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47 ud af 47 tidsskrifter valgt, søgeord (covid-19) valgt, emner højest 180 dage gamle, sorteret efter nyeste først.
1109 emner vises.
BMC Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
Abstract Background Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important to better understand transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Household contacts of infected individuals are particularly at risk for infection, but delays in contact tracing, delays in testing contacts, and isolation and quarantine posed challenges to accurately capturing secondary household cases. Methods In this study, 346 households in the Seattle region were provided with respiratory specimen collection kits and remotely monitored using web-based surveys for respiratory illness symptoms weekly between October 1, 2020, and June 20, 2021. Symptomatic participants collected respiratory specimens at symptom onset and mailed specimens to the central laboratory in Seattle. Specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR with whole genome sequencing attempted when positive. SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals were notified, and their household contacts submitted specimens every 2 days for 14 days. Results In total, 1371 participants collected 2029 specimens that were tested; 16 individuals (1.2%) within 6 households tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period. Full genome sequences were generated from 11 individuals within 4 households. Very little genetic variation was found among SARS-CoV-2 viruses sequenced from different individuals in the same household, supporting transmission within the household. Conclusions This study indicates web-based surveillance of respiratory symptoms, combined with rapid and longitudinal specimen collection and remote contact tracing, provides a viable strategy to monitor households and detect household transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Trial registration identifier NCT04141930, Date of registration 28/10/2019.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
Abstract Background To effectively promote vaccine uptake, it is important to understand which people are most and least inclined to be vaccinated and why. In this study, we examined predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and reasons for non-vaccination. Methods We conducted an online English-language survey study in December-2020, January-2021, and March-2021. A total of 930 US respondents completed all surveys. Multiple logistic regression models were run to test whether the early vaccine eligibility, demographic factors, and psychological factors predict getting at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination in January-2021 and in March-2021. Results The proportion of respondents who received ≥ 1-dose of a COVID-19 vaccine increased from 18% (January) to 67% (March). Older age predicted vaccine uptake in January (OR = 2.02[95%CI = 1.14–3.78], p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
Abstract Background We examined effects of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) of IL1RN, the gene encoding the anti-inflammatory interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), on the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and mortality in patients with acute severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.Methods IL1RN CTA haplotypes formed from 3 SNVs (rs419598, rs315952, rs9005) and the individual SNVs were assessed for association with laboratory markers of inflammation and mortality. We studied 2589 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and March 2021.Results Mortality was 15.3% and lower in women than men (13.1% vs 17.3%, P = .0003). Carriers of the CTA-1/2 IL1RN haplotypes exhibited decreased inflammatory markers and increased plasma IL-1Ra. Evaluation of the individual SNVs of the IL1RN, carriers of the rs419598 C/C SNV exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory biomarker levels and numerically lower mortality compared to the C/T-T/T genotype (10.0% vs 17.8%, P = .052) in men, with the most pronounced association observed in male patients ≤74 years old, whose mortality was reduced by 80% (3.1% vs 14.0%, P = .030).Conclusions The IL1RN haplotype CTA and C/C variant of rs419598 are associated with attenuation of the CRS and decreased mortality in men with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data suggest that the IL1RN pathway modulates the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) via endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
Abstract Serial blood and mucosal samples were characterized for 102 participants enrolled a median of 7.0 days post-COVID-19 diagnosis. Mucosal RNA was detectable a median 31.5 (95% CI 20.5 - 63.5) days, with persistence ≥1 month associated with obesity (BMI ≥30, OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.2 - 13.8) but not age, sex, or chronic conditions. Fifteen participants had likely reinfection; lower serum anti-S IgG levels were associated with reinfection risk. Nearly half of participants (47%) reported symptoms lasting ≥2-3 months; persistence ≥3 months was associated with BMI ≥30 (OR = 4.2 95% CI 1.1 - 12.8) and peak anti-S and anti-NC antibody levels.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedReiter, J., Weibelzahl, S., Duden, G. S.
BMJ Open, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
ObjectivesMental health and well-being of healthcare staff were majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little attention has been devoted to the role employers could choose to play in mitigating long-term negative consequences and how effective organisational measures taken were perceived by the individual healthcare workers. This study aims to investigate (1) whether and how healthcare professionals’ mental health has changed from the second to the third pandemic year, (2) whether differences between professional groups (physicians, nurses, paramedics) identified in previous studies persisted and (3) how job demands and resources, for example, work culture and employers’ measures, impacted this situation. DesignThe study employs an observational, cross-sectional design, using an online survey. Setting and participantsThe study was conducted online from mid-June to mid-August 2022 among healthcare staff in state-run and private healthcare facilities, such as doctor’s practices, hospitals and paramedic organisations, in Germany and Austria (n=421). Outcome measuresWe measured psychological strain using an ICD-10-based symptom checklist, as well as subjective strain and importance of stressors using self-report questions. The ICD-10 was the 10th version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, a widely used standardized diagnostic manual. ResultsPsychological strain stayed relatively consistent, with nursing staff suffering the most. While the job demands participants felt most affected by were structural issues (eg, staff shortages), employers were far more likely to be perceived as taking action against pandemic-specific job demands (eg, lack of protective gear). Psychological strain was lowest when staff perceived employers’ actions as effective. Only 60% of those with severe enough symptoms to require psychological help had intentions of seeking such help, which is in line with past studies. This help-seeking hesitancy was also dependent on different facets of perceived work culture. ConclusionsHealthcare staff and nursing staff in particular continue to suffer in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while employers were perceived as taking action against pandemic-specific job demands, pre-existing job demands causing stress and psychological strain for staff have remained uncombatted.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAndersson, C., Berman, A. H., Lindfors, P., Bendtsen, M.
BMJ Open, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
ObjectiveThis study used causal inference to estimate the longitudinal effects of contagion in cohabitants and family members on university students’ mental health and academic self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA prospective longitudinal study including a baseline online measurement in May 2020, and online follow-ups after 5 months and 10 months. Participants were recruited through open-access online advertising. SettingPublic universities and university colleges in Sweden. ParticipantsThe analytical sample included 2796 students. Outcome measuresContagion in cohabitants and in family members was assessed at baseline and at the 5-month follow-up. Mental health and academic self-efficacy were assessed at the 5-month and 10-month follow-ups. ResultsMild symptoms reported in cohabitants at baseline resulted in negative mental health effects at follow-up 5 months later, and mild baseline symptoms in family members resulted in negative effects on academic self-efficacy at follow-ups both 5 and 10 months later. ConclusionsNotwithstanding the lack of precision in estimated effects, the findings emphasise the importance of social relationships and the challenges of providing students with sufficient support in times of crisis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedZhu, T., Chen, C., Zhang, X., Yang, Q., Hu, Y., Liu, R., Zhang, X., Dong, Y.
BMJ Open, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
ObjectivesThis study measures the differences in inpatient performance after a points-counting payment policy based on diagnosis-related group (DRG) was implemented. The point value is dynamic; its change depends on the annual DRGs’ cost settlements and points of the current year, which are calculated at the beginning of the following year. DesignA longitudinal study using a robust multiple interrupted time series model to evaluate service performance following policy implementation. SettingTwenty-two public general hospitals (8 tertiary institutions and 14 secondary institutions) in Wenzhou, China. InterventionThe intervention was implemented in January 2020. Outcome measuresThe indicators were case mix index (CMI), cost per hospitalisation (CPH), average length of stay (ALOS), cost efficiency index (CEI) and time efficiency index (TEI). The study employed the means of these indicators. ResultsThe impact of COVID-19, which reached Zhejiang Province at the end of January 2020, was temporary given rapid containment following strict control measures. After the intervention, except for the ALOS mean, the change-points for the other outcomes (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJulian Heidecke, Jan Fuhrmann, Maria Vittoria Barbarossa
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
by Julian Heidecke, Jan Fuhrmann, Maria Vittoria Barbarossa Diagnostic testing followed by isolation of identified cases with subsequent tracing and quarantine of close contacts—often referred to as test-trace-isolate-and-quarantine (TTIQ) strategy—is one of the cornerstone measures of infectious disease control. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that an appropriate response to outbreaks of infectious diseases requires a firm understanding of the effectiveness of such containment strategies. To this end, mathematical models provide a promising tool. In this work, we present a delay differential equation model of TTIQ interventions for infectious disease control. Our model incorporates the assumption of limited TTIQ capacities, providing insights into the reduced effectiveness of testing and tracing in high prevalence scenarios. In addition, we account for potential transmission during the early phase of an infection, including presymptomatic transmission, which may be particularly adverse to a TTIQ based control. Our numerical experiments inspired by the early spread of COVID-19 in Germany demonstrate the effectiveness of TTIQ in a scenario where immunity within the population is low and pharmaceutical interventions are absent, which is representative of a typical situation during the (re-)emergence of infectious diseases for which therapeutic drugs or vaccines are not yet available. Stability and sensitivity analyses reveal both disease-dependent and disease-independent factors that impede or enhance the success of TTIQ. Studying the diminishing impact of TTIQ along simulations of an epidemic wave, we highlight consequences for intervention strategies.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDaniel Deuter, Katharina Hense, Kevin Kunkel, Johanna Vollmayr, Sebastian Schachinger, Christina Wendl, Andreas Schicho, Claudia Fellner, Bernd Salzberger, Florian Hitzenbichler, Judith Zeller, Veronika Vielsmeier, Frank Dodoo-Schittko, Nils Ole Schmidt, Katharina Rosengarth
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
by Daniel Deuter, Katharina Hense, Kevin Kunkel, Johanna Vollmayr, Sebastian Schachinger, Christina Wendl, Andreas Schicho, Claudia Fellner, Bernd Salzberger, Florian Hitzenbichler, Judith Zeller, Veronika Vielsmeier, Frank Dodoo-Schittko, Nils Ole Schmidt, Katharina Rosengarth Background Several research has underlined the multi-system character of COVID-19. Though effects on the Central Nervous System are mainly discussed as disease-specific affections due to the virus’ neurotropism, no comprehensive disease model of COVID-19 exists on a neurofunctional base by now. We aimed to investigate neuroplastic grey- and white matter changes related to COVID-19 and to link these changes to neurocognitive testings leading towards a multi-dimensional disease model. Methods Groups of acutely ill COVID-19 patients (n = 16), recovered COVID-19 patients (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 13) were prospectively included into this study. MR-imaging included T1-weighted sequences for analysis of grey matter using voxel-based morphometry and diffusion-weighted sequences to investigate white matter tracts using probabilistic tractography. Comprehensive neurocognitive testing for verbal and non-verbal domains was performed. Results Alterations strongly focused on grey matter of the frontal—basal ganglia—thalamus network and temporal areas, as well as fiber tracts connecting these areas. In acute COVID-19 patients, a decline of grey matter volume was found with an accompanying diminution of white matter tracts. A decline in executive function and especially verbal fluency was found in acute patients, partially persisting in recovered. Conclusion Changes in gray matter volume and white matter tracts included mainly areas involved in networks of executive control and language. Deeper understanding of these alterations is necessary especially with respect to long-term impairments, often referred to as ‘Post-COVID’.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPrabhjot Kaur Juttla, Moses Ndiritu, Ferdinand Milliano, Alfred Owino Odongo, Magoma Mwancha-Kwasa
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
by Prabhjot Kaur Juttla, Moses Ndiritu, Ferdinand Milliano, Alfred Owino Odongo, Magoma Mwancha-Kwasa Background The knowledge possessed by healthcare workers (HCWs), along with their attitudes and practices play a vital role in effectively managing a pandemic. This is crucial considering that HCWs are exposed to great risk at the forefront of such crises. We aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kiambu county, Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was conducted from 11th March 2021 to 12th August 2021. Bloom’s cutoff points were used to determine KAP scores (>80%: good, 60–79%: medium and
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMariko Hosozawa, Miyuki Hori, Mina Hayama-Terada, Iba Arisa, Yoko Mutou MPH, Akihiko Kitamura, Yoshihiro Takayama, Hiroyasu Iso
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 13.03.2024
Tilføjet 13.03.2024
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with over 769 million confirmed cases worldwide as of July 2023, 1is increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents. Children and adolescents are more likely to experience asymptomatic or milder forms of acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection than adults. 2 The increasing number of infected children and adolescents raises concerns about the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as post-COVID-19 condition (PPC).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfectious Disease Modelling, 12.03.2024
Tilføjet 12.03.2024
Publication date: Available online 12 March 2024 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Farhad Waseel, George Streftaris, Bhuvendhraa Rudrusamy, Sarat C. Dass
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYao, A., Zhu, M., Li, L.
BMJ Open, 12.03.2024
Tilføjet 12.03.2024
ObjectiveTo explore the psychological experiences of university students in prolonged quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA qualitative descriptive study based on semistructured interviews; data were analysed using a thematic topic analysis approach. SettingInterviews were conducted via WeChat video. Participants20 full-time undergraduate students from seven districts in Shanghai Province who experienced prolonged quarantine were interviewed from June to August 2022. ResultsThe data analysis revealed three themes with corresponding subthemes related to the psychological experiences of university students during prolonged quarantine: (1) dynamic and complex psychological experiences, encompassing the feelings of relief, confusion, anxiety, insecurity, loneliness, craving for catharsis and emotional numbness; (2) desire for diverse support; and (3) self-reflection and growth, mainly including learning to be grateful, self-efficacy enhancement, reconsideration of the meaning of life and restructuring of future planning. ConclusionThis study explored the psychological experiences of university students in prolonged quarantine through qualitative interviews, which contributed to our understanding of their emotions, needs and conceptual changes during quarantine. Combined with the experiences of university students in quarantine, they reported complex emotional changes and diverse needs, as well as the impact of prolonged quarantine on their outlook on life. These findings can serve as a reference and basis for the development of future psychological intervention measures in line with national conditions.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNagappan, P. G., Brown, S., McManus, A., Sayers, S., Absar, S., Tan, S. R. X., Kuhn, I., Lau, E., Tulinius, C.
BMJ Open, 12.03.2024
Tilføjet 12.03.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on medical education, with many institutions shifting to online learning to ensure the safety of students and staff. However, there has been a decline in in-person attendance at medical schools across the UK and worldwide following the relaxation of social distancing rules and the reinstation of in-person teaching. Importantly, this trend has been observed prior to the pandemic. While reflected within the literature, there is currently no systematic review describing these changes. We aim to find out how medical students’ attendance is changing as documented within the literature and its impact on their educational outcomes. Methods and analysisThis systematic review will follow the guidelines of the Centre of Research and Dissemination, Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We will search the major databases of Medline via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, British Education Index via EBSCOhost and ERIC via EBSCOhost. Two reviewers will independently screen each paper and extract data, with a third reviewer for dispute resolution. All studies reporting on medical students from various universities, both graduate and undergraduate and describing changes in attendance and/or students‘ educational outcomes will be included. Risk of bias in individual studies will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and confidence in cumulative evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research approach. A narrative synthesis of the findings from all included studies will be reported. Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this systematic review of existing publicly available literature. We will subsequently aim to publish the results of this systematic review in a peer-reviewed journal.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJosé Luis Martínez-Sánchez, Carolina Zequeira Larios, Florisel Hernandez Ramirez
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.03.2024
Tilføjet 12.03.2024
by José Luis Martínez-Sánchez, Carolina Zequeira Larios, Florisel Hernandez Ramirez Southern Mexico is particularly rich in natural resources, yet unemployment has risen to 8% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the pandemic on the use and abundance of Tabasco’s wild resources was examined through personal surveys. By using Microsoft Forms® with cell phones 1,963 surveys were collected. Cronbach’s alpha, Z-value, and chi2 were calculated using the MAXQDA Analytics Pro program. A higher abundance of wild resources before the pandemic than today (57% vs. 11%) was observed. During the pandemic, people referred more to a high use (28%) of resources than to a low use (20%). This caused the low abundance or scarcity of wild products to be greater during the pandemic than before the pandemic (43% vs. 4%). Wild foods and timber were the most used products. The pandemic has produced a greater use of natural resources probably due to the high unemployment rate in rural areas. Future studies of wild products should address the relevant products in the locality and their even sampling. Finding suitable respondents is highly recommended.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 12.03.2024
Tilføjet 12.03.2024
Abstract Background In addition to preventing pneumococcal disease, emerging evidence indicates that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) might indirectly reduce viral respiratory tract infections (RTI) by affecting pneumococcal-viral interactions.Methods We performed a systematic review of interventional and observational studies published during 2000-2022 on vaccine efficacy/adjusted effectiveness (VE) and overall effect of PCV7, PCV9, PCV10, or PCV13 against viral RTI.Results Sixteen of 1671 records identified were included. Thirteen publications described effects of PCVs against viral RTIs in children. VE against influenza ranged between 41-86% (n=4), except for the 2010-2011 influenza season. In a randomized controlled trial, PCV9 displayed efficacy against any viral RTI, human seasonal coronavirus, parainfluenza, and human metapneumovirus. Data in adults were limited (n=3). PCV13 VE ranged between 4-25% against viral lower RTI, 32-35% against COVID-19 outcomes, 24-51% against human seasonal coronavirus, and 13-36% against influenza A lower RTI, with some 95%CI spanning zero. No protection was found against adenovirus or rhinovirus in children or adults.Conclusions PCVs were associated with protection against some viral RTI, with the strongest evidence for influenza in children. Limited evidence for adults was generally consistent with pediatric data. Restricting public health evaluations to confirmed pneumococcal outcomes may underestimate the full impact of PCVs.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 12.03.2024
Tilføjet 12.03.2024
Abstract Background Symptoms of COVID-19 including fatigue and dyspnea, may persist for weeks to months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study compared self-reported disability among SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative persons with mild to moderate COVID-19-like illness who presented for outpatient care before widespread COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Unvaccinated adults with COVID-19-like illness enrolled within 10 days of illness onset at three US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network sites were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by molecular assay. Enrollees completed an enrollment questionnaire and two follow-up surveys (7–24 days and 2–7 months after illness onset) online or by phone to assess illness characteristics and health status. The second follow-up survey included questions measuring global health, physical function, fatigue, and dyspnea. Scores in the four domains were compared by participants’ SARS-CoV-2 test results in univariate analysis and multivariable Gamma regression. Results During September 22, 2020 – February 13, 2021, 2712 eligible adults were enrolled, 1541 completed the first follow-up survey, and 650 completed the second follow-up survey. SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were more likely to report fever at acute illness but were otherwise comparable to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At first follow-up, SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were less likely to have reported fully or mostly recovered from their illness compared to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At second follow-up, no differences by SARS-CoV-2 test results were detected in the four domains in the multivariable model. Conclusion Self-reported disability was similar among outpatient SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative adults 2–7 months after illness onset.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedEskild Petersen, Seif Al-Abri, Amina Al Jardani, Ziad A Memish, Eleni Aklillu, Francine Ntoumi, Peter Mwaba, Christian Wejse, Alimuddin Zumla, Fatma Al-Yaquobi
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 11.03.2024
Tilføjet 11.03.2024
It has been previously estimated that the global prevalence of latent TB infection (LTBI) is 24% of the world\'s population [1;2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 2023 that 1.8 billion people are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but without clinical symptoms of active tuberculosis, which is the definition of latent TB infection [3;4]. This represents a 4.5% increase from 2020. With the COVID-19 pandemic now over, TB is once again the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, with 1.4 million deaths among HIV-negative people and 187,000 deaths among HIV-positive people estimated in 2021 [3].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 10.03.2024
Tilføjet 10.03.2024
Infection, 10.03.2024
Tilføjet 10.03.2024
Plüss-Suard Catherine, Mueller Yolanda, Plate Andreas, Senn Oliver, Kronenberg Andreas
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
We have read with great interest the article published by Aghlmandi S. et al. regarding the \'Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic prescribing in high-prescribing primary care physicians in Switzerland\' [1]. This study presents the findings of a follow-up investigation following a national intervention trial on antibiotic prescription audit and feedback during the initial year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, compared with the pre-pandemic years (2017-2019). The authors utilized claims data from 2945 physicians, representing the upper 75% of antibiotic prescribers, in an interrupted time series analysis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedChen, X., Norris, C., Whitten, T., Ho, C., Mann, B., Bakal, J.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectiveFatigue, headache, problems sleeping and numerous other symptoms have been reported to be associated with long COVID. However, many of these symptoms coincide with symptoms reported by the general population, possibly exacerbated by restrictions/precautions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the symptoms reported by individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 compared with those who tested negative. DesignObservational study. SettingThe study was conducted on adult residents in Alberta, Canada, from October 2021 to February 2023. ParticipantsWe evaluated self-reported symptoms in 7623 adults with positive COVID-19 tests and 1520 adults who tested negative, using surveys adapted from the internationally standardised International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC)-developed COVID-19 long-term follow-up tools. These individuals had an index COVID-19 test date between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2022 and were over 28 days post-COVID-19 testing. Primary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were to identify the symptoms associated with COVID-19 positivity and risk factors for reporting symptoms. ResultsFatigue was the top reported symptom (42%) among COVID-19-positive respondents, while headache was the top reported symptom (32%) in respondents who tested negative. Compared with those who tested negative, COVID-19-positive individuals reported 1.5 times more symptoms and had higher odds of experiencing 31 out of the 40 listed symptoms during the postinfectious period. These symptoms included olfactory dysfunction, menstruation changes, cardiopulmonary and neurological symptoms. Female sex, middle age (41–55 years), Indigeneity, unemployment, hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) admission at the time of testing and pre-existing health conditions independently predicted a greater number and variety of symptoms. ConclusionsOur results provide evidence that COVID-19 survivors continue to experience a significant number and variety of symptoms. These findings can help inform targeted strategies for the unequally affected population. It is important to offer appropriate management for symptom relief to those who have survived the acute COVID-19 illness.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYuan, H.-Y., Wong, W. H., Khairunnasa, F., Ho, H. C., Chung, G. K.-K.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectiveTo estimate the impacts of demographic factors and income disparities on the case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, taking into account the influence of reporting delays (ie, the duration between symptom onset and case confirmation). DesignRetrospective observational longitudinal study. ParticipantsA total of 7406 symptomatic patients with residence information reported between 23 January 2020 and 2 October 2021. Main outcome measuresThe study examined the disparity in COVID-19 deaths associated with the factors such as age (≥65 vs 0–64 years old groups), gender and the income level of districts (low income vs non-low income). The severe reporting delay (>10 days) was considered as the mediator for mediation analysis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed. ResultsWe found that CFR was 3.07% in the low-income region, twofold higher than 1.34% in the other regions. Although the severe reporting delay was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of about 1.9, its mediation effect was only weakly present for age, but not for gender or income level. Hence, high CFR in Hong Kong was largely attributed to the direct effects of the elderly (HR 25.967; 95% CI 14.254 to 47.306) and low income (HR 1.558; 95% CI 1.122 to 2.164). ConclusionThe disparity in COVID-19 deaths between income regions is not due to reporting delays, but rather to health inequities in Hong Kong. These risks may persist after the discontinuation of test-and-trace measures and extend to other high-threat respiratory pathogens. Urgent actions are required to identify vulnerable groups in low-income regions and understand the underlying causes of health inequities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedReder, S. R., Herrlich, N., Grauhan, N. F., Othman, A. E., Müller-Eschner, M., Brockmann, C., Brockmann, M. A.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectivesA hard lockdown was presumed to lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases, resulting in higher acuity at admission. This should be elaborated based on the estimated acuity of the cases, changes in findings during hospitalisation, age structure and biological sex. DesignRetrospective monocentric cross-sectional study. SettingGerman Neuroradiology Department at a . ParticipantsIn 2019, n=1158 patients were admitted in contrast to n=884 during the first hard lockdown in 2020 (11th–13th week). Main outcome measuresThree radiologists evaluated the initial case acuity, classified them into three groups (not acute, subacute and acute), and evaluated if there was a relevant clinical deterioration. The data analysis was conducted using non-parametric methods and multivariate regression analysis. ResultsA 24% decrease in the number of examinations from 2019 to 2020 (p=0.025) was revealed. In women, the case acuity increased by 21% during the lockdown period (p=0.002). A 30% decrease in acute cases in men was observable (in women 5% decrease). Not acute cases decreased in both women and men (47%; 24%), while the subacute cases remained stable in men (0%) and decreased in women (28%). Regression analysis revealed the higher the age, the higher the acuity (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGonzalez Bravo, C., Sabree, S. A., Dukes, K., Adeagbo, M. J., Edwards, S., Wainwright, K., Schaeffer, S. E., Villa, A., Wilks, A. D., Carvour, M. L.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
ObjectivesTo understand patients’ experiences with diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on rural, medically underserved, and/or minoritised racial and ethnic groups in the Midwestern USA. DesignCommunity-engaged, semi-structured interviews were conducted by medical student researchers trained in qualitative interviewing. Transcripts were prepared and coded in the language in which the interview was conducted (English or Spanish). Thematic analysis was conducted, and data saturation was achieved. SettingThe study was conducted in communities in Eastern and Western Iowa. ParticipantsAdults with diabetes (n=20) who were fluent in conversational English or Spanish were interviewed. One-third of participants were residents of areas designated as federal primary healthcare professional shortage areas and/or medically underserved areas, and more than half were recruited from medical clinics that offer care at no cost. ResultsThemes across both English and Spanish transcripts included: (1) perspectives of diabetes, care providers and care management; (2) challenges and barriers affecting diabetes care; and (3) participant feedback and recommendations. Participants reported major constraints related to provider availability, costs of care, access to nutrition counselling and mental health concerns associated with diabetes care during the pandemic. Participants also reported a lack of shared decision-making regarding some aspects of care, including amputation. Finally, participants recognised systems-level challenges that affected both patients and providers and expressed a preference for proactive collaboration with healthcare teams. ConclusionsThese findings support enhanced engagement of rural, medically underserved and minoritised groups as stakeholders in diabetes care, diabetes research and diabetes provider education.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCurtis, E., Jaung, R., Paine, S.-J., McLeod, M., Tamatea, J., Atkinson, J., Jiang, Y., Robson, B., Reid, P., Harris, R. B.
BMJ Open, 9.03.2024
Tilføjet 9.03.2024
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had both direct and indirect impacts on the health of populations worldwide. While racial/ethnic health inequities in COVID-19 infection are now well known (and ongoing), knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on non-COVID-19-related outcomes for Indigenous peoples is less well understood. This article presents the study protocol for the Health Research Council of New Zealand funded project ‘Mā te Mōhio ka Mārama: Impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori inequities’. The study aims to explore changes in access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes for Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and non-Māori during the COVID-19 outbreak period across NZ. Methods and analysisThis observational study is framed within a Kaupapa Māori research positioning that includes Kaupapa Māori epidemiology. National datasets will be used to report on access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori during the COVID-19 pandemic in NZ. Study periods are defined as (a) prepandemic period (2015–2019), (b) first pandemic year without COVID-19 vaccines (2020) and (c) pandemic period with COVID-19 vaccines (2021 onwards). Regional and national differences between Māori and non-Māori will be explored in two phases focused on identified health priority areas for NZ including (1) mortality, cancer, long-term conditions, first 1000 days, mental health and (2) rheumatic fever. Ethics and disseminationThis study has ethical approval from the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC AH26253). An advisory group will work with the project team to disseminate the findings of this project via project-specific meetings, peer-reviewed publications and a project-specific website. The overall intention of the project is to highlight areas requiring health policy and practice interventions to address Indigenous inequities in health resulting from COVID-19 pandemic management (both historical and in the future).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPuoza Deo Gracious, Jerry Armah, Edward Appiah Boateng, Victoria Bam, Veronica Dzomeku, Joana Kyei-Dompim, Ampem Darko Oklodu-Abbey, Abigail Kusi Amponsah
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Puoza Deo Gracious, Jerry Armah, Edward Appiah Boateng, Victoria Bam, Veronica Dzomeku, Joana Kyei-Dompim, Ampem Darko Oklodu-Abbey, Abigail Kusi Amponsah Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused several higher educational institutions to switch from traditional face-to-face to virtual learning medium. This abrupt shift came with new expectations, experiences and challenges to nursing/ midwifery students, particularly new users, and even more so when preparation, orientation, and support were lacking or ineffective. The present study therefore aimed at exploring the expectations, experiences and challenges of nursing students using the virtual learning medium during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a descriptive phenomenological design using 12 purposively sampled nursing and midwifery students from a public university in Ghana. With the aid of a semi-structured guide, individual face-to-face interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim at a later time and deductively analyzed into themes using the customer experience execution model. Results Participants were aged 22–36 years and involved equal number of males and females (n = 6), with majority being Christians (n = 11). Six themes were generated from the study: (1) “Initial thoughts and emotions” described participants initial reactions to the virtual educational medium during the pandemic; (2) \'Expectations with the virtual medium\' referred to the participants’ anticipations regarding the convenience offered by the virtual medium; (3) \'Experiences with the virtual medium\' depicted the participants’ recognition of both positive and negative encounters while using the virtual learning platform; (4) “Evaluation and recommendation” described participants’ reports of meeting expectations and recommendations they made to enhance virtual learning; (5) \'Challenges and limitations of the virtual medium\' typically represented the obstacles encountered by nursing/ midwifery students when they embraced the virtual medium; (6) “Prospects of the virtual medium” referred to participants’ views on the future of the virtual medium. Conclusion The study has brought to light that the virtual education environment comes with its own expectations, experiences and challenges to students. Provision of adequate support such as orientation and simulation laboratories by higher education institutions to satisfy students’ needs is necessary to enhance nursing education.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNilantha Karasinghe, Sarath Peiris, Ruwan Jayathilaka, Thanuja Dharmasena
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Nilantha Karasinghe, Sarath Peiris, Ruwan Jayathilaka, Thanuja Dharmasena Dengue poses a significant and multifaceted public health challenge in Sri Lanka, encompassing both preventive and curative aspects. Accurate dengue incidence forecasting is pivotal for effective surveillance and disease control. To address this, we developed an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model tailored for predicting weekly dengue cases in the Colombo district. The modeling process drew on comprehensive weekly dengue fever data from the Weekly Epidemiological Reports (WER), spanning January 2015 to August 2020. Following rigorous model selection, the ARIMA (2,1,0) model, augmented with an autoregressive component (AR) of order 16, emerged as the best-fitted model. It underwent initial calibration and fine-tuning using data from January 2015 to August 2020, and was validated against independent 2000 data. Selection criteria included parameter significance, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Schwarz Bayesian Information Criterion (SBIC). Importantly, the residuals of the ARIMA model conformed to the assumptions of randomness, constant variance, and normality affirming its suitability. The forecasts closely matched observed dengue incidence, offering a valuable tool for public health decision-makers. However, an increased percentage error was noted in late 2020, likely attributed to factors including potential underreporting due to COVID-19-related disruptions amid rising dengue cases. This research contributes to the critical task of managing dengue outbreaks and underscores the dynamic challenges posed by external influences on disease surveillance.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSunpeng Duan, Yuedong Wang, Peter Kotanko, Hanjie Zhang
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Sunpeng Duan, Yuedong Wang, Peter Kotanko, Hanjie Zhang Background In-center hemodialysis entails repeated interactions between patients and clinic staff, potentially facilitating the spread of COVID-19. We examined if in-center hemodialysis is associated with the spread of SARS-CoV-2 between patients. Methods Our retrospective analysis comprised all patients receiving hemodialysis in four New York City clinics between March 12th, 2020, and August 31st, 2022. Treatment-level clinic ID, dialysis shift, dialysis machine station, and date of COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR were documented. To estimate the donor-to-potential recipient exposure (“donor” being the COVID-19 positive patient denoted as “COV-Pos”; “potential recipient” being other susceptible patients in the same shift), we obtained the spatial coordinates of each dialysis station, calculated the Euclidean distances between stations and weighted the exposure by proximity between them. For each donor, we estimated the donor-to-potential recipient exposure of all potential recipients dialyzed in the same shift and accumulated the exposure over time within the ‘COV-Pos infectious period’ as cumulative exposures. The ‘COV-Pos infectious period’ started 5 days before COVID-19 diagnosis date. We deployed network analysis to assess these interactions and summarized the donor-to-potential recipient exposure in 193 network diagrams. We fitted mixed effects logistic regression models to test whether more donor-to-potential recipient exposure conferred a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Out of 978 patients, 193 (19.7%) tested positive for COVID-19 and had contact with other patients during the COV-Pos infectious period. Network diagrams showed no evidence that more exposed patients would have had a higher chance of infection. This finding was corroborated by logistic mixed effect regression (donor-to-potential recipient exposure OR: 0.63; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.17, p = 0.163). Separate analyses according to vaccination led to materially identical results. Conclusions Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between in-center hemodialysis patients is unlikely. This finding supports the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as universal masking and other procedures to control spread of COVID-19.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedRebecca Rodin, Thérèse A. Stukel, Hannah Chung, Chaim M. Bell, Allan S. Detsky, Sarina Isenberg, Kieran L. Quinn
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Rebecca Rodin, Thérèse A. Stukel, Hannah Chung, Chaim M. Bell, Allan S. Detsky, Sarina Isenberg, Kieran L. Quinn Importance Physicians and their practice behaviors influence access to healthcare and may represent potentially modifiable targets for practice-changing interventions. Use of virtual care at the end-of-life significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its association with physician practice behaviors, (e.g., annual service volume) is unknown. Objective Measure the association of physicians’ annual service volume with their use of virtual end-of-life care (EOLC) and the magnitude of physician-attributable variation in its use, before and during the pandemic. Design, setting and participants Population-based cohort study using administrative data of all physicians in Ontario, Canada who cared for adults in the last 90 days of life between 01/25/2018-12/31/2021. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models measured the association between attending physicians’ use of virtual EOLC and their annual service volume. We calculated the variance partition coefficients for each regression and stratified by time period before and during the pandemic. Exposure Annual service volume of a person’s attending physician in the preceding year. Main outcomes and measures Delivery of ≥1 virtual EOLC visit by a person’s attending physician and the proportion of variation in its use attributable to physicians. Results Among the 35,825 unique attending physicians caring for 315,494 adults, use of virtual EOLC was associated with receiving care from a high compared to low service volume attending physician; the magnitude of this association diminished during the pandemic (adjusted RR 1.25 [95% CI 1.14, 1.37] pre-pandemic;1.10 (95% CI 1.08, 1.12) during the pandemic). Physicians accounted for 36% of the variation in virtual EOLC use pre-pandemic and 12% of this variation during the pandemic. Conclusions and relevance Physicians’ annual service volume was associated with use of virtual EOLC and physicians accounted for a substantial proportion of the variation in its use. Physicians may be appropriate and potentially modifiable targets for interventions to modulate use of EOLC delivery.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedEthan Simpson, William C. Miller, Julia Schmidt, Jaimie Borisoff, W. Ben Mortenson
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Ethan Simpson, William C. Miller, Julia Schmidt, Jaimie Borisoff, W. Ben Mortenson Study design Single-cohort longitudinal survey design. Objectives To identify what ongoing impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on functioning and health in individuals with SCI. Using the ICF model as a guide, outcome measures were chosen to explore potential constructs and aspects of health and functioning which may have been affected by regulations. Setting Online, Canada. Methods Participants provided demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline. They completed standardized online measures at three time points, each roughly one month apart (June, July, and August of 2020). The measures assessed mental health, resilience, boredom, social support, technology use, life space, and participation. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to identify longitudinal changes for each measure. Results We collected data from 21 participants with SCI (mean age 54 years, 12 male). We found a large effect size for participation (η2 = 0.20), which increased over time. We also found medium effect sizes in both anxiety (η2 = 0.12) and social network usage (η2 = 0.12). Anxiety decreased over time and social networking usage fluctuated slightly but with an increase from time point one to time point two. Conclusion The results indicate that individuals with spinal cord injury appear to be staying relatively stable during the pandemic with improvements in a few key aspects, such as potentially increased participation and decreased anxiety. The results also suggest that it is important to continue fostering ways for individuals with spinal cord injury to stay connected, engaged, and informed.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSuraj Singh Senjam, Souvik Manna, Garima Goel, Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Animesh Ray, Yashdeep Gupta, Neiwete Lomi, Vivek Gupta, Praveen Vashist, Jeewan Singh Titiyal, Nitin Kashyap, Rajesh Kumar
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Suraj Singh Senjam, Souvik Manna, Garima Goel, Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Animesh Ray, Yashdeep Gupta, Neiwete Lomi, Vivek Gupta, Praveen Vashist, Jeewan Singh Titiyal, Nitin Kashyap, Rajesh Kumar Background Conducting a study in rural pre-dominant areas will help to understand the penetration of the vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 health crisis. This study aimed to investigate vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among the rural adult population in India and to identify factors associated with vaccination coverage. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the rural population in one district of north India from January to February 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed on the SurveyMonkey digital platform for interviewing the participants, which consisted of questions related to socio-demographic profile, health problems, vaccination status, types of vaccine, re-infection after vaccination, and functional difficulties. The data regarding infection with COVID-19 was collected based on self-reported positive testing for SARS-CoV 2 on RT-PCR. Findings A total of 3700 eligible individuals were enumerated for the survey, out of which 2954 (79.8%) were interviewed. The infection rate of past COVID-19 infection, based on self-report of testing positive, was 6.2% (95%CI: 5.3–7.1). Covishield vaccine was received by most participants (81.3%, 2380) followed by Covaxin (12.3%, 361) and Pfizer manufactured vaccine (0.03,1). The coverage for first, second, and booster doses of the vaccine was 98.2% (2902), 94.8% (2802), and 10.7% (315) respectively. The risk of reinfection at 12 months or more among participants with two doses of vaccine was 1.6% (46/2802, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1). The coverage among those with severe functional difficulties was lesser as compared to those with some or no difficulties. Interpretation Vaccination coverage against COVID-19 in rural Haryana, India is not dependent on factors like gender or occupation but is dependent on age and education. Although the full and partial vaccination coverage is high, the booster dose coverage is poor. In addition, the presence of severe disability was significantly associated with reduced vaccination coverage.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTaylor Orwig, Shiv Sutaria, Ziyue Wang, Sakeina Howard-Wilson, Denise Dunlap, Craig M. Lilly, Bryan Buchholz, David D. McManus, Nathaniel Hafer
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Taylor Orwig, Shiv Sutaria, Ziyue Wang, Sakeina Howard-Wilson, Denise Dunlap, Craig M. Lilly, Bryan Buchholz, David D. McManus, Nathaniel Hafer Point-of-care technology (POCT) plays a vital role in modern healthcare by providing a fast diagnosis, improving patient management, and extending healthcare access to remote and resource-limited areas. The objective of this study was to understand how healthcare professionals in the United States perceived POCTs during 2019–2021 to assess the decision-making process of implementing these newer technologies into everyday practice. A 5-point Likert scale survey was sent to respondents to evaluate their perceptions of benefits, concerns, characteristics, and development of point-of-care technologies. The 2021 survey was distributed November 1st, 2021- February 15th, 2022, with a total of 168 independent survey responses received. Of the respondents, 59% identified as male, 73% were white, and 48% have been in practice for over 20 years. The results showed that most agreed that POCTs improve patient management (94%) and improve clinician confidence in decision making (92%). Healthcare professionals were most concerned with potentially not being reimbursed for the cost of the POCT (37%). When asked to rank the top 3 important characteristics of POCT, respondents chose accuracy, ease of use, and availability. It is important to note this survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve an even greater representation of healthcare professionals’ point of view on POCTs, further work to obtain responses from a larger, more diverse population of providers is needed.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Infection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Ben Farhat, Jihane; TiendrebeogoMD, Thierry; Malateste, Karen; Poda, Armel; Minga, Albert; Messou, Eugène; Chenal, Henri; Ezechi, Oliver; Ofotokun, Igho; Ekouevi, Didier k; Bonnet, Fabrice; Barger, Diana; Jaquet, Antoine
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Objectives: Efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic have potentially compromised the availability and/or quality of HIV services. We aimed to assess the pandemic’s impact on ART initiation and HIV viral load (VL) monitoring in three West African countries. Methods: We used routinely collected data from five clinics contributing to the IeDEA collaboration in Burkina Faso, Côte d\'Ivoire and Nigeria. We included ART-naïve adults living with HIV (ALWH) initiating ART from 01/01/2018. We conducted regression discontinuity analysis to estimate changes in the number of ART initiations and VL measures per week, before and during the pandemic period in each country. Results: In clinics in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, ART initiations per week remained constant throughout the studied periods (-0.24 points (p) of ART initiations/week 95%CI -5.5, 5.9, -0.9 p 95%CI -8.5,8.6, respectively), whereas in Nigeria’s clinic, they decreased significantly (-6.3 p, 95% CI -10.8, -1.7) after the beginning of the pandemic. The volume of VL tests performed decreased significantly in all three countries (-17.0 p 95%CI -25.3, -8.6 in Burkina Faso, -118.4 p 95%CI -171.1, -65.8 in Côte d’Ivoire and -169.1p 95%CI-282.6, -55.6 in Nigeria). Conclusions: Access to ART was maintained for newly diagnosed ALWH despite pandemic-related physical/social distancing measures. However, VL monitoring was severely disrupted and did not return to pre-pandemic levels approximately one year after the beginning of the pandemic. While HIV services in West Africa appear rather resilient, the impact of disruptions in VL monitoring on virological and clinical outcomes should continue to be monitored. Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJuan M. Pericàs
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Four years after the onset of COVID-19 as global public health threat that rapidly achieved pandemic proportions, it is has become commonplace both in layperson and expert circles to refer to it as a watershed. Its global reach, the attributable burden of deaths and morbidity, its enormous socioeconomic consequences, and the fact that SARS-CoV-2 has later joined the common pool of respiratory viruses considered in clinical practice, make COVID-19 special compared to its immediate precedents (e.g., SARS in 2002-2004, H1N1 influenza in 2009-2010, Ebola in 2014–2016 and 2018-2020, and Zola 2015-2016).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Symptoms of COVID-19 including fatigue and dyspnea, may persist for weeks to months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study compared self-reported disability among SARS-CoV-2-positive and negative persons with mild to moderate COVID-19-like illness who presented for outpatient care before widespread COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Unvaccinated adults with COVID-19-like illness enrolled within 10 days of illness onset at three US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network sites were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by molecular assay. Enrollees completed an enrollment questionnaire and two follow-up surveys (7–24 days and 2–7 months after illness onset) online or by phone to assess illness characteristics and health status. The second follow-up survey included questions measuring global health, physical function, fatigue, and dyspnea. Scores in the four domains were compared by participants’ SARS-CoV-2 test results in univariate analysis and multivariable Gamma regression. Results During September 22, 2020 – February 13, 2021, 2712 eligible adults were enrolled, 1541 completed the first follow-up survey, and 650 completed the second follow-up survey. SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were more likely to report fever at acute illness but were otherwise comparable to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At first follow-up, SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were less likely to have reported fully or mostly recovered from their illness compared to SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. At second follow-up, no differences by SARS-CoV-2 test results were detected in the four domains in the multivariable model. Conclusion Self-reported disability was similar among outpatient SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative adults 2–7 months after illness onset.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Immune dysregulation in individuals with long COVID has been detected. Differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltration on chest CT in long COVID is challenging. Case presentation A 62-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of dyspnea after COVID-19 infection. Dyspnea became worse in the one month preceding presentation. The chest CT showed multifocal, subpleural, bilateral opacities due to long-COVID, and infiltration around the bronchovascular bundle in the bilateral lower lung field. The pathology for the transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) first reported chronic inflammation (mainly interstitial pneumonia). The patient had positive results on tests for the antibody, RO-52+, EJ+. The presumptive diagnosis of connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease was made. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide were given. At follow-up one month later, the chest CT showed new diffuse ground-glass infiltration. The previous TBCB specimen was re-evaluated. Foamy macrophages were found in the alveolar air space. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was performed. Numerous intracytoplasmic organisms were detected, with morphologic features consistent with those of Tropheryma whipplei. The patient recovered after intravenous ceftriaxone and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The final diagnosis was lung T. whipplei infection and long COVID-19. Conclusion This is the first case report of Tropheryma whipplei infection in the lung of a patient with long COVID-19. T. whipplei should be considered as a potential pathogen for diffuse lung infiltration in the post-COVID-19 era.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health issue with various effects on the physical and mental state of the societies. The aim of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics and mental health condition of Tehran Municipality employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on Tehran Municipality employees in 2020–2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling and were divided into COVID-19 and uninfected groups. Demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk behaviors, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Well- Being Social Inventory were filled for all participants. Results A total of 510 participants (363 uninfected participants and 147 participants with COVID-19) were evaluated. The prevalence of female gender was significantly higher in COVID-19 group compared to uninfected group (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
Abstract Background and objective Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of monkeypox’s zoonotic infection and was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies from different countries have shown insufficient knowledge among the general public on MPXV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the general public of Nepal on MPXV. Methods Three hundred people were interviewed in person in October 2022, and 282 complete responses were recorded. The questionnaire related to the knowledge of MPXV was derived from a previous study conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two questions were included that assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese toward monkeypox. Statistical comparison between high and low knowledge was performed using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Logistic regression models were deployed to establish the relationship between participants’ knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Among the total respondents, 53.8% demonstrated high knowledge of monkeypox. People aged 18–25 years, unmarried people, and those living in urban areas had significantly higher levels of knowledge. Most respondents believed that MPXV is not a conspiracy or bioterrorism (63.1%) and agreed that it is likely to affect people’s social and economic life as COVID-19 did (67.0%). The history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR: 2.980; 95%CI: 1.227, 7.236) and the younger age (aOR: 2.975; 95%CI: 1.097, 8.069) were found to be significant determinants of the knowledge of the participants on monkeypox. Conclusion We observed that most Nepalese populations had a high knowledge of monkeypox and that social media was the most valuable source of information.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTheodoros V. Giannouchos, Nicole L. Hair, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Theodoros V. Giannouchos, Nicole L. Hair, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li In the United States, most real-world estimates of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness are based on data drawn from large health systems or sentinel populations. More data is needed to understand how the benefits of vaccination may vary across US populations with disparate risk profiles and policy contexts. We aimed to provide estimates of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against moderate and severe outcomes of COVID-19 based on state population-level data sources. Using statewide integrated administrative and clinical data and a test-negative case-control study design, we assessed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among adults in South Carolina. We presented estimates of vaccine effectiveness at discrete time intervals for adults who received one, two or three doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine compared to adults who were unvaccinated. We also evaluated changes in vaccine effectiveness over time (waning) for the overall sample and in subgroups defined by age. We showed that while two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were initially highly effective, vaccine effectiveness waned as time elapsed since the second dose. Compared to protection against hospitalizations, protection against emergency department visits was found to wane more sharply. In all cases, a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine conferred significant gains in protection relative to waning protection after two doses. Further, over more than 120 days of follow-up, the data revealed relatively limited waning of vaccine effectiveness after a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSally A. Sherman, Tyler D. Quinn, Beth C. Bock, Tosca D. Braun, Jessica L. Unick
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Sally A. Sherman, Tyler D. Quinn, Beth C. Bock, Tosca D. Braun, Jessica L. Unick Objectives While previous research has utilized remote delivery of yoga interventions, no research has specifically interrogated the effectiveness of remote yoga intervention delivery. In this secondary analysis of weight-maintenance trial data, we examined participant perceptions of essential yoga properties across in-person and remote formats, hypothesizing that perceptions would not differ following remote delivery. Methods 24 women with overweight or obesity (34.6±4.1 kg/m2, 48.2±9.9 years) received a 12-week Iyengar yoga intervention (2x/week) following a 3-month behavioral weight loss program. Of 23 participants who completed follow-up questionnaires, 12 received the planned in-person intervention and 11 received a remote intervention (delivered live) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) was completed online by participants and by the instructors to measure the perceptions of the relative emphasis placed on the essential components of the yoga intervention via 14 subscales. Linear regression models were used to compare perceptions of each EPYQ dimension across in-person and remote delivery methods, as well as between participants and instructors, independent of delivery method. Results 13 of the 14 subscales did not differ between delivery modalities (p>0.05). Participants perceived more individual attention within in-person yoga (p = 0.003). For both delivery methods, instructors perceived breathwork, restorative postures, and body locks to be incorporated to a lesser degree compared to participants (β = -1.28, p = 0.003; β = -1.57, p = 0.019; β = -1.39, p = 0.036; respectively). No other significant differences across the participant and instructor scores were observed. Conclusions Findings provide preliminary support for the use of live remote delivery of yoga, effectively communicating most essential yoga properties when compared to in-person classes. However, participants perceived more individual attention with in-person versus remote delivery; thus, future remote-based yoga interventions may benefit from providing additional individualized feedback.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnna Maj, Maria Matynia, Natalia Michalak, Aleksandra Bis, Gerhard Andersson
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 8.03.2024
Tilføjet 8.03.2024
by Anna Maj, Maria Matynia, Natalia Michalak, Aleksandra Bis, Gerhard Andersson Objective Migration is a profound life transition that may threaten migrants’ well-being and mental health. Results of several studies suggest that social self-efficacy beliefs may be beneficial for the psychological adjustment of migrants, buffering the effect of specific stressors related to migration, helping them reduce anxiety levels, and providing support in forming of new social bonds and better integration with a new community or culture. The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of the New in Town internet-based self-efficacy intervention for internal migrants in Poland. Methods Participants were 158 internal adult migrants who had changed residence in the last 6 months. They were randomized into two groups: an experimental group (receiving an internet-based self-efficacy intervention), and a waiting list control group. We examined if the intervention was effective in enhancing participants’ social self-efficacy (primary outcome), general self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and reduced reported loneliness (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (Time 1) and 3-weeks later (Time 2). The dropout rate was 50.6%. Initially, we planned to gather follow-up data also 8-weeks after baseline (Time 3). However, due to health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to stop the trial. Finally, we included in our analysis only data gathered before the COVID-19 pandemic at Time 1 and Time 2. Results A total of 159 individuals who met the study’s inclusion criteria and completed the baseline assessment were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 80) or the waiting list control group (n = 79). Nevertheless, one participant assigned to the control group was excluded from the analyses because they withdrew their consent to participate after being randomized. The study results suggest that compared to the waitlist control group (n = 78), participants in the experimental group (n = 80) reported a higher level of general self-efficacy beliefs at Time 2 (Cohen’s d = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.15–0.79). However, there were no statistically significant effects on social self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and loneliness. Conclusion The study offers preliminary support for the effectiveness of an internet-based self-efficacy intervention designed for internal migrants on general self-efficacy beliefs. Trial registration The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04088487) on 11th September 2019.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfectious Disease Modelling, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Publication date: Available online 6 March 2024 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Daihai He, Yael Artzy-Randrup, Salihu S. Musa, Tiago Gräf, Felipe Naveca, Lewi Stone
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHutchings, H. A., Rahman, M., Carter, K., Islam, S., O'Neill, C., Roberts, S., John, A., Fegan, G., Dave, U., Hawkes, N., Ahmed, F., Hasan, M., Azad, A. K., Rahman, M. M., Kibria, M. G., Rahman, M. M., Mia, T., Akhter, M., Williams, J. G.
BMJ Open, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
IntroductionCOVID-19 has caused severe disruption to clinical services in Bangladesh but the extent of this, and the impact on healthcare professionals is unclear. We aimed to assess the perceived levels of anxiety, depression and burnout among doctors and nurses during COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe undertook an online survey using RedCap, directed at doctors and nurses across four institutions in Bangladesh (The Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute & Hospital (SRNGIH), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Mugda Medical College Hospital (MMCH) and M Abdur Rahim Medical College (MARMC) Hospital). We collected information on demographics, awareness of well-being services, COVID-19-related workload, as well as anxiety, depression and burnout using two validated questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). ResultsOf the 3000 participants approached, we received responses from 2705 (90.2%). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety, depression and burnout scores across institutions (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTan, Daniel J.; Plasek, Joseph M.; Hou, Peter C.; Baron, Rebecca M.; Atkinson, Benjamin J.; Zhou, Li
Critical Care Explorations, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVES: COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high mortality and often necessitates invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Previous studies on non-COVID-19 ARDS have shown driving pressure to be robustly associated with ICU mortality; however, those studies relied on “static” driving pressure measured periodically and manually. As “continuous” automatically monitored driving pressure is becoming increasingly available and reliable with more advanced mechanical ventilators, we aimed to examine the effect of this “dynamic” driving pressure in COVID-19 ARDS throughout the entire ventilation period. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective, observational study cohort study evaluates the association between driving pressure and ICU mortality in patients with concurrent COVID-19 and ARDS using multivariate joint modeling. The study cohort (n = 544) included all adult patients (≥ 18 yr) with COVID-19 ARDS between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, on volume-control mode IMV for 12 hours or more in a Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA ICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 544 included patients, 171 (31.4%) died in the ICU. Increased dynamic ΔP was associated with increased risk in the hazard of ICU mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.035; 95% credible interval, 1.004–1.069) after adjusting for other relevant dynamic respiratory biomarkers. A significant increase in risk in the hazard of death was found for every hour of exposure to high intensities of driving pressure (≥ 15 cm H2O) (HR 1.002; 95% credible interval 1.001–1.003). CONCLUSIONS: Limiting patients’ exposure to high intensities of driving pressure even while under lung-protective ventilation may represent a critical step in improving ICU survival in patients with COVID-19 ARDS. Time-series IMV data could be leveraged to enhance real-time monitoring and decision support to optimize ventilation strategies at the bedside.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Octavio Paz, the late Mexican poet and Nobel laureate, viewed solitude as “the profoundest fact of the human condition… man is the only being who knows he is alone…in search for communion” [1]. Since the 2019 arrival of a novel coronavirus, consider solitude and isolation—the different encounters many faced. I contrast solitude as the self-imposed capture of time for reflection, for finding creativity, order, purpose, and identity versus isolation, the often externally circumscribed, disorienting loss of community, conversation, caring, and hope.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Purpose To explore occupational and non-occupational risk and protective factors for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods Serum specimens and questionnaire data were obtained between October 7 and December 16, 2021 from COVID-19-vaccinated HCWs at a quaternary care hospital in Munich, Germany, and were analyzed in the RisCoin Study. Results Of 3,696 participants evaluated, 6.6% have had COVID-19 at least once. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified working in patient care occupations (7.3% had COVID-19, 95% CI 6.4–8.3, Pr = 0.0002), especially as nurses, to be a potential occupation-related COVID-19 risk factor. Non-occupational factors significantly associated with high rates of the disease were contacts to COVID-19 cases in the community (12.8% had COVID-19, 95% CI 10.3–15.8, Pr
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 7.03.2024
Tilføjet 7.03.2024
Abstract Background Immune dysregulation in individuals with long COVID has been detected. Differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltration on chest CT in long COVID is challenging. Case presentation A 62-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of dyspnea after COVID-19 infection. Dyspnea became worse in the one month preceding presentation. The chest CT showed multifocal, subpleural, bilateral opacities due to long-COVID, and infiltration around the bronchovascular bundle in the bilateral lower lung field. The pathology for the transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) first reported chronic inflammation (mainly interstitial pneumonia). The patient had positive results on tests for the antibody, RO-52+, EJ+. The presumptive diagnosis of connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease was made. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide were given. At follow-up one month later, the chest CT showed new diffuse ground-glass infiltration. The previous TBCB specimen was re-evaluated. Foamy macrophages were found in the alveolar air space. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was performed. Numerous intracytoplasmic organisms were detected, with morphologic features consistent with those of Tropheryma whipplei. The patient recovered after intravenous ceftriaxone and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The final diagnosis was lung T. whipplei infection and long COVID-19. Conclusion This is the first case report of Tropheryma whipplei infection in the lung of a patient with long COVID-19. T. whipplei should be considered as a potential pathogen for diffuse lung infiltration in the post-COVID-19 era.
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