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47 ud af 47 tidsskrifter valgt, søgeord (covid) valgt, emner højest 180 dage gamle, sorteret efter nyeste først.
1285 emner vises.
Binyaruka, P., Mtenga, S. M., Mashasi, I., Karugu, C. H., Mohamed, S. F., Asiki, G., Mair, F. S., Gray, C. M.
BMJ Open, 8.12.2023
Tilføjet 8.12.2023
BackgroundPeople with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at increased risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. Vaccination can improve outcomes, but vaccine hesitancy remains a major challenge. We examined factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people with T2D in two sub-Saharan Africa countries that adopted different national approaches to combat COVID-19, Kenya and Tanzania. MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted in February-March 2022, involving a survey of 1000 adults with T2D (500 Kenya; 500 Tanzania) and 51 in-depth interviews (21 Kenya; 30 Tanzania). Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model, while thematic content analysis explored barriers and facilitators. ResultsCOVID-19 vaccine uptake was lower in Tanzania (26%) than in Kenya (75%), which may reflect an initial political hesitancy about vaccines in Tanzania. People with college/university education were four times more likely to be vaccinated than those with no education (Kenya AOR=4.25 (95% CI 1.00 to 18.03), Tanzania AOR=4.07 (1.03 to 16.12)); and people with health insurance were almost twice as likely to be vaccinated than those without health insurance (Kenya AOR=1.70 (1.07 to 2.70), Tanzania AOR=1.81 (1.04 to 3.13)). Vaccine uptake was higher in older people in Kenya, and among those with more comorbidities and higher socioeconomic status in Tanzania. Interviewees reported that wanting protection from severe illness promoted vaccine uptake, while conflicting information, misinformation and fear of side-effects limited uptake. ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccine uptake among people with T2D was suboptimal, particularly in Tanzania, where initial political hesitancy had a negative impact. Policy-makers must develop strategies to reduce fear and misconceptions, especially among those who are less educated, uninsured and younger.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.12.2023
Tilføjet 8.12.2023
Abstract Background To ensure emergency infection prevention and control (IPC) can be fully supervised and monitored in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic period, a three-level inspector mechanism called "Internal self-check, Departmental cross-check, and Verification of outstanding key and difficult issues" was established in southwest China. The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of inspector mechanism for the emergency IPC. Methods A self-control real-world study was conducted during COVID-19 epidemic period from 2020 to 2022. An innovative designed mobile phone application was used to realize paperless information transmission and data management. Data were compared between inspection levels using SPSS 19.0 software. Results A total of 2,800,132 supervision records were collected, including 149,137 comprehensive epidemic IPC projects, 1,410,093 personal protective equipment (PPE) use, 1,223,595 wearing and removing process of PPE and 17,307 ultraviolet light-detectable fluorescent (UV/F) surface marker. During the study period, the inspectors and subjects explored many optimized IPC measures. The compliance rate of check items has exceeded 98%, and internal self-check has a statistically significant higher rate than departmental cross-check (99.95% versus 98.74%, χ2 = 26111.479, P < 0.001). Compare with the failure rate in internal self check, the failure rate of PPE usage and wearing/removing process was statistically higher in departmental cross-check (χ2 = 1957.987, P < 0.001, χ2 = 465.610, P < 0.001, respectively). The overall clearance rate of UV/F surface markers is 87.88%, but there is no statistically significant difference over the three years of the present study (F = 2.902, P = 0.071). Conclusions Inspector mechanism for the emergency IPC completed an incredible inspection workload and offered creative assistance to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. These methods and accumulated experiences should be helpful for us to strengthen IPC for future epidemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPeng Ge, Yalan Luo, Jie Liu, Jin Liu, Haiyun Wen, Guixin Zhang, Hailong Chen
Journal of Medical Virology, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Jinyoung Yang, Hye‐Jin Kim, Jun‐Won Kim, Jin Yang Baek, Young Jae Lee, Ju‐yeon Choi, Su‐Hwan Kim, Hyeonji Jeong, Eun Joo Chung, Gi‐eun Rhie, Byoung Kwon Park, So‐Young Lee, Kyong Ran Peck, Byoungguk Kim, Jae‐Hoon Ko
Journal of Medical Virology, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Ma Junyong, Yizhou Wang, Jian Liu, Yali Wu, Shichao Zhang, Xifeng Li, Daoxi Zha, Jun Zhou, Yong Xia, Xiaofeng Zhang
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
The COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading globally for over three years, posing a serious threat to human life and health, and causing significant impacts on surgical procedures. Early surgical research on COVID-19 primarily focused on the effects of infection on postoperative complications and the timing of surgeries. In Wuhan, China, where the initial infections of SARS-CoV-2 occurred, all infected surgical patients developed pulmonary complications shortly after surgery, with 44.1% (15/34) requiring ICU care, and the mortality rate reaching 20.5% [1].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 109 Issue: 6 Pages: 1290-1297
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 109 Issue: 6 Pages: 1363-1367
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Abstract Background Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive testing was undertaken by independent clinical laboratories (ICLs), yet limited research exists on this matter. Drawing from Green Cross Laboratories (GC Labs)\' pandemic response experience, this study seeks to offer insights for preparation for the next pandemic. Methods This retrospective study analyzed the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (SARS-CoV-2 rRT PCR) tests administered by GC Labs for COVID-19 diagnosis, upon request by different organizations, between February 2020 and April 2022. The distribution of institutions that requested the tests, the type of tests, and the positive rate were analyzed. We investigated resource allocation details. Results ICLs were responsible for conducting 85.6% of all tests carried out under South Korea’s COVID-19 testing policy during the pandemic. The availability of free testing regardless of symptoms led to a significant increase in the use of pooled tests, which accounted for more than 80% of all tests conducted after August 2021. The gender and age distribution of COVID-19 cases nationwide and GC Labs’ positive cases were similar. When we analyzed the positive rate by requesting organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite an overall nationwide positivity rate of 35%, high-risk facilities exhibited a positivity rate of less than 5% by maintaining preemptive testing. The most notable increase in resources during the pandemic was seen in human resource input. Conclusions South Korea\'s ICLs were able to conduct large volumes of testing during the COVID-19 pandemic because of their logistics and computer systems, scalable testing space, and trained testing personnel. They also had the flexibility to bring in additional resources to expand testing capacity because they are specialized testing organizations. Hence, ICLs could execute the pooled test that the government had introduced for extensive general population screening. The preemptive periodic testing of high-risk populations kept the positive rate much lower than in the general population. This study\'s findings will aid in refining mass testing-based policies for the next pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Abstract Background Herpes zoster (HZ) is the clinical syndrome associated with reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Several factors have been implicated to promote VZV reactivation; these include immunosuppression, older age, mechanical trauma, physiologic stress, lymphopenia, and more recently, infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS- CoV-2). Recent reports suggest an increase in the number of HZ cases in the general population during the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unknown what proportion of HZ during the pandemic is due to reactivation of wild-type or vaccine-strain VZV. Case Here we report the first known case of HZ concomitant with SARS-CoV2 infection in a 20-month-old female who was treated with a single dose of dexamethasone, due to reactivation of the vaccine-type strain of VZV after presenting with a worsening vesicular rash. Conclusion In this case, we were able to show vaccine-strain VZV reactivation in the context of a mild acute symptomatic COVID-19 infection in a toddler. Being able to recognize HZ quickly and effectively in a pediatric patient can help stave off the significant morbidity and mortality associated with disease process.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Abstract Every novel infection requires an assessment of the host response coupled with identification of unique biomarkers for predicting disease pathogenesis, treatment targets and diagnostic utility. Studies have exposed dysregulated inflammatory response induced by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as significant predictor or cause of disease severity/prognosis and death. This study evaluated inflammatory biomarkers induced by SARS-CoV-2 in plasma of patients with varying disease phenotypes and healthy controls with prognostic or therapeutic potential. We stratified SARS-CoV-2 plasma samples based on disease status (asymptomatic, mild, severe, and healthy controls), as diagnosed by RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2. We used a solid phase sandwich and competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to measure levels of panels of immunological (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and biochemical markers (Ferritin, Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, Angiotensin II, Homocysteine, and D-dimer). Biomarker levels were compared across SARS-CoV-2 disease stratification. Plasma IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were significantly (P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Abstract Background The neurological symptoms caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are of increasing concern. Convulsions are among the main neurological manifestations reported in children with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and cause serious harm to physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for convulsion in children with COVID-19. Methods This prospective study was conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University. In total, 102 COVID-19 patients with convulsion, 172 COVID-19 patients without convulsion, and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The children’s clinical and laboratory data were analyzed to assess the risk factors for convulsion in COVID-19 patients. Results Convulsions occurred in 37.2% of children, mostly those aged 1–3 years, who were hospitalized with the Omicron variant. The neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume-to-platelet ratio (MPR) were significantly higher in the convulsion group than those in the non-convulsion and control groups (P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Abstract Background Opioid use disorder (OUD) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, and its potential impact on COVID-19 outcomes is of significant concern. This study aimed to assess the susceptibility and clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with OUD using a propensity score-matched design. Methods A historical cohort study was conducted in Alborz province, Iran, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients aged 18 years and above with confirmed COVID-19 were included in the study. OUD was defined as a compulsive urge to use opioids or opioid-derivative drugs. Non-opioid abusers with COVID-19 were selected as the control group. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory factors, comorbidities, and vital signs were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the groups and assess the impact of OUD on ICU admission, mortality, the need for intubation, and the severity of pulmonary involvement on CT scans. Results A total of 442 patients were included in the study, with 351 discharged and 34 deceased. The PSM analysis showed that OUD was not significantly associated with ICU admission (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.22–2.91, p = 0.631). However, opium users had an increased risk of mortality (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.30–4.35, p = 0.005) and a higher likelihood of requiring intubation (OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.38–9.39, p = 0.009) compared to non-opioid abusers. The severity of pulmonary involvement on CT scans did not show a significant association with OUD. Conclusion OUD among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was associated with an increased risk of mortality and the need for intubation. These findings highlight the importance of addressing OUD as a potential risk factor in the management and treatment of COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop appropriate interventions to mitigate the impact of OUD on COVID-19 outcomes.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.12.2023
Tilføjet 7.12.2023
Abstract Background The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections has led to the development of several therapeutic agents, with tocilizumab becoming increasingly used to treat patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia. This study compared the use of tocilizumab treatment with the standard of care (SOC) to determine its efficacy against severe COVID-19-related pneumonia in Japan. Methods This retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in two different databases: the JA42434 single-arm study and COVID-19 Registry Japan (COVIREGI-JP), with a synthetic control group from the COVIREGI-JP cohort as a benchmark for the tocilizumab group. The study’s primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in treating severe COVID-19-related pneumonia compared to the SOC among patients included in the above two databases. The SOC group was extracted as the synthetic control group using exact matching and a propensity score matching in sequence per subject. As a secondary objective, the efficacy of tocilizumab compared to the SOC was evaluated exclusively among patients included in the COVIREGI-JP database. In each objective, the primary endpoint was defined as the time to discharge or the status of awaiting discharge. Results For the primary endpoint, the hazard ratio (HR) of the tocilizumab group against the SOC group was 1.070 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.565–2.028). The median time from Study Day 1 to discharge or the state of awaiting discharge was 15 days in the tocilizumab group and 16 days in the SOC group. The HRs for the secondary endpoints, namely, time to improvement in the clinical state, time to clinical failure, and time to recovery, were 1.112 (95% CI: 0.596–2.075), 0.628 (95% CI: 0.202–1.953), and 1.019 (95% CI: 0.555–1.871), respectively. Similarly, the HR of the primary endpoint for the secondary objective was 0.846 (95% CI: 0.582–1.230). Conclusions Tocilizumab did not demonstrate a positive effect on time to discharge or the state of awaiting discharge. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in other clinical outcomes, such as time to improvement in the clinical state, time to clinical failure, and time to recovery, were observed among the groups.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJung-Bin Su
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.12.2023
Tilføjet 6.12.2023
by Jung-Bin Su This study employs a bivariate GARCH model to examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the interactions of the commodities in the agricultural market via a connectedness network approach. Empirical results show that this pandemic alters the commodities’ roles—the activators, net transmitters, and net receivers—in the volatility and return connectedness but not for the activators in the correlation connectedness. Moreover, this pandemic enhances the interactive degree of the unidirectional negative return spillovers and the bidirectional distinct-sign volatility spillovers but doesn’t for the interactive degree of correlation. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic, a short-term drastic event, can influence short-term interactions like volatility and return spillovers but can’t affect one long-term interaction like the correlation. Nevertheless, this pandemic raises the intensity of the correlation as well as volatility and return spillovers. The findings provide policymakers to make short- and long-term investment strategies in the agriculture market.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDaniel König, Patrick Jendricke, Katharina Poggel, Lena Staab, Albert Gollhofer
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.12.2023
Tilføjet 6.12.2023
by Daniel König, Patrick Jendricke, Katharina Poggel, Lena Staab, Albert Gollhofer Today, university students face study conditions that increase the risk of sedentary behavior, unhealthy eating, and the likelihood of stress, anxiety, and depression. Although the situation has likely worsened in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even in the pre-Corona era, several investigations have demonstrated that the students’ health behaviors could increase the incidence of metabolic risk factors and non-communicable diseases, however, further and detailed information is needed to develop tailored counter-strategies. Therefore, in the present survey, the current health status of students at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (ALU) will be recorded by various questionnaires. In addition, barriers that could potentially influence their health behavior will be identified, and information on the use and awareness of existing health services will be obtained in order to derive concrete needs for further health promotion activities. The study is designed as a monocentric and prospective study at the ALU; the survey of students’ situation and needs assessments will be conducted in the areas of nutrition, exercise, relaxation and stress reduction, self-management, psychosocial health and socio-demographic correlations via an anonymous and self-administered online questionnaire. Subsequently in two-year intervals, the survey will be repeated. Data will be collected over a period of 4 years. One goal of this survey is to gain more insight into the health situation of university students; another goal is to use the knowledge gained to integrate holistic health measures into the university landscape in a structured and sustainable manner. These health measures will be implemented by using the newly developed student health care management at the ALU (www.sgm.uni-freiburg.de). Every two years, after evaluation of the surveys, the effect of the health measures can be checked and adjusted.Trial registration: ETK: 20–1082; DRKS-ID: DRKS00024088.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSongting Zhang, Yichao Wu, Wen Bao
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.12.2023
Tilføjet 6.12.2023
by Songting Zhang, Yichao Wu, Wen Bao The COVID-19 epidemic had an appropriate impact on tourists’ trip psychology and their subsequent behavior in participating in rural tourism activities. The purpose of this paper is to explore the types of motivations Chinese tourists have for participating in rural tourism in the context of COVID-19, and to comparatively analyze the similarities and differences in motivations for rural tourism during the epidemic and in normal times. An interpretive paradigm qualitative data collection method was used: semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Respondents were 21 tourists, who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Through content analysis, we found that rural tourism motivations during the epidemic included both diversified and singular motivations. The pull effect of rural destinations is related to distance and ease of realization. For rural areas in close proximity, a single motivation is sufficient to drive tourists. In addition, we found that there was no \'altruistic motivation\' for rural tourism during the COVID-19 period, but \'altruistic feelings\' for the preservation of ancient villages were generated during rural tourism. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical significance of this study and make suggestions for future research. The study explains tourists’ companionship preferences, activity choices, and affective changes, and provides a basis for the operation and advertising strategies of rural destinations to attract tourists and promote their sustainable development.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPierre Bay, Christophe Rodriguez, Stefano Caruso, Vanessa Demontant, Laure Boizeau, Alexandre Soulier, Paul L. Woerther, Armand Mekontso‐Dessap, Jean‐Michel Pawlotsky, Nicolas de Prost, Slim Fourati
Journal of Medical Virology, 6.12.2023
Tilføjet 6.12.2023
Journal of the American Medical Association, 6.12.2023
Tilføjet 6.12.2023
To the Editor We have several comments about the recent randomized clinical trial (ACTIV-1) that investigated the effect of abatacept, cenicriviroc, or infliximab on COVID-19 pneumonia.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 6.12.2023
Tilføjet 6.12.2023
In Reply We thank Drs Mathew and Feldmann for their comments on the results of ACTIV-1. We agree that mortality is a very important clinical outcome, but designing a trial such as ACTIV-1 to have sufficient power to detect an effect on mortality was challenging in June 2020, when data on clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 were in flux. Indeed, the design of ACTIV-1 was heavily influenced by the results of ACTT-1, the initial placebo-controlled trial of remdesivir, which showed evidence of improved time to recovery but not improved mortality.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 6.12.2023
Tilføjet 6.12.2023
An investigational messenger RNA (mRNA)–based vaccine designed to protect against both influenza and COVID-19 induced virus-specific immune responses in people who received it, manufacturers Pfizer and BioNTech announced in a press release.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDesale Bihonegn Asmamaw, Yohannes Ayanaw Habitu, Eskedar Getie Mekonnen, Wubshet Debebe Negash
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 5.12.2023
Tilføjet 5.12.2023
by Desale Bihonegn Asmamaw, Yohannes Ayanaw Habitu, Eskedar Getie Mekonnen, Wubshet Debebe Negash Background World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that every pregnant woman receive quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. It is estimated that institutional delivery could reduce 16% to 33% of maternal deaths. Despite the importance of giving birth at a health institution, in Ethiopia, according to the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey report, nearly half of the ANC-booked mothers gave birth at home. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of home delivery among antenatal care-booked women in their last pregnancy during the era of COVID-19. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to April 29, 2021. A simple random technique was employed to select 770 participants among women booked for antenatal care. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. A binary logistic regression model was fitted. Adjusted odds ratios with its respective 95% confidence interval were used to declare the associated factors. Results The prevalence of home delivery was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.2). Rural residence (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.34), unmarried women (AOR = 11.16, 95% CI: 4.18, 29.79), husband education (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.72, 3.91), not being involved in the women’s development army (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.65), and fear of COVID-19 infection (AOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 2.31, 6.44) were significantly associated factors of home delivery. Conclusion Even though the government tried to lower the rate of home delivery by accessing health institutions in remote areas, implementing a women’s development army, and introducing maternal waiting home utilization, nearly one in every three pregnant women gave birth at home among ANC booked women in their last pregnancy. Thus, improving the husband’s educational status, providing information related to health institution delivery benefits during antenatal care, and strengthening the implementation of the women’s development army, particularly among rural and unmarried women, would decrease home childbirth practices.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBagdat Tekkus, Fatma Mutluay
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 5.12.2023
Tilføjet 5.12.2023
by Bagdat Tekkus, Fatma Mutluay Objective This study investigates the impact of community-based exercises with action observation therapy (AOT) on the physical and cognitive performance of older adults experiencing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods One hundred participants aged 65–80 years were randomly divided into two groups: the AOT group, which engaged in balance, strengthening, and mobility exercises guided by 15-minute action observation videos before a 45-minute exercise session, and the control group, which performed the same exercises without action observation. Both groups underwent three sessions per week for eight weeks (24 sessions in total). The assessment tools used in this study included the following: For evaluating mobility and fall risk in older adults, the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) Test was employed. To assess functional strength of lower extremities, balance, and fall risk, the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (5XSST) Test was administered. Balance and gait were measured using the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment (TBGA), utilizing the Tinetti Scale. Individuals’ confidence in performing daily activities without falling or losing balance was assessed using the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). Furthermore, cognitive functions across multiple domains, including attention-concentration, executive function, memory, language, visual construction skills, abstract thinking, calculation, and orientation, were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Tests. Results Results revealed significant improvements in both groups. Group I, which received Action Observation Therapy (AOT) in addition to exercise, demonstrated superior outcomes in the 5XSit-to-Stand test (Δ = -1.92, p < 0.0001, Cohen’s d = 0.77), Tinetti Balance and Gait Scale (Balance: Δ = 2.77, p < 0.0001, Cohen’s d = 0.91), and Timed Up and Go test (Δ = -1.98, p < 0.0005, Cohen’s d = 0.83). On the other hand, Group II, which received exercise only, exhibited substantial gains in the Tinetti Balance and Gait Scale (Walking: Δ = 0.52, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.27) and Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (Δ = 5.77, p < 0.0001, Cohen’s d = 0.26). Conclusion These findings underscore the effectiveness of AOT-enhanced community-based exercises in enhancing both physical and cognitive performance among older adults facing social isolation during the pandemic, with Group I (AOT + exercise) showing particularly promising results. Trial registration This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04759690, ClinicalTrials Protocol ID: p3957ghb.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYuntao Bai, Lan Wang, Shuang Xu
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 5.12.2023
Tilføjet 5.12.2023
by Yuntao Bai, Lan Wang, Shuang Xu In 2020, COVID-19 became a global pandemic. Older people are less resistant to the novel coronavirus. In order to ensure the health of the elderly population, the governments of five Central Asian countries should provide home medical services for the elderly or provide \'green channel\' to medical services. This \'green channel\' means providing a special service and treatment for the elderly in the hospital to ensure that they can safely and easily access the medical services they need. In order to study the application scope of various modes, this article constructs three modes of differential game: no special care, home medical care and \'green channel\'. And the equilibrium results are compared and analyzed. Research shows that when the additional medical costs associated with house calls or \'green channel\' gradually increase, the social benefits to both the elderly and the government gradually decrease, and eventually it is less than the social benefits under the no-special care model. The greater the credibility of the government under the \'green channel\' service model, the greater the social benefits of the government. However, the greater the credibility of the government under the home medical service model, the smaller the social benefits of the government.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGabriel Morey-León, Paulina M. Mejía-Ponce, Juan Carlos Granda Pardo, Karen Muñoz-Mawyin, Juan Carlos Fernández-Cadena, Evelyn García-Moreira, Derly Andrade-Molina, Cuauhtémoc Licona-Cassani, Luisa Berná
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 5.12.2023
Tilføjet 5.12.2023
by Gabriel Morey-León, Paulina M. Mejía-Ponce, Juan Carlos Granda Pardo, Karen Muñoz-Mawyin, Juan Carlos Fernández-Cadena, Evelyn García-Moreira, Derly Andrade-Molina, Cuauhtémoc Licona-Cassani, Luisa Berná Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is among the deadliest diseases worldwide, and its impact is mainly due to the continuous emergence of resistant isolates during treatment due to the laborious process of resistance diagnosis, nonadherence to treatment and circulation of previously resistant isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, we evaluated the performance and functionalities of web-based tools, including Mykrobe, TB-profiler, PhyResSE, KvarQ, and SAM-TB, for detecting resistance in 88 Ecuadorian isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug susceptibility tested previously. Statistical analysis was used to determine the correlation between genomic and phenotypic analysis. Our results showed that with the exception of KvarQ, all tools had the highest correlation with the conventional drug susceptibility test (DST) for global resistance detection (98% agreement and 0.941 Cohen’s kappa), while SAM-TB, PhyResSE, TB-profiler and Mykrobe had better correlations with DST for first-line drug analysis individually. We also identified that in our study, only 50% of mutations characterized by the web-based tools in the rpoB, katG, embB, pncA, gyrA and rrs regions were canonical and included in the World Health Organization (WHO) catalogue. Our findings suggest that SAM-TB, PhyResSE, TB-profiler and Mykrobe were efficient in determining canonical resistance-related mutations, but more analysis is needed to improve second-line detection. Improving surveillance programs using whole-genome sequencing tools for first-line drugs, MDR-TB and XDR-TB is essential to understand the molecular epidemiology of TB in Ecuador. Importance Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most commonly affects the lungs and is often spread through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or spit. However, despite the existence of effective drug treatment, patient adherence, long duration of treatment, and late diagnosis have reduced the effectiveness of therapy and increased drug resistance. The increase in resistant cases, added to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the importance of implementing efficient and timely diagnostic methodologies worldwide. The significance of our research is in evaluating and identifying a more efficient and user-friendly web-based tool to characterize resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by whole-genome sequencing, which will allow more routine application to improve TB strain surveillance programs locally.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCarolina A.D. Santos, Artemis P. Paula, Gentil G. Fonseca Filho, Manoella M. Alves, Andréia F. Nery, Monise G.A. Pontes, Erianna Y.L. Macedo, Ruy M. Oliveira Jr, Sabrinna M. Freitas, Sarah Lima, Fernanda V.C. Varela, Andrezza L.S. Viana, Aline L.P. Silva, Érika G.C. Silva, Lília D'Souza-Li
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 5.12.2023
Tilføjet 5.12.2023
SARS-CoV-2 has infected over 620 million people and killed more than 6 million worldwide. [1] Since the beginning of the pandemic, Brazil has reported a disproportionately large number of infections and deaths of pregnant women attributed to COVID-19, [2] arguably caused by the disastrous response to the pandemic in its early months, with national policies contrary to scientific recommendations and against international infectious disease societies guidelines. [3]
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.12.2023
Tilføjet 5.12.2023
Abstract Background Opioid use disorder (OUD) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, and its potential impact on COVID-19 outcomes is of significant concern. This study aimed to assess the susceptibility and clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with OUD using a propensity score-matched design. Methods A historical cohort study was conducted in Alborz province, Iran, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients aged 18 years and above with confirmed COVID-19 were included in the study. OUD was defined as a compulsive urge to use opioids or opioid-derivative drugs. Non-opioid abusers with COVID-19 were selected as the control group. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory factors, comorbidities, and vital signs were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the groups and assess the impact of OUD on ICU admission, mortality, the need for intubation, and the severity of pulmonary involvement on CT scans. Results A total of 442 patients were included in the study, with 351 discharged and 34 deceased. The PSM analysis showed that OUD was not significantly associated with ICU admission (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.22–2.91, p = 0.631). However, opium users had an increased risk of mortality (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.30–4.35, p = 0.005) and a higher likelihood of requiring intubation (OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.38–9.39, p = 0.009) compared to non-opioid abusers. The severity of pulmonary involvement on CT scans did not show a significant association with OUD. Conclusion OUD among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was associated with an increased risk of mortality and the need for intubation. These findings highlight the importance of addressing OUD as a potential risk factor in the management and treatment of COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop appropriate interventions to mitigate the impact of OUD on COVID-19 outcomes.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHamza Umer, Muhammad Salar Khan
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 5.12.2023
Tilføjet 5.12.2023
by Hamza Umer, Muhammad Salar Khan Social distancing served as a principal strategy to curtail the spread of COVID-19. However, congregational activities in mosques made it challenging to practice social distancing and led to a rapid surge in virus infections in several Muslim countries. This study uses nationally representative cross-sectional data from Pakistan, a Muslim-majority country, to examine the relationship of practicing preventive measures (such as social distancing, wearing mask and hand washing) and mitigation measures (like avoid going to the market, social gatherings, healthcare seeking, use of public transport, and long-distance travel) with mosque visits by utilizing logistic regressions. The results show that individuals adhering to preventive and mitigation measures also avoid visiting mosques and other religious gatherings. From a policy perspective, these results suggest that the government of Pakistan can avoid direct religious confrontation when it needs to minimize mosque visits to curtail the spread of the virus by implementing preventive and mitigation measures.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 4.12.2023
Tilføjet 4.12.2023
Abstract Background The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections has led to the development of several therapeutic agents, with tocilizumab becoming increasingly used to treat patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia. This study compared the use of tocilizumab treatment with the standard of care (SOC) to determine its efficacy against severe COVID-19-related pneumonia in Japan. Methods This retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in two different databases: the JA42434 single-arm study and COVID-19 Registry Japan (COVIREGI-JP), with a synthetic control group from the COVIREGI-JP cohort as a benchmark for the tocilizumab group. The study’s primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in treating severe COVID-19-related pneumonia compared to the SOC among patients included in the above two databases. The SOC group was extracted as the synthetic control group using exact matching and a propensity score matching in sequence per subject. As a secondary objective, the efficacy of tocilizumab compared to the SOC was evaluated exclusively among patients included in the COVIREGI-JP database. In each objective, the primary endpoint was defined as the time to discharge or the status of awaiting discharge. Results For the primary endpoint, the hazard ratio (HR) of the tocilizumab group against the SOC group was 1.070 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.565–2.028). The median time from Study Day 1 to discharge or the state of awaiting discharge was 15 days in the tocilizumab group and 16 days in the SOC group. The HRs for the secondary endpoints, namely, time to improvement in the clinical state, time to clinical failure, and time to recovery, were 1.112 (95% CI: 0.596–2.075), 0.628 (95% CI: 0.202–1.953), and 1.019 (95% CI: 0.555–1.871), respectively. Similarly, the HR of the primary endpoint for the secondary objective was 0.846 (95% CI: 0.582–1.230). Conclusions Tocilizumab did not demonstrate a positive effect on time to discharge or the state of awaiting discharge. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in other clinical outcomes, such as time to improvement in the clinical state, time to clinical failure, and time to recovery, were observed among the groups.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 4.12.2023
Tilføjet 4.12.2023
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 4.12.2023
Tilføjet 4.12.2023
BMC Infectious Diseases, 3.12.2023
Tilføjet 3.12.2023
Abstract Background Protection against SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by humoral and T cell responses. Pakistan faced relatively low morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 through the pandemic. To examine the role of prior immunity in the population, we studied IgG antibody response levels, virus neutralizing activity and T cell reactivity to Spike protein in a healthy control group (HG) as compared with COVID-19 cases and individuals from the pre-pandemic period (PP). Methods HG and COVID-19 participants were recruited between October 2020 and May 2021. Pre-pandemic sera was collected before 2018. IgG antibodies against Spike and its Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) were determined by ELISA. Virus neutralization activity was determined using a PCR-based micro-neutralization assay. T cell – IFN-γ activation was assessed by ELISpot. Results Overall, the magnitude of anti-Spike IgG antibody levels as well as seropositivity was greatest in COVID-19 cases (90%) as compared with HG (39.8%) and PP (12.2%). During the study period, Pakistan experienced three COVID-19 waves. We observed that IgG seropositivity to Spike in HG increased from 10.3 to 83.5% during the study, whilst seropositivity to RBD increased from 7.5 to 33.3%. IgG antibodies to Spike and RBD were correlated positively in all three study groups. Virus neutralizing activity was identified in sera of COVID-19, HG and PP. Spike reactive T cells were present in COVID-19, HG and PP groups. Individuals with reactive T cells included those with and without IgG antibodies to Spike. Conclusions Antibody and T cell responses to Spike protein in individuals from the pre-pandemic period suggest prior immunity against SARS-CoV-2, most likely from cross-reactive responses. The rising seroprevalence observed in healthy individuals through the pandemic without known COVID-19 may be due to the activation of adaptive immunity from cross-reactive memory B and T cells. This may explain the more favourable COVID-19 outcomes observed in this population.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.12.2023
Tilføjet 3.12.2023
Abstract Background Whether different anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) drugs have different effects on COVID-19 is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving anti-HBV treatment, and to compare the impact of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on the severity of COVID-19. Methods CHB outpatients were enrolled from December 2022 to February 2023. Questionnaires were used to collect whether subjects were currently or previously had COVID-19 within the past 2 months, and the information of symptoms, duration, and severity if infected. Results Six hundred thirty CHB patients were enrolled, 64.3% (405/630) patients were currently or previously had COVID-19. No COVID-19 patient required hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, oxygen support or died. Majority of patients reported mild (32.8% [133/405]) and moderate (48.1% [195/405]) symptoms. After propensity score matching, 400 matched patients were obtained (ETV: 238; TDF: 162), among which the incidences of COVID-19 were comparable between ETV and TDF-treated patients (60.1% [143/238] vs. 64.2% [104/162], p = 0.468). The proportion of patients complicated with any symptom caused by COVID-19 were also similar (ETV vs. TDF: 90.9% [130/143] vs. 91.3% [95/104], p = 1.000). In addition, the severity of overall symptom was comparable between ETV and TDF-treated patients, in terms of proportion of patients complicated with severe symptom (9.8% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.989), symptom duration (4.3 vs. 4.3 days, p = 0.927), and symptom severity score (4.1 vs. 4.0, p = 0.758). Subgroup analysis supported these results. Conclusions During the current pandemic, the vast majority of CHB patients experienced non-severe COVID-19, and ETV and TDF did not affect COVID-19 severity differently.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.12.2023
Tilføjet 3.12.2023
Abstract Background Considering the fact that COVID-19 has undergone various changes over time, its symptoms have also varied. The aim of this study is to describe and compare the changes in personal characteristics, symptoms, and underlying conditions of individuals infected with different strains of COVID-19. Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 46,747 patients who underwent PCR testing during a two-year period from February 22, 2020 to February 23, 2022, in South Khorasan province, Iran. Patient characteristics and symptoms were extracted based on self-report and the information system. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and artificial neural network approaches. The R software was used for analysis and a significance level of 0.05 was considered for the tests. Results Among the 46,747 cases analyzed, 23,239 (49.7%) were male, and the mean age was 51.48 ± 21.41 years. There was a significant difference in symptoms among different variants of the disease (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.12.2023
Tilføjet 3.12.2023
Abstract Background The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, currently the most prevalent strain, has rapidly spread in Jingzhou, China, due to changes in the country’s epidemic prevention policy, resulting in an unprecedented increase in cases. Previous studies reported hematological parameters’ predictive value in COVID-19 severity and prognosis, but their relevance for early diagnosis in patients infected by the Omicron variant, particularly in high-risk pneumonia cases, remains unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate these parameters as early warning indicators for Omicron-infected patients in fever clinics and those with pulmonary infections (PI). Methods A total of 2,021 COVID-19 patients admitted to the fever clinic and infectious disease department of Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University from November 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, were retrospectively recruited. Demographic and hematological parameters were obtained from the electronic medical records of eligible patients. These hematological parameters were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine whether they can be used for early diagnosis of COVID-19 patients in fever clinics and the presence of PI in COVID-19 patients. Results Statistical differences in hematological parameters were observed between COVID-19 patients with fever and PI and control groups (P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.12.2023
Tilføjet 3.12.2023
Abstract Introduction COVID-19 induced cytokine storm is a well-documented phenomena that contributes significantly in the disease’s evolution and prognosis. Therefore, therapies such as therapeutic plasma exchange, constitute a mainstay of therapeutic management especially for critically-ill patients. Methods We conducted a monocentric retrospective cohort study in the Resuscitation Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda-Morocco, to evaluate the efficiency of therapeutic plasma exchange on critically-ill COVID-19 patients over a 6 months period. We divided our patients into two groups: patients who received TPE (Therapeutic Plasma Exchange) sessions (TPE group) and patients who only benefited from the standard protocol treatment (non TPE group). Results Our study included a total of 165 patients, 34.5% of which benefited from TPE sessions. We observed an improvement of oxygenation parameters (SpO2 and PaO2/FiO2 ratio) and a progressive respiratory weaning, as well as a significant decrease of biomarkers indicative of inflammation (lymphocyte count, CRP (C Reactive Protein), IL-6, Ferritin) and coagulopathy (d-dimers, fibrinogen) in the TPE group after 5 consecutive TPE sessions. In comparison with the non-TPE group, The TPE-group patients had a shorter ICU (Intensive Care Unit) length of stay, required less frequently mechanical ventilation, and we more likely to be extubated. Furthermore, the TPE group had a lower mortality rate. Discussion Multiple studies have reported the safety and efficiency of therapeutic plasma exchange in the COVID-19 induced cytokine storm. Given the urgent character of the pandemic at the time, each center followed its own protocol in implementing plasma exchange. Conclusion Similar to the results reported in the literature, our study reports positive results after using TPE specifically in terms of respiratory weaning and an improvement of the cytokine storm biomarkers, and more importantly a lower mortality rate.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPo‐Yu Huang, Chih‐Cheng Lai, Chi‐Kuei Hsu
Journal of Medical Virology, 2.12.2023
Tilføjet 2.12.2023
Izabel Alves das Chagas Valóta, Rafael Rodrigo da Silva Pimentel, Ana Paula Neroni Stina Saura, Rodrigo Marques da Silva, Ana Lucia Siqueira Costa Calache, Marcelo José dos Santos
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 2.12.2023
Tilføjet 2.12.2023
by Izabel Alves das Chagas Valóta, Rafael Rodrigo da Silva Pimentel, Ana Paula Neroni Stina Saura, Rodrigo Marques da Silva, Ana Lucia Siqueira Costa Calache, Marcelo José dos Santos The aim of this study was to analyze levels of fatigue and resilience of Brazilian graduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine whether there is an association between fatigue and resilience and sociodemographic and academic factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and it was discovered that the variables associated with higher levels of resilience were age; having children; being retired; receiving income above five minimum wages; having had greater problems in other phases of the research schedule; coming from private universities; being from the north of Brazil; studying the area of Health; and having their research schedule unaffected during the pandemic. On the other hand, lack of resilience was associated with not having children; being less well-off financially; being younger; being a woman; studying in a public university; and having to postpone part of the research during the pandemic. The conclusion of the study indicated the need for graduate programs to design strategies to deal with fatigue and promote resilience in Master’s and PhD students.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAddisu Gize, Melkayehu Kassa, Solomon Ali, Yosef Tadesse, Bereket Fantahun, Yitagesu Habtu, Aman Yesuf
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 2.12.2023
Tilføjet 2.12.2023
by Addisu Gize, Melkayehu Kassa, Solomon Ali, Yosef Tadesse, Bereket Fantahun, Yitagesu Habtu, Aman Yesuf Introduction Data regarding patients presenting with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) illness have not adequately been documented which provides distinct insights into low-resource settings like Ethiopia. Thus, the study aimed to compare epidemiological, clinical and laboratory profiles of patients presenting with acute respiratory syndrome illness in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Methods We used a comparative cross-sectional study design among patients with SARS-CoV-2 illness at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from October 2020 to September 2021. Using a structured questionnaire a consecutive sampling technique was applied to collect socio-demographic data. Additionally, nasal swabs were collected to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection using a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Blood samples were also collected from the participants for laboratory profiles (hematological tests like; white blood cell count, hematocrit, and platelet count; and biochemical and enzymatic tests like; aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, etc) analysis. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and p-values ≤0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results Of the total 413 participants presenting with SARS-CoV-2 illness, 250 (60.5%) participants tested positive for COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 patients were less likely to use an alcohol-based method of hand washing (12.5% vs 87.5%; p = 0.048). The COVID-19 patients had a higher proportion of headache (67.3% vs 32.7%, p = 0.001), sore throat (72.5% vs 27.5%, p = 0.001), and loss of sense of taste (74.4% vs 25.6%, p = 0.002). Patients with COVID-19 have significantly higher neutrophil than their counterparts (68.2% vs 31.8%; p = 0.001). Similarly, creatinine (64.9% vs 35.1%, p = 0.001) from renal function and alkaline phosphatase (66.8% vs 33.2%, p = 0.046) in the liver function tests were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Our findings suggest the need to substantially consider headache, sore throat, and loss of taste as potential clinical diagnostic symptoms for early screening and testing. Elevation of neutrophil, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase profiles are also used for potential diagnostic biomarkers in screening and testing suspected patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFox, D., Hall, M., Thibodeau, C., Coldwell, K., Lauder, L., Dewell, S., Davidson, S.
BMJ Open, 2.12.2023
Tilføjet 2.12.2023
BackgroundNavigating the organ donation and transplantation system in Canada can be challenging for individuals on transplant journeys. Although it is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to these challenges, the experiences of individuals during the pandemic in Canada have not been well elicited. ObjectiveTo illuminate how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted individuals on transplant journeys in Canada. DesignConvergent parallel mixed-methods study. SettingCanada. ParticipantsAdult patients, caregivers, and donors on transplant journeys across Canada. Data collectionEight focus groups and an online survey between May and November 2021. Focus group transcripts were analysed using an inductive conventional content analysis approach. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study was guided by individuals with lived experience of organ donation and transplantation. ResultsA total of 830 participants completed three COVID-19 related survey questions, with 21 participating in the focus groups. Survey results: over 50% of patients and caregivers reported that the pandemic impacted their access to their healthcare team, their mental health (60% and 65%, respectively) and their comfort going out in public (80% and 75%, respectively). Although many donors reported several factors that impacted their transplant journey, the impact appeared to be greater for patients and caregivers. Qualitative results: three themes emerged from the qualitative data that contextualise participant’s experiences: compounding isolation, disruption amid uncertainty and unforeseen benefits. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the challenges that individuals on transplant journeys experience. It will be critical for transplant programmes to consider these factors in future care provision.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFox, D., Hall, M., Thibodeau, C., Coldwell, K., Lauder, L., Dewell, S., Davidson, S.
BMJ Open, 2.12.2023
Tilføjet 2.12.2023
BackgroundNavigating the organ donation and transplantation system in Canada can be challenging for individuals on transplant journeys. Although it is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to these challenges, the experiences of individuals during the pandemic in Canada have not been well elicited. ObjectiveTo illuminate how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted individuals on transplant journeys in Canada. DesignConvergent parallel mixed-methods study. SettingCanada. ParticipantsAdult patients, caregivers, and donors on transplant journeys across Canada. Data collectionEight focus groups and an online survey between May and November 2021. Focus group transcripts were analysed using an inductive conventional content analysis approach. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study was guided by individuals with lived experience of organ donation and transplantation. ResultsA total of 830 participants completed three COVID-19 related survey questions, with 21 participating in the focus groups. Survey results: over 50% of patients and caregivers reported that the pandemic impacted their access to their healthcare team, their mental health (60% and 65%, respectively) and their comfort going out in public (80% and 75%, respectively). Although many donors reported several factors that impacted their transplant journey, the impact appeared to be greater for patients and caregivers. Qualitative results: three themes emerged from the qualitative data that contextualise participant’s experiences: compounding isolation, disruption amid uncertainty and unforeseen benefits. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the challenges that individuals on transplant journeys experience. It will be critical for transplant programmes to consider these factors in future care provision.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 2.12.2023
Tilføjet 2.12.2023
Abstract Background Protection against SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by humoral and T cell responses. Pakistan faced relatively low morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 through the pandemic. To examine the role of prior immunity in the population, we studied IgG antibody response levels, virus neutralizing activity and T cell reactivity to Spike protein in a healthy control group (HG) as compared with COVID-19 cases and individuals from the pre-pandemic period (PP). Methods HG and COVID-19 participants were recruited between October 2020 and May 2021. Pre-pandemic sera was collected before 2018. IgG antibodies against Spike and its Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) were determined by ELISA. Virus neutralization activity was determined using a PCR-based micro-neutralization assay. T cell – IFN-γ activation was assessed by ELISpot. Results Overall, the magnitude of anti-Spike IgG antibody levels as well as seropositivity was greatest in COVID-19 cases (90%) as compared with HG (39.8%) and PP (12.2%). During the study period, Pakistan experienced three COVID-19 waves. We observed that IgG seropositivity to Spike in HG increased from 10.3 to 83.5% during the study, whilst seropositivity to RBD increased from 7.5 to 33.3%. IgG antibodies to Spike and RBD were correlated positively in all three study groups. Virus neutralizing activity was identified in sera of COVID-19, HG and PP. Spike reactive T cells were present in COVID-19, HG and PP groups. Individuals with reactive T cells included those with and without IgG antibodies to Spike. Conclusions Antibody and T cell responses to Spike protein in individuals from the pre-pandemic period suggest prior immunity against SARS-CoV-2, most likely from cross-reactive responses. The rising seroprevalence observed in healthy individuals through the pandemic without known COVID-19 may be due to the activation of adaptive immunity from cross-reactive memory B and T cells. This may explain the more favourable COVID-19 outcomes observed in this population.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 2.12.2023
Tilføjet 2.12.2023
Abstract Background Protection against SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by humoral and T cell responses. Pakistan faced relatively low morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 through the pandemic. To examine the role of prior immunity in the population, we studied IgG antibody response levels, virus neutralizing activity and T cell reactivity to Spike protein in a healthy control group (HG) as compared with COVID-19 cases and individuals from the pre-pandemic period (PP). Methods HG and COVID-19 participants were recruited between October 2020 and May 2021. Pre-pandemic sera was collected before 2018. IgG antibodies against Spike and its Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) were determined by ELISA. Virus neutralization activity was determined using a PCR-based micro-neutralization assay. T cell – IFN-γ activation was assessed by ELISpot. Results Overall, the magnitude of anti-Spike IgG antibody levels as well as seropositivity was greatest in COVID-19 cases (90%) as compared with HG (39.8%) and PP (12.2%). During the study period, Pakistan experienced three COVID-19 waves. We observed that IgG seropositivity to Spike in HG increased from 10.3 to 83.5% during the study, whilst seropositivity to RBD increased from 7.5 to 33.3%. IgG antibodies to Spike and RBD were correlated positively in all three study groups. Virus neutralizing activity was identified in sera of COVID-19, HG and PP. Spike reactive T cells were present in COVID-19, HG and PP groups. Individuals with reactive T cells included those with and without IgG antibodies to Spike. Conclusions Antibody and T cell responses to Spike protein in individuals from the pre-pandemic period suggest prior immunity against SARS-CoV-2, most likely from cross-reactive responses. The rising seroprevalence observed in healthy individuals through the pandemic without known COVID-19 may be due to the activation of adaptive immunity from cross-reactive memory B and T cells. This may explain the more favourable COVID-19 outcomes observed in this population.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNaomi F. Sugie, Kristin Turney, Keramet Reiter, Rebecca Tublitz, Daniela Kaiser, Rebecca Goodsell, Erin Secrist, Ankita Patil, Monik Jiménez
Science Advances, 1.12.2023
Tilføjet 1.12.2023
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 1.12.2023
Tilføjet 1.12.2023
In January 2020, it was clear we would soon begin seeing patients with what we called at the time the novel coronavirus infection. My infection control and -prevention team began to meet with leaders of our medical center and heads of the many operational units at San Francisco General Hospital. We started tracking data emerging worldwide, and began preparing to handle this new threat that we assumed would soon arrive in San Francisco and cause infections. Looking back on these early meetings, as an infection control leader, I remember experiencing a long series of many knowns and unknowns. I believed strongly we were about to face an unprecedented threat both medically and operationally, and that we would be called upon to use well-established principles for keeping our environment safe. But I also felt my work in infection control was about to cross into many unknowns I had never imagined.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 1.12.2023
Tilføjet 1.12.2023
My father was on the phone (Figure). “It\'s not as bad as they say,” he said. “I can beat this thing.” He was in New York, and I was in California. He lived on the border of Nassau and Queens near the worst struck areas of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Residents thought they had suffered through the worst with no power for weeks after Hurricane Sandy, but something worse was coming. Since my father was 79 years old with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, he had isolated since the first days of the outbreak and managed to avoid infection until January 2021. Despite precautions, he was exposed to someone who had COVID-19 in his home. As a hospital-based infectious diseases physician, I had received my first vaccine a few weeks prior and avoided infection up to then, whether by luck or adherence to social distancing and masking. Even though I knew better, I thought maybe he was right; he could beat this thing. I couldn’t go there since he was infectious. Moreover, I was working, and getting on a plane seemed hazardous.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 1.12.2023
Tilføjet 1.12.2023
Abstract Background Whether different anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) drugs have different effects on COVID-19 is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving anti-HBV treatment, and to compare the impact of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on the severity of COVID-19. Methods CHB outpatients were enrolled from December 2022 to February 2023. Questionnaires were used to collect whether subjects were currently or previously had COVID-19 within the past 2 months, and the information of symptoms, duration, and severity if infected. Results Six hundred thirty CHB patients were enrolled, 64.3% (405/630) patients were currently or previously had COVID-19. No COVID-19 patient required hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, oxygen support or died. Majority of patients reported mild (32.8% [133/405]) and moderate (48.1% [195/405]) symptoms. After propensity score matching, 400 matched patients were obtained (ETV: 238; TDF: 162), among which the incidences of COVID-19 were comparable between ETV and TDF-treated patients (60.1% [143/238] vs. 64.2% [104/162], p = 0.468). The proportion of patients complicated with any symptom caused by COVID-19 were also similar (ETV vs. TDF: 90.9% [130/143] vs. 91.3% [95/104], p = 1.000). In addition, the severity of overall symptom was comparable between ETV and TDF-treated patients, in terms of proportion of patients complicated with severe symptom (9.8% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.989), symptom duration (4.3 vs. 4.3 days, p = 0.927), and symptom severity score (4.1 vs. 4.0, p = 0.758). Subgroup analysis supported these results. Conclusions During the current pandemic, the vast majority of CHB patients experienced non-severe COVID-19, and ETV and TDF did not affect COVID-19 severity differently.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedThe PLOS ONE Staff
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.11.2023
Tilføjet 30.11.2023
Laalithya Konduru, Nishant Das
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.11.2023
Tilføjet 30.11.2023
by Laalithya Konduru, Nishant Das Persons experiencing homelessness (PEHs) have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared to the general population and are highly vulnerable during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding their experience of the pandemic is important for mitigating the effects of the pandemic. Accordingly, we conducted a qualitative study on their lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in nine PEHs from Chennai, India, recruited at food stalls between September 14–25, 2020. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The participants shared their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on them, and their coping strategies. All the participants were migrant workers living alone, and were the sole breadwinners of their families. Five group experiential themes emerged relating to the experiences of the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most participants reported significant psychosocial stress, but low suicide risk and robust coping mechanisms. They delayed seeking healthcare for non-COVID-19-related problems. Public hospitals were preferred over private hospitals due to cost constraints and prior experience of discrimination. Upward classism was observed as participants blamed the rich for the spread of COVID-19. Initial assumption that COVID-19 would only affect the rich was also reported. Free government testing and quarantine facilities assuaged their medico-psychosocial needs. Engaging in collective activities was a key stress mitigator. We highlight several important policy implications. Firstly, we underscore the importance of involving social workers to facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients from vulnerable communities. This engagement can help minimize discrimination and promote equitable access to healthcare. Secondly, we emphasize the need for effective public health communication. Specifically, there is a need to address and alleviate concerns about the transmission of COVID-19 within hospital premises. Lastly, the research suggests that government initiatives aimed at fostering community participation should persist both during and after the pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSarah Benezech, Liliane Khoryati, Jade Cognard, Stejara A. Netea, Taushif Khan, Marion Moreews, Kahina Saker, Jean-Marie De Guillebon, Samira Khaldi-Plassart, Rémi Pescarmona, Sebastien Viel, Christophe Malcus, Magali Perret, Meriadeg Ar Gouilh, Astrid Vabret, Fabienne Venet, Solenn Remy, Emilie Chopin, Gérard Lina, François Vandenesch, Noëmi Rousseaux, Paul Bastard, Shen-Ying Zhang, Jean-Laurent Casanova, Sophie Trouillet-Assant, Thierry Walzer, Taco W. Kuijpers, Etienne Javouhey, Olivier Dauwalder, Nico Marr, Alexandre Belot
New England Journal of Medicine, 30.11.2023
Tilføjet 30.11.2023
New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 389, Issue 22, Page 2105-2107, November 2023.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedViguerie, Alex; Song, Ruiguang; Bosh, Karin; Lyles, Cynthia M.; Farnham, Paul G.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 30.11.2023
Tilføjet 30.11.2023
Background: Whether the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on mortality among persons with diagnosed HIV (PWDH) in United States is unclear. Through our macro-scale analysis, we seek to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected mortality among PWDH. Methods: We obtained mortality and population data for the years 2018-2020 from the National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS) for the U.S. PWDH population, and from publicly available data for the general population. We computed mortality rates and excess mortality for both the general and PWDH populations. Stratifications by age, race/ethnicity, and sex were considered. For each group, we determined whether the 2020 mortality rates and mortality risk ratio showed a statistically significant change from 2018-2019. Results. Approximately 1550 excess deaths occurred among PWDH in 2020, with Black, Hispanic/Latino and PWDH 55 and older comprising the majority of excess deaths. Mortality rates increased in 2020 from 2018-2019 across the general population in all groups. Among PWDH, mortality rates either increased, or showed no statistically significant change. These increases were similar to, or smaller than, those observed in the general population, resulting in a 7.7% decrease in the mortality risk ratio between PWDH and the general population. Conclusions: While mortality rates among PWDH increased in 2020 relative to 2018-2019, the increases were smaller, or of similar magnitude, to those observed in the general population. We thus do not find evidence of elevated mortality risk from the COVID-19 pandemic among PWDH. These findings held across subpopulations stratified by age, sex, and racial/ethnic group. Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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