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Greydanus DE, Nazeer A, Qayyum Z, Patel DR, Rausch R, Hoang LN, Miller C, Chahin S, Apple RW, Saha G, Prasad Rao G, Javed A. Pediatric suicide: Review of a preventable tragedy. Dis Mon 2024; 70:101725. [PMID: 38480023 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2024.101725] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Concepts of suicide are explored in this issue with a focus on suicide in children and adolescents. The epidemiology of pediatric suicide in the United States is reviewed; also, risk and protective factors, as well as prevention strategies, are discussed. Suicide in the pediatric athlete and the potential protective effect of exercise are examined. In addition, this analysis addresses the beneficial role of psychological management as well as current research on pharmacologic treatment and brain stimulation procedures as part of comprehensive pediatric suicide prevention. Though death by suicide in pediatric persons has been and remains a tragic phenomenon, there is much that clinicians, other healthcare professionals, and society itself can accomplish in the prevention of pediatric suicide as well as the management of suicidality in our children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States.
| | - Ahsan Nazeer
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sidra Medicine/Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zheala Qayyum
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dilip R Patel
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca Rausch
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Linh-Nhu Hoang
- Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Caroline Miller
- Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Summer Chahin
- Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Roger W Apple
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Gautam Saha
- Immediate Past President of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Psychiatric Federation (SPF), India
| | - G Prasad Rao
- President, Asian Federation of Psychiatric Association (AFPA), India
| | - Afzal Javed
- Chairman Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Immediate Past President of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), Pakistan
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Odo CM, Vega LA, Mukherjee P, DebRoy S, Flores AR, Shelburne SA. Emergent emm4 group A Streptococcus evidences a survival strategy during interaction with immune effector cells. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0015224. [PMID: 38888310 PMCID: PMC11238559 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00152-24] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The major gram-positive pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a model organism for studying microbial epidemics as it causes waves of infections. Since 1980, several GAS epidemics have been ascribed to the emergence of clones producing increased amounts of key virulence factors such as streptolysin O (SLO). Herein, we sought to identify mechanisms underlying our recently identified temporal clonal emergence among emm4 GAS, given that emergent strains did not produce augmented levels of virulence factors relative to historic isolates. By creating and analyzing isoallelic strains, we determined that a conserved mutation in a previously undescribed gene encoding a putative carbonic anhydrase was responsible for the defective in vitro growth observed in the emergent strains. We also identified that the emergent strains survived better inside macrophages and killed macrophages at lower rates than the historic strains. Via the creation of isogenic mutant strains, we linked the emergent strain "survival" phenotype to the downregulation of the SLO encoding gene and upregulation of the msrAB operon which encodes proteins involved in defense against extracellular oxidative stress. Our findings are in accord with recent surveillance studies which found a high ratio of mucosal (i.e., pharyngeal) relative to invasive infections among emm4 GAS. Since ever-increasing virulence is unlikely to be evolutionarily advantageous for a microbial pathogen, our data further understanding of the well-described oscillating patterns of virulent GAS infections by demonstrating mechanisms by which emergent strains adapt a "survival" strategy to outcompete previously circulating isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma M. Odo
- Microbiology and Infectious Disease, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Luis A. Vega
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Piyali Mukherjee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sruti DebRoy
- Department of Infectious Disease, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony R. Flores
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Samuel A. Shelburne
- Department of Infectious Disease, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Sinumvayo JP, Munezero PC, Tope AT, Adeyemo RO, Bale MI, Nyandwi JB, Haakuria VM, Mutesa L, Adedeji AA. Advancing Vaccinology Capacity: Education and Efforts in Vaccine Development and Manufacturing across Africa. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:741. [PMID: 39066380 PMCID: PMC11281707 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070741] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Africa, home to the world's second-largest population of approximately 1.3 billion, grapples with significant challenges in meeting its medical needs, particularly in accessing quality healthcare services and products. The continent faces a continuous onslaught of emerging infectious diseases, exacerbating the strain on its already fragile public health infrastructure. The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the urgency to build local vaccine production capacity and strengthen the health infrastructure in general. The risks associated with a heavy reliance on imported vaccines were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating the need to nurture and strengthen the local manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutic biologics. Various initiatives addressing training, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs are underway, and these require increasing dedicated and purposeful financial investment. Building vaccine manufacturing capacity requires substantial investment in training and infrastructure. This manuscript examines the current state of education in vaccinology and related sciences in Africa. It also provides an overview of the continent's efforts to address educational needs in vaccine development and manufacturing. Additionally, it evaluates the initiatives aimed at strengthening vaccine education and literacy, highlighting successful approaches and ongoing challenges. By assessing the progress made and identifying the remaining obstacles, this review offers insights into how Africa can enhance its vaccine manufacturing capacity to respond to vaccine-preventable disease challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Paul Sinumvayo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- East African Community, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (J.B.N.); (V.M.H.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Pierre Celestin Munezero
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Adegboyega Taofeek Tope
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Rasheed Omotayo Adeyemo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Muritala Issa Bale
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Jean Baptiste Nyandwi
- East African Community, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (J.B.N.); (V.M.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda
| | - Vetjaera Mekupi Haakuria
- East African Community, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (J.B.N.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda;
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda
| | - Ahmed Adebowale Adedeji
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda
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Perenc H, Pasieka K, Juruś K, Bierć K, Bieś R, Krzystanek M, Warchala A. The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sexual Lives of Polish Young Adults. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3370. [PMID: 38929899 PMCID: PMC11203741 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123370] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to daily life in Poland, with restrictions affecting various sectors, including entertainment, education, and travel. The pandemic's impact extended to intimate aspects of life. This study aimed to compare the sexual functioning of young adults in Poland before and during the pandemic, using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14). Methods: The research involved an online survey with demographic questions, the CSFQ-14 for pre-pandemic sexual functioning, and modified CSFQ-14 questions for the pandemic period. Sexual dysfunction was determined using predefined cutoff scores. Results: Overall, the study found no significant difference in the sexual functioning of young Poles during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. However, there were gender-specific trends. Women reported enhanced pleasure, satisfaction, and orgasm during lockdown, while men faced challenges with erection and ejaculation. A higher proportion of women experienced overall sexual dysfunction compared to men, both before and during the pandemic. This research provides insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual lives of young Poles. While overall sexual functioning remained relatively stable, specific aspects varied by gender. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to consider demographic factors, such as age and gender, when assessing the effects of external stressors like a pandemic on sexual health. Further research is essential to fully grasp these complexities and their potential long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Perenc
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Karolina Pasieka
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Kamil Juruś
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Karolina Bierć
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Rafał Bieś
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Anna Warchala
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland;
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Rito B, Matos L, Proença DN, Morais PV. Kinetics of inactivation of bacteria responsible for infections in hospitals using UV-LED. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30738. [PMID: 38765034 PMCID: PMC11096922 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Controlling the microbial load in the environment is crucial to prevent the spread of organisms. The continuous spread of nosocomial infections in hospital facilities and the emergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) highlighted the importance of disinfection processes in health safety. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LED-based disinfection lamps on bacteria from the ESKAPEE group and virus phage in vitro inactivation to be applied in hospital environments and health facilities disinfection. This study evaluated the effect of different UV wavelengths (275 nm, 280 nm (UVC), 310 nm (UVB) and 340 nm (UVA)) on the disinfection process of various microbial indicators including E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis and Bacteriophage lambda DSM 4499. Exposure time (5 min-30 min), exposure distance (0.25 m and 0.5 m) and surface materials (glass, steel, and polished wood) were evaluated on the disinfection efficiency. Furthermore, the study determined the recovery capacity of each species after UV damage. UVC-LED lamps could inactivate 99.99 % of microbial indicators after 20 min exposures at a 0.5 m distance. The exposure time needed to completely inactivate E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis and Bacteriophage lambda DSM 4499 can be decreased by reducing the exposure distance. UVB-LED and UVA-LED lamps were not able to promote a log reduction of 4 and were not effective on B. subtilis or bacteriophage lambda DSM 4499 inactivation. Thus, only UVC-LED lamps were tested on the decontamination of different surface materials, which was successful. P. aeruginosa showed the ability to recover from UV damage, but its inactivation rate remains 99.99 %, and spores from B. subtilis were not completely inactivated. Nevertheless, the inactivation rate of these indicators remained at 99.99 % with 24 h incubation after UVC irradiation. UVC-LED lamps emitting 280 nm were the most indicated to disinfect surfaces from microorganisms usually found in hospital environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rito
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, ARISE, Department of Life Sciences, Calcada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Leonor Matos
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, ARISE, Department of Life Sciences, Calcada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo N. Proença
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, ARISE, Department of Life Sciences, Calcada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula V. Morais
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, ARISE, Department of Life Sciences, Calcada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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Odo CM, Vega LA, Mukherjee P, DebRoy S, Flores AR, Shelburne SA. Emergent emm4 group A Streptococcus evidences a survival strategy during interaction with immune effector cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588776. [PMID: 38645060 PMCID: PMC11030381 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The major gram-positive pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a model organism for studying microbial epidemics as it causes waves of infections. Since 1980, several GAS epidemics have been ascribed to the emergence of clones producing increased amounts of key virulence factors such as streptolysin O (SLO). Herein, we sought to identify mechanisms underlying our recently identified temporal clonal emergence amongst emm4 GAS, given that emergent strains did not produce augmented levels of virulence factors relative to historic isolates. Through the creation and analysis of isoallelic strains, we determined that a conserved mutation in a previously undescribed gene encoding a putative carbonic anhydrase was responsible for the defective in vitro growth observed in the emergent strains. We also identified that the emergent strains survived better inside macrophages and killed macrophages at lower rates relative to the historic strains. Via creation of isogenic mutant strains, we linked the emergent strain "survival" phenotype to the downregulation of the SLO encoding gene and upregulation of the msrAB operon which encodes proteins involved in defense against extracellular oxidative stress. Our findings are in accord with recent surveillance studies which found high ratio of mucosal (i.e., pharyngeal) relative to invasive infections amongst emm4 GAS. Inasmuch as ever-increasing virulence is unlikely to be evolutionary advantageous for a microbial pathogen, our data furthers understanding of the well described oscillating patterns of virulent GAS infections by demonstrating mechanisms by which emergent strains adapt a "survival" strategy to outcompete previously circulating isolates.
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Dutour O. The paleopathology and paleoepidemiology of Upper paleolithic tuberculosis: Review of evidence and hypotheses. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 143S:102348. [PMID: 38012915 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102348] [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: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Molecular phylogeny work has shown that tuberculosis is ancient human-adapted infection predating the Neolithic period. They also show that the Upper Paleolithic is a key period of emergence of the MTB complex strains, contemporary with the exit of modern man from Africa. Despite the richness of Upper Paleolithic sites in Eurasia and the relative abundance of human remains, the only proven case of Paleolithic tuberculosis has been described so far date from the Azilian, a culture of the European Final Paleolithic, which is more recent than the ancient Neolithic sites of the Near East, area that currently hold the record for the oldest paleopathological evidence of tuberculosis. The purpose of this review is to present evidence for the existence of tuberculosis in the Paleolithic and to list hypotheses explaining the weak demonstrative contribution of paleopathology for pre-Neolithic periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Dutour
- Ecole Pratique des Haute Etudes, PSL University Paris, France; UMR 5199 PACEA (Université de Bordeaux-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), France.
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Rahman MO, Ahmed SS, Alqahtani AS, Cakilcioğlu U, Akbar MA. Insight into novel inhibitors from Sterculia urens against Cholera via pharmacoinformatics and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-22. [PMID: 37668010 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2254841] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The underdeveloped countries with large populations are facing a grave global threat in the form of cholera. Vibrio cholerae, the etiologic agent of Cholera has drawn attention recently due to antimicrobial resistance and resulting outbreaks that necessitates establishment of novel medications to counteract virulence and viability of the pathogen. Sterculia urens Roxb. (Malvaceae) is an ethnomedicinally important tree, which harbors a good number of bioactive phytocompounds. In the present study, 53 phytocompounds of S. urens were screened against the promising target ToxT of V. cholerae employing structure-based drug design approach that revealed three lead compounds, viz., 4,4,5,8-Tetramethylchroman-2-ol (-8.2 kcal/mol), Beta-Bisabolol (-8.2 kcal/mol) and Ledol (-8.7 kcal/mol) with satisfactory ADMET properties. Molecular dynamics simulation for 150 ns unveiled notable compactness and structural stability for the lead compounds considering RMSD, RMSF, Rg, MolSA, PSA and protein-ligand contacts parameters. Molecular mechanics-based MM/GBSA binding energy calculation revealed Beta-Bisabolol (-66.74 kcal/mol) to have better scores than 4,4,5,8-Tetramethylchroman-2-ol (-47.42 kcal/mol) and Ledol (-65.79 kcal/mol). Enzymes were mostly found as drug target class, and Nabilone was found as a structurally similar analog for 4,4,5,8-Tetramethylchroman-2-ol. These discoveries could aid in revealing new antibacterial medications targeting ToxT to combat Cholera.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oliur Rahman
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Sunzid Ahmed
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ali S Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Uğur Cakilcioğlu
- Department of Botany, Pertek Sakine Genç Vocational School, Munzur University, Tunceli, Pertek, Turkey
| | - Mohammad Ahsanul Akbar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
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Hong Y, An H, Cho E, Ahmed O, Ahn MH, Yoo S, Chung S. Psychometric properties of the Korean version of questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1132169. [PMID: 37484663 PMCID: PMC10356985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1132169] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population in South Korea. In addition, we investigated how the various sections interacted with each other and with viral anxiety and depression, and ultimately affected adherence to physical distancing. Methods An anonymous online survey was conducted among members of the general population in South Korea between 10 and 18 January 2022. We recruited 400 respondents and measured their demographic information, symptoms, and responses to questions about COVID-19. First, we examined the reliability and validity of the questionnaires, which included questions about people's adherence to physical distancing guidelines and COVID-19-related health beliefs. Second, we examined the relationship between physical distancing and viral anxiety or depression, as assessed using the six-item Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics (SAVE-6) scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results All 400 participants (204 men, age 41.6 ± 10.8) completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit for adherence to physical distancing (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.019, RMSEA = 0.000, and SRMR = 0.034) and health beliefs about COVID-19 (CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.030, and SRMR = 0.052). It also showed good reliability for Factor I (Cronbach's α = 0.826) and Factor II (α = 0.740). Four categories of the COVID-19 health beliefs questionnaire also showed good reliability for perceived susceptibility (α = 0.870), perceived severity (α = 0.901), perceived benefit (α = 0.935), and barriers to following physical distancing (α = 0.833). Structural equation models showed that the effects of health beliefs and viral anxiety and depression were mediated mostly by personal injunctive norms. Goodness-of-fit measures indicated a good fit. (Chi-square = 24.425, df = 7, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.966; RMSEA = 0.079). Conclusion The Korean version of the COVID-19 adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs questionnaires showed good reliability and validity in the Korean general population. In addition, the effects of health beliefs, along with viral anxiety and depression, were mainly mediated by personal injunctive norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoyoung An
- Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Uiwang, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Eulah Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Myung Hee Ahn
- Division of Psychiatry, Health Screening and Promotion Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Yoo
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seockhoon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Pianka J, Gruba N, Lesner A. Novel tools to study West Nile virus NS3 protease activity. Bioorg Chem 2023; 133:106426. [PMID: 36801793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106426] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) belongs to a group of pathogenic viruses called flaviviruses. West Nile virus infection can be mild, causing so-called West Nile Fever (WNF) or severe neuroinvasive form of the disease (WNND), and ultimately even death. There are currently no known medications to prevent West Nile virus infection. Only symptomatic treatment is used. To date, there are no unequivocal tests enabling a quick and unambiguous assessment of WN virus infection. The aim of the research was to obtain specific and selective tools for determining the activity of the West Nile virus serine proteinase. Using the methods of combinatorial chemistry with iterative deconvolution, the substrate specificity of the enzyme in non-primed and primed positions was determined. The FRET ABZ-Ala-Lys-Gln-Arg-Gly-Gly-Thr-Tyr(3-NO2)-NH2 substrate was obtained, characterized by kinetic parameters (KM = 4.20 ± 0.32 × 10-5 M) as for the majority of proteolytic enzymes. The obtained sequence was used to develop and synthesize highly sensitive functionalized quantum dot-based protease probes (QD). A QD WNV NS3 protease probe was obtained to detect an increase in fluorescence of 0.05 nmol enzyme in the assay system. This value was at least 20 times lower than that observed with the optimized substrate. The obtained result may be the basis for further research on the potential use of the WNV NS3 protease in the diagnosis of West Nile virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Pianka
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63 Street, PL 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Natalia Gruba
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63 Street, PL 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Adam Lesner
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Chemistry, Wita Stwosza 63 Street, PL 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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Henriques TM, Rito B, Proença DN, Morais PV. Application of an Ultrasonic Nebulizer Closet in the Disinfection of Textiles and Footwear. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10472. [PMID: 36078188 PMCID: PMC9518335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of disinfection processes in health safety. Textiles and footwear have been identified as vectors for spreading infections. Therefore, their disinfection can be crucial to controlling pathogens' dissemination. The present work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial disinfectant aerosolized by an ultrasonic nebulizer closet as an effective method for disinfecting textiles and footwear. The disinfection was evaluated in three steps: suspension tests; nebulization in a 0.08 m3 closet; nebulization in the upscaled 0.58 m3 closet. The disinfection process of textiles and footwear was followed by the use of bacteriophages, bacterial spores, and bacterial cells. The disinfection in the 0.58 m3 closet was efficient for textiles (4 log reduction) when bacteriophage Lambda, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis were used. The footwear disinfection was achieved (4 log reduction) in the 0.08 m3 closet for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Disinfection in an ultrasonic nebulization closet has advantages such as being quick, not wetting, being efficient on porous surfaces, and is performed at room temperature. Ultrasonic nebulization disinfection in a closet proves to be useful in clothing and footwear stores to prevent pathogen transmission by the items' widespread handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago M. Henriques
- UCCCB—University of Coimbra Bacteria Culture Collection, Department of Life Science, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- IATV—Instituto do Ambiente Tecnologia e Vida, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Rito
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo N. Proença
- UCCCB—University of Coimbra Bacteria Culture Collection, Department of Life Science, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula V. Morais
- UCCCB—University of Coimbra Bacteria Culture Collection, Department of Life Science, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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12
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Makević A, Ilić A, Pantović-Stefanović M, Murić N, Djordjević N, Jurišić V. Anxiety in patients treated in a temporary hospital in Belgrade, Serbia, during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 77:103086. [PMID: 35677786 PMCID: PMC9162931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that COVID-19 patients in general often experience anxiety, depression and stress, but those problems in patients of temporary COVID-19 hospitals seem to have attracted less attention. METHODS The study included 87 SARS-Cov-2 infected subjects accommodated and treated in a temporary hospital in Belgrade, Serbia, during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19. The patients' level of anxiety was assessed on two occasions (at admission to the temporary hospital, and 2 weeks after discharge) using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Demographic and clinical data were obtained through questionnairesor retrieved from patients' medical records. RESULTS A multiple linear regression model revealed that sex, age, the severity of COVID-19 symptoms (COVID-19_SS) and the family history of psychiatric disorder (FHPD) remain significant predictors of the level of anxiety at hospital admission (F (4, 82) = 14.916, p < 0.0001), wih an R2 of 0.421. Participants' predicted level of anxiety at admission to the temporary COVID-19 hospital can be calculated as 0.931-0.708 × SEX +0.029 × AGE +0.674 × COVID-19_SS + 1.491 × FHPD, where SEX is coded as 1 for male and 0 for female, AGE is measured in years, COVID-19_SS is coded as 0 for asymptomatic, 1 for mild, 2 for moderate and 3 for severe, and FHPD as 0 for negative and 1 for positive. Comparison between individual HAM-A score at admission to the temporary hospital (median (IQR): 7.00 (2.00-11.75)) and 2 weeks after discharge (median (IQR): 0.00 (0.00-1.00)) revealed significant reduction in the level of anxiety among study participants (Z = -7.53, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION These data indicate that psychological changes exist in those hospitalized in temporary hospitals, but that they regress soon after they leave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Makević
- Institute for Health Protection Workers of Serbian Railways" Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ilić
- General Hospital: "Medical System" (MSB), Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 323, Serbia
| | - Maja Pantović-Stefanović
- University of Belgrade, School of Medicine, Clinic for Psychiatry Clinical Centre of Serbia Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Murić
- University of Kragujevac, Serbia, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34 000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nataša Djordjević
- University of Kragujevac, Serbia, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34 000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Jurišić
- University of Kragujevac, Serbia, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34 000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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13
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Okeke ES, Olovo CV, Nkwoemeka NE, Okoye CO, Nwankwo CEI, Onu CJ. Microbial ecology and evolution is key to pandemics: using the coronavirus model to mitigate future public health challenges. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09449. [PMID: 35601228 PMCID: PMC9113781 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pandemics are global challenges that lead to total disruption of human activities. From the inception of human existence, all pandemics have resulted in loss of human lives. The coronavirus disease caused by SAR-CoV-2 began in China and is now at the global scale with an increase in mortality and morbidity. Numerous anthropogenic activities have been implicated in the emergence and severity of pandemics, including COVID-19. These activities cause changes in microbial ecology, leading to evolution due to mutation and recombination. This review hypothesized that an understanding of these anthropogenic activities would explain the dynamics of pandemics. The recent coronavirus model was used to study issues leading to microbial evolution, towards preventing future pandemics. Our review highlighted anthropogenic activities, including deforestation, mining activities, waste treatment, burning of fossil fuel, as well as international travels as drivers of microbial evolution leading to pandemics. Furthermore, human-animal interaction has also been implicated in pandemic incidents. Our study recommends substantial control of such anthropogenic activities as having been highlighted as ways to reduce the frequency of mutation, reduce pathogenic reservoirs, and the emergence of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Natural Sciences Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 212013, PR China
| | - Chinasa Valerie Olovo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ndidi Ethel Nkwoemeka
- Natural Sciences Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Charles Obinwanne Okoye
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment and Safety Engineering Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Chidiebele Emmanuel Ikechukwu Nwankwo
- Natural Sciences Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chisom Joshua Onu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, 400001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Detroit, Michigan, 48202, USA
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현 재. The Emergence and Development of Hygienic Masks in Colonial Korea. UI SAHAK 2022; 31:181-220. [PMID: 35577216 PMCID: PMC10568170 DOI: 10.13081/kjmh.2022.31.181] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the social life of masks in colonial Korea with a focus on their use in hygienic practices. It argues that masks first appeared in the disease control scene in late 1919 when the Governor-General of Korea belatedly introduced preventative measures against the Spanish Influenza pandemic. Since then, the central and regional hygiene authorities had begun to encourage colonial Koreans to wear masks whenever respiratory disease epidemics transpired. Simultaneously, Korean doctors and news reporters framed mask-wearing as something needed for family hygiene, particularly for trans-seasonal child health care, and advised colonial Korean women to manage and wear masks. This paper also reveals that the primary type of masks used in colonial society was black-colored Japanese respirators. Its design was the main point of contention in the debates on the effectiveness of masks against disease infection. Finally, it also highlights that the wide support of using masks by medical doctors and authorities was not based on scientific evidence but on empirical rules they developed through the pandemic and epidemics. The mask-usage practice would be challenged only when South Korean doctors reframed it as a "Japanese custom not grounded on science" at the height of postcolonial nationalism and the raised concern about the artifact's usefulness during the Hong Kong Influenza pandemic of 1968.
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Affiliation(s)
- 재환 현
- 부산대학교 교양교육원, 조교수, 과학기술사 전공 / 이메일:
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15
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Novak A, Pascoe D. Executive Clemency During the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Global Analysis of Law and Practice. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8853026 DOI: 10.1007/s43576-022-00047-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Because of the threat that Covid-19 poses to incarcerated populations, executives around the world have used their clemency powers to commute sentences and grant freedom to prisoners in high-risk categories. Coronavirus pardons may be justified on several theories of punishment and have been exercised alongside bureaucratic forms of legal mercy such as parole and compassionate release. Although executive clemency is residual in most legal systems, the novel coronavirus has reactivated the pardon power in many jurisdictions, overcoming significant legal and procedural barriers, albeit with exclusions for particular crimes and categories of offender. This article relays recent global trends in executive clemency granted as a result of Covid-19, drawing out relevant lessons for the academic literature on the topic, as well as for policymakers dealing with future pandemics and other emergencies.
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16
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Samaranayake L, Fakhruddin KS. Pandemics past, present, and future: Their impact on oral health care. J Am Dent Assoc 2021; 152:972-980. [PMID: 34749921 PMCID: PMC8570943 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemics have significantly modified our societal behaviour over the millennia, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. TYPES OF ARTICLES REVIEWED In this article, the authors review the history of pandemics, the probable reasons for their emergence, and the COVID-19 pandemic due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants, as well as its possible impact on dentistry during the postpandemic period. RESULTS There are multiple reasons why catastrophic pandemics occur due to new infectious organisms that cross the species barrier from animals to humans. These include, population explosion, mass migration, and prolonged survival of debilitated and susceptible cohorts on various immunosuppressants. Coupled with global warming and the resultant loss of habitats, such vicissitudes of humans and nature lead to microbes evolving and mutating at an exponential pace, paving the way for pandemics. The contemporary epidemics and pandemics beginning with the HIV pandemic have modulated dentistry beyond recognition, now with assiduous and robust infection control measures in place. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Because COVID-19 may become an endemic disease, particularly due to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants the dental community should adopt modified infection control measures, teledentistry, and point-of-care diagnostics, among other measures. It is likely, that clinical ecosystems in future would be rendered even safer by predicting how pathogens evolve and priming the human immune system for the next wave of microbial combatants through vaccines produced using deep mutational scanning in which artificial intelligence and machine learning can predict the next variants even before their arrival.
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Shilovsky GA, Putyatina TS, Markov AV. Altruism and Phenoptosis as Programs Supported by Evolution. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2021; 86:1540-1552. [PMID: 34937533 PMCID: PMC8678581 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921120038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Phenoptosis is a programmed death that has emerged in the process of evolution, sometimes taking the form of an altruistic program. In particular, it is believed to be a weapon against the spread of pandemics in the past and an obstacle in fighting pandemics in the present (COVID). However, on the evolutionary scale, deterministic death is not associated with random relationships (for example, bacteria with a particular mutation), but is a product of higher nervous activity or a consequence of established hierarchy that reaches its maximal expression in eusocial communities of Hymenoptera and highly social communities of mammals. Unlike a simple association of individuals, eusociality is characterized by the appearance of non-reproductive individuals as the highest form of altruism. In contrast to primitive programs for unicellular organisms, higher multicellular organisms are characterized by the development of behavior-based phenoptotic programs, especially in the case of reproduction-associated limitation of lifespan. Therefore, we can say that the development of altruism in the course of evolution of sociality leads in its extreme manifestation to phenoptosis. Development of mathematical models for the emergence of altruism and programmed death contributes to our understanding of mechanisms underlying these paradoxical counterproductive (harmful) programs. In theory, this model can be applied not only to insects, but also to other social animals and even to the human society. Adaptive death is an extreme form of altruism. We consider altruism and programmed death as programmed processes in the mechanistic and adaptive sense, respectively. Mechanistically, this is a program existing as a predetermined chain of certain responses, regardless of its adaptive value. As to its adaptive value (regardless of the degree of "phenoptoticity"), this is a characteristic of organisms that demonstrate high levels of kinship, social organization, and physical association typical for higher-order individuals, e.g., unicellular organisms forming colonies with some characteristics of multicellular animals or colonies of multicellular animals displaying features of supraorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Shilovsky
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 127051, Russia
| | - Tatyana S Putyatina
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Alexander V Markov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
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18
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Romeu-Labayen M, Tort-Nasarre G, Alvarez B, Subias-Miquel M, Vázquez-Segura E, Marre D, Galbany-Estragués P. Spanish nurses' experiences with personal protective equipment and perceptions of risk of contagion from COVID-19: A qualitative rapid appraisal. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:2154-2166. [PMID: 34528310 PMCID: PMC8662180 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJETIVES Explore nurses' experiences and perception of risk regarding the use of personal protective equipment during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain. BACKGROUND The contribution of our study is to use qualitative methods to understand nurses' experiences and perceptions of the risk of the contagion linked to the shortage of PPE during the first wave of the pandemic, whose explosive start strained health systems around the globe. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive design according to the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal model. METHODS Semi-structured videoconference interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of 29 nurses including staff nurses, nursing supervisors and nursing directors from hospital and community services of the Spanish health system. Interviews lasted 30-45 min and were conducted in May 2020. We carried out a thematic analysis using Dedoose. The COREQ checklist was used to report findings. RESULTS We identified the following themes and subthemes: 1. Experiences with personal protective equipment: scarcity, inequality, reutilization, self-protection, delegation of responsibility, and gap between protocols and reality; 2. Perception of the risk of contagion: lack of credibility, lack of trust, lack of support, and meeting subjective needs. CONCLUSIONS The scarcity of personal protective equipment and inequality in its distribution led nurses to take initiatives to feel more protected. Mid-ranking supervisors were caught between the responsibility of monitoring and rationing personal protective equipment and providing the necessary protection to nurses. The disjuncture between protocols and the available supply of personal protective equipment caused confusion. Lack of credibility, lack of trust and lack of support from management influenced participants' perception of the risk of contagion. Mid-ranking supervisors were often responsible for trying to alleviate fear among nursing staff. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Understanding the factors involved in risk perception can be helpful to decision-makers who help protect nurses in clinical practice. These results can help administrators and policymakers because they point to the need for nurses to feel that their departments and centers look after their safety at work. Transparent communication and emotional support may contribute to their well-being in the face of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Romeu-Labayen
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Mother-Infant Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Glòria Tort-Nasarre
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Health Education Research Group (GREpS), Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Anoia Primary Care Service, Gerència Territorial Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), St. Fruitós del Bages, Spain
| | - Bruna Alvarez
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Martí Subias-Miquel
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Eva Vázquez-Segura
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Mother-Infant Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Manso's Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Center, Gerència Territorial Barcelona, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Marre
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Paola Galbany-Estragués
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Science and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), Vic, Spain
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19
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Henningsen MJ, Khatam-Lashgari A, Olsen KB, Jacobsen C, Brøchner CB, Banner J. Translational deep phenotyping of deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic: protocol for a prospective observational autopsy study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049083. [PMID: 34452963 PMCID: PMC8406463 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049083] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic is an international emergency with an extreme socioeconomic impact and a high mortality and disease burden. The COVID-19 outbreak is neither fully understood nor fully pictured. Autopsy studies can help understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and has already resulted in better treatment of patients. Structured and systematic autopsy of COVID-19-related deaths will enhance the mapping of pathophysiological pathways, not possible in the living. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to envision factors translationally for the purpose of disease prevention in this and future pandemics. This is the protocol for an autopsy study that offers an umbrella for deep and diverse investigations of COVID-19-related deaths, including a systematic investigation of 'long' COVID-19 by means of extensive and systematic tissue sampling. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A COVID-19-specific autopsy algorithm has been created to cover all cases undergoing clinical or forensic autopsy in Denmark. The algorithm describes advanced tissue sampling and a translational analytical follow-up for deep phenotyping. The translational approach covers registry data, postmortem imaging, gross autopsy findings, microscopic organ changes, postmortem toxicology, postmortem biochemical investigation, microbiological profiling and immunological status at the time of death, and future research projects covering genetics and epigenetics on an organ level. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of the Region of Greater Copenhagen (No: H-20078436) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (No: 2002-54-1080). Next of kin gave informed consent to research. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER This study is purely observational and, as such, does not meet the criteria of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors for clinical trials; thus, there is no need for registration in a database of research trials, such as clinical trials. To facilitate cooperation in research, provide transparency on case recruitment for publications to come and to avoid unnecessary duplicate work, we nevertheless wish to publish our protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Jon Henningsen
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Apameh Khatam-Lashgari
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristine Boisen Olsen
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Jacobsen
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jytte Banner
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Gómez C, Lamas A, Ramirez-Martinez FR, Blunk D, Leiner M. Rethinking Strategies and Programs to Improve Physical and Emotional Well-being Among Healthcare Professionals: Facing the New Normalcy. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2021; 31:565-572. [PMID: 33649713 PMCID: PMC7904297 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-021-01214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Background With the advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a different perspective on the future of humanity has emerged that emphasizes the importance of building the capacities of healthcare providers in order to assist them with the heavy burden that these changes have placed on them both now and in the future. A reduction in the quality of life and the presence of prolonged fatigue are some of the most imminent problems that emerge among these professionals. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a holistic intervention (workshop) for health science students aimed at developing skills that will enable them to obtain a better self-assessment of their quality of life, and prolonged fatigue. Methods Pre- and post-measures of quality of life, and prolonged fatigue were obtained from 130 health science students, including a group of 96 attendees (cases) of a 4-h wellness workshop and 34 students who did not attend (controls). Results Paired t tests indicated a significant improvement in nearly all dimensions related to quality of life, and prolonged fatigue in the case group who attended the workshop. Conclusions A comprehensive wellness strategy that utilizes a holistic approach can play an important role in improving and promoting essential skills to improve healthcare provider's self-assessment about the quality of life and reduce their prolonged fatigue. The critical importance of these needs has long been recognized, and this will also be crucial for addressing new challenges and emerging realities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gómez
- Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Aura Lamas
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX USA
| | | | - Dan Blunk
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX USA
| | - Marie Leiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX USA
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