A comparative study between methylprednisolone versus dexamethasone as an initial anti-inflammatory treatment of moderate COVID-19 pneumonia: an open-label randomized controlled trial.

Background: The most appropriate anti-inflammatory treatment for moderate COVID-19 pneumonia remains uncertain. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of a high-dose methylprednisolone versus a high-dose dexamethasone in hospitalized moderate COVID-19 pneumonia, regarding the WHO clinical progression scales, mortality, and the length of hospitalization.

Methods: In this open-labeled randomized controlled trial, we enrolled patients with age > 18 years old who were diagnosed moderate COVID-19 pneumonia confirmed by real-time PCR, evidence of pneumonia by chest imaging and resting oxygen saturation between 90 and 94%.

Prevalence and risk factors of cytomegalovirus reactivation in critically Ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Backgrounds: In critically ill patients with COVID-19, secondary infections are potentially life-threatening complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of CMV reactivation among critically ill immunocompetent patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients who were admitted to ICU and screened for quantitative real-time PCR for CMV viral load in a tertiary-care hospital during the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand.

Remdesivir versus Favipiravir in Hospitalized Patients with Moderate to Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Remdesivir treatment was associated with a reduced 28-day mortality and recovery time among patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Favipiravir is broadly used to treat COVID-19. However, various studies have had conflicting results on the efficacy of favipiravir for COVID-19.

Associations of and genetic polymorphisms with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in Thai people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

Background: The prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing public health issue in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). However, the pathophysiology of MAFLD is still unknown, and the role of genetic variables is only now becoming evident.

Aim: To evaluate the associations of gene-polymorphism-related MAFLD in PLWH.

Molnupiravir versus favipiravir in at-risk outpatients with COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial in Thailand.

Objectives: Evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir and favipiravir in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 and at risk of severe COVID-19.

Methods: In an open-label, parallel-group, multicenter trial in Thailand, participants with moderate COVID-19 and at least one factor associated with severe COVID-19 were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive oral molnupiravir or oral favipiravir (standard of care). Phone calls for remote symptom assessment were made on Days 6, 15, and 29.

Impact of vitamin D supplementation on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia patients: a single-center randomized controlled trial.

Background: Vitamin D supplementation for infectious diseases has been discussed, but its role in COVID-19 is unclear. Therefore, this study examined the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia patients who received vitamin D supplementation.

Methods: This prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a university hospital between July 2020 and March 2022.

Correlation Between Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity and Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Background/aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is a crucial global health concern. Studies have shown that metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease patients are at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019. However, there are no precise measures of the correlation between the degree of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease fibrosis and coronavirus disease 2019 severity.

Thyroid Incidentalomas in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

Context: During the COVID-19 pandemic, both people with underlying diseases and previously healthy people were infected with SARS-CoV-2. In our institute, most hospitalized patients underwent chest computed tomography (CT) to evaluate pulmonary involvement and complication of COVID-19. There are currently limited data regarding thyroid CT incidentalomas in healthy people.

Increased platelet activation and lower platelet-monocyte aggregates in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia.

Background: The increased procoagulant platelets and platelet activation are associated with thrombosis in COVID-19. In this study, we investigated platelet activation in COVID-19 patients and their association with other disease markers.

Methods: COVID-19 patients were classified into three severity groups: no pneumonia, mild-to-moderate pneumonia, and severe pneumonia.

Effects of pitavastatin on atherosclerotic-associated inflammatory biomarkers in people living with HIV with dyslipidemia and receiving ritonavir-boosted atazanavir: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

Background: Chronic inflammation has been described in people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite viral suppression. Inflammation associated non-communicable diseases, including atherosclerosis, are becoming recognized complication of HIV infection. We studied the effect of pitavastatin on atherosclerotic-associated inflammatory biomarkers in PLHIV receiving ART.

Long-term virological and immunological outcomes between HIV-positive individuals with and without pretreatment HIV drug resistance.

Background: Pretreatment HIV drug resistance (PHDR) has emerged after scaling-up access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to compare long-term virological and immunological outcomes between HIV-positive individuals with and without PHDR.

Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted in HIV-positive individuals who had a genotypic resistance test performed prior to ART initiation.

Risk Factors of Renal Tubular Dysfunction in Thai People Living with HIV Receiving Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) associates with renal tubular dysfunction (RTD) in some people living with HIV (PLWH). We studied clinical and genetic factors associated with RTD in Thai PLWH receiving TDF. RTD was diagnosed in 13 of 65 (20%) patients.

Progression of non-anemic macrocytosis to anemia in HIV-positive persons receiving zidovudine-containing regimens in a resource-limited setting.

Background: Non-anemic macrocytosis is frequently observed among HIV-positive persons treated with zidovudine in resource-limited settings. Although zidovudine-associated anemia is well recognized, the probability and predictors of progression from non-anemic macrocytosis to anemia are still unknown.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-positive persons receiving zidovudine-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) with non-anemic macrocytosis.

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis and factors associated with 30-day mortality.

Background: Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is a rare event but underrecognition may lead to unfavorable outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients. While many risk factors of MALA have been identified, how to reduce mortality from MALA is a matter of debate. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with 30-day mortality amongst MALA patients.

Association between gut microbiota and prediabetes in people living with HIV.

The prevalence of prediabetes is rapidly increasing in general population and in people living with HIV (PLWH). Gut microbiota play an important role in human health, and dysbiosis is associated with metabolic disorders and HIV infection. Here, we aimed to evaluate the association between gut microbiota and prediabetes in PLWH.

The Association of and Genotypes and Hepatotoxicity in Thai People Living with HIV.

Glutathione s-transferase (GST) is a family of drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying drugs and xenobiotic substances. Therefore, deletion polymorphisms of s can be implicated in developing several pathological conditions, including antiretroviral drug-induced liver injury (ARVDILI). Notably, polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with ARVDILI risk.

Metformin for Preventing Progression From Prediabetes to Diabetes Mellitus in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) itself increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Prediabetes, a condition preceding DM, is common in PLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Both metformin and lifestyle interventions have been established to reduce the risk of progression from prediabetes to DM in the general population.

Spontaneous tension hemothorax in a severe COVID-19 patient receiving ECMO therapy: The other side of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy.

As opposed to widely recognized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated thrombotic events, the unusual but serious bleeding complications in COVID-19 patients are worth-mentioned. Here, we describe a 44-year-old man afflicted by COVID-19 pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and submassive pulmonary embolism. The patient's condition initially improved with the prescription of ECMO, tocilizumab, and hemoadsorption, however, he later developed spontaneous tension hemothorax, which is considered rare but devastating in the setting of COVID-19.

Recovery of renal function after early versus late switching of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in people living with HIV with renal insufficiency.

Background: Although many guidelines recommend switching tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to other antiretroviral agents if there is a progressive decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) not explained by other causes, a definite cut-point of the eGFR for TDF switching is not known.

Methods: A cohort study was conducted among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who switched from TDF to other agents due to declined eGFR. Participants were categorized according to the eGFR at TDF switching: early-switch (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.

SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity of individuals subsequent to completing quarantine upon entry into a country during a transmission-free period.

Background: During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many countries require travellers to undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) before travelling across borders. However, in persons having recovered from COVID-19, RT-PCR positivity can persist for an extended period.

Materials And Methods: We describe three cases who sought fit-to-fly certificates in Thailand during the period free of local transmission but were tested positive for RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2.

Pioglitazone for the Treatment of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in People Living With HIV and Prediabetes.

Background Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is increasingly common among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and can progress to cirrhosis and cirrhotic-related complications. Pioglitazone is known to improve insulin sensitivity that results in decreasing serum fatty acids and resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pioglitazone for the treatment of MAFLD in PLHIV and prediabetes.

Identifying individuals with recent COVID-19 through voice classification using deep learning.

Recently deep learning has attained a breakthrough in model accuracy for the classification of images due mainly to convolutional neural networks. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the presence of subclinical voice feature alteration in COVID-19 patients after the recent resolution of disease using deep learning. The study was a prospective study of 76 post COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy individuals.

Anti-HIV serological test algorithms to reduce false-positive and inconclusive results for low HIV prevalence and resource-limited areas.

A false-positive anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result can have devastating consequences. Sequential HIV serological testing is a strategy that could be applied in resource-limited settings to reduce false-positive results when a nucleic acid test is not affordable. We aimed to compare the results of sequential anti-HIV testing algorithms recommended by the national guidelines and our hospital algorithm in the setting of low HIV prevalence.

SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies decline over one year and patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia display a unique cytokine profile.

Objectives: As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rages on worldwide, there is an urgent need to characterize immune correlates of protection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to identify immune determinants of COVID-19 severity.

Methods: This study examined the longitudinal profiles of neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients clinically diagnosed with mild symptoms, pneumonia, or severe pneumonia, up to 12 months after illness onset, using live-virus neutralization. Multiplex, correlation, and network analyses were used to characterize serum-derived inflammatory cytokine profiles in all severity groups.