Abstract Changes in lipoprotein metabolism are among the main causes of hemodynamic impairment in renal function. COVID-19 is an multisystemic inflammatory disease, aggravating this situation. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship of serum lipoprotein profile with inflammatory parameters and renal function in 95 COVID-19 outpatients in comparison with 173 with flu-like symptoms. Serum samples were collected for the determination of total cholesterol and fractions, apolipoproteins (Apo A-I and Apo B), urea (sUr) and creatinine (sCr). The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. Neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) ratios were calculated as inflammatory parameters derived from the blood tests. COVID-19 patients presented lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (47.90 ± 1.543 vs. 51.40 ± 0.992) and higher PLR (190.9 ± 9.410 vs. 137.6 ± 5.534) and NLR (3.40 ± 0.22 vs. 2.80 ± 0.15). Both NLR and PLR correlated with each other (r = 0.639). Furthermore, the Apo B/Apo A-I ratio was correlated with PLR (r = 0.5818) and eGFR (r = -0.2630). COVID-19 patients classified as at high risk of developing acute myocardial infarction based on the Apo B/ Apo A-I ratio had higher values for sUr/sCr. Thus, serum apolipoproteins, PLR, and NLR could be related to renal dysfunction in COVID-19.

Resumo Introdução: A traqueostomia é um procedimento cirúrgico comumente feito na prática otorrinolaringológica. O cuidado pós-operatório é o aspecto mais importante para alcançar bons resultados para o paciente. A indisponibilidade de diretrizes padrão para o manejo da traqueostomia e o treinamento inadequado podem tornar complexa essa prática básica. A equipe de enfermagem e os médicos desempenham um papel muito importante no manejo à beira do leito, tanto na enfermaria quanto na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Portanto, é crucial que todos os profissionais de saúde diretamente envolvidos na prestação de cuidados pós-operatórios a esses pacientes possam fazer isso de forma eficiente. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre a identificação e manejo de emergências relacionadas à traqueostomia e complicações precoces entre os profissionais de saúde, a fim de melhorar a prática e sua padronização. Método: Estudo observacional transversal que incluiu 254 médicos e enfermeiras de quatro grandes hospitais terciários. As perguntas foram simples e diretas em relação à aspiração da traqueostomia, cuidados com o cuff, manejo do cuff, obstrução da cânula e manejo da alimentação em pacientes traqueostomizados. Resultado: Com base nas evidências de nosso estudo, o nível de conhecimento sobre os cuidados com a traqueostomia varia de 48% a 52%, com escores de conhecimento acima de 50% considerados satisfatórios. Existem lacunas significativas no conhecimento em vários aspectos dos cuidados e manejo da traqueostomia entre os profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: Nossos achados demonstraram um nível de conhecimento adequado entre os profissionais de saúde, variação de 48% a 52%, com escores de conhecimento acima de 50% considerados satisfatórios e revelaram que ainda existem lacunas no conhecimento em vários aspectos do tratamento e manejo do paciente traqueostomizado.

Abstract Introduction: Tracheostomy is commonly performed surgical procedure in ENT practice. Postoperative care is the most important aspect for achieving good patient outcomes. Unavailability of standard guidelines on tracheostomy management and inadequate training can make this basic practice complex. The nursing staff and doctors play a very important role in bedside management, both in the ward and in the intensive care unit (ICU) setup. Therefore, it is crucial that all healthcare providers directly involved in providing postoperative care to such patients can do this efficiently. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge regarding identification and management of tracheostomy-related emergencies and early complications among healthcare professionals so as to improve practice and further standardization. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study included two hundred and fifty-four doctors and nurses from four large tertiary care hospitals. The questions used were simple and straightforward regarding tracheostomy suctioning, cuff care, cuff management, tube blockage, and feeding management in patients with tracheostomy. Results: Based on evidence from our study, knowledge level regarding tracheostomy care ranges from 48% to 52% with knowledge scores above 50% being considered satisfactory. Significant gaps in knowledge exist in various aspects of tracheostomy care and management among healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated an adequate knowledge level among health care professionals ranging from 48% to 52% with knowledge scores above 50% being considered satisfactory and revealed that gaps in knowledge still exist in various aspects of tracheostomy care and management.

Abstract Mercury, which is ubiquitous and recalcitrant to biodegradation processes, threatens human health by escaping to the environment via various natural and anthropogenic activities. Non-biodegradability of mercury pollutants has necessitated the development and implementation of economic alternatives with promising potential to remove metals from the environment. Enhancement of microbial based remediation strategies through genetic engineering approaches provides one such alternative with a promising future. In this study, bacterial isolates inhabiting polluted sites were screened for tolerance to varying concentrations of mercuric chloride. Following identification, several Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species were found to exhibit the highest tolerance to both organic and inorganic mercury. Screened bacterial isolates were examined for their genetic make-up in terms of the presence of genes (merP and merT) involved in the transport of mercury across the membrane either alone or in combination to deal with the toxic mercury. Gene sequence analysis revealed that the merP gene showed 86–99% homology, while the merT gene showed >98% homology with previously reported sequences. By exploring the genes involved in imparting metal resistance to bacteria, this study will serve to highlight the credentials that are particularly advantageous for their practical application to remediation of mercury from the environment.