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BMC Infectious Diseases, 7.09.2024
Tilføjet 7.09.2024
Abstract Background Self-medication practices involve the use of medications without healthcare professional requests. The threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused the practice of a fittest to survive action, with the assumption that something is better than nothing. Moreover, owing to the lack of effective treatment for COVID-19, the general public has shifted toward self-medication and symptomatic treatment, with approximately 80% of people stockpiling medication for use during the pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the factors associated with self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in southwestern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed at selected drug retail outlets in southwestern Ethiopia for 415 community pharmacy clients from July 1, 2021, to September 1, 2021. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select five drug retail outlets on the basis of high patient flows, and we took the study participants until the required quota allotted to each selected drug retail outlet had been filled. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with self-medication. AORs with 95% CIs were used to report associations, and the level of significance was set at P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedThe PLOS ONE Editors
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 7.09.2024
Tilføjet 7.09.2024
Jaroslav A. Hubacek, Nadezda Capkova, Martin Bobak, Hynek Pikhart
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 6.09.2024
Tilføjet 6.09.2024
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection caused global pandemic of COVID-19 disease with nearly 775 million cases and 7 million cumulative deaths worldwide. The Czech Republic was among countries most affected [1], with more than 4.5 mil confirmed cumulative cases and almost 43,500 deaths. (//covid19.who.int, accessed March 07, 2024).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 6.09.2024
Tilføjet 6.09.2024
Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines reduce severe disease and mortality and may lessen transmission, measured by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load (VL). Evaluating vaccine associations in VL at COVID-19 diagnosis in 4 phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled vaccine trials, July 2020 to July 2021, VL reductions were 2.78 log10 copies/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–4.18; n = 60 placebo, 11 vaccine) and 2.12 log10 copies/mL (95% CI, 1.44–2.80; n = 594 placebo, 36 vaccine) for NVX-CoV2373 and mRNA-1273, respectively. Associations were not significant for AZD1222 (0.59 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI, −.19 to 1.36; n = 90 placebo, 78 vaccine) or Ad26.COV2.S (0.23 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI, −.01 to .47; n = 916 placebo, 424 vaccine). Thus, vaccines potentially decreased transmission when ancestral SARS-CoV-2 predominated.Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04470427, NCT04505722, NCT04516746, NCT04611802.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGavin Francis
Lancet, 6.09.2024
Tilføjet 6.09.2024
The action of Small Rain, a novel by Garth Greenwell, takes place over a few days in a high-dependency unit of a hospital in America\'s Midwest. The novel\'s unnamed narrator is, like Greenwell, a writer and teacher of literature. At the start of the book the narrator suffers agonising abdominal pain that turns out to be caused by an infrarenal aortic dissection. It is one of the worst periods during the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions complicate both his ability to access health care and the hospital\'s ability to provide it.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJayashree Sachin Gothankar, Medha Deepak Bargaje, Sanjivani Vishwanath Patil, Prakash Prabhakarrao Doke
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.09.2024
Tilføjet 6.09.2024
by Jayashree Sachin Gothankar, Medha Deepak Bargaje, Sanjivani Vishwanath Patil, Prakash Prabhakarrao Doke COPD is the second leading cause of death in India. The guidelines for early detection of COPD were released by the Government of India in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its implementation could not be optimal. Diagnosis of COPD is based on the presence of respiratory symptoms, the presence of exposure to risk factors, and the presence of poorly reversible airflow obstruction as assessed using a spirometer. Spirometers are currently available only at a few district hospitals. The existing guidelines expect the patient to visit the Rural hospital/ Community Health Centre, which does not have a spirometer or a pulmonary medicine specialist. Also, it is not feasible or accessible for patients to visit the district hospital to get diagnosed. The current study will be implemented to determine the prevalence, annual incidence of COPD and asthma, quality of life, and nutritional status of COPD and asthma patients. The novelty of this implementation research, which will be conducted in collaboration with Zilla Parishad (i.e., Government), Pune district, is the empowerment of an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), a peripheral health worker to screen all individuals using a peak flow meter and confirmation of the diagnosis at health and wellness center (HWC). An accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) will take relevant history to suspect COPD and asthma in 30+-year-old adults, and she will refer the suspected cases to the Community Health Officer (CHO) at the Health and Wellness Center. The CHO/ Medical officer of PHC will initiate the appropriate treatment after confirming the diagnosis using a portable spirometer. The difficult-to-diagnose patients with comorbidity and acute exacerbations will be referred to the nearest higher center, i.e., Primary Health Centre (PHC) or Community Health Centre (CHC), where a primary care physician is available. The ASHA workers will provide two follow-ups to these patients in a year, depending on the severity, to ensure compliance with the treatment. Thus, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of COPD and asthma at the community level may help to reduce the episodes of acute exacerbations.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.09.2024
Tilføjet 5.09.2024
Abstract Background Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a rare life-threatening complication of blood product transfusion. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-related TRALI is scarcely reported. Case presentation A 63-year-old male patient suffering from multiple sclerosis treated with half-yearly rituximab infusions, was hospitalized due to dry cough, daily fever and shivering for seven days despite antibiotic therapy. Because of the history of COVID-19 one month prior without the symptoms having improved since, persistent bilateral multifocal areas of ground glass opacities in chest computed tomography and positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR from bronchoalveolar lavage with a cycling time of 30.1 COVID-19 due to long-shedding SARS-CoV-2 under immunosuppression with rituximab was diagnosed. He received treatment with nirmatrelvir und ritonavir and because of diagnosed IgG deficiency additionally a single dose of 20 g IVIG. During the IVIG infusion, the patient acutely developed tachycardia, hypotension, fever, chills, and hypoxemic respiratory failure due to pulmonary edema. TRALI was promptly diagnosed, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for non-invasive ventilation for less than 24 h. The patient was discharged home from regular ward 72 h later in a good general condition and no remaining symptoms of TRALI. Conclusion IVIG-related TRALI is a rare but life-threating condition and prompt recognition is lifesaving. Due to an increased use of IVIG not only in long-shedding SARS-CoV-2, an increase of TRALI incidence is expected.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.09.2024
Tilføjet 5.09.2024
Abstract Background On March 16th 2024, the first case of Human infection with avian influenza H10N3 since the end of the global COVID-19 Pandemic was reported in Kunming, China. To enhance comprehension of the source of infection and risk factors of the H10N3 virus infection, this case report summarizes the clinical features, epidemiological investigation, and laboratory test results. Provides recommendations for the prevention and control of Human infection with avian influenza H10N3. Case presentation A 51-year-old male with a history of COVID-19 infection and a smoking habit of 30 years, worked in livestock breeding and was exposed to sick and dead poultry before falling ill with fever and chills on 28th February 2024. A week later, he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, influenza, and respiratory failure by the Third People\'s Hospital of Kunming(KM-TPH). He was discharged on 17th April and none of his 6 close contacts showed any symptoms of illness. Environmental samples taken from the epidemic spot revealed that peacock feces tested positive for avian influenza sub-type H9 and waterfowl specimens showed positive results for avian influenza sub-type H5. Gene sequencing conducted on positive specimens from the patient\'s respiratory tract by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) showed a high degree of similarity (98.6–99.5%) with the strain responsible for the second global case of human infected with H10N3 (reported from Zhejiang, China 2022). Conclusions According to the available epidemiological information, there is limited evidence to suggest that H10N3 viruses are excessively lethal. However, adaptive site mutations have been observed in the H10N3 isoform of mammals. While it is unlikely that the H10N3 virus will spread among humans, the possibility of additional cases cannot be entirely ruled out. Symptoms of human infection with H10N3 avian influenza are similar to those of common respiratory infections, which may result in them being overlooked during initial clinical consultations. Therefore, it is essential to improve surveillance of the H10 sub-type of avian influenza and to increase the awareness of hospital-related workers of cases of pneumonia of unknown origin.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.09.2024
Tilføjet 5.09.2024
Abstract Background During the pandemic period, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutated, leading to changes in the disease’s severity and the therapeutic effect of drugs accordingly. This study aimed to present the actual use of therapeutics and clinical outcomes based on the prevalence of each variant using real-world data. Methods We analyzed the electronic medical records of adult patients admitted to Busan Medical Center after confirming coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from February 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. Patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who were at a high risk of disease progression were selected as study subjects, and the time period was classified according to the variants as ancestral strain, Delta variant, or Omicron variant. We compared drug use status and clinical outcomes by time period. Results Among all 3,091 patients, corticosteroids were the most commonly used therapy (56.0%), being used most frequently in the Delta variant (93.0%), followed by the Omicron variant (42.9%) and ancestral strain (21.2%). Regdanvimab accounted for the majority of therapeutic use in the Delta variant (82.9%) and ancestral strain (76.8%), whereas remdesivir was most frequently used during the Omicron variant period (68.9%). The composite outcomes of death or disease aggravation were ranked in the order of the Delta variant, Omicron variant, and ancestral strain (14.5, 11.9, and 6.0%, respectively, P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.09.2024
Tilføjet 5.09.2024
Abstract Background To mitigate hospital-acquired transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), various prevention and control measures have been strictly implemented in medical institutions. These stringent measures can potentially reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections. This study aimed to assess if there were changes in the prevalence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections during a period of national attention focused on COVID-19 prevention. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data from adult patients with hospital-acquired respiratory infections admitted between October and December 2019 and during the same period in 2020 was performed. All patients were referred from a general hospital in Beijing China and COVID-19 patients were not treated at the hospital. Hospital-acquired respiratory infections were diagnosed based on the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC/NHSN). A comparison of the incidence and mortality rate of hospital-acquired respiratory infections between the two selected time periods was conducted. Additionally, multivariate logistics regression analysis was used to identify mortality-associated risk factors. Results This study included 2,211 patients from October to December 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and 2,921 patients from October to December 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). The incidence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections in 2019 and 2020 was 4.7% and 2.9%, respectively, with odds ratio (OR): 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46–0.81, and P = 0.001. In-hospital mortality of hospital-acquired respiratory infections in 2019 and 2020 was 30.5% and 38.4%, respectively, with OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 0.78–2.59, and P = 0.25. Multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed that a history of previous malignancy (OR: 2.50, 95%CI: 1.16–5.35, P = 0.02), was associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusions The incidence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections was significantly decreased following the implementation of various prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. A history of previous malignancy was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in older inpatients with hospital-acquired respiratory infections.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 5.09.2024
Tilføjet 5.09.2024
Abstract Background After a 920-day hiatus, COVID-19 resurged in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in August 2022. This study compares the characteristics of COVID-19 between high-altitude residents and newcomers, as well as between newcomers and lowlanders. Methods This multi-center cohort study conducted at the Third People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region and Beijing University Shenzhen Hospital, included 520 high-altitude resident patients, 53 high-altitude newcomer patients, and 265 lowlander patients infected with the Omicron variant. Initially, we documented epidemiological, clinical, and treatment data across varying residency at admission. We compared the severity of COVID-19 and various laboratory indicators, including hemoglobin concentration and SpO2%, over a 14-day period from the date of the first positive nucleic acid test, as well as the differences in treatment methods and disease outcomes between highlanders and high-altitude newcomers. We also compared several characteristics of COVID-19 between high-altitude newcomers and lowlanders. Univariate analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and the generalized linear mixed model were utilized for the analysis. Results No fatalities were observed. The study found no significant differences in COVID-19 severity or in the physiological measures of hemoglobin concentration and SpO2% between high-altitude and lowland residents. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the values or trends of hemoglobin and SpO2% between high-altitude residents and newcomers throughout the 14-day observation period. However, compared to age- and sex-matched lowlander patients (1:5 ratio), high-altitude newcomers exhibited higher heart rates, respiratory rates, and average hemoglobin concentrations, along with lower platelet counts. There were no significant differences in hospital stays between the two groups. Conclusions High-altitude residents and newcomer patients exhibit clinical similarities. However, the clinical characteristics of high-altitude newcomers and lowlander patients differ due to the impact of the high-altitude environment. These results highlight potential considerations for public health strategies in high-altitude regions such as Tibet.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedQian Wang, You Zhou, Gang Wang, Xinyu Pan, Sha Sha, Zhe Wang, Yinqi Liu, Tengfei Tian, Sixiang Liang
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 5.09.2024
Tilføjet 5.09.2024
by Qian Wang, You Zhou, Gang Wang, Xinyu Pan, Sha Sha, Zhe Wang, Yinqi Liu, Tengfei Tian, Sixiang Liang Background In context of COVID-19 as a collective trauma and the intense involvement of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the pandemic, perceived stress continues to have a tremendous impact on their psychological well-being. However, few studies have attempted to delineate the underlying mechanisms. This study examined whether COVID-19-related traumatic stress symptoms and mentalization act as mediators. Methods A sample of HCWs (N = 2610) from 22 hospitals in Beijing, China participated in this cross-sectional investigation. Data on their perceived stress, psychological well-being, the impact of event, and reflective function during the COVID-19 pandemic were collected using self-report questionnaires. Different mediating models were tested. Results COVID-19-related stress symptoms and mentalization independently mediate the association between perceived stress and psychological well-being. These two mediators also compose a serial mediation model. In particular, higher perceived stress inhibits the psychological well-being of HCWs through increased severity of traumatic stress symptoms, which in turn is associated with hypomentalizing. Conclusion These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being in HCWs. We strongly recommend incorporating a mentalization framework with trauma-informed practice in prevention and intervention work with this population during this and future healthcare crisis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLianlian Fu, Dongyu Yuan, Jiamin Teng
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 4.09.2024
Tilføjet 4.09.2024
by Lianlian Fu, Dongyu Yuan, Jiamin Teng This study investigates the relationship between consumer sentiment (CONS), inflation expectations (INEX) and international energy prices, drawing on principles from behavioral. We focus on Brent crude oil price and Henry Hub natural gas prices as key indicators of energy market dynamics. Based on the monthly data from January 2003 to March 2023, three wavelet methods are applied to examine the time-frequency linkage, while the nonlinear distributed lag model (NARDL) is used to verify the asymmetric impact of two factors on energy prices. The results highlight a substantial connection between consumer sentiment, inflation expectations and international energy prices, with the former in the short term and the latter in the medium to long term. Especially, these correlations are particularly pronounced during the financial crisis and global health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 epidemic. Furthermore, we detect short-term asymmetric effects of consumer sentiment and inflation expectations on Brent crude oil price, with the negative shocks dominating. The positive effects of these factors on oil prices contribute to observed long-term asymmetry. In contrast, inflation expectations have short-term and long-run asymmetric effects on natural gas price, and both are dominated by reverse shocks, while the impact of consumer sentiment on natural gas prices appears to be less asymmetric. This study could enrich current theories on the interaction between the international energy market and serve as a supplement to current literature.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKenny Nguyen, Boris Relja, Monica Epperson, So Hee Park, Natalie J. Thornburg, Veronica P. Costantini, Jan Vinjé
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 4.09.2024
Tilføjet 4.09.2024
by Kenny Nguyen, Boris Relja, Monica Epperson, So Hee Park, Natalie J. Thornburg, Veronica P. Costantini, Jan Vinjé mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have played a critical role in reducing severe outcomes of COVID-19. Humoral immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination have been extensively studied in blood; however, limited information is available on the presence and duration of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in saliva and other mucosal fluids. Saliva offers a non-invasive sampling method that may also provide a better understanding of mucosal immunity at sites where the virus enters the body. Our objective was to evaluate the salivary immune response after vaccination with the COVID-19 Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine. Two hundred three staff members of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were enrolled prior to receiving their first dose of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. Participants were asked to self-collect 6 saliva specimens at days 0 (prior to first dose), 14, 28 (prior to second dose), 42, and 56 using a SalivaBio saliva collection device. Saliva specimens were tested for anti-spike protein SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA and IgG enzyme immunoassays. Overall, SARS-CoV-2-specific salivary IgA titers peaked 2 weeks after each vaccine dose, followed by a sharp decrease during the following weeks. In contrast to IgA titers, IgG antibody titers increased substantially 2 weeks after the first vaccine dose, peaked 2 weeks after the second dose and persisted at an elevated level until at least 8 weeks after the first vaccine dose. Additionally, no significant differences in IgA/IgG titers were observed based on age, sex, or race/ethnicity. All participants mounted salivary IgA and IgG immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 after receiving the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Because of the limited follow-up time for this study, more data are needed to assess the antibody levels beyond 2 months after the first dose. Our results confirm the potential utility of saliva in assessing immune responses elicited by immunization and possibly by infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKathleen Beegle, Gabriel Demombynes, Damien de Walque, Paul Gubbins, Jeremy Veillard
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
In all1 countries around the world, women live longer than men [1,2]. There is well-established evidence of a gender mortality gap driven by a range of environmental, genetic, and cultural factors [3]. The persistence of higher mortality for men than women has been documented with data typically drawn principally from high-income countries [4]. But these patterns have also been shown in low-income regions of the world [5].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
Abstract Background During the pandemic period, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutated, leading to changes in the disease’s severity and the therapeutic effect of drugs accordingly. This study aimed to present the actual use of therapeutics and clinical outcomes based on the prevalence of each variant using real-world data. Methods We analyzed the electronic medical records of adult patients admitted to Busan Medical Center after confirming coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from February 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. Patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who were at a high risk of disease progression were selected as study subjects, and the time period was classified according to the variants as ancestral strain, Delta variant, or Omicron variant. We compared drug use status and clinical outcomes by time period. Results Among all 3,091 patients, corticosteroids were the most commonly used therapy (56.0%), being used most frequently in the Delta variant (93.0%), followed by the Omicron variant (42.9%) and ancestral strain (21.2%). Regdanvimab accounted for the majority of therapeutic use in the Delta variant (82.9%) and ancestral strain (76.8%), whereas remdesivir was most frequently used during the Omicron variant period (68.9%). The composite outcomes of death or disease aggravation were ranked in the order of the Delta variant, Omicron variant, and ancestral strain (14.5, 11.9, and 6.0%, respectively, P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
Abstract Background To mitigate hospital-acquired transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), various prevention and control measures have been strictly implemented in medical institutions. These stringent measures can potentially reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections. This study aimed to assess if there were changes in the prevalence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections during a period of national attention focused on COVID-19 prevention. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data from adult patients with hospital-acquired respiratory infections admitted between October and December 2019 and during the same period in 2020 was performed. All patients were referred from a general hospital in Beijing China and COVID-19 patients were not treated at the hospital. Hospital-acquired respiratory infections were diagnosed based on the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC/NHSN). A comparison of the incidence and mortality rate of hospital-acquired respiratory infections between the two selected time periods was conducted. Additionally, multivariate logistics regression analysis was used to identify mortality-associated risk factors. Results This study included 2,211 patients from October to December 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and 2,921 patients from October to December 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). The incidence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections in 2019 and 2020 was 4.7% and 2.9%, respectively, with odds ratio (OR): 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46–0.81, and P = 0.001. In-hospital mortality of hospital-acquired respiratory infections in 2019 and 2020 was 30.5% and 38.4%, respectively, with OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 0.78–2.59, and P = 0.25. Multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed that a history of previous malignancy (OR: 2.50, 95%CI: 1.16–5.35, P = 0.02), was associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusions The incidence of hospital-acquired respiratory infections was significantly decreased following the implementation of various prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. A history of previous malignancy was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in older inpatients with hospital-acquired respiratory infections.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
Abstract Background After a 920-day hiatus, COVID-19 resurged in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in August 2022. This study compares the characteristics of COVID-19 between high-altitude residents and newcomers, as well as between newcomers and lowlanders. Methods This multi-center cohort study conducted at the Third People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region and Beijing University Shenzhen Hospital, included 520 high-altitude resident patients, 53 high-altitude newcomer patients, and 265 lowlander patients infected with the Omicron variant. Initially, we documented epidemiological, clinical, and treatment data across varying residency at admission. We compared the severity of COVID-19 and various laboratory indicators, including hemoglobin concentration and SpO2%, over a 14-day period from the date of the first positive nucleic acid test, as well as the differences in treatment methods and disease outcomes between highlanders and high-altitude newcomers. We also compared several characteristics of COVID-19 between high-altitude newcomers and lowlanders. Univariate analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and the generalized linear mixed model were utilized for the analysis. Results No fatalities were observed. The study found no significant differences in COVID-19 severity or in the physiological measures of hemoglobin concentration and SpO2% between high-altitude and lowland residents. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the values or trends of hemoglobin and SpO2% between high-altitude residents and newcomers throughout the 14-day observation period. However, compared to age- and sex-matched lowlander patients (1:5 ratio), high-altitude newcomers exhibited higher heart rates, respiratory rates, and average hemoglobin concentrations, along with lower platelet counts. There were no significant differences in hospital stays between the two groups. Conclusions High-altitude residents and newcomer patients exhibit clinical similarities. However, the clinical characteristics of high-altitude newcomers and lowlander patients differ due to the impact of the high-altitude environment. These results highlight potential considerations for public health strategies in high-altitude regions such as Tibet.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
Abstract Background Studying the characteristics of hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is vital for understanding the disease and preparing for future outbreaks. The aim of this study was to analyze and describe the clinical profiles and factors associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients admitted to Jimma Medical Center COVID-19 Treatment Center (JMC CTC) in Ethiopia. Methods All confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to JMC CTC between 17 April 2020 and 05 March 2022 were included in this study. Socio-demographic data, clinical information, and outcome variables were collected retrospectively from medical records and COVID-19 database at the hospital. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine factors associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. A P-value
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
Abstract Patients on B cell immunosuppressive treatments have been shown to have persistent infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this report, a woman treated with ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia experienced more than 40 days of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Unexpectedly, her peripheral blood experiments showed a normal SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody level and a relatively elevated percentage of CD19 + B cells, while an obvious decrease in the percentages of NK cells, CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells. Further SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell analysis in this patient indicated a significant decrease in the percentage of SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ, TNF-α or IL-2 producing CD4 + T or CD8 + T cells. Most notably, ten days after the cease of ibrutinib, the PCR for SARS-CoV-2 turned negative and the reduced proportions of peripheral CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells recovered. Our research predicted that the depleted B-cell function therapies may play considerable role in the development of long COVID-19 and the abnormal T-cell subset distribution might be the underlying mechanism.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJonathan Blott
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
At the onset of the pandemic, Glenda Gray, Lead Co-Investigator at Sisonke and President of the South African Medical Research Council, did something that she had not done in years: she stopped wearing her watch. March, 2020, marked the beginning of a societal standstill as restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 came into effect in South Africa and across the world. For Gray, time had paused. “Time will begin again when the pandemic is over”, she reflects, quoting Bob Dylan: The times they are a-changing.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFlonza Isa, Ana M Gonzalez Ortiz, Jonathan Meyer, Jennifer D Hamilton, Benjamin A Olenchock, Taylor Brackin, Samit Ganguly, Eduardo Forleo-Neto, Lori Faria, Ingeborg Heirman, Mary Marovich, Julia Hutter, Laura Polakowski, Susan C Irvin, Mazhar Thakur, Andrea T Hooper, Alina Baum, Christopher D Petro, Faisal A Fakih, M Juliana McElrath, Stephen C De Rosa, Kristen W Cohen, LaTonya D Williams, Caleb A Hellman, Ahmad J Odeh, Aloki H Patel, Georgia D Tomaras, Gregory P Geba, Christos A Kyratsous, Bret Musser, George D Yancopoulos, Gary A Herman, Trial Working Group
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 3.09.2024
Tilføjet 3.09.2024
Casirivimab and imdevimab administration before or at the time of COVID-19 vaccination reduced the elicitation of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies, but minimal effect was observed when vaccination occurred before mAb administration. Although the clinical significance of this decrease in neutralisation is unclear, this evidence suggests that further investigation of potential interactions could be warranted before concurrent clinical use of mAbs and vaccines targeting the same viral proteins as their main modes of action for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 2.09.2024
Tilføjet 2.09.2024
Abstract Purpose The IL-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab reduces mortality and morbidity in severe cases of COVID-19 through its effects on hyperinflammation and was approved as adjuvant therapy. Since tocilizumab changes the levels of inflammatory markers, we aimed to describe these changes in patients treated with tocilizumab, analyse their value in predicting death and bacterial superinfection and determine their influence on mortality rates. Methods A retrospective analysis of 76 patients who were treated with tocilizumab for severe COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 was conducted. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin) were documented before and up to seven days after tocilizumab administration. Results The overall mortality was 25% and 53.8% in patients who required invasive respiratory support. Deceased patients had higher baseline IL-6 (p = 0.026) and peak IL-6 levels after tocilizumab vs those who survived (p 1000 pg/dl after tocilizumab administration was a good predictor of mortality (AUC = 0.812). Of the deceased patients 41.1% had a renewed CRP increase after an initial decrease following tocilizumab administration, compared to 7.1% of the surviving patients (p = 0.0011). Documented bacterial superinfections were observed in 35.5% (27/76) of patients, of whom 48.1% (13/27) died. Conclusion CRP-decline and IL-6 increase after tocilizumab treatment occurs regularly. An increase of IL-6 levels exceeding tenfold of baseline IL-6 levels, an absolute peak of 1000 pg/ml or a renewed increase of CRP are associated with higher mortality. Suppressed CRP synthesis can impede the diagnosis of bacterial superinfections, thus increasing the risk for complications.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 2.09.2024
Tilføjet 2.09.2024
Abstract Patients on B cell immunosuppressive treatments have been shown to have persistent infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this report, a woman treated with ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia experienced more than 40 days of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Unexpectedly, her peripheral blood experiments showed a normal SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody level and a relatively elevated percentage of CD19 + B cells, while an obvious decrease in the percentages of NK cells, CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells. Further SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell analysis in this patient indicated a significant decrease in the percentage of SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ, TNF-α or IL-2 producing CD4 + T or CD8 + T cells. Most notably, ten days after the cease of ibrutinib, the PCR for SARS-CoV-2 turned negative and the reduced proportions of peripheral CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells recovered. Our research predicted that the depleted B-cell function therapies may play considerable role in the development of long COVID-19 and the abnormal T-cell subset distribution might be the underlying mechanism.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedVieri Lastrucci, Martina Pacifici, Monia Puglia, Giorgia Alderotti, Elettra Berti, Marco Del Riccio, Guglielmo Bonaccorsi, Maria Moriondo, Massimo Resti, Diego Peroni, Marco Martini, Chiara Azzari, Rosa Gini, Fabio Voller
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1.09.2024
Tilføjet 1.09.2024
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children under two years of age globally.[1] Before the COVID-19 pandemic, RSV circulation followed a generally predictable seasonal pattern each year depending on the latitude; epidemics typically occurred from November to April in the Northern Hemisphere.[2] COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 and officially declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020.[3] With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of numerous non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), the circulation of RSV has been disrupted in many regions of the world.[4] In nearly all the European countries, no RSV epidemics were observed during the winter of the 2020/2021 season.[5,6] During the 2021/2022 season, as pandemic measures were eased, many countries saw unusual RSV epidemics, marked by resurgences occurring outside the typical season and high peaks of cases.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedZhe Zhang Xiang-Yang Chi Guan-Ying Zhang Zhang Zhang Song-He Lu Meng-Jing Li Liang-Jun Li Jin-Long Zhang Fang-Ze Shao Yue Zhang Li-Hua Hou Wei Chen a Laboratory of Advanced Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinab The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People’s Republic of Chinac The Eastern Theater Navy, Ningbo, People’s Republic of Chinad The Chinese People's Armed Police Force (PAP) Shanghai Corps, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Emerg Microbes Infect, 1.09.2024
Tilføjet 1.09.2024
Journal of the American Medical Association, 31.08.2024
Tilføjet 31.08.2024
A clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a nasal vaccine candidate known as MPV/S-2P to protect against COVID-19 recently began enrolling participants, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedShunmei Chen, Cihan Ruan, Yutong Guo, Jia Chang, Haohao Yan, Liang Chen, Yongzhong Duan, Guangyou Duan, Jinlong Bei, Xin Li, Shan Gao
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 31.08.2024
Tilføjet 31.08.2024
by Shunmei Chen, Cihan Ruan, Yutong Guo, Jia Chang, Haohao Yan, Liang Chen, Yongzhong Duan, Guangyou Duan, Jinlong Bei, Xin Li, Shan Gao Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), its genetic and geographical origins remain unclear, resulting in suspicions about its natural origin. In one of our previous studies, we reported the presence of a furin cleavage site RRAR in the junction region between S1 and S2 subunits of the spike protein, which was discovered as the first crucial clue for the origin tracing of SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we conducted an integrative analysis of new genome data from bat Sarbecovirus strains reported after the COVID-19 outbreak. The primary results included the identification of BANAL-20-52, Rp22DB159, and S18CXBatR24 as three close relatives of SARS-CoV-2 and the successful detection of seven out of nine key genomic features (designated as RC0-7 and ORF8) observed in wild types of SARS-CoV-2 in the three close relatives from Laos, Vietnam, and Yunnan province of China, respectively. The most significant contribution of the present study lies in the detection of RC1 in wild genotype in a bat Sarbecovirus population BANAL-20-52 belonging to. Encoding a segment of the NSP3 protein, RC1 was discovered as the second crucial clue for the origin tracing of SARS-CoV-2. Although RC0, encoding the junction furin cleavage site, remains undetected outside of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, Feuang of Laos is the sole place where eight of the nine wild-type features (RC1-7 and ORF8) have been detected.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNádia Cristina Pinheiro Rodrigues, Joaquim Teixeira-Netto, Denise Leite Maia Monteiro, Mônica Kramer de Noronha Andrade
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 31.08.2024
Tilføjet 31.08.2024
by Nádia Cristina Pinheiro Rodrigues, Joaquim Teixeira-Netto, Denise Leite Maia Monteiro, Mônica Kramer de Noronha Andrade Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with diverse factors influencing the risk of death among reported cases. This study mainly analyzes the main characteristics that have contributed to the increase or decrease in the risk of death among Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases classified as COVID-19 reported in southeast Brazil from 2020 to 2023. Methods This cohort study utilized COVID-19 notification data from the Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica (SIVEP) information system in the southeast region of Brazil from 2020 to 2023. Data included demographics, comorbidities, vaccination status, residence area, and survival outcomes. Classical Cox, Cox mixed effects, Prentice, Williams & Peterson (PWP), and PWP fragility models were used to assess the risk of dying over time. Results Across 987,534 cases, 956,961 hospitalizations, and 330,343 deaths were recorded over the period. Mortality peaked in 2021. The elderly, males, black individuals, lower-educated, and urban residents faced elevated risks. Vaccination reduced death risk by around 20% and 13% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Hospitalized individuals had lower death risks, while comorbidities increased risks by 20–26%. Conclusion The study identified demographic and comorbidity factors influencing COVID-19 mortality. Rio de Janeiro exhibited the highest risk, while São Paulo had the lowest. Vaccination significantly reduces death risk. Findings contribute to understanding regional mortality variations and guide public health policies, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable groups.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHasan, A. M. R., Hasan, M. Z., Ahmed, M. W., Selim, M. A., Rabbani, M. G., Rasheed, S., Reidpath, D. D., Mahmood, S. S.
BMJ Open, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented challenges to health systems globally. This study explored slum dwellers’ experience of receiving essential health services during the pandemic and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in urban areas of Bangladesh. DesignThe study followed a cross-sectional study design using qualitative methods. SettingThe study was conducted in Dhaka and Gazipur City Corporations during November 2020–February 2021. Participants17 key informant interviews were carried out with healthcare providers and policy-makers and 22 in-depth interviews were carried out with slum dwellers. Thematic analysis was performed. ResultsThe study identified challenges to the provision of essential healthcare in selected areas of Dhaka and Gazipur City Corporations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of information on the availability of functional healthcare facilities, fear of contracting COVID-19 and restrictions on movement and transportation, resulted in delays in seeking essential healthcare during a pandemic. Access to healthcare facilities was further hindered by various hospitals’ decision to refuse care to general patients without valid, negative COVID-19 test results. Healthcare providers identified patients’ tendency to hide COVID-19 symptoms as a barrier to providing healthcare services to general patients. Conversely, patients concealed their symptoms to avoid COVID-19 tests and gain access to required treatment. In addition, the reallocation of human resources for COVID-19 treatment disrupted the delivery of essential health services. ConclusionThe pandemic affected the accessibility of the slum population to essential healthcare and disrupted health service delivery. The findings of the study have highlighted gaps in the health system during an emergency response period like COVID-19. The study will assist the government and other stakeholders in designing tailored interventions and allocating resources in a more efficient manner to ensure universal health coverage in the face of health emergencies.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnnia Schreiber, Rik Gosselink
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Volume 210, Issue 5, Page 537-539, September 1, 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJens Spiesshoefer, Binaya Regmi, Mehdi Senol, Benedikt Jörn, Oscar Gorol, Mustafa Elfeturi, Stephan Walterspacher, Alberto Giannoni, Florian Kahles, Rainer Gloeckl, Michael Dreher
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Volume 210, Issue 5, Page 618-628, September 1, 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMargaret L. Salisbury, Cheryl R. Markin, Tisra H. Fadely, Adam R. Guttentag, Jonathan A. Kropski, Timothy S. Blackwell
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Volume 210, Issue 5, Page 669-672, September 1, 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
Abstract Background Though, many countries are currently in the COVID post-pandemic era, people’s health protective behaviours are still essential to protect their health and well-being. This study aims to evaluate people’s understanding and perceptions of COVID-19 risk characteristics (i.e. threat occurrence, threat severity, perceived susceptibility and exposure), the health risk perception towards COVID-19, and health protective behaviours. The study also aims to estimate the associations among these factors by the analysis of structural equation modelling (SEM). Methods From 15 October to 9 November 2022, questionnaire surveys were administrated to 521 people living in Bangkok of Thailand by using the convenience sampling technique. The analyses were carried out in three phases including descriptive statistical analyses, a measurement model assessment using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis. Results The results of descriptive analyses demonstrated that the majority of respondents, 39.9%, had the age between 20 and 30 years old, and 61.4% of them were female. Approximately 52.1% of them had a bachelor’s degree. Upon analysing individuals’ understanding and perceptions of all risk characteristics, individuals’ understanding of COVID-19 severity did not statistically affect health risk perception towards COVID-19, whereas perceived exposure had the strongest effect and in turn influenced health protective behaviours. Perceived susceptibility and understanding of the threat occurrence also significantly affected health risk perception, and indirectly affected health protective behaviours. Conclusions This study implies that though the potential health impact of COVID-19 is perceived as less severe, people can still construct a perception of its risk particularly based on their perceived exposure and susceptibility. Thus, communicating people about exposure conditions and susceptibility can greatly contribute to people’ construction of risk perception towards COVID-19 which subsequently leads to the decision to perform health protective behaviours.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
Abstract Background Residential aged-care facilities (RACFs, also called long-term care facilities, aged care homes, or nursing homes) have elevated risks of respiratory infection outbreaks and associated disease burden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation policies were commonly used in these facilities to prevent and mitigate outbreaks. We refer specifically to general isolation policies that were intended to reduce contact between residents, without regard to confirmed infection status. Such policies are controversial because of their association with adverse mental and physical health indicators and there is a lack of modelling that assesses their effectiveness. Methods In consultation with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, we developed an agent-based model of COVID-19 transmission in a structured population, intended to represent the salient characteristics of a residential care environment. Using our model, we generated stochastic ensembles of simulated outbreaks and compared summary statistics of outbreaks simulated under different mitigation conditions. Our study focuses on the marginal impact of general isolation (reducing social contact between residents), regardless of confirmed infection. For a realistic assessment, our model included other generic interventions consistent with the Australian Government’s recommendations released during the COVID-19 pandemic: isolation of confirmed resident cases, furlough (mandatory paid leave) of staff members with confirmed infection, and deployment of personal protective equipment (PPE) after outbreak declaration. Results In the absence of any asymptomatic screening, general isolation of residents to their rooms reduced median cumulative cases by approximately 27%. However, when conducted concurrently with asymptomatic screening and isolation of confirmed cases, general isolation reduced the median number of cumulative infections by only 12% in our simulations. Conclusions Under realistic sets of assumptions, our simulations showed that general isolation of residents did not provide substantial benefits beyond those achieved through screening, isolation of confirmed cases, and deployment of PPE. Our results also highlight the importance of effective case isolation, and indicate that asymptomatic screening of residents and staff may be warranted, especially if importation risk from the outside community is high. Our conclusions are sensitive to assumptions about the proportion of total contacts in a facility accounted for by casual interactions between residents.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia can cause significant long-term radiological changes, even resembling pulmonary fibrosis. However, the risk factors for these long-term effects are unknown. This study aims to assess radiological abnormalities and their possible risk factors six months after hospital discharge due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Material and methods This cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital included adults admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia from March 2020 to February 2021, who underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of the chest six months after hospital discharge. The primary outcome was radiological abnormalities on HRCT, while the main explanatory variables were drawn from the patient’s medical history along with the disease course, analytical indicators, and the treatment received during admission. Results The 189 included patients had a mean age of 61.5 years; 70.9% were male, and hypertension was the main comorbidity (45%). About two-thirds (67.2%) presented acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Most (97.9%) received systemic corticosteroid therapy, and 81% presented pathological findings on HRCT, most commonly ground glass (63.5%), followed by bronchial dilatation (36%) and subpleural bands (25.4%). The multivariable analysis showed that age was the main risk factor, associated with most radiological changes. Other factors were the duration of corticosteroid therapy for ground glass (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.020) as well as a longer stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (aOR 1.290) and high levels of IL-6 for bronchial dilation (aOR 1.002). Conclusion Radiological involvement of the lungs six months after COVID-19 pneumonia is frequent, especially ground glass. Elderly patients with prolonged ICU admission and a significant inflammatory response measured by IL-6 are more likely to present worse radiological evolution and are candidates for radiological follow-up after COVID-19 pneumonia.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
Abstract Influenza-like illness (ILI) patients co-detected with respiratory pathogens exhibit poorer health outcomes than those with single infections. To address the paucity of knowledge concerning the incidence of concurrent respiratory pathogens, their relationships, and the clinical differences between patients detected with single and multiple pathogens, we performed an in-depth characterization of the oropharyngeal samples of primary care patients collected in Genoa (Northwest Italy), during winter seasons 2018/19–2019/20. The apriori algorithm was employed to evaluate the incidence of viral, bacterial, and viral-bacterial pairs during the study period. The grade of correlation between pathogens was investigated using the Phi coefficient. Factors associated with viral, bacterial or viral-bacterial co-detection were assessed using logistic regression. The most frequently identified pathogens included influenza A, rhinovirus, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The highest correlations were found between bacterial-bacterial and viral-bacterial pairs, such as Haemophilus influenzae-Streptococcus pneumoniae, adenovirus-Haemophilus influenzae, adenovirus-Streptococcus pneumoniae, RSV-A-Bordetella pertussis, and influenza B Victoria-Bordetella parapertussis. Viruses were detected together at significantly lower rates. Notably, rhinovirus, influenza, and RSV exhibited significant negative correlations with each other. Co-detection was more prevalent in children aged
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
Abstract Background Long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, namely long COVID syndrome, affect about 10% of severe COVID-19 survivors. This condition includes several physical symptoms and objective measures of organ dysfunction resulting from a complex interaction between individual predisposing factors and the acute manifestation of disease. We aimed at describing the complexity of the relationship between long COVID symptoms and their predictors in a population of survivors of hospitalization for severe COVID-19-related pneumonia using a Graphical Chain Model (GCM). Methods 96 patients with severe COVID-19 hospitalized in a non-intensive ward at the “Santa Maria” University Hospital, Terni, Italy, were followed up at 3–6 months. Data regarding present and previous clinical status, drug treatment, findings recorded during the in-hospital phase, presence of symptoms and signs of organ damage at follow-up were collected. Static and dynamic cardiac and respiratory parameters were evaluated by resting pulmonary function test, echocardiography, high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Results Twelve clinically most relevant factors were identified and partitioned into four ordered blocks in the GCM: block 1 - gender, smoking, age and body mass index (BMI); block 2 - admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and length of follow-up in days; block 3 - peak oxygen consumption (VO2), forced expiratory volume at first second (FEV1), D-dimer levels, depression score and presence of fatigue; block 4 - HRCT pathological findings. Higher BMI and smoking had a significant impact on the probability of a patient’s admission to ICU. VO2 showed dependency on length of follow-up. FEV1 was related to the self-assessed indicator of fatigue, and, in turn, fatigue was significantly associated with the depression score. Notably, neither fatigue nor depression depended on variables in block 2, including length of follow-up. Conclusions The biological plausibility of the relationships between variables demonstrated by the GCM validates the efficacy of this approach as a valuable statistical tool for elucidating structural features, such as conditional dependencies and associations. This promising method holds potential for exploring the long-term health repercussions of COVID-19 by identifying predictive factors and establishing suitable therapeutic strategies.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJane Macnaughton, Kristin Zeiler
Lancet, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
The emergence of post-COVID-19 condition (also known as Long Covid and post-COVID syndrome) during the COVID-19 pandemic shocked communities by its pervasiveness and reach and was famously described by Felicity Callard and Elisa Perego as “the first illness to be defined by patients on social media”. Indeed, people with lived experience shaped the agenda in post-COVID-19 condition. It is also instructive to consider how the example of post-COVID-19 condition can help us to reimagine emergent illness in a way that not only makes room for patient involvement, but also encourages interdisciplinary analyses of its meanings, expressions, co-constituting factors, and implications.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedRoberta L. Woodgate, Corinne A. Isaak, Julia Witt, Pauline Tennent, Ashley Bell
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
by Roberta L. Woodgate, Corinne A. Isaak, Julia Witt, Pauline Tennent, Ashley Bell The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis, was acutely felt in the labour market for many young workers. Importantly, precarious employment, identified as an emergent social determinant of health, may negatively affect the mental health and well-being of young workers. To this end, we engaged with young workers to understand their workplace needs and challenges in the COVID-19 era and hear their recommendations for action. Semi-structured interviews and a graphic recording focus group were conducted with 33 young workers aged 18–26 years old in Manitoba, Canada, who had worked a minimum of 30 hours per week prior to COVID-19 onset and were living independent of their parents. Analysis involved delineating units of meaning from the data, clustering these to form thematic statements and extracting themes. Second-level analysis involved applying themes and sub-themes to a social determinants of health framework. The multifaceted, compounding realities of young workers’ pre-COVID-19 employment situations were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, adversely impacting young worker’s mental health. Unique findings from this study highlight the generational differences in this cohort, who are opposed to participating in fragmented systemic structures (neoliberalism) and inequitable employment conditions, and who yearn for social inclusion and work-life balance. Their recommendations for government and employers call for permanent and stable employment opportunities, economic and mental health supports, and space to be heard and valued, as they navigate the many life course challenges as emerging adults. Societies are dependent on young workers to develop and support the Canadian economy for future generations. Thus, it is a critical that recommendations proposed by young workers in this study be acted upon and implemented to provide an equitable, stable, and supportive future for young workers in Canada and beyond.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDoreen Liou
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
by Doreen Liou Physical and social disruptions resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting young adults in higher education. The purpose of this survey research is to unveil COVID-19 related beliefs using the Health Belief Model, and COVID-19 prevention behaviors, including self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption among university students. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 304 male and female undergraduate students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and majors at a New Jersey state university using convenience sampling. Variables measured included frequency of COVID-19 prevention behaviors (e.g.: wearing indoor mask, handwashing), and consumption of fruit and vegetables (dark green and orange vegetables) over the previous week. Health Belief Model constructs were assessed namely perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy. Statistical distributions were computed for the entire sample and t-tests were investigated for subgroups of age and sex. The sample mean age was 21.7 (SD = 4.7) years with 222 females (73%) and 82 males (27%), and 46% identified as White, non-Hispanics. Participants consumed a mean of 0.95 cups of fruit, 0.81 cups of green vegetables, and 0.46 cups of orange vegetables. Female students practiced more COVID-19 prevention behaviors with a mean difference of 0.26 (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJose E. Leon-Rojas, Fernanda Arias-Erazo, Patricia Jiménez-Arias, Ricardo Recalde-Navarrete, Angel Guevara, Josefina Coloma, Miguel Martin, Irina Chis Ster, Philip Cooper, Natalia Romero-Sandoval, on behalf of the Seroprevalence ECU-Group
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.08.2024
Tilføjet 30.08.2024
by Jose E. Leon-Rojas, Fernanda Arias-Erazo, Patricia Jiménez-Arias, Ricardo Recalde-Navarrete, Angel Guevara, Josefina Coloma, Miguel Martin, Irina Chis Ster, Philip Cooper, Natalia Romero-Sandoval, on behalf of the Seroprevalence ECU-Group Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 68.7 million infections and 1.35 million deaths in South America. There are limited data on SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and its determinants from Andean countries prior to mass vaccinations against COVID-19. Objective To estimate SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and its determinants before vaccination in occupational groups of adults presumed to have different levels of exposure and associations with potential symptomatology. Methods We measured seropositivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in a cross-sectional study of vaccine-naïve adults aged 18 years and older, recruited within three occupational risk groups (defined as low [LR], moderate [MR], and high [HR]) between January and September 2021 in two Andean cities in Ecuador. Associations with risk factors were estimated using logistic regression. Results In a sample of 882 adults, IgG seropositivity for the three different occupational risk groups was 39.9% (CI 95% 35.3–44.6), 74.6% (CI 95% 66.4–81.4), and 39.0% (CI 95% 34.0–44.4) for the HR, MR, and LR groups, respectively. History of an illness with loss of taste and/or smell was significantly associated with seropositivity in all occupational groups, with adjusted ORs of 14.31 (95%CI, 5.83–35.12; p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfection, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
Abstract Purpose The IL-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab reduces mortality and morbidity in severe cases of COVID-19 through its effects on hyperinflammation and was approved as adjuvant therapy. Since tocilizumab changes the levels of inflammatory markers, we aimed to describe these changes in patients treated with tocilizumab, analyse their value in predicting death and bacterial superinfection and determine their influence on mortality rates. Methods A retrospective analysis of 76 patients who were treated with tocilizumab for severe COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 was conducted. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin) were documented before and up to seven days after tocilizumab administration. Results The overall mortality was 25% and 53.8% in patients who required invasive respiratory support. Deceased patients had higher baseline IL-6 (p = 0.026) and peak IL-6 levels after tocilizumab vs those who survived (p 1000 pg/dl after tocilizumab administration was a good predictor of mortality (AUC = 0.812). Of the deceased patients 41.1% had a renewed CRP increase after an initial decrease following tocilizumab administration, compared to 7.1% of the surviving patients (p = 0.0011). Documented bacterial superinfections were observed in 35.5% (27/76) of patients, of whom 48.1% (13/27) died. Conclusion CRP-decline and IL-6 increase after tocilizumab treatment occurs regularly. An increase of IL-6 levels exceeding tenfold of baseline IL-6 levels, an absolute peak of 1000 pg/ml or a renewed increase of CRP are associated with higher mortality. Suppressed CRP synthesis can impede the diagnosis of bacterial superinfections, thus increasing the risk for complications.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNaoyuki MiyashitaYasushi NakamoriMakoto OgataNaoki FukudaAkihisa YamuraTomoki Ito1First Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Infectious Disease and Allergology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan2Department of Emergency Medicine, Kansai Medical University Medical Center, Moriguchi, JapanMiguel Angel Martinez
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
Gartmann, J., Sturm, C., Boekel, A.
BMJ Open, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
IntroductionPost- or long-COVID-19 conditions manifest with a spectrum of symptoms reminiscent of pulmonary, musculoskeletal, psychological and neurological disorders. Individuals with post- or long-COVID-19 syndrome often present with myalgia, pulmonary problems and fatigue, which significantly impact their daily functioning. Physiotherapy interventions are an accepted medical remedy for these symptoms. This scoping review aims to outline the evidence of physiotherapy interventions documented in the scientific literature, specifically focusing on hands-on therapy. Methods and analysisThis scoping review conforms to the methodological framework established by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The procedure for drafting a scoping review involves several steps, starting with defining the research question and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible studies are those analysing physiotherapy treatment parameters for direct patient interaction in post- and long-COVID-19 patients. Telemedicine and entirely home-based workouts will be excluded aligning with the context of outpatient physiotherapy in Germany. The literature search will be conducted in PubMed, EBSCO research, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PEDRO, Cochrane and WISO databases by two independent researchers. Screening, data extraction and a critical appraisal will be performed by these researchers using assessment tools provided by the JBI. Extracted data will encompass demographic characteristics, definitions of post- or long-COVID-19 conditions, descriptions of interventions, their treatment parameters and treatment outcome. Subsequently, findings will be disseminated through a scoping review article or conference presentation. Ethics and disseminationGiven that this review does not involve human participants, ethical committee approval is deemed unnecessary. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic and physiotherapeutic conferences.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
Abstract Objective At different times, public health faces various challenges and the degree of intervention measures varies. The research on the impact and prediction of meteorology factors on influenza is increasing gradually, however, there is currently no evidence on whether its research results are affected by different periods. This study aims to provide limited evidence to reveal this issue. Methods Daily data on influencing factors and influenza in Xiamen were divided into three parts: overall period (phase AB), non-COVID-19 epidemic period (phase A), and COVID-19 epidemic period (phase B). The association between influencing factors and influenza was analysed using generalized additive models (GAMs). The excess risk (ER) was used to represent the percentage change in influenza as the interquartile interval (IQR) of meteorology factors increases. The 7-day average daily influenza cases were predicted using the combination of bi-directional long short memory (Bi-LSTM) and random forest (RF) through multi-step rolling input of the daily multifactor values of the previous 7-day. Results In periods A and AB, air temperature below 22 °C was a risk factor for influenza. However, in phase B, temperature showed a U-shaped effect on it. Relative humidity had a more significant cumulative effect on influenza in phase AB than in phase A (peak: accumulate 14d, AB: ER = 281.54, 95% CI = 245.47 ~ 321.37; A: ER = 120.48, 95% CI = 100.37 ~ 142.60). Compared to other age groups, children aged 4–12 were more affected by pressure, precipitation, sunshine, and day light, while those aged ≥ 13 were more affected by the accumulation of humidity over multiple days. The accuracy of predicting influenza was highest in phase A and lowest in phase B. Conclusions The varying degrees of intervention measures adopted during different phases led to significant differences in the impact of meteorology factors on influenza and in the influenza prediction. In association studies of respiratory infectious diseases, especially influenza, and environmental factors, it is advisable to exclude periods with more external interventions to reduce interference with environmental factors and influenza related research, or to refine the model to accommodate the alterations brought about by intervention measures. In addition, the RF-Bi-LSTM model has good predictive performance for influenza.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa, understanding of the immune process associated with the COVID-19 pandemic remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma neopterin concentrations and COVID-19 infection, focusing on changes over time and age-related changes in immune response. Methods A retrospective case study was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 from March to August 2020. Whole blood and associated symptoms and comorbidities were collected from patients of all ages and sexes. Concentrations of plasma neopterin were measured using a commercial competitive neopterin ELISA (Neopterin ELISA, IBL International GmbH, Germany). Results We analyzed data for 325 patients: 38% (n = 124) with COVID-19, and 62% (n = 201) without COVID-19, as a control group. We found that plasma neopterin concentrations were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (mean value 45.1 nmol/L (SD 19)) than in the control group (mean value 33.8 nmol/L (SD 13)) (p = 0.004). In addition, neopterin levels decreased gradually over time in patients with COVID-19 (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine
Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
As the Paris Olympics draws to a close, the event has been a triumph for sporting achievements but has been marred by dozens of athletes testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. This has prompted concerns among the Olympic community about containing further viral transmission ahead of the Paralympics. The numbers infected are likely an underestimate and COVID-19 cases have also been steadily rising in communities in several countries as a result of circulating new omicron-derived variants, the so-called FLiRT variants.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMargaux M I Meslé, Jeremy Brown, Piers Mook, Mark A Katz, José Hagan, Roberta Pastore, Bernhard Benka, Monika Redlberger-Fritz, Nathalie Bossuyt, Veerle Stouten, Catharina Vernemmen, Elisabet Constantinou, Marek Maly, Jan Kynčl, Ondrej Sanca, Tyra Grove Krause, Lasse Skafte Vestergaard, Tuija Leino, Eero Poukka, Kassiani Gkolfinopoulou, Kassiani Mellou, Maria Tsintziloni, Zsuzsanna Molnár, Gudrun Aspelund, Marianna Thordardottir, Lisa Domegan, Eva Kelly, Joan O’Donell, Alberto-Mateo Urdiales, Flavia Riccardo, Chiara Sacco, Viktoras Bumšteinas, Rasa Liausediene, Joël Mossong, Anne Vergison, Maria-Louise Borg, Tanya Melillo, Dragan Kocinski, Enkela Pollozhani, Hinta Meijerink, Diana Costa, João Paulo Gomes, Pedro Pinto Leite, Alina Druc, Veaceslav Gutu, Valentin Mita, Mihaela Lazar, Rodica Popescu, Odette Popovici, Monika Musilová, Maja Mrzel, Maja Socan, Veronika Učakar, Aurora Limia, Clara Mazagatos, Carmen Olmedo, Gavin Dabrera, Meaghan Kall, Mary Sinnathamby, Graham McGowan, Jim McMenamin, Kirsty Morrison, Dorit Nitzan, Marc-Alain Widdowson, Catherine Smallwood, Richard Pebody, WHO European Respiratory Surveillance Network
Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
Over nearly 2·5 years, most lives saved by COVID-19 vaccination were in older adults by first booster dose and during the Omicron period, reinforcing the importance of up-to-date vaccination among the most at-risk individuals. Further modelling work should evaluate indirect effects of vaccination and public health and social measures.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSimon Feys, Agostinho Carvalho, Cornelius J Clancy, Jean-Pierre Gangneux, Martin Hoenigl, Katrien Lagrou, Bart J A Rijnders, Laura Seldeslachts, Lore Vanderbeke, Frank L van de Veerdonk, Paul E Verweij, Joost Wauters
Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 29.08.2024
Tilføjet 29.08.2024
Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are increasingly recognised as important complications in patients requiring intensive care for severe viral pneumonia. The diagnosis can typically be made in 10–20% of patients with severe influenza or COVID-19, but only when appropriate diagnostic tools are used. Bronchoalveolar lavage sampling for culture, galactomannan testing, and PCR forms the cornerstone of diagnosis, whereas visual examination of the tracheobronchial tract during bronchoscopy is required to detect invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMed