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Zher-Wen, Zhen S, Yu R. Moral characteristics predicting COVID-19 vaccination. J Pers 2024; 92:820-836. [PMID: 37899552 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12892] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study aims to assess, for the first time, whether vaccination is predicted by different behavioral and cognitive aspects of moral decision-making. BACKGROUND Studies linking moral factors to vaccination have largely examined whether vaccination decisions can be explained by individual differences in the endorsement of various principles and norms central to deontology-based arguments in vaccination ethics. However, these studies have overlooked whether individuals prioritize norms over other considerations when making decisions, such as maximizing consequences (utilitarianism). METHOD In a sample of 1492 participants, the current study assessed whether vaccination is explained by individual differences in three aspects of moral decision-making (consequence sensitivity, norm sensitivity, and action tendency), while also considering ethics position (idealism, relativism) and moral identity. RESULTS Supportive vaccination (vaccine uptake accompanied by a positive attitude toward vaccines) was associated with utilitarianism (increased consequence sensitivity) and increased tolerance to risks and harm toward others. Meanwhile, although those in the non-vaccinated group was associated with higher harm sensitivities, they neither supported nor received the COVID vaccines (when vaccines prevent harm from infection). CONCLUSION Pro-vaccination messages may be made more effective by addressing perceptions of harms associated with vaccines and infections, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zher-Wen
- Department of Management, Marketing, and Information Systems, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shanshan Zhen
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rongjun Yu
- Department of Management, Marketing, and Information Systems, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Kelleni MT. COVID-19 mortality paradox (United States vs Africa): Mass vaccination vs early treatment. World J Exp Med 2024; 14:88674. [PMID: 38590304 PMCID: PMC10999069 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v14.i1.88674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality rate in 55 African countries is almost 4.5 times lower than in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite Africa having over 4.2 times more people. This mortality paradox is also evident when comparing Nigeria, a heavily populated, poorly vaccinated and weakly mandated country to Israel, a small, highly vaccinated and strictly mandated country. Nigeria has almost 4 times lower COVID mortality than Israel. In this Field of Vision perspective, I explain how this paradox has evolved drawing upon my academic, clinical and social experience. Since April 2020, I've developed and been using the Egyptian immune-modulatory Kelleni's protocol to manage COVID-19 patients including pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, immune-compromised and other individuals suffering from multiple comorbidities. It's unfortunate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is still evolving accompanied by more deaths. However in Africa, we've been able to live without anxiety or mandates throughout the pandemic because we trust science and adopted early treatment using safe, and effective repurposed drugs that have saved the majority of COVID-19 patients. This article represents an African and Egyptian tale of honor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Thabet Kelleni
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Minia University, Minya 61111, Egypt
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Dul-Amnuay A. Case Study of Autopsy Findings in a Population of Post-COVID-19 Vaccination in Thailand. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024; 45:45-50. [PMID: 38127652 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000900] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Thailand began offering the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine nationwide in February 2021, with 1,885 deaths reported by the end of the year. Therefore, it is essential to assess the correlation between vaccination and cause of death from autopsy. This study included 34 autopsies of a deceased within 30 days after COVID-19 vaccination performed in Bangkok under the postmortem inquest service area of Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital. The autopsies were performed by forensic pathologists. Moreover, detailed information about the deceased was collected, including age, sex, medical records, vaccination history, scene investigation reports, autopsy reports, cause of death, and a probable causal relationship between vaccination and cause of death. There were 24 males (70.59%), and the average age of the deceased was 52.76 years. Of all individuals, 28 (82.36%), 4 (11.76%), and 2 (5.88%) were vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and SinoVac, respectively. The most common cause of death was ischemic heart disease (n = 17). None of the deceased patients had a causal relationship to the vaccine. Deaths were due to natural causes, as no definitive link between vaccination and cause of death was established in the study.
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Ha J, Song MC, Park S, Kang H, Kyung T, Kim N, Kim DK, Bae K, Lee KJ, Lee E, Hwang BS, Youn J, Seok JM, Park K. Deciphering deaths associated with severe serious adverse events following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A retrospective cohort study. Vaccine X 2024; 16:100446. [PMID: 38318232 PMCID: PMC10839134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jongmok Ha
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Min Cheol Song
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Suyeon Park
- Department of Biostatistics, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Applied Statistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunwook Kang
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Taeeun Kyung
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Namoh Kim
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dong Kyu Kim
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kihoon Bae
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kwang June Lee
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Euiho Lee
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
| | - Beom Seuk Hwang
- Department of Applied Statistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Youn
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Myoung Seok
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Cheonan, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Kunhee Park
- Infectious Disease Control Center, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon, Korea
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Maruyama T, Uesako H. Lessons Learnt from Case Series of Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest and Unexpected Death after COVID-19 Vaccination. Intern Med 2023; 62:3267-3275. [PMID: 37612082 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2298-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination against COVID-19 has raised concerns about myocarditis in young men, as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or sudden death after vaccination has been reported sporadically. Common features of these cases are occurrence in young men, within a few weeks after vaccination, in patients with no structural heart diseases. Cases of unexplained nocturnal death showed fibrotic or hypertrophied myocardium, and one case of OHCA presented ventricular fibrillation (VF) triggered by a prominent J wave on an automated external defibrillator and histopathologic findings compatible with myocarditis. Both myocarditis and J waves are prevalent in young men, and these cases imply that myocarditis augments J waves, which trigger VFs, and primary electrical disorders are a leading cause of death. To prevent such issues, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted interpretation of historical electrocardiogram findings may help predict future J wave formation leading to VF, as digital electrocardiogram (ECG) findings are well suited for AI interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Maruyama
- Professor Emeritus in Kyushu University, Kyushu University Hospital, Japan
- Haradoi Hospital, Japan
| | - Hayata Uesako
- Department of Internal Medicine, Suwa Central Hospital, Japan
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Hromić-Jahjefendić A, Barh D, Uversky V, Aljabali AA, Tambuwala MM, Alzahrani KJ, Alzahrani FM, Alshammeri S, Lundstrom K. Can COVID-19 Vaccines Induce Premature Non-Communicable Diseases: Where Are We Heading to? Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020208. [PMID: 36851087 PMCID: PMC9960675 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO, as of January 2023, more than 850 million cases and over 6.6 million deaths from COVID-19 have been reported worldwide. Currently, the death rate has been reduced due to the decreased pathogenicity of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, but the major factor in the reduced death rates is the administration of more than 12.8 billion vaccine doses globally. While the COVID-19 vaccines are saving lives, serious side effects have been reported after vaccinations for several premature non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the reported adverse events are low in number. The scientific community must investigate the entire spectrum of COVID-19-vaccine-induced complications so that necessary safety measures can be taken, and current vaccines can be re-engineered to avoid or minimize their side effects. We describe in depth severe adverse events for premature metabolic, mental, and neurological disorders; cardiovascular, renal, and autoimmune diseases, and reproductive health issues detected after COVID-19 vaccinations and whether these are causal or incidental. In any case, it has become clear that the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the risks by a large margin. However, pre-existing conditions in vaccinated individuals need to be taken into account in the prevention and treatment of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
- Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur 721172, India
- Correspondence: (D.B.); (K.L.)
| | - Vladimir Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Alaa A. Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, Brayford Pool Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fuad M. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Alshammeri
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kenneth Lundstrom
- PanTherapeutics, Route de Lavaux 49, CH1095 Lutry, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (D.B.); (K.L.)
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Harapan H, Fathima R, Kusuma HI, Anwar S, Nalapraya WY, Wibowo A, Wati KDK, Medina A, Defrita AH, Astri Y, Prasetyowati A, Nurfarahin N, Khusna A, Oktariana S, Anwar S, Yussar MO, Khotimah S, Nainggolan BWM, Badri PRA, Argarini R, Winardi W, Indah R, Sallam M, Rajamoorthy Y, Wagner AL, Mudatsir M. Drivers of and Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Acceptance in Indonesia. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10121981. [PMID: 36560390 PMCID: PMC9783536 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Obtaining a booster dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is required to maintain the protective level of neutralizing antibodies and therefore herd immunity in the community, and the success of booster dose programs depends on public acceptance. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptance of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine and its drivers and barriers in Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the provinces of Indonesia between 1 and 15 August 2022. Individuals who completed the primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine were asked about their acceptance of a booster dose. Those who refused the booster dose were questioned about their reasons. A logistic regression was used to determine the determinants associated with rejection of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 2935 respondents were included in the final analysis. With no information on the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, 95% of respondents agreed to receive a booster dose if it were provided for free by the government. This acceptance was reduced to only 50.3% if the vaccine had a 75% efficacy with a 20% chance of side effects. The adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated that there were eight factors associated with the rejection of the booster dose: age, marital status, religion, occupation, type of the first two vaccines received, knowledge regarding the importance of the booster dose, belief that natural immunity is sufficient to prevent COVID-19 and disbelief in the effectiveness of the booster dose. In conclusion, the hesitancy toward booster doses in Indonesia is influenced by some intrinsic factors such as lack of knowledge on the benefits of the booster dose, worries regarding the unexpected side effects and concerns about the halal status of the provided vaccines and extrinsic determinants such as the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. These findings suggest the need for more campaigns and promotions regarding the booster dose benefits to increase its acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC), Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Correspondence:
| | - Raisha Fathima
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Hendrix Indra Kusuma
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Biology Education Department, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Samsul Anwar
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Widhy Yudistira Nalapraya
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung 40116, Indonesia
| | - Adityo Wibowo
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Lampung, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia
| | - Ketut Dewi Kumara Wati
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar 80234, Indonesia
| | - Ayunda Medina
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | | | - Yesi Astri
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang, Palembang 30263, Indonesia
| | | | - Nurfarahin Nurfarahin
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Afriyani Khusna
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Setya Oktariana
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Sarifuddin Anwar
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tadulako University, Palu 94148, Indonesia
| | - Milza Oka Yussar
- Faculty of Public Health, University Muhammadiyah Aceh, Banda Aceh 23245, Indonesia
| | - Siti Khotimah
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Medical Faculty of Mulawarman University, Samarinda 75119, Indonesia
| | | | - Putri Rizki Amalia Badri
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang, Palembang 30263, Indonesia
| | - Raden Argarini
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biochemistry, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60132, Indonesia
| | - Wira Winardi
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Rosaria Indah
- Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Yogambigai Rajamoorthy
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Accountancy and Management, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur 43200, Malaysia
| | - Abram L. Wagner
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mudatsir Mudatsir
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
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A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Self-Medication Patterns during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ecuador. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58111678. [PMID: 36422217 PMCID: PMC9698278 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Drug consumption is a widely developed practice around the world. However, sometimes medicines are acquired with or without prescription, a practice termed self-medication, which can have negative impacts on the health of the population. It has been observed that with the arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, self-medicated drug consumption figures increased in several countries. To describe the patterns of medication, use and the prevalence of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in inhabitants of the capital province of Pichincha, Ecuador. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted based on a self-administered online questionnaire from April to June 2022, among residents of the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. Participants were invited through social networks (WhatsApp and Facebook). A total of 401 surveys were included in this study. Consumption patterns (prescription of and treatment with) of medicines during the pandemic were evaluated, as well as the prevalence of self-medication and variables that characterize the way of acquiring medicines. The Chi-square test was used to look for relationships between consumption patterns, self-medication, and the characteristics of the participants. Results: Most participants were female (53.4%), and 59.4% reported having had COVID-19. A total of 244 (60.9%) consumed medications during the pandemic, mostly for the purpose of treating the infection. About half (48.4%) self-medicated. The most used medications were paracetamol (87.3%) and ibuprofen (47.5%). Drugs consumption as a treatment and informal sources of information (TV, social networks, advice) were associated with the practice of self-medication (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A significant percentage of over-the-counter (OTC) and legal drug use was found to persist after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight the effects that alternative forms of information sources other than medical personnel can have on drug consumption and self-medication practices.
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Sangpornsuk N, Rungpradubvong V, Tokavanich N, Srisomwong S, Ananwattanasuk T, Teerawongsakul P, Kerr SJ, Suwanwalaikorn M, Jongnarangsin K, Chokesuwattanaskul R. Arrhythmias after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device: A Multicenter Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112838. [PMID: 36359357 PMCID: PMC9687180 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most concerning adverse events related to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is arrhythmia. To ascertain the relationship between vaccination and arrhythmic events, we studied the occurrence of arrhythmia in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) before and after a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Patients with CIEDs aged ≥18 who visited the CIED clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Vajira hospital from August 2021 to February 2022 were included. Information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and side effects was obtained. One hundred eighty patients were included in our study, which compared the incidence of arrhythmias in the 14 days post-vaccination to the 14 days before vaccination. The median age was 70 years. The number of patients who received one, two, and three doses of the vaccine was 180, 88, and 4, respectively. ChAdOx1 was the primary vaccine used in our institutes, accounting for 86% of vaccinations. The vaccination was significantly associated with a 73% increase incidence of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). In an adjusted model, factors associated with the incidence of SVT were the post-vaccination period, female sex, increasing BMI, chronic kidney disease, and a history of atrial fibrillation. Increased ventricular arrhythmia (VA) episodes were also associated with the post-vaccination period, female sex, decreasing BMI, and chronic kidney disease, but to a lesser degree than those with SVT episodes. No life-threatening arrhythmia was noted in this study. In conclusion, the incidence of arrhythmia in patients implanted with CIEDs was significantly increased after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruepat Sangpornsuk
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Voravut Rungpradubvong
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nithi Tokavanich
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Sathapana Srisomwong
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Teetouch Ananwattanasuk
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Padoemwut Teerawongsakul
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Stephen J. Kerr
- Biostatistics Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Mathurin Suwanwalaikorn
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Krit Jongnarangsin
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ronpichai Chokesuwattanaskul
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-(22)-564265; Fax: +66-(22)-564356
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Influence of SARS-COV-2 Infection on Cytokine Production by Mitogen-Stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Neutrophils in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Patients. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112194. [PMID: 36363785 PMCID: PMC9695671 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112194] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to investigate the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cytokine profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neutrophils from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Neutrophils and PBMCs were separated and stimulated with the mitogen phytohemagglutinin. Culture supernatants of mitogen-stimulated PBMCs and neutrophils from 88 COVID-19 ICU patients and 88 healthy controls were evaluated for levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, -4, -5, -6, -9, -10, -12, -17A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α using anti-cytokine antibody MACSPlex capture beads. Cytokine profiles of PBMCs showed significantly lower levels of GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17A, and TNF-α (p < 0.0001) in COVID-19 ICU patients. In contrast, COVID-19 ICU patients showed higher median levels of IL-2 (p < 0.001) and IL-5 (p < 0.01) by PBMCs. As for neutrophils, COVID-19 ICU patients showed significantly lower levels of GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-12, TNF-α (p < 0.0001), and IFN-α (p < 0.01). T-helper (Th)1:Th2 cytokine ratios revealed lower inflammatory cytokine for PBMCs and neutrophils in COVID-19 ICU patients. Cytokine production profiles and Th1:Th2 cytokine ratios suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has an immunomodulatory effect on PBMCs and neutrophils. This study also suggests that the increased levels of several cytokines in the serum are not sourced from PBMCs and neutrophils.
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Li YE, Wang S, Reiter RJ, Ren J. Clinical cardiovascular emergencies and the cellular basis of COVID-19 vaccination: from dream to reality? Int J Infect Dis 2022; 124:1-10. [PMID: 36075372 PMCID: PMC9444584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.08.026] [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: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, with little prevention or treatment options. More than 600 million mortalities have been documented from SARS-CoV-2 infection, with the majority of fatalities occurring among elderly patients (aged >65 years). A number of vaccines have been developed in an effort to restrain the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. Considering the widespread administration of these vaccines, substantial side or undesired effects in multiple organ systems have emerged, necessitating essential critical care. Herein, we tabulate the adverse cardiovascular responses resulting from COVID-19 vaccines. DESIGN OR METHODS We searched PubMed for articles published through April, 2022, with the terms "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "cardiovascular", "SARS-CoV-2 vaccines", "COVID-19 vaccines", "myocarditis", "pericarditis", "thrombosis", "thrombocytopenia", "vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia", "acute coronary syndrome", "myocardial infarction", "hypertension", "arrythmia", "postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome", "Takotsubo cardiomyopathy", "cardiac arrest" and "death". We mainly selected publications from the past 3 years, but did not exclude widely referenced and highly regarded older publications. Besides, we searched the reference lists of articles identified by above search method and chose those we considered relevant. RESULTS COVID-19 vaccines evoke rare but fatal thrombotic events, whereas messenger RNA\055based vaccines appear to be associated with risks of pericarditis/myocarditis, with the latter being more predominant in young adults following the second dose. Reports of other cardiovascular responses, including hypertension, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome, and cardiac arrest, have also been indicated. CONCLUSION The undesired cardiovascular complications remain infrequent, giveng the large number of vaccinations inoculated to general population. And lower mortality takes precedence over the undesired cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran E. Li
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuyi Wang
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Jun Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China,Corresponding author
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Interventions for Improving Long COVID-19 Symptomatology: A Systematic Review. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091863. [PMID: 36146672 PMCID: PMC9502379 DOI: 10.3390/v14091863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although the understanding of several aspects of long COVID-19 syndrome is increasing, there is limited literature regarding the treatment of these signs and symptoms. The aim of our systematic review was to understand which therapies have proved effective against the symptoms of long COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search for randomized controlled or clinical trials in several databases was conducted through 15 May 2022. Specific inclusion criteria included: (1) intervention studies, either randomized controlled (RCTs) or clinical trials; (2) diagnosis of long COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization criteria; (3) presence of long COVID-19 for at least 12 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: We initially found 1638 articles to screen. After removing 1602 works based on their title/abstract, we considered 35 full texts, and among them, two intervention studies were finally included. The first RCT focused on the greater improvement of treatment combining olfactory rehabilitation with oral supplementation with Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin in patients with olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19. The second study evaluated the positive impact of aromatherapy vs. standard care in adult females affected by fatigue. Conclusion: Our systematic review found only two intervention studies focused on patients affected by long COVID-19. More intervention studies are needed to investigate potentially positive interventions for long COVID-19 symptoms.
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Baronti A, Gentile F, Manetti AC, Scatena A, Pellegrini S, Pucci A, Franzini M, Castiglione V, Maiese A, Giannoni A, Pistello M, Emdin M, Aquaro GD, Di Paolo M. Myocardial Infarction Following COVID-19 Vaccine Administration: Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc? Viruses 2022; 14:v14081644. [PMID: 36016266 PMCID: PMC9413746 DOI: 10.3390/v14081644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the safest and most effective strategy for controlling the pandemic. However, some cases of acute cardiac events following vaccine administration have been reported, including myocarditis and myocardial infarction (MI). While post-vaccine myocarditis has been widely discussed, information about post-vaccine MI is scarce and heterogenous, often lacking in histopathological and pathophysiological details. We hereby present five cases (four men, mean age 64 years, range 50–76) of sudden death secondary to MI and tightly temporally related to COVID-19 vaccination. In each case, comprehensive macro- and microscopic pathological analyses were performed, including post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance, to ascertain the cause of death. To investigate the pathophysiological determinants of MI, toxicological and tryptase analyses were performed, yielding negative results, while the absence of anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies ruled out vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Finally, genetic testing disclosed that all subjects were carriers of at least one pro-thrombotic mutation. Although the presented cases do not allow us to establish any causative relation, they should foster further research to investigate the possible link between COVID-19 vaccination, pro-thrombotic genotypes, and acute cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Baronti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Francesco Gentile
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (V.C.); (A.G.); (G.D.A.)
| | - Alice Chiara Manetti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Andrea Scatena
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Silvia Pellegrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Angela Pucci
- Department of Histopathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Franzini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Castiglione
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (V.C.); (A.G.); (G.D.A.)
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Alberto Giannoni
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (V.C.); (A.G.); (G.D.A.)
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Michele Emdin
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (V.C.); (A.G.); (G.D.A.)
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | | | - Marco Di Paolo
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (M.D.P.)
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14
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Finsterer J. Before blaming a COVID vaccine for cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum all other differentials must be ruled out. Neuroradiology 2022; 64:1917-1918. [PMID: 35843986 PMCID: PMC9288919 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-022-03022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Neurology & Neurophysiology Center, Postfach 20, 1180, Vienna, Austria.
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Supporting Clinical COVID-19 Diagnosis with Routine Blood Tests Using Tree-Based Entropy Structured Self-Organizing Maps. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12105137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Data classification is an automatic or semi-automatic process that, utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms, learns the variable and class relationships of a dataset for use a posteriori in situations where the class result is unknown. For many years, work on this topic has been aimed at increasing the hit rates of algorithms. However, when the problem is restricted to applications in healthcare, besides the concern with performance, it is also necessary to design algorithms whose results are understandable by the specialists responsible for making the decisions. Among the problems in the field of medicine, a current focus is related to COVID-19: AI algorithms may contribute to early diagnosis. Among the available COVID-19 data, the blood test is a typical procedure performed when the patient seeks the hospital, and its use in the diagnosis allows reducing the need for other diagnostic tests that can impact the detection time and add to costs. In this work, we propose using self-organizing map (SOM) to discover attributes in blood test examinations that are relevant for COVID-19 diagnosis. We applied SOM and an entropy calculation in the definition of a hierarchical, semi-supervised and explainable model named TESSOM (tree-based entropy-structured self-organizing maps), in which the main feature is enhancing the investigation of groups of cases with high levels of class overlap, as far as the diagnostic outcome is concerned. Framing the TESSOM algorithm in the context of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) makes it possible to explain the results to an expert in a simplified way. It is demonstrated in the paper that the use of the TESSOM algorithm to identify attributes of blood tests can help with the identification of COVID-19 cases. It providing a performance increase in 1.489% in multiple scenarios when analyzing 2207 cases from three hospitals in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. This work is a starting point for researchers to identify relevant attributes of blood tests for COVID-19 and to support the diagnosis of other diseases.
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No-Fault Compensation and Anti-COVID-19 Compulsory Vaccination: The Italian Context in a Broad View. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050635. [PMID: 35632391 PMCID: PMC9145348 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Italy, like other European countries, has produced a series of regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compulsory vaccination has been introduced for the Italian population. Meanwhile, the Decree-Law 27 January 2022 n. 4 provided for the compensation mechanism for those who have received damage of the psycho-physical integrity due to the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination recommended by the Italian Health Authority. Law 1992 no. 210 already provided for the indemnity system for persons damaged by irreversible complications due to compulsory vaccinations, transfusions, and the administration of blood products. The legislator intended to attribute the right to an indemnity that is not compensatory in order to repair a wrong connected to some hypothesis of liability, but it rather has a welfare character in the broad sense, being attributable to Constitutional fundamentals. In the Italian panorama, although the vaccination damages have been fully included in the already existing law no. 210/1992, to date, no precise indications have been provided regarding the ascertainment of the causal link and the extent of the compensable damage. In the near future, the interest of the scientific community will focus on the evaluation of applications for access to the benefit.
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