47 ud af 47 tidsskrifter valgt, søgeord (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, novel coronavirus, nCoV, 2019-nCoV) valgt, emner højest 30 dage gamle, sorteret efter nyeste først.
228 emner vises.
1
COVID-19 Incidence, Risk Factors, Impact, and Related Stigma among a Cohort of Persons with HIV in Washington, DC
Barth, Shannon K.; Monroe, Anne K.; Houston, Patricia; Benator, Debra; Horberg, Michael; Castel, Amanda D.; On behalf of the DC Cohort Executive Committee
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 9.05.2024
Tilføjet 9.05.2024
Background: Studies on the incidence of COVID-19 among persons with HIV (PWH) present varied results. Few studies have investigated the impact of COVID-19 infection on health and socioeconomic factors or COVID-19 stigma. We sought to measure the incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection among a cohort of PWH, characterize associated risk factors and impact, and document perceptions of COVID-19-related stigma. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study come from the COVID-19 survey of participants in the DC Cohort longitudinal study from October 30, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Survey results were linked to electronic health records, including HIV labs and COVID test results. We conducted analyses comparing demographic, socioeconomic, HIV measures, and stigma among those with and without self-reported COVID-19. Results: Out of 1,972 survey respondents, 17% self-reported COVID-19 infection, with greatest incidence in the Omicron wave of the pandemic. We found statistically significant differences by age, employment status, essential worker status, education, and household income. Longer duration of HIV diagnosis was associated with greater incidence of COVID-19. PWH who were overweight or obese had greater incidence of COVID-19 compared to those who were not. Over 40% of PWH with COVID-19 reported experiencing at least one form of COVID-19-related stigma. Conclusion: We observed a high incidence of COVID-19 infection among PWH in DC. Further, a substantial proportion of PWH with COVID-19 reported experiencing COVID-19 related stigma. These findings add to the existing literature on COVID-19 co-infection among PWH and highlight the need for awareness and support for those experiencing COVID-19 stigma. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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2
Study protocol for assessment of the efficacy of calcium dobesilate versus placebo on SARS-CoV-2 viral load in outpatients with COVID-19 (CADOVID study): a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, monocentric phase II trial
Salamun, J., Da Silva, T., Ustero, P., Gosmain, Y., Guessous, I., Calmy, A., Spechbach, H.
BMJ Open, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 mainly infects respiratory endothelial cells, which is facilitated through its spike protein binding to heparan sulphate. Calcium dobesilate (CaD) is a well-established, widely available vasoactive and angioprotective drug interacting with heparan sulphate, with the potential to interfere with the uptake of SARS-CoV-2 by epithelial cells. The CADOVID trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CaD in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in non-hospitalised adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19, confirmed by a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR, including its efficacy to reduce the impact of persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Methods and analysisThis is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, monocentric phase II trial. Enrolment began in July 2022. A total of 74 adult patients will be randomly allocated to the CaD arm or the placebo group with a 1:1 ratio, respectively. Participants in the intervention arm will receive two capsules of CaD 500 mg two times per day and the placebo arm will receive two matching capsules of mannitol 312.5 mg two times per day, with a treatment period of 7 days for both arms, followed by a 77-day observational period without treatment administration. Participants will be asked to complete secured online questionnaires using their personal smartphone or other electronic device. These include a COVID-19 questionnaire (assessing symptoms, temperature measurement, reporting of concomitant medication and adverse events), a COVID-19 persistent symptoms’ questionnaire and the Short Form 12-Item (SF-12) survey. SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing will be performed on nasopharyngeal swabs collected on days 1, 4, 8 and 21. The primary endpoint is the reduction from baseline of SARS-CoV-2 viral load determined by RT-PCR at day 4. Ethics and disseminationThis trial has received approval by the Geneva Regional Research Ethics Committee (2022-00613) and Swissmedic (701339). Dissemination of results will be through presentations at scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals. Trial registration number NCT05305508; Clinicaltrials.gov; Swiss National Clinical Portal Registry (SNCTP 000004938).
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3
Impact of interventions to reduce nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in English NHS Trusts: a computational modelling study
BMC Infectious Diseases, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Abstract Background Prior to September 2021, 55,000–90,000 hospital inpatients in England were identified as having a potentially nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection. This includes cases that were likely missed due to pauci- or asymptomatic infection. Further, high numbers of healthcare workers (HCWs) are thought to have been infected, and there is evidence that some of these cases may also have been nosocomially linked, with both HCW to HCW and patient to HCW transmission being reported. From the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic interventions in hospitals such as testing patients on admission and universal mask wearing were introduced to stop spread within and between patient and HCW populations, the effectiveness of which are largely unknown. Materials/methods Using an individual-based model of within-hospital transmission, we estimated the contribution of individual interventions (together and in combination) to the effectiveness of the overall package of interventions implemented in English hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. A panel of experts in infection prevention and control informed intervention choice and helped ensure the model reflected implementation in practice. Model parameters and associated uncertainty were derived using national and local data, literature review and formal elicitation of expert opinion. We simulated scenarios to explore how many nosocomial infections might have been seen in patients and HCWs if interventions had not been implemented. We simulated the time period from March-2020 to July-2022 encompassing different strains and multiple doses of vaccination. Results Modelling results suggest that in a scenario without inpatient testing, infection prevention and control measures, and reductions in occupancy and visitors, the number of patients developing a nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection could have been twice as high over the course of the pandemic, and over 600,000 HCWs could have been infected in the first wave alone. Isolation of symptomatic HCWs and universal masking by HCWs were the most effective interventions for preventing infections in both patient and HCW populations. Model findings suggest that collectively the interventions introduced over the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in England averted 400,000 (240,000 – 500,000) infections in inpatients and 410,000 (370,000 – 450,000) HCW infections. Conclusions Interventions to reduce the spread of nosocomial infections have varying impact, but the package of interventions implemented in England significantly reduced nosocomial transmission to both patients and HCWs over the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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4
Direct impact of COVID-19 vaccination in Chile: averted cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths
BMC Infectious Diseases, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Abstract Background Chile rapidly implemented an extensive COVID-19 vaccination campaign, deploying a diversity of vaccines with a strategy that prioritized the elderly and individuals with comorbidities. This study aims to assess the direct impact of vaccination on the number of COVID-19 related cases, hospital admissions, ICU admissions and deaths averted during the first year and a half of the campaign. Methods Via Chile’s transparency law, we obtained access to weekly event counts categorized by vaccination status and age. Integrating this data with publicly available census and vaccination coverage information, we conducted a comparative analysis of weekly incidence rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups from December 20, 2020 to July 2, 2022 to estimate the direct impact of vaccination in terms of the number of cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths averted, using an approach that avoids the need to explicitly specify the effectiveness of each vaccine deployed. Results We estimated that, from December 20, 2020 to July 2, 2022 the vaccination campaign directly prevented 1,030,648 (95% Confidence Interval: 1,016,975-1,044,321) cases, 268,784 (95% CI: 264,524-273,045) hospitalizations, 85,830 (95% CI: 83,466-88,194) ICU admissions and 75,968 (95% CI: 73,909-78,028) deaths related to COVID-19 among individuals aged 16 years and older. This corresponds to a reduction of 26% of cases, 66% of hospital admissions, 70% of ICU admissions and 67% of deaths compared to a scenario without vaccination. Individuals 55 years old or older represented 67% of hospitalizations, 73% of ICU admissions and 89% of deaths related to COVID-19 prevented. Conclusions This study highlights the role of Chile\'s vaccination campaign in reducing COVID-19 disease burden, with the most substantial reductions observed in severe outcomes.
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5
New framework to assess tracing and testing based on South Korea’s response to COVID-19
BMC Infectious Diseases, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Abstract South Korea’s remarkable success in controlling the spread of COVID-19 during the pre-Omicron period was based on extensive contact tracing and large-scale testing. Here we suggest a general criterion for tracing and testing based on South Korea’s experience, and propose a new framework to assess tracing and testing. We reviewed papers on South Korea’s response to COVID-19 to capture its concept of tracing and testing. South Korea expanded its testing capabilities to enable group tracing combined with preemptive testing, and to conduct open testing. According to our proposed model, COVID-19 cases are classified into 4 types: confirmed in quarantine, source known, source unknown, and unidentified. The proportion of the first two case types among confirmed cases is defined as “traced proportion”, and used as the indicator of tracing and testing effectiveness. In conclusion, South Korea successfully suppressed COVID-19 transmission by maintaining a high traced proportion (> 60%) using group tracing in conjunction with preemptive testing as a complementary strategy to traditional contact tracing.
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6
An updated framework for SARS-CoV-2 variants reflects the unpredictability of viral evolution
Lorenzo Subissi, James Richard Otieno, Nathalie Worp, Homa Attar Cohen, Bas B. Oude Munnink, Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Erik Alm, Amal Barakat, Wendy S. Barclay, Jinal N. Bhiman, Leon Caly, Meera Chand, Mark Chen, Ann Cullinane, Tulio de Oliveira, Christian Drosten, Julian Druce, Paul Effler, Ihab El Masry, Adama Faye, Elodie Ghedin, Rebecca Grant, Bart L. Haagmans, Christian Happi, Belinda L. Herring, Emma B. Hodcroft, Juniorcaius Ikejezie, Victoria Katawera, Zyleen Alnashir Kassamali, Yee-Sin Leo, Gabriel M. Leung, Rebecca J. Kondor, Marco Marklewitz, Jairo Mendez-Rico, Nada M. Melhem, Vincent Munster, Karen Nahapetyan, Dhamari Naindoo, Djin-Ye Oh, Thomas P. Peacock, Malik Peiris, Zhibin Peng, Leo L. M. Poon, Andrew Rambaut, Senjuti Saha, Yinzhong Shen, Marilda M. Siqueira, Erik Volz, Sofonias K. Tessema, Volker Thiel, Henda Triki, Sylvie van der Werf, Karin von Eije, Jane Cunningham, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Anne von Gottberg, Anurag Agrawal, Maria D. Van Kerkhove
Nature, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
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FASTMAP—a flexible and scalable immunopeptidomics pipeline for HLA- and antigen-specific T-cell epitope mapping based on artificial antigen-presenting cells
Luisa Weisbrod, Luigi Capriotti, Marco Hofmann, Valerie Spieler, Herbert Dersch, Bernd Voedisch, Peter Schmidt, Susanne Knake
Frontiers in Immunology, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
The study of peptide repertoires presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and the identification of potential T-cell epitopes contribute to a multitude of immunopeptidome-based treatment approaches. Epitope mapping is essential for the development of promising epitope-based approaches in vaccination as well as for innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. It also plays a critical role in the immunogenicity assessment of protein therapeutics with regard to safety and efficacy concerns. The main challenge emerges from the highly polymorphic nature of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules leading to the requirement of a peptide mapping strategy for a single HLA allele. As many autoimmune diseases are linked to at least one specific antigen, we established FASTMAP, an innovative strategy to transiently co-transfect a single HLA allele combined with a disease-specific antigen into a human cell line. This approach allows the specific identification of HLA-bound peptides using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Using FASTMAP, we found a comparable spectrum of endogenous peptides presented by the most frequently expressed HLA alleles in the world’s population compared to what has been described in literature. To ensure a reliable peptide mapping workflow, we combined the HLA alleles with well-known human model antigens like coagulation factor VIII, acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha, protein structures of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and myelin basic protein. Using these model antigens, we have been able to identify a broad range of peptides that are in line with already published and in silico predicted T-cell epitopes of the specific HLA/model antigen combination. The transient co-expression of a single affinity-tagged MHC molecule combined with a disease-specific antigen in a human cell line in our FASTMAP pipeline provides the opportunity to identify potential T-cell epitopes/endogenously processed MHC-bound peptides in a very cost-effective, fast, and customizable system with high-throughput potential.
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8
FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2 gene polymorphisms in relation to COVID-19 severity: a case–control study in Egyptian patients
Infection, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Abstract Background and Aim A wide range of clinical manifestations and outcomes, including liver injury, have been reported in COVID-19 patients. We investigated the association of three substantial gene polymorphisms (FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2) with COVID-19 disease susceptibility and severity to help predict prognosis. Methods 150 adult COVID-19-assured cases were categorized as follows: 78 patients with a non-severe presentation, 39 patients with severe disease, and 33 critically ill patients. In addition, 74 healthy controls were included. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were carried out, including complete and differential blood counts, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, ferritin, interleukin-6 (Il-6), and liver and kidney functions. FURIN (rs6226), IFNL4 (rs12979860), and TLR2 (rs3804099) genotyping allelic discrimination assays were conducted using real-time PCR. Results The FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2 genotypes and their alleles differed significantly between COVID-19 patients and controls, as well as between patients with severe or critical illness and those with a non-severe presentation. According to a multivariable regression analysis, FURIN (C/T + T/T) and TLR2 (T/C + C/C) mutants were associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, with odds ratios of 3.293 and 2.839, respectively. FURIN C/C and IFNL4 T/T mutants were significantly linked to severe and critical illnesses. Multivariate regression analysis showed that FURIN (G/C + C/C) genotypes and IFNL4 T/T homozygosity were independent risk factors associated with increased mortality. Conclusion FURIN, IFNL4, and TLR2 gene variants are associated with the risk of COVID-19 occurrence as well as increased severity and poor outcomes in Egyptian patients.
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9
Long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of people living with HIV
Infection, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Abstract Background Our Hospital in Northern Italy assists 3817 people living with HIV (PLWH) and has faced the impact of COVID-19. Little is known about the impact of HIV infection on the risk of post-COVID-19 conditions (PCCs) onset. We aim to assess the incidence of PCC in PLWH and the factors associated with its occurrence. Methods We performed a retrospective, observational study including all PLWH > 18 years registered in the Brescia Health Protection Agency database, assessing SARS-CoV-2 burden, vaccination status, socio-demographic, and viro-immunological parameters from February 2020 until May 2022. Persistence of self-reported symptoms (clustered into gastrointestinal, respiratory, osteo-muscular, and neuro-behavioral symptoms) was evaluated after 3 months by a telephone-administered questionnaire. We estimated the associations between all variables and outcomes through univariate and multivariable logistic models. Results In the study period, 653 PLWH were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (17.1%). We observed 19 (2.9%) reinfections, 71 (10.9%) hospitalizations, and 3 (0.5%) deaths. We interviewed 510/653 PLWH (78%), and 178 (PCCs prevalence 34.9%; CI 95% 30.7–39.2) reported persistent symptoms. Asthenia/fatigue was the most reported symptom (60/178), followed by muscular pain (54/178). In the multivariate regression model, there was a lower risk of PCCs in males respect to females (adjusted OR = 0.64; CI 95% 0.99–3.66), while hospitalization during acute infection was associated with an increased the risk of PCCs (adjusted OR = 1.9; CI 95% 0.99–3.66). Notably, no viro-immunological variable modified the PCCs risk onset. Conclusions Our study highlights a substantial prevalence of PCCs among PLWH, three months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, independent of viro-immunological features or vaccination status.
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10
Comparison of post-COVID-19 symptoms in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variants delta and omicron—results of the Cross-Sectoral Platform of the German National Pandemic Cohort Network (NAPKON-SUEP)
Infection, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Abstract Purpose The influence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants on the post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) remains unanswered. Therefore, we examined the prevalence and predictors of PCC-related symptoms in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variants delta or omicron. Methods We compared prevalences and risk factors of acute and PCC-related symptoms three months after primary infection (3MFU) between delta- and omicron-infected patients from the Cross-Sectoral Platform of the German National Pandemic Cohort Network. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) was determined by the EQ-5D-5L index score and trend groups were calculated to describe changes of HrQoL between different time points. Results We considered 758 patients for our analysis (delta: n = 341; omicron: n = 417). Compared with omicron patients, delta patients had a similar prevalence of PCC at the 3MFU (p = 0.354), whereby fatigue occurred most frequently (n = 256, 34%). HrQoL was comparable between the groups with the lowest EQ-5D-5L index score (0.75, 95% CI 0.73–0.78) at disease onset. While most patients (69%, n = 348) never showed a declined HrQoL, it deteriorated substantially in 37 patients (7%) from the acute phase to the 3MFU of which 27 were infected with omicron. Conclusion With quality-controlled data from a multicenter cohort, we showed that PCC is an equally common challenge for patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variants delta and omicron at least for the German population. Developing the EQ-5D-5L index score trend groups showed that over two thirds of patients did not experience any restrictions in their HrQoL due to or after the SARS-CoV-2 infection at the 3MFU. Clinical Trail registration The cohort is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov since February 24, 2021 (Identifier: NCT04768998).
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11
[Articles] Effect of molnupiravir on SARS-CoV-2 evolution in immunocompromised patients: a retrospective observational study
Nicholas M Fountain-Jones, Robert Vanhaeften, Jan Williamson, Janelle Maskell, I-Ly J Chua, Michael Charleston, Louise Cooley
The Lancet Microbe, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Molnupiravir treatment in immunocompromised patients led to the accumulation of a distinctive pattern of mutations beyond the recommended 5 days of treatment. Treated patients maintained persistent PCR positivity for the duration of monitoring, indicating clear potential for transmission and subsequent emergence of novel variants.
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12
[Articles] Viral clearance as a surrogate of clinical efficacy for COVID-19 therapies in outpatients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Karen M Elias, Shanchita R Khan, Eva Stadler, Timothy E Schlub, Deborah Cromer, Mark N Polizzotto, Stephen J Kent, Tari Turner, Miles P Davenport, David S Khoury
The Lancet Microbe, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Despite the aggregation of studies with differing designs, and evidence of risk of bias in some virological outcomes, this review provides evidence that treatment-induced acceleration of viral clearance within the first 5 days after treatment is a potential surrogate of clinical efficacy to prevent hospitalisation with COVID-19. This work supports the use of viral clearance as an early phase clinical trial endpoint of therapeutic efficacy.
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13
[Articles] Optimisation and evaluation of viral genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 rapid diagnostic tests: a laboratory and cohort-based study
Jillian S Paull, Brittany A Petros, Taylor M Brock-Fisher, Samantha A Jalbert, Victoria M Selser, Katelyn S Messer, Sabrina T Dobbins, Katherine C DeRuff, Davy Deng, Michael Springer, Pardis C Sabeti
The Lancet Microbe, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
RDT-derived swabs are a reasonable alternative to PCR swabs for viral genomic surveillance and outbreak investigation. RDT-derived lateral flow strips yield accurate, but significantly fewer, viral reads than matched PCR swabs. Metagenomic sequencing of negative RDTs can identify viruses that might underlie patient symptoms.
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14
[Articles] Antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Europe in 2020 compared with in 2013 and 2018: a retrospective genomic surveillance study
Daniel Golparian, Michelle J Cole, Leonor Sánchez-Busó, Michaela Day, Susanne Jacobsson, Thinushaa Uthayakumaran, Raquel Abad, Beatrice Bercot, Dominique A Caugant, Dagmar Heuer, Klaus Jansen, Sonja Pleininger, Paola Stefanelli, David M Aanensen, Benjamin Bluemel, Magnus Unemo, Euro-GASP study group
The Lancet Microbe, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Azithromycin-resistant clones, mainly with mtrD mosaic or semi-mosaic variants, appear to be stabilising at a relatively high level in the EEA. This mostly low-level azithromycin resistance might threaten the recommended ceftriaxone-azithromycin therapy, but the negligible ceftriaxone resistance is encouraging. The decreased genomic population diversity and increased clonality could be explained in part by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in lower importation of novel strains into Europe.
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15
Ventilation: Why Infectious Diseases Specialists should care
Martin Martinot
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
Since the beginning of the 21st century, in addition to the classical seasonal epidemics (influenza and respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]), many new airborne viral pandemics have emerged, namely, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) in 2003, H1N1 influenza in 2009, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in 2012 and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, which is still on-going. The magnitude of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has underscored the inaccuracy and limitations of previous measures for infection prevention.
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16
Frontline health workers experiences of providing care for people living with non-communicable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana: a qualitative study
Baatiema, L., de-Graft Aikins, A., Koram, K. K., Kunfah, S. M. P., Allen, L. N., Abimbola, S., Kruk, M.
BMJ Open, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted frontline health workers. However, a neglected dimension of this discourse was the extent to which the pandemic impacted frontline healthcare workers providing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) care. This study aims to understand the experiences of healthcare workers with no prior exposure to pandemics who provided care to people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs). MethodsA qualitative study design was employed, using a face-to-face in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted in primary healthcare facilities in three administrative regions of Ghana, representing the Northern, Southern and Middle Belts. Only frontline health workers with roles in providing care for PLWNCDs were included. Purposive snowballing and convenience sampling methods were employed to select frontline health workers. An open-ended interview guide was used to facilitate data collection, and thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. ResultsA total of 47 frontline health workers were interviewed. Overall, these workers experienced diverse patient-driven and organisational challenges. Patient-level challenges included a decline in healthcare utilisation, non-adherence to treatment, a lack of continuity, fear and stigma. At the organisational levels, there was a lack of medical logistics, increased infection of workers and absenteeism, increased workload and burnout, limited motivational packages and inadequate guidelines and protocols. Workers coped and responded to the pandemic by postponing reviews and consultations, reducing inpatient and outpatient visits, changing their prescription practices, using teleconsultation and moving to long-shift systems. ConclusionThis study has brought to the fore the experiences that adversely affected frontline health workers and, in many ways, affected the care provided to PLWNCDs. Policymakers and health managers should take these experiences into account in plans to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.
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Diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in mental health apps for young people: protocol for a scoping review
Figueroa, C. A., Perez-Flores, N. J., Guan, K. W., Stiles-Shields, C.
BMJ Open, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
IntroductionAfter COVID-19, a global mental health crisis affects young people, with one in five youth experiencing mental health problems worldwide. Delivering mental health interventions via mobile devices is a promising strategy to address the treatment gap. Mental health apps are effective for adolescent and young adult samples, but face challenges such as low real-world reach and under-representation of minoritised youth. To increase digital health uptake, including among minoritised youth, there is a need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) considerations in the development and evaluation of mental health apps. How well DEI is integrated into youth mental health apps has not been comprehensively assessed. This scoping review aims to examine to what extent DEI considerations are integrated into the design and evaluation of youth mental health apps and report on youth, caregiver and other stakeholder involvement. Methods and analysisWe will identify studies published in English from 2009 to 29 September 2023 on apps for mental health in youth. We will use PubMed, Global Health, APA PsycINFO, SCOPUS, CINAHL PLUS and the Cochrane Database and will report according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review Extension guidelines. Papers eligible for inclusion must be peer-reviewed publications in English involving smartphone applications used by adolescents or young adults aged 10–25, with a focus on depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation. Two independent reviewers will review and extract articles using a template developed by the authors. We will analyse the data using narrative synthesis and descriptive statistics. This study will identify gaps in the literature and provide a roadmap for equitable and inclusive mental health apps for youth. Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through academic, industry, community networks and scientific publications.
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Predictors of somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national longitudinal survey in Japan
Sugawara, N., Tabuchi, T., Tokumitsu, K., Yasui-Furukori, N.
BMJ Open, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, termed long COVID. However, in the absence of comparative groups, the differentiation of disease progression remains difficult, as COVID-19 symptoms become indistinguishable from symptoms originating from alternative etiologies. This study aimed to longitudinally investigate the association between COVID-19 exposure and the somatic symptoms in the Japanese general population. DesignThis was a longitudinal cohort study with 1-year follow-up. Setting and participantsLongitudinal data from 19 545 individuals who participated in the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey (JASTIS) 2022 and 2023 were included. In this study, we used data from the 2022 JASTIS as baseline data and the 2023 JASTIS as follow-up data. Based on questionnaire responses, respondents were classified into three categories of exposure to COVID-19. Outcome measuresThe somatic symptoms were assessed by the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). Using generalised linear models adjusted for baseline covariates, we calculated the ORs of having very high somatic symptoms assessed by SSS-8, attributable to COVID-19 exposure (no COVID-19 cases as the reference group). ResultsFollow-up completers were divided into three groups according to COVID-19 exposure (no COVID-19, n=16 012; COVID-19 without O2 therapy, n=3201; COVID-19 with O2 therapy, n=332). After adjusting for all covariates, COVID-19 cases with O2 therapy had a significant positive association (OR 7.60, 95% CI 5.47 to 10.58) with a very high somatic symptoms burden while other COVID-19 exposure groups did not. Pre-existing physical and psychological conditions were also associated with increased risk of somatic symptoms. ConclusionThe findings of our study suggest that the severity of COVID-19 symptoms requiring O2 therapy in the acute phase led to high somatic symptoms. Pre-existing conditions were also associated with a subsequent risk of somatic symptoms.
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Where does physical activity fit into preschool postpandemic? A qualitative exploration with parents, teachers and administrators
Zulauf-McCurdy, C., Tessema, B., Tang, R., Almeida, S., Tandon, P. S.
BMJ Open, 8.05.2024
Tilføjet 8.05.2024
ObjectivesDuring the preschool years, children depend on adult caregivers to provide opportunities for physical activity (PA). Research has focused on measuring PA in preschool, as well as barriers and facilitators to children’s PA but caregiver perceptions remain largely unknown especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to understand the value of PA in preschool following the pandemic from three types of adult caregivers, parents of a young child (n=7), preschool teachers (n=7) and preschool administrators (n=7). MethodsIn-depth qualitative interviews were conducted to explore the following research questions: (a) how do caregivers describe the importance of PA in preschool postpandemic? (b) how do caregivers support and prioritise PA in preschool postpandemic and what challenges do they face in doing so? and (c) how do caregivers interact with one another to promote PA? Qualitative answers were coded using a codebook developed to answer the research questions of interest. ResultsParents, teachers and administrators all described valuing PA for preschoolers, but each caregiver type described a different way of promoting it. All the caregivers listed barriers that inhibit their ability to prioritise and promote PA, some heightened postpandemic. Lastly, there were limited caregiver interactions when it came to promoting PA, with the burden largely falling on teachers. ConclusionOur findings indicate that one particularly important area for intervention is supporting parents, teachers and preschool administrators in creating a shared understanding of the importance of PA for young children and ways to collaborate to promote it.
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Cohort profile: EFTER-COVID - a Danish nationwide cohort for assessing the long-term health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
Sorensen, A. I. V., Bager, P., Nielsen, N. M., Koch, A., Spiliopoulos, L., Hviid, A., Ethelberg, S.
BMJ Open, 7.05.2024
Tilføjet 7.05.2024
PurposeTo follow SARS-CoV-2-infected persons up to 18 months after a positive test in order to assess the burden and nature of post acute symptoms and health problems. ParticipantsPersons in Denmark above 15 years of age, who were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during 1 September 2020 to 21 February 2023 using a RT-PCR test. As a reference group, three test-negative individuals were selected for every two test-positive individuals by matching on test date. Findings to dateIn total, 2 427 913 invitations to baseline questionnaires have been sent out and 839 528 baseline questionnaires (34.5%) have been completed. Females, the age group 50–69 years, Danish-born and persons, who had received at least one SARS-CoV-2 vaccination booster dose were more likely to participate. Follow-up questionnaires were sent at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months after the test, with response rates at 42%–54%. Future plansNew participants have been recruited on a daily basis from 1 August 2021 to 23 March 2023. Data collection will continue until the last follow-up questionnaires (at 18 months after test) have been distributed in August 2024.
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The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing in Older Adults: A Self-Controlled Risk-Interval Study
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 6.05.2024
Tilføjet 6.05.2024
Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has been associated with reduced outpatient antibiotic prescribing among older adults with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We assessed the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on outpatient antibiotic prescribing in the broader population of older adults, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection status.Methods We included adults aged ≥65 years who received their first, second, and/or third COVID-19 vaccine dose from December 2020 to December 2022. We used a self-controlled risk-interval design and included cases who received an antibiotic prescription 2–6 weeks before vaccination (pre-vaccination or control interval) or after vaccination (post-vaccination or risk interval). We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the odds of being prescribed (1) any antibiotic, (2) a typical “respiratory” infection antibiotic, or (3) a typical “urinary tract” infection antibiotic (negative control) in the post-vaccination interval versus the pre-vaccination interval. We accounted for temporal changes in antibiotic prescribing using background monthly antibiotic prescribing counts.Results 469 923 vaccine doses met inclusion criteria. The odds of receiving any antibiotic or a respiratory antibiotic prescription were lower in the post-vaccination versus pre-vaccination interval (aOR, .973; 95% CI, .968–.978; aOR, .961; 95% CI, .953–.968, respectively). There was no association between vaccination and urinary antibiotic prescriptions (aOR, .996; 95% CI, .987–1.006). Periods with high (>10%) versus low (
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22
A joint penalized spline smoothing model for the number of positive and negative COVID-19 tests
Dries De Witte, Ariel Alonso Abad, Thomas Neyens, Geert Verbeke, Geert Molenberghs
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.05.2024
Tilføjet 6.05.2024
by Dries De Witte, Ariel Alonso Abad, Thomas Neyens, Geert Verbeke, Geert Molenberghs One of the key tools to understand and reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is testing. The total number of tests, the number of positive tests, the number of negative tests, and the positivity rate are interconnected indicators and vary with time. To better understand the relationship between these indicators, against the background of an evolving pandemic, the association between the number of positive tests and the number of negative tests is studied using a joint modeling approach. All countries in the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Norway are included in the analysis. We propose a joint penalized spline model in which the penalized spline is reparameterized as a linear mixed model. The model allows for flexible trajectories by smoothing the country-specific deviations from the overall penalized spline and accounts for heteroscedasticity by allowing the autocorrelation parameters and residual variances to vary among countries. The association between the number of positive tests and the number of negative tests is derived from the joint distribution for the random intercepts and slopes. The correlation between the random intercepts and the correlation between the random slopes were both positive. This suggests that, when countries increase their testing capacity, both the number of positive tests and negative tests will increase. A significant correlation was found between the random intercepts, but the correlation between the random slopes was not significant due to a wide credible interval.
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23
CT abnormalities 3 and 12 months after hospitalization for COVID-19 and association with disease severity: A prospective cohort study
Trond Mogens Aaløkken, Haseem Ashraf, Gunnar Einvik, Tøri Vigeland Lerum, Carin Meltzer, Jezabel Rivero Rodriguez, Ole Henning Skjønsberg, Knut Stavem
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 6.05.2024
Tilføjet 6.05.2024
by Trond Mogens Aaløkken, Haseem Ashraf, Gunnar Einvik, Tøri Vigeland Lerum, Carin Meltzer, Jezabel Rivero Rodriguez, Ole Henning Skjønsberg, Knut Stavem Objectives To investigate changes in chest CT between 3 and 12 months and associations with disease severity in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 during the first wave in 2020. Materials and methods Longitudinal cohort study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020. Chest CT was performed 3 and 12 months after admission. CT images were evaluated using a CT severity score (CSS) (0–12 scale) and recoded to an abbreviated version (0–3 scale). We analyzed determinants of the abbreviated CSS with multivariable mixed effects ordinal regression. Results 242 patients completed CT at 3 months, and 124 (mean age 62.3±13.3, 78 men) also at 12 months. Between 3 and 12 months (n = 124) CSS (0–12 scale) for ground-glass opacities (GGO) decreased from median 3 (25th–75th percentile: 0–12) at 3 months to 0.5 (0–12) at 12 months (p
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24
[Articles] Association of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir with post-acute sequelae and mortality in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Huwen Wang, Yuchen Wei, Chi Tim Hung, Guozhang Lin, Xiaoting Jiang, Conglu Li, Katherine Min Jia, Carrie Ho Kwan Yam, Tsz Yu Chow, Janice Ying-en Ho, Yawen Wang, Shi Zhao, Zihao Guo, Kehang Li, Aimin Yang, Chris Ka Pun Mok, David S C Hui, Eng Kiong Yeoh, Ka Chun Chong
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 4.05.2024
Tilføjet 4.05.2024
This study showed extended benefits of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir for reducing the risk of post-acute inpatient death as well as cardiovascular and respiratory complications among patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Further research is essential to uncover the underlying mechanisms responsible for these observed negative associations and to devise effective strategies for preventing the onset of post-acute sequelae.
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25
Maternal distress during the COVID-19 outbreak: A socio-ecological perspective
Mor Keleynikov, Noga Cohen, Joy Benatov
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 4.05.2024
Tilføjet 4.05.2024
by Mor Keleynikov, Noga Cohen, Joy Benatov Introduction Mothers faced an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other populations. However, there is little data on the factors that placed mothers at increased risk of distress. Aims The present study explored a range of individual, familial, and environmental factors associated with psychological distress in mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method This repeated cross-sectional study was composed of a convenience sample of mothers who completed an online survey that included a demographic questionnaire, an emotion regulation questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale. The survey was administered during the second and third lockdowns in Israel in 2020–2021. Results The study included 575 mothers (M age = 39). The findings of a hierarchical regression indicated that individual-level factors, composed of age and emotion regulation tendencies predicted psychological distress. The family-level factors of household income and number of children in the family also predicted distress. In terms of environmental-level factors, COVID-19-related media consumption and school status (open or closed) were also significant predictors of psychological distress. Importantly, the results showed that the most important predictors of psychological distress in mothers during the COVID-19 outbreak were school closures, household income, and the use of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. Conclusions The findings highlight the intersection of individual, familial, and environmental factors in mothers’ mental health during crises.
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26
Changes in mental distress among employees during the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Swaantje Casjens, Dirk Taeger, Thomas Brüning, Thomas Behrens
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 4.05.2024
Tilføjet 4.05.2024
by Swaantje Casjens, Dirk Taeger, Thomas Brüning, Thomas Behrens Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic changed the future of work sustainably and led to a general increase in mental stress. A study conducted during the second and third pandemic wave with a retrospective survey of the first wave among 1,545 non-healthcare workers confirmed an increase in anxiety and depression symptoms and showed a correlation with the occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. This online follow-up survey aims to examine changes in mental distress as the pandemic progressed in Germany and to identify factors influencing potential changes. Methods Longitudinal data from 260 subjects were available for this analysis. Mental distress related to anxiety and depression symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and occupational risk factors were solicited at the end of 2022 and retrospectively at the fifth wave. Categorized PHQ-4 scores were modelled with mixed ordinal regression models and presented with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results A previous diagnosis of a depressive or anxiety disorder was a strong risk factor for severe symptoms (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.71–7.11). The impact of occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk on mental distress was increased, albeit failing to reach the formal level of statistical significance (high risk OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.59–5.63; probable risk OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.93–3.15). Mental distress was more pronounced in those with a previous diagnosis of anxiety and depression. Confirmed occupational risk factors were protective measures against occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection perceived as inadequate, chronic work-related stress, overcommitment, reduced interactions with fellow-workers, and work-privacy conflicts. Conclusions The pandemic had a negative impact on anxiety and depression symptoms among the studied non-healthcare workers, particularly early in the pandemic, although this effect does not appear to be permanent. There are modifiable risk factors that can protect workers’ mental health, including strengthening social interactions among employees and reducing work-privacy conflicts.
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27
Critical COVID-19, Victivallaceae abundance, and celiac disease: A mediation Mendelian randomization study
Yuxin Zou, Manyi Pan, Tianyu Zhou, Lifeng Yan, Yuntian Chen, Junjie Yun, Zhihua Wang, Huaqi Guo, Kai Zhang, Weining Xiong
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 4.05.2024
Tilføjet 4.05.2024
by Yuxin Zou, Manyi Pan, Tianyu Zhou, Lifeng Yan, Yuntian Chen, Junjie Yun, Zhihua Wang, Huaqi Guo, Kai Zhang, Weining Xiong Celiac disease exhibits a higher prevalence among patients with coronavirus disease 2019. However, the potential influence of COVID-19 on celiac disease remains uncertain. Considering the significant association between gut microbiota alterations, COVID-19 and celiac disease, the two-step Mendelian randomization method was employed to investigate the genetic causality between COVID-19 and celiac disease, with gut microbiota as the potential mediators. We employed the genome-wide association study to select genetic instrumental variables associated with the exposure. Subsequently, these variables were utilized to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of celiac disease and its potential influence on gut microbiota. Employing a two-step Mendelian randomization approach enabled the examination of potential causal relationships, encompassing: 1) the effects of COVID-19 infection, hospitalized COVID-19 and critical COVID-19 on the risk of celiac disease; 2) the influence of gut microbiota on celiac disease; and 3) the mediating impact of the gut microbiota between COVID-19 and the risk of celiac disease. Our findings revealed a significant association between critical COVID-19 and an elevated risk of celiac disease (inverse variance weighted [IVW]: P = 0.035). Furthermore, we observed an inverse correlation between critical COVID-19 and the abundance of Victivallaceae (IVW: P = 0.045). Notably, an increased Victivallaceae abundance exhibits a protective effect against the risk of celiac disease (IVW: P = 0.016). In conclusion, our analysis provides genetic evidence supporting the causal connection between critical COVID-19 and lower Victivallaceae abundance, thereby increasing the risk of celiac disease.
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28
Burden of COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis hospitalisation patterns at a tertiary care hospital in Rajasthan, India: a retrospective analysis
Rajotiya, S., Mishra, S., Singh, A. K., Debnath, S., Raj, P., Singh, P., Bareth, H., Nakash, P., Sharma, A., Singh, M., Nathiya, D., Joshi, N., Tomar, B. S.
BMJ Open, 3.05.2024
Tilføjet 3.05.2024
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis (TB) trends, patient demographics, disease types and hospitalisation duration within the Respiratory Medicine Department over three distinct phases: pre-COVID-19, COVID-19 and post-COVID-19. DesignRetrospective analysis using electronic medical records of patients with TB admitted between June 2018 and June 2023 was done to explore the impact of COVID-19 on patients with TB. The study employed a meticulous segmentation into pre-COVID-19, COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 eras. SettingNational Institute of Medical Science Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome includes patients admitted to the Respiratory Medicine Department of the hospital and secondary outcome involves the duration of hospital stay. ResultsThe study encompassed 1845 subjects across the three eras, revealing a reduction in TB incidence during the post-COVID-19 era compared with the pre-COVID-19 period (p
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29
Antigenicity assessment of SARS-CoV-2 saltation variant BA.2.87.1
Sijie YangYuanling YuFanchong JianAyijiang YisimayiWeiliang SongJingyi LiuPeng WangYanli XuJing WangXiao NiuLingling YuYao WangFei ShaoRonghua JinYouchun WangYunlong Caoa Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinab Changping Laboratory, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinac Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinad College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinae School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinaf College of Future Technology Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinag Beijing Ditan Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinah Institute of Medical Biology Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
Emerg Microbes Infect, 3.05.2024
Tilføjet 3.05.2024
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Impact of Booster Vaccination Interval on SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death
Dan-Yu Lin, Yangjianchen Xu, Yu Gu, Shadia K Sunny, Zack Moore, Donglin Zeng
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 3.05.2024
Tilføjet 3.05.2024
Vaccination plays a very important role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe Covid-19 disease. Primary vaccination was highly effective against infection, hospitalization, and death, but its effectiveness waned gradually over time and was further reduced by the emergence of new variants [1-4]. Booster vaccination restored some immunity, but the added protection declined rapidly over time, especially against newer variants [5-8]. Bivalent boosters were more effective than monovalent boosters, but their effectiveness also waned over time [9-10].
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31
Immune profiling reveals umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells from South India display an IL-8 dominant, CXCL-10 deficient polyfunctional monocyte response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that is distinct from adult blood cells
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 3.05.2024
Tilføjet 3.05.2024
Abstract Neonate responses to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) differ from adults; such understanding is poor in Indian neonates, despite recognised significant infectious risk. Immune profiling analysis was undertaken of ten secreted mediators contextualised with cellular source induced by six PAMPs in umbilical cord (CB; n=21) and adult-blood (PBMC, n=14) from a tertiary care hospital in South India. Differential cytokine expression analysis (minimum log2-fold difference; adj p-value
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32
Evaluation of the exit screening policy among travelers arriving from Asian and pacific nations
BMC Infectious Diseases, 3.05.2024
Tilføjet 3.05.2024
Abstract Background The Japanese government has instituted border control measures against COVID-19, including entry and exit screening of people arriving from overseas. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the exit screening policy in Japan in reducing the risk of importing COVID-19 cases among travelers from Asian and Pacific countries. Methods The study period was stratified based on the timing of exit screening: (i) the control period (the pre-exit screening period from 25 October 2020 to 16 January 2021), (ii) the time period with the Alpha variant from 17 January to 10 April 2021, and (iii) the time period with the Delta variant from 2 May to 2 October 2021. Incidence data in the countries of origin were used to adjust for the risk of infection among travelers. The positivity rate of entry screening in Japan was compared among the three different study periods, adjusting for the risk of infection in the country of origin. Results The adjusted relative risk of positivity was greatly reduced and substantially below the value of 1 during the Alpha variant period compared with the control period. Although the relative risks increased when comparing the Delta variant period against control, the estimate remained below 1, except for among travelers from India and Myanmar. The relative risk reduction was greatest in high-income countries, with estimates of 100% and 96% risk reduction during the Alpha and Delta variant periods, respectively, followed by upper-middle-income countries with estimates of 90% and 76%, respectively. Conclusions Even in the presence of the Alpha and Delta variants, exit screening clearly reduced the risk of infection among travelers arriving from Asian and Pacific nations. As the testing relies on the country of origin, the effectiveness varied greatly by the socioeconomic income status and epidemiological situation of those countries. Test standardization and quality assurance may be required in low- and middle-income countries.
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Biases and limitations in observational studies of Long COVID prevalence and risk factors: A rapid systematic umbrella review
Miao Jenny Hua, Gisela Butera, Oluwaseun Akinyemi, Deborah Porterfield
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 3.05.2024
Tilføjet 3.05.2024
by Miao Jenny Hua, Gisela Butera, Oluwaseun Akinyemi, Deborah Porterfield Background Observational studies form the foundation of Long COVID knowledge, however combining data from Long COVID observational studies has multiple methodological challenges. This umbrella review synthesizes estimates of Long COVID prevalence and risk factors as well as biases and limitations in the primary and review literatures. Methods and findings A systematic literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, LitCOVID) from Jan 1, 2019 until June 9, 2023. Eligible studies were systematic reviews including adult populations assessed for at least one Long COVID symptom four weeks or more after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall and subgroup prevalence and risk factors as well as risk of bias (ROB) assessments were extracted and descriptively analyzed. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023434323). Fourteen reviews of 5–196 primary studies were included: 8 reported on Long COVID prevalence, 5 on risk/protective factors, and 1 on both. Prevalence of at least 1 Long COVID symptom ranged from 21% (IQR: 8.9%-35%) to 74.5% (95% CI: 55.6%-78.0%). Risk factor reviews found significant associations between vaccination status, sex, acute COVID-19 severity, and comorbidities. Both prevalence and risk factor reviews frequently identified selection and ascertainment biases. Using the AMSTAR 2 criteria, the quality of included reviews, particularly the prevalence reviews, were concerning for the adequacy of ROB assessments and justifications for conducting meta-analysis. Conclusion A high level of heterogeneity render the interpretation of pooled prevalence estimates of Long COVID challenging, further hampered by the lack of robust critical appraisals in the included reviews. Risk factor reviews were of higher quality overall and suggested consistent associations between Long COVID risk and patient characteristics.
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34
Validation of an automated, end-to-end metagenomic sequencing assay for agnostic detection of respiratory viruses
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 3.05.2024
Tilføjet 3.05.2024
Abstract Background Current molecular diagnostics are limited in the number and type of detectable pathogens. Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) is an emerging, and increasingly feasible, pathogen-agnostic diagnostic approach. Translational barriers prohibit the widespread adoption of this technology in clinical laboratories. We validate an end-to-end mNGS assay for detection of respiratory viruses. Our assay is optimized to reduce turnaround time, lower cost-per-sample, increase throughput, and deploy secure and actionable bioinformatic results.Methods We validated our assay using residual nasopharyngeal swab specimens from Vancouver General Hospital (n = 359), RT-PCR-positive, or negative for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV. We quantified sample stability, assay precision, the effect of background nucleic acid levels, and analytical limits of detection. Diagnostic performance metrics were estimated.Results We report that our mNGS assay is highly precise, semi-quantitative, with analytical limits of detection ranging from 103-104 copies/mL. Our assay is highly specific (100%) and sensitive (61.9% Overall: 86.8%; RT-PCR Ct < 30). Multiplexing capabilities enable processing of up to 55-specimens simultaneously on an Oxford Nanopore GridION device, with results reported within 12-hours.Conclusions This study outlines the diagnostic performance and feasibility of mNGS for respiratory viral diagnostics, infection control, and public health surveillance. We addressed translational barriers to widespread mNGS adoption.
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Prevalence and health effects of post-COVID-19 condition in Africa: a scoping review protocol
Ansah, E. W., Salu, P. K., Daanko, M. S., Banaaleh, D. N., Amoadu, M.
BMJ Open, 2.05.2024
Tilføjet 2.05.2024
IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused global devastations in the social, economic and health systems of every nation, but disproportionately the nations in Africa. Apart from its grave effects on the global systems, is the persistence of post-COVID-19 condition in individuals infected with the virus. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to collate and summarise the existing research evidence about the prevalence and health effects of post-COVID-19 infection conditions in Africa. Methods and analysisFive main databases will be thoroughly searched from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024, for eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These databases include PubMed, Central, Scopus, Dimensions AI and JSTOR. Meanwhile, Arksey and O’Malley guidelines will guide this scoping review using article published between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2024. This review will provide a useful insight into the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 symptoms and their health effects within the population in Africa. The results and findings of the review will be valuable for health system interventions, including restructuring and reorientation of health systems in the continent. Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review will involve analysis of secondary data, therefore, no ethical approval is needed. Dissemination of the results will be done through international journals and available research conferences.
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Longitudinal evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 T cell immunity over 2 years following vaccination and infection
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2.05.2024
Tilføjet 2.05.2024
Abstract Background Within a year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, vaccines inducing a robust humoral and cellular immune response were implemented worldwide. However, emergence of novel variants and waning vaccine induced immunity led to implementation of additional vaccine boosters.Methods This prospective study evaluated the temporal profile of cellular and serological responses in a cohort of 639 SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated participants, of whom a large proportion experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection. All participants were infection naïve at the time of their first vaccine dose. Proportions of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific T cells were determined after each vaccine dose using the Activation Induced Markers (AIM) assay, while levels of circulating SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were determined by the Meso Scale serology assay.Results We found a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses following the third dose of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine as well as enhanced CD8+ T cell responses after the fourth dose. Further, increased age was associated with a poorer response. Finally, we observed that SARS-CoV-2 infection boosts both the cellular and humoral immune response, relative to vaccine-induced immunity alone.Conclusion Our findings highlight the boosting effect on T cell immunity of repeated vaccine administration. The combination of multiple vaccine doses and SARS-CoV-2 infections maintains population T cell immunity although with reduced levels in the elderly.
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Follow-up of Immune Response in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 2.05.2024
Tilføjet 2.05.2024
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of effective vaccination strategies in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has demonstrated high efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection in the general population. However, the efficacy of this vaccine in patients with predominantly antibody deficiencies, such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), should be closely monitored. CVID and XLA are rare genetic disorders that impair the immune system\'s ability to produce antibodies, which are crucial for fighting infections. Patients with these disorders have a higher risk of severe disease and mortality from COVID-19 due to their compromised immune systems. In this study, we evaluated the humoral and cellular immune responses after four doses of mRNA-1273 and one BNT162b2 bivalent vaccine in a cohort of patients with CVID and XLA. The response in this population was lower than in the control group. However, the administration of the third dose improved the number of patients with seroconversion and the intensity of the humoral response, as well as the number of patients with a positive cellular response. Finally, the administration of the fourth and fifth doses improves the antibody titer and neutralization against wild type variant, but not against the prevalent XBB1.5 variant.
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Incidence and risk factors of post COVID-19 syndrome: a Tunisian cohort study
BMC Infectious Diseases, 2.05.2024
Tilføjet 2.05.2024
Abstract Background It has become increasingly clear that SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to persistent physical and mental health problems lasting weeks or months, requiring prolonged periods of clinical care and increasing the burden on the healthcare system. This phenomenon, known as post COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), is a relatively new condition, its incidence is still unclear and differs between studies. Objectives In this cohort study, we aimed to estimate the incidence of PCS and to identify its risk factors in the Tunisian population. Methods This is a prospective cohort study that enrolled patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from the triage unit of the University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia. between April 2021 and June 2022. Patients were contacted by phone for a follow-up evaluation of PCS 12- weeks after the diagnosis date. Results A total of 1451 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period, responded to the follow-up evaluation after 3 months. The incidence of PCS was found to be 44.03% (95% CI [41.47; 46.58]), with fatigue being the most common symptom (21.5%), followed by cognitive impairment (10.3%), including memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Multivariate analysis revealed that the main associated factors to PCS were female gender (RR = 1.54; CI95% [1.30 - 1.82]), pre-existing comorbidities (RR = 1.30; CI95% [1.10 - 1.52]), duration of acute COVID-19 illness (days) (RR = 1.02; CI95% [1.01 - 1.03]), hospitalization (RR = 1.27; CI95% [1.05 - 1.53]), number of COVID-19 episodes (RR = 1.46; CI 95% [1.28 - 1.67]) and patients having receive two or more doses of vaccine prior to COVID-19 infection (RR = 0.82; CI95% [0.70 - 0.96]). Conclusion Our study allowed to estimate the incidence and identify risk factors of PCS. Recognizing these factors could help to better understand the underlying mechanisms and guide interventions for prevention and management of this condition.
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Association of COVID-19 vaccination with risks of hospitalization due to cardiovascular and other diseases: a study using data from the UK Biobank
Yong XIANG, Yaning FENG, Jinghong QIU, Ruoyu ZHANG, Hon-Cheong SO
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2.05.2024
Tilføjet 2.05.2024
More than 676 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and >6.8 million fatalities have been reported as of 3-Oct-2023 (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). Despite the rapid development of vaccines, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge due to concerns about adverse effects and exacerbation of existing conditions[1]. Initial reports of fatalities following COVID-19 vaccination raised safety concerns[2], but no direct evidence so far links vaccination to increased mortality risks.
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Changes in well-being among socially isolated older people during the COVID-19 pandemic: An outcome-wide analysis
Claryn S. J. KungAndrew SteptoeaDepartment of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
41
Correction for Howard et al., An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
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Correlates of protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated children
Youjia Zhong, Alicia Y. H. Kang, Carina J. X. Tay, Hui’ En Li, Nurul Elyana, Chee Wah Tan, Wee Chee Yap, Joey M. E. Lim, Nina Le Bert, Kuan Rong Chan, Eugenia Z. Ong, Jenny G. Low, Lynette P. Shek, Elizabeth Huiwen Tham, Eng Eong Ooi
Nature, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
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Favorable Antiviral Effect of Metformin on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Viral Load in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
Abstract Background Metformin has antiviral activity against RNA viruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The mechanism appears to be suppression of protein translation via targeting the host mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway. In the COVID-OUT randomized trial for outpatient coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), metformin reduced the odds of hospitalizations/death through 28 days by 58%, of emergency department visits/hospitalizations/death through 14 days by 42%, and of long COVID through 10 months by 42%.Methods COVID-OUT was a 2 × 3 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that assessed metformin, fluvoxamine, and ivermectin; 999 participants self-collected anterior nasal swabs on day 1 (n = 945), day 5 (n = 871), and day 10 (n = 775). Viral load was quantified using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The mean SARS-CoV-2 viral load was reduced 3.6-fold with metformin relative to placebo (−0.56 log10 copies/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.05 to −.06; P = .027). Those who received metformin were less likely to have a detectable viral load than placebo at day 5 or day 10 (odds ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% CI, .55 to .94). Viral rebound, defined as a higher viral load at day 10 than day 5, was less frequent with metformin (3.28%) than placebo (5.95%; OR, 0.68; 95% CI, .36 to 1.29). The metformin effect was consistent across subgroups and increased over time. Neither ivermectin nor fluvoxamine showed effect over placebo.Conclusions In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial of outpatient treatment of SARS-CoV-2, metformin significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load, which may explain the clinical benefits in this trial. Metformin is pleiotropic with other actions that are relevant to COVID-19 pathophysiology.Clinical Trials Registration NCT04510194.
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Repurposing Revisited: Exploring the Role of Metformin for Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
Approximately 4 years into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, available treatment options for outpatients have a mixed track record. The most notable success is nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, which significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk, unvaccinated outpatients [1]. Yet, nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is not a panacea. Whereas observational studies suggest a similar benefit in high-risk, vaccinated individuals [2, 3], a randomized study in a standard-risk population did not show improvement in either time to resolution of symptoms or the incidence of hospitalization or death [4]. Multiple drug interactions and virologic rebound [5, 6] further complicate its use. While remdesivir and molnupiravir are reasonable alternatives in select populations, they also have weaknesses. Remdesivir must be given intravenously, which is a substantial logistical challenge, and molnupiravir has both questionable efficacy in vaccinated or otherwise immune populations as well as safety concerns. This latter issue is related to the mechanism of action of molnupiravir, which leads to possible mutagenesis, limiting its use in women and men with “pregnancy potential” [7]. Meanwhile, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has developed escape mutants to monoclonal antibodies faster than these intravenous agents can be developed; although one such agent, pemivibart, has recently been made available for prevention of COVID-19 in high-risk groups, none have been available for treatment since the US Food and Drug Administration halted use of bebtelovimab in November 2022 [8]. Several other experimental agents are in development, yet the timeline for their availability is uncertain.
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45
Key determinants to supply chain resilience to face pandemic disruption: An interpretive triple helix framework
Md. Galib An-Noor Amio, Humaira Nafisa Ahmed, Syed Mithun Ali, Sayem Ahmed, Abhijit Majumdar
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
by Md. Galib An-Noor Amio, Humaira Nafisa Ahmed, Syed Mithun Ali, Sayem Ahmed, Abhijit Majumdar Today, supply chain (SC) networks are facing more disruptions compared to the past. While disruptions are rare, they can have catastrophic long-term economic or societal repercussions, and the recovery processes can be lengthy. These can tremendously affect the SC and make it vulnerable, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The identification of these concerns has prompted the demand for improved disruption management by developing resilient, agile, and adaptive SC. The aim of this study is to introduce an assessment framework for prioritizing and evaluating the determinants to supply chain resilience (SCR). To analyze the empirical data, fuzzy criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (fuzzy CRITIC) and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) have been incorporated. Fuzzy CRITIC method was used to identify the critical determinants and fuzzy TOPSIS method was applied for determining relative ranking of some real-world companies. Finally, by developing propositions an interpretive triple helix framework was proposed to achieve SCR. This research stands out for its originality in both methodology and implications. By introducing the novel combination of Fuzzy CRITIC and Fuzzy TOPSIS in the assessment of determinants to SCR and applying these determinants with the help of interpretive triple helix framework to establish a resilient SC, this study offers a unique and valuable contribution to the field of SCR. The key findings suggest that ‘Responsiveness’ followed by ‘Managerial coordination and information integration’ are the most significant determinant to achieve SCR. The outcome of this work can assist the managers to achieve SCR with improved agility and adaptivity.
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46
Integrating molecular and radiological screening tools during community-based active case-finding for tuberculosis and COVID-19 in southern Africa
Alex John Scott, Mohammed Limbada, Tahlia Perumal, Shameem Jaumdally, Andrea Kotze, Charnay van der Merwe, Maina Cheeba, Deborah Milimo, Keelin Murphy, Bram van Ginneken, Mariana de Kock, Robin Mark Warren, Phindile Gina, Jeremi Swanepoel, Louié Kühn, Suzette Oelofse, Anil Pooran, Aliasgar Esmail, Helen Ayles, Keertan Dheda
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
To evaluate diagnostic yield and feasibility of integrating testing for TB and COVID-19 using molecular and radiological screening tools during community-based active case-finding (ACF).
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47
Correction: SARS-CoV-2 journey: from alpha variant to omicron and its sub-variants
Infection, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
48
Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of secondary infections among hospitalised patients with COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 conditions in Victoria, 2020-2023
Hugh C Murray, Michael Muleme, Darcie Cooper, Bridgette J McNamara, Mohammad A Hussain, Caroline Bartolo, Daniel P O'Brien, Eugene Athan
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a high burden of disease worldwide and was a major challenge for healthcare service delivery. The strain on health services and other associated healthcare risks observed during the COVID-19 pandemic provide great learnings for managing COVID-19 in its current endemic phase as well as for other similar respiratory conditions [1]. Secondary infections during COVID-19 have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic and are also a feature of other respiratory infections [2].
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49
Informed consent and trial prioritization for clinical studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholder experiences and viewpoints
Stefanie Weigold, Susanne Gabriele Schorr, Alice Faust, Lena Woydack, Daniel Strech
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
by Stefanie Weigold, Susanne Gabriele Schorr, Alice Faust, Lena Woydack, Daniel Strech Background Very little is known about the practice-oriented challenges and potential response strategies for effective and efficient translation of informed consent and study prioritization in times of a pandemic. This stakeholder interview study aimed to identify the full spectrum of challenges and potential response strategies for informed consent and study prioritization in a pandemic setting. Methods We performed semi-structured interviews with German stakeholders involved in clinical research during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continued sampling and thematic text analysis of interview transcripts until thematic saturation of challenges and potential response strategies was reached. Results We conducted 21 interviews with investigators, oversight bodies, funders and research support units. For the first topic informed consent we identified three main themes: consent challenges, impact of consent challenges on clinical research, and potential strategies for consent challenges. For the second topic prioritization of clinical studies, we identified two main themes: perceived benefit of prioritization and potential strategies for prioritization. All main themes are further specified with subthemes. A supplementary table provides original quotes from the interviews for all subthemes. Discussion Potential response strategies for challenges with informed consent and study prioritization partly share common ground. High quality procedures for study prioritization, for example, seem to be a core response strategy in dealing with informed consent challenges. Especially in a research environment with particularly high uncertainty regarding potential treatment effects and further limitations for valid informed consent should the selection of clinical trials be very well justified from a scientific, medical, and ethics viewpoint.
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50
Pregnancy outcomes before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A retrospective cohort study
Obed Duah Kwaku Asumadu, Michael Boah, Dennis Chirawurah, Joyce Aputere Ndago, Vida Nyagre Yakong, David Abatanie Kanligi, Martin Nyaaba Adokiya
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
by Obed Duah Kwaku Asumadu, Michael Boah, Dennis Chirawurah, Joyce Aputere Ndago, Vida Nyagre Yakong, David Abatanie Kanligi, Martin Nyaaba Adokiya Background The COVID-19 pandemic affected expectant mothers seeking maternal health services in most developing countries. Access and utilization of maternal health services including antenatal care (ANC) attendance and skilled delivery declined drastically resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed pregnancy outcomes before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. Methods/Design A retrospective cohort study design was employed. A random sampling technique was used to select 450 women who delivered before or during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. The respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaire at their homes. In this study, the data collected were socio-demographics characteristics, ANC attendance, before or during pandemic delivery, place of delivery and birth outcomes. Chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression analyses were performed under significant level of 0.05 to determine factors associated with the outcome variables. Result Of the 450 respondents, 51.8% were between 26 and 30 years of age. More than half (52.2%) of the respondents had no formal education and 93.3% were married. The majority (60.4%) of the respondents described their residence as urban setting. About 31.6% of the women delivered before the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced place of delivery. The proportion of women who attended at least one ANC visit (84.5% before vs 70.5% during), and delivered at a hospital (76.8% before vs 72.4% during) were higher before the pandemic. More women were likely to deliver at home during COVID-19 (OR: 2.38, 95%CI: 1.52–3.74, p
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