Somagutta MK, et al. Infect Chemother. 2021 May;53:e26. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2021.0016

Adverse childhood experiences,non-suicidal self-injury,systematic review,youth

Background: COVID-19 has affected global communities with multiple neurological complications in addition to other critical medical issues. COVID-19 binds to the host’s angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are expressed in the neurons and glial cells, acting as an entry port to the central nervous system (CNS). ACE2 receptors are abundantly expressed on dopamine neurons, which may worsen the prognosis of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). SARS-CoV-2 may lead to an indirect response via immune-mediated cytokine storms and propagate through the CNS leading to damage. In this systematic review, we aim to provide thorough analyses of associations between COVID-19 and neurological outcomes for patients with PD. Methods: Using PRISMA statement 2020, a systematic review was conducted to isolate confirmed COVID-19 patients and analyze the PD-associated neurological outcomes using the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. The following keywords were used “COVID19, SARS-CoV-2, Parkinson’s disease, Pandemic, Mortality.” A modified Delphi process was employed. Results: Of the 355 studies located during the initial round of screening, 16 were included in the final synthesis. Of PD patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, worsening motor symptoms and other viral-associated symptoms were reported. These symptoms included bradykinesia, tremors, gait disturbances, delirium and dementia, and severe spasms of arms and legs. Encephalopathy was presented in 2 of the included studies. Increased mortality rates were identified for hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 and PD as compared to other patient groups. Conclusion: Patients with PD may experience substantial worsening of symptoms due to COVID 19. Given the novelty of neurological-viral associations, clinical studies in the future ought to explore the disease severity and neurological outcomes in COVID-19 positive patients with PD as compared to non-PD patients, in addition to understanding the role of ACE2 in increased vulnerability to contracting the infection and as a treatment modality.

Industries widely utilize benzene in the production of plastics, resins, and fibers. It is also present in cigarette smoke, gasoline, and motor vehicle exhaust. Unfortunately the widespread use is also associated with a significant risk of malignancies. Leukemias, lymphomas, and lung cancers are among the malignancies commonly linked to benzene exposure. Studies have described various pathophysiological mechanisms involving interactions between the immune system, stem cells, and oxidative stress. These changes are linked to chromosomal abnormalities and the development of a mutator phenotype. In addition to cancers, benzene is associated with the acceleration of lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Other carcinogens include ultraviolet radiation, processed meat, and various air pollutants. Authorities have implemented various regulations have been established to limit exposure to such hazardous chemicals. Additionally, recommendations have been issued regarding actions to take in the event of acute benzene exposure. By raising awareness and enforcing stringent laws, the incidence of benzene-associated cancers can decline.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of the first triple CFTR protein modulators in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, following PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were searched extensively: PubMed/Medline, Clinical trials.gov, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, and Europe PMC using the