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Brune C, Agerholm J, Burström B, Liljas A. Experience of moral distress among doctors at emergency departments in Stockholm during the Covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2300151. [PMID: 38258523 PMCID: PMC10810614 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2300151] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent strain on healthcare globally shed light on the concept of moral distress among healthcare workers, albeit to a smaller extent among doctors at emergency departments. This study aimed to examine moral distress as perceived by medical doctors working at emergency departments in Stockholm during the pandemic, with the purpose of investigating causes of moral distress and methods to manage moral distress. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve doctors working at two emergency departments. A questionnaire was developed based on previous research and the interviews were analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis. RESULTS The themes "The factors that precipitated moral distress", "Experience of workplace support" and "Coping strategies" as well as seven subthemes and 15 codes were identified. The informants reported on various situations with different causes of moral distress. Common causes were resource depletion, such as hospital bed shortages, and following stricter triage criteria. Informants reported varying ways of managing moral distress. CONCLUSIONS Informants experienced moral distress when faced with challenges such as resource depletion, rules and regulations, and colleagues' decisions. The informants who chose to seek support received it from their workplace, which helped them cope with their experiences. Some informants chose to not seek support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Brune
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Janne Agerholm
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Burström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Liljas
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wu T, Li Y, Huang D, Wu Y, Liang X, Cheng L, Liao Z, Xu F, Chen Y, Zhao J, Xia Z, Tan C, Liu Y, Herrmann M. Interplay between COVID-19 and Secukinumab treatment in Spondylarthritis patients during the omicron surge: a retrospective cohort study. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2281242. [PMID: 38093504 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2023.2281242] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the relationship between Corona Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Secukinumab treatment in patients with Spondylarthritis (SpA) in China during the omicron surge. Researchers retrieved 1018 medical records of Secukinumab-treated patients between January 2020 and January 2023 from the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Out of these, 190 SpA patients from the rheumatology clinic were selected for the study. Guided phone questionnaires were administered by research staff to collect baseline characteristics, SpA disease status, and COVID-19 clinical outcomes. Cohabitants served as the control group and provided COVID-19 related data. Of the 190 potential SpA patients, 122 (66%) completed the questionnaire via phone, along with 259 cohabitants. 84.4% of SpA patients were diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and 15.6% were diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). The rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 83.6% in the Secukinumab group and 88.8% in the cohabitants control group, with no significant difference (OR = 0.684, CI 0.366-1.275). One instance of severe COVID-19 was observed in the Secukinumab group, while two were identified in the cohabitants control group. Patients in the Secukinumab group had less time with fever caused by COVID-19 (p = 0.004). Discontinuing Secukinumab after SARS-CoV-2 infection did not significantly affect the course of COVID-19 or worsen SpA status according to our data. Our study suggests that administering Secukinumab to SpA patients does not increase their susceptibility to contracting SARS-CoV-2, and may have a positive effect on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Deying Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinlan Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiuping Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zehui Liao
- Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijing Xia
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyu Tan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Martin Herrmann
- Department of Medicine 3, Universitäts-klinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie DZI, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Han X, Li C, Yuan X, Cui J, Han Z, Meng J, Zhao W, Xie F, Wang K, Liu Y, Muo G, Xi N, Zheng M, Wang R, Xiao K, Chen W, Xiong J, Zhao D, Zhang X, Han X, Cheng H, Yu Z, Shi Y, Xie W, Xie L. Associations of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment with death and clinical improvement in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave in Beijing, China: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study. Ann Med 2024; 56:2313062. [PMID: 38354691 PMCID: PMC10868413 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2313062] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir has mainly been shown in non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The real-world effectiveness of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir urgently needs to be determined using representative in-hospital patients with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave of the pandemic. METHODS We performed a multicentre, retrospective study in five Chinese PLA General Hospital medical centers in Beijing, China. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from 10 December 2022 to 20 February 2023 were eligible for inclusion. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed between the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group and the control group. RESULTS 1010 recipients of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and 1010 matched controls were finally analyzed after matching. Compared with matched controls, the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group had a lower incidence rate of all-cause death (4.6/1000 vs. 6.3/1000 person-days, p = 0.013) and a higher incidence rate of clinical improvement (47.6/1000 vs. 45.8/1000 person-days, p = 0.012). Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was associated with a 22% lower all-cause mortality and a 14% higher incidence of clinical improvement. Initiation of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir within 5 days after symptom onset was associated with a 50% lower mortality and a 26% higher clinical improvement rate. By contrast, no significant associations were identified among patients receiving nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment more than 5 days after symptom onset. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was also associated with a 50% increase in survival days and a 12% decrease in days to clinical improvement. CONCLUSION Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave in Beijing, China, the early initiation of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was associated with clinical benefits of lowering mortality and improving clinical recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Han
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Chenglong Li
- National Institute of Health Data Science, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medical Technology, Health Science Center of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junchang Cui
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihai Han
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiguang Meng
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Naval Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kaifei Wang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guoxin Muo
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Na Xi
- Pharmacy Department, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengli Zheng
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Rentao Wang
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Xiao
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junchen Xiong
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dahui Zhao
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjie Han
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- Shandong Future Network Research Institute, Jiangsu Future Network Group Co., Ltd., Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongkuo Yu
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghan Shi
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Wuxiang Xie
- Peking University Clinical Research Institute, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Xie
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
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Mohammadi E, Smith L, Khan AF, Lee B, Spencer O, Muhammad F, Villeneuve LM, Dunn IF, Smith ZA. Post-pandemic paradigm shift toward telemedicine and tele-education; an updated survey of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on neurosurgery residents in United States. World Neurosurg X 2024; 23:100326. [PMID: 38497059 PMCID: PMC10937949 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100326] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Several strategies were implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to enhance residency training and patient care. Objective This study aims to assess the post-pandemic landscape of neurosurgical training and practice. Method A survey consisting of 28 questions examining the challenges faced in neurosurgery and the adaptive measures was conducted among US neurosurgery residents from May 2022 to May 2023. Results This study encompassed 59 neurosurgical residents, predominantly male (72.9%) and in later years of training (66.1%) and were distributed across 25 states. Telemedicine and tele-education were pivotal during the pandemic, with virtual lecture series, standalone lectures, and virtual discussions highly favored. Remote didactic learning increased for nearly half of the residents, while 54.2% resumed in-person instruction. Telemedicine was deemed effective by 86.4% for evaluating neurosurgical patients. Access to teaching environments was restricted for 61.0% of residents, impacting their training. The pandemic significantly influenced elective surgeries, with complete cancellations reported by 42.4%. Reduced faculty engagement was noted by 35.6% of residents, while 47.5% reported a negative impact on the overall resident experience. The majority (76.3%) considered changes to their training reasonable given the global health situation. Conclusions Strategies implemented during the peak of the pandemic remain crucial in shaping neurosurgery training. Telemedicine has become indispensable, with widespread adoption. Tele-education has also expanded, providing additional learning opportunities. However, traditional didactic courses and hands-on experiences remain essential for comprehensive training. Balancing technology-driven methods with established approaches is crucial for optimizing neurosurgical education and maintaining high-quality patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeil Mohammadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lonnie Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ali F. Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Benjamin Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Oslin Spencer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lance M. Villeneuve
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ian F. Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zachary A. Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Koc ER, Turan ÖF, Mengüç B. Covid-19 infection as a possible risk factor for longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis! Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:193-196. [PMID: 35791090 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2098731] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is limited data about the neurological effects of Covid-19 in infected patients. In this report, we present 2 LETM cases that are possibly associated with Covid-19 infection. METHODS Here, we present 2 cases that subsequently developed LETM following Covid-19 infection. The first case presented a finding of tetraparesis prominent in the lower extremities that started ten days after the Covid-19 infection. The second patient was admitted with paraparesis and urinary-stool retention on the 12th day from the onset of symptoms of Covid-19 infection. RESULTS In these 2 cases, LETM developing following Covid'19 infection was associated with Covid-19 infection. Although Covid-19 PCR was negative in the CSF of both patients, the Covid-19 PCR test was positive in the samples taken from the oropharynx. CONCLUSION The mechanism of LETM caused by Covid-19 infection is not clearly known. However, both direct infection of the spinal cord and excessive inflammatory response to primary Covid-19 infection may cause spinal cord damage. Therefore, possible Covid-19-associated myelitis should be kept in mind in cases of long segment transverse myelitis grouped under the title of NMOSD and without any etiological factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Rabia Koc
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Turan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Bedirhan Mengüç
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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Månsson Sandberg H, Tjulin Å, Brulin E, Landstad BJ. How general practitioners used job crafting strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Scand J Prim Health Care 2024; 42:276-286. [PMID: 38315554 PMCID: PMC11003318 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2024.2309633] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE General practitioners (GPs) played a crucial role in limiting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many GPs experienced they did not have the prerequisites to provide adequate care. However, GPs developed approaches that helped them to provide care to patients through various job crafting strategies. The aim of this study is to identify how job crafting strategies were deployed by GPs at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden and the significance of the strategies on their work situation. DESIGN A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using qualitative content analysis with job crafting as the conceptual framework for the analysis process. SETTING Primary healthcare in five healthcare regions in Sweden. SUBJECTS Fourteen GPs participated in individual interviews. RESULTS In their endeavours to organise and provide care, GPs shaped the task, relational and cognitive boundaries of their work. GPs felt proud about finding new ways of working when given room to manoeuvre. Intensified collaboration between healthcare professionals made GPs more confident in their clinical work. GPs expressed that they consequently felt stronger in their professional role through what they accomplished in the organisation of care. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS The results suggest that the job crafting strategies GPs used were meaningful to them in clinical practice. Knowledge about how GPs' job crafting strategies were deployed might be useful for healthcare organisations in preparing for future health crises. Taking advantage of GPs' experiences and strategies is considered important for promoting sustainable working conditions for GPs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Månsson Sandberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Tjulin
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Emma Brulin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bodil J. Landstad
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
- Unit of Research, Education and Development, Östersund Hospital, Östersund, Sweden
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Kılıç A, Clarke AL, Moon Z, Hamada Y, Chan AHY, Rahman A, Layton C, Griffiths CJ, Zenner D, Powell E, Kunst H, Lipman M, Mandelbaum M, Papineni P, Tattersall T, Duong T, Abubakar I, Rangaka MX, Horne R. Health and illness beliefs in adults with tuberculosis infection during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Dialogues Health 2024; 4:100162. [PMID: 38516222 PMCID: PMC10953974 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100162] [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] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 disrupted the TB prevention programme in the UK, especially for TB infection (TBI) care. We explore whether experience of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on patients' perceptions of TBI and its treatment. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of the Research to Improve Detection and Treatment of TBI (RID-TB) programme, exploring perceptual and practical barriers to TBI treatment. Nineteen people diagnosed with TBI were interviewed between August 2020 and April 2021. Recordings were transcribed and analysed using a constant comparative approach, allowing for a dynamic and iterative exploration of themes. Themes are organised using the Perceptions and Practicalities Approach. Findings Some participants perceived TBI as a risk factor for increased susceptibility to COVID-19, while some thought that treatment for TBI might protect against COVID-19 or mitigate its effects. Adaptations to TB services (e.g., remote follow-up) and integrated practices during the COVID-19 restrictions (e.g., medication being posted) addressed some practical barriers to TBI treatment. However, we identified beliefs about TBI and COVID-19 that are likely to act as barriers to engagement with TBI treatment, including: interpreting service delays as an indication of TBI not being serious enough for treatment and concerns about contracting COVID-19 in TB clinics. Interpretation COVID-19 and TBI service delays influence people's perceptions and practical barriers to TBI treatment adherence. Failure to address these beliefs may lead to people's concerns about their treatment not being fully addressed. Utilised service adaptations like remote consultations to address practical barriers may be relevant beyond COVID-19. Funding NIHR RID-TB Program (RP-PG-0217-20009).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşenur Kılıç
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amy L. Clarke
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Zoe Moon
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yohhei Hamada
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amy Hai Yan Chan
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ananna Rahman
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Chris J. Griffiths
- Centre for Primary Care, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Dominik Zenner
- Centre for Primary Care, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ellen Powell
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, UK
| | - Heinke Kunst
- Respiratory Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Marc Lipman
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL-TB and UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Trinh Duong
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, UK
| | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Molebogeng X. Rangaka
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics & CIDRI-AFRICA, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert Horne
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
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Muspratt-Palmer R, Martindale S, Soutar A, Grimsell V, Sellwood C. A blueprint for learning: How NHS England (London) learned during its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Public Health Pract (Oxf) 2024; 7:100475. [PMID: 38405232 PMCID: PMC10883832 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100475] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification and sharing of lessons is a key aspect of emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) activity in the national health service (NHS) in England (NHS England, 2022). The overall intent of the lessons identification and implementation process is to improve readiness and response to future major incidents and emergencies, such that, wherever possible, patient harm is minimised and staff well-being is maximised. In this commentary, we draw on international literature to outline some of the major challenges in healthcare organisations to learning from major incidents and emergencies. We describe our experience of identifying lessons and set out the approach used by NHS England (London) to identifying lessons from the NHS response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the capital. We describe the knowledge garnered in our organisation about learning methods during the Covid-19 pandemic. The commentary considers the different approaches to identifying lessons, and the subsequent challenges of learning and implementation. This paper places its focus on the learning processes followed rather than what was learned as a result. It also explores whether the learning process undertaken by NHS England (London) demonstrates the hallmarks of a learning organisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Muspratt-Palmer
- NHS England (London), Covid-19 Public Inquiry Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Sarah Martindale
- NHS England (London), Covid-19 Public Inquiry Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Amelia Soutar
- NHS England (London), Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Victoria Grimsell
- NHS England (London), Covid-19 Public Inquiry Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Chloe Sellwood
- NHS England (London), Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
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Nunes MC, Thommes E, Fröhlich H, Flahault A, Arino J, Baguelin M, Biggerstaff M, Bizel-Bizellot G, Borchering R, Cacciapaglia G, Cauchemez S, Barbier--Chebbah A, Claussen C, Choirat C, Cojocaru M, Commaille-Chapus C, Hon C, Kong J, Lambert N, Lauer KB, Lehr T, Mahe C, Marechal V, Mebarki A, Moghadas S, Niehus R, Opatowski L, Parino F, Pruvost G, Schuppert A, Thiébaut R, Thomas-Bachli A, Viboud C, Wu J, Crépey P, Coudeville L. Redefining pandemic preparedness: Multidisciplinary insights from the CERP modelling workshop in infectious diseases, workshop report. Infect Dis Model 2024; 9:501-518. [PMID: 38445252 PMCID: PMC10912817 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2024.02.008] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In July 2023, the Center of Excellence in Respiratory Pathogens organized a two-day workshop on infectious diseases modelling and the lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic. This report summarizes the rich discussions that occurred during the workshop. The workshop participants discussed multisource data integration and highlighted the benefits of combining traditional surveillance with more novel data sources like mobility data, social media, and wastewater monitoring. Significant advancements were noted in the development of predictive models, with examples from various countries showcasing the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in detecting and monitoring disease trends. The role of open collaboration between various stakeholders in modelling was stressed, advocating for the continuation of such partnerships beyond the pandemic. A major gap identified was the absence of a common international framework for data sharing, which is crucial for global pandemic preparedness. Overall, the workshop underscored the need for robust, adaptable modelling frameworks and the integration of different data sources and collaboration across sectors, as key elements in enhancing future pandemic response and preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C. Nunes
- Center of Excellence in Respiratory Pathogens (CERP), Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) and Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Équipe Santé Publique, Épidémiologie et Écologie Évolutive des Maladies Infectieuses (PHE3ID), Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edward Thommes
- New Products and Innovation (NPI), Sanofi Vaccines (Global), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holger Fröhlich
- Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Department of Bioinformatics, Schloss Birlinghoven, Sankt Augustin, Germany
- University of Bonn, Bonn-Aachen International Center for IT (b-it), Bonn, Germany
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland and Swiss School of Public Health, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Julien Arino
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marc Baguelin
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Matthew Biggerstaff
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gaston Bizel-Bizellot
- Departement of Computational Biology, Departement of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca Borchering
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Giacomo Cacciapaglia
- Institut de Physique des Deux Infinis de Lyon (IP2I), UMR5822, IN2P3/CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Simon Cauchemez
- Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR2000 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Alex Barbier--Chebbah
- Decision and Bayesian Computation, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, France
| | - Carsten Claussen
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Choirat
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Monica Cojocaru
- Mathematics & Statistics Department, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Chitin Hon
- Respiratory Disease AI Laboratory on Epidemic Intelligence and Medical Big Data Instrument Applications, Department of Engineering Science, Faculty of Innovation Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jude Kong
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP), Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Thorsten Lehr
- Clinical Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Vincent Marechal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | | | - Seyed Moghadas
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rene Niehus
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lulla Opatowski
- UMR 1018, Team “Anti-infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology”, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, France
- Epidemiology and Modelling of Antibiotic Evasion, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Francesco Parino
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Paris, France
| | | | - Andreas Schuppert
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rodolphe Thiébaut
- Bordeaux University, Department of Public Health, Inserm UMR 1219 Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inria SISTM, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Cecile Viboud
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jianhong Wu
- York Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response, and Governance Institute, Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pascal Crépey
- EHESP, Université de Rennes, CNRS, IEP Rennes, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS – Inserm U 1309, Rennes, France
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Antoncecchi V, Antoncecchi E, Orsini E, D'Ascenzo G, Oliviero U, Savino K, Aloisio A, Casalino L, Lillo A, Chiuini E, Santoro G, Manfrè V, Rizzo V, Zito GB. High prevalence of cardiac post-acute sequelae in patients recovered from Covid-19. Results from the ARCA post-COVID study. Int J Cardiol Cardiovasc Risk Prev 2024; 21:200267. [PMID: 38638196 PMCID: PMC11024661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2024.200267] [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] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Many data were published about Long-Covid prevalence, very few about the findings of new cardiac alterations (NCA) in COVID-19-recovered people. ARCA-post-COVID is an observational study designed to investigate the prevalence of NCA in patients recovered from Covid-19.Methods: from June 2020 to December 2022, we enrolled 502 patients with a positive nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV2 and a subsequent negative one. We performed anamnesis, lab-test, and routine cardiological tests (ECG, Holter, TTE). Results The median age was 56 years (IQR 44-67); women were 52.19%; in the acute phase 24.1% of patients were treated in a medical department, 7.2% in the ICU and the others at home. At the visit, 389 patients (77.49%) complained of a broad range of symptoms. We reported patients' characteristics according to the course of the disease and the persistence of symptoms. NCA were found in 138 patients (27.49%): among them 60 cases (11.95%) of pericardial effusion. Patients with NCA were older (median 60y, IQR: 47-72, vs median 56y, IQR 42-65), had a higher prevalence of smokers (27% vs 17%; p0.014), CAD (11% vs 6%; p0.048) and stroke/TIA (3.6% vs 0.3%; p0.002) and a lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (18% vs 30%; p0.007). The prevalence of NCA seems constant with different subtypes of the virus. Conclusion the prevalence of NCA in patients who recovered from COVID-19 is high and constant since the beginning of the pandemic; it is predictable based on hospitalization and long-lasting symptoms (9.64%-42.52%). Patients with one of these characteristics should undergo cardiological screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ettore Antoncecchi
- Servizio di Cardiologia Centro Polispecialistico Medigea, Modugno, (Bari), Italy
| | | | | | - Ugo Oliviero
- Past dirigente medico, AUO Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ketty Savino
- Cardiologia e Fisiopatologia Cardiovascolare, Università e Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Aloisio
- UDD Cardiologia/UTIC, Casa di Cura Villa Verde, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Adele Lillo
- Cardiologia, Distretto Socio-Sanitario 10, Ospedale Fallacara, Triggiano, (BA), Italy
| | | | - Giosuè Santoro
- Associazioni Regionali Cardiologi Ambulatoriali (ARCA), Campania, Italy
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11
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Paul E, Brown GW, Ridde V, Sturmberg JP. Who is "anti-science"? Public Health Pract (Oxf) 2024; 7:100493. [PMID: 38601178 PMCID: PMC11004618 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100493] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives "Anti-science" accusations are common in medicine and public health, sometimes to discredit scientists who hold opposing views. However, there is no such thing as "one science". Epistemology recognizes that any "science" is sociologically embedded, and therefore contextual and intersubjective. In this paper, we reflect on how "science" needs to adopt various perspectives to give a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of a phenomenon. Study design Opinion paper. Methods Based on a targeted literature survey, we first clarify the known limits of traditional scientific methods and then reflect on how the scientific reporting about Covid-19 mRNA vaccines has evolved. Results The first reports of the Covid-19 mRNA vaccines randomised controlled trial results showed impressive efficacy. Nevertheless, an abundant literature has since depicted a far more nuanced picture of the effectiveness and safety of those vaccines over the medium-term. We organise them around five themes: (i) differentiating between relative and absolute reduction; (ii) taking account of time in reporting effectiveness; (iii) taking account of all outcomes, including adverse effects; (iv) stratifying effectiveness and considering other decision criteria (efficiency, equity, and acceptance); (v) changing the outcome of concern and assessing vaccines' effectiveness on mortality. Conclusions Science offers a wide range of perspectives on a given study object. Only the process of deliberation amongst scientists and other stakeholders can result in accepted new knowledge useful to support decision-making. Unfortunately, by trying to reduce "science" to simple messages set in stone, scientists can become the worse enemies of science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Paul
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, School of Public Health, Campus Erasme, Route de Lennik 808, CP 591, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Garrett W. Brown
- University of Leeds, School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Valéry Ridde
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), INSERM, CEPED, Paris, France
| | - Joachim P. Sturmberg
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Australia
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12
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Boeselt T, Terhorst P, Kroenig J, Nell C, Spielmanns M, Boas U, Veith M, Vogelmeier C, Greulich T, Koczulla AR, Beutel B, Huber J, Heers H. Specific molecular peak analysis by ion mobility spectrometry of volatile organic compounds in urine of COVID-19 patients: A novel diagnostic approach. J Virol Methods 2024; 326:114910. [PMID: 38452823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114910] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS-CoV-2 is usually diagnosed from naso-/oropharyngeal swabs which are uncomfortable and prone to false results. This study investigated a novel diagnostic approach to Covid-19 measuring volatile organic compounds (VOC) from patients' urine. METHODS Between June 2020 and February 2021, 84 patients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were recruited as well as 54 symptomatic individuals with negative RT-PCR. Midstream urine samples were obtained for VOC analysis using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) which detects individual molecular components of a gas sample based on their size, configuration, and charge after ionization. RESULTS Peak analysis of the 84 Covid and 54 control samples showed good group separation. In total, 37 individual specific peaks were identified, 5 of which (P134, 198, 135, 75, 136) accounted for significant differences between groups, resulting in sensitivities of 89-94% and specificities of 82-94%. A decision tree was generated from the relevant peaks, leading to a combined sensitivity and specificity of 98% each. DISCUSSION VOC-based diagnosis can establish a reliable separation between urine samples of Covid-19 patients and negative controls. Molecular peaks which apparently are disease-specific were identified. IMS is an additional non-invasive and cheap device for the diagnosis of this ongoing endemic infection. Further studies are needed to validate sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Boeselt
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - P Terhorst
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - J Kroenig
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - C Nell
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - M Spielmanns
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Zuercher Reha Zentren Klinik Wald, Switzerland; Faculty of Health, Department of Pneumology, University of Witten, Herdecke, Germany
| | - U Boas
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - M Veith
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - C Vogelmeier
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - T Greulich
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - A R Koczulla
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany; Department of Pulmonology, Schoen-Kliniken Berchtesgaden, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - B Beutel
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - J Huber
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - H Heers
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany.
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13
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Sarman A, Tuncay S. Have the effects of Covid-19 been overcome? Levels of Covid-19 fear, Covid-19 anxiety and hopelessness in young adolescents: A structural equation modeling. J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Nurs 2024; 37:e12458. [PMID: 38488185 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12458] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research aimed to determine the level of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness of Covid-19 in young adolescents' post Covid-19 period. DESIGN AND SAMPLES Young adolescents in the 17-24 age group were included in this study, which was conducted in a descriptive-cross-sectional design. MEASUREMENTS Sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire form and Coronavirus (Covid-19) Fear Scale, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale were used to collect data. RESULTS 90.8% of the participants had been vaccinated, 26.9% had previously caught in Covid-19, and 10.3% of those who had been caught in the disease had a severe course. 10.7% of young adolescents had to take medicines, 56.4% had a family history of Covid-19, and 18.7% had lost a relative as a result of Covid-19, was found. The level of fear, anxiety and hopelessness was higher among women, first-grade students, those who did not receive the Covid-19 vaccine, those who have caught in Covid-19 before, and those who have lost a family due to Covid-19. CONCLUSION It is thought that the increase in the awareness level of young adolescents about Covid-19 improves preventive health behaviors and enables the development of positive behaviors related to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Sarman
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Bingöl University, Faculty of Health Science, Bingöl, Turkey
| | - Suat Tuncay
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Bingöl University, Faculty of Health Science, Bingöl, Turkey
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14
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Li X, Wu R, Wu MY, Zhu G. Changes and predictors of mental health of Chinese university students after the COVID-19 pandemic: A two-year study. J Affect Disord 2024; 352:1-9. [PMID: 38355054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.037] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological repurcussions of COVID-19 pandemic has received wide attention, but there's limited attention paid to psychological recovery afterwards. This study focuses on the changes and predictive factors of mental health of Chinese university students post-pandemic. METHODS This study included 1175 Chinese undergraduate students sampled in May 2022 and May-June 2023, right before and after peaks of infections following the end of lockdown policy in China. The participants completed a survey of demographic variables, and three questionnaires: 12-item General Health Questionnaire, Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Prosocial Tendencies Measure. RESULTS The participants sampled in 2023 have significant lower GHQ scores and higher PPQ scores than those sampled in 2022, while there is no significant difference in PTM scores between them. The proportion of participants with GHQ-12 scores exceeding 12 in 2023 showed slightly decrease compared to that in 2022. The infection of significant others, the sense of hope, and PPQ self-efficiency, hope and optimism subscale scores were significantly associated with GHQ-12 scores in 2023, but actual infection or quarantine experience were not. CONCLUSIONS The mental health and psychological capital of the university students have been significantly improved within a year. It is worthy to pay attention to the infection of significant others, the sense of hope, and psychological capital in a pandemic to improve the mental health of university students. LIMITATIONS Compared to a cross-sectional study, longitudinal research is the better choice for a two-year comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- School of medical instrumentation, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Wu
- Counseling and Psychological Services Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Meng-Yang Wu
- Counseling and Psychological Services Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Geng Zhu
- School of medical instrumentation, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Farsaci L, Fleming P, Almirall-Sanchez A, O'Donoghue C, Thomas S. Understanding the legacies of shocks on health system performance: Exploring Ireland's management of recent crises and its implications for policy. Health Policy 2024; 143:105063. [PMID: 38583364 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105063] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
This paper contrasts the Irish experience of the 2008 economic crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, and the health system responses to these shocks, from the perspective of health system leaders working across both time periods. Based on semi-structured interviews with seven senior national and international officials, the research presented here forms the qualitative component of RESTORE, a five-year research project examining health system resilience and reform, funded through the Health Research Board's Research Leader Award in Ireland. Findings indicate that the financial crisis deeply impacted the Irish health system in relation to infrastructure and capacity, service delivery and workforce. Due to these legacy issues, Ireland's health system was in a relatively weak position when faced with the Covid-19 pandemic but the system proved adaptive and innovative during this time. Furthermore, the pandemic proved to be a catalyst for positive change, providing opportunities for long-term reform, alongside an immediate response to the crisis. This was facilitated by increased funding, a devolution in decision-making structures and a political commitment to the health system. Exploring lessons from the Irish response to these crises provides a case study for developing appropriate policy responses around financing and resource allocation, fostering support for healthcare among political leaders and policy makers, and preparing for future shocks. Furthermore, examining these experiences facilitates understanding around the impact of each crisis on the health system, exploring options for addressing legacy issues and considering practical steps to improve health system performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Farsaci
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Padraic Fleming
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Arianna Almirall-Sanchez
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Catherine O'Donoghue
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Steve Thomas
- Edward Kennedy Professor of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
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16
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Keck JW, Lacy ME, Bressler S, Blake I, Chukwuma U, Bruce MG. COVID-19 infection and incident diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native people: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet Reg Health Am 2024; 33:100727. [PMID: 38590324 PMCID: PMC11000165 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100727] [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] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests an increased risk of new-onset diabetes following COVID-19 infection. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people were disparately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and historically have had higher diabetes incidence than other racial/ethnic groups in the US. We measured the association between COVID-19 infection and incident diabetes in AI/AN people. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using de-identified patient data from the Indian Health Service's (IHS) National Patient Information Reporting System. We estimated age-adjusted diabetes incidence rates, incidence rate ratios, and adjusted hazard ratios among three cohorts spanning pre-pandemic (1/1/2018-2/28/2020) and pandemic (3/1/2020-12/31/2021) timeframes: 1) pre-pandemic cohort (1,503,085 individuals); 2) no-COVID-19 pandemic cohort (1,344,339 individuals); and 3) COVID-19 cohort (176,483 individuals). Findings The COVID-19 cohort had an increased hazard of diabetes compared to the no-COVID-19 group (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.50-1.62) and the pre-pandemic group (aHR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.22-1.32). The association between COVID-19 infection and new-onset diabetes was stronger in those with severe COVID-19 illness. A sensitivity analysis comparing the COVID-19 cohort to members of other cohorts that had acute upper respiratory infections showed an attenuated but higher risk of new-onset diabetes in those with COVID-19. Interpretation AI/AN people diagnosed with COVID-19 had an elevated risk of a new diabetes diagnosis when compared to the no-COVID-19 group and the pre-pandemic group. The increased diabetes risk in the COVID-19 group remained in a sensitivity analysis that limited the comparator groups to individuals with an AURI diagnosis. Funding US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. Keck
- Research Services Department, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guest Researcher, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Mary E. Lacy
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sara Bressler
- Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ian Blake
- Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Uzo Chukwuma
- Office of Public Health Support, Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Michael G. Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
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17
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Marini M, Demichelis A, Menicagli D, Mancini G, Panizza F, Bilancini E, Cevolani G. I want to be safe: understanding the main drivers behind vaccination choice throughout the pandemic. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1111. [PMID: 38649925 PMCID: PMC11036553 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18511-z] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being a major advancement in modern medicine, vaccines face widespread hesitancy and refusal, posing challenges to immunization campaigns. The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing the pivotal role of beliefs in efficacy and safety on vaccine acceptance rates. This study explores the influence of efficacy and safety perceptions on vaccine uptake in Italy during the pandemic. METHODS We administered a 70-item questionnaire to a representative sample of 600 Italian speakers. Participants were tasked with assessing the perceived effectiveness and safety of each vaccine dose, along with providing reasons influencing their vaccination choices. Additionally, we conducted an experimental manipulation, exploring the effects of four framing messages that emphasized safety and/or efficacy on participants' willingness to receive a hypothetical fourth vaccine dose. Furthermore, participants were asked about their level of trust in the scientific community and public authorities, as well as their use of different information channels for obtaining COVID-19-related information. RESULTS Our study reveals a dynamic shift in vaccine efficacy and safety perceptions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially influencing vaccination compliance. Initially perceived as more effective than safe, this assessment reversed by the time of the third dose. Beliefs regarding safety, rather than efficacy, played a significant role in anticipating future vaccinations (e.g., the booster dose). Safety-focused messages positively affected vaccination intent, while efficacy-focused messages showed limited impact. We also observed a changing trend in reasons for vaccination, with a decline in infection-related reasons and an increase in social related ones. Furthermore, trust dynamics evolved differently for public authorities and the scientific community. CONCLUSIONS Vaccine perception is a dynamic process shaped by evolving factors like efficacy and safety perceptions, trust levels, and individual motivations. Our study sheds light on the complex dynamics that underlie the perception of vaccine safety and efficacy, and their impact on willingness to vaccinate. We discuss these results in light of bounded rationality, loss aversion and classic utility theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Marini
- IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy.
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18
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Murillo J, Garcia B, Regan A. Social Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Health in the Greater Los Angeles Area. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38647552 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0697] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, women have experienced more job loss owing to an increase in household and caregiving responsibilities. Gender inequities coupled with pandemic-related stressors have resulted in poor health outcomes among women. Globally, women have reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in response to the pandemic. Evidence suggests that social determinants of health have contributed to women's poor health outcomes. Materials and Methods: We used the Understanding America Study to describe the social impacts women have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared with men and to explore the association between partnership status and social impacts in Los Angeles. We hypothesize that women experienced greater social impacts than men and that partnership status modified these social impacts. Results: In a sample of predominantly racial and ethnic minorities, we found that women experienced more social impacts related to housing insecurity compared with men. When exploring how partnership status modified these social impacts, we found that women without partners experienced more social impacts specific to financial hardships when compared with women who were in a partnership. Conclusions: It is likely that the COVID-19 relief efforts helped women mitigate social impacts but not housing or financial security. The overall goal is to inform policies so that better measures can be implemented to prepare for the next public health disaster or global health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovita Murillo
- School of Public Health & Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco California, USA
| | - Blanca Garcia
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco California, USA
| | - Annette Regan
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco California, USA
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles California, USA
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19
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Dotevall H, Tuomi L, Lindell E, Finizia C. Long-term effects on swallowing and laryngeal function after treatment for severe COVID-19 disease in intensive care. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024:10.1007/s00405-024-08648-3. [PMID: 38642087 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08648-3] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess swallowing and laryngeal function at long-term follow-up in patients treated for severe COVID-19 in the ICU. METHODS Thirty-six patients with severe COVID-19 were prospectively examined with fiberendoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) about 6 and 12 months after ICU discharge. Comparison with initial FEES examinations during the time in hospital was performed in 17 patients. Analysis of swallowing function and laryngeal features was performed from video recordings. Twenty-five participants responded to Eating Assessment Tool, Voice Handicap Index, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at follow-up. RESULTS Penetration to the laryngeal vestibule (PAS ≥ 3) was seen in 22% and silent aspiration (PAS = 8) in 11% of patients on at least one swallow at follow-up. Fourteen percent had obvious residue in the vallecula and/or pyriform sinuses after swallowing thick liquid or biscuits. Self-reported eating and swallowing difficulties were found in 40% of patients. Abnormal findings in the larynx were present in 53% at follow-up. Thirty-three percent had reduced or impaired vocal fold movement, of whom 22% had bilateral impaired abduction of the vocal folds. Possible anxiety and depression were found in 36% and 24% of responders, respectively. CONCLUSION Although a majority of patients appear to regain normal swallowing function by 1 year after treatment for severe COVID-19, our results indicate that dysphagia, abnormal laryngeal function, and anxiety/depression may remain in a substantial proportion of patients. This suggests that swallowing and laryngeal function, and emotional symptoms, should be followed up systematically over time in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Dotevall
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Tuomi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Speech and Language Pathology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ellen Lindell
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Research, Education and Innovation, Södra Älvsborgs Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Borås, Sweden
| | - Caterina Finizia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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20
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Toni E, Ayatollahi H. An insight into the use of telemedicine technology for cancer patients during the Covid-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:104. [PMID: 38641567 PMCID: PMC11027268 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02507-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of telemedicine technology has significantly increased in recent years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the use of telemedicine technology for cancer patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS This was a scoping review conducted in 2023. Various databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Ovid, IEEE Xplore, ProQuest, Embase, and Google Scholar search engine were searched. All quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies published in English between 2020 and 2022 were included. Finally, the needed data were extracted, and the results were synthesized and reported narratively. RESULTS A total of 29 articles were included in this review. The results showed that teleconsultation, televisit, and telerehabilitation were common telemedicine services, and video conferencing and telephone were common technologies used in these studies. In most cases, patients and healthcare providers preferred these services compared to the face-to-face consultations due to their convenience and advantages. Furthermore, the findings revealed that in terms of clinical outcomes, telemedicine could effectively reduce anxiety, pain, sleep disorders, and hospital admission rates. CONCLUSION The findings provided valuable insights into the various telemedicine technologies, services, users' perspectives, and clinical outcomes in cancer patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Overall, the positive outcomes and users' satisfaction showed that the use of telemedicine technology can be expanded, particularly in cancer care. Future research needs to investigate both clinical and non-clinical effectiveness of using various telemedicine services and technologies for improving cancer care delivery, which can help to develop more successful strategies for implementing this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeel Toni
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Ayatollahi
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Bani I, Mohamed Y, Andrade G. Evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on stress and burnout among Ajman university (AU) medical students. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 246:104245. [PMID: 38636404 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104245] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted at AU to estimate the prevalence of stress and burnout among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to provide insights into the levels of stress and burnout experienced by medical students at AU and identify potential risk factors. The research methodology involved a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire among 215 College of Medicine AU students. The findings indicated that many participants experienced moderate stress levels, as revealed by data collected on a Likert scale. No significant differences in stress scores were found based on sex, but variations were observed among years of study and living status. An analysis of burnout using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory showed that over half of the participants experienced moderate levels of burnout. No significant differences in burnout were found based on gender, marital status, residence, GPA, motivation for enrolment, or nationality; however, variations were observed among different age groups and years of study. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address stress and burnout among AU students by focusing on the identified risk factors. By implementing evidence-based strategies, AU can promote the well-being and resilience of medical students, thereby contributing to their overall success and the future of the healthcare workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Bani
- College of Medicine, Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHS R), Ajman University, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Yehia Mohamed
- College of Medicine, Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHS R), Ajman University, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Gabriel Andrade
- College of Medicine, Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHS R), Ajman University, United Arab Emirates.
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22
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Arbaein TJ, Alharbi KK, Alfahmi AA, Alharthi KO, Monshi SS, Alzahrani AM, Alkabi S. Makkah healthcare cluster response, challenges, and interventions during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:975-985. [PMID: 38631067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.007] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 crisis has underscored the critical role of effective decision-making in healthcare systems. Saudi Arabia has shown resilience by implementing comprehensive testing, tracing, and vaccination measures. Given the unique cultural and religious characteristics of Makkah, specific challenges have prompted efforts to uncover local pandemic responses. This qualitative assessment aims to delineate the challenges faced by decision-makers during COVID-19 in Makkah and identify key interventions implemented by the Makkah healthcare cluster to manage and coordinate care. METHOD Utilizing a purposive sampling approach, executive leaders within the Makkah Healthcare Cluster were invited for semi-structured interviews during the COVID-19 period. Thematic analysis was carried out in five steps, ensuring rigor and trustworthiness through multiple checks, and employing a critical and collaborative approach. RESULT Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak in Makkah, participants revealed Several factors that have hindered healthcare organizations' ability to effectively manage the pandemic, including testing difficulties, resource shortages, vaccination misconceptions, continuity of care issues, infections among healthcare workers, and the need for consistent protocols. The participant leaders in Makkah's healthcare cluster specified implemented strategies that helped in overcoming the encountered challenges, such as adopting new technologies, enhancing communication, managing supply and demand, and improving workforce adaptability and development. Their experience in managing Hajj and Umrah provided valuable insights for handling the pandemic effectively. CONCLUSION The study emphasizes the significance of technology adoption, effective communication, supply management, workforce development, and lessons from managing religious events. Its findings have implications for healthcare systems globally, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, response, and resilience in diverse cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turky J Arbaein
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Khulud K Alharbi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah A Alfahmi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawlah O Alharthi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah S Monshi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Alzahrani
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanaa Alkabi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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23
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Law S, Kassam A, Beder M, Sediqzadah S, Levy M, Maher J. Impact of the Pandemic was Minor Compared to Systemic Decrease in Fidelity of Assertive Community Treatment Services- A Provincial Study in Ontario, Canada. Adm Policy Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s10488-024-01375-1. [PMID: 38625457 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-024-01375-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model is the gold standard in community psychiatry serving people with severe mental illness. With its outreach-based design, the pandemic has profoundly affected the operations and functioning of ACT. The Dartmouth ACT Scale (DACTS) provides a standardized comprehensive and quantitative way to evaluate ACT quality. Results could inform nature of impact and identify areas for improvement. Current online survey used DACTS during the pandemic in April-May 2021. Clinical and administrative leadership of the 80 ACT teams in Ontario, Canada cross-sectionally rated ACT quality one-year pre-Covid (2018-2019) and one-year post the start of Covid (2020-2021). The overall pre-Covid Ontario ACT DACTS fidelity was 3.65. The pandemic led to decreases in all domains of DACTS (Human Resources: -4.92%, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.08-0.27]; Organizational Boundary: -1.03%, p < 0.013,95%CI [0.01-0.07]; and Nature of Services: -6.18%, p < 0.001, 95%CI [0.16-0.26]). These changes were accounted by expected lower face-to-face encounters, time spent with clients, reduction in psychosocial services, less interactions with hospitals and diminished workforces. The magnitude of change was modest (-3.84%, p < 0.001, 95%CI [0.09-0.19]). However, the Ontario ACT pre-Covid DACTS was substantially lower (-13.5%) when compared to that from a similar survey 15 years ago (4.22), suggestive of insidious systemic level loss of fidelity. Quantitative fidelity evaluation helped to ascertain specific pandemic impact. Changes were significant and specific, but overall relatively modest when compared to the larger system level drop over the last decade. There is both evidence for model adaptability and resilience during Covid disruption, and concerns over larger downward drift in ACT fidelity and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Law
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Michael?s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Aly Kassam
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michaela Beder
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Michael?s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Saadia Sediqzadah
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Michael?s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew Levy
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Michael?s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Maher
- Canadian Mental Health Association, Barrie, ON, Canada
- Ontario Association of ACT and FACT, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Yoshino A, Murakami R, Hosoya K, Komachi T, Mori E, Nin T, Mahmut MK, Okubo K. A Nationwide survey of safety protocols and chemosensory assessments by Japanese clinicians pre- and post- COVID-19 pandemic. Auris Nasus Larynx 2024; 51:640-646. [PMID: 38626699 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2024.04.007] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There has been an increase of attention and awareness of smell and taste loss due to the impact of COVID-19. However, little is known about the influence of COVID-19 on the number of psychophysical tests performed, the timing of these tests, or the protection protocols employed to protect against virus transmission. This study aimed to explore the changes in examination approaches, types of tests employed, and safety measures adopted by clinicians before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A survey was distributed to 404 institutes of the Oto-Rhino Laryngological Society of Japan, consisting of otolaryngologists working in university hospitals, general hospitals, and private clinics. The anonymous online survey contained questions related to safety measures and chemosensory assessments performed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, participants were queried on the number and types of examinations conducted, the type of examiners who performed them, the timing of tests in suspected and non-suspected COVID-19 cases, modifications made due to the pandemic, and the protective measures adopted during chemosensory examinations. RESULTS Of the 201 respondents, representing a 50 % response rate, 49 % were from general hospitals, 48 % from university hospitals, and 3 % from private clinics. The study found a slight decrease in the overall number of chemosensory tests conducted post-COVID-19. In terms of who performed the test, there were no differences pre- and post- COVID-19. Most examinations (52-68 %) for suspected COVID-19 cases were performed 1-2 months after the onset of symptoms. Modifications in testing rooms and personal protective equipment (PPE) were reported by the majority of institutions post-pandemic. While different examination rooms or PPE were not commonly used based on a patient's previous COVID-19 diagnosis, changes were observed in testing practices. Most examinations were conducted in rooms with windows or fans, and PPE usage was high; surgical masks, eye visors or face shields, and disposable gloves being commonly used. Virus transmission from patient to examiner was reported in only one case during T&T olfactometer examination. CONCLUSION We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of olfactory and gustatory tests performed, the type of examiner, the examination room, and the use of PPE and found no significant difference before and after the COVID-19 pandemic on these factors. Adherence to a protection protocol involving the proper use of PPE in controlled environments enabled the continuation of olfactory and gustatory tests during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaho Yoshino
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Murakami
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Hosoya
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nippon Medical School Musashi Kosugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Taro Komachi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eri Mori
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mehmet K Mahmut
- School of Psychological Sciences, Food, Flavour and Fragrance Lab, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kimihiro Okubo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Lunnemar P, Taxbro K, Hammarskjöld F. An analysis of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients treated in a Swedish Covid-19 intensive care unit. SAGE Open Med 2024; 12:20503121241233213. [PMID: 38628306 PMCID: PMC11020743 DOI: 10.1177/20503121241233213] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Catheter-related bloodstream infection is a well-known, severe complication of central venous catheter insertion. Studies that have evaluated the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic's influence on the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection in intensive care units are limited. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study on catheter-related bloodstream infection in coronavirus disease 2019 intensive care unit with previously documented low incidence rates to evaluate the pandemic's impact. Objectives To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on catheter-related bloodstream infection incidence in the intensive care unit. Methods All central venous catheter-inserted patients aged ⩾18 years admitted to the intensive care unit with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection, and the secondary outcome was the detection of catheter-related bloodstream infection-causative microorganisms. Results During the pandemic's first year, 124 patients were admitted, and 203 central venous catheters were inserted. Two patients developed catheter-related bloodstream infection. The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection was 0.79/1000 catheter days. The microorganisms responsible for catheter-related bloodstream infection were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Conclusion This study revealed a low incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection in the coronavirus disease 2019-intensive care unit, thus suggesting that coronavirus disease 2019 is not a risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection and indicating the high resilience of well-established routines aimed at catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petter Lunnemar
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Knut Taxbro
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Hammarskjöld
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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26
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Greenhalgh T, Darbyshire JL, Lee C, Ladds E, Ceolta-Smith J. What is quality in long covid care? Lessons from a national quality improvement collaborative and multi-site ethnography. BMC Med 2024; 22:159. [PMID: 38616276 PMCID: PMC11017565 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03371-6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long covid (post covid-19 condition) is a complex condition with diverse manifestations, uncertain prognosis and wide variation in current approaches to management. There have been calls for formal quality standards to reduce a so-called "postcode lottery" of care. The original aim of this study-to examine the nature of quality in long covid care and reduce unwarranted variation in services-evolved to focus on examining the reasons why standardizing care was so challenging in this condition. METHODS In 2021-2023, we ran a quality improvement collaborative across 10 UK sites. The dataset reported here was mostly but not entirely qualitative. It included data on the origins and current context of each clinic, interviews with staff and patients, and ethnographic observations at 13 clinics (50 consultations) and 45 multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings (244 patient cases). Data collection and analysis were informed by relevant lenses from clinical care (e.g. evidence-based guidelines), improvement science (e.g. quality improvement cycles) and philosophy of knowledge. RESULTS Participating clinics made progress towards standardizing assessment and management in some topics; some variation remained but this could usually be explained. Clinics had different histories and path dependencies, occupied a different place in their healthcare ecosystem and served a varied caseload including a high proportion of patients with comorbidities. A key mechanism for achieving high-quality long covid care was when local MDTs deliberated on unusual, complex or challenging cases for which evidence-based guidelines provided no easy answers. In such cases, collective learning occurred through idiographic (case-based) reasoning, in which practitioners build lessons from the particular to the general. This contrasts with the nomothetic reasoning implicit in evidence-based guidelines, in which reasoning is assumed to go from the general (e.g. findings of clinical trials) to the particular (management of individual patients). CONCLUSION Not all variation in long covid services is unwarranted. Largely because long covid's manifestations are so varied and comorbidities common, generic "evidence-based" standards require much individual adaptation. In this complex condition, quality improvement resources may be productively spent supporting MDTs to optimise their case-based learning through interdisciplinary discussion. Quality assessment of a long covid service should include review of a sample of individual cases to assess how guidelines have been interpreted and personalized to meet patients' unique needs. STUDY REGISTRATION NCT05057260, ISRCTN15022307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Julie L Darbyshire
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Cassie Lee
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma Ladds
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Jenny Ceolta-Smith
- LOCOMOTION Patient Advisory Group and Lived Experience Representative, London, UK
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27
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Harrington J, Hampton AR. 'Border Country': health law in a devolved UK. Med Law Rev 2024:fwae011. [PMID: 38604662 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwae011] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
How are we to understand and research health law under devolution in the UK? Building on work in law and geography, we argue that the figure of the border is key to the production and implementation of devolved health law and the variety of forms that this takes. The utility of border thinking in this context is shown through a review of thematic areas, including infectious disease control, access to health care, and abortion, each instantiating a distinct bordering process. In each, we consider recent developments in policy and legislation, framed with reference to constitutional change, and the politics of devolution in the UK. Taking Wales as an exemplary site, we argue that health law produces borders in traditional and non-traditional places. It creates and blurs territories. It is equally constituted by pluralistic bordering practices. On the basis of this theoretically informed review, we conclude by proposing a cross-disciplinary legal, ethical, and socio-legal research agenda for future research.
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Schiff AE, Wang X, Patel NJ, Kawano Y, Hanberg JL, Kowalski EN, Cook CE, Vanni KM, Qian G, Bade KJ, Saavedra AA, Srivatsan S, Williams ZK, Venkat RK, Wallace ZS, Sparks JA. Immunomodulators and risk for breakthrough COVID-19 after third SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cohort study. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:680-682. [PMID: 38199795 PMCID: PMC11009046 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E Schiff
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naomi J Patel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yumeko Kawano
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hanberg
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily N Kowalski
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Claire E Cook
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathleen Mm Vanni
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grace Qian
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katarina J Bade
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alene A Saavedra
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shruthi Srivatsan
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zachary K Williams
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Zachary S Wallace
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Cohen G, Duda N, Morrison-Lee K, Swankoski K, Giudice G, Palakal M, Mack C, O'Malley AS. How CPC+ supported patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons for alternative payment models. Healthc (Amst) 2024; 12:100745. [PMID: 38603835 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2024.100745] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing literature documents how primary care practices adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine a topic that has received less attention-how participants in an advanced alternative payment model perceive the model influenced their ability to meet patients' care needs during the pandemic. METHODS Analysis of closed- and open-ended questions from a 2021 survey of 2496 practices participating in the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) model (92% response rate) and a 2021 survey of 993 randomly selected primary care physicians from these practices (55% response rate). Both surveys asked whether respondents agreed or disagreed that they or their practice was "better positioned to meet patients' care needs during the coronavirus pandemic" because of participation in CPC+. Both also included an open-ended question about CPC+'s effects. RESULTS Half of practices and one-third of physicians agreed or strongly agreed that participating in CPC+ better positioned them to meet patients' care needs during the pandemic. One in 10 practices and 2 in 10 physicians, disagreed or strongly disagreed, while 4 in 10 practices and slightly more than half of physicians neither agreed nor disagreed (or, for physicians, didn't know). The most commonly identified CPC+ activities that facilitated meeting patient care needs related to practices' work on care management (e.g., risk stratification), access (e.g., telehealth), payment outside of fee-for-service (FFS), and staffing (e.g., supporting care managers). CONCLUSIONS Most CPC+ practices and physicians were positive or neutral about participating in CPC+ in the context of COVID-19, indicating more benefit than risk to payment alternatives to FFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genna Cohen
- Mathematica 1100 1st St NE 12th Floor Washington, DC, 20002-4221, USA.
| | - Nancy Duda
- Mathematica 600 Alexander Park, Suite 100, Princeton, NJ, 08543-2393, USA.
| | | | - Kaylyn Swankoski
- Mathematica 600 Alexander Park, Suite 100, Princeton, NJ, 08543-2393, USA.
| | - Gillian Giudice
- Mathematica 111 East Wacker Dr., Suite 3000, Chicago, IL, 60601, USA.
| | - Maya Palakal
- Mathematica 1100 1st St NE 12th Floor Washington, DC, 20002-4221, USA.
| | - Caroline Mack
- Mathematica 1100 1st St NE 12th Floor Washington, DC, 20002-4221, USA.
| | - Ann S O'Malley
- Mathematica 1100 1st St NE 12th Floor Washington, DC, 20002-4221, USA.
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Gouse BM, Oblath R, Gibbs JS, Reagan EG, Brown HE. COVID-19 pandemic and emergency department visits for psychosis: Visit volume, restraint use, medication use, psychiatric hospitalization, and length of stay. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:301-307. [PMID: 38603838 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.02.017] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder were at heightened risk for interruptions in psychiatric care during the coronavirus-19 (COVID 19) pandemic. There is limited work exploring the pandemic's impact on emergency department (ED) visit volume, use of restraint and parenteral medications, inpatient psychiatric (IP) hospitalization, and ED length of stay (LOS) among this population. METHODS We retrospectively examined 2134 ED visits with a billing code for psychosis between March 1, 2019-February 28, 2021. We used Poisson regression analysis to compare ED visit volume between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Restraint use, parenteral antipsychotic or benzodiazepine use, IP hospitalization, and ED LOS were compared between the two periods using chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests. RESULTS Overall volume of psychosis-related ED visits during the pandemic did not differ significantly from the prior year. Rates of restraint use (16.2 % vs 11.6 %, p < .01), parenteral antipsychotic (22.6 % vs 14.9, p < .001), and parenteral benzodiazepine (22.3 % vs 16.3 %, p < .001) use were significantly higher during the pandemic. Fewer patients had an IP hospital disposition during the pandemic than the year prior (57.8 % vs. 61.9 %, p < .05). ED LOS was longer during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (28.37 h vs 20.26 h, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Although the volume of psychosis-related ED visits remained constant, restraint and parenteral medication use rates were significantly higher during the pandemic. ED LOS increased but fewer ED visits resulted in IP hospitalization. These findings underscore the importance of planning for increased acuity of psychosis ED presentations during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M Gouse
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston 02118, USA; Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Rachel Oblath
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston 02118, USA
| | - Jada S Gibbs
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ellen G Reagan
- Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Hannah E Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston 02118, USA; Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Auger N, Arbour L, Lewin A, Brousseau É, Healy-Profitós J, Luu TM. Congenital anomalies during Covid-19: artifact of surveillance or a real TORCH? Eur J Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s10654-024-01122-8. [PMID: 38589643 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-024-01122-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Infections in the first trimester of pregnancy can be teratogenic, but the possibility that Covid-19 could lead to birth defects is unclear. We examined whether SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy or exposure to pandemic conditions were associated with the risk of congenital anomalies. We carried out a retrospective study of 420,222 neonates born in Quebec, Canada in two time periods: prepandemic (January 1, 2017 to March 12, 2020) vs. pandemic (March 13, 2020 to March 31, 2022). We classified pandemic births as early (first trimester completed before the pandemic) or late (first trimester during the pandemic), and identified patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy. We applied (1) adjusted log-binomial regression models to assess the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and congenital anomalies, and (2) autoregressive interrupted time series regression to analyze temporal trends in the monthly number of defects in all patients regardless of infection. In total, 29,263 newborns (7.0%) had a congenital anomaly. First trimester SARS-CoV-2 infections were not associated with a greater risk of birth defects compared with no infection (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.59-1.95). However, births during the late pandemic period were more likely to be diagnosed with congenital microcephaly compared with prepandemic births (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.21-1.71). Interrupted time series analysis confirmed that the frequency of microcephaly increased during the late pandemic period, whereas other anomalies did not. We conclude that Covid-19 is likely not teratogenic, but enhanced surveillance of anomalies among late pandemic births may have heightened the detection of infants with microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Auger
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Laura Arbour
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Hema-Quebec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Émilie Brousseau
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jessica Healy-Profitós
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thuy Mai Luu
- Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Formica MK, Cox R, Christiana J, Turk MA, Landes SD. Covid-19 patterns among adults with intellectual and developmental disability and the general population in New York state during the first year of the pandemic. Disabil Health J 2024:101623. [PMID: 38631971 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101623] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the US, especially those living in group homes, experienced comparatively higher Covid-19 case/case fatality rates than the general population during the first year of the pandemic. There is no information about the patterns of case/case fatality rates during this time. OBJECTIVE This study compared Covid-19 case/case fatality rates among people with IDD living in residential group homes to the general population across the first year of the pandemic in New York State (NYS). METHODS Covid-19 positive cases and deaths collected from New York Disability Advocates (NYDA), a coalition of organizations serving individuals with IDD, was compared to data for the NYS general population from the first pandemic year. Case rates/100,000 and case fatality rates were calculated for the study period. Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software was used to analyze patterns in weekly case/case fatality rates. RESULTS Case fatality rates for people with IDD were higher than for the overall state population throughout the pandemic's first year. Case rates were higher among people with IDD across most of this year. Although the patterns in rates were similar, there was a sharp increase in cases for those with IDD during Fall 2020 beginning eight weeks before the general NYS population and a significant decrease in fatalities in late December 2020 into January 2021. CONCLUSIONS Consistently higher case fatality rates and significant differences in case/case fatality rates for people with IDD living in group homes require further consideration. Planning for future emergencies will require an enhanced federal/state understanding of the needs of people with IDD and a responsive surveillance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret K Formica
- Departments of Public Health & Preventive Medicine and Urology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Ryan Cox
- New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Albany, NY, 12229, USA
| | | | - Margaret A Turk
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Scott D Landes
- Department of Sociology and Aging Studies Institute, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
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McBride J, Allton L, Torkington S, Smith S. After COVID-19: preparing staff for future surges in respiratory illness in children and improving well-being. Nurs Child Young People 2024:e1501. [PMID: 38584498 DOI: 10.7748/ncyp.2024.e1501] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a challenging experience for children and young people's services, and the workforce. The Valuing All Staff Together programme was a one-year project hosted by the North West Paediatric Critical Care, Surgery in Children, Long Term Ventilation Operational Delivery Network to support teams caring for children and young people to reflect on their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online survey, focus groups and interviews, it gave staff the opportunity to explore and understand the effects of the pandemic and the subsequent surge in demand, including how these affected services and the emotional health and well-being of staff. This would enable better preparation for future surges in respiratory illness in terms of learning, training and development. This article describes the programme's aim, method and findings, and the main recommendations for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna McBride
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England
| | - Lucy Allton
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England
| | | | - Shannon Smith
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, England
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Igwe JK, Alaribe U. Cannabis use associated with lower mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients using the national inpatient sample: an epidemiological study. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:18. [PMID: 38582889 PMCID: PMC10998318 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00228-w] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior reports indicate that modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may have a protective benefit for Covid-19 patients. However, associations between cannabis use (CU) or CU not in remission (active cannabis use (ACU)), and Covid-19-related outcomes among hospitalized patients is unknown. METHODS In this multicenter retrospective observational cohort analysis of adults (≥ 18 years-old) identified from 2020 National Inpatient Sample database, we utilize multivariable regression analyses and propensity score matching analysis (PSM) to analyze trends and outcomes among Covid-19-related hospitalizations with CU and without CU (N-CU) for primary outcome of interest: Covid-19-related mortality; and secondary outcomes: Covid-19-related hospitalization, mechanical ventilation (MV), and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to all-cause admissions; for CU vs N-CU; and for ACU vs N-ACU. RESULTS There were 1,698,560 Covid-19-related hospitalizations which were associated with higher mortality (13.44% vs 2.53%, p ≤ 0.001) and worse secondary outcomes generally. Among all-cause hospitalizations, 1.56% of CU and 6.29% of N-CU were hospitalized with Covid-19 (p ≤ 0.001). ACU was associated with lower odds of MV, PE, and death among the Covid-19 population. On PSM, ACU(N(unweighted) = 2,382) was associated with 83.97% lower odds of death compared to others(N(unweighted) = 282,085) (2.77% vs 3.95%, respectively; aOR:0.16, [0.10-0.25], p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the ECS may represent a viable target for modulation of Covid-19. Additional studies are needed to further explore these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph-Kevin Igwe
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Ugo Alaribe
- Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, 5600 N River Rd Suite 800, Rosemont, IL, 60018, USA
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Ooi SH, Ng KP, Sthaneshwar P, Lim SK, Khor PY, Lim JY, Siow WS, Lim KW, Azlan M. A study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with AKI in a setting of multiracial developing country. BMC Nephrol 2024; 25:122. [PMID: 38580977 PMCID: PMC10998399 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-024-03498-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commonest indication for hospitalization in COVID-19 patients is hypoxemia or severe respiratory symptoms. However, COVID-19 disease may result in extrapulmonary complications including kidney-related pathology. The reported incidence of renal involvement related to COVID infection varies based on geographical location. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the incidence rate of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and identify risk factors and prognostic predictors. METHOD In this retrospective study, we recruited hospitalized COVID-19 patients from January 2021 until June 2021 at the University Malaya Medical Center. The inclusion criteria were hospitalized for ≥ 48 h with confirmed COVID-19 infection and at least 18 years old. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. The staging of AKI was based on criteria as per KDIGO guidelines. RESULTS One thousand five hundred twenty-nine COVID patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a male-to-female ratio of 759 (49.6%) to 770 (50.3%). The median age was 55 (IQR: 36-66). 500 patients (32.7%) had diabetes, 621 (40.6%) had hypertension, and 5.6% (n = 85) had pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The incidence rate of AKI was 21.1% (n = 323). The percentage of COVID patients in different AKI stages of 1,2 and 3 were 16.3%, 2.1%, and 2.7%, respectively. Fifteen hospitalized patients (0.98%) required renal replacement therapy. 58.8% (n = 190) of AKI group had complete recovery of kidney function. Demographic factors included age (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.012), CKD (p < 0.001), and vaccination status (p = 0.042) were associated with an increased risk of developing AKI. We found that the AKI cohort had statistically significant lower platelet counts and higher ferritin levels than the non-AKI cohort. AKI is a risk predictor of prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.001) and higher mortality rates (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION AKI is a common clinical complication among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The etiology of AKI is multifactorial and may have an adverse impact on patient morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Ooi
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K P Ng
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | - S K Lim
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - P Y Khor
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J Y Lim
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - W S Siow
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K W Lim
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhummad Azlan
- Internal Medicine Department, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Baruah S, Betty CA. Point of care devices for detection of Covid-19, malaria and dengue infections: A review. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 158:108704. [PMID: 38593574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108704] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Need for affordable, rapid and user-friendly point of care (POC) devices are increasing exponentially for strengthening the health care system in primary care as well as for self- monitoring in routine analysis. In addition to routine analysis of glucose, Covid-19 type fast spreading, infectious diseases have created further push for exploring rapid, cost-effective and self-monitoring diagnostic devices. Successful implementation of self-monitoring devices for Covid -19 has been realized. However, not much success has been realized for malaria and dengue which are two fatal diseases that affect the population in underdeveloped and developing countries. To monitor the presence of parasites for these diseases, rapid, onsite monitoring devices are still being explored. In this review, we present a review of the research carried out on electrochemical POC devices for monitoring infectious diseases such as Covid-19, malaria and dengue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Baruah
- Nanoscience and Soft Matter Laboratory, Department of Physics, Tezpur University, PO: Napaam, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
| | - C A Betty
- Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085, Maharashtra, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.
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Madbouly EA, El-Shanawani AA, El-Adl SM, Abdelkhalek AS. Green chemometric-assisted UV-spectrophotometric methods for the determination of favipiravir, cefixime and moxifloxacin hydrochloride as an effective therapeutic combination for COVID-19; application in pharmaceutical form and spiked human plasma. BMC Chem 2024; 18:65. [PMID: 38575973 PMCID: PMC10996251 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01168-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As pharmaceutical analysis progresses towards environmental sustainability, there is a growing need to enhance the safety and health conditions for analysts. Consequently, the incorporation of chemometrics into environmentally friendly analytical methods represents a promising approach. Favipiravir, cefixime, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride have been currently used in COVID-19 treatment. In this study, we develop spectrophotometric methods depending on chemometric based models to measure the levels of favipiravir, cefixime, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations and spiked human plasma. It is challenging to determine favipiravir, cefixime, and moxifloxacin simultaneously because of overlap in their UV absorption spectra. Two advanced chemometric models, partial least square (PLS) and genetic algorithm (GA), have been developed to provide better predictive abilities in spectrophotometric determination of the drugs under study. The described models were created using a five-level, three-factor experimental design. The outcomes of the models have been thoroughly assessed and interpreted, and a statistical comparison with recognized values has been taken into consideration. The analytical eco-scale and the green analytical procedure index (GAPI) evaluation methods were also utilized to determine how environmentally friendly the mentioned models were. The outcomes demonstrated how well the models described complied with the environmental requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A Madbouly
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Abdalla A El-Shanawani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sobhy M El-Adl
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Abdelkhalek
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Jani M, Alfattni G, Belousov M, Laidlaw L, Zhang Y, Cheng M, Webb K, Hamilton R, Kanter AS, Dixon WG, Nenadic G. Development and evaluation of a text analytics algorithm for automated application of national COVID-19 shielding criteria in rheumatology patients. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2024-225544. [PMID: 38575324 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2024-225544] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK's Scientific Committee issued extreme social distancing measures, termed 'shielding', aimed at a subpopulation deemed extremely clinically vulnerable to infection. National guidance for risk stratification was based on patients' age, comorbidities and immunosuppressive therapies, including biologics that are not captured in primary care records. This process required considerable clinician time to manually review outpatient letters. Our aim was to develop and evaluate an automated shielding algorithm by text-mining outpatient letter diagnoses and medications, reducing the need for future manual review. METHODS Rheumatology outpatient letters from a large UK foundation trust were retrieved. Free-text diagnoses were processed using Intelligent Medical Objects software (Concept Tagger), which used interface terminology for each condition mapped to Systematized Medical Nomenclature for Medicine-Clinical Terminology (SNOMED-CT) codes. We developed the Medication Concept Recognition tool (Named Entity Recognition) to retrieve medications' type, dose, duration and status (active/past) at the time of the letter. Age, diagnosis and medication variables were then combined to calculate a shielding score based on the most recent letter. The algorithm's performance was evaluated using clinical review as the gold standard. The time taken to deploy the developed algorithm on a larger patient subset was measured. RESULTS In total, 5942 free-text diagnoses were extracted and mapped to SNOMED-CT, with 13 665 free-text medications (n=803 patients). The automated algorithm demonstrated a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI: 75%, 85%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI: 90%, 94%). Positive likelihood ratio was 10 (95% CI: 8, 14), negative likelihood ratio was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.28) and F1 score was 0.81. Evaluation of mismatches revealed that the algorithm performed correctly against the gold standard in most cases. The developed algorithm was then deployed on records from an additional 15 865 patients, which took 18 hours for data extraction and 1 hour to deploy. DISCUSSION An automated algorithm for risk stratification has several advantages including reducing clinician time for manual review to allow more time for direct care, improving efficiency and increasing transparency in individual patient communication. It has the potential to be adapted for future public health initiatives that require prompt automated review of hospital outpatient letters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Jani
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust Salford Care Organisation, Salford, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ghada Alfattni
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Computer Science, Jamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maksim Belousov
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lynn Laidlaw
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Cheng
- Department of Business Intelligence, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Salford, UK
| | - Karim Webb
- Department of Business Intelligence, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Salford, UK
| | - Robyn Hamilton
- Department of Business Intelligence, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Salford, UK
| | - Andrew S Kanter
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - William G Dixon
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust Salford Care Organisation, Salford, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Goran Nenadic
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Elghali M, Bannour I, Touil I, Changuel M, Brahem Y, Jaoued O, Boudawara N, Amor HIH, Elatrous S, Knani J, Sakly N. Increased Rheumatoid Factor production in patients with severe COVID-19. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 109:116284. [PMID: 38604077 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116284] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Searching for Rheumatoid Factors (RF) in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has rarely been described. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between RF isotypes (IgM, IgA, and IgG) and different clinical presentations of COVID-19 in a series of Tunisian patients. STUDY DESIGN Eighty-two COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study. Symptomatic cases were recruited from the Department of COVID-19 and the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital of Mahdia, Tunisia, from January 2021 to March 2021. Different RF isotypes were assessed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Forty-one patients (50%) had RF of any isotype. Thirty-two patients (39%) were tested positive for RF-IgM. Symptomatic forms of the disease were associated with RF-IgM positivity (p = 0.005). The mean concentration of RF-IgM was higher in the severe form than in the moderate and asymptomatic forms (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the production of RF-IgM isotype is increased in patients with severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Elghali
- Immunology department, University Hospital F.B., University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - I Bannour
- Immunology department, University Hospital F.B., University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - I Touil
- Pneumology department, Tahar Sfar hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - M Changuel
- Immunology department, University Hospital F.B., University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Y Brahem
- Pneumology department, Tahar Sfar hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - O Jaoued
- Intensive Care Unit, Tahar Sfar hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - N Boudawara
- Pneumology department, Tahar Sfar hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - H Ibn Hadj Amor
- Cardiology Department, Tahar Sfar hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - S Elatrous
- Intensive Care Unit, Tahar Sfar hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - J Knani
- Pneumology department, Tahar Sfar hospital, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia
| | - N Sakly
- Immunology department, University Hospital F.B., University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
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Savage C, Tragl L, Castillo MM, Azizi L, Hasson H, Sundberg CJ, Mazzocato P. Building resilience: analysis of health care leaders' perspectives on the Covid-19 response in Region Stockholm. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:408. [PMID: 38561762 PMCID: PMC10985875 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10886-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid-19 pandemic has tested health care organizations worldwide. Responses have demonstrated great variation and Sweden has been an outlier in terms of both strategy and how it was enacted, making it an interesting case for further study. The aim of this study was to explore how health care leaders experienced the challenges and responses that emerged during the initial wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to analyze these experiences through an organizational resilience lens. METHODS A qualitative interview study with 12 senior staff members who worked directly with or supervised pandemic efforts. Transcripts were analyzed using traditional content analysis and the codes directed to the Integrated Resilience Attributes Framework to understand what contributed to or hindered organizational resilience, i.e. how organizations achieve their goals by utilizing existing resources during crises. RESULTS/FINDINGS Organizational resilience was found at the micro (situated) and meso (structural) system levels as individuals and organizations dealt with acute shortages and were forced to rapidly adapt through individual sacrifices, resource management, process management, and communications and relational capacity. Poor systemic resilience related to misaligned responses and a lack of learning from previous experiences, negatively impacted the anticipatory phase and placed greater pressure on individuals and organizations to respond. Conventional crisis leadership could hamper innovation, further cement chronic challenges, and generate a moral tension between centralized directives and clinical microsystem experiences. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic tested the resilience of the health care system, placing undue pressure on micro and meso systems responses. With improved learning capabilities, some of this pressure may be mitigated as it could raise the anticipatory resilience potential, i.e. with better health systems learning, we may need fewer heroes. How crisis leadership could better align decision-making with frontline needs and temper short-term acute needs with a longer-term infinite mindset is worth further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Savage
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Leonard Tragl
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moa Malmqvist Castillo
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Louisa Azizi
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henna Hasson
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit for Implementation and Evaluation, Center for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Johan Sundberg
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pamela Mazzocato
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen, 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Södertälje Hospital, Södertälje, Sweden
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Xia Q, Yang Y, Wang F, Huang Z, Qiu W, Mao A. Case fatality rates of COVID-19 during epidemic periods of variants of concern: A meta-analysis by continents. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 141:106950. [PMID: 38309460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.01.017] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To calculate the case fatality rates (CFR) of COVID-19 during epidemic periods of different variants of concern (VOC) by continents. METHODS We systematically searched five authoritative databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and MedRxiv) for epidemiological studies on the CFR of COVID-19 published between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023. After identifying the epidemic trends of variants, we used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled CFRs during periods of different VOCs. This meta-analysis was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023431572). RESULTS There were variations in the CFRs among different variants of COVID-19 (Alpha: 2.62%, Beta: 4.19%, Gamma: 3.60%, Delta: 2.01%, Omicron: 0.70%), and disparities in CFRs also existed among continents. On the whole, the CFRs of COVID-19 in Europe and Oceania were slightly lower than in other continents. There was a statistically significant association between the variant, HDI value, age distribution, coverage of full vaccination of cases, and the CFR. CONCLUSIONS The CFRs of COVID-19 varied across the epidemic periods of different VOCs, and disparities existed among continents. The CFR value reflected combined effects of various factors within a certain context. Caution should be exercised when comparing CFRs due to disparities in testing capabilities and age distribution among countries, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhang Xia
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Yang
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Zhongyue Huang
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wuqi Qiu
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ayan Mao
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Grigoropoulos I, Tsioulos G, Kastrissianakis A, Shapira S, Green O, Rapti V, Tsakona M, Konstantinos T, Savva A, Kavatha D, Boumpas D, Syrigos K, Xynogalas I, Leontis K, Ntousopoulos V, Sakka V, Sardelis Z, Fotiadis A, Vlassi L, Kontogianni C, Levounets A, Poulakou G, Gaga M, MacLoughlin R, Stebbing J, Arber N, Antoniadou A, Tsiodras S. The safety and potential efficacy of exosomes overexpressing CD24 (EXO-CD24) in mild-moderate COVID-19 related ARDS. Respir Res 2024; 25:151. [PMID: 38561798 PMCID: PMC10983648 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02759-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION EXO-CD24 are exosomes genetically manipulated to over-express Cluster of Differentiation (CD) 24. It consists of two breakthrough technologies: CD24, the drug, as a novel immunomodulator that is smarter than steroids without any side effects, and exosomes as the ideal natural drug carrier. METHODS A randomized, single blind, dose-finding phase IIb trial in hospitalized patients with mild to moderate Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) was carried out in two medical centers in Athens. Patients received either 109 or 1010 exosome particles of EXO-CD24, daily, for five consecutive days and monitored for 28 days. Efficacy was assessed at day 7 among 91 patients who underwent randomization. The outcome was also compared in a post-hoc analysis with an income control group (n = 202) that fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS The mean age was 49.4 (± 13.2) years and 74.4% were male. By day 7, 83.7% showed improved respiratory signs and 64% had better oxygen saturation (SpO2) (p < 0.05). There were significant reductions in all inflammatory markers, most notably in C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, fibrinogen and an array of cytokines. Conversely, levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were increased (p < 0.05). Of all the documented adverse events, none were considered treatment related. No drug-drug interactions were noted. Two patients succumbed to COVID-19. Post-hoc analysis revealed that EXO-CD24 patients exhibited greater improvements in clinical and laboratory outcomes compared to an observational income control group. CONCLUSIONS EXO-CD24 presents a promising therapeutic approach for hyper-inflammatory state and in particular ARDS. Its unique combination of exosomes, as a drug carrier, and CD24, as an immunomodulator, coupled with inhalation administration, warrants further investigation in a larger, international, randomized, quadri-blind trial against a placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Grigoropoulos
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsioulos
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Kastrissianakis
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Shiran Shapira
- Integrated Cancer Prevention Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St., 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Molecular Genetic and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orr Green
- Integrated Cancer Prevention Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St., 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vasiliki Rapti
- 3, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tsakona
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Konstantinos
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Savva
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Kavatha
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Syrigos
- 3, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Xynogalas
- 3, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Leontis
- 3, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Ntousopoulos
- 3, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Vissaria Sakka
- 3, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Zafeiris Sardelis
- 7, Respiratory Medicine Department "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Fotiadis
- 7, Respiratory Medicine Department "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Lamprini Vlassi
- 7, Respiratory Medicine Department "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Kontogianni
- 7, Respiratory Medicine Department "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Levounets
- 7, Respiratory Medicine Department "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Garyfalia Poulakou
- 3, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Mina Gaga
- 7, Respiratory Medicine Department "Sotiria" General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ronan MacLoughlin
- R&D Science & Emerging Technologies, Aerogen Ltd., IDA Business Park, Dangan, Galway, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Justin Stebbing
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Anglia Ruskin University, London, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, ARU, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nadir Arber
- Integrated Cancer Prevention Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St., 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Molecular Genetic and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Anastasia Antoniadou
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 4, Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
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Nishiike S, Michiba T, Ito R, Ashida N, Kato H, Kuki A, Ogawa K, Tamura K, Uetsuka S. Quantitative measurement of airborne particles during endoscopic and microscopic ear surgery in the operating room. J Laryngol Otol 2024; 138:405-409. [PMID: 37646247 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215123001433] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to quantitatively investigate airborne particle load in the operating room during endoscopic or microscopic epitympanectomy or mastoidectomy. METHOD In the transcanal endoscopic ear surgery group, drilling was performed underwater. A particle counter was used to measure the particle load before, during and after drilling during transcanal endoscopic ear surgery or microscopic ear surgery. The device counted the numbers of airborne particles of 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 μm in diameter. RESULTS The particle load during drilling was significantly higher in the microscopic ear surgery group (n = 5) than in the transcanal endoscopic ear surgery group (n = 11) for all particle sizes (p < 0.01). In the transcanal endoscopic ear surgery group, no significant differences among the particle load observed before, during and after drilling were seen for any of the particle sizes. CONCLUSION Bone dissection carries a lower risk of airborne infection if it is performed using the endoscopic underwater drilling technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nishiike
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - T Michiba
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - R Ito
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Ashida
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Kato
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - A Kuki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - K Ogawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - K Tamura
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - S Uetsuka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Visser N, Herreman LCM, Vandooren J, Pereira RVS, Opdenakker G, Spelbrink REJ, Wilbrink MH, Bremer E, Gosens R, Nawijn MC, van der Ende-Metselaar HH, Smit JM, Laus MC, Laman JD. Novel high-yield potato protease inhibitor panels block a wide array of proteases involved in viral infection and crucial tissue damage. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:521-536. [PMID: 38381158 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02423-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Viruses critically rely on various proteases to ensure host cell entry and replication. In response to viral infection, the host will induce acute tissue inflammation pulled by granulocytes. Upon hyperactivation, neutrophil granulocytes may cause undue tissue damage through proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix. Here, we assess the potential of protease inhibitors (PI) derived from potatoes in inhibiting viral infection and reducing tissue damage. The original full spectrum of potato PI was developed into five fractions by means of chromatography and hydrolysis. Individual fractions showed varying inhibitory efficacy towards a panel of proteases including trypsin, chymotrypsin, ACE2, elastase, and cathepsins B and L. The fractions did not interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection of Vero E6 cells in vitro. Importantly, two of the fractions fully inhibited elastin-degrading activity of complete primary human neutrophil degranulate. These data warrant further development of potato PI fractions for biomedical purposes, including tissue damage crucial to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. KEY MESSAGES: Protease inhibitor fractions from potato differentially inhibit a series of human proteases involved in viral replication and in tissue damage by overshoot inflammation. Protease inhibition of cell surface receptors such as ACE2 does not prevent virus infection of Vero cells in vitro. Protease inhibitors derived from potato can fully inhibit elastin-degrading primary human neutrophil proteases. Protease inhibitor fractions can be produced at high scale (hundreds of thousands of kilograms, i.e., tons) allowing economically feasible application in lower and higher income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Visser
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jennifer Vandooren
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Rafaela Vaz Sousa Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | | | | | - Edwin Bremer
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC) Research Institute, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn C Nawijn
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC) Research Institute, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi H van der Ende-Metselaar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marc C Laus
- Avebe Innovation Center Groningen, 9747 AW, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jon D Laman
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Raja A, Khan O, Sagar RS, Kumar R, Bhimani PD, Bhimani RK, Danial M, Raja S, Deepak F, Shafique MA, Mustafa MS. Insights into Covid-19 mortality: A comprehensive study of cardiovascular sensitivity, gender, race, and geography trends in the United States (2020-2023). Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102435. [PMID: 38301913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102435] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
This investigation meticulously explores the evolving landscape of Covid-19-related mortality in the United States from 2020 to 2023. Leveraging the comprehensive CDC WONDER database, the study conducts a detailed analysis of age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), considering various demographic and regional parameters. The identified pattern illustrates an initial surge in AAMRs from 2020 to 2021, followed by a subsequent decline until 2023. Notably, there is a discernible reduction in AAMRs for both the elderly (85 years and older) and infants (below one year). Within specific demographic segments, heightened AAMRs are observed among NH American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, men, and residents in particular states and regions. Emphasizing the significant impact of Covid-19 on cardiovascular health, the study underscores increased mortality rates associated with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. AAMR rates were standardized per 100,000 population, providing a comparative metric. Noteworthy states with elevated AAMRs include Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Alabama, with the Southern region exhibiting the highest AAMR. The research sheds light on demographic and regional disparities in Covid-19-related mortality, calling for intensified efforts in prevention and treatment strategies. These findings, offering nuanced insights, serve as a guide for strategic public health initiatives to mitigate the multifaceted repercussions of the pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Raja
- Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Owais Khan
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Rohet Kumar
- Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Muhammad Danial
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sandesh Raja
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fnu Deepak
- Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari, Karachi, Pakistan
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Pal D, Banerjee D, Sarkar U. Adsorption of an antiseptic in a functionalized fixed-bed: Analysis of breakthrough scenarios and validation of simplistic models defending a novel proposition. J Environ Manage 2024; 357:120649. [PMID: 38552515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120649] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and cetrimide, which are widely used in various pharmaceutical compositions, are considered potentially hazardous compounds. This combination was largely used during and after Covid 19 pandemic for sanitization. Removal of these two compounds from pharmaceutical waste-water with commercial and functionalized activated carbon in a packed bed column is reported. METHODS Effects of changes in bed height, flow rate, and initial concentration on the performance of the packed bed are analyzed using Yoon-Nelson, BDST and Thomas models for commercial scale-up operation. The effects of primary design parameters like bed depth and operating parameters like inflow rate and inlet concentration of influent wastewater are studied on the extent of removal of cetrimide and chlorhexidine gluconate. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is functionalized using HF and NH4OH. The extent of enhanced adsorption using the functionalized GAC is demonstrated using breakthrough curves. SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS K. H. Chu's iconic proposition is validated. Breakthrough time (BT) increases with bed heights and it is less in the case of cetrimide as compared to chlorhexidine gluconate. This shows that cetrimide wins in the competition and occupies the pores much faster than CHG. Mostly, BT-CHG (GAC) < BT-CHG (FAC-HF) < BT-CHG (FAC-NH3) and BT-cetrimide (GAC) < BT-cetrimide (FAC-NH3) < BT-cetrimide (FAC-HF) for a particular bed height. BT-CHG(FAC-HF)BT-cetrimide(FAC-HF)
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Affiliation(s)
- Debamita Pal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Debasree Banerjee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Ujjaini Sarkar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India.
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Foremny D, Sorribas-Navarro P, Vall Castelló J. Income insecurity and mental health in pandemic times. Econ Hum Biol 2024; 53:101351. [PMID: 38306727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101351] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
This paper contributes to the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on mental health by providing novel evidence of its interaction with labor market conditions and the long-term persistence of these effects. We run four waves of a large-scale representative survey in Spain between April 2020 and April 2022, and benchmark our data against a decade of pre-pandemic information. We document an increase in the share of individuals reporting depressive feelings from 16% prior to the pandemic to 46% in April 2020. We show that this effect is more pronounced for women, younger individuals and those with unstable incomes. We apply machine learning techniques, mediation analysis and event studies to document the role of the labor market as an important driver of these effects. Our results are crucial for the design of targeted policies that proof useful in overcoming the long lasting consequences of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Foremny
- Universitat de Barcelona, Facultat d'Economia i Empresa, C/ John M. Keynes, 1-11, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pilar Sorribas-Navarro
- Universitat de Barcelona, Facultat d'Economia i Empresa, C/ John M. Keynes, 1-11, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Judit Vall Castelló
- Universitat de Barcelona, Facultat d'Economia i Empresa, C/ John M. Keynes, 1-11, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; IEB, CRES-UPF, Spain.
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Abdalla SM, Koya SF, Rosenberg SB, Stovall IB, Biermann O, Zeinali Z, Cohen GH, Ettman CK, Galea S. Pandemic stressors and mental health indicators in eight countries. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:585-598. [PMID: 37587229 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02541-w] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Covid-19 pandemic has exacted a significant physical, financial, social, and emotional toll on populations throughout the world. This study aimed to document the association between pandemic stressors and mental health during the pandemic across countries that differ in cultural, geographic, economic, and demographic factors. METHODS We administered an online survey randomly in Brazil, China, Germany, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the United States from September 2020 to November 2020. This survey included questions on Covid-19-related stressors as well as the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and the Primary Care PTSD Checklist to screen for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, respectively. We performed bivariable and multivariable regression analyses to assess the prevalence and odds ratios of overall depression symptoms and probable PTSD and in relation to stressors across countries. RESULTS Among 8754 respondents, 28.9% (95% CI 27.5-30.0%) experienced depression symptoms, and 5.1% (95% CI 4.5-6.0%) experienced probable PTSD. The highest prevalence of depression symptoms was in Egypt (41.3%, 95% CI 37.6-45.0%) and lowest in the United States (24.9%, 95% CI 22.3-27.7%). The highest prevalence of probable PTSD was in Brazil (7.3%, 95% CI 5.6-9.4%) and the lowest in China (1.2%, 95% CI 0.7-2.0%). Overall, experiencing six or more Covid-19-related stressors was associated with both depression symptoms (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.46-2.48) and probable PTSD (OR 13.8, 95% CI 9.66-19.6). CONCLUSION The association between pandemic related stressors and the burden of adverse mental health indicators early in the Covid-19 pandemic transcended geographic, economic, cultural, and demographic differences between countries. The short-term and long-term impacts of the pandemic on mental health should be incorporated in efforts to tackle the consequences of Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma M Abdalla
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02119, USA.
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Shaffi Fazaludeen Koya
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
| | - Samuel B Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
| | - Isaac B Stovall
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
| | - Olivia Biermann
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gregory H Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
| | | | - Sandro Galea
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02119, USA
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Albalawi SA, Albalawi RA, Albalawi AA, Alanazi RF, Almahlawi RM, Alhwity BS, Alatawi BD, Elsherbiny N, Alqifari SF, Abdel-Maksoud MS. The Possible Mechanisms of Cu and Zn in the Treatment and Prevention of HIV and COVID-19 Viral Infection. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:1524-1538. [PMID: 37608131 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03788-9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Due to their unique properties and their potential therapeutic and prophylactic applications, heavy metals have attracted the interest of many researchers, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19. Indeed, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) have been widely used during viral infections. Zn has been reported to prevent excessive inflammatory response and cytokine storm, improve the response of the virus to Type I interferon (IFN-1), and enhance the production of IFN-a to counteract the antagonistic effect of SARS-CoV-2 virus protein on IFN. Additionally, Zn has been found to promote the proliferation and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes, thereby improving immune function, inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in SARS- CoV-2 reducing the viral replication and stabilizing the cell membrane by preventing the proteolytic processing of viral polyprotein and proteases enzymes. Interestingly, Zn deficiency has been correlated with enhanced SARS-CoV-2 viral entry through interaction between the ACE2 receptor and viral spike protein. Along with zinc, Cu possesses strong virucidal capabilities and is known to be effective at neutralizing a variety of infectious viruses, including the poliovirus, influenza virus, HIV type 1, and other enveloped or nonenveloped, single- or double-stranded DNA and RNA viruses. Cu-related antiviral action has been linked to different pathways. First, it may result in permanent damage to the viral membrane, envelopes, and genetic material of viruses. Second, Cu produces reactive oxygen species to take advantage of the redox signaling mechanism to eradicate the virus. The present review focused on Zn and Cu in the treatment and prevention of viral infection. Moreover, the application of metals such as Cu and gold in nanotechnology for the development of antiviral therapies and vaccines has been also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatha A Albalawi
- Pharm D program, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raneem A Albalawi
- Pharm D program, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amaal A Albalawi
- Pharm D program, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad F Alanazi
- Pharm D program, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad M Almahlawi
- Pharm D program, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma S Alhwity
- Pharm D program, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer D Alatawi
- Pharm D program, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nehal Elsherbiny
- Department of Pharmaceutical chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Saleh F Alqifari
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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Salari M, Etemadifar M, Zali A, Aminzade Z, Navalpotro-Gomez I, Tehrani Fateh S. Covid-19 in Parkinson's Disease treated by drugs or brain stimulation. Neurologia 2024; 39:254-260. [PMID: 38553103 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2021.07.005] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Covid-19 has affected all people, especially those with chronic diseases, including Parkinson's Disease (PD). Covid-19 may affect both motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms of PD patients. We intend to evaluate different aspects of Covid-19 impact on PD patients. METHODS 647 PD patients were evaluated in terms of PD-related and Covid-19-related clinical presentations in addition to past medical history during the pandemic through an online questioner. They were compared with an age-matched control group consist of 673 individuals and a sample of the normal population consist of 1215 individuals. RESULTS The prevalence of Covid-19 in PD patients was 11.28%. The mortality was 1.23% among PD patients. The prevalence of Covid-19 in PD patients who undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) was 18.18%. No significant association was found between the duration of disease and the prevalence of Covid-19. A statistically significant higher prevalence of Covid-19 in PD patients who had direct contact with SARS-CoV-19 infected individuals was found. No statistically significant association has been found between the worsening of motor symptoms and Covid-19. PD patients and the normal population may differ in the prevalence of some psychological disorders, including anxiety and sleeping disorders, and Covid-19 may affect the psychological status. CONCLUSION PD patients possibly follow tighter preventive protocols, which lead to lower prevalence and severity of Covid-19 and its consequences in these patients. Although it seems Covid-19 does not affect motor and psychological aspects of PD as much as it was expected, more accurate evaluations are suggested in order to clarify such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Salari
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Etemadifar
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - A Zali
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Chancellery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Z Aminzade
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - I Navalpotro-Gomez
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital del Mar-Parc de Salut Mar, IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Tehrani Fateh
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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