehabilitation program in light of the introduced sanitary restrictions due to COVID-19. This prospective observational single-centered study involved 41 patients diagnosed with organic mental disorders, psychotic disorders, affective disorders and anxiety disorders. The patients participated in a 6-week rehabilitation program which included varied forms of physical exercise, cognitive training, psychological training and Small Group Therapy. The quality-of-life assessment and the intensity of depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using standardized scales: Hospital Scale of Anxiety and Depression (HADS) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) at two time points before the initiation of the rehabilitation process and at the end of the program’s participation period. Median HADS D before admission to the rehabilitation center was 9 (IQR 6–12), and 5 (IQR 3–9) after 6-week participation (p < 0.05). Median SF-36 at the beginning of rehabilitation was 93 (IQR 80–106) and 73 (IQR 53–95) at the end of the evaluation period (p < 0.05), Median HADS-A at the start of rehabilitation was 11 (IQR 9–14) and 9 (IQR 6–12) after final assessment (p > 0.05). The gender and age of the participants did not influence the results of the utilized standardized evaluation tools (p > 0.05 for both). We observed an improvement in the participants’ subjective assessment of the intensity of the depression symptoms and the quality of life after partaking in the available activities. There was no clear benefit regarding the subjective assessment of the intensity of anxiety symptoms among the study participants resulting from the introduction to the program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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20 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perception of Professionals from Different Healthcare Units Regarding the Use of Spray Technology for the Instantaneous Decontamination of Personal Protective Equipment during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic: A Short Analysis

by Luís Alberto Brêda Mascarenhas, Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado, Leticia de Alencar Pereira Rodrigues, Katharine Valéria Saraiva Hodel, Alex Álisson Bandeira Santos, Leone Peter Correia da Silva Andrade and Roberto Badaró

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7771; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157771 - 2 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1331

Abstract

Within the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, different disinfection technologies have been developed to efficiently exercise microbial control, especially to minimize the potential risks that are associated with transmission and infection among healthcare professionals. Thus, the aim of this work was [...] Read more.

Within the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, different disinfection technologies have been developed to efficiently exercise microbial control, especially to minimize the potential risks that are associated with transmission and infection among healthcare professionals. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the perception of professionals regarding the use of a new technology (chamber) for the instantaneous decontamination of personal protective equipment before the doffing stage. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study where the study data were obtained by using a questionnaire with qualitative questions. In total, 245 professionals participated in the study in three hospitals. Healthcare professionals represented 72.24% (n = 177) of the investigated sample. Approximately 69% of the professionals considered the disinfection chamber as a safe technology, and 75.10% considered it as an important and effective protective barrier for healthcare professionals in view of its application before the doffing process. The results found in this study demonstrate that the use of spray technology in the stage prior to the doffing process is acceptable to professionals, and that it can be an important tool for ensuring the additional protection of the professionals who work directly with patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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8 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness and Safety of ANTI SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Transplant Patients Treated with Immunosuppressants: A Real-World Pilot Study with a 1-Year Follow-Up

by Alfredo Caglioti, Vincenzo Rania, Cristina Vocca, Gianmarco Marcianò, Valentina Arcidiacono, Luca Catarisano, Alessandro Casarella, Emanuele Basile, Manuela Colosimo, Caterina Palleria, Daniela Mazzuca, Giulio Di Mizio, Caterina De Sarro, Claudia Pileggi, Giovambattista De Sarro and Luca Gallelli

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 6103; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12126103 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1623

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus, which induced a severe pandemic infectious disease around the world. Even if several drugs have been suggested for its treatment, to date, the only strategy to reduce the severity of disease is represented by the use of vaccine. However, [...] Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus, which induced a severe pandemic infectious disease around the world. Even if several drugs have been suggested for its treatment, to date, the only strategy to reduce the severity of disease is represented by the use of vaccine. However, the lack of pre-marketing evidence in frail patients suggests the necessity of the real-world study of a vaccine benefit–risk profile. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in a cohort of 33 patients treated with an immunosuppressant after solid organ transplant. Both CLIA and LS/MS analysis were used to evaluate the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G anti SARS-CoV-2 and the therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressant drugs. We documented that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination induced a dose- and gender-related serological response. In particular, in 63.6% of the enrolled patients, we documented a significant serological response at T2, and after a time related decrease, the booster dose induced a serological response in 72.7% of enrolled patients. In conclusion, the vaccine anti SARS-CoV-2 is immunogenic in patients under immunosuppression, and is not related to the development of ADRs. We also suggest that the booster dose could be used to increase the efficacy of the vaccination, particularly in women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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12 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Challenges in Surgical Approaches for Colorectal Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Dragos Serban, Geta Vancea, Catalin Gabriel Smarandache, Simona Andreea Balasescu, Gabriel Andrei Gangura, Daniel Ovidiu Costea, Mihail Silviu Tudosie, Corneliu Tudor, Dan Dumitrescu, Ana Maria Dascalu, Ciprian Tanasescu and Laura Carina Tribus

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5337; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115337 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic put a great burden on national healthcare systems, causing delays and disruptions in the medical care of non-COVID-19 patients. This paper aims to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic impact upon the quality of care in colorectal surgery. (2) Materials [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic put a great burden on national healthcare systems, causing delays and disruptions in the medical care of non-COVID-19 patients. This paper aims to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic impact upon the quality of care in colorectal surgery. (2) Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on the colorectal cancer cases operated in the Fourth Department of General Surgery, Emergency Hospital Bucharest Romania, over the period March 2020–February 2021 (pandemic group) vs. March 2019–February 2020 (non-pandemic group). (3) Results: The number of patients in the pandemic group decreased by 70% (36 vs. 118 patients), with lower accessibility from rural areas (11.1% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.035). Most cases in the pandemic group were emergencies (69% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.009), admitted for bowel obstruction (63.8% vs. 27.9%, p = 0.008). There was no in-hospital COVID-19 infection in patients operated for colorectal cancer. The 30-day mortality was significantly higher in the pandemic group (25% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.017), mostly due to septic shock (36.1% vs. 5%, p = 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: Colorectal cancer surgery may be performed safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict adherence to the SARS-CoV-2 prevention protocols. However, the significant increase in colorectal cancers in the emergency was associated with worse outcomes and higher mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

15 pages, 3864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the First Year of COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmological Practice: A Multi-Centre Italian Study with a Focus on Medico-Legal Aspects

by Giuseppe Demarinis, Daniela Mazzuca, Filippo Tatti, Massimiliano Borselli, Alessandra Mancini, Adriano Carnevali, Laura Logozzo, Antonio Veraldi, Ottavio Stefano, Francesca Guarna, Vincenzo Scorcia, Enrico Peiretti and Giuseppe Giannaccare

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4453; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094453 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1667

Abstract

During the COVID-19 era, several restrictions on surgery have been imposed to reduce the infectious risk among patients and staff and further preserve the availability of critical care resources. The aim of the study was to assess their impact on the ophthalmological practice [...] Read more.

During the COVID-19 era, several restrictions on surgery have been imposed to reduce the infectious risk among patients and staff and further preserve the availability of critical care resources. The aim of the study was to assess their impact on the ophthalmological practice and its medico-legal implications. A retrospective review of electronic medical records of the ophthalmological departments of the University of Cagliari (SGD) and University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro (UMG), from 16 March 2020 to 14 March 2021 (52 weeks), were compared with data from the corresponding period of the previous year. Weekly data on the number and type of diagnoses and procedures performed were collected and analysed in relation to the weekly average of the total number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and inpatients in Sardinia and Calabria. Results showed a significant decrease in cataract surgery operations by 47% and 31%, respectively, in the SGD and UMG (p < 0.05) during the second semester of the year; this drop occurred at the same time as the increase in COVID-19 patients in ICU and those hospitalised in both regions. Additionally, anterior segment surgery decreased at the UMG by 30% (p < 0.05). Vitreoretinal surgery decreased by 27% at the SGD, differently increased amount 31.5% at UMG (p < 0.05). The pandemic had a dramatic impact on elective surgery in ophthalmology, quantifying the backlog is the first step in order to understanding the measures to be taken in near future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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8 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Asthma Control during COVID-19 Lockdown in Patients with Severe Asthma under Biological Drug Treatment

by Corrado Pelaia, Alessandro Casarella, Gianmarco Marcianò, Lucia Muraca, Vincenzo Rania, Rita Citraro, Caterina Palleria, Roberta Roberti, Giulia Pelaia, Giovambattista De Sarro and Luca Gallelli

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 12089; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112412089 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2253

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has deeply affected the management of patients with severe asthma, treated with add-on biological therapies. Objective: In this study, severe asthmatic patients on treatment with one of three different biologics (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab) underwent a survey [...] Read more.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has deeply affected the management of patients with severe asthma, treated with add-on biological therapies. Objective: In this study, severe asthmatic patients on treatment with one of three different biologics (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab) underwent a survey to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the management of their clinical condition, with regard to the changes caused by the limited access to health facilities during the pandemic period. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 28 severe asthmatic outpatients referring to the Respiratory Unit of Magna Graecia University Hospital, Catanzaro (Italy), were asked to answer a telephone survey from May to July 2021. This survey included the evaluation of demographic and clinical data, as well as the number of lung function tests performed, exacerbations, biologic doses administered at hospital, or at general practitioner office, or through self-administration. Adherence to biological therapies before and during the pandemic period was also assessed. Moreover, the most recent asthma control test (ACT) score and the last forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁) measurement, recorded during the pandemic phase, were compared to the pre-pandemic (baseline) period. Results: When comparing the pre-pandemic data with the pandemic observations, the mean ACT score and the exacerbation rate did not significantly change [ACT, 21.5 ± 2.8 to 23.0 ± 3.9 (p = 0.1); exacerbation rate, 0.3 ± 0.6 and 0.5 ± 1.5 (p = 0.3)]. When considering some variables related to disease management in the same periods, a statistically significant difference was detected with regard to the mean number of outpatient visits (5.2 ± 3.8 vs. 0.9 ± 2.5, p < 0.0001), as well as to the mean number of accesses to health facilities for the administration of biological drugs (from 7.0 ± 3.4 to 2.5 ± 3.9, p < 0.0001). None of the patients reported to have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and no adverse drug reactions (ADR) occurred during the study. Conclusions: The above results suggest that COVID-19 pandemic did not induce any significant change related to severe asthma control. Indeed, add-on treatment with biological drugs was regularly continued, despite the obvious limited access to health facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

9 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight on Knowledge, Risk Perception and Practices to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study among Italian University Students

by Francesca Licata, Alessandra Oliverio, Gianfranco Di Gennaro, Carmelo Giuseppe Angelo Nobile and Aida Bianco

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9031; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11199031 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1785

Abstract

Addressing adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions among young adults represents a public health priority since this age group did not directly experience a health risk from COVID-19. The study aims were to investigate the level of knowledge, risk perception and practices to prevent the [...] Read more.

Addressing adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions among young adults represents a public health priority since this age group did not directly experience a health risk from COVID-19. The study aims were to investigate the level of knowledge, risk perception and practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among undergraduate university students in Southern Italy. This cross-sectional study was conducted between the 1st and 31st of July 2020. An anonymous and structured questionnaire was sent via institutional email. Among the 1323 sampled students, more than two-thirds gave the correct answer to all the knowledge statements. Good knowledge about COVID-19 showed a positive association with those studying medical or life sciences majors. Almost two-fifths (38.5%) of the sample declared to have quite a bit/extreme fear of falling ill with COVID-19 and it was significantly more likely among females and those with good knowledge. Only 30.2% of the students did not touch their face mask while using it. Moreover, practicing respiratory etiquette was more likely among females, among respondents with higher levels of fear of falling ill with COVID-19 and among those who exhibited good knowledge about COVID-19. The study insights will be valuable for the ongoing mitigation of the current pandemic especially with regard to the correct use of face masks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

11 pages, 2012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Physical Education Classes on Health and Quality of Life during the COVID-19

by Jiceh-Der Dong Fang, Pi-Cheng Teng and Fong-Jia Wang

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 8813; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11198813 - 22 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7378

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and the quality of life of college students participating in physical education classes. We consider this study to be relevant because during the COVID-19 pandemic we [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and the quality of life of college students participating in physical education classes. We consider this study to be relevant because during the COVID-19 pandemic we tested whether the boost in effective activity among physical education class participants affected well-being and quality of life. A sectional questionnaire survey was conducted across Taiwan in 2019–2020. Data were collected in two stages within 6 months from a sample of 1011 university students in Taiwan (328 male, 683 female). A series of one-way ANOVAs was adopted to examine each outcome across groups and time phases. The results provide support for a positive relationship between well-being (β = 0.25, p < 0.001), and quality of life (β = 0.92, p < 0.001), supporting our expectations. Findings from our study suggest that physical activity was positively associated with mental health; and participation in physical activity had an effect on the well-being and quality of life in college students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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23 pages, 752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Male-Female Disparities in Years of Potential Life Lost Attributable to COVID-19 in the United States: A State-by-State Analysis

by Jay J. Xu, Jarvis T. Chen, Thomas R. Belin, Ronald S. Brookmeyer, Marc A. Suchard and Christina M. Ramirez

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7403; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167403 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

Males are at higher risk relative to females of severe outcomes following COVID-19 infection. Focusing on COVID-19-attributable mortality in the United States (U.S.), we quantified and contrasted years of potential life lost (YPLL) attributable to COVID-19 by sex based on data from the [...] Read more.

Males are at higher risk relative to females of severe outcomes following COVID-19 infection. Focusing on COVID-19-attributable mortality in the United States (U.S.), we quantified and contrasted years of potential life lost (YPLL) attributable to COVID-19 by sex based on data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics as of 31 March 2021, specifically by contrasting male and female percentages of total YPLL with their respective percent population shares and calculating age-adjusted male-to-female YPLL rate ratios, both nationally and for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Using YPLL before age 75 to anchor comparisons between males and females and a novel Monte Carlo simulation procedure to perform estimation and uncertainty quantification, our results reveal a near-universal pattern across states of higher COVID-19-attributable YPLL among males compared to females. Furthermore, the disproportionately high COVID-19 mortality burden among males is generally more pronounced when measuring mortality burden in terms of YPLL compared to death counts, reflecting dual phenomena of males dying from COVID-19 at higher rates and at systematically younger ages relative to females. The U.S. COVID-19 epidemic also offers lessons underscoring the importance of cultivating a public health environment that recognizes sex-specific needs as well as different patterns in risk factors, health behaviors, and responses to interventions between men and women. Public health strategies incorporating focused efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccinations among men are particularly urged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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Review

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13 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessReview

SARS-CoV-2: Some Aspects of Molecular Evolution, Cellular Pathogenesis, and Immune System Mechanism Elusion

by Angela Quirino, Nadia Marascio, Giorgio Settimo Barreca, Luigia Gallo, Aida Giancotti, Angelo Giuseppe Lamberti, Cinzia Peronace, Enrico Maria Trecarichi, Paolo Fusco, Maria Mazzitelli, Francesca Divenuto, Grazia Pavia, Angela Suraci, Giovanni Matera and Maria Carla Liberto

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11605; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411605 - 7 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2091

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to address some of the latest aspects regarding molecular features, pathogenic mechanisms, and immune system response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), based on recent publications in this field from March 2020 to May 2021. [...] Read more.

The purpose of this review is to address some of the latest aspects regarding molecular features, pathogenic mechanisms, and immune system response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), based on recent publications in this field from March 2020 to May 2021. Interpretation keys for periodic re-emergence of coronavirus infections and other lethal viral pandemics are suggested. Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and other potential mechanisms of immune system deception are put forward. Therefore, vaccine development must take into account ADE and other unwanted side effects of immune-based medical intervention. Features reported in our review will allow both clinicians and basic science researchers to take home ideas to improve their knowledge about SARS-CoV-2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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22 pages, 398 KiB

Open AccessReview

SARS-CoV-2 Treatment: Current Therapeutic Options and the Pursuit of Tailored Therapy

by Gianmarco Marcianò, Roberta Roberti, Caterina Palleria, Davida Mirra, Vincenzo Rania, Alessandro Casarella, Giovambattista De Sarro and Luca Gallelli

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7457; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167457 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2601

Abstract

One year on from the worldwide outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), medicine has made several steps towards increasing the therapeutic options against its treatment. Despite the lack of specific therapies, international societies have introduced new guidelines and launched several [...] Read more.

One year on from the worldwide outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), medicine has made several steps towards increasing the therapeutic options against its treatment. Despite the lack of specific therapies, international societies have introduced new guidelines and launched several trials to test the efficacy of new protocols and drugs. Drug repurposing has been a fundamental strategy to find quick ways to fight the pathogen, even if it is new compounds that are drawing the attention of the scientific community. Tailored therapy should be considered to be a milestone in treatment in order to increase drug efficacy and to reduce drug toxicity. Therefore, both drug characteristics (i.e., pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety) and the patient characteristics (i.e., stage of disease, comorbidity, concomitant treatments and the mutation of single nucleotides) could represent the key to achieving this objective. In the present study we performed a narrative review of the pharmacological treatment used to date in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

Other

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7 pages, 896 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

COVID-19 and Clinically Isolated Syndrome: Coincidence or Causative Link? A 12-Month Follow-Up Case Report

by Davide Romano, Antonella Macerollo, Giuseppe Giannaccare, Daniela Mazzuca, Alfredo Borgia, Vito Romano, Francesco Semeraro and Richard Ellis

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(22), 11531; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122211531 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1309

Abstract

A 35-year-old female with positive anamnesis of COVID-19 infection presented with a seven-day history of headache along with tingling and numbness involving the right lower limb and visual disturbance on the right side of her vision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain [...] Read more.

A 35-year-old female with positive anamnesis of COVID-19 infection presented with a seven-day history of headache along with tingling and numbness involving the right lower limb and visual disturbance on the right side of her vision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and C-spine were consistent with acute demyelinating lesions. However, the MAGNIMS criteria for a multiple sclerosis diagnosis were not met, and, subsequently, a diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) was made. At 12 months, the patient showed new inflammatory lesions in the right frontal lobe and at the septocallosal interface, a lesion of the right hemi-cord at C3, and subsequent development of vertigo and unsteadiness and signs consistent with a brainstem/cerebellar relapse. On the basis of clinical and radiological criteria in the 2017 McDonald criteria, a diagnosis of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis was made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health)

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