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47 ud af 47 tidsskrifter valgt, søgeord (covid-19) valgt, emner højest 180 dage gamle, sorteret efter nyeste først.
1137 emner vises.
Busico, Marina; Fuentes, Nora A.; Gallardo, Adrián; Vitali, Alejandra; Quintana, Jorgelina; Olmos, Matias; Burns, Karen E.A.; Esperatti, Mariano; Argentine Collaborative Group on High Flow and Prone Positioning
Critical Care Medicine, 20.10.2023
Tilføjet 20.10.2023
Objectives: The Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was constructed for patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) with consideration given to issues related to reliability, feasibility, and validity. Notwithstanding, patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) may be treated with high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and may not fall within the scope of the original definition. We aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Berlin definition in HFNO-treated patients with COVID-19-related respiratory failure who otherwise met ARDS criteria. Design: Multicenter, prospective cohort study. Setting: Five ICUs of five centers in Argentina from March 2020 to September 2021. Patients: We consecutively included HFNO-treated patients older than 18 years with confirmed COVID-19-related ARF, a Pao2/Fio2 of less than 300 mm Hg, bilateral infiltrates on imaging, and worsening respiratory symptoms for less than 1 week. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: We evaluated the predictive validity of mortality at day 28 using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), compared the predictive validity across subgroups, and characterized relevant clinical outcomes. We screened 1,231 patients and included 696 ARDS patients [30 (4%) mild, 380 (55%) moderate, and 286 (41%) severe]. For the study cohort, the AUC for mortality at day 28 was 0.606 (95% CI, 0.561–0.651) with the AUC for subgroups being similar to that of the overall cohort. Two hundred fifty-six patients (37%) received IMV. By day 28, 142 patients (21%) had died, of whom 81 (57%) had severe ARDS. Mortality occurred primarily in patients who were transitioned to IMV. Conclusions: The predictive validity of the Berlin ARDS definition was similar for HFNO-treated patients as compared with the original population of invasively ventilated patients. Our findings support the extension of the Berlin definition to HFNO-treated patients with ARDS.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMichael Reid, Yvan Jean Patrick Agbassi, Nimalan Arinaminpathy, Alyssa Bercasio, Anurag Bhargava, Madhavi Bhargava, Amy Bloom, Adithya Cattamanchi, Richard Chaisson, Daniel Chin, Gavin Churchyard, Helen Cox, Claudia M Denkinger, Lucica Ditiu, David Dowdy, Mark Dybul, Anthony Fauci, Endalkachew Fedaku, Mustapha Gidado, Mark Harrington, Janika Hauser, Petra Heitkamp, Nick Herbert, Ani Herna Sari, Philip Hopewell, Emily Kendall, Aamir Khan, Andrew Kim, Irene Koek, Sergiy Kondratyuk, Nalini Krishnan, Chu-Chang Ku, Erica Lessem, Erin V McConnell, Payam Nahid, Matt Oliver, Madhukar Pai, Mario Raviglione, Theresa Ryckman, Marco Schäferhoff, Sachin Silva, Peter Small, Guy Stallworthy, Zelalem Temesgen, Kitty van Weezenbeek, Anna Vassall, Gustavo E Velásquez, Nandita Venkatesan, Gavin Yamey, Armand Zimmerman, Dean Jamison, Soumya Swaminathan, Eric Goosby
Lancet, 20.10.2023
Tilføjet 20.10.2023
The 2019 Lancet Commission on Tuberculosis laid out an optimistic vision for how to build a tuberculosis-free world through smart investments based on sound science and shared responsibility.1 Since then, several major strides have been made towards ending tuberculosis, including substantive improvements in treatment outcomes for people with drug-resistant disease.2,3 Although COVID-19 has undermined global progress, many African countries have sustained declines in tuberculosis mortality rates.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedValerie Leung, Suzanne Gill, Andrea Llanes, Armughan Khawaja, Amanda Stagg, Janine McCready, Mariana Jacubovich, Grace Ho, Jeff Powis, Christopher Kandel
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 20.10.2023
Tilføjet 20.10.2023
by Valerie Leung, Suzanne Gill, Andrea Llanes, Armughan Khawaja, Amanda Stagg, Janine McCready, Mariana Jacubovich, Grace Ho, Jeff Powis, Christopher Kandel Background Large observational studies have demonstrated the real-world effectiveness of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in preventing severe COVID-19 in higher risk individuals, but have provided limited information on other aspects of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir use. Our objective was to evaluate prescribing outcomes such as the prevalence of drug-drug interactions (DDI), adverse drug events (ADE) and treatment adherence in an outpatient community clinic setting. Methods We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study of adult outpatients prescribed nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in our community COVID-19 assessment clinic in Toronto, Ontario between March 3 and September 20, 2022. We performed a descriptive analysis of the patient population, DDIs, DDI interventions, treatment adherence, ADEs and clinical outcomes of patients prescribed nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. Results There were 637 individuals prescribed nirmatrelvir–ritonavir during the study period. The median age was 70, the median number of risk factors for severe disease were 2, 45% were immunocompromised and 82% had received 3 or more COVID-19 vaccine doses. 95% (542/572) completed the 5-day course of therapy with 68% (388/572) having complete symptom resolution by 28-day. Eleven percent (60/572) experienced recurrent symptoms following the completion of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. Over 70% had one or more clinically significant DDIs requiring mitigation and 62% of patients experienced at least one ADE, which was most commonly dysgeusia or gastrointestinal-related. Ninety-five percent (542/572) of patients completed therapy as prescribed. Overall, hospitalization within 28 days was 3.3% with 1.2% attributed to COVID-19 and there were no deaths. Interpretation Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir was associated with a high prevalence of clinically significant DDIs, which required mitigation strategies and a high frequency of mild ADEs. Collaborative assessment to address medication alterations resulted in high treatment adherence.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJonathan W. Kunstman, Tade Ogungbadero, Jason C. Deska, Michael J. Bernstein, April R. Smith, Kurt Hugenberg
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 20.10.2023
Tilføjet 20.10.2023
by Jonathan W. Kunstman, Tade Ogungbadero, Jason C. Deska, Michael J. Bernstein, April R. Smith, Kurt Hugenberg Racism creates and sustains mental health disparities between Black and White Americans and the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing harassment directed at Black Americans has exacerbated these inequities. Yet, as the mental health needs of Black Americans rise, there is reason to believe the public paradoxically believes that psychopathology hurts Black individuals less than White individuals and these biased distress judgments affect beliefs about treatment needs. Four studies (two pre-registered) with participants from the American public and the field of mental health support this hypothesis. When presented with identical mental illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia), both laypeople and clinicians believed that psychopathology would be less distressing to Black relative to White individuals. These distress biases mediate downstream treatment judgments. Across numerous contexts, racially-biased judgments of psychological distress may negatively affect mental healthcare and social support for Black Americans.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 19.10.2023
Tilføjet 19.10.2023
Abstract Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has decreased virulence and pathogenicity, yet the number of Omicron infections worldwide is unprecedentedly high, with rather high mortality and severe disease rate. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are particularly vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and have unique clinical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 2140 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection from March 29, 2022, to May 17, 2022. Demographic characteristics, ancillary examination results, and clinical treatments were described. Occurrence of critical COVID-19 or death and time of positive-to-negative conversion was defined as primary outcomes. The presence of COVID-19 pneumonia and the usage of respiratory or circulatory support was defined as secondary outcomes. Univariate or multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for primary outcomes. Results 15.74% of CKD patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant ended up with critical COVID-19 or death. Pre-existing CKD was a risk factor for critical COVID-19 or death and prolonged time of positive-to-negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir facilitated viral clearance among COVID-19 patients with non-severe CKD. Conclusion We found patients with CKD and COVID-19 due to Omicron experienced worse clinical outcomes and prolonged time of positive-to-negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 compared to patients without CKD, which helps rationalize limited medical resources and offers guidance for appropriate clinical treatments.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKhanam, M., Sanin, K. I., Rita, R. S., Akand, F., Rabbi, M. F., Hasan, M. K., Alam, T., Ahmed, T.
BMJ Open, 19.10.2023
Tilføjet 19.10.2023
ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges for global public healthcare, even with the authorisation of several vaccines worldwide. To better understand rural communities’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and barriers towards these vaccines, we conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study with adults in rural Bangladesh. SettingThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of Sylhet and Natore in Bangladesh from August 2021 to February 2022. ParticipantsOur study involved 15 in-depth interviews with rural adults and 2 key informant interviews with health workers. ResultsWe analysed data thematically, resulting in four main themes: (1) knowledge and perception aspects, (2) myths and misconceptions, (3) practice and attitude and (4) barriers and challenges of COVID-19 vaccines. ConclusionsThe findings indicate that rural populations lack sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines but have a more favourable attitude towards them. Misconceptions, beliefs and personal experiences were found to be the main reasons for vaccine avoidance. To address these challenges and dispel the spread of misinformation, health education programmes play a pivotal role in improving vaccine management. Policy-makers should initiate these programmes without delay to create a well-informed and enlightened community, given that the COVID-19 is still spreading.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDadari, I., Sharkey, A., Hoare, I., Izurieta, R.
BMJ Open, 19.10.2023
Tilføjet 19.10.2023
BackgroundBased on 2021 data, Nigeria had the second largest number of zero-dose children globally estimated at over 2.25 million, concentrated in the northern part of the country due to factors some of which are sociocultural. This study analysed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on childhood vaccination in Northern Nigeria. MethodsUsing a mixed methods sequential study design in the most populous northern states of Kaduna and Kano, quantitative routine immunisation data for the period 2018–2021 and qualitative data collected through 16 focus group discussions and 40 key informant interviews were used. An adaptation of the socioecological model was used as a conceptual framework. Mean vaccination coverages and test of statistical difference in childhood vaccination data were computed. Qualitative data were coded and analysed thematically. ResultsMean Penta 1 coverage declined in Kaduna from 69.88% (SD=21.02) in 2018 to 59.54% (SD=19.14%) by 2021, contrasting with Kano where mean Penta 1 coverage increased from 51.87% (SD=12.61) to 56.32% (SD=17.62%) over the same period. Outreaches and vaccination in urban areas declined for Kaduna state by 10% over the pandemic period in contrast to Kano state where it showed a marginal increase. The two states combined had an estimated 25% of the country’s zero-dose burden in 2021. Lockdowns, lack of transport and no outreaches which varied across the states were some of the factors mentioned by participants to have negatively impacted childhood vaccination. Special vaccination outreaches were among the recommendations for ensuring continued vaccination through a future pandemic. ConclusionWhile further interrogating the accuracy of denominator estimates for the urban population, incorporating findings into pandemic preparedness and response will ensure uninterrupted childhood vaccination during emergencies. Addressing the identified issues will be critical to achieving and sustaining universal childhood vaccination in Nigeria.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 18.10.2023
Tilføjet 18.10.2023
I’ve been told that the key to parenthood is learning to accept a certain level of anxiety and uncertainty in daily life. But becoming a new father while working as an infectious diseases (ID) physician at the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic? Accepting that level of anxiety and uncertainty would’ve taken a miracle. My daughter was born in Boston on 3 March 2020, 1 day before the first patients from what would later be known as the Biogen super-spreader event tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While we spent the first nights of my daughter\'s life on the postpartum unit, we had no idea that the pandemic in Massachusetts was beginning to unfold in the Emergency Department (ED) several floors below. Her pediatrician would later deem my daughter a “pandemic baby”—a fitting term as each milestone of her life seemed to correspond to a different phase of the pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedChangro Lee, Youngmo Koo
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 18.10.2023
Tilføjet 18.10.2023
by Changro Lee, Youngmo Koo Using point-of-sales (POS) data, the sales trends of 48 member stores of a Korean restaurant franchise during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed. As daily sales are nested in each member store of a franchise, the hierarchical structure of POS data was fully and effectively utilized by employing a mixed-effects model. The results showed that although sales volumes in all member stores were negatively affected by the pandemic, the level of impact varied according to store location: sales at some stores were drastically reduced, while a few others even achieved a slight increase in sales during the pandemic. These findings suggest that the government support policy for small business owners should be designed in a locally optimized way, to take account of neighborhood characteristics and the degree of sales loss for individual business owners.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnar Turmukhambetova, Sergey Yegorov, Ilya Korshukov, Valentina Barkhanskaya, Svetlana Kolesnichenko, Dmitriy Klyuyev, Zhibek Zhumadilova, Aruzhan Pralieva, Laylim Absaghit, Ruslan Belyaev, Dmitriy Babenko, Gonzalo H. Hortelano, Matthew S. Miller, Dmitriy Vazenmiller, Irina Kadyrova
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 18.10.2023
Tilføjet 18.10.2023
by Anar Turmukhambetova, Sergey Yegorov, Ilya Korshukov, Valentina Barkhanskaya, Svetlana Kolesnichenko, Dmitriy Klyuyev, Zhibek Zhumadilova, Aruzhan Pralieva, Laylim Absaghit, Ruslan Belyaev, Dmitriy Babenko, Gonzalo H. Hortelano, Matthew S. Miller, Dmitriy Vazenmiller, Irina Kadyrova COVID-19 vaccines have played a critical role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Although overall considered safe, COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with rare but severe thrombotic events, occurring mainly in the context of adenoviral vectored vaccines. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying vaccine-induced hypercoagulability and prothrombotic state is needed to improve vaccine safety profile. We assessed changes to the biomarkers of endothelial function (endothelin, ET-1), coagulation (thrombomodulin, THBD and plasminogen activator inhibitor, PAI) and platelet activation (platelet activating factor, PAF, and platelet factor 4 IgG antibody, PF4 IgG) within a three-week period after the first (prime) and second (boost) doses of Gam-Covid-Vac, an AdV5/AdV26-vectored COVID-19 vaccine. Blood plasma collected from vaccinees (n = 58) was assayed using ELISA assays. Participants were stratified by prior COVID-19 exposure based on their baseline SARS-CoV-2-specific serology results. We observed a significant post-prime increase in circulating ET-1, with levels sustained after the boost dose compared to baseline. ET-1 elevation following dose 2 was most pronounced in vaccinees without prior COVID-19 exposure. Prior COVID-19 was also associated with a mild increase in post-dose 1 PAI. Vaccination was associated with elevated ET-1 up to day 21 after the second vaccine dose, while no marked alterations to other biomarkers, including PF4 IgG, were seen. A role of persistent endothelial activation following COVID-19 vaccination warrants further investigation.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGiuseppe ROSSI, Jon SALMANTON-GARCÍA, Chiara CATTANEO, Francesco MARCHESI, Julio DÁVILA-VALLS, Sonia MARTÍN-PÉREZ, Federico ITRI, Alberto LÓPEZ-GARCÍA, Andreas GLENTHØJ, Maria GOMES DA SILVA, Caroline BESSON, Monia MARCHETTI, Barbora WEINBERGEROVÁ, Ozren JAKSIC, Moraima JIMÉNEZ, Yavuz M. BILGIN, Jaap VAN DOESUM, Francesca FARINA, Pavel ŽÁK, Luisa VERGA, Graham P. COLLINS, Valentina BONUOMO, Jens VAN PRAET, Marcio NUCCI, Stef MEERS, Ildefonso ESPIGADO, Nicola S. FRACCHIOLLA, Toni VALKOVIĆ, Christian Bjørn POULSEN, Natasha ČOLOVIĆ, Giulia DRAGONETTI, Marie-Pierre LEDOUX, Carlo TASCINI, Caterina BUQUICCHIO, Ola BLENNOW, Francesco PASSAMONTI, Marina MACHADO, Jorge LABRADOR, Rafael F. DUARTE, Martin SCHÖNLEIN, Lucia PREZIOSO, Iker FALCES-ROMERO, Austin KULASEKARARAJ, Carolina GARCIA-VIDAL, Noemí FERNÁNDEZ, Ghaith ABU-ZEINAH, Irati ORMAZABAL-VÉLEZ, Tatjana ADŽIĆ-VUKIČEVIĆ, Klára PIUKOVICS, Igor STOMA, Annarosa CUCCARO, Gabriele MAGLIANO, Tomáš SZOTKOWSKI, Tomás-José GONZÁLEZ-LÓPEZ, Shaimaa EL-ASHWAH, Rui BERGANTIM, Uluhan SILI, Johan MAERTENS, Fatih DEMIRKAN, Cristina DE RAMÓN, Verena PETZER, Maria Ilaria DEL PRINCIPE, Milan NAVRÁTIL, Michelina DARGENIO, Guldane Cengiz SEVAL, Michail SAMARKOS, Zdeněk RÁČIL, László Imre PINCZÉS, Tobias LAHMER, Alessandro BUSCA, Gustavo-Adolfo MÉNDEZ, Antonio VENA, Monika M. BIERNAT, Maria MERELLI, Maria CALBACHO, Aleksandra BARAĆ, Martina BAVASTRO, Alessandro LIMONGELLI, Osman ILHAN, Dominik WOLF, Gökçe Melis ÇOLAK, Ramón GARCÍA-SANZ, Ziad EMARAH, Bojana MIŠKOVIĆ, Stefanie GRÄFE, Miloš MLADENOVIĆ, Tommaso Francesco AIELLO, Lucía NÚÑEZ-MARTÍN-BUITRAGO, Anna NORDLANDER, Elena ARELLANO, Giovanni Paolo Maria ZAMBROTTA, Emanuele AMMATUNA, Alba CABIRTA, Maria Vittoria SACCHI, Raquel NUNES RODRIGUES, Ditte Stampe HERSBY, Michaela HANAKOVA, Laman RAHIMLI, Raul CORDOBA, Oliver A. CORNELY, Livio PAGANO
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 18.10.2023
Tilføjet 18.10.2023
The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused excess mortality worldwide. Its severity and clinical consequences varied according to differences in the characteristics of infected subjects. Both, age [1] and hematologic malignancy [2-17] proved to be adverse prognostic factors in most studies reported, making elderly patients affected by haematological malignancy among the categories of patients most vulnerable to severe infection. A better knowledge of the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [18] together with the availability of effective prophylactic and therapeutic agents and the benefits of widespread vaccination policies have allowed a progressive improvement of COVID-19 prognosis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 18.10.2023
Tilføjet 18.10.2023
Abstract Background Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and SARS-CoV2 share some similarities in their effects on the respiratory system, clinical presentation, and management. The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid action to curb transmission and mitigate its lethiferous impact. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were globally adopted. We hypothesized that these measures reduced the transmission and acquisition of P. jirovecii in both hospital and community settings. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study on 2950 respiratory specimens from patients with suspected pulmonary infection, analyzed at the Laboratory of Parasitology Unit of the Policlinico Tor Vergata of Rome, Italy, from January 2014 to December 2022. Results We show a significant reduction in the frequency of PCP in the COVID-19 pandemic era compared to the previous period. Among the four sequence types of P. jirovecii identified, genotype 1 was the most prevalent (37%). We observed a non-significant trend of decreasing cases with genotype 1 and increasing cases with genotype 3 over the study period. Conclusions The nationwide implementation of NPIs against COVID-19 may have changed the microbiological landscape of exposure, thereby decreasing the exposure to P. jirovecii and consequently reducing the incidence of PCP.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSabah, S. A., Knight, R., Nicolson, P. J. A., Taylor, A., Kendrick, B., Alvand, A., Petrou, S., Beard, D. J., Price, A. J., Palmer, A. J. R.
BMJ Open, 18.10.2023
Tilføjet 18.10.2023
ObjectivesTo investigate trends in the incidence rate and main indication for revision hip replacement (rHR) over the past 15 years in the UK. DesignRepeated national cross-sectional study from 2006 to 2020. Setting/participantsrHR procedures were identified from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the States of Guernsey. Population statistics were obtained from the Office for National Statistics. Main outcome measuresCrude incidence rates of rHR. ResultsThe incidence rate of rHR doubled from 11 per 100 000 adults in 2006 (95% CI 10.7 to 11.3) to a peak of 22 per 100 000 adults (95% CI 22 to 23) in 2012, before falling to 17 per 100 000 adults in 2019 (95% CI 16 to 17) (24.5% decrease from peak). The incidence rate of rHR reduced by 39% in 2020 compared with 2019 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). The most frequent indications for rHR between 2006 and 2019 were loosening/lysis (27.8%), unexplained pain (15.1%) and dislocation/instability (14.7%). There were incremental increases in the annual number and incidence rates of rHR for fracture, infection, dislocation/instability and a decrease in rHR for aseptic loosening/lysis. ConclusionsThe incidence rate of rHR doubled from 2006 to 2012, likely due to high early failure rates of metal-on-metal hip replacements. The incidence of rHR then decreased by approximately 25% from 2012 to 2019, followed by a large decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in the number of rHR performed for aseptic loosening/lysis may reflect improved wear and implant longevity. Increased healthcare resource will be required to care for the increasing numbers of patients undergoing rHR for fracture and infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedVirrantaus, H., Liira, H., Posharina, T., Sulg, A., Mäntylä, T., Kanerva, M., Laakso, S., Sainio, M., Malmivaara, A., Vuokko, A., Varonen, M., Venäläinen, M., Arokoski, J.
BMJ Open, 18.10.2023
Tilføjet 18.10.2023
IntroductionAfter COVID-19, many continue to experience persistent debilitating symptoms, that is, long COVID. Its most prevalent symptoms are chest pain, difficulties with breathing, painful muscles, ageusia or anosmia, tingling extremities and general tiredness. This paper describes the protocol of the Long COVID Cohort Study to assess the prognosis and prognostic determinants of patients with long COVID by implementing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) and clinical examinations during a 1-year follow-up. Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, single-site cohort study consisting of administering questionnaires and clinical examinations to adult patients referred to the Clinic for Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 at Helsinki University Hospital (Hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa). The referrals are from all healthcare units within HUS and other hospital districts during years 2021–2023. All admitted patients have had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. The targeted study sample size is 500 participants. The questionnaires are administered at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months. The main outcome variables are the changes in self-reported functional abilities and quality of life. In addition, we will evaluate functional abilities at baseline using neurocognitive evaluation, a 6MWT and a measurement of hand grip strength. The Long COVID Cohort Study will form a quality register for the clinic and characterise the first systematic collection of PROMs, PREMs, questionnaire and clinical examinations related to long COVID in Finland. The Study belongs to a study consortium Long COVID—HORIZON-HLTH-2021-DISEASE-04 that aims to reveal the biomechanisms of long COVID. Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Helsinki University Hospital research ethics committee board, ID HUS/1493/2021 on 6 March 2021. All study participants sign written informed consent for participation. The study findings will be reported for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration numberNCT05699512; Pre-results.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKarolina Pogorzelska, Ludmila Marcinowicz, Slawomir Chlabicz
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Karolina Pogorzelska, Ludmila Marcinowicz, Slawomir Chlabicz Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations had to face challenging circumstances and modify the usual modality of service provision, introducing telehealth services in their routine patient care to lessen the risk of direct human-to-human exposure. Patients expressed concerns about personal visits to healthcare units and the possibility of accessing telemedicine turned out to be an effective tool for the continuity of care. Due to the limited experience with telemedicine before the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, we sought to fill this gap by studying the experiences of Polish patients. Our study aimed to understand how patients define satisfaction and dissatisfaction with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care. Material and methods Twenty semi-structured interviews with primary care patients in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland were conducted to understand satisfaction with telemedicine.Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The qualitative content analysis process involved familiarizing ourselves with the data, extracting text regarding satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the teleconsultation, condensing it into meaningful units assigning codes to them, and organizing codes into subcategories and categories. The entire analysis process was done through reflection and discussion until a consensus was reached between the researchers. Results From the participants’ perspective, satisfaction with telemedicine was associated with receiving enough space to express their concerns. It was reported that they trusted their primary care physicians and felt comfortable during telemedicine consultations. Participants noted that connecting with a known, trusted doctor was more important than having a face-to-face visit with an unfamiliar physician. In our study, the participants equated satisfaction with treatment effectiveness. It was emphasized that in the event of unknown or unstable conditions, patients would prefer to be seen in person and receive a physical examination. Conclusion In our research telemedicine met with a positive reception and was recognized by the majority of patients who made use of it as a valuable channel of contact with a primary care physician. In order to increase the level of patient satisfaction, the focus should be on improving aspects such as physician engagement and showing empathy during telemedicine, as well as providing complete, exhaustive information on the treatment process. Respecting patient needs and preferences during performing telemedicine visits is the goal of patient-centered care.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKarolina Pogorzelska, Ludmila Marcinowicz, Slawomir Chlabicz
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Karolina Pogorzelska, Ludmila Marcinowicz, Slawomir Chlabicz Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations had to face challenging circumstances and modify the usual modality of service provision, introducing telehealth services in their routine patient care to lessen the risk of direct human-to-human exposure. Patients expressed concerns about personal visits to healthcare units and the possibility of accessing telemedicine turned out to be an effective tool for the continuity of care. Due to the limited experience with telemedicine before the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, we sought to fill this gap by studying the experiences of Polish patients. Our study aimed to understand how patients define satisfaction and dissatisfaction with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care. Material and methods Twenty semi-structured interviews with primary care patients in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland were conducted to understand satisfaction with telemedicine.Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The qualitative content analysis process involved familiarizing ourselves with the data, extracting text regarding satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the teleconsultation, condensing it into meaningful units assigning codes to them, and organizing codes into subcategories and categories. The entire analysis process was done through reflection and discussion until a consensus was reached between the researchers. Results From the participants’ perspective, satisfaction with telemedicine was associated with receiving enough space to express their concerns. It was reported that they trusted their primary care physicians and felt comfortable during telemedicine consultations. Participants noted that connecting with a known, trusted doctor was more important than having a face-to-face visit with an unfamiliar physician. In our study, the participants equated satisfaction with treatment effectiveness. It was emphasized that in the event of unknown or unstable conditions, patients would prefer to be seen in person and receive a physical examination. Conclusion In our research telemedicine met with a positive reception and was recognized by the majority of patients who made use of it as a valuable channel of contact with a primary care physician. In order to increase the level of patient satisfaction, the focus should be on improving aspects such as physician engagement and showing empathy during telemedicine, as well as providing complete, exhaustive information on the treatment process. Respecting patient needs and preferences during performing telemedicine visits is the goal of patient-centered care.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKarolina Pogorzelska, Ludmila Marcinowicz, Slawomir Chlabicz
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Karolina Pogorzelska, Ludmila Marcinowicz, Slawomir Chlabicz Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations had to face challenging circumstances and modify the usual modality of service provision, introducing telehealth services in their routine patient care to lessen the risk of direct human-to-human exposure. Patients expressed concerns about personal visits to healthcare units and the possibility of accessing telemedicine turned out to be an effective tool for the continuity of care. Due to the limited experience with telemedicine before the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, we sought to fill this gap by studying the experiences of Polish patients. Our study aimed to understand how patients define satisfaction and dissatisfaction with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care. Material and methods Twenty semi-structured interviews with primary care patients in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland were conducted to understand satisfaction with telemedicine.Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The qualitative content analysis process involved familiarizing ourselves with the data, extracting text regarding satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the teleconsultation, condensing it into meaningful units assigning codes to them, and organizing codes into subcategories and categories. The entire analysis process was done through reflection and discussion until a consensus was reached between the researchers. Results From the participants’ perspective, satisfaction with telemedicine was associated with receiving enough space to express their concerns. It was reported that they trusted their primary care physicians and felt comfortable during telemedicine consultations. Participants noted that connecting with a known, trusted doctor was more important than having a face-to-face visit with an unfamiliar physician. In our study, the participants equated satisfaction with treatment effectiveness. It was emphasized that in the event of unknown or unstable conditions, patients would prefer to be seen in person and receive a physical examination. Conclusion In our research telemedicine met with a positive reception and was recognized by the majority of patients who made use of it as a valuable channel of contact with a primary care physician. In order to increase the level of patient satisfaction, the focus should be on improving aspects such as physician engagement and showing empathy during telemedicine, as well as providing complete, exhaustive information on the treatment process. Respecting patient needs and preferences during performing telemedicine visits is the goal of patient-centered care.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMillicent Opoku, Elizabeth Obeng-Aboagye, Georgina Yaa Kwartemaa Boamah, Dina Adu-Asamoah, Rahmat bint Yusif Ismail, Margaret Sena Akpo, Elizabeth Etornam Dogbatse, Joseph Abraham, John Kofi Odoom, Irene Owusu Donkor, Jewelna Akorli
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Millicent Opoku, Elizabeth Obeng-Aboagye, Georgina Yaa Kwartemaa Boamah, Dina Adu-Asamoah, Rahmat bint Yusif Ismail, Margaret Sena Akpo, Elizabeth Etornam Dogbatse, Joseph Abraham, John Kofi Odoom, Irene Owusu Donkor, Jewelna Akorli Nose masks are widely worn for protection against respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. They have been reported as possible substrates for viral sampling and testing for COVID-19 but, evaluations have so far been purposive; involving individuals known to have the infection and using improved materials on the nose masks to trap the virus. We investigated the feasibility of using the regular 3-ply surgical masks and, voluntary coughing as a mode of particle expulsion for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections in a cross-sectional study at Ghana’s first COVID-19 testing reference laboratory, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana. Paired samples of naso-oropharyngeal swabs and nose masks already worn by 103 consenting adult participants (retro masks) were collected. Participants were also required to produce three strong coughs into a newly supplied sterile surgical nose mask. Pre-wetted swabs in Viral Transport Media (VTM) were used in swabbing the inner lining of each nose mask. The swabs used were then stored in VTM to maintain the integrity of the samples. PCR results of SARS-CoV-2 detection from the nose masks were compared to those from naso-oropharyngeal swabs (‘gold-standard’). Out of the 103 participants tested with all three methods, 66 individuals sampled with naso-oropharyngeal swabs were detected as positive, and the retro and new masks matched 9 and 4, respectively. Only 3 individuals were positive across all three sampling methods accessed. The retro nose masks performed better in matching the gold-standard results than the new mask + coughing method, with 90% vs 80% sensitivity, positive predictive value of 13.6% vs 6%, and a weak but significant linear relationship (adj. R2 = 0.1; P = 0.0004). Importantly, we also show that the nose masks would work for sampling whether individuals are symptomatic or asymptomatic since gold-standard PCR cycling threshold (Ct) values for positive individuals did not differ between the two groups (P< 0.05). We recommend including features such as talking during participant engagement, use of a spontaneous cough inducer and increased coughing bouts > 3, to improve the performance of sterile nose masks for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMillicent Opoku, Elizabeth Obeng-Aboagye, Georgina Yaa Kwartemaa Boamah, Dina Adu-Asamoah, Rahmat bint Yusif Ismail, Margaret Sena Akpo, Elizabeth Etornam Dogbatse, Joseph Abraham, John Kofi Odoom, Irene Owusu Donkor, Jewelna Akorli
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Millicent Opoku, Elizabeth Obeng-Aboagye, Georgina Yaa Kwartemaa Boamah, Dina Adu-Asamoah, Rahmat bint Yusif Ismail, Margaret Sena Akpo, Elizabeth Etornam Dogbatse, Joseph Abraham, John Kofi Odoom, Irene Owusu Donkor, Jewelna Akorli Nose masks are widely worn for protection against respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. They have been reported as possible substrates for viral sampling and testing for COVID-19 but, evaluations have so far been purposive; involving individuals known to have the infection and using improved materials on the nose masks to trap the virus. We investigated the feasibility of using the regular 3-ply surgical masks and, voluntary coughing as a mode of particle expulsion for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections in a cross-sectional study at Ghana’s first COVID-19 testing reference laboratory, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana. Paired samples of naso-oropharyngeal swabs and nose masks already worn by 103 consenting adult participants (retro masks) were collected. Participants were also required to produce three strong coughs into a newly supplied sterile surgical nose mask. Pre-wetted swabs in Viral Transport Media (VTM) were used in swabbing the inner lining of each nose mask. The swabs used were then stored in VTM to maintain the integrity of the samples. PCR results of SARS-CoV-2 detection from the nose masks were compared to those from naso-oropharyngeal swabs (‘gold-standard’). Out of the 103 participants tested with all three methods, 66 individuals sampled with naso-oropharyngeal swabs were detected as positive, and the retro and new masks matched 9 and 4, respectively. Only 3 individuals were positive across all three sampling methods accessed. The retro nose masks performed better in matching the gold-standard results than the new mask + coughing method, with 90% vs 80% sensitivity, positive predictive value of 13.6% vs 6%, and a weak but significant linear relationship (adj. R2 = 0.1; P = 0.0004). Importantly, we also show that the nose masks would work for sampling whether individuals are symptomatic or asymptomatic since gold-standard PCR cycling threshold (Ct) values for positive individuals did not differ between the two groups (P< 0.05). We recommend including features such as talking during participant engagement, use of a spontaneous cough inducer and increased coughing bouts > 3, to improve the performance of sterile nose masks for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMillicent Opoku, Elizabeth Obeng-Aboagye, Georgina Yaa Kwartemaa Boamah, Dina Adu-Asamoah, Rahmat bint Yusif Ismail, Margaret Sena Akpo, Elizabeth Etornam Dogbatse, Joseph Abraham, John Kofi Odoom, Irene Owusu Donkor, Jewelna Akorli
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Millicent Opoku, Elizabeth Obeng-Aboagye, Georgina Yaa Kwartemaa Boamah, Dina Adu-Asamoah, Rahmat bint Yusif Ismail, Margaret Sena Akpo, Elizabeth Etornam Dogbatse, Joseph Abraham, John Kofi Odoom, Irene Owusu Donkor, Jewelna Akorli Nose masks are widely worn for protection against respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. They have been reported as possible substrates for viral sampling and testing for COVID-19 but, evaluations have so far been purposive; involving individuals known to have the infection and using improved materials on the nose masks to trap the virus. We investigated the feasibility of using the regular 3-ply surgical masks and, voluntary coughing as a mode of particle expulsion for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections in a cross-sectional study at Ghana’s first COVID-19 testing reference laboratory, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana. Paired samples of naso-oropharyngeal swabs and nose masks already worn by 103 consenting adult participants (retro masks) were collected. Participants were also required to produce three strong coughs into a newly supplied sterile surgical nose mask. Pre-wetted swabs in Viral Transport Media (VTM) were used in swabbing the inner lining of each nose mask. The swabs used were then stored in VTM to maintain the integrity of the samples. PCR results of SARS-CoV-2 detection from the nose masks were compared to those from naso-oropharyngeal swabs (‘gold-standard’). Out of the 103 participants tested with all three methods, 66 individuals sampled with naso-oropharyngeal swabs were detected as positive, and the retro and new masks matched 9 and 4, respectively. Only 3 individuals were positive across all three sampling methods accessed. The retro nose masks performed better in matching the gold-standard results than the new mask + coughing method, with 90% vs 80% sensitivity, positive predictive value of 13.6% vs 6%, and a weak but significant linear relationship (adj. R2 = 0.1; P = 0.0004). Importantly, we also show that the nose masks would work for sampling whether individuals are symptomatic or asymptomatic since gold-standard PCR cycling threshold (Ct) values for positive individuals did not differ between the two groups (P< 0.05). We recommend including features such as talking during participant engagement, use of a spontaneous cough inducer and increased coughing bouts > 3, to improve the performance of sterile nose masks for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKimberly C. Thomson, Emily Jenkins, Randip Gill, Katherine G. Hastings, Chris G. Richardson, Monique Gagné Petteni, Corey McAuliffe, Anne M. Gadermann
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Kimberly C. Thomson, Emily Jenkins, Randip Gill, Katherine G. Hastings, Chris G. Richardson, Monique Gagné Petteni, Corey McAuliffe, Anne M. Gadermann Background Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been felt equally within populations. Parents with children living at home were early on identified as a population at heightened mental health risk, with concerns about the potential long-term impacts of the pandemic on parents’ mental health, family functioning, and children’s well-being. This study investigates impacts of the pandemic on parents’ psychological distress, contextual sources of distress, and associations with family functioning nearly two years into the pandemic. Methods and findings Data were drawn from a national cross-sectional survey of adults living in Canada in November and December 2021 that was representative by age, gender, household income, and region. Parents with children < 18 years old living at home (N = 553) reported their experiences of psychological distress, pandemic-related stressors, coping mechanisms, and family functioning (changes in parent-child interactions, children’s anxiety). Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression analyses examined sociodemographic inequities in parents’ levels of psychological distress, sources and mitigating mechanisms of distress, and associations between psychological distress and family functioning. Nearly two years into the pandemic, parents with children at home reported nearly double pre-pandemic population estimates of moderate to severe psychological distress. Psychological distress was more frequently reported among parents with pre-existing mental health conditions, disabilities, and financial stressors. Parents with greater psychological distress reported increases in negative parent–child interactions due to the pandemic and higher anxiety among their children. Conclusions This study identifies sustained negative impacts of the pandemic on parents’ mental health and family functioning in Canada nearly two years into the pandemic, despite high vaccine uptake and declining infection rates. Disparities in financial stress, social support structures, and pre-existing mental health were identified as underlying sources of psychological distress. These results highlight that meaningful responses to promote mental health among parents and families must address social and structural inequities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKimberly C. Thomson, Emily Jenkins, Randip Gill, Katherine G. Hastings, Chris G. Richardson, Monique Gagné Petteni, Corey McAuliffe, Anne M. Gadermann
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Kimberly C. Thomson, Emily Jenkins, Randip Gill, Katherine G. Hastings, Chris G. Richardson, Monique Gagné Petteni, Corey McAuliffe, Anne M. Gadermann Background Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been felt equally within populations. Parents with children living at home were early on identified as a population at heightened mental health risk, with concerns about the potential long-term impacts of the pandemic on parents’ mental health, family functioning, and children’s well-being. This study investigates impacts of the pandemic on parents’ psychological distress, contextual sources of distress, and associations with family functioning nearly two years into the pandemic. Methods and findings Data were drawn from a national cross-sectional survey of adults living in Canada in November and December 2021 that was representative by age, gender, household income, and region. Parents with children < 18 years old living at home (N = 553) reported their experiences of psychological distress, pandemic-related stressors, coping mechanisms, and family functioning (changes in parent-child interactions, children’s anxiety). Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression analyses examined sociodemographic inequities in parents’ levels of psychological distress, sources and mitigating mechanisms of distress, and associations between psychological distress and family functioning. Nearly two years into the pandemic, parents with children at home reported nearly double pre-pandemic population estimates of moderate to severe psychological distress. Psychological distress was more frequently reported among parents with pre-existing mental health conditions, disabilities, and financial stressors. Parents with greater psychological distress reported increases in negative parent–child interactions due to the pandemic and higher anxiety among their children. Conclusions This study identifies sustained negative impacts of the pandemic on parents’ mental health and family functioning in Canada nearly two years into the pandemic, despite high vaccine uptake and declining infection rates. Disparities in financial stress, social support structures, and pre-existing mental health were identified as underlying sources of psychological distress. These results highlight that meaningful responses to promote mental health among parents and families must address social and structural inequities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKimberly C. Thomson, Emily Jenkins, Randip Gill, Katherine G. Hastings, Chris G. Richardson, Monique Gagné Petteni, Corey McAuliffe, Anne M. Gadermann
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Kimberly C. Thomson, Emily Jenkins, Randip Gill, Katherine G. Hastings, Chris G. Richardson, Monique Gagné Petteni, Corey McAuliffe, Anne M. Gadermann Background Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been felt equally within populations. Parents with children living at home were early on identified as a population at heightened mental health risk, with concerns about the potential long-term impacts of the pandemic on parents’ mental health, family functioning, and children’s well-being. This study investigates impacts of the pandemic on parents’ psychological distress, contextual sources of distress, and associations with family functioning nearly two years into the pandemic. Methods and findings Data were drawn from a national cross-sectional survey of adults living in Canada in November and December 2021 that was representative by age, gender, household income, and region. Parents with children < 18 years old living at home (N = 553) reported their experiences of psychological distress, pandemic-related stressors, coping mechanisms, and family functioning (changes in parent-child interactions, children’s anxiety). Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression analyses examined sociodemographic inequities in parents’ levels of psychological distress, sources and mitigating mechanisms of distress, and associations between psychological distress and family functioning. Nearly two years into the pandemic, parents with children at home reported nearly double pre-pandemic population estimates of moderate to severe psychological distress. Psychological distress was more frequently reported among parents with pre-existing mental health conditions, disabilities, and financial stressors. Parents with greater psychological distress reported increases in negative parent–child interactions due to the pandemic and higher anxiety among their children. Conclusions This study identifies sustained negative impacts of the pandemic on parents’ mental health and family functioning in Canada nearly two years into the pandemic, despite high vaccine uptake and declining infection rates. Disparities in financial stress, social support structures, and pre-existing mental health were identified as underlying sources of psychological distress. These results highlight that meaningful responses to promote mental health among parents and families must address social and structural inequities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSurbhi Dayal, Pratibha
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Surbhi Dayal, Pratibha Background The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled the closure of educational institutions and forced students to complete nearly two years of schooling online, impacting their physical and emotional development tremendously. This exploratory study investigates the wide-ranging impact of online education on Indian students during the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses the challenges exacerbated by disparities in access to digital devices and reliable internet service. The paper also focuses on the physical and mental health issues that arose in student cohorts as a result of the abrupt shift to online learning, and investigates the relationship between students’ socioeconomic status and the nature and frequency of health issues experienced by them. Methods A total of 832 respondents completed a 40-item survey that was administered online and through interviews. The paper analysed the impact of access to digital resources and teachers’ training in information and communication technology on the perception of the quality of education provided by the institutions. We further analysed the impact of the adoption of online educational platforms on students’ mental and physical health. Results The study found a positive relationship between the number of hours spent online, and the physical and mental health issues experienced by students. Participants reported an overall higher perception of stress and anxiety, loss of concentration, and dissatisfaction with the quality of education. Our data suggest that COVID-19 has exacerbated the digital divide. Discussion Urgent investments are needed to provide universal access to reliable internet services, and to develop a pedagogy that supports an agile and adaptable educational system, capable of providing effective learning and evaluation, while supporting students’ physical and mental health.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSurbhi Dayal, Pratibha
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Surbhi Dayal, Pratibha Background The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled the closure of educational institutions and forced students to complete nearly two years of schooling online, impacting their physical and emotional development tremendously. This exploratory study investigates the wide-ranging impact of online education on Indian students during the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses the challenges exacerbated by disparities in access to digital devices and reliable internet service. The paper also focuses on the physical and mental health issues that arose in student cohorts as a result of the abrupt shift to online learning, and investigates the relationship between students’ socioeconomic status and the nature and frequency of health issues experienced by them. Methods A total of 832 respondents completed a 40-item survey that was administered online and through interviews. The paper analysed the impact of access to digital resources and teachers’ training in information and communication technology on the perception of the quality of education provided by the institutions. We further analysed the impact of the adoption of online educational platforms on students’ mental and physical health. Results The study found a positive relationship between the number of hours spent online, and the physical and mental health issues experienced by students. Participants reported an overall higher perception of stress and anxiety, loss of concentration, and dissatisfaction with the quality of education. Our data suggest that COVID-19 has exacerbated the digital divide. Discussion Urgent investments are needed to provide universal access to reliable internet services, and to develop a pedagogy that supports an agile and adaptable educational system, capable of providing effective learning and evaluation, while supporting students’ physical and mental health.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSurbhi Dayal, Pratibha
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Surbhi Dayal, Pratibha Background The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled the closure of educational institutions and forced students to complete nearly two years of schooling online, impacting their physical and emotional development tremendously. This exploratory study investigates the wide-ranging impact of online education on Indian students during the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses the challenges exacerbated by disparities in access to digital devices and reliable internet service. The paper also focuses on the physical and mental health issues that arose in student cohorts as a result of the abrupt shift to online learning, and investigates the relationship between students’ socioeconomic status and the nature and frequency of health issues experienced by them. Methods A total of 832 respondents completed a 40-item survey that was administered online and through interviews. The paper analysed the impact of access to digital resources and teachers’ training in information and communication technology on the perception of the quality of education provided by the institutions. We further analysed the impact of the adoption of online educational platforms on students’ mental and physical health. Results The study found a positive relationship between the number of hours spent online, and the physical and mental health issues experienced by students. Participants reported an overall higher perception of stress and anxiety, loss of concentration, and dissatisfaction with the quality of education. Our data suggest that COVID-19 has exacerbated the digital divide. Discussion Urgent investments are needed to provide universal access to reliable internet services, and to develop a pedagogy that supports an agile and adaptable educational system, capable of providing effective learning and evaluation, while supporting students’ physical and mental health.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMasahiro Michinaka, Akira Sai, Taro Yamauchi
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Masahiro Michinaka, Akira Sai, Taro Yamauchi The novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted not only our physical health but also mental health, including increasing depressive and anxiety symptoms. In particular, socially and physically vulnerable populations, such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH), may be more likely to have their mental health worsened by the pandemic due to having more difficulty meeting basic human needs. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the homeless in Japan by evaluating depressive and anxiety symptoms and identifying the associated factors particularly, sociodemographic variables as age, employment status and the fear and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional interview survey among 158 PEH in Osaka Prefecture was conducted from April to May 2022. The survey included sociodemographic questions and history and perceived risk of infection with COVID-19. Depressive symptoms were measured using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the fear of COVID-19 using the seven-item Fear of New Coronavirus Scale (FCV-19S). In this study, the prevalence of depression (PHQ-9≥10) was 38.6%, anxiety disorder (GAD≥10) was 19.0%, and high fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S≥19) was 28.5%. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PEH in younger age groups (18–34 years), and with joblessness, higher perceived infection risk, and higher fear of COVID-19 were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMasahiro Michinaka, Akira Sai, Taro Yamauchi
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Masahiro Michinaka, Akira Sai, Taro Yamauchi The novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted not only our physical health but also mental health, including increasing depressive and anxiety symptoms. In particular, socially and physically vulnerable populations, such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH), may be more likely to have their mental health worsened by the pandemic due to having more difficulty meeting basic human needs. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the homeless in Japan by evaluating depressive and anxiety symptoms and identifying the associated factors particularly, sociodemographic variables as age, employment status and the fear and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional interview survey among 158 PEH in Osaka Prefecture was conducted from April to May 2022. The survey included sociodemographic questions and history and perceived risk of infection with COVID-19. Depressive symptoms were measured using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the fear of COVID-19 using the seven-item Fear of New Coronavirus Scale (FCV-19S). In this study, the prevalence of depression (PHQ-9≥10) was 38.6%, anxiety disorder (GAD≥10) was 19.0%, and high fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S≥19) was 28.5%. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PEH in younger age groups (18–34 years), and with joblessness, higher perceived infection risk, and higher fear of COVID-19 were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
To the Editor A recent study developed a data-driven scoring framework to classify postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). As stated in the accompanying Editorial, prior to developing a case definition, it is important to determine whether PASC is a single entity or multiple entities. Particularly, severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring admission to the intensive care unit may lead to specific organ dysfunction and injury, including impaired cognitive function across multiple domains. Such dysfunction, consistent with the well-described post–intensive care syndrome, should be disentangled from PASC.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
Patients with post–COVID-19 condition, or long COVID, who participated in respiratory training and exercise-based rehabilitation programs experienced improvements in exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and quality of life compared with those who received standard care. The findings in JAMA Network Open were based on a systematic review of 14 randomized clinical trials involving 1244 participants and were supported by moderate- to low-quality evidence.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
This Medical News article discusses the new COVID-19 vaccine and recommendations for fall 2023.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
Abstract Objective Hepatitis C presents a profound global health challenge. The impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis C, however, remain uncertain. This study aimed to ascertain the influence of COVID-19 on the hepatitis C epidemic trend in Henan Province. Methods We collated the number of monthly diagnosed cases in Henan Province from January 2013 to September 2022. Upon detailing the overarching epidemiological characteristics, the interrupted time series (ITS) analysis using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models was employed to estimate the hepatitis C diagnosis rate pre and post the COVID-19 emergence. In addition, we also discussed the model selection process, test model fitting, and result interpretation. Results Between January 2013 and September 2022, a total of 267,968 hepatitis C cases were diagnosed. The yearly average diagnosis rate stood at 2.42/100,000 persons. While 2013 witnessed the peak diagnosis rate at 2.97/100,000 persons, 2020 reported the least at 1.7/100,000 persons. The monthly mean hepatitis C diagnosed numbers culminated in 2291 cases. The optimal ARIMA model chosen was ARIMA (0,1,1) (0,1,1)12 with AIC = 1459.58, AICc = 1460.19, and BIC = 1472.8; having coefficients MA1=-0.62 (t=-8.06, P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can lead to hospitalisation, particularly in elderly, immunocompromised, and non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. Although vaccination provides protection, the duration of this protection wanes over time. Additional doses can restore immunity, but the influence of viral variants, specific sequences, and vaccine-induced immune responses on disease severity remains unclear. Moreover, the efficacy of therapeutic interventions during hospitalisation requires further investigation. The study aims to analyse the clinical course of COVID-19 in hospitalised patients, taking into account SARS-CoV-2 variants, viral sequences, and the impact of different vaccines. The primary outcome is all-cause in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes include admission to intensive care unit and length of stay, duration of hospitalisation, and the level of respiratory support required. Methods This ongoing multicentre study observes hospitalised adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, utilising a combination of retrospective and prospective data collection. It aims to gather clinical and laboratory variables from around 35,000 patients, with potential for a larger sample size. Data analysis will involve biostatistical and machine-learning techniques. Selected patients will provide biological material. The study started on October 14, 2021 and is scheduled to end on October 13, 2026. Discussion The analysis of a large sample of retrospective and prospective data about the acute phase of SARS CoV-2 infection in hospitalised patients, viral variants and vaccination in several European and non-European countries will help us to better understand risk factors for disease severity and the interplay between SARS CoV-2 variants, immune responses and vaccine efficacy. The main strengths of this study are the large sample size, the long study duration covering different waves of COVID-19 and the collection of biological samples that allows future research. Trial registration The trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The unique identifier assigned to this trial is NCT05463380.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedErlend Ravlo, Aleksandr Ianevski, Eirin Starheim, Wei Wang, Ping Ji, Hilde Lysvand, Teemu Smura, Gaily Kivi, Maia-Liisa Voolaid, Kati Plaan, Mart Ustav, Mart Ustav, Eva Zusinaite, Tanel Tenson, Reet Kurg, Valentyn Oksenych, Kirsti Walstad, Svein Arne Nordbø, Mari Kaarbø, Karin Ernits, Magnar Bjørås, Denis E. Kainov, Mona Høysæter Fenstad
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
In 2019, SARS-CoV-2 crossed the species barrier and infected the first person in China. Since then, there have been almost 700 million cases of COVID-19 and almost 7 million related deaths worldwide. Epidemiological studies and sequencing-based surveillance revealed that the virus evolved to adapt to the new host and evade the host immune response developed by previous infections with the virus and vaccinations [1]. The virus acquired mutations in its genome which resulted in substitutions, insertions, and deletions of amino acids in its proteins.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDelahunty-Pike, A., Lambert, M., Schwarz, C., Howse, D., Bisson, M., Aubrey-Bassler, K., Burge, F., Chouinard, M.-C., Doucet, S., Luke, A., Macdonald, M., Zed, J., Taylor, J., Hudon, C.
BMJ Open, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
ObjectiveWith the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth case management (TCM) was introduced in primary care for patients requiring care by distance. While not all healthcare needs can be addressed via telehealth, the use of information and communication technology to support healthcare delivery has the potential to contribute to the management of patients with chronic conditions and associated complex care needs. However, few qualitative studies have documented stakeholders’ perceptions of TCM. This study aimed to describe patients’, primary care providers’ and clinic managers’ perceptions of the use of a nurse-led TCM intervention for primary care patients with complex care needs. DesignQualitative descriptive study. SettingThree primary care clinics in three Canadian provinces. ParticipantsPatients with complex care needs (n=30), primary care providers (n=11) and clinic managers (n=2) participated in qualitative individual interviews and focus groups. InterventionTCM intervention was delivered by nurse case managers over a 6-month period. ResultsParticipants’ perceptions of the TCM intervention were summarised in three themes: (1) improved patient access, comfort and sense of reassurance; (2) trusting relationships and skilled nurse case managers; (3) activities more suitable for TCM. TCM was a generally accepted mode of primary care delivery, had many benefits for patients and providers and worked well for most activities that do not require physical assessment or treatment. Participants found TCM to be useful and a viable alternative to in-person care. ConclusionsTCM improves access to care and is successful when a relationship of trust between the nurse case manager and patient can develop over time. Healthcare policymakers and primary care providers should consider the benefits of TCM and promote this mode of delivery as a complement to in-person care for patients with complex care needs.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSanjeet Bagcchi
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
In his book The Reaper\'s Dance: 1000 Days of COVID, USA-based physician-scientist and author Ravi Iyer shares his experience with various aspects of COVID-19. He describes SARS-CoV-2 and its ability to endanger human lives across the world, for example, from the suburbs of Washington DC and northern Virginia in USA to bat-infested areas in Wuhan, China. Iyer also talks about the human fight against COVID-19, and deals with facts relating to the disease.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLinda Grüßer, Charlotte Eißing, Ana Kowark, András P. Keszei, Julia Wallqvist, Rolf Rossaint, Sebastian Ziemann
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
by Linda Grüßer, Charlotte Eißing, Ana Kowark, András P. Keszei, Julia Wallqvist, Rolf Rossaint, Sebastian Ziemann Introduction Transparent and complete reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is essential for critical scientific appraisal of the results. It has been argued whether publications during the COVID-19 pandemic have met reporting standards. In this study, we assessed reporting adherence of RCTs on treatment interventions in COVID-19 patients to the CONSORT checklist and discuss which lessons can be learned to improve reporting in the future. Methods This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study performed at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany. We conducted a pragmatic systematic literature search in the PubMed database to identify RCTs on treatment interventions in COVID-19 patients in the first year of publications on the topic (March 2020-February 2021). We investigated the adherence of each publication to the CONSORT checklist and assessed the association between specific predictors and percentage adherence in an exploratory multivariable regression model. Results We analyzed 127 RCTs and found that the median percentage adherence to the CONSORT checklist was 54.3% [IQR 38.9 to 65.7]. In the exploratory multivariable regression model, the impact factor (highest tertile of impact factor compared to lowest tertile ß = 21.77, 95% CI 13.89 to 29.66, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMalaria Journal, 17.10.2023
Tilføjet 17.10.2023
Abstract Background Uganda implemented its third mass campaign to distribute long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This context necessitated modification of implementation guidelines. The mass campaign\'s objective was to ensure that at least 85% of the targeted population had access to LLINs. Methods Revised implementation guidelines were followed while conducting the LLIN distribution campaign. Lessons learned were captured from documented activities and reports. Results A total of 27,789,044 mosquito nets were distributed in 11,287,392 households, with an average of 5.1 persons per household. Household coverage of the LLIN distribution was 94.1%. The 2020/2021 campaign design was modified to follow COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These included using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), e-platforms for training and briefing meetings, electronic data management systems and door-to-door household registration and distribution of LLINs. Conclusions Campaign modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic were effective in implementing mass distribution of LLINs despite the disruptions and restrictions. The campaign’s net coverage far exceeded its objective. Electronic data management was critical in monitoring and reporting distribution activities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 16.10.2023
Tilføjet 16.10.2023
Abstract Background While laboratory testing for infectious diseases such as COVID-19 is the surveillance gold standard, it is not always feasible, particularly in settings where resources are scarce. In the small country of Lesotho, located in sub-Saharan Africa, COVID-19 testing has been limited, thus surveillance data available to local authorities are limited. The goal of this study was to compare a participatory influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance system in Lesotho with COVID-19 case count data, and ultimately to determine whether the participatory surveillance system adequately estimates the case count data. Methods A nationally-representative sample was called on their mobile phones weekly to create an estimate of incidence of ILI between July 2020 and July 2021. Case counts from the website Our World in Data (OWID) were used as the gold standard to which our participatory surveillance data were compared. We calculated Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficients to compare the weekly incidence of ILI reports to COVID-19 case count data. Results Over course of the study period, an ILI symptom was reported 1,085 times via participatory surveillance for an average annual cumulative incidence of 45.7 per 100 people (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 40.7 – 51.4). The cumulative incidence of reports of ILI symptoms was similar among males (46.5, 95% CI: 39.6 – 54.4) and females (45.1, 95% CI: 39.8 – 51.1). There was a slightly higher annual cumulative incidence of ILI among persons living in peri-urban (49.5, 95% CI: 31.7 – 77.3) and urban settings compared to rural areas. The January peak of the participatory surveillance system ILI estimates correlated significantly with the January peak of the COVID-19 case count data (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.49; P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedConvery, Christine; Diesel, Jill; Brantley, Antoine; Miller, Jennifer; Karram, Sarah
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 16.10.2023
Tilføjet 16.10.2023
Introduction: People Living with HIV (PLWH) have higher prevalence of adverse COVID-19 outcomes, and many reside in socially vulnerable communities. Our aim is to evaluate how engagement in HIV care may increase vaccination likelihood. Methods: Michigan HIV surveillance data were extracted from the Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS) and matched at the person-level to COVID-19 vaccination records from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) (through December 31, 2021 (n=15,537)). Based on residential census tract, we classified PLWH into quartiles (
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 14.10.2023
Tilføjet 14.10.2023
Abstract Background Post-COVID-19 condition refers to persistent or new onset symptoms occurring three months after acute COVID-19, which are unrelated to alternative diagnoses. Symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, pain, concentration difficulties ("brain fog"), sleep disorders, and anxiety/depression. The prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition ranges widely across studies, affecting 10–20% of patients and reaching 50–60% in certain cohorts, while the associated risk factors remain poorly understood. Methods This multicentre cohort study, both retrospective and prospective, aims to assess the incidence and risk factors of post-COVID-19 condition in a cohort of recovered patients. Secondary objectives include evaluating the association between circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants and the risk of post-COVID-19 condition, as well as assessing long-term residual organ damage (lung, heart, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system) in relation to patient characteristics and virology (variant and viral load during the acute phase). Participants will include hospitalised and outpatient COVID-19 patients diagnosed between 01/03/2020 and 01/02/2025 from 8 participating centres. A control group will consist of hospitalised patients with respiratory infections other than COVID-19 during the same period. Patients will be followed up at the post-COVID-19 clinic of each centre at 2–3, 6–9, and 12–15 months after clinical recovery. Routine blood exams will be conducted, and patients will complete questionnaires to assess persisting symptoms, fatigue, dyspnoea, quality of life, disability, anxiety and depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Discussion This study aims to understand post-COVID-19 syndrome\'s incidence and predictors by comparing pandemic waves, utilising retrospective and prospective data. Gender association, especially the potential higher prevalence in females, will be investigated. Symptom tracking via questionnaires and scales will monitor duration and evolution. Questionnaires will also collect data on vaccination, reinfections, and new health issues. Biological samples will enable future studies on post-COVID-19 sequelae mechanisms, including inflammation, immune dysregulation, and viral reservoirs. Trial registration This study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT05531773.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 14.10.2023
Tilføjet 14.10.2023
Abstract Purpose and methods The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has once again affirmed the significant threat of respiratory infections to global public health and the utmost importance of prompt diagnosis in managing and mitigating any pandemic. The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is the primary detection method for most pathogens. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid, simple, sensitive, and specific epitome of isothermal NAAT performed using a set of four to six primers. Primer design is a fundamental step in LAMP assays, with several complexities and experimental screening requirements. To address this challenge, an online database is presented here. Its workflow comprises three steps: literature aggregation, data curation, and database and website implementation. Results LAMPPrimerBank (https://lampprimerbank.mathematik.uni-marburg.de) is a manually curated database dedicated to experimentally validated LAMP primers, their peculiarities of assays, and accompanying literature, with a primary emphasis on respiratory pathogens. LAMPPrimerBank, with its user-friendly web interface and an open application programming interface, enables the accelerated and facile exploration, comparison, and exportation of LAMP primer sequences and their respective information from the massively scattered literature. LAMPPrimerBank currently comprises LAMP primers for diagnosing viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory pathogens. Additionally, to address the challenge of false-positive results generated by nonspecific amplifications, LAMPPrimerBank computationally predicted and visualized the sizes of LAMP products for recorded primer sets in the database. Conclusion LAMPPrimerBank, as a pioneering database in the rapidly expanding field of isothermal NAAT, endeavors to confront the two challenges of the LAMP: primer design and discrimination of false-positive results.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLin Ling, Hayat Khan, Jiang Lingwei, Li Qiumei, Zhang Zuominyang, Itbar Khan
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 14.10.2023
Tilføjet 14.10.2023
by Lin Ling, Hayat Khan, Jiang Lingwei, Li Qiumei, Zhang Zuominyang, Itbar Khan Understanding the dynamic link between the development of COVID-19 pandemic and industry sector risk spillovers is crucial to explore the underlying mechanisms by which major public health events affect economic systems. This paper applies ElasticNet method proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012, 2014) to estimate the dynamic risk spillover indicators of 20 industrial sectors in China from 2016 to 2022, and systematically examines the impact of industry risk network fluctuations and the transmission path caused by COVID-19 shock. The findings reveal that risk spillovers of Chinese industries show a dynamic change of \'decline-fluctuation-rebound\' with the three phases of COVID-19 epidemic. At the beginning of the epidemic, machinery and equipment, paper and printing, tourism and hotels, media and information services, and agriculture were the exporters of epidemic risk, while materials, transportation equipment, commercial trade, health care, and environmental protection were the importers of epidemic risk; However, as the epidemic developed further, the direction and effect of risk transmission in the industry was reversed. Examining the network characteristics of the pair sectors, we found that under the epidemic shock, the positive risk spillover from tourism and hotels, culture, education and sports to consumer goods, finance, and energy industries was significantly increased, and finance and real estate industries were affected by the risk impact of more industries, while the number of industries affected by information technology and computer industry was significantly reduced. This paper shows that there is inter-industry risk transmission of the COVID-19 epidemic shock, and the risk transmission feeds back in a cycle between industries as the epidemic develops, driving the economy into a vicious circle. The role of the service sector in blocking the spread of negative shocks from the epidemic should be emphasized and brought into play to avoid increasing the overall economic vulnerability. This study will help to deepen the understanding of scholars and policy makers on the network transmission effects of the epidemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 13.10.2023
Tilføjet 13.10.2023
Abstract Purpose and methods The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has once again affirmed the significant threat of respiratory infections to global public health and the utmost importance of prompt diagnosis in managing and mitigating any pandemic. The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is the primary detection method for most pathogens. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid, simple, sensitive, and specific epitome of isothermal NAAT performed using a set of four to six primers. Primer design is a fundamental step in LAMP assays, with several complexities and experimental screening requirements. To address this challenge, an online database is presented here. Its workflow comprises three steps: literature aggregation, data curation, and database and website implementation. Results LAMPPrimerBank (https://lampprimerbank.mathematik.uni-marburg.de) is a manually curated database dedicated to experimentally validated LAMP primers, their peculiarities of assays, and accompanying literature, with a primary emphasis on respiratory pathogens. LAMPPrimerBank, with its user-friendly web interface and an open application programming interface, enables the accelerated and facile exploration, comparison, and exportation of LAMP primer sequences and their respective information from the massively scattered literature. LAMPPrimerBank currently comprises LAMP primers for diagnosing viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory pathogens. Additionally, to address the challenge of false-positive results generated by nonspecific amplifications, LAMPPrimerBank computationally predicted and visualized the sizes of LAMP products for recorded primer sets in the database. Conclusion LAMPPrimerBank, as a pioneering database in the rapidly expanding field of isothermal NAAT, endeavors to confront the two challenges of the LAMP: primer design and discrimination of false-positive results.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJohan Berg, Li Thies-Lagergren, Jenny Svedenkrans, Jeremiah Samkutty, Sara Marie Larsson, Judith S. Mercer, Heike Rabe, Ola Andersson, Mehreen Zaigham
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 13.10.2023
Tilføjet 13.10.2023
Delayed clamping of the umbilical cord at birth improves cardiovascular transition, iron stores up to eight months, and neurodevelopment up to four years of age in children born at term [1]. In preterm infants, delayed cord clamping (CC) has been associated with a 28% reduction in hospital mortality, reduced risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and improved cognitive scores at age 18 months [2]. Most international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend delayed CC [3].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFlorian Krammer and Ali H. Ellebedy
Science, 13.10.2023
Tilføjet 13.10.2023
John Frank, Cameron Mustard, Peter Smith, Arjumand Siddiqi, Yawen Cheng, Alex Burdorf, Reiner Rugulies
Lancet, 13.10.2023
Tilføjet 13.10.2023
This paper, the first in a three-part Series on work and health, provides a narrative review of research into work as a social determinant of health over the past 25 years, the key emerging challenges in this field, and the implications of these challenges for future research. By use of a conceptual framework for work as a social determinant of health, we identified six emerging challenges: (1) the influence of technology on the nature of work in high-income countries, culminating in the sudden shift to telework during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) the intersectionality of work with gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, migrant status, and socioeconomic status as codeterminants of health disparities; (3) the arrival in many Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries of large migrant labour workforces, who are often subject to adverse working conditions and social exclusion; (4) the development of precarious employment as a feature of many national labour markets; (5) the phenomenon of working long and irregular hours with potential health consequences; and (6) the looming threat of climate change\'s effects on work.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFindlater, L., Pierotti, L., Turner, C., Wensley, A., Chen, C., Seaman, S., Samartsidis, P., Charlett, A., Anderson, C., Hughes, G., Hickman, M., Edeghere, O., Oliver, I.
BMJ Open, 12.10.2023
Tilføjet 12.10.2023
ObjectiveIn September 2020, 15 861 SARS-CoV-2 case records failed to upload from the Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) to the Contact Tracing Advisory Service (CTAS) tool, delaying the contact tracing of these cases. This study used CTAS data to determine the impact of this delay on population health outcomes: transmission events, hospitalisations and mortality. Previously, a modelling study suggested a substantial impact. DesignObservational study. SettingEngland. PopulationIndividuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and their reported contacts. Main outcome measuresSecondary attack rates (SARs), hospitalisations and deaths among primary and secondary contacts were calculated, compared with all other concurrent, unaffected cases. Affected SGSS records were matched to CTAS records. Successive contacts and cases were identified and matched to hospital episode and mortality outcomes. ResultsInitiation of contact tracing was delayed by 3 days on average in the primary cases in the delay group (6 days) compared with the control group (3 days). This was associated with lower completion of contact tracing: 80% (95% CI: 79% to 81%) in delay group and 83% (95% CI: 83% to 84%) in control group. There was some evidence to suggest increased transmission to non-household contacts among those affected by the delay. The SAR for non-household contacts was higher among secondary contacts in the delay group than the control group (delay group: 7.9%, 95% CI: 6.5% to 9.2%; control group: 5.9%, 95% CI: 5.3% to 6.6%). There did not appear to be a significant difference between the delay and control groups in the odds of hospitalisation (crude OR: 1.1 (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.2)) or death (crude OR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.1 to 4.0)) among secondary contacts. ConclusionsOur analysis suggests that the delay in contact tracing had a limited impact on population health outcomes; however, contact tracing was not completed for all individuals, so some transmission events might not be captured.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJung, H.
BMJ Open, 12.10.2023
Tilføjet 12.10.2023
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the mental health status of patients with diabetes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the effect of COVID-19 on their mental health status. This study was the first to investigate the relationship between diabetes and mental health in the Korean population during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignThis retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of mental health problems before (2018–2019) and during (2020–2021) the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals with diabetes aged 40 years or older who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mental health problems were assessed using self-reported experiences of depression diagnosis, stress perception and suicide ideation. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Clinically significant depression requiring treatment was determined using an optimal cut-off score of 10 out of a total of 27 points. ParticipantsThere were 824 men and 763 women in the 2018–2019 survey and 882 men and 887 women in 2020–2021. ResultsIn the unadjusted analysis, women had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of suicide ideation in 2020–2021 (2.9, 95% CI: 1.5 to 4.2) than in 2018–2019 (1.0, 95% CI: 0.4 to 1.7, but p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.10.2023
Tilføjet 12.10.2023
Abstract Background COVID-19 has been a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for a lengthy period of time. The novel coronavirus is primarily spread via aerosols at a short distance, with infected individuals releasing large amounts of aerosols when speaking and coughing. However, there is an open question regarding whether mouthwash could effectively reduce virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic and support the prevention of infection among medical workers. Methods Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were systematically searched from the inception of each database to January 12, 2023 for currently available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the effect of mouthwash on novel coronavirus load in the oral cavity in COVID-19 patients. The treatment group received mouthwash for rinsing the mouth, while the control group received a placebo or distilled water for COVID-19 patients. The primary outcomes were CT value and viral load. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to minimize the bias and the impact of heterogeneity. Results Thirteen RCTs were included. Seven studies reported the intervention effect of mouthwash on the CT value of novel coronavirus. The analysis results showed that the mouthwash group had a positive impact on the CT value of novel coronavirus [ SMD = 0.35, 95% CI (0.21, 0.50)] compared with the control group. In addition, subgroup analysis showed a significant positive effect of mouthwash on CT values in the treatment group compared with the control group, with chlorhexidine (CHX) [SMD = 0.33, 95% CI (0.10, 0.56)], povidone-iodine (PVP-I) [SMD = 0.61, 95% CI (0.23, 0.99)], or hydrogen peroxide (HP) [SMD = 1.04, 95% CI (0.30, 1.78)] as an ingredient of the mouthwash. Six studies reported the intervention effect of mouthwash on the viral load, 263 cases in the treatment group and 164 cases in the control group. The analysis results showed that there was no statistical difference between the mouthwash group and the control group in the viral load of novel coronavirus [SMD = -0.06, 95% CI (-0.18, 0.05)]. In the subgroup analysis by measurement time, there were statistically significant differences between the mouthwash and control groups for CT values [SMD = 0.52, 95% CI (0.31, 0.72)] and viral load [SMD = − 0.32, 95% CI (− 0.56, − 0.07)] within 30 min of gargling. Conclusions In summary, mouthwash has some efficacy in reducing the viral load of novel coronavirus, especially within 30 min after rinsing the mouth. Mouthwash containing CHX, PVP-I and HP all had significant positive effects on CT values, and PVP-I-containing mouthwash may be a promising option to control novel coronavirus infections and relieve virus-related symptoms. However, studies on the dose and frequency of use of mouthwash for infection control are still lacking, which may limit the clinical application of mouthwash. Trial registration Protocol registration: The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023401961).
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