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Sangeda RZ, James D, Mariki H, Mbwambo ME, Mwenesi ME, Nyaki H, Tinuga F, Manyanga DP. Childhood vaccination trends during 2019 to 2022 in Tanzania and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2356342. [PMID: 38780570 PMCID: PMC11123454 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2356342] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems at all levels globally, notably affecting routine healthcare services, such as childhood vaccination. This study examined the impact of these disruptions on routine childhood vaccination programmes in Tanzania. We conducted a longitudinal study over four years in five Tanzanian regions: Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Arusha, and Dodoma. This study analyzed the trends in the use of six essential vaccines: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV), Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis, Hepatitis-B and Hib (DTP-HepB-Hib), measles-rubella (MR), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and Rota vaccines. We evaluated annual and monthly vaccination trends using time-series and regression analyses. Predictive modeling was performed using an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. A total of 32,602,734 vaccination events were recorded across the regions from 2019 to 2022. Despite declining vaccination rates in 2020, there was a notable rebound in 2021, indicating the resilience of Tanzania's immunization program. The analysis also highlighted regional differences in vaccination rates when standardized per 1000 people. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in monthly vaccination rates, with BCG showing the most stable trend. Predictive modeling of BCG indicated stable and increasing vaccination coverage by 2023. These findings underscore the robustness of Tanzania's childhood immunization infrastructure in overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as indicated by the strong recovery of vaccination rates post-2020. We provide valuable insights into the dynamics of vaccination during a global health crisis and highlight the importance of sustained immunization efforts to maintain public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Zozimus Sangeda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Daniel James
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Harrison Mariki
- Department of Research and Development, Afya Intelligence, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mbonea Erick Mbwambo
- Department of Research and Development, Afya Intelligence, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mwendwa E. Mwenesi
- Immunization and Vaccine Development, Ministry of Health Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Honesti Nyaki
- Immunization and Vaccine Development, Ministry of Health Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Florian Tinuga
- Immunization and Vaccine Development, Ministry of Health Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Daudi Peter Manyanga
- Department of Universal Health Coverage, Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases, World Health Organization Inter-Country Support Team for East and Southern African Countries, Harare, Zimbabwe
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2
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Tangwangvivat R, Rungsitiyakorn R, Hoonaukit C, Na Nan S, Hooker KR, Bhunyakitikorn W, Phiancharoen C, Pinyopornpanish P, Iamsirithaworn S, Wiratsudakul A. Collective activities of the Thai Coordinating Unit for One Health (CUOH): Past activities and future directions. One Health 2024; 18:100728. [PMID: 38628631 PMCID: PMC11019460 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100728] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In Thailand, One Health concepts have been implemented among government agencies, academic institutions, intergovernment, and civil society organizations. The Thai Coordinating Unit for One Health (CUOH) was established as a collaborating body for One Health-related activities in the country in 2014. To better understand what activities CUOH has completed thus far and to assess future activities, we conducted a network analysis to identify and visualize linkages between organizations and activities from 2015 to 2021. Activities were divided into four categories: organizing meetings, developing products, providing funds, and managing resources. Most of the 114 CUOH-managed meeting participants were representatives from 72 government and 20 academic institutions. The Thai Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control participated in 148 meetings, the highest attendance among all organizations working with CUOH. The first CUOH guideline or manual was published in 2020, and 11 were published in 2021. In funding management, the CUOH worked with 25 organizations to carry out 71 projects from 2015 to 2021. Additionally, the CUOH played an important role in allocating COVID-19 vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CUOH has connected organizations working in different health sectors to collaborate jointly through meetings and projects that use a One Health approach, which can holistically improve health management in Thailand. Diverse funding sources are needed to ensure the sustainability of the unit in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratanaporn Tangwangvivat
- Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Rata Rungsitiyakorn
- Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chiti Hoonaukit
- Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Somruethai Na Nan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global Health Center, Division of Global Health Protection, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Katie R. Hooker
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global Health Center, Division of Global Health Protection, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Wichan Bhunyakitikorn
- Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Chadaporn Phiancharoen
- Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Papassorn Pinyopornpanish
- Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Anuwat Wiratsudakul
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, and the Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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3
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Mosley IA, Auckland LD, Light JE, Hamer SA. Apparent absence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) from Texas, USA. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101031. [PMID: 38772647 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101031] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is one of the most abundant mammals in North America. Mexican free-tailed bats have a wide geographic range stretching from northern South America to the western United States. Bats are theorized to be the original hosts for Trypanosoma cruzi -the causative agent of Chagas disease- and can serve as a source of infection to triatomine insect vectors that feed upon them. Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease across the Americas where triatomines are present, including the southern United States, where Texas reports this highest number of locally-acquired human cases. To learn more about the role of bats in the ecology of Chagas disease in Texas, we surveyed a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats from Brazos County, Texas, for T. cruzi using carcasses salvaged after an extreme weather event. A total of 283 Mexican free-tailed bats collected in February 2021 were dissected and DNA from the hearts and kidneys was used for T. cruzi detection via qPCR. None of the bat hearts or kidneys tested positive for T. cruzi; this sample size affords 95% confidence that the true prevalence of T. cruzi in this population does not exceed 1%. Future sampling of multiple bat species as well as migrant and resident colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats across different times of the year over a broader geographic range would be useful in learning more about the role of bats in the ecology of Chagas disease in Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana A Mosley
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jessica E Light
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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4
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Khan W, Badri HM, Mohmed K, Nabag MG, Bakri M, Salih AF, Elamin MO, Ekram R, Natto HA. A public health view and comparison between online and on-campus learning to evaluate sleep and mental health among undergraduate students. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1956-1961. [PMID: 38948610 PMCID: PMC11213442 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1790_23] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic changed people's lives. The majority had to adapt to working online including students. The shift to online learning caused serious sleep and mental health issues among students. This study aimed to examine the variations between the prevalence of sleep and mental health problems among undergraduate students during the periods of online learning and on-campus learning. Method An online survey was distributed to medical students in Saudi Arabia. Results A total of 110 participated in the study (age = 21 ± 1.4 years). The on-campus anxiety (8.2 ± 6.3) was significantly higher than online anxiety (5.5 ± 5.1). On-campus daytime sleepiness (8.5 ± 4) was significantly higher when compared to online daytime sleepiness (6.7 ± 4.6). Although not significant, the on-campus stress (7.7 ± 5.7) and insomnia (12 ± 7.3) were higher than online stress (6.9 ± 5.5) and insomnia (11.5 ± 6). The online depression (6.6 ± 5.7) was higher than the mean on-campus depression (5.8 ± 5.4). A significant strong positive correlation was found between on-campus anxiety and on-campus stress. A significant moderate positive correlation was detected between on-campus anxiety and on-campus daytime sleepiness. A weak but significant correlation was found between on-campus anxiety and on-campus insomnia. On-campus anxiety was significantly predicted by the following model, which included on-campus stress, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness (P < .001). Conclusion Medical students reported lower anxiety, daytime sleepiness, stress, and insomnia during their online learning compared to on-campus learning. Only depression was higher during online learning compared to on-campus learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahaj Khan
- Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatim Matooq Badri
- Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalil Mohmed
- Departments of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohand Gafar Nabag
- Departments of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Bakri
- Departments of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Al-Fadil Salih
- Departments of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Osman Elamin
- Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakan Ekram
- Departments of Health Management and Hospitals, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatim A. Natto
- Departments of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Alziziah Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Schatz C, Knabl L, Lee HK, Seeboeck R, von Laer D, Lafon E, Borena W, Mangge H, Prüller F, Qerimi A, Wilflingseder D, Posch W, Haybaeck J. Machine Learning to Identify Critical Biomarker Profiles in New SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Microorganisms 2024; 12:798. [PMID: 38674742 PMCID: PMC11052335 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The global dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in the emergence of several variants, including Alpha, Alpha + E484K, Beta, and Omicron. Our research integrated the study of eukaryotic translation factors and fundamental components in general protein synthesis with the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccination status. Utilizing statistical methods, we successfully differentiated between variants in infected individuals and, to a lesser extent, between vaccinated and non-vaccinated infected individuals, relying on the expression profiles of translation factors. Additionally, our investigation identified common causal relationships among the translation factors, shedding light on the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 variants and the host's translation machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schatz
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, 6311 Zams, Austria (L.K.)
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 44, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Ludwig Knabl
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, 6311 Zams, Austria (L.K.)
| | - Hye Kyung Lee
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Rita Seeboeck
- Department Life Sciences, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria;
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, University Hospital St. Poelten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Science, 3100 St. Poelten, Austria
| | - Dorothee von Laer
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter-Mayr-Strasse 4b, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria (W.B.)
| | - Eliott Lafon
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria (D.W.); (W.P.)
| | - Wegene Borena
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter-Mayr-Strasse 4b, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria (W.B.)
| | - Harald Mangge
- Clinical Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis (CIMCL), Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Prüller
- Clinical Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnosis (CIMCL), Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Adelina Qerimi
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 44, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Doris Wilflingseder
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria (D.W.); (W.P.)
- Department of Pathobiology, Infectiology, Veterinary University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilfried Posch
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria (D.W.); (W.P.)
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Department of Pathology, Saint Vincent Hospital Zams, 6511 Zams, Austria
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Department of Pathology, Laborteam, 9403 Goldach, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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6
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Doran Á, Colvin CL, McLaughlin E. What can we learn from historical pandemics? A systematic review of the literature. Soc Sci Med 2024; 342:116534. [PMID: 38184966 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116534] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
What are the insights from historical pandemics for policymaking today? We carry out a systematic review of the literature on the impact of pandemics that occurred since the Industrial Revolution and prior to Covid-19. Our literature searches were conducted between June 2020 and September 2023, with the final review encompassing 169 research papers selected for their relevance to understanding either the demographic or economic impact of pandemics. We include literature from across disciplines to maximise our knowledge base, finding many relevant articles in journals which would not normally be on the radar of social scientists. Our review identifies two gaps in the literature: (1) the need to study pandemics and their effects more collectively rather than looking at them in isolation; and (2) the need for more study of pandemics besides 1918 Spanish Influenza, especially milder pandemic episodes. These gaps are a consequence of academics working in silos, failing to draw on the skills and knowledge offered by other disciplines. Synthesising existing knowledge on pandemics in one place provides a basis upon which to identify the lessons in preparing for future catastrophic disease events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine Doran
- Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Ulster University, 2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP, UK.
| | - Christopher L Colvin
- Department of Economics, Queen's University Belfast, Riddel Hall, 185 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5EE, UK.
| | - Eoin McLaughlin
- Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
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7
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Sun Z, Bai R, Bai Z. The application of simulation methods during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. J Biomed Inform 2023; 148:104543. [PMID: 37956729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2023.104543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, simulation modelling approaches have become effective tools to simulate the potential effects of different intervention measures and predict the dynamic COVID-19 trends. In this scoping review, Studies published between February 2020 and May 2022 that investigated the spread of COVID-19 using four common simulation modeling methods were systematically reported and summarized. Publication trend, characteristics, software, and code availability of included articles were analyzed. Among the included 340 studies, most articles used agent-based model (ABM; n = 258; 75.9 %), followed by the models of system dynamics (n = 42; 12.4 %), discrete event simulation (n = 25; 7.4 %), and hybrid simulation (n = 15; 4.4 %). Furthermore, our review emphasized the purposes and sample time period of included articles. We classified the purpose of the 340 included studies into five categories, most studies mainly analyzed the spread of COVID-19 under policy interventions. For the sample time period analysis, most included studies analyzed the COVID-19 spread in the second wave. Our findings play a crucial role for policymakers to make evidence-based decisions in preventing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and help in providing scientific decision-makings resilient to similar events and infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanlan Sun
- High-Quality Development Evaluation Institute, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Ruhai Bai
- Evidence-Based Research Center of Social Science and Health, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenggang Bai
- Evidence-Based Research Center of Social Science and Health, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China.
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Hansen LG, Larsen LE, Rasmussen TB, Miar Y, Lassuniére R, Jørgensen CS, Ryt-Hansen P. Investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination antibody response in Canadian farmed mink. Vaccine 2023; 41:7387-7394. [PMID: 37932134 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in farmed mink in 13 different countries. Due to the high susceptibility and transmissibility among mink, great concerns of mink serving as a reservoir to generate novel variants with unknown virulence and antigenic properties arose. These concerns have consequently resulted in entire mink productions being culled and banned. This study investigates the post-vaccination antibody response in the Canadian farmed mink vaccinated with a commercial Index spike protein-based vaccine, approved for use in cats, and compares the antibody response to that observed post infection in Danish farmed mink. Blood samples were obtained from 50 mink at the Canadian Centre for Fur Animal Research (CCFAR), Dalhousie University (Truro, Canada). The sera were initially analyzed for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and selected sera was subsequently tested in a virus neutralization tests. The levels of neutralizing antibodies were evaluated for an ancestral D614G strain and a recent circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (Omicron BA.4). The results revealed that the vaccine induced a strong antibody response in mink by reaching antibody titer levels of up to 1:12800 in the ELISA. Moreover, high levels of neutralizing antibodies were obtained, and despite the great level of genetic differences between the ancestral and Omicron BA.4 strains, the vaccinated mink showed high levels of cross-reacting neutralizing antibodies. Interestingly, the antibody levels towards SARS-CoV-2 in the Canadian vaccinated mink were significantly higher than observed in recently SARS-CoV-2 infected Danish mink and equal to anamnestic responses following re-infection. In conclusion, the vaccine used in the Canadian farmed mink was able to induce a strong and broad-reacting antibody response in mink, which could limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink and thereby reduce the risk of mink serving as a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir for human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Gram Hansen
- Dpt. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Dpt. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | | | - Younes Miar
- Haley Institute of Animal Science and Aquaculture 100-A, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture, 58 Sipu Awti, Truro, NS, Canada.
| | - Ria Lassuniére
- Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | | | - Pia Ryt-Hansen
- Dpt. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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9
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Nakagawa S, Katayama T, Jin L, Wu J, Kryukov K, Oyachi R, Takeuchi JS, Fujisawa T, Asano S, Komatsu M, Onami JI, Abe T, Arita M. SARS-CoV-2 HaploGraph: visualization of SARS-CoV-2 haplotype spread in Japan. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:221-237. [PMID: 37839865 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.23-00085] [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: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a number of research institutes have been sequencing and sharing high-quality severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes to trace the route of infection in Japan. To provide insight into the spread of COVID-19, we developed a web platform named SARS-CoV-2 HaploGraph to visualize the emergence timing and geographical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 haplotypes. Using data from the GISAID EpiCoV database as of June 4, 2022, we created a haplotype naming system by determining the ancestral haplotype for each epidemic wave and showed prefecture- or region-specific haplotypes in each of four waves in Japan. The SARS-CoV-2 HaploGraph allows for interactive tracking of virus evolution and of geographical prevalence of haplotypes, and aids in developing effective public health control strategies during the global pandemic. The code and the data used for this study are publicly available at: https://github.com/ktym/covid19/.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Nakagawa
- Bioinformation and DDBJ Center, National Institute of Genetics
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine
- Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University
| | | | | | - Jiaqi Wu
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine
| | - Kirill Kryukov
- Bioinformation and DDBJ Center, National Institute of Genetics
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics
| | - Rise Oyachi
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine
| | - Junko S Takeuchi
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine
| | | | - Satomi Asano
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics
| | - Momoka Komatsu
- Smart Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering, Niigata University
| | - Jun-Ichi Onami
- Research Center for Open Science and Data Platform, National Institute of Informatics
| | - Takashi Abe
- Bioinformation and DDBJ Center, National Institute of Genetics
- Smart Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering, Niigata University
| | - Masanori Arita
- Bioinformation and DDBJ Center, National Institute of Genetics
- Department of Informatics, National Institute of Genetics
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
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10
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Marongiu L, Burkard M, Helling T, Biendl M, Venturelli S. Modulation of the replication of positive-sense RNA viruses by the natural plant metabolite xanthohumol and its derivatives. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37942943 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2275169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of identifying new potent antiviral agents. Nutrients as well as plant-derived substances are promising candidates because they are usually well tolerated by the human body and readily available in nature, and consequently mostly cheap to produce. A variety of antiviral effects have recently been described for the hop chalcone xanthohumol (XN), and to a lesser extent for its derivatives, making these hop compounds particularly attractive for further investigation. Noteworthy, mounting evidence indicated that XN can suppress a wide range of viruses belonging to several virus families, all of which share a common reproductive cycle. As a result, the purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent research on the antiviral properties of XN and its derivatives, with a particular emphasis on the positive-sense RNA viruses human hepatitis C virus (HCV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Marongiu
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Burkard
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Helling
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Biendl
- HHV Hallertauer Hopfenveredelungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Mainburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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11
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Gandhi S, Glaman R, Jordan A, DiChristofaro D, Clark K, Gandhi V, Smith J. Identifying Barriers to Basic Needs, Academic Success, and the Vaccination Pattern among College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6924. [PMID: 37887661 PMCID: PMC10606919 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206924] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
College students face significant challenges during large-scale disease outbreaks that potentially compromise their basic needs, vaccine confidence, and academic success. Using a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling, we examined the impact of COVID-19 among college students (N = 828). The survey was administered using the Qualtrics survey platform to collect data on multiple demographic and health behaviors of students in the summer semester (2021). Our study demonstrated that the most common financial shock experienced by the study participants was job loss, with less remarkable changes in food and housing insecurities. Academically, students had the most difficulty learning online compared to other modalities (face-to-face, Hyflex, etc.) and struggled with staying motivated. They also struggled with group work and finding appropriate learning spaces. However, many did not use university support systems such as career and tutoring services. Exploring the COVID-19 vaccination attitudes, we found that only age, ethnicity, classification, and health insurance status were associated with getting vaccinated (p < 0.05). When the learning environment was assessed for various modalities, only college attendance was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the accessible platforms (online, Hyflex, face-to-face, and others); however, nearly 40% of students reported difficulty learning on an online learning platform compared other categories that had much lower proportions. Our findings underscore an immediate need for universities to take measures to improve their preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the negative effects of future large-scale public health emergencies among students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subi Gandhi
- Department of Medical Lab Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA; (K.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Ryan Glaman
- Department of Educational Leadership & Technology, E.J. Howell Building 404, College of Education, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA;
| | - Alexandra Jordan
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, & Environmental Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Dylan DiChristofaro
- Department of Counseling, Tarleton State University, 10850 Texan Rider Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76036, USA;
| | - Katelyn Clark
- Department of Medical Lab Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA; (K.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Viraj Gandhi
- Robbins College of Health and Human Services, Baylor University, Hankamer Academic Center, 1428 S 5th Street, Waco, TX 76706, USA;
| | - Jade Smith
- Department of Medical Lab Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science, Tarleton State University, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA; (K.C.); (J.S.)
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12
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Mohammadkhah F, Chaboksavar F, Alhani F, Mahmoudian A, Ziapour A, Sigaroud AE, Alipour ZJ. Lived sexual experience of health workers on the Iranian frontline of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative content analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18584. [PMID: 37560638 PMCID: PMC10407152 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic may affect individuals' sexual lives and probably their sexual function. The present study aimed to explain the sexual lived experiences of health workers on the Iranian frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was qualitative research using the conventional qualitative content analysis method. It was conducted in the city of Ramsar, Iran, in 2022. The data were collected using 12 in-depth personal interviews and a purposive sampling method. Lundman and Granheim's method was used to analyse the data. RESULTS The analysis of the data in the first phase of the research led to 60 initial codes, 7 subcategories, 3 main categories (concerns about health risks, sexual dissatisfaction, and sexual facilitators and barriers), and one theme (unhealthy lifestyle due to sexual dissatisfaction). CONCLUSION The present study revealed new and different dimensions of the sexual experiences of health workers on the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic [concerns about health risks, sexual dissatisfaction, sexual facilitators, and sexual inhibitors]; these dimensions are based on the Iranian context and culture that can be considered to enhance sexual pleasure and the physical and mental health of health professionals that have an impact on improving patients' and people's health status in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Mohammadkhah
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, I.R. Iran
| | - Fakhreddin Chaboksavar
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, I.R. Iran
| | - Fatemeh Alhani
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, I.R. Iran
- Nursing Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amina Mahmoudian
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, I.R. Iran
| | - Arash Ziapour
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Health Institute, Imam-Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Abdolhosein Emami Sigaroud
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran
| | - Zahra Jannat Alipour
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, I.R. Iran
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13
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Brogna B, Bignardi E, Megliola A, Laporta A, La Rocca A, Volpe M, Musto LA. A Pictorial Essay Describing the CT Imaging Features of COVID-19 Cases throughout the Pandemic with a Special Focus on Lung Manifestations and Extrapulmonary Vascular Abdominal Complications. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2113. [PMID: 37626610 PMCID: PMC10452395 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
With the Omicron wave, SARS-CoV-2 infections improved, with less lung involvement and few cases of severe manifestations. In this pictorial review, there is a summary of the pathogenesis with particular focus on the interaction of the immune system and gut and lung axis in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 and the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of COVID-19 pneumonia from the beginning of the pandemic, describing the typical features of COVID-19 pneumonia following the Delta variant and the atypical features appearing during the Omicron wave. There is also an outline of the typical features of COVID-19 pneumonia in cases of breakthrough infection, including secondary lung complications such as acute respiratory distress disease (ARDS), pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and lung pulmonary thromboembolism, which were more frequent during the first waves of the pandemic. Finally, there is a description of vascular extrapulmonary complications, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic abdominal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Brogna
- Department of Interventional and Emergency Radiology, San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.L.); (A.L.R.); (L.A.M.)
| | - Elio Bignardi
- Department of Radiology, Francesco Ferrari Hospital, ASL Lecce, 73042 Casarano, Italy;
| | - Antonia Megliola
- Radiology Unit, “Frangipane” Hospital, ASL Avellino, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy; (A.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Antonietta Laporta
- Department of Interventional and Emergency Radiology, San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.L.); (A.L.R.); (L.A.M.)
| | - Andrea La Rocca
- Department of Interventional and Emergency Radiology, San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.L.); (A.L.R.); (L.A.M.)
| | - Mena Volpe
- Radiology Unit, “Frangipane” Hospital, ASL Avellino, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy; (A.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Lanfranco Aquilino Musto
- Department of Interventional and Emergency Radiology, San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (A.L.); (A.L.R.); (L.A.M.)
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14
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Muchaili L, Mweene BC, Masenga SK. Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Hypertens 2023; 36:360-362. [PMID: 37010128 PMCID: PMC10267615 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lweendo Muchaili
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Bislom C Mweene
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Sepiso K Masenga
- HAND Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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15
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Jagga WM, Biccard B, Bailly J, Esmail A, Antel K, Opie J. Point of care ultrasound findings in critically ill SARS-COV2 patients in an HIV endemic, resourced constrained setting. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16519. [PMID: 37251448 PMCID: PMC10205134 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients in an HIV endemic, resourced constrained setting. To describe the incidence of VTE in relation to HIV status and anticoagulant therapy, and to evaluate VTE-associated cardio-respiratory changes. To establish the contribution of HIV, anticoagulation therapy and other risk factors to mortality. Design Prospective descriptive study. Setting Single-center tertiary teaching hospital. Participants One hundred and one consecutively admitted critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Interventions Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment of the lower limbs and the cardio-respiratory system was performed on intensive care unit (ICU) admission and repeated if clinically indicated. Measurements and main results DVT was diagnosed by POCUS, whilst pulmonary embolism was diagnosed using a combination of clinical criteria and POCUS (echocardiography and chest wall ultrasound). VTE was diagnosed in 16/101 (16%) patients, despite 14/16 (88%) receiving prior therapeutic dosage of low molecular weight heparin. Clinically significant PE was diagnosed in 5/16 (31%) with 11/16 (69%) having DVT only. The majority of VTE patients, 12/16 (75%), demised 16/101 (16%) patients had HIV co-infection, and 4/16 (25%) with HIV had VTE. Valvular abnormalities were the most common cardiac abnormality with marked tricuspid regurgitation detected in 51/101 (51%). The absence of right atrial enlargement had a 93% negative predictive value for the absence of VTE. Univariate analysis did not demonstrate statistically significant individual risk factors for mortality. Conclusions Mechanically ventilated COVID- 19 patients at ICU admission had a low incidence of VTE (16%). Therapeutic dose anticoagulation did not reduce mortality compared to prophylactic dosage. In contrast to findings from other studies, no individual risk factor contributed significantly to mortality, likely due to small sample size. POCUS is an ideal screening tool to aid in the assessment of critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem Marcelle Jagga
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Private Bag, Observatory, 7935, South Africa
| | - Bruce Biccard
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Private Bag, Observatory, 7935, South Africa
| | - Jenique Bailly
- Division of Haematology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town and National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
| | - Ali Esmail
- University of Cape Town Lung Institute and Division of Pulmonology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Antel
- Division of Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jessica Opie
- Division of Haematology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town and National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
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16
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Soda KJ, Chen X, Feinn R, Hill DR. Monitoring and responding to emerging infectious diseases in a university setting: A case study using COVID-19. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280979. [PMID: 37196023 PMCID: PMC10191342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infection diseases (EIDs) are an increasing threat to global public health, especially when the disease is newly emerging. Institutions of higher education (IHEs) are particularly vulnerable to EIDs because student populations frequently share high-density residences and strongly mix with local and distant populations. In fall 2020, IHEs responded to a novel EID, COVID-19. Here, we describe Quinnipiac University's response to SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate its effectiveness through empirical data and model results. Using an agent-based model to approximate disease dynamics in the student body, the University established a policy of dedensification, universal masking, surveillance testing via a targeted sampling design, and app-based symptom monitoring. After an extended period of low incidence, the infection rate grew through October, likely due to growing incidence rates in the surrounding community. A super-spreader event at the end of October caused a spike in cases in November. Student violations of the University's policies contributed to this event, but lax adherence to state health laws in the community may have also contributed. The model results further suggest that the infection rate was sensitive to the rate of imported infections and was disproportionately impacted by non-residential students, a result supported by the observed data. Collectively, this suggests that campus-community interactions play a major role in campus disease dynamics. Further model results suggest that app-based symptom monitoring may have been an important regulator of the University's incidence, likely because it quarantined infectious students without necessitating test results. Targeted sampling had no substantial advantages over simple random sampling when the model incorporated contact tracing and app-based symptom monitoring but reduced the upper boundary on 90% prediction intervals for cumulative infections when either was removed. Thus, targeted sampling designs for surveillance testing may mitigate worst-case outcomes when other interventions are less effective. The results' implications for future EIDs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. James Soda
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Richard Feinn
- Department of Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - David R. Hill
- Department of Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
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17
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Methodius T, Musewa A, Mirembe BB, Birungi D, Nitumusiima S, Naigaga I, Kabasa JD, Bazeyo W. Knowledge, attitudes, and adherence relating to COVID-19 and its prevention measures in high-risk districts of Uganda in 2020. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:1068097. [PMID: 38455936 PMCID: PMC10910929 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2023.1068097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. There were no licensed vaccines or explicit medicines available for treatment at the time of conducting this study. Public health and social measures (PHSM) have been widely adopted to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Hence, assessing people's knowledge, attitudes, and adherence/practices related to the management of COVID-19 is crucial for identifying the factors that may promote or hinder adherence to the implementation of PHSM. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Amuru, Kyotera, Wakiso, and Kampala districts of Uganda. We used a simple random sampling technique to select households and conducted face-to-face interviews in selected households. We administered questionnaires to respondents to assess the factors that promote or hinder adherence to and knowledge about PHSM implementation. We used a Likert scale to assess respondents' attitudes toward COVID-19. Results Out of the 270 respondents, 54 (20%), 73 (27%), 42 (15.6%), and 101 (37.4%) were from the Kampala, Amuru, Wakiso, and Kyotera districts, respectively. Most of the respondents had adequate knowledge (72.2%), a high level of adherence (63.7%), and approximately 57.8% had good attitudes relating to COVID-19 and its prevention measures. An inferential analysis revealed that people from the Kampala district had higher chances (odds ratio = 4.668) of having a high level of knowledge compared to people from the Amuru district. It was also found that respondents who had a high level of (adequate) knowledge were twice as likely to have good attitudes compared to those with a low level of knowledge. In addition, people with good attitudes were 2.5 times as likely to adhere to the COVID-19 prevention measures compared to those with poor attitudes. Conclusion Most respondents had limited knowledge though the majority of them had adopted practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Respondents with low knowledge of COVID-19 need to be targeted, to improve their attitude toward the disease and their adherence to safe prevention practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tubihemukama Methodius
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Irene Naigaga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Africa One Health University Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John David Kabasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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18
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Santos-Mendoza T. The Envelope (E) Protein of SARS-CoV-2 as a Pharmacological Target. Viruses 2023; 15:v15041000. [PMID: 37112980 PMCID: PMC10143767 DOI: 10.3390/v15041000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still a global health concern. Several spike (S) protein-based vaccines have been developed that efficiently protect the human population against severe forms of COVID-19. However, some SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have emerged that evade the protective effect of vaccine-induced antibodies. Therefore, efficient and specific antiviral treatments to control COVID-19 are indispensable. To date, two drugs have been approved for mild COVID-19 treatment; nevertheless, more drugs, preferably broad-spectrum and ready-to-use therapeutic agents for new pandemics, are needed. Here, I discuss the PDZ-dependent protein-protein interactions of the viral E protein with host proteins as attractive alternatives for the development of antivirals against coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Santos-Mendoza
- Laboratory of Transcriptomics and Molecular Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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19
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Tesema GA, Tessema ZT, Heritier S, Stirling RG, Earnest A. A Systematic Review of Joint Spatial and Spatiotemporal Models in Health Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5295. [PMID: 37047911 PMCID: PMC10094468 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
With the advancement of spatial analysis approaches, methodological research addressing the technical and statistical issues related to joint spatial and spatiotemporal models has increased. Despite the benefits of spatial modelling of several interrelated outcomes simultaneously, there has been no published systematic review on this topic, specifically when such models would be useful. This systematic review therefore aimed at reviewing health research published using joint spatial and spatiotemporal models. A systematic search of published studies that applied joint spatial and spatiotemporal models was performed using six electronic databases without geographic restriction. A search with the developed search terms yielded 4077 studies, from which 43 studies were included for the systematic review, including 15 studies focused on infectious diseases and 11 on cancer. Most of the studies (81.40%) were performed based on the Bayesian framework. Different joint spatial and spatiotemporal models were applied based on the nature of the data, population size, the incidence of outcomes, and assumptions. This review found that when the outcome is rare or the population is small, joint spatial and spatiotemporal models provide better performance by borrowing strength from related health outcomes which have a higher prevalence. A framework for the design, analysis, and reporting of such studies is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar 196, Ethiopia
| | - Zemenu Tadesse Tessema
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar 196, Ethiopia
| | - Stephane Heritier
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Rob G. Stirling
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Arul Earnest
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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20
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Muegge R, Dean N, Jack E, Lee D. National lockdowns in England: The same restrictions for all, but do the impacts on COVID-19 mortality risks vary geographically? Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2023; 44:100559. [PMID: 36707192 PMCID: PMC9719849 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2022.100559] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying the impact of lockdowns on COVID-19 mortality risks is an important priority in the public health fight against the virus, but almost all of the existing research has only conducted macro country-wide assessments or limited multi-country comparisons. In contrast, the extent of within-country variation in the impacts of a nation-wide lockdown is yet to be thoroughly investigated, which is the gap in the knowledge base that this paper fills. Our study focuses on England, which was subject to 3 national lockdowns between March 2020 and March 2021. We model weekly COVID-19 mortality counts for the 312 Local Authority Districts in mainland England, and our aim is to understand the impact that lockdowns had at both a national and a regional level. Specifically, we aim to quantify how long after the implementation of a lockdown do mortality risks reduce at a national level, the extent to which these impacts vary regionally within a country, and which parts of England exhibit similar impacts. As the spatially aggregated weekly COVID-19 mortality counts are small in size we estimate the spatio-temporal trends in mortality risks with a Poisson log-linear smoothing model that borrows strength in the estimation between neighbouring data points. Inference is based in a Bayesian paradigm, using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. Our main findings are that mortality risks typically begin to reduce between 3 and 4 weeks after lockdown, and that there appears to be an urban-rural divide in lockdown impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Muegge
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Nema Dean
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Eilidh Jack
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Duncan Lee
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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21
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Comparative analysis of Australian climate change and COVID-19 vaccine audience segments shows climate skeptics can be vaccine enthusiasts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1118. [PMID: 36670135 PMCID: PMC9853496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26959-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Denialism and the spreading of misinformation have occurred regarding both climate change and COVID-19, delaying uptake of urgent actions. Audience segmentation analysis identifies audience subgroups likely to have similar responses to messaging, and is a valuable tool for effective campaigns encouraging critical behaviors in both contexts. This study compared audience segmentations based on a representative sample of 1054 Australians. One segmentation was based on the 'Global Warming's Six Americas' online SASSY tool. The second segmentation applied the Theory of Planned Behavior and found five distinct COVID-19 vaccine segments. Both studies showed those most concerned and those most skeptical in the climate change segmentation tended to be in more enthusiastic COVID-19 vaccine segments, while those in the center on climate change were more skeptical on COVID-19 vaccines. Differences identified relating to age, gender, and political views may be explained by a combination of the specific nature and histories of these issues. These findings have implications for effective communication on science and health issues across diverse disciplines.
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22
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Singh M, Pushpakumar S, Bard N, Zheng Y, Homme RP, Mokshagundam SPL, Tyagi SC. Simulation of COVID-19 symptoms in a genetically engineered mouse model: implications for the long haulers. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:103-119. [PMID: 35731343 PMCID: PMC9214689 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic (also known as coronavirus disease-19; COVID-19) by a constantly emerging viral agent commonly referred as the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 has revealed unique pathological findings from infected human beings, and the postmortem observations. The list of disease symptoms, and postmortem observations is too long to mention; however, SARS-CoV-2 has brought with it a whole new clinical syndrome in "long haulers" including dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, brain fog, exercise intolerance, and extreme fatigue. We opine that further improvement in delivering effective treatment, and preventive strategies would be benefited from validated animal disease models. In this context, we designed a study, and show that a genetically engineered mouse expressing the human angiotensin converting enzyme 2; ACE-2 (the receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 agent to enter host cells) represents an excellent investigative resource in simulating important clinical features of the COVID-19. The ACE-2 mouse model (which is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2) when administered with a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) intranasally exhibited a profound cytokine storm capable of altering the physiological parameters including significant changes in cardiac function along with multi-organ damage that was further confirmed via histological findings. More importantly, visceral organs from SP treated mice revealed thrombotic blood clots as seen during postmortem examination. Thus, the ACE-2 engineered mouse appears to be a suitable model for studying intimate viral pathogenesis thus paving the way for identification, and characterization of appropriate prophylactics as well as therapeutics for COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahavir Singh
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Sathnur Pushpakumar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Nia Bard
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Yuting Zheng
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Rubens P Homme
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Sri Prakash L Mokshagundam
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Robley Rex VA Medical Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
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23
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Kim SW. COVID-19 Outbreak in Daegu City, Korea and Response to COVID-19: How Have We Dealt and What Are the Lessons? J Korean Med Sci 2022; 37:e356. [PMID: 36573388 PMCID: PMC9792262 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Daegu city was overcome by efforts, including; 1) prompt isolation and quarantine action by local government with cooperative help from expert groups and the central government, 2) high-intensity social distancing and active cooperation of citizens, 3) admission of asymptomatic and mild patients in 'residential treatment centers', and 4) use of a telephone scoring system for the allocation of patients, with a mortality rate of 2.5%. A continuous suppression policy with test, tracing, and treatment (3 Ts) was implemented as an active response to the initial outbreaks in Korea. With the introduction of vaccines and therapeutic agents, the COVID-19 crisis had improved. Recently, the omicron variant was responsible for most domestic outbreaks, albeit with a low mortality rate (0.1%). Since the omicron outbreak, a damage mitigation policy has been implemented, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups. In the future, preparation including below are needed; 1) improving the national public health emergency response system, 2) strengthening the crisis response capacity of local governments, 3) cooperation between public healthcare and private healthcare, and 4) establishing a resilient medical response system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Woo Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
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24
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Mudenda S, Mukosha M, Hikaambo CN, Meyer JC, Fadare J, Kampamba M, Kalungia AC, Munsaka S, Okoro RN, Daka V, Chileshe M, Mfune RL, Mufwambi W, Witika BA, Godman B. Awareness and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors among pharmacy students in Zambia. Malawi Med J 2022; 34:273-280. [PMID: 38125782 PMCID: PMC10645825 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v34i4.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to assess the awareness and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and associated factors among pharmacy students in Zambia. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among 326 undergraduate pharmacy students in Lusaka, Zambia, from February to April 2021. Data were analysed using Stata version 16.1. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine key factors influencing vaccine acceptance. Results Of the 326 participants, 98.8% were aware of the COVID-19 vaccines, but only 24.5% would accept vaccination. Compared to other religions, being of Christian faith was associated with reduced odds of awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine (aOR=0.01, 95% CI: 0.01-0.20). Conversely, factors associated with vaccine acceptance were being male, single and unemployed. Compared to females, male respondents were 86% more likely to accept the vaccine if it was made available (aOR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.10-3.14). In addition, unmarried respondents were 2.65 times as likely to accept vaccination than married respondents (aOR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.06-6.63). Conversely, unemployed respondents were less likely to accept vaccination than their employed counterparts (aOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.16-0.46). Barriers to the acceptability of the vaccine were possible side effects (78.5%) and scepticism about its effectiveness (10.2%). Conclusion There was significant vaccine hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines among Zambian pharmacy students despite their awareness of the vaccines. Health authorities must work collaboratively with training institutions to mitigate vaccine hesitancy, especially with healthcare students being a key part of the future healthcare workforce overseeing disease prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- University of Zambia, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moses Mukosha
- University of Zambia, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Johanna Catharina Meyer
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joseph Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Martin Kampamba
- University of Zambia, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Sody Munsaka
- University of Zambia, School of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Roland Nnaemeka Okoro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Victor Daka
- Copperbelt University, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | | | - Webrod Mufwambi
- University of Zambia, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Bwalya Angel Witika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brian Godman
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Centre of Medical and Bio allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, United Arab Emirates
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25
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Maharaj R, Tineo K, Flores-Ortega M, Cordova DA, Iskhakova A, Linn R, Nikulina V. The association between COVID-19-related stressors and mental health outcomes for survivors of past interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022; 6:100300. [PMID: 37520402 PMCID: PMC9547392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The mental health difficulties of trauma survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic have been under-reported. This study explored the moderating role of trauma history and trauma type (interpersonal and non-interpersonal) in the association between COVID-19-related stressors and depression, anxiety, and stress. A sample of n = 321 participants ages 19 to 71 (M = 36.63, SD = 10.36) was recruited from across the United States through MTurk. Participants reported the number of COVID-19-related stressors, trauma history and psychological symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, and income levels, were used to determine (a) whether COVID-19-related stressors are associated with adverse mental health outcomes; (b) whether trauma history and (c) trauma type moderated this association. Results revealed significant interactions; for those with a trauma history, exposure to COVID-19-related stressors was associated with higher levels of depression (β = .21, p < .05) and anxiety (β = .19, p < .05). For those with a history of interpersonal trauma specifically, COVID-19-related stressors were associated with depression (β = .16, p < .05) more so than for those without a trauma history. These findings highlight the vulnerability of trauma survivors to the unprecedented COVID-19-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Maharaj
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Katherine Tineo
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Marisol Flores-Ortega
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Diego A Cordova
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Alexandra Iskhakova
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Rose Linn
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Valentina Nikulina
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, United States
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26
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León-Figueroa DA, Abanto-Urbano S, Olarte-Durand M, Nuñez-Lupaca JN, Barboza JJ, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Yrene-Cubas RA, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. COVID-19 and dengue coinfection in Latin America: A systematic review. New Microbes New Infect 2022; 49:101041. [PMCID: PMC9613782 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.101041] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin A. León-Figueroa
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Chiclayo, Peru,Unidad de Revisiones Sistemáticas y Meta-análisis, Tau-Relaped Group, Trujillo, Peru
| | - Sebastian Abanto-Urbano
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina Villarrealinos (SOCEMVI), Lima, Peru,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima, Peru
| | - Mely Olarte-Durand
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina (SOCEM UPEU), Lima, Peru,Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Janeth N. Nuñez-Lupaca
- Centro Científico Basadrino de Estudiantes de Medicina (CECIBEM), Tacna, Peru,Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, Tacna, Peru
| | - Joshuan J. Barboza
- Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru,Corresponding author. Juan del Corral 937, El Bosque, Trujillo, Peru
| | | | - Robinson A. Yrene-Cubas
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Científica del Sur (SCIEM UCSUR), Lima, Peru,Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autonoma de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia,Latin American Network of COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia,Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
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27
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Rahman S, Hossain MJ, Nahar Z, Shahriar M, Bhuiyan MA, Islam MR. Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Subvariants: Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2022; 16:11786302221129396. [PMID: 36299441 PMCID: PMC9585367 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221129396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has become the most devastating pandemic of the 21st century since its appearance in December 2019. Like other RNA viruses, continuous mutation is common for coronavirus to create several variants and subvariants. The main reason behind this mutation and evolvement of SARS-CoV-2 was its structural spike (S) glycoprotein. Coronavirus has become a threat to global public health due to its high mutation capability and antibody neutralizing capacity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 5 major variants of concern (VOC) are Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). Recently, different Omicron subvariants have gained worldwide dominance, such as BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5. However, there is a discernible drop in this symptomatic sickness globally due to the success of numerous monoclonal antibodies and vaccinations. Here we also discussed the currently dominant Omicron subvariants and the effectiveness of antiviral agents and vaccines. Based on the available data and our knowledge, we can suggest that the global healthcare organizations can decide on the declaration of the end of the pandemic phase of COVID-19 soon; however, the covid-19 will continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smaranika Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, University of
Asia Pacific, Farmgate, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Jamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, State
University of Bangladesh, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zabun Nahar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of
Asia Pacific, Farmgate, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Shahriar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of
Asia Pacific, Farmgate, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Rabiul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of
Asia Pacific, Farmgate, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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28
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Neves JCB, de França TC, Bastos MP, de Carvalho PVR, Gomes JO. Analysis of government agencies and stakeholders’ twitter communications during the first surge of COVID-19 in Brazil. Work 2022; 73:S81-S93. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Official authorities are in charge of communicating with the public in a consistent and coherent manner. The impact of social media on managing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic potentially influenced social behavior in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: Using Twitter, this study analyzes communications about the COVID-19 pandemic from official agencies of the Brazilian government and key public sector decision-makers. METHOD: We captured public Twitter messages about COVID-19 exchanged between authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels of government. These messages were further classified into guidance and information messages or disinformation messages. Finally, through analysis of tweets and their frequency, we evidenced the level of information generated by the three levels of government. RESULTS: Our analyses show an underestimation of the magnitude of the pandemic by Brazilian government authorities. None of the spheres of government anticipated the imminent health crisis, did not issue good recommendations and guidelines, and did not take preventive actions. CONCLUSION: The lack of governmental actions and adequate guidance in Brazil has led to an explosive increase in infected people and deaths. Surprisingly, this was not due to technical or structural reasons. It resulted from conflicting communication strategies implemented by the federal, state, and municipal governments in attempts to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on their local health structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio César Bispo Neves
- Departamento de Engenharia de Produção TEP, Universidade Federal Fluminense UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tiago Cruz de França
- Departamento de Computação DECOMP, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mauro Penha Bastos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Informática PPGI, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paulo Victor Rodrigues de Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Informática PPGI, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear IEN, Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear CNEN, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Orlando Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Informática PPGI, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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29
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Weirich B, Ramirez C. Nature: A Post-Pandemic Prescription. NURSE LEADER 2022; 20:473-479. [PMID: 35935671 PMCID: PMC9345337 DOI: 10.1016/j.mnl.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The last 2 years created a nursing environment that added new complexities to an already fragile state. As the COVID-19 pandemic started to wane, data began coming out that nurses were experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress. These studies cautiously revealed current pain points, predictions for the future highlighting an ever-shrinking workforce, increases in clinician suicide, and caregiver burnout at all-time highs. As leaders began looking for new solutions, a growing consensus about nature and awe rose to the top, identifying that these experiences transform the stress and struggles of daily living. In the midst and aftermath of the experience of awe, daily personal concerns-small, ordinary events causing anxiety, distress, and pain-seem to diminish in their significance, offering a solution that the nursing profession can adopt to help individuals heal and continue on.
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30
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Klitting R, Kafetzopoulou LE, Thiery W, Dudas G, Gryseels S, Kotamarthi A, Vrancken B, Gangavarapu K, Momoh M, Sandi JD, Goba A, Alhasan F, Grant DS, Okogbenin S, Ogbaini-Emovo E, Garry RF, Smither AR, Zeller M, Pauthner MG, McGraw M, Hughes LD, Duraffour S, Günther S, Suchard MA, Lemey P, Andersen KG, Dellicour S. Predicting the evolution of the Lassa virus endemic area and population at risk over the next decades. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5596. [PMID: 36167835 PMCID: PMC9515147 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a zoonotic virus that repeatedly spills over to humans from its rodent reservoirs. It is currently not known how climate and land use changes could affect the endemic area of this virus, currently limited to parts of West Africa. By exploring the environmental data associated with virus occurrence using ecological niche modelling, we show how temperature, precipitation and the presence of pastures determine ecological suitability for virus circulation. Based on projections of climate, land use, and population changes, we find that regions in Central and East Africa will likely become suitable for Lassa virus over the next decades and estimate that the total population living in ecological conditions that are suitable for Lassa virus circulation may drastically increase by 2070. By analysing geotagged viral genomes using spatially-explicit phylogeography and simulating virus dispersal, we find that in the event of Lassa virus being introduced into a new suitable region, its spread might remain spatially limited over the first decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Klitting
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Liana E. Kafetzopoulou
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wim Thiery
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gytis Dudas
- grid.6441.70000 0001 2243 2806Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Evolutionary Ecology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.20478.390000 0001 2171 9581Vertebrate group, Directorate Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anjali Kotamarthi
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Bram Vrancken
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karthik Gangavarapu
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Mambu Momoh
- grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone ,grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - John Demby Sandi
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Augustine Goba
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Alhasan
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Donald S. Grant
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone ,grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Sylvanus Okogbenin
- grid.508091.5Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria ,grid.411357.50000 0000 9018 355XFaculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | | | - Robert F. Garry
- grid.265219.b0000 0001 2217 8588Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA ,grid.505518.c0000 0004 5901 1919Zalgen Labs, LCC, Frederick, MD 21703 USA ,grid.475149.aGlobal Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Allison R. Smither
- grid.265219.b0000 0001 2217 8588Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Mark Zeller
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Matthias G. Pauthner
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Michelle McGraw
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Laura D. Hughes
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Sophie Duraffour
- grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.452463.2German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Günther
- grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.452463.2German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc A. Suchard
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Philippe Lemey
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristian G. Andersen
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA ,grid.214007.00000000122199231Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP160/12 50, av. FD Roosevelt, 1050, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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31
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Osborn D. Environment and health: how do we close the gap to prevent ill-health, poor well-being, and environmental degradation? UCL OPEN ENVIRONMENT 2022; 4:e043. [PMID: 37228464 PMCID: PMC10208315 DOI: 10.14324/111.444/ucloe.000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Osborn
- Chair of Human Ecology, Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, 5 Gower Place, London, WC1E 6BS, UK
- Editor-in-Chief, UCL Open: Environment
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32
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Esposito AM, Esposito MM, Ptashnik A. Phylogenetic Diversity of Animal Oral and Gastrointestinal Viromes Useful in Surveillance of Zoonoses. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091815. [PMID: 36144417 PMCID: PMC9506515 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Great emphasis has been placed on bacterial microbiomes in human and animal systems. In recent years, advances in metagenomics have allowed for the detection and characterization of more and more native viral particles also residing in these organisms. The digestive tracts of animals and humans—from the oral cavity, to the gut, to fecal excretions—have become one such area of interest. Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analyses have uncovered vast phylogenetic virome diversity in companion animals, such as dogs and cats, as well as farm animals and wildlife such as bats. Zoonotic and arthropod-borne illnesses remain major causes of worldwide outbreaks, as demonstrated by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the increasing need to identify and study animal viromes to prevent such disastrous cross-species transmission outbreaks in the coming years. Novel viruses have been uncovered in the viromes of multiple organisms, including birds, bats, cats, and dogs. Although the exact consequences for public health have not yet become clear, many analyses have revealed viromes dominated by RNA viruses, which can be the most problematic to human health, as these genomes are known for their high mutation rates and immune system evasion capabilities. Furthermore, in the wake of worldwide disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is evident that proper surveillance of viral biodiversity is crucial. For instance, gut viral metagenomic analysis in dogs has shown close relationships between the highly abundant canine coronavirus and human coronavirus strains 229E and NL63. Future studies and vigilance could potentially save many lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Marie Esposito
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Albert Ptashnik
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
- DDS Program, NYU College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
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Confirming Multiplex RT-qPCR Use in COVID-19 with Next-Generation Sequencing: Strategies for Epidemiological Advantage. Glob Health Epidemiol Genom 2022; 2022:2270965. [PMID: 35950011 PMCID: PMC9339135 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2270965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid identification and tracking of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are critical for understanding the transmission dynamics and developing strategies for interrupting the transmission chain. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is an exceptional tool for whole-genome analysis and deciphering new mutations. The technique has been instrumental in identifying the variants of concern (VOC) and tracking this pandemic. However, NGS is complex and expensive for large-scale adoption, and epidemiological monitoring with NGS alone could be unattainable in limited-resource settings. In this study, we explored the application of RT-qPCR-based detection of the variant identified by NGS. We analyzed a total of 78 deidentified samples that screened positive for SARS-CoV-2 from two timeframes, August 2020 and July 2021. All 78 samples were classified into WHO lineages by whole-genome sequencing and then compared with two commercially available RT-qPCR assays for spike protein mutation(s). The data showed good concordance between RT-qPCR and NGS analysis for specific SARS-CoV-2 lineages and characteristic mutations. RT-qPCR assays are quick and cost-effective and thus can be implemented in synergy with NGS for screening NGS-identified mutations of SARS-CoV-2 for clinical and epidemiological interest. Strategic use of NGS and RT-qPCR can offer several COVID-19 epidemiological advantages.
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Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented health and economic losses. Children generally present with less severe disease from this virus compared with adults, yet neonates and children with COVID-19 can require hospitalization, and older children can develop severe complications, such as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome, resulting in >1500 deaths in children from COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. The introduction of effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in school-age children and adult populations combined with the emergence of new, more highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants has resulted in a proportional increase of infections in young children. Here, we discuss (1) the current knowledge on pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis in comparison with adults, (2) the data on vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy in children, and (3) the benefits of early life SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina De Paris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for AIDS Research, and Children's Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sallie R Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine/ New York Presbyterian, New York, New York, USA
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Green J, Hankinson P, de Waal L, Coulthard E, Norrey J, Megson D, D’Cruze N. Wildlife Trade for Belief-Based Use: Insights From Traditional Healers in South Africa. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.906398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animals and plants as traditional remedies for medical and magico-religious purposes has a long history of socio-cultural and economic importance in South Africa. Herein, we aim to characterize the social and economic value of wild animal species used in traditional, belief-based medicine within South Africa from traditional healers’ perspective and to explore healers’ knowledge of plant-based alternatives to wildlife-based derivatives for this type of trade. Through structured surveys with five traditional healers, we sought to gain insight into the range of wild animal species used, as well as the purpose, the perceived commercial value and the perceived availability of commonly used species. Particular focus was placed on exploring the socio-economic value of lions due to their prominence within the traditional medicine market, both in South Africa and internationally. Three of the respondents interviewed had been generating an income from traditional healing for between 30 and 50 years, and the overall monetary gain across all respondents was between ZAR 30,000 (1,800 USD) and 120,000 (7,200 USD) per annum. Our study confirms that a wide range of wild animal species are used in traditional healing practices in South Africa, for both medicinal and magico-religious purposes. The traditional healers we interviewed cited 20 common wild animals from a range of vertebrate classes including birds, reptiles, mammals, and one invertebrate. These included a number of species listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Traditional healers cited 32 different uses for wild animal parts, as well as 19 alternative plant-based preparations. For lions specifically, four out of five practitioners listed lions among their top three profitable derivatives and three practitioners reported that lion had become the most rare or unavailable species in the last 5 years. Although our study is based on a limited number of interview participants, we believe that our findings provide valuable initial insights into the socio-economic drivers of traditional healing practices in South Africa, and that further research quantifying medicinal and belief-based use of wild animal ingredients and their plant-based alternatives could help to inform approaches to managing related pressures exerted on wild populations in South Africa in the future.
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Laporte BEP, Laporte EGJ, Aarestrup PF, Aarestrup MF, Aarestrup FM. Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Cancer Patients: Risk or Benefit? REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:602-608. [PMID: 35820424 PMCID: PMC9948279 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1745788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to list the published clinical trials on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, to describe the mechanism of action of the identified vaccines, and to identify protocols regarding safety, status, and prioritization of cancer patients for vaccination. METHODS This is a systematic review with a limited literature search conducted by an information specialist; key resources such as PubMed and websites of major cancer organizations were searched. The main search terms were COVID-19, vaccination, cancer, and breast and gynecological cancers. RESULTS Cancer patients infected with the new coronavirus are at high risk of complications and death, but we still know little about the risks and benefits of vaccination for COVID-19 in these patients. In an ideal scenario, all cancer patients should have their immunization status updated before beginning treatment, but this is not always possible. CONCLUSION Patients with breast or gynecological cancers who are receiving treatment or are in the 5-year posttreatment period should be included in the priority group for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paula Fonseca Aarestrup
- Escola de Medicina e Cirurgia, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Ho CWL. Operationalizing "One Health" as "One Digital Health" Through a Global Framework That Emphasizes Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits From the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Related Digital Technologies. Front Public Health 2022; 10:768977. [PMID: 35592084 PMCID: PMC9110679 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.768977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The operationalization of One Health (OH) through digitalization is a means to deploy digital technologies (including Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and related digital technologies) to better capacitate us to deal with growing climate exigency and related threats to human, animal and plant health. With reference to the concept of One Digital Health (ODH), this paper considers how digital capabilities can help to overcome ‘operational brakes’ in OH through new and deeper insights, better predictions, and more targeted or precise preventive strategies and public health countermeasures. However, the data landscape is fragmented and access to certain types of data is increasingly restrictive as individuals, communities and countries seek to assert greater control over data taken from them. This paper proposes for a dedicated global ODH framework—centered on fairness and equity—to be established to promote data-sharing across all the key knowledge domains of OH and to devise data-driven solutions to challenges in the human-animal-ecosystems interface. It first considers the data landscape in relation to: (1) Human and population health; (2) Pathogens; (3) Animal and plant health; and (4) Ecosystems and biodiversity. The complexification from the application of advance genetic sequencing technology is then considered, with focus on current debates over whether certain types of data like digital (genetic) sequencing information (DSI) should remain openly and freely accessible. The proposed ODH framework must augment the existing access and benefit sharing (ABS) framework currently prescribed under the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in at least three different ways. First, the ODH framework should apply to all genetic resources and data, including DSI, whether from humans or non-humans. Second, the FAIRER principles should be implemented, with focus on fair and equitable benefit-sharing. Third, the ODH framework should adopt multilateral approaches to data sharing (such as through federated data systems) and to ABS. By operationalizing OH as ODH, we are more likely to be able to protect and restore natural habitats, secure the health and well-being of all living things, and thereby realize the goals set out in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Wai-Loon Ho
- Department of Law and Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Wegner GI, Murray KA, Springmann M, Muller A, Sokolow SH, Saylors K, Morens DM. Averting wildlife-borne infectious disease epidemics requires a focus on socio-ecological drivers and a redesign of the global food system. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 47:101386. [PMID: 35465645 PMCID: PMC9014132 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A debate has emerged over the potential socio-ecological drivers of wildlife-origin zoonotic disease outbreaks and emerging infectious disease (EID) events. This Review explores the extent to which the incidence of wildlife-origin infectious disease outbreaks, which are likely to include devastating pandemics like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, may be linked to excessive and increasing rates of tropical deforestation for agricultural food production and wild meat hunting and trade, which are further related to contemporary ecological crises such as global warming and mass species extinction. Here we explore a set of precautionary responses to wildlife-origin zoonosis threat, including: (a) limiting human encroachment into tropical wildlands by promoting a global transition to diets low in livestock source foods; (b) containing tropical wild meat hunting and trade by curbing urban wild meat demand, while securing access for indigenous people and local communities in remote subsistence areas; and (c) improving biosecurity and other strategies to break zoonosis transmission pathways at the wildlife-human interface and along animal source food supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia I. Wegner
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK
| | - Kris A. Murray
- MRC Unit the Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Marco Springmann
- Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food and Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, 34 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BD, UK
| | - Adrian Muller
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH, Sonneggstrasse 33, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse 113, Frick 5070, Switzerland
| | - Susanne H. Sokolow
- Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Jerry Yang & Akiko Yamazaki Environment & Energy Building, MC 4205, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-6150, USA
| | - Karen Saylors
- Labyrinth Global Health, 15th Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL 33704, USA
| | - David M. Morens
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Patil CR, Dhamne NA, Tanawade PK, Mestri NB. Megestrol Acetate in the Treatment of Post COVID-19 Fatigue in a Patient of Advanced Cancer: A Case Report and Mini Review of Literature. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMegestrol acetate is one of the pharmacological agents used for cancer-associated fatigue. To date, there are no studies on its use in the treatment of post-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) fatigue. So, we report a case of metastatic carcinoma lung with a partial response with three cycles of palliative chemotherapy. He was contracted with mild COVID-19 infection post three cycles of his chemotherapy. Post this episode, fatigue was his main and most troublesome symptom. After a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and investigations, type 2 post-COVID-19 syndrome was diagnosed. After explaining the risks and benefits, we started the patient on low-dose megestrol acetate (160 mg/d per oral) with low to moderate benefits. However, upon increasing the dose to 480 mg/d, the benefit on the subjective quality of life was significant. Studies with a larger sample and randomized controlled trials have to be conducted to substantiate the hypothesis and actual effect of megestrol acetate in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya R Patil
- Department of Pain and Palliative care, Kolhapur Cancer Center, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nilesh A Dhamne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kolhapur Cancer Center, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prasad K Tanawade
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kolhapur Cancer Center, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Namrata B Mestri
- Department of Pathology, DY Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
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Zareef R, Diab M, Al Saleh T, Makarem A, Younis NK, Bitar F, Arabi M. Aspirin in COVID-19: Pros and Cons. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:849628. [PMID: 35370686 PMCID: PMC8965577 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.849628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence, the COVID-19 pandemic has been ravaging the medical and economic sectors even with the significant vaccination advances. In severe presentations, the disease of SARS-CoV-2 can manifest with life-threatening thromboembolic and multi-organ repercussions provoking notable morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of such burdensome forms has been under extensive investigation and is attributed to a state of immune dysfunction and hyperinflammation. In light of these extraordinary circumstances, research efforts have focused on investigating and repurposing previously available agents that target the inflammatory and hematological cascades. Aspirin, due to its well-known properties and multiple molecular targets, and ought to its extensive clinical use, has been perceived as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Aspirin acts at multiple cellular targets to achieve its anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. Although initial promising clinical data describing aspirin role in COVID-19 has appeared, evidence supporting its use remains fragile and premature. This review explores the notion of repurposing aspirin in COVID-19 infection. It delves into aspirin as a molecule, along with its pharmacology and clinical applications. It also reviews the current high-quality clinical evidence highlighting the role of aspirin in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Zareef
- Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwa Diab
- Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tala Al Saleh
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Adham Makarem
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour K Younis
- Brigham and Women's Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fadi Bitar
- Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Pediatric Department, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Arabi
- Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Pediatric Department, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Konstantinidis K, Bampali M, de Courcy Williams M, Dovrolis N, Gatzidou E, Papazilakis P, Nearchou A, Veletza S, Karakasiliotis I. Dissecting the Species-Specific Virome in Culicoides of Thrace. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:802577. [PMID: 35330767 PMCID: PMC8940260 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.802577] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biting midges (Culicoides) are vectors of arboviruses of both veterinary and medical importance. The surge of emerging and reemerging vector-borne diseases and their expansion in geographical areas affected by climate change has increased the importance of understanding their capacity to contribute to novel and emerging infectious diseases. The study of Culicoides virome is the first step in the assessment of this potential. In this study, we analyzed the RNA virome of 10 Culicoides species within the geographical area of Thrace in the southeastern part of Europe, a crossing point between Asia and Europe and important path of various arboviruses, utilizing the Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform and a custom bioinformatics pipeline based on TRINITY assembler and alignment algorithms. The analysis of the RNA virome of 10 Culicoides species resulted in the identification of the genomic signatures of 14 novel RNA viruses, including three fully assembled viruses and four segmented viruses with at least one segment fully assembled, most of which were significantly divergent from previously identified related viruses from the Solemoviridae, Phasmaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Reoviridae, Chuviridae, Partitiviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Flaviviridae families. Each Culicoides species carried a species-specific set of viruses, some of which are related to viruses from other insect vectors in the same area, contributing to the idea of a virus-carrier web within the ecosystem. The identified viruses not only expand our current knowledge on the virome of Culicoides but also set the basis of the genetic diversity of such viruses in the area of southeastern Europe. Furthermore, our study highlights that such metagenomic approaches should include as many species as possible of the local virus-carrier web that interact and share the virome of a geographical area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Bampali
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Nikolas Dovrolis
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Elisavet Gatzidou
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | | | - Stavroula Veletza
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Hamer O, Phoong KY, Harrison J, Hill J. Cardiovascular involvement in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review of prevalence studies. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CARDIAC NURSING 2022; 17:2022.0018. [PMID: 38813460 PMCID: PMC7616011 DOI: 10.12968/bjca.2022.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
In this commentary, Hamer, Phoong, Harrison and Hill critically appraise a systematic review of the prevalence, nature, and rate of cardiovascular involvement in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hamer
- Synthesis, Economic Evaluation and Decision Science Group, Health Technology Assessment Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | | | - Joanna Harrison
- Synthesis, Economic Evaluation and Decision Science Group, Health Technology Assessment Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - James Hill
- Synthesis, Economic Evaluation and Decision Science Group, Health Technology Assessment Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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Churiso G, Diriba K, Girma H, Tafere S. Clinical Features and Time to Recovery of Admitted COVID-19 Cases at Dilla University Referral Hospital Treatment Center, South Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:795-806. [PMID: 35281575 PMCID: PMC8904438 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s356606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since coronavirus disease 2019 emergence, millions were infected and many were dying because of the virus. Clinical features and time to recovery of admitted clients vary across settings. Therefore showing clinical features and recovery time from COVID-19 in a different setting is necessary to design appropriate treatment and preventive measures. So, this study attempted to investigate the clinical features and time to recovery of admitted clients to Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center, Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective study design was conducted in 220 patients confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction and admitted to Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center from September 2020 to July 2021. Data were collected from the patients’ record. Data entry was done by an Epi-Info version 7.2.1.0 and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 software. Descriptive statistics were used for clinical features, and median time to recovery was computed by using Kaplan–Meier. Results Common clinical features were cough 209 (95%), shortness of breath 153 (69.5%), fever 133 (60.5%), headache 75 (34.1%), easy fatigue 68 (30.9%), joint pain 56 (25.5%), tachypnea 197 (89.5%), hypoxia 95 (43.2%), and tachycardia 83 (37.7%). The overall median recovery time for admitted cases was 5 days. There was significant difference between recovery probability of severe and moderate cases, severe and mild cases (p=0.00), who had normal body temperature and hypothermic (p=0.05), who had normal breathing rate and bradypnea patients (p= 0.014). Conclusion COVID-19 patients frequently show cough, shortness of breath, fever, headache, easy fatigue and joint pain. Median time to recovery was 5 days. Having a normal body temperature, normal breathing rate, and severe disease status had statistically significant association with median recovery time. So, close follow up is required for client admitted with severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemechu Churiso
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Gemechu Churiso, Email
| | - Kuma Diriba
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Girma
- Ohio State University, Global One Health Initiative, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Soressa Tafere
- COVID-19 Treatment Center, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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Muralidharan A, Wyatt TA, Reid SP. SARS-CoV-2 Dysregulates Neutrophil Degranulation and Reduces Lymphocyte Counts. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020382. [PMID: 35203591 PMCID: PMC8962352 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has given rise to one of the largest pandemics, affecting millions worldwide. High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios have been identified as an important correlate to poor recovery rates in severe COVID-19 patients. However, the mechanisms underlying this clinical outcome and the reasons for its correlation to poor prognosis are unclear. Furthermore, the mechanisms involved in healthy neutrophils acquiring a SARS-CoV-2-mediated detrimental role are yet to be fully understood. In this study, we isolated circulating neutrophils from healthy donors for treatment with supernates from infected epithelial cells and direct infection with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Infected epithelial cells induced a dysregulated degranulation of primary granules with a decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO), but slight increase in neutrophil elastase release. Infection of neutrophils resulted in an impairment of both MPO and elastase release, even though CD16 receptor shedding was upregulated. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2-infected neutrophils had a direct effect on peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, with decreasing numbers of CD19+ B cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD4+ T cells. Together, this study highlights the independent role of neutrophils in contributing to the aberrant immune responses observed during SARS-CoV-2 infection that may be further dysregulated in the presence of other immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abenaya Muralidharan
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA;
| | - Todd A. Wyatt
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA;
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - St Patrick Reid
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA;
- Correspondence:
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DepTSol: An Improved Deep-Learning- and Time-of-Flight-Based Real-Time Social Distance Monitoring Approach under Various Low-Light Conditions. ELECTRONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/electronics11030458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Social distancing is an utmost reliable practice to minimise the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As the new variant of COVID-19 is emerging, healthcare organisations are concerned with controlling the death and infection rates. Different COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and administered worldwide. However, presently developed vaccine quantity is not sufficient to fulfil the needs of the world’s population. The precautionary measures still rely on personal preventive strategies. The sharp rise in infections has forced governments to reimpose restrictions. Governments are forcing people to maintain at least 6 feet (ft) of safe physical distance to stay safe. With summers, low-light conditions can become challenging. Especially in the cities of underdeveloped countries, where poor ventilated and congested homes cause people to gather in open spaces such as parks, streets, and markets. Besides this, in summer, large friends and family gatherings mostly take place at night. It is necessary to take precautionary measures to avoid more drastic results in such situations. To support the law and order bodies in maintaining social distancing using Social Internet of Things (SIoT), the world is considering automated systems. To address the identification of violations of a social distancing Standard Operating procedure (SOP) in low-light environments via smart, automated cyber-physical solutions, we propose an effective social distance monitoring approach named DepTSol. We propose a low-cost and easy-to-maintain motionless monocular time-of-flight (ToF) camera and deep-learning-based object detection algorithms for real-time social distance monitoring. The proposed approach detects people in low-light environments and calculates their distance in terms of pixels. We convert the predicted pixel distance into real-world units and compare it with the specified safety threshold value. The system highlights people violating the safe distance. The proposed technique is evaluated by COCO evaluation metrics and has achieved a good speed–accuracy trade-off with 51.2 frames per second (fps) and a 99.7% mean average precision (mAP) score. Besides the provision of an effective social distance monitoring approach, we perform a comparative analysis between one-stage object detectors and evaluate their performance in low-light environments. This evaluation will pave the way for researchers to study the field further and will enlighten the efficiency of deep-learning algorithms in timely responsive real-world applications.
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Minzenberg MJ, Yoon JH. Profiles in conspiracism: Associations with two psychiatric syndromes, religiosity and pandemic-related health behaviors. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:996582. [PMID: 36329916 PMCID: PMC9622782 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.996582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conspiratorial beliefs are often maladaptive for individuals and dangerous for societies. Other prevalent belief systems such as (normative) religious belief and (pathological) delusional belief show parallels to conspiratorial beliefs, which may also be linked to excessive social media exposure. We conducted an online survey to characterize heterogeneous profiles of conspiracy-mindedness, with respect to these other phenomena. METHODS Eight hundred and thirty six American adults from online panels completed validated questionnaires including the Conspiracy Mindedness Questionnaire (CMQ), Centrality of Religion Scale (CRS), Peters Delusion Inventory (PDI; 21-item version), and Facebook Addiction Scale (FAS). Additionally, they completed 4 questions addressing categorical belief in the origin of SARS-CoV-2, and pandemic-related health behaviors. Total scores on each questionnaire were Z-transformed and entered into K-means cluster analysis. Cluster membership was used in post-hoc analyses to compare pandemic-related items. RESULTS An optimal solution included 3 clusters with above-mean (high) CMQ and 3 below-mean (low) CMQ scores. The 3 high-CMQ clusters included: (1) high-religion, low-social media addiction; (2) high religion, social media addiction and delusion; (3) low religion and delusion. High-CMQ clusters 1 and 2 each had rates of zoonotic and malevolent viral origin beliefs that were relatively lower and higher than the grand sample rates, respectively. Significant differences in intended pandemic health-related behaviors among the high-CMQ clusters (compared to the rest of the sample) included Cluster 1-high on Precautions and low on Vaccination; Cluster 2-high on Testing. Respondents who endorsed SARS-CoV-2 origin beliefs (across clusters) that were least plausible and most malevolent were least inclined to engage in pandemic health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Distinct subpopulations of persons with high conspiracy-mindedness exist, which are highly heterogeneous in their other coexisting beliefs and behaviors. Some of these may be pathological, such as delusional belief and social media addiction-like behavior, and they have varied associations with pandemic-related belief and behavior. These results, while cross-sectional, suggest that the psychological origins and consequences of conspiratorial beliefs may not be unitary. Instead, conspiratorial belief may be a common expression of diverse psychological and social/experiential factors, and in turn exert varied influence on decisions and overt behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jong H Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Huggel C, Bouwer LM, Juhola S, Mechler R, Muccione V, Orlove B, Wallimann-Helmer I. The existential risk space of climate change. CLIMATIC CHANGE 2022; 174:8. [PMID: 36120097 PMCID: PMC9464613 DOI: 10.1007/s10584-022-03430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is widely recognized as a major risk to societies and natural ecosystems but the high end of the risk, i.e., where risks become existential, is poorly framed, defined, and analyzed in the scientific literature. This gap is at odds with the fundamental relevance of existential risks for humanity, and it also limits the ability of scientific communities to engage with emerging debates and narratives about the existential dimension of climate change that have recently gained considerable traction. This paper intends to address this gap by scoping and defining existential risks related to climate change. We first review the context of existential risks and climate change, drawing on research in fields on global catastrophic risks, and on key risks and the so-called Reasons for Concern in the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We also consider how existential risks are framed in the civil society climate movement as well as what can be learned in this respect from the COVID-19 crisis. To better frame existential risks in the context of climate change, we propose to define them as those risks that threaten the existence of a subject, where this subject can be an individual person, a community, or nation state or humanity. The threat to their existence is defined by two levels of severity: conditions that threaten (1) survival and (2) basic human needs. A third level, well-being, is commonly not part of the space of existential risks. Our definition covers a range of different scales, which leads us into further defining six analytical dimensions: physical and social processes involved, systems affected, magnitude, spatial scale, timing, and probability of occurrence. In conclusion, we suggest that a clearer and more precise definition and framing of existential risks of climate change such as we offer here facilitates scientific analysis as well societal and political discourse and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Huggel
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center of Competence for Sustainable Finance, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laurens M. Bouwer
- Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sirkku Juhola
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reinhard Mechler
- International Institute for Applied System Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Veruska Muccione
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center of Competence for Sustainable Finance, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ben Orlove
- School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, New York City, NY USA
- Climate School, Columbia University, New York City, NY USA
| | - Ivo Wallimann-Helmer
- Environmental Sciences and Humanities Institute, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Soni S, Noor U, Gupta E. Impact of Nutrition in the Management of Nutritional Status of Covid-19
Patients. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401317666210906140254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
The second outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
is of great concern due to its awful mortality and morbidity rate with decreasing nutritional status
and poor lifestyle as well as noteworthy food crisis and affected economy of the world. Increasing
food prices, food crisis, global hunger and decreasing availability and feasibility of food are the
foremost causes of decreasing nutritional status, which increases the risk of susceptibility to infection
and, in turn, leads to unfavorable outcomes of the diseases. Although, in times of the Covid-
19 pandemic, nutrition is of potential attention, and there is a requirement for more exploration in
the field of nutrition for the prevention of diseases arising from coronavirus infection. Elderly and
individuals with co-morbidity, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus
and metabolic diseases, are more prone towards getting infected with the coronavirus. Good
nutrition is mandatory for healthy immune responses, which can be improved by the inclusion of
vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, zinc, selenium, iron, copper and an antioxidant-rich diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Soni
- Department of Home Science, University of Allahabad 211002, Allahabad, India
| | - Uroosa Noor
- 1Department of Home Science, University of Allahabad 211002, Allahabad, India
| | - Ena Gupta
- Department of Home Science, University of Allahabad 211002, Allahabad, India
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Gattinger P, Niespodziana K, Stiasny K, Sahanic S, Tulaeva I, Borochova K, Dorofeeva Y, Schlederer T, Sonnweber T, Hofer G, Kiss R, Kratzer B, Trapin D, Tauber PA, Rottal A, Körmöczi U, Feichter M, Weber M, Focke‐Tejkl M, Löffler‐Ragg J, Mühl B, Kropfmüller A, Keller W, Stolz F, Henning R, Tancevski I, Puchhammer‐Stöckl E, Pickl WF, Valenta R. Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 requires antibodies against conformational receptor-binding domain epitopes. Allergy 2022; 77:230-242. [PMID: 34453317 PMCID: PMC8653362 DOI: 10.1111/all.15066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The determinants of successful humoral immune response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are of critical importance for the design of effective vaccines and the evaluation of the degree of protective immunity conferred by exposure to the virus. As novel variants emerge, understanding their likelihood of suppression by population antibody repertoires has become increasingly important. Methods In this study, we analyzed the SARS‐CoV‐2 polyclonal antibody response in a large population of clinically well‐characterized patients after mild and severe COVID‐19 using a panel of microarrayed structurally folded and unfolded SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins, as well as sequential peptides, spanning the surface spike protein (S) and the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the virus. Results S‐ and RBD‐specific antibody responses were dominated by immunoglobulin G (IgG), mainly IgG1, and directed against structurally folded S and RBD and three distinct peptide epitopes in S2. The virus neutralization activity of patients´ sera was highly correlated with IgG antibodies specific for conformational but not sequential RBD epitopes and their ability to prevent RBD binding to its human receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Twenty percent of patients selectively lacked RBD‐specific IgG. Only immunization with folded, but not with unfolded RBD, induced antibodies against conformational epitopes with high virus‐neutralizing activity. Conformational RBD epitopes required for protection do not seem to be altered in the currently emerging virus variants. Conclusion These results are fundamental for estimating the protective activity of antibody responses after natural infection or vaccination and for the design of vaccines, which can induce high levels of SARS‐CoV‐2–neutralizing antibodies conferring sterilizing immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Gattinger
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Katarzyna Niespodziana
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Sabina Sahanic
- Department of Internal Medicine II Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Inna Tulaeva
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Laboratory for Immunopathology Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Moscow Russia
| | - Kristina Borochova
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Yulia Dorofeeva
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Thomas Schlederer
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Thomas Sonnweber
- Department of Internal Medicine II Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Gerhard Hofer
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry University of Stockholm Stockholm Sweden
| | | | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Doris Trapin
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Peter A. Tauber
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Arno Rottal
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Ulrike Körmöczi
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Melanie Feichter
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Milena Weber
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Margarete Focke‐Tejkl
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria
| | - Judith Löffler‐Ragg
- Department of Internal Medicine II Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | | | - Anna Kropfmüller
- Österreichische Gesundheitskasse Klinikum Peterhof Baden Austria
| | - Walter Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, BioTechMed Graz University of Graz Graz Austria
| | | | | | - Ivan Tancevski
- Department of Internal Medicine II Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | | | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Institute of Immunology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Division of Immunopathology Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Laboratory for Immunopathology Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Moscow Russia
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria
- NRC Institute of Immunology, FMBA Moscow Russia
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Chu AL, Ziperstein JC, Niccum BA, Joice MG, Isselbacher EM, Conley J. STAT: Mobile app helps clinicians manage inpatient emergencies. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:100590. [PMID: 34700138 PMCID: PMC8536501 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2021.100590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Chu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Healthcare Transformation Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Stanford Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Joshua C Ziperstein
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Blake A Niccum
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Melvin G Joice
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Eric M Isselbacher
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Healthcare Transformation Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Stanford Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jared Conley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Healthcare Transformation Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Stanford Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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