Rapid effects of tryptamine psychedelics on perceptual distortions and early visual cortical population receptive fields.

N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic tryptamine acting on 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, which is associated with intense visual hallucinatory phenomena and perceptual changes such as distortions in visual space. The neural underpinnings of these effects remain unknown. We hypothesised that changes in population receptive field (pRF) properties in the primary visual cortex (V1) might underlie visual perceptual experience. We tested this hypothesis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a within-subject design. We used a technique called pRF mapping, which measures neural population visual response properties and retinotopic maps in early visual areas. We show that in the presence of visual effects, as documented by the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS), the mean pRF sizes in V1 significantly increase in the peripheral visual field for active condition (inhaled DMT) compared to the control. Eye and head movement differences were absent across conditions. This evidence for short-term effects of DMT in pRF may explain perceptual distortions induced by psychedelics such as field blurring, tunnel vision (peripheral vision becoming blurred while central vision remains sharp) and the enlargement of nearby visual space, particularly at the visual locations surrounding the fovea. Our findings are also consistent with a mechanistic framework whereby gain control of ongoing and evoked activity in the visual cortex is controlled by activation of 5-HT2A receptors.

Current State of Canine Heartworm in Portugal.

The favourable geo-climatic conditions in Portugal have made it highly conducive to the development of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, leading to its identification as an endemic region. This nematode is rapidly spreading across Europe, particularly in northeastern countries. The objective of this study was to provide an updated assessment of the prevalence of this disease in Portuguese dogs, analysing the results in relation to epidemiological and geo-environmental factors, and to identify potential risk factors. A total of 1367 dogs from all continental and insular districts were included in the study and tested for D. immitis antigens. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.9%. It was observed that the disease is spreading northward, with previously unaffected districts now reporting cases, and that the prevalence in coastal districts exceeded that of inland ones. Notably, the Aveiro district exhibited a significant increase in D. immitis prevalence, while in certain districts such as Setúbal, Santarém, Madeira, or Faro, a stabilisation or decrease in prevalence was noted. Furthermore, outdoor and older dogs were found to be at a higher risk of infection. No positive cases were detected in the Azores. Most of the infected dogs were located in areas of high and medium risk of infection. This study underscores the importance of implementing pharmacological prophylaxis, vector control strategies, and public awareness programs to control the spread of this zoonotic disease.

Management of canine wounds using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) biomaterial. A case series report.

BACKGROUND: The increasing interest in platelet-based therapies has underwritten the development of novel veterinary regenerative treatments. The haemoderivative platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) comprises abundant concentrations of platelets and leucocytes, above the physiologic baseline, which are considered essential elements for wound regeneration, stimulating local angiogenesis, cellular migration, proliferation and differentiation, considered essential for skin repair. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the treatment of eight dogs with naturally occurring cutaneous wounds, where autologous PRF therapy was applied, using a protocol developed by our group. METHODS: Eight dogs, aged between 7-month and 9-year old, from different breeds and sexes, were enrolled in this study. Four of these wounds were clinically infected. In three cases, two PRF treatments were performed during the first week of treatment, followed by single weekly treatments from the second week onwards, until exophytic granulation tissues were present. In each case, the treatment was finalized only when complete wound closure was achieved. Wounds did not receive topical antiseptics, antibiotics or topical drugs to promote wound healing during the treatment. RESULTS: PRF-grafting treatments were well tolerated in all treated wounds, inducing significant granulation tissue formation. PRF clots acted as a natural tissue filler, promoting epithelization and wound closure, without the requirement of topical antimicrobial/antiseptics application, or additional surgical debridement. Evident skin contraction was recorded in larger injuries and all the treatments resulted in vestigial aesthetic scars where hair growth was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: PRF-therapy obtained promising results, as an alternative wound treatment, revealing a biological regenerative action, prompting the natural skin healing process.

Vagal dysautonomia in patients with Chagas disease and mortality: 14-year results of a population cohort of the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: Great part of Chagas disease (ChD) mortality occurs due to ventricular arrhythmias, and autonomic function (AF) may predict unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of AF indexes in ChD patients. METHODS: The Bambuí Study of Aging is a prospective cohort of residents ≥60 years at study onset (1997), in the southeastern Brazilian city of Bambuí (15,000 inhabitants). Consented participants underwent annual follow-up visits, and death certificates were tracked. AF was assessed by the maximum expiration on minimum inspiration (E:I) ratio during ECG acquisition and by heart rate variability indices: SDRR (standard deviation of adjacent RR intervals) and RMSSD (square root of the mean of the sum of squares of the differences between adjacent RR intervals)), calculated using a computer algorithm. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to access the prognostic value of AF indexes, expressed as terciles, for all-cause mortality, after adjustment for demographic, clinical and ECG variables. RESULTS: From 1742 qualifying residents, 1000 had valid AF tests, being 321 with ChD. Among these, median age was 68 (64-74) years, and 32.5% were men. In Cox survival analyses, only SDRR was associated with all-cause mortality in non-adjusted models: SDRR (hazard ratio (HR): 1.26 (95% CI 1.08-1.47), p < 0.001), E:I ratio (HR: 1.13 (95% CI 0,98-1.31), p = 0.10) and RMSSD (HR: 0.99 (0.86-1.16), p = 0.95). After adjustment for sex and age, none of the indexes remained as independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Among elderly patients with ChD, AF indexes available in this cohort were not independent predictors of 14-year mortality.

The relationship between the default mode network and the theory of mind network as revealed by psychedelics - A meta-analysis.

The Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Theory of Mind (ToM) networks play a crucial role in our understanding of the neurocognition of the self. The DMN is commonly associated with introspection, while the ToM is involved in perspective-taking. There is no research investigating the overlap between the DMN and ToM in relation to causal effects such as induced by psychedelics, and their precise relationship remains therefore unknown. Psychedelics alter self-perception and modulate these networks, providing a unique opportunity to shed light on this relationship. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of 88 studies with a total of 2122 participants to investigate the overlap between DMN and ToM and whether psychedelics affect their neural relationship. We found that the cingulate cortex (BA23 and BA31) plays a crucial role in the overlap between these networks which is substantiated by the effects of psychedelics. These compounds affect the neural basis of ToM and social cognition, which may underlie their therapeutic potential and deepen our understanding of the neural correlates of the self.

Metal-organic frameworks for the capture of α-pinene traces.

A dual computational/experimental approach enabled ranking of the performance of a series of MOFs for α-pinene capture in terms of affinity and uptake. UiO-66(Zr) is demonstrated to be a good candidate for adsorbing α-pinene at sub-ppm levels, while MIL-125(Ti)-NH2 shows ideal performances for abating α-pinene at concentrations encountered in indoor air.

Nanoscale Iron-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Incorporation of Functionalized Drugs and Degradation in Biological Media.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) attract growing interest in biomedical applications. Among thousands of MOF structures, the mesoporous iron(III) carboxylate MIL-100(Fe) (MIL stands for the Materials of Lavoisier Institute) is among the most studied MOF nanocarrier, owing to its high porosity, biodegradability, and lack of toxicity. Nanosized MIL-100(Fe) particles (nanoMOFs) readily coordinate with drugs leading to unprecedented payloads and controlled release. Here, we show how the functional groups of the challenging anticancer drug prednisolone influence their interactions with the nanoMOFs and their release in various media. Molecular modeling enabled predicting the strength of interactions between prednisolone-bearing or not phosphate or sulfate moieties (PP and PS, respectively) and the oxo-trimer of MIL-100(Fe) as well as understanding the pore filling of MIL-100(Fe). Noticeably, PP showed the strongest interactions (drug loading up to 30 wt %, encapsulation efficiency > 98%) and slowed down the nanoMOFs' degradation in simulated body fluid. This drug was shown to bind to the iron Lewis acid sites and was not displaced by other ions in the suspension media. On the contrary, PS was entrapped with lower efficiencies and was easily displaced by phosphates in the release media. Noticeably, the nanoMOFs maintained their size and faceted structures after drug loading and even after degradation in blood or serum after losing almost the totality of the constitutive trimesate ligands. Scanning electron microscopy with high annular dark field (STEM-HAADF) in conjunction with X-Ray energy-dispersive spectrometry (XEDS) was a powerful tool enabling the unraveling of the main elements to gain insights on the MOF structural evolution after drug loading and/or upon degradation.

Self-Care Practices with Psychedelics - A Qualitative Study of Users' Perspectives.

This article explores the psychedelic experience from the users' point of view and through the lens of self-care, a concept within the domain of health and well-being. In a time of renewed interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, we aim to contribute to a better understanding of these substances by exploring their role in different settings. A phenomenological approach was used in this study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 psychedelic users and inquired about the relationship between their experiences and self-care. Analysis of the interview data was based on inductive content analysis. Most participants reported using psychedelics with self-care intentions in ceremonial, recreational, or private settings. Self-perception and existential meaningfulness were identified as the main mechanisms of self-care. Participants also mentioned difficult experiences and adversities that impair self-care. The results suggest that for some people, the use of psychedelics may be experienced as part of a self-care process and may improve self-care abilities in naturalistic settings.

MOFs with Open Metal(III) Sites for the Environmental Capture of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with open metal sites (OMS) interact strongly with a range of polar gases/vapors. However, under ambient conditions, their selective adsorption is generally impaired due to a high OMS affinity to water. This led previously to the privilege selection of hydrophobic MOFs for the selective capture/detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, we show that this paradigm is challenged by metal(III) polycarboxylates MOFs, bearing a high concentration of OMS, as MIL-100(Fe), enabling the selective capture of polar VOCs even in the presence of water. With experimental and computational tools, including single-component gravimetric and dynamic mixture adsorption measurements, in situ infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory calculations we reveal that this adsorption mechanism involves a direct coordination of the VOC on the OMS, associated with an interaction energy that exceeds that of water. Hence, MOFs with OMS are demonstrated to be of interest for air purification purposes.

Electrocardiographic findings and prognostic values in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the World Heart Federation Global Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system and ECG abnormalities may be associated with worse prognosis. We evaluated the prognostic value of ECG abnormalities in individuals with COVID-19. METHODS: Multicentre cohort study with adults hospitalised with COVID-19 from 40 hospitals across 23 countries. Patients were followed-up from admission until 30 days. ECG were obtained at each participating site and coded according to the Minnesota coding criteria. The primary outcome was defined as death from any cause. Secondary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of ECG abnormalities with the outcomes. RESULTS: Among 5313 participants, 2451 had at least one ECG and were included in this analysis. The mean age (SD) was 58.0 (16.1) years, 60.7% were male and 61.1% from lower-income to middle-income countries. The prevalence of major ECG abnormalities was 21.3% (n=521), 447 (18.2%) patients died, 196 (8.0%) had MACE and 1115 (45.5%) were admitted to an ICU. After adjustment, the presence of any major ECG abnormality was associated with a higher risk of death (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78) and cardiovascular events (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.51). Sinus tachycardia (>120 bpm) with an increased risk of death (OR 3.86; 95% CI 1.97 to 7.48), MACE (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.10 to 5.85) and ICU admission OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.03 to 4.00). Atrial fibrillation, bundle branch block, ischaemic abnormalities and prolonged QT interval did not relate to the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Major ECG abnormalities and a heart rate >120 bpm were prognostic markers in adults hospitalised with COVID-19.

Comunidade de Práticas em Terapia Ocupacional no Sistema Único de Assistência Social: articulando encontros e promovendo debates em terapia ocupacional social / Community of Practice in Occupational Therapy in the Brazilian Unified Social Assistance System: arranging meetings and promoting debates in social occupational therapy

Resumo Com o crescente número de terapeutas ocupacionais atuantes no Sistema Único de Assistência Social (SUAS), amplia-se a necessidade por processos formativos que desenvolvam criticamente a atuação profissional neste campo. A partir desta demanda formativa foi criado, em outubro de 2020, um projeto de extensão intitulado "Comunidade de práticas em terapia ocupacional no SUAS: articulação profissional e construção de estratégias", com o intuito de promover trocas de conhecimento e experiências entre terapeutas ocupacionais trabalhadoras em unidades socioassistenciais. Neste artigo se apresentam as possibilidades e os limites do trabalho no SUAS sob o ponto de vista de terapeutas ocupacionais que nele atuam e que foram participantes da Comunidade de Práticas, analisando se e como suas ações profissionais têm se relacionado com a fundamentação teórico-metodológica da terapia ocupacional social. Para isso, foi revisitado todo o material de registro produzido nos dois ciclos do projeto, efetivados de outubro de 2020 a julho de 2021. As informações extraídas das atas foram organizadas em um quadro que agrupou as temáticas encontradas. A análise dos dados revelou dois principais aspectos que possibilitam a correlação das ações das profissionais com a fundamentação teórico-metodológica da terapia ocupacional social, sendo: a necessária leitura acerca da indissociabilidade entre os fatores micro e macrossociais para o desenvolvimento do trabalho e a dimensão técnico-política da atuação terapêutico-ocupacional. Em ambos os debates a fundamentação teórico-metodológica da terapia ocupacional social foi e tem sido o fio condutor do processo, possibilitando uma leitura social e maior apropriação das finalidades técnico-profissionais no âmbito da assistência social.

Abstract With the growing number of occupational therapists working at the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS) in Brazil, there has been an increasing need for education processes focusing on the critical development of professional practice in this field. From this education demand, a project was created in October 2020: "Communities of Practice in Occupational Therapy at SUAS: professional planning and construction of strategies" aiming to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences between occupational therapists working in social assistance. This study aims to present the work possibilities and limits at SUAS from the point of view of occupational therapists who work at its units and who participated in the Community of Practice, analyzing whether and how their professional actions have been related to the social occupational therapy theoretical-methodological framework. To this end, all the recording material produced in the two project cycles from October 2020 to July 2021 was revisited. The collected information was organized in a table that grouped the themes found. Data analysis revealed two main aspects that allow the correlation of the professionals' actions with the social occupational therapy theoretical-methodological framework, namely, the necessary interpretation of the inseparability between micro- and macro-social factors for the development of work and the professional and political dimensions of the occupational-therapeutic actions. In both debates, the social occupational therapy theoretical-methodological framework has been the guiding thread of the process, enabling a social reading and a greater understanding of technical-professional purposes within the scope of social assistance.

Effective Degradation of Novichok Nerve Agents by the Zirconium Metal-Organic Framework MOF-808.

Novichoks are a novel class of nerve agents (also referred to as the A-series) that were employed in several poisonings over the last few years. This calls for the development of novel countermeasures that can be applied in protective concepts (e.g., protective clothing) or in decontamination methods. The Zr metal-organic framework MOF-808 has recently emerged as a promising catalyst in the hydrolysis of the V- and G-series of nerve agents as well as their simulants. In this paper, we report a detailed study of the degradation of three Novichok agents by MOF-808 in buffers with varying pH. MOF-808 is revealed to be a highly efficient and regenerable catalyst for Novichok agent hydrolysis under basic conditions. In contrast to the V- and G-series of agents, degradation of Novichoks is demonstrated to proceed in two consecutive hydrolysis steps. Initial extremely rapid P-F bond breaking is followed by MOF-catalyzed removal of the amidine group from the intermediate product. The intermediate thus acted as a competitive substrate that was rate-determining for the whole two-step degradation route. Under acidic conditions, the amidine group in Novichok A-230 is more rapidly hydrolyzed than the P-F bond, giving rise to another moderately toxic intermediate. This intermediate could in turn be efficiently hydrolyzed by MOF-808 under basic conditions. These experimental observations were corroborated by density functional theory calculations to shed light on molecular mechanisms.

Canine-Origin Platelet-Rich Fibrin as an Effective Biomaterial for Wound Healing in Domestic Cats: A Preliminary Study.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a recent platelet-based biomaterial, poised as an innovative regenerative strategy for the treatment of wounds from different etiologies. PRF is defined as a biodegradable scaffold containing elevated amounts of platelets and leukocytes having the capability to release high concentrations of bioactive structural proteins and acting as a temporal release healing hemoderivative. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of canine-origin PRF, obtained from blood of screened donors, as a regenerative biomaterial suitable for the treatment of critical wounds in felines. Four short-hair felines with naturally occurring wounds were enrolled in this study. Three of the wounds were considered infected. Each PRF treatment was the result of the grafting of newly produced PRFs at the recipient area. The PRF treatment was initially performed two to three times per week, followed by single weekly treatments. The study was finalized when complete wound closure was achieved. No topical antimicrobial/antiseptic treatment was applied. The present research demonstrated that xenogenic PRFs significantly induced healthy vascularized granulation tissue in lesions with soft tissue deficit, also prompting the epithelization at the injured site. No rejection, necrosis, or infection signs were recorded. Additionally, PRF-therapy was revealed to be a biological cost-effective treatment, accelerating the wound healing process.

The Effects of Tryptamine Psychedelics in the Brain: A meta-Analysis of Functional and Review of Molecular Imaging Studies.

There is an increasing interest in the neural effects of psychoactive drugs, in particular tryptamine psychedelics, which has been incremented by the proposal that they have potential therapeutic benefits, based on their molecular mimicry of serotonin. It is widely believed that they act mainly through 5HT2A receptors but their effects on neural activation of distinct brain systems are not fully understood. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of brain imaging studies to investigate the effects of substances within this class (e.g., LSD, Psilocybin, DMT, Ayahuasca) in the brain from a molecular and functional point of view. We investigated the question whether the changes in activation patterns and connectivity map into regions with larger 5HT1A/5HT2A receptor binding, as expected from indolaemine hallucinogens (in spite of the often reported emphasis only on 5HT2AR). We did indeed find that regions with changed connectivity and/or activation patterns match regions with high density of 5HT2A receptors, namely visual BA19, visual fusiform regions in BA37, dorsal anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and regions involved in theory of mind such as the surpramarginal gyrus, and temporal cortex (rich in 5HT1A receptors). However, we also found relevant patterns in other brain regions such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Moreover, many of the above-mentioned regions also have a significant density of both 5HT1A/5HT2A receptors, and available PET studies on the effects of psychedelics on receptor occupancy are still quite scarce, precluding a metanalytic approach. Finally, we found a robust neuromodulatory effect in the right amygdala. In sum, the available evidence points towards strong neuromodulatory effects of tryptamine psychedelics in key brain regions involved in mental imagery, theory of mind and affective regulation, pointing to potential therapeutic applications of this class of substances.

Standardized Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) from canine and feline origin: An analysis on its secretome pattern and architectural structure.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been incorporated in surgical procedures to promote tissue and bone healing, particularly in human medicine. The rationale for the use of platelet-based products stems from the fact that platelets, after being activated, release growth factors (GFs) and other active molecules such as cytokines, that modulate inflammation and tissue repair. Although PRF has been advanced as a therapeutic treatment for veterinary use, namely in canine and feline patients (following human medicine developments), to our knowledge a full characterization of PRF therapeutic effectors has never been performed. Herein, we studied the biological properties and release profile of GFs and other cytokines throughout ten days in in vitro culture conditions, in order to investigate the potential therapeutic ability of PRF for canine and feline practice. A protocol for obtaining PRF from whole blood without anti-coagulant from both species was optimized, originating large and homogenous PRF clots. Then, PRF clots obtained from four dogs and four cats were incubated in culture medium to assess the temporal release of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), vascular endothelial factor-A (VEGF-A), transforming growth factor ß-1 (TGF-ß1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Furthermore, morphological characterization of PRF clots, fresh and after 10 days of incubation, was performed by histology and high-resolution field emission electron scanning microscopy. In standard culture conditions, PRF clots from both species released PDGF-BB, TGF- ß1 and VEGF-A, in a sustained manner, up to day 10. Moreover, PRF presents an initial burst release of IL-8, a mediator of inflammatory response which plays a key role in neutrophil recruitment and degranulation. Overall, our findings show that PRF clots may be an efficient therapeutic strategy in canine and feline clinical practice, accelerating the local healing mechanism, through the sustained delivery of signalling molecules involved in the healing cascade.

Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells therapy in musculoskeletal injuries in dogs-a review of the scientific literature.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent, which is defined by their ability to self-renew while maintaining the capacity to differentiate into a certain number of cells, presumably from their own germinal layer. MSCs therapy is based on their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory (immunosuppressive), and regenerative potential. This review aims to provide a clinical overview of the MSCs potential as a therapeutic option for orthopedic diseases in dogs. A total of 25 clinical studies published in the scientific literature in the last 15 years on various diseases will be presented: semitendinosus myopathy, supraspinatus tendinopathy, cruciate ligament rupture, bone fractures and defects, and also osteoarthritis (OA). All articles involved in this study include only diseases that have naturally occurred in canine patients. MSCs therapy in the veterinary orthopedic field has great potential, especially for OA. All studies presented promising results. However, MSCs bone healing capacity did not reveal such favorable outcomes in the long term. Besides, most of these clinical studies did not include immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and histopathology to confirm that MSCs have differentiated and incorporated into the injured tissues. This review summarizes the current knowledge of canine MSCs biology, immunology, and clinical application in canine orthopedic diseases. Despite the positive results in its use, there is still a lack of defined protocols, heterogeneous samples, and concomitant medications used with MSCs therapy compromising therapeutic effects. Further studies are needed in the hope of overcoming its limitation in upcoming trials.

Functional capacity and rehabilitation strategies in Covid-19 patients: current knowledge and challenges.

Covid-19 is a novel infectious disease whose spectrum of presentation ranges from absence of symptoms to widespread interstitial pneumonia associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), leading to significant mortality. Given the systemic pattern of Covid-19, there are many factors that can influence patient's functional capacity after acute infection and the identification of such factors can contribute to the development of specific rehabilitation strategies. Pulmonary impairment is the primary cause of hospitalization due to Covid-19, and can progress to SARS as well as increase length of hospitalization. Moreover, cardiac involvement is observed in approximately 30% of hospitalized patients, with an increased risk of acute myocarditis, myocardial injury, and heart failure, which may compromise functional capacity in the long-term. Thromboembolic complications have also been reported in some patients with Covid-19 and are associated with a poor prognosis. Musculoskeletal complications may result from long periods of hospitalization and immobility, and can include fatigue, muscle weakness and polyneuropathy. Studies that address the functional capacity of patients after Covid-19 infection are still scarce. However, based on knowledge from the multiple systemic complications associated with Covid-19, it is reasonable to suggest that most patients, especially those who underwent prolonged hospitalization, will need a multiprofessional rehabilitation program. Further studies are needed to evaluate the functional impact and the rehabilitation strategies for patients affected by Covid-19.

Platelet-Derived Products in Veterinary Medicine: A New Trend or an Effective Therapy?

Platelet-derived products (PDPs) have gained popularity, mainly due to their high concentrations of bioactive molecules such as growth factors and cytokines, which play important roles in tissue healing and regeneration. PDPs are obtained through minimally invasive procedures and their therapeutic effect has been widely recognized. In veterinary medicine, however, the lack of standard protocols to generate PDPs is a major hurdle for assessing the clinical relevance of PDP-based therapies and for their widespread usage. The aim of this review is to analyze the technical and scientific specificities of PDPs in terms of preparation methodologies, classification categorization, nomenclature, and biological proprieties to advance their future biotechnological potential in veterinary contexts.

Functional capacity and rehabilitation strategies in Covid-19 patients: current knowledge and challenges

Abstract Covid-19 is a novel infectious disease whose spectrum of presentation ranges from absence of symptoms to widespread interstitial pneumonia associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), leading to significant mortality. Given the systemic pattern of Covid-19, there are many factors that can influence patient's functional capacity after acute infection and the identification of such factors can contribute to the development of specific rehabilitation strategies. Pulmonary impairment is the primary cause of hospitalization due to Covid-19, and can progress to SARS as well as increase length of hospitalization. Moreover, cardiac involvement is observed in approximately 30% of hospitalized patients, with an increased risk of acute myocarditis, myocardial injury, and heart failure, which may compromise functional capacity in the long-term. Thromboembolic complications have also been reported in some patients with Covid-19 and are associated with a poor prognosis. Musculoskeletal complications may result from long periods of hospitalization and immobility, and can include fatigue, muscle weakness and polyneuropathy. Studies that address the functional capacity of patients after Covid-19 infection are still scarce. However, based on knowledge from the multiple systemic complications associated with Covid-19, it is reasonable to suggest that most patients, especially those who underwent prolonged hospitalization, will need a multiprofessional rehabilitation program. Further studies are needed to evaluate the functional impact and the rehabilitation strategies for patients affected by Covid-19.