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Alzueta E, Menghini L, Volpe L, Baker FC, Garnier A, Sarrel PM, de Zambotti M. Navigating menopause at work: a preliminary study about challenges and support systems. Menopause 2024; 31:258-265. [PMID: 38442310 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002333] [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: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women's increasing workforce participation necessitates understanding unique life phases like menopause for enhanced workplace inclusivity. This research investigates the challenges and needs of peri-menopausal women in work settings, using the Job Demands-Resources model as a foundation. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered to 351 working women aged 40 to 65 years in the United States. Hierarchical multiple regression models were employed to assess the relationship between the severity of menopausal symptoms, emotional exhaustion, work engagement, and turnover intentions. RESULTS Most of the respondents reported moderate (38.46%) to severe (35.9%) menopausal symptoms. Notably, 54% of the women were caregivers for children or adults. About 77.7% of participants reported work-related challenges due to menopause, with a perceived reduction in productivity (56.8%) being the most common issue. The severity of menopausal symptoms was found to significantly predict more emotional exhaustion ( P < 0.001), less work engagement ( P < 0.001), and greater turnover intentions ( P = 0.03). Concerns about being perceived as less capable in the workplace due to menopausal symptoms were reported by 51.2% of respondents. A striking gap exists between the workplace measures desired by women, such as formal menopause policies and managerial training (65.4%-68%), and their actual implementation (2%-6.3%). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals an exigent need for increased awareness and structural changes to support working women going through menopause. The findings have far-reaching implications for not just promoting gender equity and well-being but are also pivotal for maintaining a diversified, engaged, and effective workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Alzueta
- From the Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Luca Menghini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Laila Volpe
- From the Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Fiona C Baker
- From the Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
| | | | - Philip M Sarrel
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Psychiatry, Yale University, CT
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Espinoza C, Martella D. Cognitive functions in COVID-19 survivors, approaches strategies, and impact on health systems: a qualitative systematic review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01662-2. [PMID: 37648954 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Post-COVID syndrome has been defined as signs and symptoms that develop after an infection consistent with COVID-19 and continue for more than 12 weeks, including neurocognitive signs and symptoms that have an impact on the functioning and quality of life of middle-aged adult and older survivors. This systematic review describes the current knowledge of long-term cognitive impairments in COVID-19 survivors, approaches strategies, and their impact on public and private health services worldwide. The systematic review was conducted under the criteria and flowchart established in the PRISMA statement, considering studies from the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases between 2020 and 2023. The included studies considered participants over 40 years of age, COVID-19 survivors. A total of 68 articles were included, most of which had high to excellent quality. The analysis showed the presence of heterogeneous cognitive symptoms in COVID survivors, persistent for at least 12 weeks from the onset of infection, mostly unsystematized and nonspecific approaches strategies, and a lack of methods for monitoring their effectiveness, with a significant economic and logistical impact on health systems. Specific protocols are required for the rehabilitation of persistent cognitive dysfunction in COVID-19 survivors, as well as longitudinal studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Espinoza
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales Y Comunicación, Universidad Santo Tomas, Valdivia, Chile.
| | - Diana Martella
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales Y Humanas, Universidad Loyola de Andalucía España, Dos Hermanas, Spain
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Mehringer W, Stoeve M, Krauss D, Ring M, Steussloff F, Güttes M, Zott J, Hohberger B, Michelson G, Eskofier B. Virtual reality for assessing stereopsis performance and eye characteristics in Post-COVID. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13167. [PMID: 37574496 PMCID: PMC10423723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40263-w] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2019, we faced a pandemic due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with millions of confirmed cases and reported deaths. Even in recovered patients, symptoms can be persistent over weeks, termed Post-COVID. In addition to common symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairments, visual impairments have been reported. Automatic classification of COVID and Post-COVID is researched based on blood samples and radiation-based procedures, among others. However, a symptom-oriented assessment for visual impairments is still missing. Thus, we propose a Virtual Reality environment in which stereoscopic stimuli are displayed to test the patient's stereopsis performance. While performing the visual tasks, the eyes' gaze and pupil diameter are recorded. We collected data from 15 controls and 20 Post-COVID patients in a study. Therefrom, we extracted features of three main data groups, stereopsis performance, pupil diameter, and gaze behavior, and trained various classifiers. The Random Forest classifier achieved the best result with 71% accuracy. The recorded data support the classification result showing worse stereopsis performance and eye movement alterations in Post-COVID. There are limitations in the study design, comprising a small sample size and the use of an eye tracking system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Mehringer
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab (MaD Lab), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany.
| | - Maike Stoeve
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab (MaD Lab), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Daniel Krauss
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab (MaD Lab), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Matthias Ring
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab (MaD Lab), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Fritz Steussloff
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Moritz Güttes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Zott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bettina Hohberger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Michelson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Talkingeyes & More GmbH, 91052, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Bjoern Eskofier
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab (MaD Lab), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
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Albulescu AC. Exploring the links between flood events and the COVID-19 infection cases in Romania in the new multi-hazard-prone era. NATURAL HAZARDS (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 117:1611-1631. [PMID: 37251346 PMCID: PMC10032624 DOI: 10.1007/s11069-023-05918-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of flood events amid the COVID-19 pandemic represents a prominent part of the emerging multi-hazard landscape, as floods are one of the most frequent and destructive natural hazards. This spatial and temporal overlap of hydrological and epidemiological hazards translates into compounded negative effects, causing a shift in the hazard management paradigm, in which hazard interaction takes centre stage. This paper calls into question whether the river flood events that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania and the way that they were managed had an impact on the infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus at county scale. To this end, hazard management data concerning the flood events that were severe enough to impose the evacuation of the population were corroborated with COVID-19 confirmed cases data. A definite link between the flood events and the dynamics of COVID-19 cases registered in the selected counties is difficult to identify, but the analysis shows that all flood events were followed by various size increases in the COVID-19 confirmed cases at the end of the incubation time range. The findings are critically interpreted by providing viral load and social-related contexts, allowing a proper understanding of the interactions between concurrent hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andra-Cosmina Albulescu
- Tulnici Research Station via RECENT AIR, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, No. 11 700506, Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of Geography and Geology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
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Bautista-Rodriguez E, Cortés-Álvarez NY, Vuelvas-Olmos CR, Reyes-Meza V, González-López T, Flores-delosÁngeles C, Pérez-Silva NB, Aguirre-Alarcón HA, Cortez-Sanchez JL, Rocha-Rocha VM, Escobedo-Straffon J, Contreras-Mioni L, Reyes-Vergara ML. Stress, anxiety, depression and long COVID symptoms. FATIGUE: BIOMEDICINE, HEALTH & BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2022.2154500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Bautista-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Medical & Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Nadia Yanet Cortés-Álvarez
- Department of Nursing and Obstetrics, Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Verónica Reyes-Meza
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autonóma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Thelma González-López
- Center for Psychological, Educational, and Family Development, Comprehensive Health Clinic, UPAEP, Puebla, Mexico
| | | | | | - Héctor Alberto Aguirre-Alarcón
- Laboratory of Medical & Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Jose Luis Cortez-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Medical & Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla, Mexico
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The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Cognitive Function and the Implication for Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137748. [PMID: 35805406 PMCID: PMC9266128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that patients with severe COVID-19 disease may have symptoms that continue beyond the acute phase, extending into the early chronic phase. This prolonged COVID-19 pathology is often referred to as ‘Long COVID’. Simultaneously, case investigations have shown that COVID-19 individuals might have a variety of neurological problems. The accurate and accessible assessment of cognitive function in patients post-COVID-19 infection is thus of increasingly high importance for both public and individual health. Little is known about the influence of COVID-19 on the general cognitive levels but more importantly, at sub-functions level. Therefore, we first aim to summarize the current level of evidence supporting the negative impact of COVID-19 infection on cognitive functions. Twenty-seven studies were included in the systematic review representing a total of 94,103 participants (90,317 COVID-19 patients and 3786 healthy controls). We then performed a meta-analysis summarizing the results of five studies (959 participants, 513 patients) to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on cognitive functions. The overall effect, expressed in standardized mean differences, is −0.41 [95%CI −0.55; −0.27]. To prevent disability, we finally discuss the different approaches available in rehabilitation to help these patients and avoid long-term complications.
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Fitri FI, Darman WR, Ritarwan K. Higher Inflammatory Markers are correlated with Worse Cognitive Function in Coronavirus Disease-2019 Patients. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to determine the correlation between inflammation with cognitive function in COVID-19 patients.
METHODS: We recruited COVID-19 patients using consecutive sampling methods in Adam Malik General Hospital Medan, Indonesia. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR,) C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and ferritin serum levels were measured as inflammatory markers . Cognitive function was assessed in several cognitive domains using Forward Digit Span for attention, Bacward Digit Span for working memory, and Trail Making Test parts A and B for executive function. The correlation between inflammatory markers and cognitive function was analyzed using Spearman correlation test.
RESULTS: This study involved 40 COVID-19 patients consisting of 13 (32.5%) males and 27 (67.5%) females; the median age of the patients was 39.5 (19–65) years. We found that higher D-dimer and ferritin levels were significantly correlated with worse BDS scores (r = −0.369 p = 0.019 and r = −0.408 p = 0.009, respectively) and higher ferritin level was also correlated with worse FDS score (r = −0.365 p = 0.020 and). Higher D-dimer and ferritin levels were also significantly correlated with a longer time of completion of TMT-B (r = 0.363 p = 0.022 and r = 0.433 p = 0.005) and higher ferritin level was also correlated with a longer time of completion of TMT-A (r = 0.438 P=0.005). There were no significant correlations between NLR and CRP levels with cognitive function.
CONCLUSION: Higher inflammatory markers are correlated with worse attention, working memory, and executive function in COVID-19 patients.
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Negrini F, de Sire A, Andrenelli E, Lazzarini SG, Patrini M, Ceravolo MG. Rehabilitation and COVID-19: update of the rapid living systematic review by Cochrane Rehabilitation Field as of December 31st, 2021. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2022; 58:328-331. [PMID: 35244366 PMCID: PMC9980523 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.22.07497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Negrini
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Tradate, Varese, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elisa Andrenelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy -
| | | | | | - Maria G Ceravolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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