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SARS-CoV-2 detection in primary thyroid sarcoma: coincidence or interaction?

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid dysfunctions associated with SARS-CoV-2 are emerging in scientific literature. During the second COVID-19 epidemic spread, we evaluated a patient with the suspect of subacute thyroiditis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Specimen from fine-needle aspiration of a hypoechoic undefined area was analyzed for cytology and for SARS-CoV-2 detection. SARS-CoV-2 was retrieved by real-time polymerase chain reaction on the cytologic sample, which was then cultured on Vero E6 cells and demonstrated to be cytopathic. Whole-genome sequence was deposited. Histological exam diagnosed a rare case of primary thyroid sarcoma with diffuse and strong expression of mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) oncoprotein. Ultrastructural examination confirmed, in several neoplastic cells, the presence of viral particles in cytoplasmic vacuoles.

CONCLUSIONS

In our hypothesis, SARS-CoV-2 and sarcoma coexistence could represent a synergistic interplay, ultimately favoring both viral persistence and tumor proliferation: the overexpression of MDM2 in tumor cells might have generated a favorable immunological niche for SARS-CoV-2 localization and, in turn, SARS-CoV-2 could have favored tumor growth by inducing MDM2-mediated p53 downregulation. Functional studies are needed to confirm this suggestive pathway.

The efficacy of ultraviolet light-emitting technology against coronaviruses: a systematic review

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has underlined the importance of adopting effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in hospital and community settings. Ultraviolet (UV)-based technologies represent promising IPC tools: their effective application for sanitation has been extensively evaluated in the past but scant, heterogeneous and inconclusive evidence is available on their effect on SARS-CoV-2 transmission. With the aim of pooling the available evidence on the efficacy of UV technologies against coronaviruses, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library, and the main clinical trials' registries (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane and EU Clinical Trial Register). Quantitative data on studies' interventions were summarized in tables, pooled by different coronavirus species and strain, UV source, characteristics of UV light exposure and outcomes. Eighteen papers met our inclusion criteria, published between 1972 and 2020. Six focused on SARS-CoV-2, four on SARS-CoV-1, one on MERS-CoV, three on seasonal coronaviruses, and four on animal coronaviruses. All were experimental studies. Overall, despite wide heterogenicity within included studies, complete inactivation of coronaviruses on surfaces or aerosolized, including SARS-CoV-2, was reported to take a maximum exposure time of 15 min and to need a maximum distance from the UV emitter of up to 1 m. Advances in UV-based technologies in the field of sanitation and their proved high virucidal potential against SARS-CoV-2 support their use for IPC in hospital and community settings and their contribution towards ending the COVID-19 pandemic. National and international guidelines are to be updated and parameters and conditions of use need to be identified to ensure both efficacy and safety of UV technology application for effective infection prevention and control in both healthcare and non-healthcare settings.

Effects of enteral nutrition on patients with pressure lesions: a single center, pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Protein-energetic malnutrition (PEM) affects prognosis and mortality in elderly patients as an inadequate nutritional status is a risk factor for the development and worsening of pressure sores (PS). We aimed to evaluate the incidence of PEM in outpatients with PS and to study the impact of nutritional support on the stage of PS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PS patients, divided in a group treated with artificial nutrition (group A) and those fed orally (group B) at home, were consecutively enrolled in the Integrated Home Care program of Ascoli Piceno between June and September 2015. At T0 the patients underwent medical history, nutritional, anthropometric/biochemical parameters assessment, and the staging of the PS. The same assessments and staging of the pressure lesions were performed three months later (T1).

RESULTS

Group A (n=25) started from a better nutritional status vs. group B (n=25) at T0, according to MNA assessment. Group A showed a significant improvement of nutritional status correlating with detailed control of nutrients intake and improvement of PS stage (T0 vs. T1, p<0.05). On the other hand, group B showed a significant difference between nutrients intake and nutritional needs that correlated with both malnutrition state increase and worsening of the PS staging (T0 vs. T1, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that PEM has a significant prevalence in the elder, in general, and in older people with PS, in particular. A targeted nutritional intake can prevent and help the healing of PS.

Impact of patients nutritional status on major surgery outcome

OBJECTIVE

Surgery is a major stress factor that activates several inflammatory and catabolic pathways in man. An appropriate nutritional status allows the body to react properly to this stressor and recover in a faster and more efficient manner. On the other hand, malnutrition is related to a worse surgery outcome and to a higher prevalence of comorbidities and mortality. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing major surgery and investigate the potential correlation between malnutrition and surgical outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and global clinical examination (including biochemical parameters and comorbidities existence) were undertaken in 50 consecutive patients undergoing major surgery. Patients' clinical conditions were re-evaluated at 3 and 6 days after surgery, recording biochemical parameters and systemic and/or wound-related complications.

RESULTS

A compromised nutritional status was present in more than half (54%) of patients (malnutrition in 10% and risk of malnutrition in 44% of patients, respectively). Females were slightly more at risk of malnutrition (48% vs. 41%, p=NS, females vs. males) and clearly malnourished (14% vs. 7%, p<0.05, females vs. males). Age was an independent risk factor for malnutrition and within the elders' group (> 80 years old) 16.70% of patients was diagnosed with malnutrition and 58.3% was at risk of malnutrition. Systemic complications were registered in all patients both at 3 and 6 days after surgery. However, well-nourished and at-risk of malnutrition patients had earlier complications that only partially resolved within six days after the operation. Malnourished patients showed fewer complications at the 3rd post-surgery follow-up day but had a worse outcome six days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age and but not female sex are independent risk factors for malnutrition development in patients undergoing major surgery. More interestingly, more than half of patients with an impaired nutritional status presented a less appropriated stress response to surgery. These data suggest that nutritional status assessment may be important to recognize patients at potential risk of surgical complications and that early nutritional interventions must be promptly arranged.

Alternative Methods of Vaccine Delivery: An Overview of Edible and Intradermal Vaccines

Vaccines are recognized worldwide as one of the most important tools for combating infectious diseases. Despite the tremendous value conferred by currently available vaccines toward public health, the implementation of additional vaccine platforms is also of key importance. In fact, currently available vaccines possess shortcomings, such as inefficient triggering of a cell-mediated immune response and the lack of protective mucosal immunity. In this regard, recent work has been focused on vaccine delivery systems, as an alternative to injectable vaccines, to increase antigen stability and improve overall immunogenicity. In particular, novel strategies based on edible or intradermal vaccine formulations have been demonstrated to trigger both a systemic and mucosal immune response. These novel vaccination delivery systems offer several advantages over the injectable preparations including self-administration, reduced cost, stability, and elimination of a cold chain. In this review, the latest findings and accomplishments regarding edible and intradermal vaccines are described in the context of the system used for immunogen expression, their molecular features and capacity to induce a protective systemic and mucosal response.

Challenges faced by gender-variant people in receiving appropriate care and ways to improve their care and lives – A UK study

Introduction

It is only in the last decade that trans people have been accorded rights and give protection in law from discrimination. A survey of 10,000 people undertaken by the Equality and Human Right Commission showed that 1% of the population was gender-variant to some extent. Gender-variant people continue to suffer restricted opportunities, discrimination and harassment at work despite the existence of anti-discrimination and equalities legislation. It is estimated that up to 40% of people with gender dysphoria may not be receiving appropriate help.

Objective

Review of UK policies, guidelines, legislation and research on challenges faced by gender-variant people and ways to improve their care and lives.

Aims

To improve gender-variant people access to care and ways to fight inequalities.

Methods

MEDLINE, PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published between 2005–2015 containing the keywords “gender dysphoria”, “gender-variant people” and “transgender people”. Relevant policies, guidelines and legislations were also reviewed.

Results

Transgender people still face major health inequalities and discrimination. National statistics show that 80% have experienced harassment, 62% suffered discrimination at work or home and 54% reported being denied access to NHS care due to lack of cultural competency from staff. Guidelines, research, policies and equality legislation have begun to be implemented to protect transgender people from discrimination and accord rights.

Conclusions

Many areas need attention and improvement including not only healthcare but also employment, education, housing and media perception. Promotion of equality in the general population with the aim of achieving cultural change and improvement of cultural competency of health professionals is needed.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.