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47 ud af 47 tidsskrifter valgt, søgeord (covid) valgt, emner højest 180 dage gamle, sorteret efter nyeste først.
1286 emner vises.
Ben Farhat, Jihane; TiendrebeogoMD, Thierry; Malateste, Karen; Poda, Armel; Minga, Albert; Messou, Eugène; Chenal, Henri; Ezechi, Oliver; Ofotokun, Igho; Ekouevi, Didier k; Bonnet, Fabrice; Barger, Diana; Jaquet, Antoine
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Objectives: Efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic have potentially compromised the availability and/or quality of HIV services. We aimed to assess the pandemic’s impact on ART initiation and HIV viral load (VL) monitoring in three West African countries. Methods: We used routinely collected data from five clinics contributing to the IeDEA collaboration in Burkina Faso, Côte d\'Ivoire and Nigeria. We included ART-naïve adults living with HIV (ALWH) initiating ART from 01/01/2018. We conducted regression discontinuity analysis to estimate changes in the number of ART initiations and VL measures per week, before and during the pandemic period in each country. Results: In clinics in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, ART initiations per week remained constant throughout the studied periods (-0.24 points (p) of ART initiations/week 95%CI -5.5, 5.9, -0.9 p 95%CI -8.5,8.6, respectively), whereas in Nigeria’s clinic, they decreased significantly (-6.3 p, 95% CI -10.8, -1.7) after the beginning of the pandemic. The volume of VL tests performed decreased significantly in all three countries (-17.0 p 95%CI -25.3, -8.6 in Burkina Faso, -118.4 p 95%CI -171.1, -65.8 in Côte d’Ivoire and -169.1p 95%CI-282.6, -55.6 in Nigeria). Conclusions: Access to ART was maintained for newly diagnosed ALWH despite pandemic-related physical/social distancing measures. However, VL monitoring was severely disrupted and did not return to pre-pandemic levels approximately one year after the beginning of the pandemic. While HIV services in West Africa appear rather resilient, the impact of disruptions in VL monitoring on virological and clinical outcomes should continue to be monitored. Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJuan M. Pericàs
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Four years after the onset of COVID-19 as global public health threat that rapidly achieved pandemic proportions, it is has become commonplace both in layperson and expert circles to refer to it as a watershed. Its global reach, the attributable burden of deaths and morbidity, its enormous socioeconomic consequences, and the fact that SARS-CoV-2 has later joined the common pool of respiratory viruses considered in clinical practice, make COVID-19 special compared to its immediate precedents (e.g., SARS in 2002-2004, H1N1 influenza in 2009-2010, Ebola in 2014–2016 and 2018-2020, and Zola 2015-2016).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Symptoms of COVID-19 including fatigue and dyspnea, may persist for weeks to months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study compared self-reported disability among SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative persons with mild to moderate COVID-19-like illness who presented for outpatient care before widespread COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Unvaccinated adults with COVID-19-like illness enrolled within 10 days of illness onset at three US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network sites were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by molecular assay. Enrollees completed an enrollment questionnaire and two follow-up surveys (7–24 days and 2–7 months after illness onset) online or by phone to assess illness characteristics and health status. The second follow-up survey included questions measuring global health, physical function, fatigue, and dyspnea. Scores in the four domains were compared by participants’ SARS-CoV-2 test results in univariate analysis and multivariable Gamma regression. Results During September 22, 2020 – February 13, 2021, 2712 eligible adults were enrolled, 1541 completed the first follow-up survey, and 650 completed the second follow-up survey. SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were more likely to report fever at acute illness but were otherwise comparable to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At first follow-up, SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were less likely to have reported fully or mostly recovered from their illness compared to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At second follow-up, no differences by SARS-CoV-2 test results were detected in the four domains in the multivariable model. Conclusion Self-reported disability was similar among outpatient SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative adults 2–7 months after illness onset.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Immune dysregulation in individuals with long COVID has been detected. Differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltration on chest CT in long COVID is challenging. Case presentation A 62-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of dyspnea after COVID-19 infection. Dyspnea became worse in the one month preceding presentation. The chest CT showed multifocal, subpleural, bilateral opacities due to long-COVID, and infiltration around the bronchovascular bundle in the bilateral lower lung field. The pathology for the transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) first reported chronic inflammation (mainly interstitial pneumonia). The patient had positive results on tests for the antibody, RO-52+, EJ+. The presumptive diagnosis of connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease was made. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide were given. At follow-up one month later, the chest CT showed new diffuse ground-glass infiltration. The previous TBCB specimen was re-evaluated. Foamy macrophages were found in the alveolar air space. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was performed. Numerous intracytoplasmic organisms were detected, with morphologic features consistent with those of Tropheryma whipplei. The patient recovered after intravenous ceftriaxone and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The final diagnosis was lung T. whipplei infection and long COVID-19. Conclusion This is the first case report of Tropheryma whipplei infection in the lung of a patient with long COVID-19. T. whipplei should be considered as a potential pathogen for diffuse lung infiltration in the post-COVID-19 era.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health issue with various effects on the physical and mental state of the societies. The aim of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics and mental health condition of Tehran Municipality employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on Tehran Municipality employees in 2020–2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling and were divided into COVID-19 and uninfected groups. Demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk behaviors, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Well- Being Social Inventory were filled for all participants. Results A total of 510 participants (363 uninfected participants and 147 participants with COVID-19) were evaluated. The prevalence of female gender was significantly higher in COVID-19 group compared to uninfected group (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background and objective Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of monkeypox’s zoonotic infection and was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies from different countries have shown insufficient knowledge among the general public on MPXV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the general public of Nepal on MPXV. Methods Three hundred people were interviewed in person in October 2022, and 282 complete responses were recorded. The questionnaire related to the knowledge of MPXV was derived from a previous study conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two questions were included that assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese toward monkeypox. Statistical comparison between high and low knowledge was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were deployed to establish the relationship between participants’ knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Among the total respondents, 53.8% demonstrated high knowledge of monkeypox. People aged 18–25 years, unmarried people, and those living in urban areas had significantly higher levels of knowledge. Most respondents believed that MPXV is not a conspiracy or bioterrorism (63.1%) and agreed that it is likely to affect people’s social and economic life as COVID-19 did (67.0%). The history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR: 2.980; 95%CI: 1.227, 7.236) and the younger age (aOR: 2.975; 95%CI: 1.097, 8.069) were found to be significant determinants of the knowledge of the participants on monkeypox. Conclusion We observed that most Nepalese populations had a high knowledge of monkeypox and that social media was the most valuable source of information.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTheodoros V. Giannouchos, Nicole L. Hair, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Theodoros V. Giannouchos, Nicole L. Hair, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li In the United States, most real-world estimates of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness are based on data drawn from large health systems or sentinel populations. More data is needed to understand how the benefits of vaccination may vary across US populations with disparate risk profiles and policy contexts. We aimed to provide estimates of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against moderate and severe outcomes of COVID-19 based on state population-level data sources. Using statewide integrated administrative and clinical data and a test-negative case-control study design, we assessed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among adults in South Carolina. We presented estimates of vaccine effectiveness at discrete time intervals for adults who received one, two or three doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine compared to adults who were unvaccinated. We also evaluated changes in vaccine effectiveness over time (waning) for the overall sample and in subgroups defined by age. We showed that while two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were initially highly effective, vaccine effectiveness waned as time elapsed since the second dose. Compared to protection against hospitalizations, protection against emergency department visits was found to wane more sharply. In all cases, a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine conferred significant gains in protection relative to waning protection after two doses. Further, over more than 120 days of follow-up, the data revealed relatively limited waning of vaccine effectiveness after a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSally A. Sherman, Tyler D. Quinn, Beth C. Bock, Tosca D. Braun, Jessica L. Unick
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Sally A. Sherman, Tyler D. Quinn, Beth C. Bock, Tosca D. Braun, Jessica L. Unick Objectives While previous research has utilized remote delivery of yoga interventions, no research has specifically interrogated the effectiveness of remote yoga intervention delivery. In this secondary analysis of weight-maintenance trial data, we examined participant perceptions of essential yoga properties across in-person and remote formats, hypothesizing that perceptions would not differ following remote delivery. Methods 24 women with overweight or obesity (34.6±4.1 kg/m2, 48.2±9.9 years) received a 12-week Iyengar yoga intervention (2x/week) following a 3-month behavioral weight loss program. Of 23 participants who completed follow-up questionnaires, 12 received the planned in-person intervention and 11 received a remote intervention (delivered live) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) was completed online by participants and by the instructors to measure the perceptions of the relative emphasis placed on the essential components of the yoga intervention via 14 subscales. Linear regression models were used to compare perceptions of each EPYQ dimension across in-person and remote delivery methods, as well as between participants and instructors, independent of delivery method. Results 13 of the 14 subscales did not differ between delivery modalities (p>0.05). Participants perceived more individual attention within in-person yoga (p = 0.003). For both delivery methods, instructors perceived breathwork, restorative postures, and body locks to be incorporated to a lesser degree compared to participants (β = -1.28, p = 0.003; β = -1.57, p = 0.019; β = -1.39, p = 0.036; respectively). No other significant differences across the participant and instructor scores were observed. Conclusions Findings provide preliminary support for the use of live remote delivery of yoga, effectively communicating most essential yoga properties when compared to in-person classes. However, participants perceived more individual attention with in-person versus remote delivery; thus, future remote-based yoga interventions may benefit from providing additional individualized feedback.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnna Maj, Maria Matynia, Natalia Michalak, Aleksandra Bis, Gerhard Andersson
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Anna Maj, Maria Matynia, Natalia Michalak, Aleksandra Bis, Gerhard Andersson Objective Migration is a profound life transition that may threaten migrants’ well-being and mental health. Results of several studies suggest that social self-efficacy beliefs may be beneficial for the psychological adjustment of migrants, buffering the effect of specific stressors related to migration, helping them reduce anxiety levels, and providing support in forming of new social bonds and better integration with a new community or culture. The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of the New in Town internet-based self-efficacy intervention for internal migrants in Poland. Methods Participants were 158 internal adult migrants who had changed residence in the last 6 months. They were randomized into two groups: an experimental group (receiving an internet-based self-efficacy intervention), and a waiting list control group. We examined if the intervention was effective in enhancing participants’ social self-efficacy (primary outcome), general self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and reduced reported loneliness (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (Time 1) and 3-weeks later (Time 2). The dropout rate was 50.6%. Initially, we planned to gather follow-up data also 8-weeks after baseline (Time 3). However, due to health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to stop the trial. Finally, we included in our analysis only data gathered before the COVID-19 pandemic at Time 1 and Time 2. Results A total of 159 individuals who met the study’s inclusion criteria and completed the baseline assessment were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 80) or the waiting list control group (n = 79). Nevertheless, one participant assigned to the control group was excluded from the analyses because they withdrew their consent to participate after being randomized. The study results suggest that compared to the waitlist control group (n = 78), participants in the experimental group (n = 80) reported a higher level of general self-efficacy beliefs at Time 2 (Cohen’s d = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.15–0.79). However, there were no statistically significant effects on social self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and loneliness. Conclusion The study offers preliminary support for the effectiveness of an internet-based self-efficacy intervention designed for internal migrants on general self-efficacy beliefs. Trial registration The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04088487) on 11th September 2019.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedI‐Wen Chen, Hsiu‐Jung Lin, Yao‐Tsung Lin, Kuo‐Chuan Hung
Journal of Medical Virology, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Yu Liu, Miao Li, Tingting Cui, Zhian Chen, Liangting Xu, Wenjuan Li, Qinhua Peng, Xingxing Li, Danhua Zhao, C. Alexander Valencia, Biao Dong, Zhongfang Wang, Hoi Yee Chow, Yuhua Li
Journal of Medical Virology, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Infectious Disease Modelling, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Publication date: Available online 6 March 2024 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Daihai He, Yael Artzy-Randrup, Salihu S. Musa, Tiago Gräf, Felipe Naveca, Lewi Stone
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHutchings, H. A., Rahman, M., Carter, K., Islam, S., O'Neill, C., Roberts, S., John, A., Fegan, G., Dave, U., Hawkes, N., Ahmed, F., Hasan, M., Azad, A. K., Rahman, M. M., Kibria, M. G., Rahman, M. M., Mia, T., Akhter, M., Williams, J. G.
BMJ Open, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
IntroductionCOVID-19 has caused severe disruption to clinical services in Bangladesh but the extent of this, and the impact on healthcare professionals is unclear. We aimed to assess the perceived levels of anxiety, depression and burnout among doctors and nurses during COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe undertook an online survey using RedCap, directed at doctors and nurses across four institutions in Bangladesh (The Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute & Hospital (SRNGIH), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Mugda Medical College Hospital (MMCH) and M Abdur Rahim Medical College (MARMC) Hospital). We collected information on demographics, awareness of well-being services, COVID-19-related workload, as well as anxiety, depression and burnout using two validated questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). ResultsOf the 3000 participants approached, we received responses from 2705 (90.2%). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety, depression and burnout scores across institutions (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTan, Daniel J.; Plasek, Joseph M.; Hou, Peter C.; Baron, Rebecca M.; Atkinson, Benjamin J.; Zhou, Li
Critical Care Explorations, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVES: COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high mortality and often necessitates invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Previous studies on non-COVID-19 ARDS have shown driving pressure to be robustly associated with ICU mortality; however, those studies relied on “static” driving pressure measured periodically and manually. As “continuous” automatically monitored driving pressure is becoming increasingly available and reliable with more advanced mechanical ventilators, we aimed to examine the effect of this “dynamic” driving pressure in COVID-19 ARDS throughout the entire ventilation period. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective, observational study cohort study evaluates the association between driving pressure and ICU mortality in patients with concurrent COVID-19 and ARDS using multivariate joint modeling. The study cohort (n = 544) included all adult patients (≥ 18 yr) with COVID-19 ARDS between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, on volume-control mode IMV for 12 hours or more in a Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA ICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 544 included patients, 171 (31.4%) died in the ICU. Increased dynamic ΔP was associated with increased risk in the hazard of ICU mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.035; 95% credible interval, 1.004–1.069) after adjusting for other relevant dynamic respiratory biomarkers. A significant increase in risk in the hazard of death was found for every hour of exposure to high intensities of driving pressure (≥ 15 cm H2O) (HR 1.002; 95% credible interval 1.001–1.003). CONCLUSIONS: Limiting patients’ exposure to high intensities of driving pressure even while under lung-protective ventilation may represent a critical step in improving ICU survival in patients with COVID-19 ARDS. Time-series IMV data could be leveraged to enhance real-time monitoring and decision support to optimize ventilation strategies at the bedside.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Octavio Paz, the late Mexican poet and Nobel laureate, viewed solitude as “the profoundest fact of the human condition… man is the only being who knows he is alone…in search for communion” [1]. Since the 2019 arrival of a novel coronavirus, consider solitude and isolation—the different encounters many faced. I contrast solitude as the self-imposed capture of time for reflection, for finding creativity, order, purpose, and identity versus isolation, the often externally circumscribed, disorienting loss of community, conversation, caring, and hope.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Purpose To explore occupational and non-occupational risk and protective factors for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods Serum specimens and questionnaire data were obtained between October 7 and December 16, 2021 from COVID-19-vaccinated HCWs at a quaternary care hospital in Munich, Germany, and were analyzed in the RisCoin Study. Results Of 3,696 participants evaluated, 6.6% have had COVID-19 at least once. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified working in patient care occupations (7.3% had COVID-19, 95% CI 6.4–8.3, Pr = 0.0002), especially as nurses, to be a potential occupation-related COVID-19 risk factor. Non-occupational factors significantly associated with high rates of the disease were contacts to COVID-19 cases in the community (12.8% had COVID-19, 95% CI 10.3–15.8, Pr
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Background Immune dysregulation in individuals with long COVID has been detected. Differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltration on chest CT in long COVID is challenging. Case presentation A 62-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of dyspnea after COVID-19 infection. Dyspnea became worse in the one month preceding presentation. The chest CT showed multifocal, subpleural, bilateral opacities due to long-COVID, and infiltration around the bronchovascular bundle in the bilateral lower lung field. The pathology for the transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) first reported chronic inflammation (mainly interstitial pneumonia). The patient had positive results on tests for the antibody, RO-52+, EJ+. The presumptive diagnosis of connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease was made. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide were given. At follow-up one month later, the chest CT showed new diffuse ground-glass infiltration. The previous TBCB specimen was re-evaluated. Foamy macrophages were found in the alveolar air space. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was performed. Numerous intracytoplasmic organisms were detected, with morphologic features consistent with those of Tropheryma whipplei. The patient recovered after intravenous ceftriaxone and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The final diagnosis was lung T. whipplei infection and long COVID-19. Conclusion This is the first case report of Tropheryma whipplei infection in the lung of a patient with long COVID-19. T. whipplei should be considered as a potential pathogen for diffuse lung infiltration in the post-COVID-19 era.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health issue with various effects on the physical and mental state of the societies. The aim of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics and mental health condition of Tehran Municipality employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on Tehran Municipality employees in 2020–2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling and were divided into COVID-19 and uninfected groups. Demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk behaviors, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Well- Being Social Inventory were filled for all participants. Results A total of 510 participants (363 uninfected participants and 147 participants with COVID-19) were evaluated. The prevalence of female gender was significantly higher in COVID-19 group compared to uninfected group (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Background and objective Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of monkeypox’s zoonotic infection and was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies from different countries have shown insufficient knowledge among the general public on MPXV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the general public of Nepal on MPXV. Methods Three hundred people were interviewed in person in October 2022, and 282 complete responses were recorded. The questionnaire related to the knowledge of MPXV was derived from a previous study conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two questions were included that assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese toward monkeypox. Statistical comparison between high and low knowledge was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were deployed to establish the relationship between participants’ knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Among the total respondents, 53.8% demonstrated high knowledge of monkeypox. People aged 18–25 years, unmarried people, and those living in urban areas had significantly higher levels of knowledge. Most respondents believed that MPXV is not a conspiracy or bioterrorism (63.1%) and agreed that it is likely to affect people’s social and economic life as COVID-19 did (67.0%). The history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR: 2.980; 95%CI: 1.227, 7.236) and the younger age (aOR: 2.975; 95%CI: 1.097, 8.069) were found to be significant determinants of the knowledge of the participants on monkeypox. Conclusion We observed that most Nepalese populations had a high knowledge of monkeypox and that social media was the most valuable source of information.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedXin Hu, Bo Zhu, Bokai Zhang, Lidan Zeng
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
by Xin Hu, Bo Zhu, Bokai Zhang, Lidan Zeng The linkages between the US and China, the world’s two major agricultural powers, have brought great uncertainty to the global food markets. Inspired by these, this paper examines the extreme risk spillovers between US and Chinese agricultural futures markets during significant crises. We use a copula-conditional value at risk (CoVaR) model with Markov-switching regimes to capture the tail dependence in their pair markets. The study covers the period from January 2006 to December 2022 and identifies two distinct dependence regimes (stable and crisis periods). Moreover, we find significant and asymmetric upside/downside extreme risk spillovers between the US and Chinese markets, which are highly volatile in crises. Additionally, the impact of international capital flows (the financial channel) on risk spillovers is particularly pronounced during the global financial crisis. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine 2022 war, the impact of supply chain disruptions (the non-financial channel) is highlighted. Our findings provide a theoretical reference for monitoring the co-movements in agricultural futures markets and practical insights for managing investment portfolios and enhancing food market stability during crises.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMamadou Saliou Sow, Josue Togo, Lacy M. Simons, Souleymane Taran Diallo, Mohamed Lamine Magassouba, Mamadou Bhoye Keita, Anou Moise Somboro, Youssouf Coulibaly, Egon A. Ozer, Judd F. Hultquist, Robert Leo Murphy, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Mamoudou Maiga, Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
by Mamadou Saliou Sow, Josue Togo, Lacy M. Simons, Souleymane Taran Diallo, Mohamed Lamine Magassouba, Mamadou Bhoye Keita, Anou Moise Somboro, Youssouf Coulibaly, Egon A. Ozer, Judd F. Hultquist, Robert Leo Murphy, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Mamoudou Maiga, Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo SARS-CoV-2 has claimed several million lives since its emergence in late 2019. The ongoing evolution of the virus has resulted in the periodic emergence of new viral variants with distinct fitness advantages, including enhanced transmission and immune escape. While several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern trace their origins back to the African continent—including Beta, Eta, and Omicron–most countries in Africa remain under-sampled in global genomic surveillance efforts. In an effort to begin filling these knowledge gaps, we conducted retrospective viral genomic surveillance in Guinea from October 2020 to August 2021. We found that SARS-CoV-2 clades 20A, 20B, and 20C dominated throughout 2020 until the coincident emergence of the Alpha and Eta variants of concern in January 2021. The Alpha variant remained dominant throughout early 2021 until the arrival of the Delta variant in July. Surprisingly, despite the small sample size of our study, we also found the persistence of the early SARS-CoV-2 clade 19B as late as April 2021. Together, these data help fill in our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 population dynamics in West Africa early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKetan Patel, Daniel J. Smith, Christopher C. Huntley, Sunita D. Channa, Anita Pye, Andrew P. Dickens, Nicola Gale, Alice M. Turner
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
by Ketan Patel, Daniel J. Smith, Christopher C. Huntley, Sunita D. Channa, Anita Pye, Andrew P. Dickens, Nicola Gale, Alice M. Turner Background Within primary care there exists a cohort of patients misdiagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Misdiagnosis can have a detrimental impact on healthcare finances and patient health and so understanding the factors leading to misdiagnosis is crucial in order to reduce misdiagnosis in the future. The objective of this study is to understand and explore the perceived causes of COPD misdiagnosis in primary care. Methods A sequential mixed methods study, quantifying prevalence and features of patients misdiagnosed with COPD in primary care followed by a qualitative analysis to explore perceived causes of misdiagnosis. Quantitative data was collected for 206 patients identified as misdiagnosed with COPD within the INTEGR COPD study (NCT03482700). Qualitative data collected from 21 healthcare professionals involved in providing COPD care and 8 misdiagnosed patients who were recruited using a maximum variation purposive sampling. Results Misinterpretation of spirometry results was the prevailing factor leading to patients initially being misdiagnosed with COPD, affecting 59% of misdiagnosed patients in this cohort. Of the 99 patients who were investigated for their underlying diagnosis; 41% had normal spirometry and 40% had asthma. Further investigation through qualitative methodology uncovered reluctance to challenge historical misdiagnoses and challenges in differential diagnosis as the underlying explanations for COPD misdiagnosis in this cohort. Conclusions Patients historically diagnosed with COPD without spirometric evidence are at risk of remaining labelled and treated for COPD despite non-obstructive respiratory physiology, leading to a persistent cohort of patients misdiagnosed with COPD in primary care. The lack of spirometry services during and after the COVID19 pandemic in primary care risks adding to the cohort of misdiagnosed patients. Support from respiratory specialists can potentially help to reduce the prevalence of COPD misdiagnosis in primary care. Trial registration NCT03482700.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 110 Issue: 3 Pages: 512-517
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Abstract Background Immunocompromised patients (ICPs) have an increased risk for a severe and prolonged COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were extensively used in these patients, but data from randomized trials that focus on ICPs are lacking. We evaluated the clinical and virological outcome of COVID-19 in ICPs treated with mAbs across SARS-CoV-2 variants.Methods In this multicenter prospective cohort study, we enrolled B-cell– and/or T-cell–deficient patients treated with casirivimab/imdevimab, sotrovimab, or tixagevimab/cilgavimab. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was quantified and sequenced weekly, and time to viral clearance, viral genome mutations, hospitalization, and death rates were registered.Results Two hundred and forty five patients infected with the Delta (50%) or Omicron BA.1, 2, or 5 (50%) variant were enrolled. Sixty-seven percent were vaccinated; 78 treated as outpatients, of whom 2 required hospital admission, but both survived. Of the 159 patients hospitalized at time of treatment, 43 (27%) required mechanical ventilation or died. The median time to viral clearance was 14 days (interquartile range, 7–22); however, it took >30 days in 15%. Resistance-associated spike mutations emerged in 9 patients in whom the median time to viral clearance was 63 days (95% confidence interval, 57–69; P < .001). Spike mutations were observed in 1 of 42 (2.4%) patients after treatment with 2 active mAbs, in 5 of 34 (14.7%) treated with actual monotherapy (sotrovimab), and 3 of 20 (12%) treated with functional monotherapy (ie, tixagevimab/cilgavimab against tixagevimab-resistant variant).Conclusions Despite treatment with mAbs, morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in ICPs remained substantial. Combination antiviral therapy should be further explored and may be preferred in severely ICPs.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGhannam, A. B., Ibrahim, H. A., Hammoud, B., Hamam, R.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis and the Beirut explosion on the training and work of ophthalmology residents and faculty in Lebanon. DesignThis is an observational cohort survey-based research conducted between January and December 2022. SettingThe study targeted all ophthalmology residents and core faculty in Lebanon. ParticipantsA total of 52 participants, including 27 residents and 25 core faculty members, completed the survey. Primary outcome measurePrimary outcomes comprised the subjectively reported effect of the three major external stressors on the training and well-being of ophthalmology trainees and educators in Lebanon. ResultsThe study found that the majority of ophthalmology residents and core faculty members were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Beirut explosion and the economic crisis in Lebanon. Significant percentage reported financial burden, decrease in outpatient and surgical load and educational activities. Furthermore, most participants reported higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression during the time of crises. ConclusionsThis study emphasises the need to support healthcare professionals during times of crisis, as they are on the frontlines and can experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. By providing support and resources to healthcare professionals, they can better cope with the challenges they face and continue to provide essential care to their patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSamtlebe, P., Niemann, J., Markert, J., Knöchelmann, A., Bernard, M.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of resilient, modern, and well-equipped public health administrations from national to communal levels. In Germany, the surveillance, contact tracing, and local adaptions went through local health offices, revealing both their important role and also their lack of equipment and general preparation for health crises. Research on the mode of operation of the public health service (PHS), especially in a time of crisis, is rare. The present study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively assess problem areas, conflict potentials, and challenges that have become apparent for the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt during the pandemic. It focuses on the individual insight of employees of the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt and its 14 health offices to derive concrete needs and fields of action for increasing pandemic preparedness. Furthermore, the prospective personnel and resource-based requirements as well as the necessary structural and organisational changes of the public health departments are to be considered. Methods and analysisThe study will follow a sequential mixed-methods approach. Introductory expert interviews (n=12) with leading staff of Saxony-Anhalt’s PHS will be conducted, followed by focus group interviews (n=4) with personnel from all departments involved in the pandemic response. Thereafter, a quantitative survey will be carried out to validate and complement the results of the qualitative phase. Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained by the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg ethics commission (Ref number 2023-102). The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant peer-reviewed journals and give national and international oral presentations to researchers, members of the PHS, and policymakers.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTurnbull, S. L., Dack, C., Lei, J., Aksu, I., Grant, S., Lasseter, G., Silarova, B., Ainsworth, B.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
ObjectivesTo explore how healthcare practitioners (HCPs) made decisions about the implementation of digital health technologies (DHTs) in their clinical practice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA multimethods study, comprising semistructured interviews conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, supplemented with an online survey that was conducted during the pandemic with a different sample, to ensure the qualitative findings remained relevant within the rapidly changing healthcare context. Participants were recruited through HCP networks, snowballing and social media. Data were analysed thematically. SettingPhone interviews and online survey. ParticipantsHCPs represented a range of professions from primary and secondary care across England, with varied socioeconomic deprivation. Results24 HCPs were interviewed, and 16 HCPs responded to the survey. In the interviews, HCPs described three levels where decisions were made, which determined who would have access to what DHTs: health organisation, HCP and patient levels. These decisions resulted in the unequal implementation of DHTs across health services, created barriers for HCPs using DHTs in their practice and influenced HCPs’ decisions on which patients to supply DHTs with. In the survey, HCPs described being provided support to overcome some of the barriers at the organisation and HCP level during the pandemic. However, they cited similar concerns to pre-pandemic about barriers patients faced using DHTs (eg, digital literacy). In the absence of centralised guidance on how to manage these barriers, health services made their own decisions about how to adapt their services for those who struggled with DHTs. ConclusionsDecision-making at the health organisation, HCP and patient levels influences inequalities in access to DHTs for HCPs and patients. The mobilisation of centralised information and resources during the pandemic can be viewed as good practice for reducing barriers to use of DHTs for HCPs. However, attention must also be paid to reducing barriers to accessing DHTs for patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedZhao, Q., Dong, L., Wang, L., Zhao, H., Zhu, X., Zhang, Z., Liu, J.
BMJ Open, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
ObjectiveMedication non-adherence to immunosuppressants threatens allograft survival and function maintenance among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of immunosuppressant medication non-adherence and associated factors during the COVID-19 reopening period among Chinese SOT recipients. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingSouth-central China. PopulationAdult patients who received SOT with functioning graft. MethodsSociodemographic questionnaire and scales to measure physical activity, depression and medication non-adherence were used to collect data. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with medication non-adherence. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed to examine the potential mechanisms influencing medication behaviour during the pandemic reopening period using SPSS PROCESS macro 4.3 software. ResultsA total of 1121 participants were recruited and the prevalence of medication non-adherence was 36.3% in this study. Recipients who were men, had a higher monthly income, lived alone, had received transplantation for a minimum of 3 years, had received COVID-19 vaccination and experienced depressive symptoms exhibited an increased risk of non-adherence. Contrarily, those who engaged in high-intensity physical activity exhibited a decreased risk. Physical activity was negatively associated with medication non-adherence (r=–0.124, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPriya Venkatesan
The Lancet Microbe, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
The estimated number of global malaria cases in 2022 exceeded pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in 2019, according to WHO’s 2023 World malaria report. Several threats to the malaria global response are highlighted in the report, including climate change.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSimon Feys, Sam Vanmassenhove, Sirima Kraisin, Karen Yu, Cato Jacobs, Bram Boeckx, Seppe Cambier, Cristina Cunha, Yves Debaveye, Samuel M Gonçalves, Greet Hermans, Stephanie Humblet-Baron, Sander Jansen, Katrien Lagrou, Philippe Meersseman, Johan Neyts, Marijke Peetermans, Joana Rocha-Pereira, Rogier Schepers, Valérie Spalart, Marick R Starick, Karin Thevissen, Thomas Van Brussel, Tina Van Buyten, Pierre Van Mol, Christophe Vandenbriele, Lore Vanderbeke, Els Wauters, Alexander Wilmer, Johan Van Weyenbergh, Frank L Van De Veerdonk, Agostinho Carvalho, Paul Proost, Kimberly Martinod, Diether Lambrechts, Joost Wauters
The Lancet Microbe, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Qualitative and quantitative disturbances in monocyte, macrophage, B-cell, and T-cell populations could predispose patients with severe COVID-19 to develop CAPA. Hybrid neutrophils form a specialised response to CAPA, and an adequate neutrophil response to CAPA is a major determinant for survival in these patients. Therefore, measuring bronchoalveolar lavage NETs could have diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with CAPA. Clinicians should be wary of aspergillosis when using immunomodulatory therapy that might inhibit NETosis to treat patients with severe COVID-19.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMeagan Carney, Tiana Maria Pelaia, Tracy Chew, Sally Teoh, Amy Phu, Karan Kim, Ya Wang, Jonathan Iredell, Yoann Zerbib, Anthony McLean, Klaus Schughart, Benjamin Tang, Maryam Shojaei, Kirsty R Short, PREDICT-19 consortium
The Lancet Microbe, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
These data raise the possibility that host transcriptomics at the time of clinical presentation, together with machine learning, can forward predict the risk of secondary bacterial infections and allow for the more targeted use of antibiotics in viral infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSoojeong ChangKwang-Soo ShinBongju ParkSeowoo ParkJieun ShinHyemin ParkIn Kyung JungJong Heon KimSeong Eun BaeJae-Ouk KimSeung Ho BaekGreen KimJung Joo HongHyungseok SeoErik VolzChang-Yuil KangaResearch & Development Center, Cellid Co., Ltd., Seoul 08826, Republic of KoreabScience Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul 08826, Republic of KoreacNational Primate Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 28116, Republic of KoreadKorea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of KoreaeLaboratory of Cell & Gene Therapy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of KoreafDepartment of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 10, March 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedApirak Bumyut, Sasithorn Thanapop, Ni Made Utami Dwipayanti
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Apirak Bumyut, Sasithorn Thanapop, Ni Made Utami Dwipayanti Community-based tourism (CBT) in Thailand faces challenges in adapting to COVID-19 prevention measures. The purpose of the study was to evaluate levels of knowledge, practice, and compliance regarding safety and health measures of the entrepreneur in managing CBT under the Safety and Health Administration (SHA) standard in the new normal situation. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty-one entrepreneurs from three CBTs in three districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat, in the months of February—May 2021. Levels of knowledge and practice were evaluated by questionnaires and compliance level was evaluated by SHA standard checklist. The level of knowledge and practice were categorized sufficient and insufficient, while compliance level was categorized as high or low if scores met or exceeded 80%, based on Bloom’s cut-off point. Information on sociodemographic characteristics was also gathered. Fisher’s exact test with a 95% confidence level (α < 0.05) was used for statistical analysis. The findings revealed that 66.7% and 38.1% of the establishments in the study had sufficient knowledge (Mean ± SD: 46.9 ± 7.2, Max: 55.0, Min: 33.0) and sufficient practice (Mean ± SD: 40.4 ± 9.2, Max: 55.0, Min: 29.0), respectively. In addition, the study found that knowledge level was significantly associated with practice level at a p-value of 0.018. However, compliance level was not related to knowledge and practice. In conclusion, the low level of compliance was due to a lack of understanding and motivation to comply with the standard, and the budget of small establishments in CBT for bringing them up to the SHA standard was quite limited. Therefore, the related organizations should use a variety of strategies to encourage entrepreneurs, such as partnership building and resource support.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMoira Cruickshank, Miriam Brazzelli, Paul Manson, Nicola Torrance, Aileen Grant
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Moira Cruickshank, Miriam Brazzelli, Paul Manson, Nicola Torrance, Aileen Grant Background Long COVID is a devastating, long-term, debilitating illness which disproportionately affects healthcare workers, due to the nature of their work. There is currently limited evidence specific to healthcare workers about the experience of living with Long COVID, or its prevalence, pattern of recovery or impact on healthcare. Objective Our objective was to assess the effects of Long COVID among healthcare workers and its impact on health status, working lives, personal circumstances, and use of health service resources. Methods We conducted a systematic rapid review according to current methodological standards and reported it in adherence to the PRISMA 2020 and ENTREQ statements. Results We searched relevant electronic databases and identified 3770 articles of which two studies providing qualitative evidence and 28 survey studies providing quantitative evidence were eligible. Thematic analysis of the two qualitative studies identified five themes: uncertainty about symptoms, difficulty accessing services, importance of being listened to and supported, patient versus professional identity and suggestions to improve communication and services for people with Long COVID. Common long-term symptoms in the survey studies included fatigue, headache, loss of taste and/or smell, breathlessness, dyspnoea, difficulty concentrating, depression and anxiety. Conclusion Healthcare workers struggled with their dual identity (patient/doctor) and felt dismissed or not taken seriously by their doctors. Our findings are in line with those in the literature showing that there are barriers to healthcare professionals accessing healthcare and highlighting the challenges of receiving care due to their professional role. A more representative approach in Long COVID research is needed to reflect the diverse nature of healthcare staff and their occupations. This rapid review was conducted using robust methods with the codicil that the pace of research into Long COVID may mean relevant evidence was not identified.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKonstantinos S. Kechagias, Joshua D. Laleye, Jan Drmota, Georgios Geropoulos, Georgios Kyrtsonis, Marina Zafeiri, Konstantinos Katsikas Triantafyllidis, Dimitra Stathi
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Konstantinos S. Kechagias, Joshua D. Laleye, Jan Drmota, Georgios Geropoulos, Georgios Kyrtsonis, Marina Zafeiri, Konstantinos Katsikas Triantafyllidis, Dimitra Stathi Background The newly developed COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and safe. However, a small portion of vaccine recipients experience a wide range of adverse events. Recently, glomerular disease, including the development of Minimal Change Disease (MCD), has been observed after administration of different COVID-19 vaccines, although causality remains a matter of debate. Aim The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively examine the available literature and provide an overview of reported cases of MCD following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Results We identified 46 eligible articles which included 94 cases with MCD following COVID-19 vaccination of which one case was reported twice due to a second relapse. Fifty-five participants were males (59.1%, 55/93) and 38 (40.9%, 38/93) were females with a mean age of 45.02 years (SD:20.95). From the included patients 50 (50/94, 53.1%) were described as new-onset and 44 (46.9%, 44/94) as relapse. On average, symptomatology developed 16.68 days (SD: 22.85) after the administration of the vaccine irrespective of the dose. Data about symptoms was reported in 68 cases with the most common being oedema (80.8%, 55/68), followed by weight gain (26.5%, 18/68) and hypertension (16.1%, 11/68). In terms of outcome, more than half of the patients went into remission (61%, 57/94), while 18 recovered or improved post treatment (19.1%, 18/94). Two people relapsed after treatment (2.1%, 2/94) and two cases (2.1%, 2/94) were reported as not recovered. Conclusion MCD is possibly a condition clinicians may see in patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Although this adverse event is uncommon, considering the limited published data and the absence of confirmed causality, increased clinical awareness is crucial for the early recognition and optimal management of these patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMarina Charquero-Ballester, Jessica Gabriele Walter, Astrid Sletten Rybner, Ida Anthonj Nissen, Kenneth Christian Enevoldsen, Anja Bechmann
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by Marina Charquero-Ballester, Jessica Gabriele Walter, Astrid Sletten Rybner, Ida Anthonj Nissen, Kenneth Christian Enevoldsen, Anja Bechmann During the Covid-19 crisis, citizens turned to Twitter for information seeking, emotional outlet and sense-making of the crisis, creating ad hoc social communities using crisis-specific hashtags. The theory of ambient affiliation posits that the use of hashtags upscales the call to affiliate with the values expressed in the tweet. Given the deep functional tie between values and emotions, hashtag use might further amplify certain emotions. While emotions in crises-hashtagged communities have been previously investigated, the hypothesis of amplification of emotions through hashtag use has not yet been tested. We investigate such effect during the Covid-19 crisis in a scenario of high-trust Nordic societies, focusing on non-hashtagged, crisis hashtagged (e.g., ‘#Covid-19’) and threat hashtagged (e.g., ‘#misinformation’) tweets. To do so we apply XLM-RoBERTa to estimate Anger, Fear, Sadness, Disgust, Joy and Optimism. Our results revealed that crisis-hashtagged (#Covid-19) tweets expressed more negative emotions (Anger, Fear, Disgust and Sadness) and less positive emotions (Optimism and Joy) than non-hashtagged Covid-19 tweets for all countries except Finland. Threat tweets (#misinformation) expressed even more negative emotions (Anger, Fear, Disgust) and less positive emotions (Optimism and Joy) than #Covid-19 tweets, with a particularly large effect for Anger. Our findings provide useful context for previous research on collective emotions during crises, as most Twitter content is not hashtagged, and given the faster spread of emotionally charged content, further support the special focus on specific ad hoc communities for crisis and threat management and monitoring.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMay Oo Lwin, Anita Sheldenkar, Pei Ling Tng
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.03.2024
Tilføjet 6.03.2024
by May Oo Lwin, Anita Sheldenkar, Pei Ling Tng The prevalence of health myths is increasing with the rise of Internet use. Left unaddressed, online falsehoods can lead to harmful behaviours. In times of crisis, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the circulation of many myths is exacerbated, often to varying degrees among different cultures. Singapore is a multicultural hub in Asia with Western and Asian influences. Although several studies have examined health myths from a Western or Eastern perspective, little research has investigated online health falsehoods in a population that is culturally exposed to both. Furthermore, most studies examined myths cross-sectionally instead of capturing trends in myth prevalence over time, particularly during crisis situations. Given these literature gaps, we investigated popular myths surrounding the recent COVID-19 pandemic within the multicultural setting of Singapore, by examining its general population. We further examined changes in myth beliefs over the two-year period during the pandemic, and population demographic differences in myth beliefs. Using randomised sampling, two online surveys of nationally representative samples of adults (aged 21–70 years) residing in Singapore were conducted, the first between October 2020 and February 2021 (N = 949), and the second between March and April 2022 (N = 1084). Results showed that 12.7% to 57.5% of the population were unable to identify various myths, such as COVID-19 was manmade, and that three of these myths persisted significantly over time (increases ranging from 3.9% to 9.8%). However, belief in myths varied across population demographics, with ethnic minorities (Indians and Malays), females, young adults and those with lower education levels being more susceptible to myths than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that current debunking efforts are insufficient to effectively counter misinformation beliefs during health crises. Instead, a post-COVID-19 landscape will require targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable population sub-groups, that also focus on the erroneous beliefs with long staying power.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNan Xiong, Qiangming Sun
Journal of Medical Virology, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Na Wu, Zhiwei Chen, Guanhua Zha, Zhiling Deng, Wenhan Huang, Dachuan Cai, Mingli Peng, Peng Hu, Lin Tang, Hong Ren
Journal of Medical Virology, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Melaku, T., Mekonnen, Z., Terefe Tucho, G., Mecha, M., Ardal, C., Jahre, M.
BMJ Open, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
ObjectivesLockdowns and border closures impacted medicine availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the availability of essential, generic medicines for chronic diseases at public pharmaceutical supply agencies in Ethiopia. DesignComparative cross-sectional study. SettingThe availability of essential, generic medicines for chronic diseases was assessed at two public pharmaceutical supply agency hubs. ParticipantsThe current study included public supply agency hub managers, warehouse managers and forecasting officers at the study setting. OutcomesThe assessment encompassed the availability of chronic medicines on the day of data collection, as well as records spanning 8 months before the outbreak and 1 year during the pandemic. A total of 22 medicines were selected based on their inclusion in the national essential drug list for public health facilities, including 17 medicines for cardiovascular disease and 5 for diabetes mellitus. ResultsThe results of the study indicate that the mean availability of the selected basket medicines was 43.3% (95% CI: 37.1 to 49.5) during COVID-19, which was significantly lower than the availability of 67.4% (95% CI: 62.2 to 72.6) before the outbreak (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Abstract Purpose To explore occupational and non-occupational risk and protective factors for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods Serum specimens and questionnaire data were obtained between October 7 and December 16, 2021 from COVID-19-vaccinated HCWs at a quaternary care hospital in Munich, Germany, and were analyzed in the RisCoin Study. Results Of 3,696 participants evaluated, 6.6% have had COVID-19 at least once. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified working in patient care occupations (7.3% had COVID-19, 95% CI 6.4–8.3, Pr = 0.0002), especially as nurses, to be a potential occupation-related COVID-19 risk factor. Non-occupational factors significantly associated with high rates of the disease were contacts to COVID-19 cases in the community (12.8% had COVID-19, 95% CI 10.3–15.8, Pr
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Abstract Background The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has been observed from the very beginning of the fight against COVID-19, some mutations are indicators of potentially dangerous variants of the virus. However, there is no clear association between the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19. We aimed to analyze the genetic variability of RdRp in correlation with different courses of COVID-19. Results The prospective study included 77 samples of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from outpatients (1st degree of severity) and hospitalized patients (2nd, 3rd and 4th degree of severity). The retrospective analyses included 15,898,266 cases of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences deposited in the GISAID repository. Single-nucleotide variants were identified based on the four sequenced amplified fragments of SARS-CoV-2. The analysis of the results was performed using appropriate statistical methods, with p T, 14697C > T, 15096 T > C, and 15279C > T), while the 15240C > T mutation was common among strains isolated from outpatients. The selected mutations were searched worldwide in the GISAID database, their presence was correlated with the severity of COVID-19. Conclusion Identified mutations have the potential to be used to assess the increased risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 positive patients. Experimental studies and extensive epidemiological data are needed to investigate the association between individual mutations and the severity of COVID-19.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Abstract Background The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic, mild to moderate, severe, and critical disease. Host genetic variants were recognized to affect the disease severity. However, the genetic landscape differs among various populations. Therefore, we explored the variants associated with COVID-19 severity in the Guangdong population. Methods A total of 314 subjects were selected, of which the severe and critical COVID-19 patients were defined as “cases”, and the mild and moderate patients were defined as “control”. Twenty-two variants in interferon-related genes and FOXP4 were genotyped using the MassARRAY technology platform. Results IFN signaling gene MX1 rs17000900 CA + AA genotype was correlated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in males (P = 0.001, OR = 0.050, 95%CI = 0.008–0.316). The AT haplotype comprised of MX1 rs17000900 and rs2071430 was more likely to protect against COVID-19 severity (P = 6.3E-03). FOXP4 rs1886814 CC genotype (P = 0.001, OR = 3.747, 95%CI = 1.746–8.043) and rs2894439 GA + AA genotype (P = 0.001, OR = 5.703, 95% CI = 2.045–15.903) were correlated with increased risk of severe COVID-19. Haplotype CA comprised of rs1886814 and rs2894439 was found to be correlated with adverse outcomes (P = 7.0E-04). FOXP4 rs1886814 CC (P = 0.0004) and rs2894439 GA + AA carriers had higher neutralizing antibody titers (P = 0.0018). The CA + AA genotype of MX1 rs17000900 tended to be correlated with lower neutralizing antibody titers than CC genotype (P = 0.0663), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Our study found a possible association between MX1 and FOXP4 polymorphisms and the severity of COVID-19. Distinguishing high-risk patients who develop severe COVID-19 will provide clues for early intervention and individual treatment strategies.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.03.2024
Tilføjet 5.03.2024
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis To assess the efficacy of 0.23% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) nasal rinses and mouth washes on detectability of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus and cycle threshold (Ct) values in nasopharyngeal swabs. Study design This was an open-label, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting The study was conducted in King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August 2021 to July 2022. Methods Participants diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 were randomly assigned to one of three groups, with participants receiving either 0.23% PVP-I, 0.9% normal saline (NS) nasal rinses and mouth washes, or no intervention (control group). Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken 4, 8, 12, and 18 days after the first swab to measure the detectability of the virus and the Ct. Results A total of 19 participants were involved in this study. The mean viral survival was 9.8, 12, and 12.6 days for the PVP-I, NS, and control groups, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.046). The Ct mean values were 23 ± 3.4, 23.5 ± 6.3, and 26.3 ± 5.9 at the time of recruitment and 25.2 ± 3.5, 15 ± 11.7, and 26.9 ± 6.4 after 4 days for the PVP-I, NS, and control groups, respectively. Conclusions When used continuously at a concentration of 0.23%, PVP-I showed promising results in terms of decreasing the pandemic burden by reducing the period of infectiousness and viral load. However, the use of PVP-I did not result in significantly different changes in the quality-of-life parameters in recently vaccinated and mild COVID-19 patients.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCED Rees, BMC Swift, P Haldar
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 4.03.2024
Tilføjet 4.03.2024
Tuberculosis (TB), an aerosol transmitted infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains the commonest cause of death globally, from an infectious bacterial disease. Nine years on from the launch of the WHO\'s END-TB strategy, disease incidence rates are stubbornly unchanged [1]. While this represents, in part, a reversal of improving trends caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it also reflects the fragility and inadequacy of healthcare systems to sustain TB control [2]. Although multifactorial, a key reason for this is the ineffectiveness of existing clinical tools to meet the two key objectives of the END-TB strategy – (i) early diagnosis and treatment of TB disease (to limit onward transmission); and (ii) disease prevention through screening for asymptomatic TB infection (TBI).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Medical Virology, 3.03.2024
Tilføjet 3.03.2024
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2.03.2024
Tilføjet 2.03.2024
Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and treatment status on COVID-19-related hospitalizations in Georgia.Methods We analyzed 2020-2021 Georgian health-registry data for COVID-19-positive individuals and categorized by HCV infection and treatment status. Logistic regression was used to assess the strengths of the associations.Results Treated HCV individuals had lower odds of COVID-19-related hospitalization compared to anti-HCV-negatives, while untreated HCV-viremic and anti-HCV-positive non-viremic individuals had higher odds.Conclusions HCV treatment prior to COVID-19 infection was associated with lower odds of COVID-19-related hospitalization, highlighting the benefits of HCV management in the context of the pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 2.03.2024
Tilføjet 2.03.2024
Abstract Background Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to severe disease with increased morbidity and mortality among certain risk groups. The presence of autoantibodies against type I interferons (aIFN-Abs) is one mechanism that contributes to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods This study aimed to investigate the presence of aIFN-Abs in relation to the soluble proteome, circulating immune cell numbers, and cellular phenotypes, as well as development of adaptive immunity.Results aIFN-Abs were more prevalent in critical compared to severe COVID-19 but largely absent in the other viral and bacterial infections studied here. The antibody and T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 remained largely unaffected by the presence aIFN-Abs. Similarly, the inflammatory response in COVID-19 was comparable in individuals with and without aIFN-Abs. Instead, presence of aIFN-Abs had an impact on cellular immune system composition and skewing of cellular immune pathways.Conclusions Our data suggest that aIFN-Abs do not significantly influence development of adaptive immunity but covary with alterations in immune cell numbers.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 2.03.2024
Tilføjet 2.03.2024
Abstract Background Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) or chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy recipients have high morbidity from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. There are limited data on outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection shortly before cellular therapy and uncertainty whether to delay therapy.Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection within 90 days prior to HCT or CAR-T therapy between January 2020 and November 2022. We characterized the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 detection, clinical outcomes following cellular therapy, and impact on delays in cellular therapy.Results We identified 37 patients (n=15 allogeneic HCT, n=11 autologous HCT, n=11 CAR-T therapy) with SARS-CoV-2 infections within 90 days of cellular therapy. Most infections (73%) occurred between March and November 2022, when Omicron strains were prevalent. Most patients had asymptomatic (27%) or mild (68%) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 positivity lasted a median of 20.0 days [IQR, 12.5-26.25]. The median time from first positive SARS-CoV-2 test to cellular therapy was 45 days [IQR, 37.75-70]; one patient tested positive on the day of infusion. After cellular therapy, no patients had recrudescent SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19-related complications. Cellular therapy delays related to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 70% of patients for a median of 37 days. Delays were more common after allogeneic (73%) and autologous (91%) HCT compared to CAR-T cell therapy (45%).Conclusions Patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 may not require prolonged delays in cellular therapy in the context of contemporary circulating variants and availability of antiviral therapies.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 2.03.2024
Tilføjet 2.03.2024
Abstract Background The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic, mild to moderate, severe, and critical disease. Host genetic variants were recognized to affect the disease severity. However, the genetic landscape differs among various populations. Therefore, we explored the variants associated with COVID-19 severity in the Guangdong population. Methods A total of 314 subjects were selected, of which the severe and critical COVID-19 patients were defined as “cases”, and the mild and moderate patients were defined as “control”. Twenty-two variants in interferon-related genes and FOXP4 were genotyped using the MassARRAY technology platform. Results IFN signaling gene MX1 rs17000900 CA + AA genotype was correlated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in males (P = 0.001, OR = 0.050, 95%CI = 0.008–0.316). The AT haplotype comprised of MX1 rs17000900 and rs2071430 was more likely to protect against COVID-19 severity (P = 6.3E-03). FOXP4 rs1886814 CC genotype (P = 0.001, OR = 3.747, 95%CI = 1.746–8.043) and rs2894439 GA + AA genotype (P = 0.001, OR = 5.703, 95% CI = 2.045–15.903) were correlated with increased risk of severe COVID-19. Haplotype CA comprised of rs1886814 and rs2894439 was found to be correlated with adverse outcomes (P = 7.0E-04). FOXP4 rs1886814 CC (P = 0.0004) and rs2894439 GA + AA carriers had higher neutralizing antibody titers (P = 0.0018). The CA + AA genotype of MX1 rs17000900 tended to be correlated with lower neutralizing antibody titers than CC genotype (P = 0.0663), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Our study found a possible association between MX1 and FOXP4 polymorphisms and the severity of COVID-19. Distinguishing high-risk patients who develop severe COVID-19 will provide clues for early intervention and individual treatment strategies.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMed