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Düz ME, Arslan M, Menek EE, Avci BY. Impact of the seventh day nucleated red blood cell count on mortality in COVID-19 intensive care unit patients: A retrospective case-control study. J Med Biochem 2023; 42:138-144. [PMID: 36819135 PMCID: PMC9920868 DOI: 10.5937/jomb0-39839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 covers a broad clinical spectrum, threatening global health. Although several studies have investigated various prognostic biochemical and hematological parameters, they generally lack specificity and are insufficient for decision-making. Beyond the neonatal period, NRBCs (nucleated red blood cells) in peripheral blood is rare and often associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other severe disorders such as sepsis and hypoxia. Therefore, we investigated if NRBCs can predict mortality in hypoxic ICU (Intensive Care Unit) patients of COVID-19. Methods Seventy-one unvaccinated RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 ICU patients was divided into those who survived (n=35, mean age=58) and died (n=36, mean age=75). Venous blood samples were collected in K3 EDTA tubes and analyzed on a Sysmex XN-1000 hematology analyzer with semiconductor laser flow cytometry and nucleic acid fluorescence staining method for NRBC analysis. NRBC numbers and percentages of the patients were compared on the first and seventh days of admission to the ICU. Results are reported as a proportion of NRBCs per 100 WBCs NRBCs/100 WBC (NRBC% and as absolute NRBC count (NRBC #, × 109/L). Results NRBC 7th-day count and % values were statistically higher in non-survival ones. The sensitivity for 7th day NRBC value <0.01 (negative) was 86.11%, the specificity was 48.57%, for <0.02; 75.00%, and 77.14%, for <0.03; 61.11%, and 94.60%. Conclusions In conclusion, our results indicate that NRBC elevation (>0.01) significantly predicts mortality in ICU hospitalized patients due to COVID-19. Worse, a high mortality rate is expected, especially with NRBC values of >0.03.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Emin Düz
- Amasya University, Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training, and Research Hospital, Medical Biochemistry, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Arslan
- Amasya University, Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training, and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Elif E. Menek
- Amasya University, Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training, and Research Hospital, Medical Biochemistry, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Burak Yasin Avci
- Amasya University, Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training, and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases, Amasya, Turkey
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Ngamaba KH, Lombo LS, Makopa IK, Panzaekofo J. Are COVID-19's restrictive measures associated with people's quality of life and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo? J Public Health Afr 2022; 13:1728. [PMID: 36405521 PMCID: PMC9667577 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spread of COVID-19 and the economic repercussions of several restrictive measures have worsened the lives of the Congolese and caused panic, fear, and anxiety. No study has yet examined the effect COVID-19's restrictive measures had on the quality of life in the Congo. AIMS The purpose of this study is to determine if the restrictive measures of COVID-19 are associated with the quality of life and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Kinshasa. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seventeen Kinshasa municipalities. N=100 adults over the age of 18 were recruited (41 females, 58 males and 1 prefer not). Social Contacts Assessment (SCA), Time Use Survey (TUS), Manchester Short Assessment of quality of life (MANSA), Health status EQ-5D-3L, UCLA Loneliness Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and COVID-19 related questions were utilized. We conducted descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS suggest that depression and anxiety are more prevalent (PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were 9.1 (SD=6.8) and 8.5 (SD=6.1) respectively). Negative associations were found between the quality of life and living alone (B=-0.35, p=0.05) and mental health decline due to COVID- 19 (B=-0.30, p=0.04). Those who described themselves as less lonely reported a higher quality of life (B=0.34, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Living alone is associated with a lower quality of life. This study fills a gap in the literature on public health in the DRC and low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, University of York, York, UK,University of York, York, UK.
| | - Laddy Sedzo Lombo
- Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Israel Kenda Makopa
- Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Joyce Panzaekofo
- Social Work and International Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, USA
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Elsaid NMAB, Mohammed HS, Ibrahim AA, Abdel-Fatah ZF, Mahmoud Marie RES, Soliman HH. The effects of COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown on female sexual function and reproductive health: An observational study in Egypt. Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26:64-75. [PMID: 37585071 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2022/v26i9.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
This retrospective observational online study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown on female sexual functions and reproductive health. It included 409 sexually active females. The sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The reproductive life was assessed by a structured self-administered questionnaire modified from Egypt Demographic and Health Survey. The study revealed a significant decrease in the overall FSFI score during the pandemic lockdown compared to the pre-pandemic score (19.3 ± 6 vs. 21.3 ± 6.4, P<0.001). Below half (41.6 %) of women were using contraception methods during the pandemic, while 27.9% had stopped taking contraception during the pandemic, 30.6% (57/186) of the pregnant women only tended to get pregnant. So, the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown were associated with an elevated risk for female sexual dysfunction and altered women's reproductive health quality. Heath system should therefore develop new methods to provide basic reproductive health service, family planning services, and to ameliorate the female sexual function during COVID-19 pandemic including consults with physicians, counsellors, and psychologists, as well as health education programs, either in person or virtually via telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Abu Bakr Elsaid
- Department of Public Health, Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt
| | - Heba S Mohammed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Zeinab F Abdel-Fatah
- Department of Public Health, Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Radwa El-Sayed Mahmoud Marie
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hanan H Soliman
- Department of Public Health, Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Weitzer J, Birmann BM, Steffelbauer I, Bertau M, Zenk L, Caniglia G, Laubichler MD, Steiner G, Schernhammer ES. Willingness to receive an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine in the German-speaking D-A-CH region in Europe: A cross-sectional study. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2022; 18:100414. [PMID: 35651957 PMCID: PMC9148542 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Emergence of new coronavirus variants and waning immunity may necessitate regular COVID-19 vaccine boosters, but empirical data on population willingness for regular vaccination are limited. Methods In August 2021, we surveyed 3,067 quota-sampled German-speaking adults residing in the D-A-CH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Using multivariable adjusted ordered logistic regression models we calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to assess factors associated with willingness to vaccinate annually against COVID-19. Findings Among 2,480 participants vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated, 82·4% indicated willingness to receive annual COVID-19 boosters. This willingness was higher in Austria (OR=1·47, 95% CI, 1·19-1·82; p < 0·001) and Germany (OR=1·98, 95% CI, 1·60-2·45; p < 0·001) versus Switzerland and increased with age. Having voted in the last national election (ORopposition party voters=1·51, 95% CI=1·18-1·92; p = 0·001 and ORgoverning party voters=1·57, 95% CI=1·28-1·93; p < 0·001, versus non-voters) and not regularly participating in religious meetings (OR=1·37, 95% CI=1·08-1·73; p = 0·009, versus participation at least monthly) were significantly associated with willingness to vaccinate, as was partial (OR=1·97, 95% CI=1·43-2·72; p < 0·001) or total (OR=5·20, 95% CI=3·76-7·19; p < 0·001) approval of COVID-19 mitigation measures (versus non-approval). By country, Austrians showed the strongest association of voting behavior and mitigation measure approval with willingness to vaccinate. Interpretation Targeted promotion programs informed by political and religious engagement and mitigation measure approval are needed to increase willingness to receive regular COVID-19 boosters. Funding Medical University of Vienna, Department of Epidemiology, Danube University Krems, Department for Knowledge and Communication Management; Austrian Society of Epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Weitzer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Department of Health Promotion and Prevention, Federal Ministry of the Republic of Austria for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Radetzkystraße 2, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Brenda M. Birmann
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ilja Steffelbauer
- Department of Knowledge and Communication Management, Faculty of Business and Globalization, University for Continuing Education Krems, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, Krems an der Donau 3500, Austria
| | - Martin Bertau
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, Germany
| | - Lukas Zenk
- Department of Knowledge and Communication Management, Faculty of Business and Globalization, University for Continuing Education Krems, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, Krems an der Donau 3500, Austria
| | - Guido Caniglia
- Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | - Manfred D. Laubichler
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna 1080, Austria
- Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Gerald Steiner
- Department of Knowledge and Communication Management, Faculty of Business and Globalization, University for Continuing Education Krems, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, Krems an der Donau 3500, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna 1080, Austria
| | - Eva S. Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna 1080, Austria
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Pal A, Mukhopadhyay P, Datta S, Pal ND. Effect of an online mindfulness program on stress in Indian adults during COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled preliminary study. Indian J Psychiatry 2022; 64:401-407. [PMID: 36060713 PMCID: PMC9435616 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_4_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Indian population is suffering from a high prevalence of mental stress and the situation has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness, which can also be conducted online, has been used as a stress-relieving therapy in the Western world. There is not much experience with mindfulness in the Indian population. The COVID-19 pandemic demands the development of alternative therapies which can reach out to the masses at a minimal cost, avoiding direct personal contact. The researchers wanted to explore the potential of mindfulness as a stress-relieving therapy. AIM To note any improvement in perceived stress of the participants compared to the controls. METHODS Ninety apparently healthy adults were randomized into group M (all of whom participated in an online mindfulness program) and group C (all of whom attended placebo sessions), with 45 participants each. Final sample size was n = 42 (group M) and n = 38 (group C). The perceived stress was measured using the perceived stress scale before and after the program. Qualitative data was collected in the form of written responses to the question "Which aspect of mindfulness meditation appealed to you the most for stress relief?" and some themes were formed. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in perceived stress scale scores on completion of the program in group M. "Positive mental state" and "non-judgmental" were the most prominent emergent themes suggested by the participants, as per the qualitative data analysis. CONCLUSION This preliminary study sees potential in an online mindfulness program as an alternative stress-relieving therapy. Further research is suggested to substantiate the results and optimize the implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Pal
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Soma Datta
- Department of Psychiatry, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire, England
| | - Nidhi Dawar Pal
- Department of Stress Management, Harmony Meditation Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Kuvvetli Y. A goal programming model for two-stage COVID19 test sampling centers location-allocation problem. Cent Eur J Oper Res 2022; 31:1-20. [PMID: 35494406 PMCID: PMC9034448 DOI: 10.1007/s10100-022-00797-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID19 virus, which first appeared in Wuhan, China, and has become a pandemic in a short time, has threatened the health system in many countries and put it into a bottleneck. Simultaneously, the second wave's expectation spread it necessary to plan the health services correctly. In this study, a location-allocation problem in the two-echelon system, which considers different test sampling alternatives, is examined to obtain test sampling centers' location-allocation. The problem is modeled as a goal programming model to create a network that tests samples at a minimum total distance, establishes a minimum number of test sampling centers, and reaches the distance of PCR test laboratories at minimum total distances. The proposed model is applied as a case study for the two cities located in Turkey, and the obtained locations and inventory levels of each location are presented. Besides, different scenarios are examined to understand the structure of the model. As a result, only testing in hospitals will increase the risk of contamination. Since testing at all points will not be possible administratively, it will be ensured that the most appropriate location-allocation decisions are taken by considering all the proposed model's objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Kuvvetli
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Cukurova University, Balcalı Campus, 01330 Adana, Turkey
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7
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Deshpande SS, Gadappa SN, Badgire SA, Sholapure AS, Kamble MS, Baxy HS. Study of Feasibility of Blood Pressure Monitoring in Postpartum Women by Teleconsultation in COVID 19 Pandemic Situation. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2022; 72:186-191. [PMID: 35340907 PMCID: PMC8938646 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-021-01580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Study To study the feasibility of blood pressure monitoring and to assess the feasibility of antihypertensive dose adjustment in postpartum women by teleconsultation in COVID 19 pandemic situation. Methods This was a descriptive longitudinal study conducted in the Department of OBGY, GMCH, Aurangabad between the study periods November 2020 to April 2021 with a sample size of 60. The feasibility of blood pressure monitoring in postpartum women by teleconsultation was measured by recruitment and retention through 12 weeks postpartum. The feasibility of anti-hypertensive dose adjustment through teleconsultation was measured by the number of women requiring hospital visit for uncontrolled blood pressure or those with warning signs and symptoms. The data were collected and analyzed. Results The feasibility of blood pressure monitoring in postpartum women by teleconsultation was 95.23%. During follow-up, the antihypertensive drug dose was required to be increased in 3 women. Not a single woman required hospital visit or hospital readmission either due to uncontrolled hypertension or warning signs/symptoms. This indicates that the feasibility of anti-hypertensive dose adjustment by teleconsultation was good. Conclusion We demonstrated feasibility and over all good satisfaction rate of Blood Pressure Monitoring in postpartum women by teleconsultation in COVID 19 pandemic situation and found that teleconsultation is a boon in management for postpartum hypertension to reduce readmissions and decrease maternal morbidity while ensuring social distancing and minimizing viral exposure. We recommend teleconsultation as a quality improvement initiative in maternity care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali S Deshpande
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001 India
| | - Shrinivas N Gadappa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001 India
| | - Swati A Badgire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001 India
| | - Apurva S Sholapure
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001 India
| | - Mayura S Kamble
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001 India
| | - Himani S Baxy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001 India
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8
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Li C, Soleyman R, Kohandel M, Cappellaro P. SARS-CoV-2 Quantum Sensor Based on Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond. Nano Lett 2022; 22:43-49. [PMID: 34913700 PMCID: PMC8691455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The development of highly sensitive and rapid biosensing tools targeted to the highly contagious virus SARS-CoV-2 is critical to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Quantum sensors can play an important role because of their superior sensitivity and fast improvements in recent years. Here we propose a molecular transducer designed for nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds, translating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA into an unambiguous magnetic noise signal that can be optically read out. We evaluate the performance of the hybrid sensor, including its sensitivity and false negative rate, and compare it to widespread diagnostic methods. The proposed method is fast and promises to reach a sensitivity down to a few hundreds of RNA copies with false negative rate less than 1%. The proposed hybrid sensor can be further implemented with different solid-state defects and substrates, generalized to diagnose other RNA viruses, and integrated with CRISPR technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Li
- Research Laboratory of Electronics and Department of
Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United
States
| | - Rouhollah Soleyman
- Department of Applied Mathematics,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1,
Canada
| | - Mohammad Kohandel
- Department of Applied Mathematics,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1,
Canada
| | - Paola Cappellaro
- Research Laboratory of Electronics and Department of
Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United
States
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United
States
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9
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Blattner K, Miller R, Smith M, Lander J. Doing without the residential component of a blended postgraduate rural medical programme during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand: student perspectives. Educ Prim Care 2022; 33:77-84. [PMID: 34990304 DOI: 10.1080/14739879.2021.2011626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Rural-targeted postgraduate medical training is a key factor associated with entering rural practice. Rural health professionals often experience geographical and professional isolation, which can impact their training and education. In New Zealand, during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, an established distance postgraduate rural medical programme replaced its in-person residentials with virtual workshops. This study aimed to gain insights into the student experience of the virtual workshops, with emphasis on exploring the effects of the absence of an in-person component. METHOD Qualitative exploratory design. All students who had completed a semester one 2020 University of Otago rural postgraduate module were invited by email to participate. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted by video-conference. A thematic analysis was conducted using a general inductive approach. RESULTS Three themes captured the main issues. 1. Making sure everyone is in the same boat: the key roles of an in-person component were identified as consolidation of learning, benchmarking and connectedness. 2. Learning but not connecting: virtual workshops were well facilitated, allowed continuation of study and the convenience of staying home, however connectedness faded. 3. We've got to keep a human touch in a digital age: looking beyond the pandemic, opportunities for streamlining virtual content were identified, however there was concern around diminished communication and cultural aspects of learning and the absent connection with rural health services and communities. CONCLUSION A virtual workshop is valuable in the COVID-19 environment but does not replace an in-person component of a distance postgraduate training programme for rural medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Blattner
- General Practice and Rural health, University of Otago Dunedin Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rory Miller
- General Practice and Rural health, University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mark Smith
- General Practice and Rural health, University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Tyagi A, Prasad AK, Bhatia D. Effects of excessive use of mobile phone technology in India on human health during COVID-19 lockdown. Technol Soc 2021; 67:101762. [PMID: 34566205 PMCID: PMC8456111 DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The global health crisis in the form of COVID-19 has forced people to shift their routine activities into a remote environment with the help of technology. The outbreak of the COVID-19 has caused several organizations to be shut down and forced them to initiate work from home employing technology. Now more than ever, it's important for people and institutions to understand the impact of excessive use of mobile phone technology and electronic gadgets on human health, cognition, and behavior. It is important to understand their perspective and how individuals are coping with this challenge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation is an effort to answer the research question: whether dependency on technology during lockdown has more effects on human health in comparison to normal times. METHODS The study included participants from India (n = 122). A questionnaire was framed and the mode of conducting the survey chosen was online to maintain social distancing during the time of the Pandemic. The gathered data was statistically analysed employing RStudio and multiple regression techniques. RESULTS The statistical analysis confirms that lockdown scenarios have led to an increase in the usage of mobile phone technology which has been confirmed by around 90% of participants. Moreover, 95% of the participants perceive an increased risk of developing certain health problems due to excessive usage of mobile phones and technology. It has been evaluated that participants under the age group 15-30 years are highly affected (45.9%) during lockdown due to excessive dependence on technology. And, amongst different professions, participants involved in online teaching-learning are the most affected (42.6%). CONCLUSION The findings indicate that dependency on technology during lockdown has more health effects as compared to normal times. So, it is suggested that as more waves of pandemics are being predicted, strategies should be planned to decrease the psychological and physiological effects of the overuse of technology during lockdown due to pandemics. As the lockdown situation unfolds, people and organization functioning styles should be rolled back to the limited dependency on technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Tyagi
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad, 201009, India
| | - Anoop Kumar Prasad
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Royal School of Engineering and Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dinesh Bhatia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
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11
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Apolloni B. Inferring statistical trends of the COVID19 pandemic from current data. Where probability meets fuzziness. Inf Sci (N Y) 2021; 574:333-348. [PMID: 34127869 PMCID: PMC8188773 DOI: 10.1016/j.ins.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We introduce unprecedented tools to infer approximate evolution features of the COVID19 outbreak when these features are altered by containment measures. In this framework we present: (1) a basic tool to deal with samples that are both truncated and non independently drawn, and (2) a two-phase random variable to capture a game changer along a process evolution. To overcome these challenges we lie in an intermediate domain between probability models and fuzzy sets, still maintaining probabilistic features of the employed statistics as the reference KPI of the tools. This research uses as a benchmark the daily cumulative death numbers of COVID19 in two countries, with no any ancillary data. Numerical results show: (i) the model capability of capturing the inflection point and forecasting the end-of-infection time and related outbreak size, and (ii) the out-performance of the model inference method according to conventional indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Apolloni
- Department of Computer Science, via Comelico 39/41, 20135 Milano, Italy
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12
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Ashour LA, Dannenberg AL, Shen Q, Fang X, Wang Y. Paratransit services for people with disabilities in the Seattle region during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons for recovery planning. J Transp Health 2021; 22:101115. [PMID: 34518799 PMCID: PMC8426112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2021.101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Along with all public transit services, paratransit services for people with disabilities experienced substantially reduced demand and an increased need to provide equitable services while protecting their clients and staff's safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paratransit services provide a lifeline for their clients' essential mobility needs, including access to medical appointments and grocery stores. In the absence of pre-existing pandemic response plans, examining transit agencies' responses to provide paratransit services during the pandemic can help inform planning for post-pandemic recovery and future disruptive events. METHODS In September 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 decision-makers, planners, and drivers working for the primary transit agency in the Seattle region - King County Metro - and its paratransit contractors. Interview questions were designed to identify current services, policy gaps, and critical challenges for recovery planning and post-pandemic paratransit services. Interview transcripts were analyzed using NVivo software to obtain essential themes. RESULTS The interviewees provided insights about (1) paratransit service changes in response to the pandemic, (2) anticipated impacts of a returning demand on paratransit service efficiency, equity, and quality during the recovery period, and (3) innovative approaches for maintaining post-pandemic equitable paratransit services while balancing safety measures with available resources. CONCLUSIONS Study findings suggest that paratransit service providers should consider (1) developing guidelines for future disruptive events, (2) examining alternative methods for food delivery to clients, (3) planning scenarios for delivering equitable services in the post-pandemic recovery period, and (4) increasing resilience possibly by establishing partnerships with transportation network companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamis Abu Ashour
- Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Andrew L Dannenberg
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Qing Shen
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Xun Fang
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yiyuan Wang
- Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Armaly Z, Kinaneh S, Skorecki K. Renal Manifestations of Covid-19: Physiology and Pathophysiology. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1216. [PMID: 33804075 PMCID: PMC8000200 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) imposes a serious public health pandemic affecting the whole world, as it is spreading exponentially. Besides its high infectivity, SARS-CoV-2 causes multiple serious derangements, where the most prominent is severe acute respiratory syndrome as well as multiple organ dysfunction including heart and kidney injury. While the deleterious impact of SARS-CoV-2 on pulmonary and cardiac systems have attracted remarkable attention, the adverse effects of this virus on the renal system is still underestimated. Kidney susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection is determined by the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor which is used as port of the viral entry into targeted cells, tissue tropism, pathogenicity and subsequent viral replication. The SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry receptor, ACE2, is widely expressed in proximal epithelial cells, vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and podocytes, where it supports kidney integrity and function via the enzymatic production of Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), which exerts vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and diuretic/natriuretic actions via activation of the Mas receptor axis. Loss of this activity constitutes the potential basis for the renal damage that occurs in COVID-19 patients. Indeed, several studies in a small sample of COVID-19 patients revealed relatively high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among them. Although SARS-CoV-1 -induced AKI was attributed to multiorgan failure and cytokine release syndrome, as the virus was not detectable in the renal tissue of infected patients, SARS-CoV-2 antigens were detected in kidney tubules, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infects the human kidney directly, and eventually induces AKI characterized with high morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are largely unknown. However, the fact that ACE2 plays a crucial role against renal injury, the deprivation of the kidney of this advantageous enzyme, along with local viral replication, probably plays a central role. The current review focuses on the critical role of ACE2 in renal physiology, its involvement in the development of kidney injury during SARS-CoV-2 infection, renal manifestations and therapeutic options. The latter includes exogenous administration of Ang (1-7) as an appealing option, given the high incidence of AKI in this ACE2-depleted disorder, and the benefits of ACE2/Ang1-7 including vasodilation, diuresis, natriuresis, attenuation of inflammation, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, apoptosis and coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaher Armaly
- Department of Nephrology, Nazareth Hospital, EMMS, Nazareth 16100, Israel;
- The Bar-Ilan University Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Safed 1311502, Israel;
| | - Safa Kinaneh
- Department of Nephrology, Nazareth Hospital, EMMS, Nazareth 16100, Israel;
| | - Karl Skorecki
- The Bar-Ilan University Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Safed 1311502, Israel;
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Bova SM, Basso M, Bianchi MF, Savaré L, Ferrara G, Mura E, Redaelli MG, Olivieri I, Veggiotti P. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown in children with neurological disorders in Italy. Disabil Health J 2020; 14:101053. [PMID: 33358228 PMCID: PMC7832678 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.101053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The costs and benefits of full lockdown measures are debated. Neurologically impaired children are a vulnerable population with specific needs in terms of protection against infection and access to health services. Objectives We investigated the effects of lockdown on the health of children with neurological disorders and on their access to care during lockdown. Methods Data from 514 children (282 males – 232 females) were collected through physician-administered interviews to investigate: the occurrence of viral-like physical symptoms, the correlation between the risk of developing such symptoms and several demographic and clinical variables, the occurrence of any worsening of the children's neurological conditions during lockdown, and their access to care services during this period. Results 49.1% experienced at least one symptom during the study period, but no child developed severe complications. The prevalence of symptoms was significantly lower during lockdown than during the previous two months. The underlying neurological condition worsened in 11.5% of the patients. Children who regularly left the home during lockdown were greater risk of exhibiting symptoms. During lockdown, 67.7% had a specialist appointment cancelled, 52.6% contacted their paediatrician, and 30.9% contacted their child neuropsychiatrist. Among patients who usually receive rehabilitation, 49.5% continued remotely. Conclusion Lockdown protected children from infections. Telemedicine and telerehabilitation constituted a valid alternative for the care and treatment of these children, but they should not become a widespread and definitive model of care. COVID-19 and other emergency response plans must take into account the specific needs of children with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Maria Bova
- Child Neurology Unit, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università di Milano, via Castelvetro 32, 20154, Milano, Italy.
| | - Martina Basso
- Child Neurology Unit, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università di Milano, via Castelvetro 32, 20154, Milano, Italy.
| | - Marta Francesca Bianchi
- Child Neurology Unit, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università di Milano, via Castelvetro 32, 20154, Milano, Italy.
| | - Laura Savaré
- National Centre for Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Università di Milano-Bicocca Milan, Via Bicocca degli Arcimboldi, 8, 20126, Italy; Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, Università di Milano-Bicocca Milan, Via Bicocca degli Arcimboldi, 8, 20126, Italy.
| | - Giusi Ferrara
- Child Neurology Unit, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università di Milano, via Castelvetro 32, 20154, Milano, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Mura
- Child Neurology Unit, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università di Milano, via Castelvetro 32, 20154, Milano, Italy.
| | - Maria Gaia Redaelli
- Child Neurology Unit, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università di Milano, via Castelvetro 32, 20154, Milano, Italy.
| | | | - Pierangelo Veggiotti
- Child Neurology Unit, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università di Milano, via Castelvetro 32, 20154, Milano, Italy; Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Department, L Sacco, Università di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy.
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Yong W, Kundakchian A. Critical Care Equipment Management Reimagined in an Emergency. Blockchain Healthc Today 2020; 3:146. [PMID: 36777057 PMCID: PMC9907412 DOI: 10.30953/bhty.v3.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY The COVID19 pandemic created a surge in demand for critical care equipment against a backdrop of fast-moving geographic virus hotspots. A team from IBM Europe was put together to prove that a devolved healthcare system can be rapidly bridged by a mix of advanced and legacy technologies to provide a federated view of critical care equipment deployment and use during an emergency. This was achieved with the deployment of predictive analytics and blockchain, integrated with conventional hospital management system. The corollary investigation determined the manner in which this system can be harnessed in a postemergency recovery to provide a national supply chain efficiency backbone. METHOD During a period of 2 weeks, a team of IBM consultants set up a technology sandbox environment to represent a network of an equipment manufacturer, a central national emergency monitoring center, and several hospitals managed by their respective trust organization. Within this environment, a hospital asset management system, Maximo, was configured to manage and track critical care equipment within a hospital; a blockchain traceability platform, IBM's Blockchain Transparency System, was configured to ingest multiple hospital data reports; and a predictive analytic dashboard, Watson Analytics, would retrieve data from the blockchain platform to supplement other data sources to provide national views and support decision-making for the supply and movement of equipment. Three key principles in the design of this environment are speed, reuse, and minimal intrusion. RESULTS The hypothesis was to test whether the chosen technologies can overcome the challenges of misaligned demand and supply of critical care equipment during a national emergency. The execution of the tests led to successful simulation of three scenarios: (1) the tracking of the location and usage history of any single equipment that has been placed into the network; (2) the movement of equipment between independent hospitals is recorded and reported; (3) a real-time interrogation of the current location and status of all registered equipment. CONCLUSIONS The successful completion of this proof of concept has demonstrated that emerging technology can be used to overcome poor macro level coordination and planning, which are the drawbacks of a devolved healthcare system. The corollary was that this proof also demonstrated that blockchain technology can be used to prolong the useful life of conventional technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston Yong
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Nimeri AA, Matthews BD. Reentry to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery During the COVID19 Pandemic. Obes Surg 2020; 30:4652-3. [PMID: 32472359 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-020-04736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with obesity and diabetes have higher risk for severe complications and mortality from COVID19 infection. In addition, unexpected mortalities were reported in a small series of asymptomatic COVID19-positive patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Several organization including IFSO and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) endorsed recommendations to suspend elective nonessential surgery including MBS during the peak period of COVID19. However, both recommendations have no clear guidelines on how to prioritize MBS patients after the peak of COVID19 cases has passed, but there remain patients with asymptomatic COVID19 in the community. We present a tiered approach to restart MBS during the COVID19 pandemic once the peak of new cases has passed or the curve of new COVID19 cases has flattened.
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