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Søgeord (covid) valgt.
59 emner vises.
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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFigueroa, 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSugawara, 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedZulauf-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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSorensen, 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical 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 (
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDries 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTrond 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
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHuwen 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMor 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSwaantje 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYuxin 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedRajotiya, 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
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDan-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].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMiao 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnsah, 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical & 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedYong 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClaryn 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
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 18, April 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1.05.2024
Tilføjet 1.05.2024
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 121, Issue 18, April 2024.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedClinical 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMd. 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAlex 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).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHugh 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].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedStefanie 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.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedElhadi H. Aburawi, Linda Östlundh, Hanan E. Aburawi, Rami H. Al Rifai, Akshaya Bhagavathula, Abdelouahab Bellou
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
by Elhadi H. Aburawi, Linda Östlundh, Hanan E. Aburawi, Rami H. Al Rifai, Akshaya Bhagavathula, Abdelouahab Bellou Background Conotruncal congenital heart defects (CTD) are a subset of congenital heart diseases (CHD) that involve structural anomalies of the right, left, or both cardiac outflow tracts. CHD is caused by multifactorial inheritance and changes in the genes or chromosomes. Recently, CHD was found to be due to epigenetic alterations, which are a combination of genetic and other environmental factors. Epigenetics is the study of how a gene’s function changes as a result of environmental and behavioral influences. These causative factors can indirectly cause CHD by altering the DNA through epigenetic modifications. This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to explore whether the strength of association between various epigenetic changes and CTD types varies by race. Furthermore, to determine and compare the changes in gene expression of each mutation. Methods Our protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A comprehensive pre-search has been developed in PubMed and PubMed’s Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The final search will be performed in June 2023 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CIANHL, and PsycInfo, without restrictions on publication years. The Covidence systematic review software will be used for blinded screening and selection. Conflicts will be resolved by a third, independent reviewer. The risk of bias in selected studies will be assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. The data to be extracted will cover basic information on the included studies, study sample size, number of patients with various types of epigenetic changes, number of patients with various CTD types, measures of association and their 95% confidence interval between each epigenetic change and each CTD. The protocol has been registered with the International Prospero Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) [CRD42023377597]. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this protocol outlines the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the epigenetics of CTD. There is a growing body of evidence on epigenetics and its indirect involvement in disease by altering the DNA through epigenetic modifications in the genes associated with the causative factors for CHD. We will conduct a comprehensive and systematic search for literature in the above-mentioned seven core biomedical databases. It is very important to identify population-specific risk factors for CHD, which will have significant creative, custom-made, and effective prevention programs for the future generation.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedObed 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
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNicole Redvers, Sarah Larson, Olivia Rajpathy, Devon Olson
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
by Nicole Redvers, Sarah Larson, Olivia Rajpathy, Devon Olson Background Significant health disparities exist among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), yet AI/ANs are substantially underrepresented within health-related research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Although research has previously charted representation inequities, there is however a gap in the literature documenting best practice for recruitment techniques of AI/ANs into RCTs. Therefore, the aim of this review was to systematically gather and analyze the published literature to identify common strategies for AI/AN participant recruitment for RCTs in the US. Methods A scoping review methodology was engaged with a systematic search operationalized within relevant databases to February 19, 2022, with an additional updated search being carried out up until January 1, 2023: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. A two-stage article review process was engaged with double reviewers using Covidence review software. Content analysis was then carried out within the included articles by two reviewers using NVivo software to identify common categories within the data on the topic area. Results Our review identified forty-one relevant articles with the main categories of recruitment strategies being: 1) recruitment methods for AI/ANs into RCTs (passive advertising recruitment approaches, individual-level recruitment approaches, relational methods of recruitment); 2) recruitment personnel used within RCTs; and, 3) relevant recruitment setting. The majority of the included studies used a culturally relevant intervention, as well as a community-involved approach to operationalizing the research. Conclusion Increasing AI/AN representation in RCTs is essential for generating evidence-based interventions that effectively address health disparities and improve health outcomes. Researchers and funding agencies should prioritize the engagement, inclusion, and leadership of AI/AN communities throughout the RCT research process. This includes early community involvement in study design, implementation of culturally tailored recruitment strategies, and dissemination of research findings in formats accessible to AI/AN communities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTakayuki Yamaji, Takahiro Harada, Yu Hashimoto, Yukiko Nakano, Masato Kajikawa, Kenichi Yoshimura, Chikara Goto, Yiming Han, Aya Mizobuchi, Farina Mohamad Yusoff, Shinji Kishimoto, Tatsuya Maruhashi, Ayumu Nakashima, Yukihito Higashi
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
by Takayuki Yamaji, Takahiro Harada, Yu Hashimoto, Yukiko Nakano, Masato Kajikawa, Kenichi Yoshimura, Chikara Goto, Yiming Han, Aya Mizobuchi, Farina Mohamad Yusoff, Shinji Kishimoto, Tatsuya Maruhashi, Ayumu Nakashima, Yukihito Higashi The effects of Covid-19 vaccines on vascular function are still controversial. We evaluated the effects of BNT162b2 vaccine (BioNTech and Pfizer) on endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and vascular smooth muscle function assessed by nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (NID). This study was a prospective observational study. A total of 23 medical staff at Hiroshima University Hospital were enrolled in this study. FMD and NID were measured before vaccination and two weeks and six months after the 2nd dose of vaccination. FMD was significantly smaller two weeks after the 2nd dose of vaccination than before vaccination (6.5±2.4% and 8.2±2.6%, p = 0.03). FMD was significantly larger at six months than at two weeks after the 2nd dose of vaccination (8.2±3.0% and 6.5±2.4%, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between FMD before vaccination and that at six months after the 2nd dose of vaccination (8.2±2.6% to 8.2±3.0%, p = 0.96). NID values were similar before vaccination and at two weeks, and six months after vaccination (p = 0.89). The BNT162b2 Covid-19 vaccine temporally impaired endothelial function but not vascular smooth muscle function, and the impaired endothelial function returned to the baseline level within six months after vaccination.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPramitha Esha Nirmala Dewi, Montaya Sunantiwat, Montarat Thavorncharoensap, Sitaporn Youngkong, Surakit Nathisuwan, Bangunawati Rahajeng
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
by Pramitha Esha Nirmala Dewi, Montaya Sunantiwat, Montarat Thavorncharoensap, Sitaporn Youngkong, Surakit Nathisuwan, Bangunawati Rahajeng Delay in treatment seeking is recognized as a major contributor for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) mortality in Indonesia. Despite the significance of timely treatment, decline in admission and delay in presentation of patients with ACS were consistently reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. These suggested that treatment seeking performance of patients during the pandemic might be different from the previous period. This qualitative study aimed to explore treatment seeking behaviour, barriers in seeking medical treatment, and experiences of patients with ACS in Yogyakarta, Indonesia during COVID-19 pandemic. In depth-interviews were carried out with 30 patients, who were hospitalized with ACS at one of the three selected hospitals in Yogyakarta during the pandemic period. Thematic analysis was performed to create vital explanations for treatment seeking practices of patients with ACS during pandemic. Three significant themes were identified: treatment seeking decisions, barriers in seeking medical treatment during COVID-19, and experiencing both good and bad impression from entering and staying in the hospital. The intensity of ACS symptoms and fear of COVID-19 infection dominated the delay in seeking medical treatment. Strict safety measures, religious belief, and fear of ACS helped patients overcome barriers and seek medical treatment during pandemic. ACS patients also had convenient medical care during the pandemic and believed medical staff would provide excellent care to them. However, visit restriction policy could cause psychological discomfort. Increase awareness of ACS symptoms and the risk of delays ACS treatment are essential to support patients’ decisions to seek medical helps in a timely manner at any situations including pandemic. Interventions aim at alleviating psychological distress should also be designed and implemented to improve treatment experiences of ACS patients, who sought medical treatment during the pandemic crisis.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedFengge Wang, Yidan Gao, Abram L. Wagner, Yihan Lu
Journal of Medical Virology, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
Naira Dekhil, Helmi Mardassi
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is caused by TB bacteria that are resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most potent TB drugs. This form of TB infection remains a major public health concern globally, which has been exacerbated by the HIV epidemic. The recent advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has further severely complicated the situation, by disrupting healthcare systems. Indeed, the burden of MDR-TB increased by 3% between 2020 and 2021, with 450 000 new cases of rifampicin-resistant TB in 2021, thus hampering the global TB control efforts [1].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHend AlqedariKhaled AltabtbaeiJosh L EspinozaSaadoun Bin-HasanMohammad AlghounaimAbdullah AlawadyAbdullah AltabtabaeSarah AlJamaanSriraman DevarajanTahreer AlShammariMohammed Ben EidMichele MatsuokaHyesun JangChristopher L DupontMarcelo Freire, Bruce Levine
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Immunology and Inflammation, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
Xiaolong Yan, Xin Zhao, Yin Du, Hao Wang, Li Liu, Qi Wang, Jianhua Liu, Sheng Wei
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound implications for global public health. As of March 17, 2023, there have been a staggering 774.9 million confirmed cases and 7.0 million deaths around the world [1]. Following the relaxing of the strict control strategy for COVID-19 in China in December 2022, the number of infections has grown rapidly [2]. Although the World Health Organization declared an end to the pandemic emergency on May 5, 2023 [3], localized endemic remains a possibility in the future due to the waning of vaccine-induced and infection-acquired immunity, and ongoing viral mutations [4].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedM.L. Martinez-Fierro, A. Perez-Favila, S.M. Zorrilla Alfaro, S.A. Oropeza-de Lara, I. Garza-Veloz, L.S. Hernandez-Marquez, E.F. Gutierrez-Vela, I. Delgado-Enciso, I.P. Rodriguez-Sanchez
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
To analyze the gene variants of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and determine their association with the severity and outcome of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPadhani, Z. A., Rahman, A. R., Lakhani, S., Yasin, R., Khan, M. H., Mirani, M., Jamali, M., Ali Khan, Z., Khatoon, S., Partab, R., ul Haq, A., Kampalath, V., Hosseinalipour, S.-M., Blanchet, K., Das, J. K.
BMJ Open, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
ObjectiveMigrants and refugees are at a disadvantage in accessing basic necessities. The objective of this study is to assess the inequity in access, needs and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination among refugees and migrant populations in Pakistan. DesignWe conducted a mixed-method study comprising a cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study. In this paper, we will only report the findings from the cross-sectional survey. SettingThis survey was conducted in different cities of Pakistan including Quetta, Karachi and Hyderabad. ParticipantsA total of 570 participants were surveyed including refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations. Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome of the study was to estimate the proportion of refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations vaccinated against COVID-19 and assess the inequity. The 2 test and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine the significant differences in proportions between refugees and migrants and between regions. ResultsThe survey showed that only 26.9% of the refugee and migrant population were tested for COVID-19, 4.56% contracted coronavirus, and 3.85% were hospitalised due to COVID-19. About 66% of the refugees and migrants were fully vaccinated including those who received the single-dose vaccine or received all two doses, and 17.6% were partially vaccinated. Despite vaccination campaigns by the government, 14.4% of the refugee and migrant population remained unvaccinated mostly because of vaccines not being offered, distant vaccination sites, limited access, unavailability of COVID-19 vaccine or due to a difficult registration process. Vaccination rates varied across provinces, genders and migrant populations due to misconceptions, and several social, cultural and geographical barriers. ConclusionThis study highlights the COVID-19 vaccine coverage, access and inequity faced by refugees and migrants during the pandemic. It suggests early prioritisation of policies inclusive of all refugees and migrants and the provision of identification documents to ease access to basic necessities.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
Abstract Quantifying the potential spatial spread of an infectious pathogen is key to defining effective containment and control strategies. The aim of this study is to estimate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission at different distances in Italy before the first regional lockdown was imposed, identifying important sources of national spreading. To do this, we leverage on a probabilistic model applied to daily symptomatic cases retrospectively ascertained in each Italian municipality with symptom onset between January 28 and March 7, 2020. Results are validated using a multi-patch dynamic transmission model reproducing the spatiotemporal distribution of identified cases. Our results show that the contribution of short-distance ( (le 10 km)) transmission increased from less than 40% in the last week of January to more than 80% in the first week of March 2020. On March 7, 2020, that is the day before the first regional lockdown was imposed, more than 200 local transmission foci were contributing to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy. At the time, isolation measures imposed only on municipalities with at least ten ascertained cases would have left uncontrolled more than 75% of spillover transmission from the already affected municipalities. In early March, national-wide restrictions were required to curb short-distance transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJeffrey V. Lazarus, Trenton M. White, Katarzyna Wyka, Scott C. Ratzan, Kenneth Rabin, Heidi J. Larson, Federico Martinon-Torres, Ernest Kuchar, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Tamara Giles-Vernick, Selina Müller, Carolina Batista, Nellie Myburgh, Beate Kampmann, Ayman El-Mohandes
Nature, 30.04.2024
Tilføjet 30.04.2024
Zerin Jannat, Hemel Das, Md. Wazed Ali, Tasnuva Wahed, Md. Nurul Alam, Md. Jasim Uddin
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.04.2024
Tilføjet 29.04.2024
by Zerin Jannat, Hemel Das, Md. Wazed Ali, Tasnuva Wahed, Md. Nurul Alam, Md. Jasim Uddin Background Vaccination has been an indispensable step in controlling the coronavirus disease pandemic. In early 2021, Bangladesh launched a mass vaccination campaign to boost the COVID-19 vaccination rate when doses were available and immunized millions in the country. Although deemed a success, disparities became conspicuous in vaccination coverage across population of different socioeconomic background. Methods The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the vaccination coverage for three doses and detect disparities in uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among rural population of hard-to-reach areas and urban individuals belonging to the high-risk group -defined in our study as individuals from elusive population such as floating population/street dwellers, transgender, addicts and disabled population. We conducted household survey (n = 12,298) and survey with high risk group of people (2,520). The collected primary data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. Results Our findings show that coverage for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination was high among respondents from both rural Hard-to-reach (HTR) (92.9%) and non-HTR (94.6%) areas. However, the coverage for subsequent doses was observed to reduce significantly, especially for third dose (52.2% and 56.4% for HTR and non-HTR, respectively). Conclusion Vaccination coverage among urbanites of high-risk group was found to be critically low. Vaccine hesitancy was also found to be high among individuals of this group. It is essential that the individuals of urban high-risk group be prioritized. Individuals from this group could be provided incentives (transport for disabled, monetary incentive to transgenders; food and medicine for drug user and floating people) and vaccination centers could be established with flexible schedule (morning/afternoon/evening sessions) so that they receive vaccine at their convenient time. Community engagement can be used for both high-risk group and rural population to enhance the COVID-19 vaccination coverage and lower disparities in uptake of the vaccine doses nationwide.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPavla Vrabcová, Petr Scholz, Ivica Linderová, Hana Kotoučková
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.04.2024
Tilføjet 29.04.2024
by Pavla Vrabcová, Petr Scholz, Ivica Linderová, Hana Kotoučková The economic recovery of the tourism industry after the Covid-19 pandemic to find modern and efficient trends to increase profitability is accompanied by the adoption of comprehensive accommodation approaches towards resilience and environmental sustainability. The research aims at the application of environmental management elements and measures in all types of accommodation facilities in the Czech Republic (n1 = 1,016). A qualitative focus group method complemented the quantitative research using correspondence analysis, Levene’s, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey’s HSD tests (n2 = 9 + moderator). The results indicate that the differences in the number of environmental measures implemented were minimal for the monitored hotels and guesthouses. On the other hand, the star rating of accommodation facilities is not a key parameter in the environmental impact assessment. The most used environmental measures were devices reducing electricity consumption (hotels 94%, guesthouses 94%), separating waste (hotels 88%, guesthouses 89%), and water consumption reduction (hotels 85%, guesthouses 86%). At the same time, the most minor used were measures reducing chemical consumption (hotels 23%, guesthouses 22%) communication and environmental education of employees and guests (hotels 32%, guesthouses 18%).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of the American Medical Association, 29.04.2024
Tilføjet 29.04.2024
Deaths associated with excessive alcohol use have been rising over the past 20 years. But during 2020-2021 they went up dramatically—from an average of about 138 000 deaths during 2016-2017 to more than 178 000 deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The change represents a 29% increase in lives lost, according to results published in the MMWR.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSiyue JiaZundong YinHongxing PanFuzhen WangXiaoqiang LiuQing WangLi ZhangJihai TangHao YangJiangbo DuZhiguo WangPengfei JinZhihang PengRong TangGuodong KangXuewen WangSimin LiWeixiao WangJingxin LiHongbing ShenFengcai Zhua NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, People’s Republic of Chinab National Vaccine Innovation Platform and Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of Chinac China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of Chinad Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, People’s Republic of Chinae Chongqing Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, People’s Republic of Chinaf Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of Chinag Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, People’s Republic of Chinah Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, People’s Republic of Chinai School of Public Health, Southeast University; Nanjing, People’s Republic of Chinaj Canming Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Emerg Microbes Infect, 29.04.2024
Tilføjet 29.04.2024
BMC Infectious Diseases, 27.04.2024
Tilføjet 27.04.2024
Abstract Introduction Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are an important public health threat, with costly operational and economic consequences for NHS Integrated Care Systems and NHS Trusts. UK Health Security Agency guidelines recommend that Trusts use locally developed risk assessments to accurately identify high-risk individuals for screening, and implement the most appropriate method of testing, but this presents many challenges. Methods A convenience sample of cross-specialty experts from across England met to discuss the barriers and practical solutions to implementing UK Health Security Agency framework into operational and clinical workflows. The group derived responses to six key questions that are frequently asked about screening for CPE. Key findings Four patient groups were identified for CPE screening: high-risk unplanned admissions, high-risk elective admissions, patients in high-risk units, and known positive contacts. Rapid molecular testing is a preferred screening method for some of these settings, offering faster turnaround times and more accurate results than culture-based testing. It is important to stimulate action now, as several lessons can be learnt from screening during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as from CPE outbreaks. Conclusion Further decisive and instructive information is needed to establish CPE screening protocols based on local epidemiology and risk factors. Local management should continually evaluate local epidemiology, analysing data and undertaking frequent prevalence studies to understand risks, and prepare resources– such as upscaled screening– to prevent increasing prevalence, clusters or outbreaks. Rapid molecular-based methods will be a crucial part of these considerations, as they can reduce unnecessary isolation and opportunity costs.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLoraine Ledón-Llanes, Irazú Contreras-Yáñez, Guillermo Arturo Guaracha-Basáñez, Salvador Saúl Valverde-Hernández, Maximiliano Cuevas-Montoya, Ana Belén Ortiz-Haro, Virginia Pascual-Ramos
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 27.04.2024
Tilføjet 27.04.2024
by Loraine Ledón-Llanes, Irazú Contreras-Yáñez, Guillermo Arturo Guaracha-Basáñez, Salvador Saúl Valverde-Hernández, Maximiliano Cuevas-Montoya, Ana Belén Ortiz-Haro, Virginia Pascual-Ramos Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent rheumatic diseases that harms all aspects of patients’ lives, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), often neglected in patients’ care. The study aimed to explore the sexual and reproductive experiences of Mexican outpatients with RA from a narrative perspective. Patients and methods From July 2020 to October 2021, 30 adult patients with RA from the Department of Immunology and Rheumatology outpatient clinic of a national referral center for rheumatic diseases had in-depth interviews audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results are presented in a descriptive and interpretative manner and integrated into a theoretical model for the topic understanding. Results Five intertwined major themes emerged: I) RA onset: Absence of SRH contents, II) Healthcare for RA: Emerging SRH contents, III) RA’s impact: Proliferation of SRH contents, IV) Coping with the process of living with RA: SRH-related strategies, and V) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients’ experiences: Increased SRH burden. SRH contents emerged through these major themes (but at RA onset), mostly when inquired and mainly when narrating the RA impact and coping. Patients identified that RA affected their couple dynamics, sexual function, and reproductive project. The SRH care was considered relevant but limited and focused on reproductive contents. It worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. We proposed a theoretical model where patients’ SRH experiences are embedded across their RA biography and integrated with the RA impact and the copy with the disease process. These intertwined experiences were also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged participants’ biopsychosocial resources. Conclusions The sexual and reproductive experiences narrated by the RA outpatients concerning their disease-related biography showed that even when the SRH appeared as not prioritized at the disease onset, it was widely expressed during the process of living and coping with the disease and was additionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSchöbi, N., Sanchez, C., Welzel, T., Bamford, A., Webb, K., Rojo, P., Tremoulet, A., Atkinson, A., Schlapbach, L. J., Bielicki, J. A., The Swissped-RECOVERY trial group, Andre, Bailey, Blanchard-Rohner, Buettcher, Grazioli, Koehler, Perez, Trück, Vanoni, Zimmermann
BMJ Open, 26.04.2024
Tilføjet 26.04.2024
ObjectivesIn trials of acute severe infections or inflammations frequent administration of non-randomised treatment (ie, intercurrent event) in response to clinical events is expected. These events may affect the interpretation of trial findings. Swissped-RECOVERY was set up as one of the first randomised controlled trials worldwide, investigating the comparative effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone or intravenous immunoglobulins in children and adolescents with Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS). We present one approach towards improving the interpretation of non-randomised treatment in a randomised controlled trial. DesignThis is a pre-planned ancillary analysis of the Swissped-RECOVERY trial, a randomised multicentre open-label two-arm trial. Setting10 Swiss paediatric hospitals (secondary and tertiary care) participated. ParticipantsPaediatric patients hospitalised with PIMS-TS. InterventionsAll patient-first intercurrent events, if applicable, were presented to an independent adjudication committee consisting of four international paediatric COVID-19 experts to provide independent clinical adjudication to a set of standardised questions relating to whether additional non-randomised treatments were clinically indicated and disease classification at the time of the intercurrent event. ResultsOf 41 treatments in 75 participants (24/41 (59%) and 17/41 (41%) in the intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin arms of the trial, respectively), two-thirds were considered indicated. The most common treatment (oral glucocorticoids, 14/41, 35%) was mostly considered not indicated (11/14, 79%), although in line with local guidelines. Intercurrent events among patients with Shock-like PIMS-TS at baseline were mostly considered indicated. A significant proportion of patients with undifferentiated PIMS-TS at baseline were not attributed to the same group at the time of the intercurrent event (6/12 unchanged, 4/12 Kawasaki disease-like, 2/12 Shock-like). ConclusionThe masked adjudication of intercurrent events contributes to the interpretation of results in open-label trials and should be incorporated in the future. Trial registration numbersSNCTP000004720 and NCT 04826588.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAmbrosio, L., Faulkner, J., Morris, J. H., Stuart, B., Lambrick, D., Compton, E., Portillo, M. C.
BMJ Open, 26.04.2024
Tilføjet 26.04.2024
ObjectiveTo understand the physical activity and mental health of individuals living with long-term conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA sequential explanatory mixed-methods study with two phases: phase 1: quantitative survey and phase 2: qualitative follow-up interviews. SettingFor the quantitative phase, an online survey was launched in March 2021, using Microsoft Forms. For the qualitative phase, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted via online. Participants368 adults over 18 years old living in the UK with at least one long-term condition completed the survey. Interviews were conducted in a subsample of participants from the previous quantitative phase, with 26 people. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsResponses from the survey showed that people with one long-term condition were significantly more physically active and spent less time sitting, than those with two or more conditions, presenting with significantly higher well-being (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLyle G. Best, Esther Erdei, Karin Haack, Jack W. Kent Jr., Kimberly M. Malloy, Deborah E. Newman, Marcia O’Leary, Rae A. O’Leary, Quan Sun, Ana Navas-Acien, Nora Franceschini, Shelley A. Cole
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 26.04.2024
Tilføjet 26.04.2024
by Lyle G. Best, Esther Erdei, Karin Haack, Jack W. Kent Jr., Kimberly M. Malloy, Deborah E. Newman, Marcia O’Leary, Rae A. O’Leary, Quan Sun, Ana Navas-Acien, Nora Franceschini, Shelley A. Cole Background Although COVID-19 infection has been associated with a number of clinical and environmental risk factors, host genetic variation has also been associated with the incidence and morbidity of infection. The CRP gene codes for a critical component of the innate immune system and CRP variants have been reported associated with infectious disease and vaccination outcomes. We investigated possible associations between COVID-19 outcome and a limited number of candidate gene variants including rs1205. Methodology/Principal findings The Strong Heart and Strong Heart Family studies have accumulated detailed genetic, cardiovascular risk and event data in geographically dispersed American Indian communities since 1988. Genotypic data and 91 COVID-19 adjudicated deaths or hospitalizations from 2/1/20 through 3/1/23 were identified among 3,780 participants in two subsets. Among 21 candidate variants including genes in the interferon response pathway, APOE, TMPRSS2, TLR3, the HLA complex and the ABO blood group, only rs1205, a 3’ untranslated region variant in the CRP gene, showed nominally significant association in T-dominant model analyses (odds ratio 1.859, 95%CI 1.001–3.453, p = 0.049) after adjustment for age, sex, center, body mass index, and a history of cardiovascular disease. Within the younger subset, association with the rs1205 T-Dom genotype was stronger, both in the same adjusted logistic model and in the SOLAR analysis also adjusting for other genetic relatedness. Conclusion A T-dominant genotype of rs1205 in the CRP gene is associated with COVID-19 death or hospitalization, even after adjustment for relevant clinical factors and potential participant relatedness. Additional study of other populations and genetic variants of this gene are warranted.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMed