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Sex in the Time of COVID-19; Serum SARS-CoV-2 and Disease Severity; Natural History of Untreated Tuberculosis

Gut Microbiome in Patients at Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

Certain risk factors and prodromal markers of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as constipation and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, are associated with specific bacterial compositions of the gut. However, the value of gut microbiome data to predict the risk of PD development needs further investigation.

Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Plasma Associated with ICU Admission and Mortality

A prospective cohort study found that SARS-CoV-2 plasma RNA was detected more often, and the levels were higher, in patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and/or who died.

Chronic Low-Dose Corticosteroids and Infection Risk

The prolonged use of low-dose oral corticosteroids (including < 5 mg prednisone equivalent doses) in rheumatoid arthritis patients is associated with an increased risk of infection.

Corticosteroid Bursts and Subsequent Sepsis

Short-term (< 14 days) administration of oral corticosteroids is associated with an increased risk of adverse events, including an approximately two-fold risk of sepsis.

First There Was MIS-C, Now There Is MIS-A

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A), similar to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ethical Issues Affecting COVID-19 Vaccination

The world waits eagerly for a COVID-19 vaccine. But the supply of vaccine is unlikely to initially meet the demand. Ethical issues are important as individuals and groups are prioritized for early vaccination.

Survey: Few Outpatient Surgery Complications During COVID-19 Pandemic

Using extra safety precautions, hundreds of ambulatory surgery centers reported on outcomes from the early days of the public health crisis.

Repeat SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Whole genome sequencing confirmed that repeat infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, something that is consequential for vaccine use and public health.

Dexamethasone for COVID-19 Inpatients Requiring Oxygen

Dexamethasone administration is associated with reduced 28-day mortality in oxygen-requiring COVID-19 patients, including those receiving mechanical ventilation.