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Souza JS, Giglio BM, Lobo PCB, Araújo VA, Pimentel GD. Weak association between urea-creatinine ratio and c-reactive protein with nutritional risk in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 63:676-680. [PMID: 39089653 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.07.1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a systemic infection with a significant impact on nutrition risk and the hematopoietic system. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may have prognostic value in determining severe cases of COVID-19 and the urea-creatinine ratio (UCR) is currently being studied as a potential biomarker of catabolism associated with critical illness. The aim was to assess the association between the NLR, UCR and C-reactive protein (CRP) with nutritional risk in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that assessed 589 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 18 years of age or older, of both sexes. Nutritional risk was assessed by Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS, 2002) and NLR by neutrophils divided by lymphocyte count. The UCR was calculated by the ratio between urea and creatinine and quantified by the calorimetric biochemical method and CRP by the immunoturbidimetric method. Differences between groups were applied by the Mann-Whitney U test and the automated binary regression test. RESULTS Of the 589 patients, 87.4% were at nutritional risk. When evaluating patients admitted to the ICU, 91.9% were at nutritional risk. Patients with NRS ≥3 are older, with lower body mass and BMI, higher NLR and UCR and lower CRP values. However, 73% of patients admitted to the ward were at nutritional risk, and only age differed between groups, being higher in patients with NRS ≥3. Logistic regression showed a weak association between nutritional risk in NRS and UCR (Model 1) (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.99, p = 0.003) and NRS with CRP (Model 1) (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.02, p < 0.001) in patients in the ICU. On the other hand, the logistic regression in ward patients found association only for CRP in both models (Model 1, OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, p = 0.041) and (Model 2, OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION We found a weak association between nutritional risk and UCR and CRP levels in patients admitted to the ICU, while in the ward patients the nutritional risk also had weak association with CRP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna M Giglio
- Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa A Araújo
- Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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Somi MH, Faghih Dinevari M, Taghizadieh A, Varshochi M, Sadeghi Majd E, Abbasian S, Nikniaz Z. Effect of vitamin A supplementation on the outcome severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Nutr Health 2024; 30:549-554. [PMID: 36205099 PMCID: PMC9548486 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221129144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitamin A is one of the vitamins that is suggested as adjuvant therapy in viral infections due to its immune enhancing role. In the present clinical trial, we intended to assess the effect of vitamin A supplementation on Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients. METHODS The present pilot randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 30 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients in the intervention group received 50000 IU/day intramuscular vitamin A for a maximum of two weeks. Patients in the control group continued their common treatment protocols. All participants were followed up until discharge from the hospital or death. The primary outcome of the study was time to achieve clinical response based on the six classes of an ordinal scale. Time to clinical response was calculated based on the days needed to improve two scores on the scale or patient's discharge. RESULTS The time to clinical response was not significantly different between the two groups (7.23 ± 2.14 vs. 6.75 ± 1.85 days, respectively, p = 0.48). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding clinical response (hazard ratio: 1.76 [95% CI: 0.73, 4.26]). There were no significant differences between groups regarding the need for mechanical ventilation, duration of hospitalization, or death in the hospital. CONCLUSION The results of this pilot clinical trial showed no benefit of vitamin A compared with the common treatment on outcome severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Although the results are negative, there is still a great need for future clinical studies to provide a higher level of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Somi
- Gastroenterologist, Liver and
gastrointestinal diseases research center, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masood Faghih Dinevari
- Gastroenterologist, Liver and
gastrointestinal diseases research center, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Taghizadieh
- Pulmonologist, Tuberculosis and Lung
Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Varshochi
- Infectious disease specialist,
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Sadeghi Majd
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abbasian
- Internist, Liver and gastrointestinal
diseases research center, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Nikniaz
- Gastroenterologist, Liver and
gastrointestinal diseases research center, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Miranda PIG, Silva Júnior FJGD, Sales JCES, Parente ADCM, Costa APC, Monteiro CFDS. COVID-19 pandemic and suicidal behavior in adults: systematic review of observational studies. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2024; 45:e20230195. [PMID: 39166603 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2024.20230195.en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the scientific evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behavior in adults. METHOD Systematic review, conducted from June to October 2022, in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The selection, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality were carried out using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies tool. Considering that most of the studies evaluated had significant methodological differences, it was decided to carry out a qualitative synthesis of the data. RESULTS A total of 2112 articles were found, from which eight articles were selected that analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behavior in adults. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the suicidal behavior in adults worldwide, especially when related to race, gender, age, religion, socioeconomic, family and legal issues, and pre-existing mental disorders, leading to a greater propensity for suicidal act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Ingrid Gomes Miranda
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Escola de Enfermagem Anna Nery. Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Paula Cardoso Costa
- Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Teresina, Piauí, Brasil
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4
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Maqbool M, Hussain MS, Shaikh NK, Sultana A, Bisht AS, Agrawal M. Noncoding RNAs in the COVID-19 Saga: An Untold Story. Viral Immunol 2024; 37:269-286. [PMID: 38968365 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2024.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mudasir Maqbool
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Md Sadique Hussain
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Nusrat K Shaikh
- Department of Quality Assurance, Smt. N. M. Padalia Pharmacy College, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Ayesha Sultana
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India
| | - Ajay Singh Bisht
- Shri Guru Ram Rai University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dehradun, India
| | - Mohit Agrawal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical & Allied Sciences, K. R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, India
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Dos Santos L, Silva LL, Pelloso FC, Maia V, Pujals C, Borghesan DH, Carvalho MD, Pedroso RB, Pelloso SM. Use of machine learning to identify protective factors for death from COVID-19 in the ICU: a retrospective study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17428. [PMID: 38881861 PMCID: PMC11179634 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patients in serious condition due to COVID-19 often require special care in intensive care units (ICUs). This disease has affected over 758 million people and resulted in 6.8 million deaths worldwide. Additionally, the progression of the disease may vary from individual to individual, that is, it is essential to identify the clinical parameters that indicate a good prognosis for the patient. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been used for analyzing complex medical data and identifying prognostic indicators. However, there is still an urgent need for a model to elucidate the predictors related to patient outcomes. Therefore, this research aimed to verify, through ML, the variables involved in the discharge of patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19. Methods In this study, 126 variables were collected with information on demography, hospital length stay and outcome, chronic diseases and tumors, comorbidities and risk factors, complications and adverse events, health care, and vital indicators of patients admitted to an ICU in southern Brazil. These variables were filtered and then selected by a ML algorithm known as decision trees to identify the optimal set of variables for predicting patient discharge using logistic regression. Finally, a confusion matrix was performed to evaluate the model's performance for the selected variables. Results Of the 532 patients evaluated, 180 were discharged: female (16.92%), with a central venous catheter (23.68%), with a bladder catheter (26.13%), and with an average of 8.46- and 23.65-days using bladder catheter and submitted to mechanical ventilation, respectively. In addition, the chances of discharge increase by 14% for each additional day in the hospital, by 136% for female patients, 716% when there is no bladder catheter, and 737% when no central venous catheter is used. However, the chances of discharge decrease by 3% for each additional year of age and by 9% for each other day of mechanical ventilation. The performance of the training data presented a balanced accuracy of 0.81, sensitivity of 0.74, specificity of 0.88, and the kappa value was 0.64. The test performance had a balanced accuracy of 0.85, sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.95, and kappa value of 0.73. The McNemar test found that there were no significant differences in the error rates in the training and test data, suggesting good classification. This work showed that female, the absence of a central venous catheter and bladder catheter, shorter mechanical ventilation, and bladder catheter duration were associated with a greater chance of hospital discharge. These results may help develop measures that lead to a good prognosis for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lander Dos Santos
- State University of Maringá, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lincoln Luis Silva
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Constanza Pujals
- State University of Maringá, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Dalva Carvalho
- State University of Maringá, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Bocchi Pedroso
- State University of Maringá, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Sandra Marisa Pelloso
- State University of Maringá, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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Rafati A, Jameie M, Amanollahi M, Pasebani Y, Jameie M, Kabiri A, Montazeri Namin S, Sakhaei D, Feizollahi F, Pasebani MY, Mohebbi H, Ilkhani S, Azadi M, Rahimlou M, Kwon CS. Association of New-Onset Seizures With SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Neurol 2024; 81:611-618. [PMID: 38683573 PMCID: PMC11059047 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.0967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Importance Seizures have been reported as an adverse effect of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, no study has answered the question of whether there is any association between seizures in the general population and COVID-19 vaccination. Objective To evaluate the seizure incidence among SARS-CoV-2 vaccine recipients compared with those who received a placebo. Data Sources A systematic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, review publications, editorials, letters to editors, and conference papers, along with the references of the included studies from December 2019 to July 7, 2023. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting seizure incidence with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis This study is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework and used the Mantel-Haenszel method with random- and common-effect models. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane assessment tool for RCTs. Main Outcomes and Measures The outcome of interest was new-onset seizure incidence proportion compared among (1) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine recipients and (2) placebo recipients. Results Six RCTs were included in the study. Results of the pooled analysis comparing the incidence of new-onset seizure between the 63 521 vaccine and 54 919 placebo recipients in the 28-day follow-up after vaccine/placebo injection showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (9 events [0.014%] in vaccine and 1 event [0.002%] in placebo recipients; odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% CI, 0.76-9.57; P = .12; I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0, Cochran Q P = .74). Likewise, in the entire blinded-phase period after injection, with a median of more than 43 days, no significant difference was identified between the vaccine and placebo groups regarding incident new-onset seizure (13/43 724 events [0.03%] in vaccine and 5/40 612 [0.012%] in placebo recipients; OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 0.86-6.23, P = .10, I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0, Cochran Q P = .95). Conclusions and Relevance According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of new-onset seizure incidence between vaccinated individuals and placebo recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rafati
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Jameie
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Amanollahi
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Pasebani
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mana Jameie
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Kabiri
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Montazeri Namin
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delaram Sakhaei
- School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Fateme Feizollahi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Saba Ilkhani
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Mehran Rahimlou
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Churl-Su Kwon
- Departments of Neurology, Epidemiology, Neurosurgery and the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Lloyd SL, Foy CG, Caban-Holt A, Gwathmey T, Williams KL, Starks TD, Mathews A, Vines AI, Richmond A, Byrd GS. Assessing the Role of Trust in Public Health Agencies and COVID-19 Vaccination Status Among a Community Sample of African Americans in North Carolina. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1730-1740. [PMID: 37273163 PMCID: PMC10241131 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mistrust of the government and medical establishments are prominent reasons for vaccine hesitancy among African Americans (AAs). As COVID-19 research evolves in real time with some uncertainties remaining, AA communities may be less trusting of public health agencies. The purpose of these analyses was to assess the association between trust in public health agencies that recommend the COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination status among AAs in North Carolina. METHODS A 75-item cross-sectional survey, the Triad Pastors Network COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccination survey, was developed and administered to African Americans in North Carolina. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between levels of trust in public health agencies who recommend the COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 vaccination status among AAs. RESULTS Of the 1157 AAs included in these analyses, approximately 14% of AAs had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings indicated that lower levels of trust in public health agencies significantly decreased the odds of getting the COVID-19 vaccination compared to those with higher levels of trust among AAs. The most trusted source for information on COVID-19 included federal agencies among all respondents. Among the vaccinated, primary care physicians were another trusted source of information. Pastors were another trusted source for those willing to be vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS Despite the majority of the respondents in this sample receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, subgroups of AAs remain unvaccinated. Federal agencies have a high level of trust among AA adults; however, innovative approaches are needed to reach AAs who remain unvaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawnta L Lloyd
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 525 Vine Street, Suite # 150, Winston Salem, NC, 27102, USA.
| | - Capri G Foy
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 525 Vine Street, Suite # 150, Winston Salem, NC, 27102, USA
| | - Allison Caban-Holt
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 525 Vine Street, Suite # 150, Winston Salem, NC, 27102, USA
| | - TanYa Gwathmey
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 525 Vine Street, Suite # 150, Winston Salem, NC, 27102, USA
| | - Kelvin Lamonte Williams
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 525 Vine Street, Suite # 150, Winston Salem, NC, 27102, USA
| | - Takiyah D Starks
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 525 Vine Street, Suite # 150, Winston Salem, NC, 27102, USA
| | - Allison Mathews
- COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, Winston Salem, NC, 27109, USA
| | - Anissa I Vines
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Alan Richmond
- Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, Raleigh, NC, 27605, USA
| | - Goldie S Byrd
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 525 Vine Street, Suite # 150, Winston Salem, NC, 27102, USA
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Liu L, Wang C, Xie S, Su L, Wang C. Effect of Nasal Irrigation in Children With Omicron Variant of COVID-19 Infection. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2024; 103:54S-59S. [PMID: 37329222 PMCID: PMC10290932 DOI: 10.1177/01455613231172337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effect of nasal irrigation on the disappearance of symptoms and nucleic acid conversion in children with Omicron variant. Methods: This quasi-experimental study included children diagnosed with asymptomatic, mild, and moderate Omicron variant infection during the isolation observation period in the Shandong Public Health Clinical Center between April 1, 2022 and May 1, 2022. The children were divided into a routine group (received Lianhua Qingwen (LhQw) Granules), isotonic saline group (received LhQw Granules combined with isotonic saline nasal irrigation), and hypertonic saline group (received LhQw Granules combined with 3% hypertonic saline nasal irrigation), respectively. The primary outcomes were the time of symptom disappearance and nucleic acid conversion time. The secondary outcomes were peripheral white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (LYM), neutrophil count (NEU), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Results: A total of 60 children (7.26 ± 3.15 years old) were included (20 per group). The average time of nucleic acid conversion in the 2 saline nasal irrigation groups was significantly reduced compared with the routine group (all P < 0.001), while the fever time and cough duration among the 3 groups were comparable (all P > 0.05). LYM count in the 2 saline nasal irrigation groups was significantly increased after treatment compared to before treatment and was significantly higher than in the routine group (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in LYM count between the isotonic and hypertonic saline groups (P = 0.76). Additionally, all children in the saline group well tolerated the treatment, and no adverse events occurred in the isotonic saline group. Conclusions: Timely use of saline nasal irrigation may promote nucleic acid conversion in children with Omicron virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of liver Diseases, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Medical Service, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuangshuang Xie
- Department of liver Diseases, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liang Su
- Department of Medical Service, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Can Wang
- Department of liver Diseases, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Zafar M, Zaidi TH, Zaidi NH, Nisar Ahmed MW, Shah M, Habiba UE, Dar MS, Ain NU, Shahid F, Meer HH. Assessment of lifestyle changes in combating the COVID-19 pandemic among people of Karachi, Pakistan. Future Sci OA 2024; 10:2340266. [PMID: 38841183 PMCID: PMC11152586 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2023-0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: COVID-19 arose as a pandemic that wreaked havoc all over the world. Study determines lifestyle changes adopted by people of Karachi in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was the cross-sectional study and carried out at public sector hospital and 218 participants were selected through random sampling method. Results: Lifestyle changes a statistically significant difference in nutrition (p = 0.000), physical activity (p = 0.000), workout (p = 0.000), smoking (p = 0.000), sleep hours (p = 0.000), and supplements (p = 0.000) before and during lockdown. Face masks were utilized by 38% of individuals, gloves by 19%, and social isolation was observed by 26%. 11% of participants did not follow any protocols. Conclusion: Study found significant differences in lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, smoking and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubashir Zafar
- Department of Family and Community Medcine, College of Medcine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Tafazzul Hyder Zaidi
- Community Medicine Department, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
| | - Nadira Hyder Zaidi
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Mahjabeen Shah
- Community Medicine Department, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
| | - Umm e Habiba
- Community Medicine Department, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
| | - Marrium Sultan Dar
- Community Medicine Department, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
| | - Noor ul Ain
- Community Medicine Department, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Shahid
- Community Medicine Department, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
| | - Hiba Hamid Meer
- Community Medicine Department, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
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Yousefi Rad A, Rastegari AA, Shahanipour K, Monajemi R. Moringa oleifera and Its Biochemical Compounds: Potential Multi-targeted Therapeutic Agents Against COVID-19 and Associated Cancer Progression. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10758-w. [PMID: 38583096 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global concern, with updated pharmacological therapeutic strategies needed. Cancer patients have been found to be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 and death, and COVID-19 can also lead to cancer progression. Traditional medicinal plants have long been used as anti-infection and anti-inflammatory agents, and Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is one such plant containing natural products such as kaempferol, quercetin, and hesperetin, which can reduce inflammatory responses and complications associated with viral infections and multiple cancers. This review article explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of M. oleifera as an anti-COVID-19 and anti-inflammatory agent, and its potential role in reducing the risk of cancer progression in cancer patients with COVID-19. The article discusses the ability of M. oleifera to modulate NF-κB, MAPK, mTOR, NLRP3 inflammasome, and other inflammatory pathways, as well as the polyphenols and flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, that contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, this review highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of M. oleifera in addressing COVID-19 and associated cancer progression. However, further investigations are necessary to fully understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of M. oleifera and its natural products as anti-inflammatory, anti-COVID-19, and anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Yousefi Rad
- Department of Biochemistry, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Rastegari
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biochemistry, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran.
| | - Kahin Shahanipour
- Department of Biochemistry, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
| | - Ramesh Monajemi
- Department of Biology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran
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11
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Singh G, Tuczinski CM, Thatipelly RS, Aminy H, Tahir N. COVID-19 Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality. Cureus 2024; 16:e59017. [PMID: 38800341 PMCID: PMC11127750 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives There are multiple factors and comorbid conditions that can impact the outcomes of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess how patients with certain comorbidities and risk factors were affected by COVID-19. Methodology This retrospective study involved 578 inpatients who presented to the emergency room (ER) due to COVID-19 infection, diagnosed with COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021. This research takes note of COVID-19 severity, particularly in individuals with comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. Results A two-sample t-test found that age was a significant factor affecting hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality. An ANOVA analysis of race, DM, and CAD showed a significant effect on LOS (p-values = 0.005, 0.01, and 0.01, respectively) but not on mortality and intubation. White patients had an increased LOS compared to other ethnicities. CKD and hypertension significantly affect mortality and LOS. However, COPD did significantly influence all three variables: mortality, intubation, and LOS (p-values = 0.005, 0.013, and 0.01, respectively). A multiple ANOVA test showed that COPD, hypertension, and CKD had a significant effect on mortality, intubation, and LOS (p-values = 0.014, 0.004, and 0.01, respectively). DM showed weaker significance on mortality, intubation, and LOS (p-value = 0.108). Conclusions Patients with all three comorbid conditions (COPD, hypertension, and CKD) had increased length of stay, intubation, and mortality; thus, appropriate measures including close observation and early intervention may be necessary to prevent mortality in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurdeep Singh
- Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Binghamton, USA
| | - Caroline M Tuczinski
- Endocrinology, Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, USA
| | - Reshma S Thatipelly
- Endocrinology, Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, USA
| | - Habib Aminy
- Family Medicine, Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Binghamton, USA
| | - Numair Tahir
- Family Medicine, Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Binghamton, USA
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12
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Gruiskens JRJH, van Hoef LFM, Theunissen MM, Courtens AM, Gidding-Slok AHM, van Schayck OCP, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MMHJ. Recommendations for Improving Chronic Care in Times of a Pandemic Based on Patient Experiences. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:623-632.e5. [PMID: 38000443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound and pervasive impact on the health of chronic care patients and disrupted care systems worldwide. Our research aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on chronic care provision and provide recommendations for improving care provision, based on patient experiences. DESIGN Qualitative semi-structured interviews were held among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Using stratified sampling, 23 patients with COPD, heart failure, or both were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. In the summer of 2021, online interviews were conducted. METHODS An iterative process was adopted to analyze the data. Going back and forth through the data and our analytical structure, we first coded the data, and subsequently developed categories, themes, and aggregate dimensions. The data were synthesized in a data structure and a data table, which were analyzed using an interpretative approach. RESULTS We found 3 dimensions through which care might be improved: (1) proactive and adaptive health care organization and use of innovative technologies, (2) assistance in maintaining patient resilience and coping strategies, and (3) health care built on outreaching and person-centered care enabling identification of individual patient needs. Experiences of impaired accessibility to care, altered and unmet care demands and patient needs, and the negative impact of national containment strategies on patient resilience support the need for improvement in these dimensions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The in-depth insight gained on the impact of the pandemic on chronic care provision was used to propose recommendations for improving care, supported by not only the what and how but also the why developments require additional efforts made by policymakers and change agents, augmented by structural use and development of innovations. Health care organizations should be enabled to rapidly respond to changing internal and external environments, develop and implement innovations, and match care to patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen R J H Gruiskens
- Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Liesbeth F M van Hoef
- Expertise Centre for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice M Theunissen
- Expertise Centre for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemie M Courtens
- Expertise Centre for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annerika H M Gidding-Slok
- Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C P van Schayck
- Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hasan J, Bok S. Plasmonic Fluorescence Sensors in Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:130. [PMID: 38534237 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The increasing demand for rapid, cost-effective, and reliable diagnostic tools in personalized and point-of-care medicine is driving scientists to enhance existing technology platforms and develop new methods for detecting and measuring clinically significant biomarkers. Humanity is confronted with growing risks from emerging and recurring infectious diseases, including the influenza virus, dengue virus (DENV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus, tuberculosis, cholera, and, most notably, SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19), among others. Timely diagnosis of infections and effective disease control have always been of paramount importance. Plasmonic-based biosensing holds the potential to address the threat posed by infectious diseases by enabling prompt disease monitoring. In recent years, numerous plasmonic platforms have risen to the challenge of offering on-site strategies to complement traditional diagnostic methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Disease detection can be accomplished through the utilization of diverse plasmonic phenomena, such as propagating surface plasmon resonance (SPR), localized SPR (LSPR), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF), surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, and plasmonic fluorescence sensors. This review focuses on diagnostic methods employing plasmonic fluorescence sensors, highlighting their pivotal role in swift disease detection with remarkable sensitivity. It underscores the necessity for continued research to expand the scope and capabilities of plasmonic fluorescence sensors in the field of diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juiena Hasan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA
| | - Sangho Bok
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA
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14
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Pavelescu ML, Dinulescu A, Păsărică AS, Dijmărescu I, Păcurar D. Hematological profile, inflammatory markers and serum liver enzymes in COVID 19 positive children vs. COVID 19 negative ones-a comparative study. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1334591. [PMID: 38425663 PMCID: PMC10901970 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1334591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Complete blood count, C-reactive protein and transaminases are routine laboratory parameters investigated in children with infections, including COVID 19. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters in children diagnosed with COVID 19. Methods At the time of admission, children with COVID 19 suggestive symptoms were tested RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2 and were allocated to either the study group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 positive) or control group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 negative). All children were evaluated by complete blood count, CRP, and transaminases. Results When comparing the two groups, we identified significantly lower values for leukocytes (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.001), lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and thrombocytes (p = 0.014), but no significantly different values for CRP (p = 0.916) and monocytes (p = 0.082). A diagnostic score for COVID-19 was compiled using the abovementioned parameters-presence of fever, number of lymphocytes and aspartate-aminotransferase. Performance was tested, showing a positive discrimination value (AUC of 0.703)-81.5% sensitivity, 50.6% specificity. Conclusions The leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes have significantly lower values in COVID-19 children. The proposed score based on the presence of fever the values of lymphocytes and AST has a good sensitivity in predicting COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Luminița Pavelescu
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Dinulescu
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru-Sorin Păsărică
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Dijmărescu
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Păcurar
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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15
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Sandi JD, Levy JI, Tapela K, Zeller M, Yeboah JA, Saka DF, Grant DS, Awandare GA, Quashie PK, Andersen KG, Paemka L. Upper Airway Epithelial Tissue Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Immune Signatures Associated with COVID-19 Severity in Ghanaians. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:6668017. [PMID: 38375062 PMCID: PMC10876312 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6668017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The immunological signatures driving the severity of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) in Ghanaians remain poorly understood. We performed bulk transcriptome sequencing of nasopharyngeal samples from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected Ghanaians with mild and severe COVID-19, as well as healthy controls to characterize immune signatures at the primary SARS-CoV-2 infection site and identify drivers of disease severity. Generally, a heightened antiviral response was observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected Ghanaians compared with uninfected controls. COVID-19 severity was associated with immune suppression, overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, including CRNN, IL1A, S100A7, and IL23A, and activation of pathways involved in keratinocyte proliferation. SAMD9L was among the differentially regulated interferon-stimulated genes in our mild and severe disease cohorts, suggesting that it may play a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. By comparing our data with a publicly available dataset from a non-African (Indians) (GSE166530), an elevated expression of antiviral response-related genes was noted in COVID-19-infected Ghanaians. Overall, the study describes immune signatures driving COVID-19 severity in Ghanaians and identifies immune drivers that could serve as potential prognostic markers for future outbreaks or pandemics. It further provides important preliminary evidence suggesting differences in antiviral response at the upper respiratory interface in sub-Saharan Africans (Ghanaians) and non-Africans, which could be contributing to the differences in disease outcomes. Further studies using larger datasets from different populations will expand on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Demby Sandi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB), School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Joshua I. Levy
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California 92037, USA
| | - Kesego Tapela
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB), School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mark Zeller
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California 92037, USA
| | - Joshua Afari Yeboah
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB), School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel Frimpong Saka
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB), School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Donald S. Grant
- Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB), School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter K. Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB), School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kristian G. Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California 92037, USA
| | - Lily Paemka
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB), School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Al Zhranei RM, Aljohani F, Almutairi S, Abdulhafiz S, Aljohani W. Saudi Healthcare Students' General Practices Applied to Protect Against COVID-19 and Their Beliefs Regarding the Use of Herbal Supplements as a Protection Method. Cureus 2024; 16:e53959. [PMID: 38469023 PMCID: PMC10926936 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the absence of treatment increased the Saudi population's inquietude regarding the virus. Therefore, people were seeking alternative methods to protect themselves from disease's fast transmission, such as hand hygiene, social isolation, and the use of natural and dietary products. AIM The main objective of this study is to assess healthcare students' general practices applied to protect against COVID-19 and their beliefs regarding the use of herbal supplements as a protection method. METHODOLOGY All undergraduate healthcare students were eligible to participate, except pre-professional students. The estimated sample size was 371, which was calculated using Raosoft® software (Raosoft Inc., Seattle, WA). A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among the targeted population. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) and transferred to be analyzed by JMP software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). RESULTS A total of 441 healthcare students, who met the inclusion criteria, participated in this study. About 81.41% of the participants reported that they were completely committed to Saudi guidelines regarding preventive measures against COVID-19 transmission. Most of the participants were not using herbal supplements, while 17.1% of them used herbal products or dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants who used herbal and dietary products commonly consumed ginger and vitamins C and D. In addition, a chi-square showed significant differences in gender and specialties regarding the usage of herbal supplements as a protective method against COVID-19 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of our study exhibit the general practice of herbal products during the COVID-19 pandemic among Saudi healthcare students was low in comparison with their beliefs. In addition, the using of herbal supplements should be evidence-based to guarantee safe consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raid M Al Zhranei
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Research Office, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Jeddah, SAU
| | - Fenoon Aljohani
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Research Office, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Jeddah, SAU
| | - Samaher Almutairi
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Research Office, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Jeddah, SAU
| | - Sawsan Abdulhafiz
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Research Office, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Jeddah, SAU
| | - Wafaa Aljohani
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
- Department of Nursing, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, SAU
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17
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Hussain MS, Sharma G. The Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases Due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 72:40-50. [PMID: 35987194 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that produces respiratory symptoms and has serious consequences for people's cardiovascular systems (CVS). It is a severe issue and a major task not only for health care experts but also for governments to contain this pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh member of the human coronavirus family to be implicated in this zoonotic outbreak. COVID-19's CV interactions are comparable to those of SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and influenza. Those who have COVID-19 and underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are at a higher risk of serious illness and mortality, and disease has been linked to several direct and indirect CV consequences. COVID-19 causes CVDs such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, myocarditis, stress-cardiomyopathy, and acute myocardial damage (AMD) as a consequence of acute coronary syndrome. The provision of CV care may expose health care professionals to risk as they become hosts or vectors of viral transmission. It binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor, causing constitutional and pulmonary signs in the beginning, and then as the infection advances, it affects other organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, CVS, neurological system, and so on. COVID-19 mortality is increased by underlying CVDs comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sadique Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ganesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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del Corral T, Menor‐Rodríguez N, Fernández‐Vega S, Díaz‐Ramos C, Aguilar‐Zafra S, López‐de‐Uralde‐Villanueva I. Longitudinal study of changes observed in quality of life, psychological state cognition and pulmonary and functional capacity after COVID-19 infection: A six- to seven-month prospective cohort. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:89-102. [PMID: 35534994 PMCID: PMC9348063 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), symptoms, psychological and cognitive state and pulmonary and physical function of nonhospitalised COVID-19 patients at long-term, and to identify factors to predict a poor HRQoL in this follow-up. BACKGROUND Studies have focused on persistent symptoms of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in the medium term. Thus, long-term studies of nonhospitalised patients are urgently required. DESIGN A longitudinal cohort study. METHODS In 102 nonhospitalised COVID-19 patients, we collected symptoms at 3 months (baseline) and at 6-7 months (follow-up) from diagnosis (dyspnoea, fatigue/muscle weakness and chest/joint pain), HRQoL, psychological state, cognitive function, pulmonary and physical function. This study adhered to the STROBE statement. RESULTS HRQoL was impaired in almost 60% of the sample and remained impaired 6-7 months. At 3 months, more than 60% had impaired physical function (fatigue/muscle weakness and reduced leg and inspiratory muscle strength). About 40%-56% of the sample showed an altered psychological state (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety/depression), cognitive function impairment and dyspnoea. At 6-7-months, only a slight improvement in dyspnoea and physical and cognitive function was observed, with a very high proportion of the sample (29%-55%) remained impaired. Impaired HRQoL at 6-7 months was predicted with 82.4% accuracy (86.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity) by the presence at 3 months of muscle fatigue/muscle weakness (OR = 5.7 (1.8-18.1)), PTSD (OR = 6.0 (1.7-20.7)) and impaired HRQoL (OR = 11.7 (3.7-36.8)). CONCLUSION A high proportion of nonhospitalised patients with COVID-19 experience an impaired HRQoL, cognitive and psychological function at long-term. HRQoL, PTSD and dyspnoea at 3 months can identify the majority of patients with COVID-19 who will have impaired quality of life at long-term. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Treatments aimed at improving psychological state and reducing the fatigue/muscle weakness of post-COVID-19 patients could be necessary to prevent the patients' HRQoL from being impaired at 6-7 months after their reported recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara del Corral
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and PhysiotherapyFaculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and PodiatryUniversidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)IdISSCMadridSpain
| | - Noemí Menor‐Rodríguez
- Departamento de FisioterapiaFacultad de Ciencias de la SaludCentro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La SalleUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Sara Fernández‐Vega
- Departamento de FisioterapiaFacultad de Ciencias de la SaludCentro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La SalleUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Celia Díaz‐Ramos
- Departamento de FisioterapiaFacultad de Ciencias de la SaludCentro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La SalleUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Sandra Aguilar‐Zafra
- Departamento de FisioterapiaFacultad de Ciencias de la SaludMotion in Brains Research GroupCentro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La SalleUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
- Téxum S.L Physiotherapy CenterCoslada, MadridSpain
| | - Ibai López‐de‐Uralde‐Villanueva
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and PhysiotherapyFaculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and PodiatryUniversidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)IdISSCMadridSpain
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Zhu S, Luan C, Zhang S, Wang X, Long F, Zhang Q, Yan J. Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine on ovarian reserve: A systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 292:63-70. [PMID: 37976767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination on ovarian reserve. METHODS Relevant articles were identified in the EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from January 2020 to May 2023. Available clinical indicators of ovarian reserve, such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2), as well as the time interval from infection or vaccination to measurements, were assessed. RESULTS Only 2 studies provided evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection could damage ovarian function. In a comparison of the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, although 1 prospective cohort study observed the transient statistically significant decrease on serum AMH levels at 3 or 6 months of follow-up, serum AMH levels remained within the normal reserve range (>1.1 ng/dl) throughout the study period. CONCLUSION Overall, whether ovarian reserve may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection remains controversial and further investigations are warranted to clarify this issue. Based on the current evidence, it is safe to assume that COVID-19 vaccination does not exert any adverse effect on ovarian reserve parameters such as AMH, AFC, FSH, and E2, which will provide reassurance for women attempting to fall pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiheng Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Chun Luan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Shungeng Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xinqing Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Fangyuan Long
- College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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Choi UW, Ai X, Li H, Hao Y, Yao X, Guan Y. Immunosuppressive therapy and COVID-19 infection in patients with NMOSD. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1128. [PMID: 38270296 PMCID: PMC10790678 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To evaluate whether treated with immunosuppressants in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) shows an effect on the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 Omicron variant. METHODS This is a substudy of a single-center clinical trial involving human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in NMOSD patients. NMOSD patients with hUC-MSCs treatment, NMOSD patients without hUC-MSCs treatment, and matched healthy controls (HC) were included. Demographic information, NMOSD-related clinical features, comorbidities, use of disease-modifying therapy, COVID-19 vaccination status, COVID-19 clinical features, COVID-19 clinical outcomes, and NMOSD-related disease activity were obtained through online questionnaires or phone calls. RESULTS The majority of NMOSD patients received long-term treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (68.8%) or azathioprine (22.9%), and 50% received oral glucocorticoid. During the epidemic, 97.4% of NMOSD patients infected with COVID-19 had asymptomatic or mild forms, with only two patients (2.6%) requiring hospitalization. None of these patients required tracheal intubation or admission to the intensive care unit. Clinical symptoms were found to be more prevalent in HC groups. Additionally, the HC groups had higher fever-recorded temperatures. NMOSD patients who received hUC-MSCs treatment had shorter disease duration than patients who did not receive hUC-MSCs treatment. DISCUSSION Immunosuppressant-treated patients with NMOSD have a similar risk of COVID-19 infection as the general population, but the disease duration is shorter and the clinical symptoms are less severe. Among our NMOSD patients who received hUC-MSCs treatment, COVID-19 outcomes were favorable, with no increased risk of severe COVID-19. Prospective studies on immunotherapies are needed to help determine best treatment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un Wai Choi
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiwen Ai
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Hao
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoying Yao
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yangtai Guan
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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21
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Hakmi M, Bouricha EM, Soussi A, Bzioui IA, Belyamani L, Ibrahimi A. Computational Drug Design Strategies for Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1457:199-214. [PMID: 39283428 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61939-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
The advent of COVID-19 has brought the use of computer tools to the fore in health research. In recent years, computational methods have proven to be highly effective in a variety of areas, including genomic surveillance, host range prediction, drug target identification, and vaccine development. They were also instrumental in identifying new antiviral compounds and repurposing existing therapeutics to treat COVID-19. Using computational approaches, researchers have made significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of COVID-19 and have developed several promising drug candidates and vaccines. This chapter highlights the critical importance of computational drug design strategies in elucidating various aspects of COVID-19 and their contribution to advancing global drug design efforts during the pandemic. Ultimately, the use of computing tools will continue to play an essential role in health research, enabling researchers to develop innovative solutions to combat new and emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hakmi
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory (MedBiotech), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bioinova Research Center, Mohammed Vth University, Rabat, Morocco.
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation (CM6), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - El Mehdi Bouricha
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory (MedBiotech), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bioinova Research Center, Mohammed Vth University, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation (CM6), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdellatif Soussi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, 16145, Genova, Italy
| | - Ilias Abdeslam Bzioui
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco
| | - Lahcen Belyamani
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation (CM6), Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
- Emergency Department, Medical and Pharmacy School, Military Hospital Mohammed V, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory (MedBiotech), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bioinova Research Center, Mohammed Vth University, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation (CM6), Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
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22
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Dey A, Vaishak K, Deka D, Radhakrishnan AK, Paul S, Shanmugam P, Daniel AP, Pathak S, Duttaroy AK, Banerjee A. Epigenetic perspectives associated with COVID-19 infection and related cytokine storm: an updated review. Infection 2023; 51:1603-1618. [PMID: 36906872 PMCID: PMC10008189 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has put the world in a medical crisis for the past three years; nearly 6.3 million lives have been diminished due to the virus outbreak. This review aims to update the recent findings on COVID-19 infections from an epigenetic scenario and develop future perspectives of epi-drugs to treat the disease. METHODS Original research articles and review studies related to COVID-19 were searched and analyzed from the Google Scholar/PubMed/Medline databases mainly between 2019 and 2022 to brief the recent work. RESULTS Numerous in-depth studies of the mechanisms used by SARS-CoV-2 have been going on to minimize the consequences of the viral outburst. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 receptors and Transmembrane serine protease 2 facilitate viral entry to the host cells. Upon internalization, it uses the host machinery to replicate viral copies and alter the downstream regulation of the normal cells, causing infection-related morbidities and mortalities. In addition, several epigenetic regulations such as DNA methylation, acetylation, histone modifications, microRNA, and other factors (age, sex, etc.) are responsible for the regulations of viral entry, its immune evasion, and cytokine responses also play a major modulatory role in COVID-19 severity, which has been discussed in detail in this review. CONCLUSION Findings of epigenetic regulation of viral pathogenicity open a new window for epi-drugs as a possible therapeutical approach against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Dey
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, 603103, India
| | - K Vaishak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, 603103, India
| | - Dikshita Deka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, 603103, India
| | - Arun Kumar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chennai, TN, India
| | - Sujay Paul
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Queretaro, Av. Epigmenio Gonzalez, No.500 Fracc., CP 76130, San Pablo, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Priyadarshini Shanmugam
- Department of Microbiology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chennai, TN, 603103, India
| | - Alice Peace Daniel
- Department of Microbiology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chennai, TN, 603103, India
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, 603103, India
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, 603103, India.
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23
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Aftab N, Fahad A, Al Hammadi S, Tahlak M, Badawi F, Al Mulai I, Faraz S, Malik S, Mohammed P, Maqbool S, Fatima Z, Osman E. Effects of the COVID-19 Infection on Women's Menstrual Cycle: A Retrospective Study at Latifa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Cureus 2023; 15:e51391. [PMID: 38292982 PMCID: PMC10825384 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another. The menstrual cycle is a reflection of the female reproductive system, and it is influenced by various factors including stress and infections. Although there is little information available about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women's reproductive health, it has had a significant impact on women. Objective The main objective of our study is to identify if there are any menstrual disturbances following COVID-19 infection in women. Study design Our study is a retrospective study wherein 700 women recovering from COVID-19 infection were asked about any new menstrual disturbances after the infection. We collected the data using questionnaires and analyzed the data using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 26) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results Our study showed no dysmenorrhea in 90% of the participants, 81% reported no change in menstrual flow rate, a vast majority (93%) denied experiencing amenorrhea, only 4% reported a new onset of intermenstrual bleeding, and 1% reported postmenopausal bleeding. Conclusion There was no significant change in the participants' menstrual cycle following COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Aftab
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Asma Fahad
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | | | - Muna Tahlak
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Faiza Badawi
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Israa Al Mulai
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai, ARE
| | - Saima Faraz
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Sofia Malik
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Parveen Mohammed
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Sadia Maqbool
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Zoiya Fatima
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Esraa Osman
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
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24
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Hinoveanu D, Anastasiu DM, Citu C, Popa ZL, Erdelean I, Dumitru C, Biris M, Olaru F, Neda-Stepan O, Fericean RM, Boia ER, Domuta EM, Stelea L. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Contraception Awareness and Mental Well-Being in Teenagers and Young Adult Women: A Three-Year Cross-Sectional Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2990. [PMID: 37998482 PMCID: PMC10671367 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, significant shifts occurred in reproductive health, especially among teenagers and young adult women in Romania. This study, conducted from 2020 to 2022, aimed to longitudinally assess contraceptive awareness and its correlation with mental well-being in this demographic. A cohort of 210 participants aged 15-25, with a history of wanted or unwanted pregnancy, was studied. The research involved collaborations with Romanian educational institutions and strict adherence to ethical standards. Participants' data on contraceptive knowledge and practices were analyzed, considering factors like substance use and prior sexual education. Mental well-being was evaluated using the SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales. The study revealed a positive correlation between increased contraceptive knowledge and improved mental health scores. In 2022, 68% of participants displayed proficient contraceptive awareness, up from 52% in 2020. Those with good contraceptive knowledge had an average SF-36 score of 72, indicating a better quality of life, compared to a score of 58 among those with limited knowledge. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores among individuals with better contraceptive awareness, suggesting reduced anxiety and depression levels. The SF-36 survey results showed significant improvements across the years: the physical score increased from 52.1 (±6.3) in 2020 to 56.5 (±6.8) in 2022, the mental score from 51.4 (±7.2) to 55.0 (±6.9), and the total score from 53.6 (±7.9) to 57.5 (±8.0). WHOQOL-BREF results showed a substantial increase in the social domain score from 53.6 (±18.2) in 2020 to 63.0 (±20.5) in 2022. GAD-7 scores declined from 7.9 (±2.6) in 2020 to 6.5 (±3.3) in 2022, indicating a decrease in anxiety symptoms. PHQ-9 scores, measuring depression, also showed a downward trend, from 4.8 (±2.2) in 2020 to 3.9 (±2.8) in 2022. These findings highlight the intertwined nature of contraceptive awareness and mental well-being. The improvements in contraceptive awareness positively impacted mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions in this demographic, particularly during global crises like the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Hinoveanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (R.M.F.)
| | - Doru Mihai Anastasiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Cosmin Citu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Zoran Laurentiu Popa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Izabella Erdelean
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Marius Biris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Flavius Olaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
| | - Oana Neda-Stepan
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (R.M.F.)
- Department VIII—Neurosciences, Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Manuela Fericean
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.-S.); (R.M.F.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eugen Radu Boia
- Department of ENT, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eugenia Maria Domuta
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Piata 1 Decembrie 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Lavinia Stelea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.H.); (D.M.A.); (C.C.); (Z.L.P.); (I.E.); (C.D.); (M.B.); (F.O.); (L.S.)
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Banjac J, Vuković V, Pustahija T, Bohucki N, Berić DK, Medić S, Petrović V, Ristić M. Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 during Seven Consecutive Epidemiological Waves (2020-2022) in the North Bačka District, Serbia. Viruses 2023; 15:2221. [PMID: 38005898 PMCID: PMC10674962 DOI: 10.3390/v15112221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a threat to global public health. The purpose of this research was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in the North Bačka district while observing seven pandemic waves. The cross-sectional study was based on data from the COVID-19 surveillance database of the Institute for Public Health of Vojvodina during the period from March 2020 to December 2022. A total of 38,685 primary infections and 4067 reinfections caused by SARS-CoV-2 were notified. Pandemic waves caused by the Delta variant (cumulative incidence rate of 2482.37/100,000) and by the Omicron variant (cumulative incidence rate of 2994.45/100,000) emerged as significant focal points during the surveillance period. Over the course of three consecutive years (2020-2022), women were more affected (50.11%, 54.03%, and 55.68%, respectively). The highest incidence rates in age-specific categories were recorded in 2021 for the age group 40-49 (1345.32 per 10,000 inhabitants), while in 2022, they shifted towards the elderly population. Regarding vaccination status at the time of diagnosis, in 2021, around 15% of patients were vaccinated, while in 2022, the number increased to 37%. The most widely received vaccine was BBIBP-CorV (67.45%), followed by BNT162b2 (19.81%), Gam-COVID-Vac (9.31%), and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (3.42%) vaccine. The implementation of stringent public health measures and their mitigation, together with the emergence of new variants, influenced the dynamics of COVID-19 pandemic waves in the North Bačka district. Notably, throughout the study period, the working-age population was the most affected, along with females, with a mild clinical presentation dominating. Reinfections were most frequently recorded during the latter pandemic waves. Dealing with this pandemic has provided some valuable lessons for the development of future strategies in the case of a similar public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Banjac
- Public Health Institute Subotica, 24000 Subotica, Serbia; (J.B.); (N.B.); (D.K.B.)
| | - Vladimir Vuković
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (T.P.); (S.M.); (V.P.); (M.R.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pustahija
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (T.P.); (S.M.); (V.P.); (M.R.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nebojša Bohucki
- Public Health Institute Subotica, 24000 Subotica, Serbia; (J.B.); (N.B.); (D.K.B.)
| | | | - Snežana Medić
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (T.P.); (S.M.); (V.P.); (M.R.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Petrović
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (T.P.); (S.M.); (V.P.); (M.R.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mioljub Ristić
- Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (T.P.); (S.M.); (V.P.); (M.R.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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26
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Yan PD, Markovic D, Hixson RY, Shover CM, Buhr RG, Salehi-Rad R, LeMaster B, Tashkin DP, Fulcher JA, Barjaktarevic IZ. Eosinophil recovery in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is associated with lower rates of ICU admission and in-hospital mortality: An observational cohort analysis. Respir Med Res 2023; 84:101031. [PMID: 37647739 PMCID: PMC10232929 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmer.2023.101031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Admission eosinopenia (<100 cells/μL) is associated with poor clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, the effects of eosinophil recovery (defined as reaching ≥50 eosinophils/μL) during hospitalization on COVID-19 outcomes have been inconsistent. METHODS The study included 1,831 patients admitted to UCLA hospitals between February 2020 and February 2021 with PCR-confirmed COVID-19. Using competing risk regression and modeling eosinophil recovery as a time-dependent covariate, we evaluated the longitudinal relationship between eosinophil recovery and in-hospital outcomes including ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality. All analyses were adjusted for covariates including age, BMI, tobacco smoke exposure, comorbidities known to be risk factors for COVID-19 mortality, and treatments including dexamethasone and remdesivir. RESULTS Eosinophil recovery was evaluated in patients with <50 eosinophils/μL on admission (n = 1282). These patients cumulatively amassed 11,633 hospital patient-days; 3,985 of those days qualified as eosinophil recovery events, which were represented by 781 patients achieving at least one instance of eosinophil recovery during hospitalization. Despite no significant difference in the rate of mechanical ventilation, eosinophil recoverers had significantly lower rates of in-hospital mortality (aHR: 0.44 [0.29, 0.65], P = 0.001) and ICU admission (aHR: 0.25 [0.11, 0.61], P = 0.002). CONCLUSION Trending eosinophil counts during hospitalization is simple and can be performed in resource-limited healthcare settings to track the inflammatory status of a patient. Lack of eosinophil recovery events can identify those at risk for future progression to severe COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Yan
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniela Markovic
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Roxana Y Hixson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Carolyn M Shover
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Offsite Care, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
| | - Russell G Buhr
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ramin Salehi-Rad
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Blake LeMaster
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Donald P Tashkin
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer A Fulcher
- Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Igor Z Barjaktarevic
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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27
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Chopra S, Karandikar NJ, Holman CJ. Systematic Evaluation of Hematologic Parameters and Blood Smear Findings in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 vs Other Viral Respiratory Infections. Am J Clin Pathol 2023; 160:331-334. [PMID: 37289433 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated and compared the peripheral blood findings in patients with acute COVID-19 vs other viral respiratory infections. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed peripheral blood counts and smear morphology in patients with a positive viral respiratory panel (VRP) or SARS-CoV-2 test. RESULTS A total of 97 peripheral blood samples (COVID-19 infection, 53; VRP positive, 44) from 50 patients (mean [SD] age, 45.8 [20.8] years; females 52%) were reviewed. There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. The most common peripheral blood abnormalities were anemia, thrombocytopenia, absolute lymphopenia, and reactive lymphocytes. The following peripheral blood findings were significantly associated with other viral respiratory infections compared with COVID-19 infection: low red blood cell count, low hematocrit, high mean corpuscular volume, thrombocytopenia, low mean platelet volume, high red cell distribution width, band neutrophilia, and toxic granulation in neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that there are several peripheral blood count and morphologic abnormalities seen in patients with COVID-19, but most of these findings lack specificity as they are also seen in the other viral respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurav Chopra
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, US
| | - Nitin J Karandikar
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, US
| | - Carol J Holman
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, US
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Conlin J, Baker M, Zhang B, Shoenberger H, Shen F. Facing the Strain: The Persuasive Effects of Conversion Messages on COVID-19 Vaccination Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:2302-2312. [PMID: 35473460 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2065747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examined two-sided conversion messages in relation to one-sided advocacy messages in reducing vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Results demonstrated that, for vaccine-hesitant participants, conversion messages increased pro-COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and behavioral intentions. For high vaccine-hesitant participants, the relationship between conversion messages and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccinations was mediated through source credibility. For low vaccine-hesitant participants, mediation occurred through counterarguing. Findings have implications for health message tailoring related to COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Conlin
- William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas
| | - Michelle Baker
- Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Penn State University
| | - Bingbing Zhang
- Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Penn State University
| | | | - Fuyuan Shen
- Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Penn State University
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Sabir M, Al-Tarshan Y, Snapp C, Brown M, Walker R, Han A, Kostrominova T. Analysis of COVID-19 Case Demographics and Disease Outcomes in Gary, Indiana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6729. [PMID: 37754588 PMCID: PMC10531445 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the prevalence of existing health disparities in Black communities in the U.S. The current study evaluates COVID-19 data collected in Gary, Indiana, from June 2020 to June 2021. We hypothesized that the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths were influenced by race and income. METHODS In collaboration with the Gary Health Department (GHD), we analyzed demographic data on COVID-19-positive cases. RESULTS Compared to Gary's non-Black population, age- and population-adjusted rates of hospitalizations and deaths in the Black population were 3-fold (p < 0.0001) and 2-fold (p < 0.05) higher, respectively. This is despite a higher infection rate (p < 0.0001) in the non-Black population. The median household income of a zip code was negatively correlated with COVID-19 hospitalizations (R2 = 0.6345, p = 0.03), but did not correlate with infections and deaths. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates clear health disparities of income and race in the context of COVID-19-related infections and outcomes in the city of Gary. Indiana University School of Medicine Northwest and GHD officials can collaborate to utilize these data for the reallocation of resources and health education efforts in Gary's highly populated, low-income, and predominantly Black neighborhoods. It should also prompt further investigation into national health resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sabir
- Northwest Campus, Indiana University School of Medicine, Gary, IN 46408, USA; (M.S.); (Y.A.-T.); (C.S.)
| | - Yazan Al-Tarshan
- Northwest Campus, Indiana University School of Medicine, Gary, IN 46408, USA; (M.S.); (Y.A.-T.); (C.S.)
| | - Cameron Snapp
- Northwest Campus, Indiana University School of Medicine, Gary, IN 46408, USA; (M.S.); (Y.A.-T.); (C.S.)
| | - Martin Brown
- Gary Health Department, Gary, IN 46402, USA; (M.B.); (R.W.)
| | - Roland Walker
- Gary Health Department, Gary, IN 46402, USA; (M.B.); (R.W.)
| | - Amy Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Tatiana Kostrominova
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Fahed G, Fares AH, Ghosn A, Greige A, Hebbo E, Naja K, Moukarzel P, Haddad S, Finianos A, Honein G, Akl EA. The lived experiences of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Ecancermedicalscience 2023; 17:1598. [PMID: 37799953 PMCID: PMC10550325 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the lived experiences of patients with cancer in Lebanon. Methods We adopted a descriptive phenomenological approach. We included adults who had been diagnosed with cancer before the pandemic and undergoing treatment at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre. We conducted virtual, semi-structured in-depth interviews with either video or audio recordings. Two team members coded the transcripts independently and identified common themes and patterns. Results We recruited 11 participants for the study. The analysis identified the following six themes: perceived seriousness of COVID-19, fear of COVID-19 versus fear of cancer, coping mechanisms, treatment availability and accessibility, compliance with public health and social measures and precautionary measures in the healthcare system. The coping mechanisms included staying positive, seeking normalcy, using family support, religiosity and fatalism. Conclusion Faced with many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cancer resorted to a range of coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracia Fahed
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
- Equal contribution
| | - Angie H Fares
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
- Equal contribution
| | - Aya Ghosn
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
- Equal contribution
| | - Alain Greige
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
- Equal contribution
| | - Elsa Hebbo
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
- Equal contribution
| | - Kim Naja
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
- Equal contribution
| | - Pamela Moukarzel
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Salame Haddad
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Antoine Finianos
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Gladys Honein
- American University of Beirut Hariri School of Nursing, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
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Cavallari Strozze Catharin VM, Zutin TLM, Guiguer EL, Cressoni Araújo A, Fornari Laurindo L, Chagas EFB, Gasparotti Zorzetto CF, Bueno PCDS, dos Santos Bueno M, Cervelim Nunes Y, Cavallari Strozze Catharin V, Gonzaga HF, Barbalho SM. Radiological and Functional Pulmonary Evolution in Post-COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study. Diseases 2023; 11:113. [PMID: 37754309 PMCID: PMC10528437 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11030113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has generated a scenario for global health with multiple systemic impairments. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical, radiological, and pulmonary functional evolution in 302 post-COVID-19 patients. Regarding post-COVID-19 pulmonary symptoms, dry cough, dyspnea, and chest pain were the most frequent. Of the associated comorbidities, asthma was more frequent (23.5%). Chest tomography (CT) initially showed a mean pulmonary involvement of 69.7%, and evaluation in the subsequent months showed improvement in the evolutionary image. With less than six months post-pathology, there was a commitment of 37.7% from six to twelve months it was 20%, and after 12 months it was 9.9%. As for most of the sample, 50.3% of the patients presented CT normalization less than six months after infection, 23% were normalized between six and twelve months, and 5.2% presented with normalized images after twelve months, with one remaining. A percentage of 17.3% maintained post-COVID-19 pulmonary residual sequelae. Regarding spirometry, less than six months after pathology, 59.3% of the patients presented regular exam results, 12.3% had their function normalized within six to twelve months, and 6.3% had normal exam results twelve months after their post-pathology evaluation. Only 3.6% of the patients still showed some alteration during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgínia Maria Cavallari Strozze Catharin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
| | - Tereza Laís Menegucci Zutin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elen Landgraf Guiguer
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Avenida Castro Alves, 62, Marília 17500-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano Cressoni Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Avenida Monte Carmelo, 800, Marília 17519-030, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo F. Baisi Chagas
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cássia Fernanda Gasparotti Zorzetto
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
| | - Patrícia C. dos Santos Bueno
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Yandra Cervelim Nunes
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Avenida Castro Alves, 62, Marília 17500-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitor Cavallari Strozze Catharin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
| | - Heron Fernando Gonzaga
- Department of Dermatology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua dos Otonis, 861, São Paulo 04025-002, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (V.M.C.S.C.); (T.L.M.Z.); (L.F.L.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Avenida Castro Alves, 62, Marília 17500-000, São Paulo, Brazil
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Corn M, Pham T, Kemp W. Adverse Fetal Outcomes and Histopathology of Placentas Affected by COVID-19: A Report of Four Cases. Cureus 2023; 15:e44402. [PMID: 37664389 PMCID: PMC10468721 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had significant impacts on mothers and neonates. In this report, we present four unique cases of COVID-19 infections in pregnancy and its effects on the mother, fetus, and placenta. Four mothers presented to the hospital during their pregnancy. Each had tested COVID-19-positive 1-29 days prior to admission. Gestational age ranged from 16 weeks six days to 36 weeks six days. Three of the four cases resulted in fetal demise or infant expiration. The common finding among all four cases was pathologic changes in the placenta. Most of the placentas were small for gestational age and had extensive villous infarction. There was also histiocytic intervillositis with villous necrosis and perivillous fibrin deposition. The placentas demonstrated positive staining of syncytiotrophoblasts for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike S1 subunit protein. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in tissue samples of two of the fetuses demonstrating vertical transmission. A higher incidence of severe COVID-19 disease course has been observed in pregnant women. Prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, chorionic histiocytic intervillositis of the placenta was rarely seen, and mostly of unknown etiology. The increase in placental fibrin levels results in decreased maternal placenta blood flow ensuing hypoxic stress in the fetus. Intrauterine hypoxia has been associated with alterations in brain structure and function resulting in defects in motor skills, cerebral palsy, decreased brain weight, schizophrenia, and other forms of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Corn
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, USA
| | - Truc Pham
- Pathology, Incyte Pathology, Spokane Valley, USA
| | - Walter Kemp
- Pathology, State of Montana, Forensic Science Division, Billings, USA
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Tinoco HA, Perdomo-Hurtado L, Henao-Cruz JA, Escobar-Serna JF, Jaramillo-Robledo O, Aguirre-Ospina OD, Hurtado-Hernández M, Lopez-Guzman J. Evaluation and Performance of a Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP-AirFlife™): A Randomized Crossover Non-Inferiority Clinical Study in Normal Subjects. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1372. [PMID: 37629662 PMCID: PMC10456951 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: During the COVID-19, the demand for non-invasive ventilatory support equipment significantly increased. In response, a novel non-invasive ventilatory support model called CPAP-AirFlife™ was developed utilizing existing technologies. This model offers technological advantages, including an aerosol-controlled helmet suitable for high-risk environments such as ambulances. Additionally, it is cost-effective and does not require medical air, making it accessible for implementation in low-level hospitals, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of CPAP-AirFlife™ by conducting a non-inferiority comparison with conventional ventilation equipment used in the Intensive Care Unit. Materials and Methods: A clinical study was conducted on normal subjects in a randomized and sequential manner. Parameters such as hemoglobin oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry, exhaled PCO2 levels, vital signs, and individual tolerance were compared between the CPAP-AirFlife™ and conventional equipment. The study population was described in terms of demographic characteristics and included in the analysis. Results: It was shown that the CPAP-AirFlife™ was not inferior to conventional equipment in terms of efficacy or tolerability. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels, exhaled PCO2 levels, vital signs, and individual tolerance did not significantly differ between the two models. Conclusions: The findings suggest that CPAP-AirFlife™ is a practical and cost-effective alternative for non-invasive ventilatory support. Its technological advantages, including the aerosol-controlled helmet, make it suitable for high-risk environments. The device's accessibility and affordability make it a promising solution for implementation in low-level hospitals, particularly in rural areas. This study supports using CPAP-AirFlife™ as a practical option for non-invasive ventilatory support, providing a valuable contribution to respiratory care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor A. Tinoco
- Experimental and Computational Mechanics Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, Edificio Fundadores, Manizales-Caldas 170001, Colombia
| | - Luis Perdomo-Hurtado
- Experimental and Computational Mechanics Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, Edificio Fundadores, Manizales-Caldas 170001, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mateo Hurtado-Hernández
- Experimental and Computational Mechanics Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, Edificio Fundadores, Manizales-Caldas 170001, Colombia
| | - Juliana Lopez-Guzman
- Experimental and Computational Mechanics Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, Edificio Fundadores, Manizales-Caldas 170001, Colombia
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Tomkinson S, Triscott C, Schenk E, Foey A. The Potential of Probiotics as Ingestible Adjuvants and Immune Modulators for Antiviral Immunity and Management of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19. Pathogens 2023; 12:928. [PMID: 37513775 PMCID: PMC10384479 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Probiotic bacteria are able to modulate general antiviral responsiveness, including barrier functionality and innate and adaptive immune responses. The COVID-19 pandemic, resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection, has created a need to control and treat this viral infection and its ensuing immunopathology with a variety of approaches; one such approach may involve the administration of probiotic bacteria. As with most viral infections, its pathological responses are not fully driven by the virus, but are significantly contributed to by the host's immune response to viral infection. The potential adoption of probiotics in the treatment of COVID-19 will have to appreciate the fine line between inducing antiviral immunity without over-provoking immune inflammatory responses resulting in host-derived immunopathological tissue damage. Additionally, the effect exerted on the immune system by SARS-CoV-2 evasion strategies will also have to be considered when developing a robust response to this virus. This review will introduce the immunopathology of COVID-19 and the immunomodulatory effects of probiotic strains, and through their effects on a range of respiratory pathogens (IAV, SARS-CoV, RSV), as well as SARS-CoV-2, will culminate in a focus on how these bacteria can potentially manipulate both infectivity and immune responsiveness via barrier functionality and both innate and adaptive immunity. In conclusion, the harnessing of induction and augmentation of antiviral immunity via probiotics may not only act as an ingestible adjuvant, boosting immune responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 infection at the level of barrier integrity and innate and adaptive immunity, but also act prophylactically to prevent infection and enhance protection afforded by current vaccine regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Tomkinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Cloe Triscott
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Emily Schenk
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Andrew Foey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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Ousseiran ZH, Fares Y, Chamoun WT. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: a systematic review and detailed comprehension. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:754-769. [PMID: 34433369 PMCID: PMC8506813 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1973000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is accompanied with a rapid increase of reports and papers detailing its neurological effects and symptoms. The virus infection causes respiratory illness named by the world health organization as corona virus 19 (COVID-19).This systematic review aims to study and summarize the different neurological manifestations of this virus. All articles published and indexed via Pubmed, Medline and Google Scholar databases between January 1st 2020 and February 28th 2021 that reported neurological symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 are reviewed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.We included data from 113 articles: eight prospective studies, 25 retrospective studies and the rest were case reports/series. COVID-19 can present with central nervous system manifestations, such as headache, encephalitis and encephalopathy, peripheral nervous system manifestations, such as anosmia, ageusia and Guillian Barre syndrome, and skeletal muscle manifestations, such as myalgia and myasthenia gravis. Our systematic review showed that COVID-19 can be manifested by a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms reported either in the early stage or within the course of the disease. However, a detailed comprehension of these manifestations is required and more studies are needed in order to improve our scientific knowledge and to develop preventive and therapeutic measures to control this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Hassan Ousseiran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wafaa Takash Chamoun
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Newlands F, Rojas NK, Nugawela M, Pinto Pereira SM, Buszewicz M, Chalder T, Cheung EY, Dalrymple E, Ford T, Heyman I, Ladhani SN, McOwat K, Simmons R, Stephenson T, Shafran R. A Cross-Sectional Study of the Health of Emerging Young Adults in England Following a COVID-19 Infection. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:20-28. [PMID: 37024311 PMCID: PMC9910021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study describes long COVID symptomatology in a national sample of 18- to 20-year-olds with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-confirmed Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) and matched test-negative controls in England. Symptoms in 18- to 20-year-olds were compared to symptoms in younger adolescents (aged 11-17 years) and all adults (18+). METHODS A national database was used to identify SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive 18- to 20-year-olds and test-negative controls matched by time of test, age, gender, and geographical region. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire about their health retrospectively at time of test and also when completing the questionnaire. Comparison cohorts included children and young people with long COVID and REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission studies. RESULTS Of 14,986 people invited, 1,001 were included in the analysis (562 test-positive; 440 test-negative). At testing, 46.5% of test-positives and 16.4% of test-negatives reported at least one symptom. At the time of questionnaire completion (median 7 months post-testing), 61.5% of test-positives and 47.5% of test-negatives reported one or more symptoms. The most common symptoms were similar amongst test-positives and test-negatives and included tiredness (44.0%; 35.7%), shortness of breath (28.8%; 16.3%), and headaches (13.7%; 12.0%). Prevalence rates were similar to those reported by 11-17-year-olds (66.5%) and higher than those reported in all adults (37.7%). For 18- to 20-year-olds, there was no significant difference in health-related quality of life and well-being (p > .05). However, test-positives reported being significantly more tired than test-negatives (p = .04). DISCUSSION Seven months after PCR test, a high proportion of test-positive and test-negative 18- to 20-year-olds reported similar symptoms to each other and to those experienced by younger and older counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Newlands
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Natalia K Rojas
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manjula Nugawela
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Snehal M Pinto Pereira
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Buszewicz
- Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health, Faculty of Population and Health Sciences, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Y Cheung
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Dalrymple
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Hershel Smith Building Cambridge Biomedical Campus, United Kingdom
| | - Isobel Heyman
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shamez N Ladhani
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kelsey McOwat
- Immunisation Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Simmons
- Immunisation Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terence Stephenson
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roz Shafran
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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Bulla R, Rossi L, Furlanis G, Agostinis C, Toffoli M, Balduit A, Mangogna A, Liccari M, Morosini G, Kishore U, Manganotti P. A likely association between low mannan-binding lectin level and brain fog onset in long COVID patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1191083. [PMID: 37398656 PMCID: PMC10312368 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1191083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain fog can be described as a constellation of new-onset neuropsychiatric sequelae in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 (long COVID). The symptoms include inattention, short-term memory loss, and reduced mental acuity, which may undermine cognition, concentration, and sleep. This cognitive impairment, persisting for weeks or months after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, can significantly impact on daily activities and the quality of life. An important role for the complement system (C) in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 has emerged since the beginning of pandemic outbreak. A number of pathophysiological characteristics including microangiopathy and myocarditis have been attributed to dysregulated C activation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), the first recognition subcomponent of the C lectin pathway, has been shown to bind to glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, genetic variants of MBL2 are suggested to have an association with severe COVID-19 manifestations requiring hospitalization. In the present study, we evaluated MBL activity (lectin pathway activation) and levels in the sera of a cohort of COVID-19 patients, presenting brain fog or only hyposmia/hypogeusia as persistent symptoms, and compared them with healthy volunteers. We found significantly lower levels of MBL and lectin pathway activity in the sera of patients experiencing brain fog as compared to recovered COVID-19 patients without brain fog. Our data indicate that long COVID-associated brain fog can be listed among the variegate manifestations of increased susceptibility to infections and diseases contributed by MBL deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Rossi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Furlanis
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Miriam Toffoli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Balduit
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Liccari
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Morosini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Uday Kishore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Paolo Manganotti
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Losier A, Gupta G, Caldararo M, Dela Cruz CS. The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Viral, Bacterial, and Fungal Respiratory Infections. Clin Chest Med 2023; 44:407-423. [PMID: 37085229 PMCID: PMC9968485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2022.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an ongoing threat, concerns regarding other respiratory infections remain. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic various epidemiologic trends have been observed in other respiratory viruses including a reduction in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections following onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Observations suggest that infections with other respiratory viruses were reduced with social distancing, mask wearing, eye protection, and hand hygiene practices. Coinfections with COVID-19 exist not only with other respiratory viruses but also with bacterial pneumonias and other nosocomial and opportunistic infections. Coinfections have been associated with increased severity of illness and other adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Losier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Gayatri Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Mario Caldararo
- Veteran's Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Charles S Dela Cruz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Castro-Vásquez C, Bass M, Díaz G, Camargo M, Cubillos J, Alvarez S, Garcia-Rairan L, Sandoval N, Sandoval A, Patiño AM, Lall MD. The Comorbidities, Radiographic Findings, Age, and Lymphopenia (CORAL) Tool: A Diagnostic Ally for Emergency Physicians Created for the COVID-19 Crisis and Beyond. Cureus 2023; 15:e41036. [PMID: 37519571 PMCID: PMC10373796 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to develop a novel clinical approach to predict intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the emergency department (ED). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted including adults ≥ 18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 in the emergency department and admitted to the ICU between March and July 2020 in an academic hospital. The outcome variables were mortality and ICU admission. Additional variables that were collected included sex, age, comorbidities, symptom phenotype, and laboratory (lymphopenia) and imaging findings. A logistic regression model was used to construct and validate the risk models. RESULTS A total of 808 patients were included in the study; 61.9% were men. The mean age was 57.8 ± 15.9 years, and high blood pressure (HBP) was the most prevalent comorbidity (31.8%). Seventy-six (9.4%) patients were admitted to the ICU. Age ≥ 60 years, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lymphopenia, and imaging findings correlated with mortality. Age ≥ 60 years, lymphopenia (<1,000 cells per microliter), and hypothyroidism correlated with ICU admission. These variables were incorporated into a scoring system (Comorbidities, Radiographic findings, Age, and Lymphopenia (CORAL) tool) to predict mortality and ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS Our Comorbidities, Radiographic findings, Age, and Lymphopenia (CORAL) tool is a practical tool for different clinical settings independent of access to advanced medical resources or technologies. CORAL is suitable for emergency physicians in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Castro-Vásquez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Trinity Health Livonia Hospital, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Livonia, USA
| | - Michelle Bass
- Department of Medicine, El Bosque University, Bogotá, COL
| | - Gustavo Díaz
- Institute of Research in Nutrition, Genetics, and Metabolism, El Bosque University, Bogotá, COL
| | - Manuel Camargo
- Department of Medicine, El Bosque University, Bogotá, COL
| | - Julian Cubillos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, COL
| | | | | | | | - Adrian Sandoval
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, COL
| | - Andres M Patiño
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Michelle D Lall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
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Petersen E, Chudakova D, Erdyneeva D, Zorigt D, Shabalina E, Gudkov D, Karalkin P, Reshetov I, Mynbaev OA. COVID-19-The Shift of Homeostasis into Oncopathology or Chronic Fibrosis in Terms of Female Reproductive System Involvement. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108579. [PMID: 37239926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains a global public health concern due to the systemic nature of the infection and its long-term consequences, many of which remain to be elucidated. SARS-CoV-2 targets endothelial cells and blood vessels, altering the tissue microenvironment, its secretion, immune-cell subpopulations, the extracellular matrix, and the molecular composition and mechanical properties. The female reproductive system has high regenerative potential, but can accumulate damage, including due to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is profibrotic and can change the tissue microenvironment toward an oncogenic niche. This makes COVID-19 and its consequences one of the potential regulators of a homeostasis shift toward oncopathology and fibrosis in the tissues of the female reproductive system. We are looking at SARS-CoV-2-induced changes at all levels in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Petersen
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daria Chudakova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daiana Erdyneeva
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Dulamsuren Zorigt
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | - Denis Gudkov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Pavel Karalkin
- P.A. Herzen Moscow Research Institute of Oncology, 125284 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Cluster Oncology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Reshetov
- Institute of Cluster Oncology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ospan A Mynbaev
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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Lee YJ. Thoracic Mobilization and Respiratory Muscle Endurance Training Improve Diaphragm Thickness and Respiratory Function in Patients with a History of COVID-19. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050906. [PMID: 37241138 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Common problems in people with COVID-19 include decreased respiratory strength and function. We investigated the effects of thoracic mobilization and respiratory muscle endurance training (TMRT) and lower limb ergometer (LE) training on diaphragm thickness and respiratory function in patients with a history of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: In total, 30 patients were randomly divided into a TMRT training group and an LE training group. The TMRT group performed thoracic mobilization and respiratory muscle endurance training for 30 min three times a week for 8 weeks. The LE group performed lower limb ergometer training for 30 min three times a week for 8 weeks. The participants' diaphragm thickness was measured via rehabilitative ultrasound image (RUSI) and a respiratory function test was conducted using a MicroQuark spirometer. These parameters were measured before the intervention and 8 weeks after the intervention. Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the results obtained before and after training in both groups. Right diaphragm thickness at rest, diaphragm thickness during contraction, and respiratory function were significantly more improved in the TMRT group than in the LE group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, we confirmed the effects of TMRT training on diaphragm thickness and respiratory function in patients with a history of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Jin Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Gyeongbuk College, 77 Daehang-ro, Yeongju-si 36133, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Gheinali Z, Moshiri E, Ebrahimi Tavani M, Haghi M, Gharibi F. Catastrophic health expenditures in hospitalized patients with delta variant of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Health Promot Perspect 2023; 13:68-76. [PMID: 37309437 PMCID: PMC10257567 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2023.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Financial protection of populations against healthcare costs is one of the fundamental responsibilities of governments. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and it's affecting factors in hospitalized patients with delta variant of COVID-19. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 400 hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Kosar Hospital of Semnan in 2022, using a researcher-made checklist. Based on qualitative nature of the variables, chi-square test was used to investigate the statistical associations between the demographic/background characteristics and the incidence of CHE. Results: On average, COVID-19 imposed 1833.43 USD direct medical costs per one hospitalized patient. The ratio of direct-medical costs to household's non-food expenses was 2.35, and 61% (CI:±4.78%) of the patients were subject to CHE. Besides, residence place, basic insurance type, benefitting from supplementary insurance, suffering from underlying diseases, hospitalization in ICU, falling into a coma, facing pulmonary failure, and performing hemoperfusion had significant associations with CHE (P<0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of CHE in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was undesirable, which may be due to geographical, economical, and occupational inequalities apart from the factors related to the severity of the disease. So, health policymakers should pay attention to the provision of proper financial risk protection policies to make the health insurance system more efficient and appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Gheinali
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Moshiri
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Ebrahimi Tavani
- Quality Improvement, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Center of Health Network Management, Deputy of Public Health, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Haghi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Farid Gharibi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Djorwé S, Bousfiha A, Nzoyikorera N, Nkurunziza V, Ait Mouss K, Kawthar B, Malki A. Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Casablanca. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:acmi000400. [PMID: 37223059 PMCID: PMC10202397 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This is an analytical cross-sectional study of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on data collected between 1 November 2020 and 31 March 2021 in Casablanca focusing on the disease's epidemiological status and risk factors. A total of 4569 samples were collected and analysed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); 967 patients were positive, representing a prevalence of 21.2 % for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The mean age was 47.5±18 years, and infection was more common in young adults (<60 years). However, all age groups were at risk of COVID-19, and in terms of disease severity, the elderly were at greater risk because of potential underlying health problems. Among the clinical signs reported in this study, loss of taste and/or smell, fever, cough and fatigue were highly significant predictors of a positive COVID-19 test result (P<0.001). An assessment of the reported symptoms revealed that 27 % of COVID-19-positive patients (n=261) experienced loss of taste and/or smell, whereas only 2 % (n=72) of COVID-19-negative patients did (P<0.001). This result was consistent between univariate (OR=18.125) and multivariate (adjusted OR=10.484) logistic regression analyses, indicating that loss of taste and/or smell is associated with a more than 10-fold higher multivariate adjusted probability of a positive COVID-19 test (adjusted OR=10.48; P<0.001). Binary logistic regression model analysis based on clinical signs revealed that loss of taste and/or smell had a performance index of 0.846 with a P<0.001, confirming the diagnostic utility of this symptom for the prediction of COVID-19-positive status. In conclusion, symptom evaluation and a RT-PCR [taking into account cycle threshold (C t) values of the PCR proxy] test remain the most useful screening tools for diagnosing COVID-19. However, loss of taste/smell, fatigue, fever and cough remain the strongest independent predictors of a positive COVID-19 result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soulandi Djorwé
- Laboratory of Physiopathology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca (Morocco), Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, PB 7955 Sidi Othman Casablanca, Morocco
- Bourgogne Laboratory of Medical and Scientific Analysis, 136, Residence Belhcen, Bd Bourgogne, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amale Bousfiha
- Laboratory of Physiopathology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca (Morocco), Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, PB 7955 Sidi Othman Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Néhémie Nzoyikorera
- National Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
- Higher Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Infectiology Research, Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation, Rabat, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Victor Nkurunziza
- Laboratory of Hematology, University Hospital Centre Ibn Rochd, 1, Rue des Hôpitaux, 20100, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Khadija Ait Mouss
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, 19 rue Tarik Bnou Zyad, 20360, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Bellamine Kawthar
- Bourgogne Laboratory of Medical and Scientific Analysis, 136, Residence Belhcen, Bd Bourgogne, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abderrahim Malki
- Laboratory of Physiopathology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca (Morocco), Avenue Cdt Driss El Harti, PB 7955 Sidi Othman Casablanca, Morocco
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Pereira MCP, Fernandes JCH, Fernandes GVO, Nor F, Marques T, Couto P. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Period on Patients with Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Diseases 2023; 11:diseases11020061. [PMID: 37092443 PMCID: PMC10123687 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted all public life and the global economy. Since its discovery, the disease has spread rapidly, which led to an unprecedented public health crisis and the adoption of extreme measures to limit community and hospital spread. As a result of a confluence of extraordinary circumstances caused by this pandemic, the doctrines of treatment for patients with head and neck carcinoma had to be reanalyzed, guaranteeing the well-being of both patients and health professionals as well as society itself. OBJECTIVE The aim of our systematic review was to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic period on head and neck cancer patients, the effects on the health care provided and on patient health. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review was based on the PRISMA guidelines and PICO strategy, with the focus question, "How has the COVID-19 pandemic period conditioned the treatment of patients with head and neck carcinoma?" Thus, electronic research was carried out on six databases: LILACS, PubMed/MedLine, Web of Science, the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, Scielo, and Scopus, aiming to answer the research question by considering the objective and defined criteria. The following information was extracted: author and year of the publication, patients' age, gender, time until the first appointment, time from the first appointment to the surgery, the period in the hospital, time in intensive care, TNM, general stage of cancer, diagnostic procedures, oncological procedures, reconstructive surgery, and postoperative complications. RESULTS Initially, 837 articles were found. After removing duplicates, we obtained 471 studies. After screening by title and abstract, 67 articles were selected for full-text reading (k = 92) in order to assess their eligibility. Thus, nine articles were included (k = 1.0). All data and statistical results were obtained and contrasted. The included studies made it possible to reveal distinct impacts felt in different institutions of several countries, not allowing generalizable conclusions to be drawn. However, some of the variables analyzed are worrying, namely, the limitations that occurred in some types of oncological surgeries, as well as the increase in the number of patients admitted with higher TNM classifications and more debilitated general conditions. CONCLUSION Within the limitation of this review, the results showed efforts made to prevent the pandemic from affecting the healthcare provided. There were no significant differences in days inside the intensive care unit, postoperative complications, and, in most cases, length of stay in the hospital. There were no differences in the number of patients admitted with a history of recurrence or neoadjuvant treatment. However, some variables raise concerns, such as the increase in patients with more advanced stage and TNM classification and a decrease in certain oncological procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gustavo Vicentis Oliveira Fernandes
- Periodontics and Oral Medicine Department, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3504-505 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Felipe Nor
- Periodontics and Oral Medicine Department, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tiago Marques
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3504-505 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Couto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3504-505 Viseu, Portugal
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Van Grondelle SE, Van Bruggen S, Rauh SP, Van der Zwan M, Cebrian A, Seidu S, Rutten GEHM, Vos HMM, Numans ME, Vos RC. The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on diabetes care: the perspective of healthcare providers across Europe. Prim Care Diabetes 2023; 17:141-147. [PMID: 36822977 PMCID: PMC9933343 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Covid-19 caused changes on the delivery of diabetes care. This study aimed to explore perceptions of healthcare providers across Europe concerning 1) the impact of covid-19 on delivery of diabetes care; 2) impact of changes in diabetes care on experienced workload; 3) experiences with video consultation in diabetes care. METHODS Cross-sectional survey among healthcare providers in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Turkey, Ukraine and Sweden, with a focus on primary care. RESULTS The survey was completed by 180 healthcare providers. During the COVID-19 pandemic 57.1% of respondents provided less diabetes care and 72.8% observed a negative impact on people with diabetes. More than half of respondents (61.9%) expressed worries to some extent about getting overloaded by work. Although the vast majority considered their work meaningful (85.6%). Almost half of healthcare providers (49.4%) thought that after the pandemic video-consultation could be blended with face-to-face contact. CONCLUSIONS Less diabetes care was delivered and a negative impact on people with diabetes was observed by healthcare providers. Despite healthcare providers' feeling overloaded, mental wellbeing seemed unaffected. Video consultations were seen as having potential. Given the remaining covid-19 risks and from the interest of proactive management of people with diabetes, these findings urge for further exploration of incorporating video consultation in diabetes care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Van Grondelle
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - S Van Bruggen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; Hadoks, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - S P Rauh
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M Van der Zwan
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - A Cebrian
- Primary Care Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain; Centro de Salud Casco Antiguo Cartagena, Murcia, Spain; Spanish Diabetes Association, Catholic University of Murcia, Servicio Murciano de Salud, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
| | - S Seidu
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - G E H M Rutten
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - H M M Vos
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M E Numans
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - R C Vos
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
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da Silva FP, Luís MF, Jesus F, Ribeiro J, Almeida É, Braga S, Ferreira L. Interleukin-6 in COVID-19 Severity Stratification. TANAFFOS 2023; 22:382-388. [PMID: 39176139 PMCID: PMC11338506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Background The increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 on a global scale made the early recognition of severe forms of the disease essential. Considering that IL-6 acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator, mediating acute phase responses, the objective of this study was to assess its value in the early severity stratification of SARS-CoV2 infection. Materials and Methods It was a prospective study included IL-6 measurement in patients with SARS-CoV2 infection upon admission to the emergency department. Two groups were considered (Group I: patients without hospitalization criteria; Group II: patients with hospitalization criteria). Analyzed variables were serum levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein, ferritin, d-dimers, sociodemographics, ventilator support, ICU admission, mortality, dates of diagnosis, hospitalization, and discharge. For the statistical analyses, Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's chi-square test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, Youden index, and Spearman correlation were applied. Results A total number of 117 patients were included. Mean age was significantly higher for group II (72,35±15,39 years; p<0,001). No statistically significant difference was seen between the groups regarding gender (p=0,111). The IL-6 values showed an excellent power of discrimination for the need for hospitalization (AUC=0,888; p<0,001) and the need for ICU admission (AUC=0,897; p=7.9 × 10-5). Also, its cut-off value of 12,4pg/mL for the need for hospitalization and 42,95 pg/mL for the need for ICU admission was determined. Positive correlation was seen between IL-6 value and length of stay [r(35)=0,380; p=0,020]. Three deaths were observed among patients with hospitalization criteria (8,1%). Conclusion The value of IL-6 at admission seems to independently influence the probability of hospitalization (general ward or ICU) and its duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pereira da Silva
- Department of Pulmonology, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia 19, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde – Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Luís
- Department of Pulmonology, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia 19, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde – Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Filipa Jesus
- Department of Pulmonology, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia 19, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Department of Pulmonology, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia 19, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Élin Almeida
- Department of Pulmonology, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia 19, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Sara Braga
- Department of Pulmonology, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia 19, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Luís Ferreira
- Department of Pulmonology, Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Avenida Rainha Dona Amélia 19, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde – Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
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Marascio N, Cilburunoglu M, Torun EG, Centofanti F, Mataj E, Equestre M, Bruni R, Quirino A, Matera G, Ciccaglione AR, Yalcinkaya KT. Molecular Characterization and Cluster Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Isolates in Kahramanmaraş City, Turkey: The Delta VOC Wave within One Month. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030802. [PMID: 36992510 PMCID: PMC10054778 DOI: 10.3390/v15030802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has seriously affected the population in Turkey. Since the beginning, phylogenetic analysis has been necessary to monitor public health measures against COVID-19 disease. In any case, the analysis of spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) gene mutations was crucial in determining their potential impact on viral spread. We screened S and N regions to detect usual and unusual substitutions, whilst also investigating the clusters among a patient cohort resident in Kahramanmaraş city, in a restricted time span. Sequences were obtained by Sanger methods and genotyped by the PANGO Lineage tool. Amino acid substitutions were annotated comparing newly generated sequences to the NC_045512.2 reference sequence. Clusters were defined using phylogenetic analysis with a 70% cut-off. All sequences were classified as Delta. Eight isolates carried unusual mutations on the S protein, some of them located in the S2 key domain. One isolate displayed the unusual L139S on the N protein, while few isolates carried the T24I and A359S N substitutions able to destabilize the protein. Phylogeny identified nine monophyletic clusters. This study provided additional information about SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in Turkey, suggesting local transmission of infection in the city by several transmission routes, and highlighting the necessity to improve the power of sequencing worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Marascio
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, "Magna Grecia" University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Merve Cilburunoglu
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcü Imam University, 46050 Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Elif Gulsum Torun
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcü Imam University, 46050 Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Federica Centofanti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elida Mataj
- Instituti i Shendetit Publik (ISHP), 1000 Tirana, Albania
| | - Michele Equestre
- Department of Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Quirino
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, "Magna Grecia" University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, "Magna Grecia" University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Kezban Tulay Yalcinkaya
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcü Imam University, 46050 Kahramanmaras, Turkey
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Papaemmanouil A, Bakaloudi DR, Gkantali K, Kalopitas G, Metallidis S, Germanidis G, Chourdakis M. Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength as Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061409. [PMID: 36986138 PMCID: PMC10057973 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Phase angle (PhA) and muscle strength are predictors of clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Malnutrition may affect body composition measurements. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the association between PhA and handgrip strength (HGS), and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study included a total of 102 patients. Both PhA and HGS were measured twice, within 48 h of hospital admission and on the 7th day of hospitalization. The primary outcome was the clinical status on the 28th day of hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the hospital length of stay (LOS), the concentrations of ferritin, C-reactive protein and albumin, oxygen requirements and the severity of pneumonia. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Spearman rS correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. No differences were found for PhA [on day 1 (p = 0.769) and day 7 (p = 0.807)] and the primary outcome. A difference was found between HGS on day 1 and the primary outcome (p = 0.008), while no difference was found for HGS on day 7 (p = 0.476). Body mass index was found to be associated with the oxygen requirement on day 7 (p = 0.005). LOS was correlated neither with PhA (rs = −0.081, p = 0.422) nor with HGS (rs = 0.137, p = 0.177) on the first day. HGS could be a useful indicator of clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, while PhA does not seem to have a clinical impact. However, further research is needed to validate the results of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androniki Papaemmanouil
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Konstantina Gkantali
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Simeon Metallidis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Chourdakis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
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Çelik Z, Törüner FB, Güçlü MB. Evaluation of quality of life and physical activity in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2023; 67:206-213. [PMID: 36468917 PMCID: PMC10689036 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study is to compare the quality of life, physical activity, anxiety, depression, fear of hypoglycemia, loneliness perception in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and controls. Subjects and methods Forty-four patients and 63 controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Quality of life (Short Form 36-SF-36), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), fear of hypoglycemia (Hypoglycemia Fear Survey), loneliness perception (UCLA Loneliness Scale) were evaluated. Results Physical role limitations and general health perception subscale scores of SF-36 questionnaire in patients were significantly higher than the controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion Role limitations due to physical problems and fear of hypoglycemia are increased, and general health perception is impaired in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Physical inactivity is an important symptom in individuals in the pandemic period. In this regard, telerehabilitation approaches will be beneficial for all individuals in increasing physical activity, improving quality of life, and decreasing anxiety, depression and loneliness perception during the pandemic period for all individuals. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diabetes management and dealing with problems should be considered in pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeliha Çelik
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey,
| | - Füsun Baloş Törüner
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meral Boşnak Güçlü
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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50
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Kintrilis N. Viral Shedding and Persistence of Anosmia and Ageusia in an Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Cureus 2023; 15:e36574. [PMID: 37095813 PMCID: PMC10122416 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first identified in the region of Wuhan, China is responsible for the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) that has been a part of our life for almost three years now. Although there have been multiple reports of prolonged viral shedding in people with severe disease, viral shedding lasting for extended periods can occur in patients with less serious clinical insults or even asymptomatic individuals. Herein, we report a case of a female patient that, although otherwise asymptomatic, remained positive on nasopharyngeal viral testing for a prolonged period, alongside persisting complaints of anosmia and ageusia. The patient may well have been one of the first individuals to be infected in the Greek territory; we followed up on her long-term COVID sequelae from the time of proof of infection up until the present day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kintrilis
- Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
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